Blog Kiosk: 8/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Look who got their awards last night -- Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger. Unfortunately, Cody has been struggling at the plate this season. Mookie, on the other hand, is heating up... big time! He celebrating yesterdays award ceremony by walloping three homers to tie a Major League record for three-homer games in a career at six (6) -- tying Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 the Dodgers and Cubs play a doubleheader that last a total of only two hours and seventeen minutes. In the opener, the Cubs blanked Brooklyn 2-0, in one hour and ten minutes, and in the nightcap it takes the Dodgers one hour and seven minutes to shut out Chicago, 1-0. In 1980 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent pitcher Tom Niedenfuer out of Washington State University. In a couple of years he would be a mainstay in the Dodgers bullpen -- recording 64 saves as a Dodger.  
• Happy Birthday, Magic Johnson, Frank McCourt, Mark Loretta, Scott Stewart, McKay Christensen & Juan Pierre!

Blog Kiosk: 7/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I just thought I'd share this photo that I saw on eBay. It's Don Drysdale (undated) leading a horse on a motorcycle. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Triumphant pitcher now can safely lead the costly jumper behind the bike, and thereby will save dozens of walking miles a week. Training process took about 15 minutes.

Photo above via an eBay listing. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1991 Montreal Expos hurler Dennis Martinez throws a perfect game against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. This is the first no-hitter by an opposing pitcher in Dodger Stadium's history. In 2010 the Dodgers get outfielder Scott Podsednik from the Royals for Elisaul Pimentel and Lucas May. In 2014 the Dodgers received infielder Darwin Barney from the Cubs for minor leaguer Jonathan Martinez.
• Happy Birthday, Freddie Fitzsimmons & Walker Buehler! BTW, he starts tonight's game against the Astros.

Blog Kiosk: 7/9/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

That was a lot of fun.

last night the Dodgers played a little three-inning intrasquad game at Dodger Stadium and it was glorious. I miss these guys. You can watch the game here.

Photo above of Justin Turner via the Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1996 Dodger catcher Mike Piazza is crowned the All-Star Game MVP. He lead the National League to a 6-0 victory by slugging a solo home run in the 2nd inning and a two-out RBI double in the 3rd inning. You can watch Piazza All-Star highlights and an postgame interview here. In 2011 Juan Uribe broke up a potential no-no with two outs in the ninth inning against the Padres by walloping a double. Then the Dodgers proceeded to win the game, 1-0 (boxscore), on a walk-off single by Dioner Navarro. 
• Happy Birthday, Turner Barber, Fred Johnston & Ray Thomas!

Blog Kiosk: 4/3/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is a vintage 1950 photograph taken during the filming of The Jackie Robinson Story featuring Jackie with his military baseball team -- the 761st Black Panther Tank Battalion, based at Fort Hood, Texas. This photo happens to have been signed by Robinson. It is currently available on auction through Heartland (link here). Jackie Robinson is standing on the top row, on the far left.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1968 the Dodgers traded for left-hander Hank Aguirre from the Tigers for a player to be named later -- minor leaguer Fred Moulder. He played one season in Blue, and is best known for being the worst hitter in Major League history -- slashing .085/.117/.108/.225 and striking out an astounding 61% of the time through a 16-year Major League career. In 1974 the Dodgers traded for soon-to-be fan favorite Pedro Guerrero from the Indians in exchange for pitcher Bruce Ellingsen. In 2004 the Dodgers traded Franklin Gutierrez and Andrew Brown to the Indians for outfielder Milton Bradley. 
• Happy Birthday, Wally Moon & Tim Crews!

Blog Kiosk: 4/1/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Fernando!

Here's a fun UPI wire photo that I ran into on eBay (auction link).

12/2/1981 -- Hollywood: Left handed pitching sensation for the Los Angeles Dodgers Fernando Valenzuela wears a Mexican sombrero at a press conference after it was announced that he has been named the National League "Rookie of the Year". Valenzuela pitched the Dodgers to the World Championship in 1981.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1963 the Dodgers sold veteran outfielder Duke Snider to the New York Metropolitan's for $40,000. Snider would go on to represent the team in the All-Star Game. In 2013 Clayton Kershaw would be the first Major League pitcher since Don Drysdale, back in 1965, to throw a complete game shutout and hit a home run on Opening Day. Check out the boxscore here. You can watch the homer here.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Kennedy, Ron Perranoski, Matt Herges, John Axford & Chris Withrow!

Blog Kiosk: 3/31/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

The look of despair is palpable. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Rough Afternoon in Brooklyn, NY ...
Brooklyn rightfielder Carl Furillo wipes his brow after watching Elston Howard's home run sail over the right field scoreboard in the fourth inning of the final World Series game here Oct. 10th, to increase the Yankee lead to 5-0. New York went on to take the series with a 9-0 rout, as Yogi Berra clouted two consecutive homers, and Bill Skowron slugged a grand-slammer, while young Johnny Kucks blanked the Brooks with three hits.

