Blog Kiosk: 2/12/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This is just a spring training photo to help you get prepared for the week. As you know, Dodger pitchers and catchers are scheduled to officially report to Camelback Ranch tomorrow. Above is a 1960 spring training photo featuring veteran Gil Hodges showing 23-year old youngster Frank Howard how to man the base, via an eBay listing. Per the descriptor:

Frank Howard, right, Los Angeles rookie outfielder, who the Dodgers will tryout at first base at their spring training camp, watches veteran first baseman Gil Hodges whom he will try to oust at the workout today. The 6 foot 7 inch Howard was named minor league player of 1959, a year in which he clammed 44 home runs, 27 with Victoria, 16 with Spokane and one as a pinch hitter with the Dodgers.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2009 a $4.8MM civil lawsuit was filed against former Dodger infielder José Offerman by catcher John Nathans. As a member of the independent Long Island Ducks in 2007 he charged the pitcher with his bat in tow after being hit by a pitch. The pitcher suffered a broken finger and the catcher had a concussion (effectively ending his playing career) from the melee. Offerman is eventually found guilty and ordered to pay $940,000.
• Happy Birthday, Sweetbread Bailey, Enzo Hernández, Don Stanhouse & Dennis Springer!

2017 Topps Heritage High Number - Dodgers Base, Variation and Parallel Cards

Topps 2017 Heritage High Numbers Baseball was released earlier this week, and below is a look at all the Dodger cards in the base set. Go here for a complete checklist. This set includes Cody Bellinger's first Heritage card.

Base Set

#507 Brandon McCarthy

#528 Logan Forsythe

Blog Kiosk: 7/24/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Weekend Odds and Ends

Sunday was not the best day. First Clayton Kershaw left the game early due to back tightness issues. Then, Kenley Jansen blew his first save of the season when he yielded a three run home run that tied the game. Fortunately, this Dodger team doesn't give up. They fight... And they claw... And they never surrender. So, they eventually rallied in the 10th inning and won the game on a walk-off single by Logan Forsythe. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s been a good series for us, to battle back from two losses to start,” Forsythe said. “To see the depth of our bench, to see the bullpen come in and do a good job and for us to grind out at-bats and have quality at-bats and get a split in that series I think was good to see.”

On a side note: Unlike many, I am not worried that the season will be lost due to the recent injury to Kershaw. Instead, I see this as just another hill that these Dodgers are eager to climb. There is no barrier too high, no roadblock too perilous, and no injury too great that will sway their belief that this season is theirs.

The above photo of Yasiel Puig dousing Logan Forsythe via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics bu Jon from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1931 Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) outfielder Babe Herman hit for the cycle against the the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1939 the Brooklyn Dodgers selected Dixie Walker off waivers from the Detroit Tigers. He would go on to play nine season in Brooklyn; slashing .311/.386/.441/.827 for the Dodgers. In 1967 former Dodgers President Branch Rickey is posthumously inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1986 the Dodgers signed 17-year old amateur free agent infielder José Offerman out of San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. In 1993 Mets outfielder Vince Coleman tossed a M-80 firecracker from his car as he was leaving the Dodger Stadium parking area. It is reported that three people are injured; including an 11-year old boy and a two-year old girl. Coleman eventually pleads guilty to one misdemeanor count of unlawful possession of an explosive device and is sentenced to 200 hours of community service. The incident, along with many others, leads the Mets to announced a month later that he would never play for the team again.
• Happy Birthday, Tommy McCarthy, Joe Wall, Joe Schultz, Preston Ward, Norihiro Nakamura & Scott Van Slyke!

Blog Kiosk: 7/21/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I guess you can't win them all.

Last night the Dodgers eleven game winning streak was snapped by the Braves and it just doesn't feel right. Heck, the Dodgers haven't lost at home in almost a month, and they haven't lost to a National League team since the early part of June. Per Austin Laymance and Joshua Thornton at MLB.com:

"It's a weird feeling," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "It's different. Even to that last out, I thought we were going to find a way to win the game. But I guess we have got to start another one tomorrow."

Photo above of Kenley Jansen, Don Newcombe and Matt Kemp via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon and Jill Weisleder from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Dodgers shortstop Pee Wee Reese recorded his 2,000th career hit. Also, fellow teammate Junior Gilliam set a Major League record by handling twelve assist at second base. 
• Happy Birthday, Wally Clement, Claude Corbitt & Earl Mossor!

2017 Topps Series 2 - All the Dodgers Base Cards

Here is a look at all of the Dodger base cards found in packs of 2017 Topps Series 2. Go here for a complete checklist. But before I show you those cards I thought I would mention that Clayton Kershaw happens to be this products spokesman. His steely-eyed stare is plastered on every single box. Featured above is a pic of an hobby box.