From the 1956 World Series. The above United Press photo is available on eBay here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1948 the Dodgers played their very first Major League exhibition game at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida. They competed against their top farm team, Montreal Royals, and defeated them 5-4. Jackie Robinson hit a first inning home run. Per  HistoricDodgertown.com:

Florida Governor Millard Caldwell threw the ceremonial first pitch at so-called “Ebbets Field No. 2.” A sign reading “You Are Now Entering Dodgertown” welcomed a strong showing of some 6,000 fans, paying $1.25 in the grandstands and bolstered the idea of more games being played on base in the future. Baseball Commissioner Happy Chandler, who had suspended Manager Durocher one year earlier, shook hands with “The Lip” and wished him good luck. Vero Mayor Merrill P. Barber looked on and a contingent of the Brooklyn National Guard, who had traveled to Florida to watch the Dodgers, was introduced and went home with a “load of oranges presented to them by the Vero Beach Jaycees.”

• Happy Birthday, Bill Hallman, Gene Snyder & Balvino Galvez!

Blog Kiosk: 3/24/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out these two old men above at Dodgertown, Vero Beach, FL in the press pic from Wide World Photo. As you can see, Duke Snider is having his knee checked out by Dodger skipper Walter Alston. It is dated 2/23/1959 (eBay auction link). Snider had experienced knee troubles last season that resulted in Duke playing in only 106 games.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Leo Durocher had a four-hour hearing with Commissioner Happy Chandler, related to gambling. In this meeting he would admit to playing cards for money with Kirby Higbe. Durocher would soon be given a one-season suspension for "association with known gamblers." In 1959 an infamous photo is taken of Reds outfielder  Pete Whisenant during an exhibition game in Cuba against the Brooklyn Dodgers. He is seen holding Fidel Castor's machine gun. See it on the right. In 1982 Dodgers star hurler Fernando Valenzuela ends his contract holdout and reports to the Dodgers spring training. After winning the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards he sought a raise from $42,500 to $1 million. Instead, the Dodgers unilaterally renewed his contract for a reported $350,000. In 1984 the International Olympic Committee agreed to hold a six-team exhibition baseball tournament as part of the 1984 Summer Olympics to be held at Dodger Stadium.
• Happy Birthday, Jim McCauley, Mike Mowrey, Jim Bucher, Dick Egan, Wilson Alvarez & Jamie Arnold!

Blog Kiosk: 3/6/2020 -- Dodgers Links & News -- Some Odds and Ends

Above is a peek at the Dodgers 2020 Yearbook. You can get a copy of the yearbook above here (heck, it's free with a subscription to Dodger Insider Magazine).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 the Dodgers received first baseman Dolph Camilli from the Phillies for an outfielder named Eddie Morgan and $45,000. Camilli would spend the next six seasons in Brooklyn -- slashing an overall .270/.392/.497/.889 with 139 home runs, 572 RBI's and an WAR of 29.1. He would also be named the NL MVP in 1941. In 1948 the Dodgers traded second baseman Eddie Stanky to the Boston Braves. Stanky famously yelled at Phillies coach Ben Chapman during a game the season prior due to Chapman's racist insults directed at Jackie Robinson.  
• Happy Birthday, Frank Gatins, John McMakin, George Mohart, Doug Podbielan, Greg Hannahs, Terry Adams & Marcus Thames!

Blog Kiosk: 2/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Today marks the anniversary of the greatest Baseball contract holdout in history. Thirty-two days later Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale ended it. Featured above is a 1966 UPI Telephoto of the dynamic duo board a plane to begin their spring workouts. Per the descriptor:

Dodgers pitchers Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale wave goodbye as they board an airliner bound for Phoenix, Ariz. to join their teammates after a much celebrated and publicized 32-day holdout in which the pair asked for a million dollars combined salary over a three year period. They signed for a one year contract and and undisclosed salary.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 the great Koufax/Drysdale contract holdout commences. They are seeking a collective three year $1MM contract -- to be split evenly. In 2002 the Dodgers signed free agent Japanese starting pitcher Kaz Ishii after posting a $11.26 million bid to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows for the right to negotiate with him. He would eventually sign a four-year $12.3 million contract with the team.
• Happy Birthday, Al Humphrey, Orlando Alvarez & Trent Oeltjen!

Blog Kiosk: 1/6/2020 - Dodgers News & Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is a 1947 press photo (eBay link) featuring today's birthday boy, Ralph Branca. Per the descriptor:

Yankee Stadium, Sept. 30 -- Opposing Pitchers -- Yankees Frank Shea (left) and Dodgers Ralph Branca, World Series opening game pitcher's shake hands before start of game here today.

As you may know, the Dodgers would not prevail. They would lose to the Yankees, 5-3, and eventually lose the series in seven games.