Now here are the Dodgers base cards.

Base

#375 Yasiel Puig

#388 Yasmani Grandal

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Taylor, Turner, Pederson, Romo and Newk!

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Five current and former Dodgers will be at Frank & Son on Saturday, May 20th to sign autographs for fans. This is a pay event. Check out the below flyers. Go here or here for information.

Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 San Jose Avenue
City of Industry, CA 91748

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Phillies Series Starts Friday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts Friday evening against the Philadelphia Phillies. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand; including several Dodger appearance for Viva Los Dodgers Sunday.

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Friday, April 28th at 7:10 PM

SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Blog Kiosk: 4/25/2017 - Dodgers Link - Some Odds and Ends

I had spent much of yesterday stuck in jury duty, so I apologize for the lack of posts. That said, I don't believe that the jury is out for the Dodgers or Hyun-Jin Ryu. We are still in the middle of discovery -  to determine who these Dodgers and Ryu are this season. After all, we still have 142 games left this year and Ryu is just coming back from not pitching regularly the past two season. So, please stop with the griping and hand-wringing that I've been reading so much about.

Instead, it is best to sit back and enjoy the ride. There is no reason to be worried. It is still too early to tell. And anyone who claims otherwise is a wise-cracker who is either bored or just writing click-bait. I suspect the later.

Photo above via SportsNet LA on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1976 Cubs outfielder Rick Monday, in an act that will be remembered and celebrated throughout the country, snatched and rescued an American flag from two protesters who were in the midst of setting it on fire.
  

  "He got down on his knees and I could tell he wasn't throwing holy water on it," Monday said of one of the perpetrators. "If he's going to burn a flag, he better do it in front of somebody who doesn't appreciate it. I've visited enough veterans' hospitals and seen enough with their legs blown off defending that flag."

• Happy Birthday, Darren Holmes, Brad Clontz & JP Howell!
  

Blog Kiosk: 4/7/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Beloved comedian and great friend of the Dodgers, Don Rickles, passed away yesterday at the age of 90.  In his honor I made the above two fantasy Baseball cards of him.  Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I’ve lost and the world has lost a very dear friend,” Lasorda said in a statement. “I remember the many times he came into our locker room and had our players in stitches before a big game.”

You can watch Don Rickles insult the Dodgers in a great bit from a 1986 television show called "Rickles... On the Loose" here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1969 Dodger reliever Bill Singer is the first major leaguer to officially be credited with a new fangled stat called the save.  It was on Opening Day in Cincinnati, and Singer pitched three scoreless innings to maintain a 3-2 victory over the Reds.  In 1977, on Opening Day, Don Sutton was directed to throw a gopher ball on the first pitch of the game to the Giants lead-off hitter Gary Thomasson.  That ball would then be given to the home plate umpire to be sent to Cooperstown.  As you might expect, the Giant batter instead hit the pitch for a home run.  He claims he had no idea about the plan (yhea, right!).  

"They told him that the first ball he threw would be sent to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown," Lasorda said. "Well, the first ball he threw was hit by Gary Thomasson halfway up the bleachers. I said to him, ‘They wanted to send the ball to Cooperstown; they didn'’t want someone to hit it there.’" 

This is the same game Frank Sinatra kept his promise to Tommy Lasorda by performing the national anthem at Dodger Stadium.  In 1979 the Dodgers traded pitcher Rick Rhoden to the Pirates for pitcher Jerry Reuss.

• Happy Birthday, Bobby Mitchell, Brett Tomko, Ronnie Belliard & Adrian Beltre!
  

Blog Kiosk: 4/6/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yasiel Puig contributed in a big way last night when he walloped his first home run of the season.  It came about in the fourth inning against Trevor Cahill, and added a bit of cushion to a Dodgers lead. You can watch him chat about his homer with Alanna Rizzo here. Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

“My teammates are doing a great job,” Puig said. “They are all in the right [lineup] position and they have all been doing their job. They are in the position that is right for them. Now it’s my turn.”

The Dodgers defeated San Diego, 3-1. Photo at the very top via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers 2017 @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers raise their 1981 World Series banner at Dodger Stadium. In 2004 Dodger third baseman Adrian Beltre becomes the 36th player in hostory to hit 100 home runs before the age of 25.
• Happy Birthday, Red Smith, Tom Fitzsimmons, Ernie Lombardi, Dee Moore, Jim Romano, Don Elston & Phil Regan!
  

Blog Kiosk: 3/28/2017 - Dodgers Links - Ryu Earns a Spot on the Rotation

He's on the comeback trail.

Yesterday Hyun-Jin Ryu received fantastic news.  Although he gave up two homers in his most recent spring start he did prove to the Dodger staff that he belongs in the Dodgers starting rotation. Per Eric Stephen at True Blue LA:

“He just kind of kept plugging away, and showed he’s healthy. He built his innings up,” Roberts said. “It just gives the confidence that he can give us quality starts when he goes out there.” 

Per Bill Plunkett at the OC Register:

“From how I feel right now, I’m definitely confident that I can pitch every five days for this team. … I’ve always been a starting pitcher so it definitely feels good to be back doing what I expect to do. It has a lot of meaning in that regard.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1991 the Dodgers released longtime Dodger starter Fernando Valenzuela.  Per an AP article in the Lodi News-Sentinel:

"I will never forget Fernando and all he has done for me and the Los Angeles Dodgers," manager Tom Lasorda said. "It was a privilege and honor to manage him over the years because he was without a doubt a great talent and a great competitor. I want to thank him for all the memories."

Blog Kiosk: 3/3/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Spring Odds and Ends

Clayton Kershaw was spotless in two innings of work yesterday.  It was his second start of spring.  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"Kersh had everything working," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "Two clean innings and it was good to see. It was a good day, overall."

In other Dodger news, Sergio Romo was stifling in his first inning as a Dodger yesterday.  He struck out the side.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterday.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 2001 the Dodgers signed free agent amateur outfielder Roger Cedeno.  In 2010 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Garret Anderson.
• Happy Birthday, John Ward, Wee Willie Keeler, Ed Phelps, Joe Koukalik, Bert Griffith, Scott Radinsky & Matt Treanor!
  

Blog Kiosk: 2/24/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers 2017 yearbook is now available, and it features both Dave Roberts and Corey Seager on the cover.  Go here to order online.  Also, limited quantities will be available at Camelback Ranch.

As for current spring activities, the Dodgers held their third full-squad workout yesterday.  Julio Urías, Adam Liberatore, Grant Dayton, Josh Sborz and Yaisel Sierra all threw their first live bullpens.  Scott Kazmir and Hyun-Jin Ryu are throwing live bullpens today.  BTW, Cactus League play begins tomorrow with the Dodgers playing the White Sox at Camelback Ranch -- starting at 1:05 PM and will be aired on SNLA.  Clayton Kershaw and Alex Wood are scheduled to pitch in the game. 

(Kenley Jansen, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017)

Go here to check out a bunch of pics taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo from yesterday.  Below are more links to check out:

• Thia Day in Dodger History:  In 1940 the Dodgers got soon-to-be fan favorite and Brooklyn mainstay Pee Wee Reese from the Red Sox for some players to be named later (none of whom amounted to much), $35k in cash and a rusty bus (just kidding).  In 2001 the Dodgers traded Devon White to the Brewers for Marquis Grissom. 
• Happy Birthday, Nancy Bea Hefley, Con Lucid, Fred Sington, Gary Moore, Eddie Murray & Miguel Rojas!
  

Blog Kiosk: 2/22/2017 - Dodgers Links - Buehler, Turner, AGon, Romo and Seager

The Dodgers held their first full-squad workout yesterday, and I think it's safe to say that everyone in Blue is excited.  Per Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA:

“It’s one of the most exciting days of the year, getting a chance to get the whole club together, see all the guys after the off-season even though I’ve been staying in touch with most of them,” said the de facto clubhouse leader. “Just kind of shoot the s**t a little bit and catch up, see what’s going on. Other than the whole physicals and testing and that part of it, this is a pretty fun day for us.”

The photo above of Justin Turner via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterday.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  First, I just want to mention that today in 1980 was the "Miracle on Ice" -- when a ragtag group of American college kids defeated the USSR in hockey during the Winter Olympics.  In 2009 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Orlando Hudson to a one-year $3.4 million contract.  In 2014 the Dodgers signed Cuban infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena to a five-year $25 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Silch, Clarence Mitchell, Bill Hall, Roy Spencer, Bob Wilson & Steve Colyer!
  

Blog Kiosk: 2/16/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Featured in the above United Press Photo is one of the earliest indicators that the Dodgers would be moving out west.  (eBay Auction Link)  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

"It May Happen" -- Officials from the city of Los Angeles arrived at the Brooklyn Dodgers training camp here March 6th (1947) to confer with Dodger officials on the possibility of the team moving from Flatbush to the West Coast city.  Left to right are: Kenneth Hahn, of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors; Los Angeles Mayor Norris Paulson; Dodger slugging star Duke Snider; and Dodger President Walter O'Malley.

The famous Dodger "Bum" as performed by legendary clown Emmett Kelly is seen in the background.  Per a story at Walter O'Malley.com:

Also in attendance were John Gibson, President of the City Council; Samuel Leask, City Administration Officer; John Leach, Los Angeles County Chief Administrative Officer; and Milton Arthur, Chairman of the County Recreation Commission. It was an opportunity for Los Angeles to put its best foot forward and explain its genuine hope of pursuing the Dodgers and bring Major League Baseball to the West Coast, while gauging O’Malley’s interest. During their visit and throughout that spring, Emmett Kelly, the world-famous clown, entertained everyone and his antics were well-received by the fans.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1989 Orel Hershiser becomes the first player in major league history to sign a contract that calls for a $3 million annual salary.  He signed a three-year $7.9 million contract that will pay him $3,166,667 in 1991.  How quaint, eh?
• Happy Birthday, Herbie Moran, Ángel Peña, Ramón Troncoso & Clint Robinson!
  

Blog Kiosk: 2/10/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This will soon be a daily activity at Camelback Ranch.  Featured above is a vintage UPI press photo of veteran reliever Roger Craig (yes, the former Giants manager) getting some work inside a batting cage at Vero Beach, dated February 23, 1961 (eBay Auction Link).  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Roger Craig of the Los Angeles Dodgers lays down a bunt during batting practice at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla.  Keeping a watchful eye on the batters is Leo Durocher, standing behind the batting cage.

Can you already imagine the sight, sounds and smell of the game?  I can, and I couldn't be more happier.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, John L. Smith, Kit McKenna, Randy Jackson, Jack Fimple, Hiroki Kuroda, Cesar Izturis & Luis Cruz!
  

Blog Kiosk: 2/8/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is an up-close look at the famous right field wall at Ebbets Field.  The AP wirephoto is dated to August 22, 1955 and features Dodger outfielder Carl Furillo (eBay Auction Link).  Per the caption:

Outfielder Carl Furillo demonstrates in Brooklyn Dodgers workout today why he is master of the right field wall in Ebbets Field.  In this sequence camera series Carl reaches up for ball, starts to turn in mid-air and is prepared to throw as he comes down.  In the last picture the ball is enroute to second base to cut down any ambitious hitter who wants to stretch a single.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1916 National League owners voted down a proposal by Dodgers owner Charles Ebbets that would impose a limit of 2,000 seat that club can sell for 25 cents.  In 1933 the Dodgers traded their soon-to-be Hall of Fame pitcher Dazzy Vance to the Cardinals for a couple of scrubs.  In 1982 the Dodgers traded longtime second baseman Davey Lopes to the A's for a minor leaguer.  This trade broke up the longest-playing infield in major league history.  In 1995 the Dodgers signed Japanese free agent pitcher Hideo Nomo.
• Happy Birthday, Bruce Caldwell, Bert Haas, Charlie Householder & Joe Black!
  

Welcome to the Blue, Sergio Romo!

I've been told that they now have a contract in place, pending a physical.  As you likely know, over the weekend news spread throughout the web that former Giants closer, free agent reliever and southern California native Sergio Romo was coming to Los Angeles.  Soon thereafter, those rumors got squashed.  Now, we've got a deal again.  So, I'm gonna go out on a limb and officially welcome the bearded right-hander to the Dodgers.  You can follow Sergio on twitter here: @SergioRomo54.

According to reports, it is a one-year deal at $3 million plus incentives, and is still pending a physical.  This is strikingly lower than what he earned last season - $9 million.  In fact, you wouldn't be wrong in thinking that he took a discount to be a Dodger.  Most folks figured he'd make at least double the amount the Dodgers are giving him. I suppose that growing up in a Dodger-centric household has a lot to do with this.

Blog Kiosk: 2/6/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is Jackie Robinson covering third base during a spring training match against the Yankees.  Dated 3/19/1955, rookie second baseman Bobby Richardson slides in safely. (eBay Auction Link)  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Miami, Fla... Yankee second baseman Bob Richardson pushes up a lot of sod as he slides safely into third on Hunter's hit to left field.  Dodgerman Jackie Robinson playing third base seems to be urging the ball to come in faster.  Toss from left field was too late, however.  The Yankees tallied 6 runs in this second inning rally.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day In Dodger History:  In 2014 the Dodgers signed a free agent minor league contract with third baseman Justin Turner.  He had just been released by the Mets, and was only given an invitation to spring training by the Dodgers.  To the surprise of many, Turner would have a breakout season.
• Happy Birthday, Andy Sommerville, Rube Ward, Red Downey & Glenn Wright!