Below are links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1997 Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley publicly announces that the Dodgers are for sale. The O'Malley family had been in control of the franchise since 1950. As you know, the club would eventually be sold to the Fox Entertainment Group for $311 million -- at the time, the most ever paid for a professional sports franchise.
• Happy Birthday, George Shoch, John Corriden, Lee Walls, Ralph Branca & Marlon Anderson!

Blog Kiosk: 12/30/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Happy Birthday, Sandy! He turns 84 today.

Featured above is a October 6, 1963 UPI telephoto of Sandy Koufax celebrating the Dodgers World Series sweep of the New York Yankees (eBay auction link). Per the description:

Los Angeles Dodgers star southpaw pitcher Sandy Koufax hoists a champagne toast in dressing room here 10/6, after the Dodgers won the 4th Series game in a row to give them the title. The Dodgers handed New York its first 4-game shutout in 28 trips to the classic.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1958 the Dodgers officially released soon-to-be Hall of Famer Pee Wee Reese. He would then become a Dodgers coach for the 1959 season, then enter broadcasting as a color-man for CBS from 1960 to 1965. In 2015 the Dodgers signed free agent starter Scott Kazmir to a three-year, $48 million contract. He would have a decent first season -- going 10-6 with a 4.56 ERA in 26 starts -- but would end the season on the DL due to hip issues and would not pitch again.
• Happy Birthday, Jose Morales & Sandy Koufax!

Blog Kiosk: 9/20/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is an undated, probably circa 1950's, press photo featuring several Dodger players celebrating at Ebbets Field (eBay auction link). As you can see, the players are surrounded by several stadium employees, complete in full Ebbets Field regalia. On the right are a couple of fans milling about. In fact, the fellow on the far right appears to have stolen a Brooklyn cap right off the head of an unsuspecting Dodger player. You can see the Dodger player (who I can't identify) reaching for his missing cap, and an usher forcefully grabbing for said cap.

Unfortunately, we don't have a description of the event to tell us more, but I think it's fair to say that you shouldn't be be like that guy.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1907 the Dodgers are no-hit by Pirates rookie Nick Maddox, 2-1. In 1959 the Dodgers and Giants play the last ballgame ever at San Francisco's Seals Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Giants 8-2. The Giants would play at Candlestick Park the next season. In 1993 pinch-hitting machine Dave Hansen collected his 18th pinch-hit of the season to set a new franchise record. In 2011 Clayton Kershaw becomes the first Dodger twenty game winner since Ramon Martinez in 1990. He defeats the Giants 2-1. 
• Happy Birthday, Nelson Greene, Vic Lombardi & Chuck Dressen!

Blog Kiosk: 9/3/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers decided to take out their anger against the Rockies last night after having lost six over the past ten games. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“It was a Coors Field game tonight,” said manager Dave Roberts, whose club homered eight times at home on Opening Day. “The ball was jumping.”

They slugged seven homers to defeat Colorado, 16-9. Photo above via Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out (catching up on weekend holiday news):

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1917 Phillies ace and future Hall of Famer Grover Cleveland Alexander pitched both ends of a doubleheader against the Brooklyn Robins/Dodgers, and won both contest while throwing complete games (Boxscore - Game 1 & Game 2). He gave up just seven hits all day long. In 1957 the Dodgers play their last game at their New Jersey home, Roosevelt Stadium -- losing to the Phillies, 3-2. In 1965 it's notable that the Angels changed their name from Los Angeles to the California Angels. In 1975 Steve Garvey returned to the Dodgers lineup after sitting on the bench due to the flu and proceeded play 1,207 consecutive games -- eventually setting a National League record.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Konetchy, Lindsay Deal, Eddie Stanky, Morrie Martin, Dave Clark, Luis Gonzalez & Brandon Beachy!

Blog Kiosk: 7/23/2019 - Dodgers Links - Stadium Upgrades

Holy Moly! The upcoming changes at Dodger Stadium look awesome. It'll be a $100 Million renovation that will include a new center field plaza -- two acres of food concession stands, beer garden/sports bars, a children’s play area, the relocated Jackie Robinson statue and a permanent home for the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” plaques.. Per Arash Markazi at the LA Times:

“We’re finally going to have a front door with this entertainment plaza we’re building below and beyond the pavilions,” said Stan Kasten, Dodgers president and chief executive. “It’s going to act like a two-acre tailgating area pre- and postgame.”

“This is all meant to be a celebration of the Dodgers and Dodgers history and provide fans with the kind of amenities that you see at new ballparks without changing our postcard view,” (Janet Marie) Smith said. “We relish the beauty of this place and want to preserve that. I know when fans hear we’re renovating the pavilions the first thing they ask is what’s going to happen to the wooden benches. The answer is they’re staying in place. None of those things that fans love will change. We’re just improving the experience.”

Click on any pic to embiggen. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers history: In 1939 the Dodgers once again used yellow-colored baseballs during a game at Ebbets Field. This time it was against the Cardinals, and Brooklyn lost the game, 12-0. In 1962 Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. You can listen to his induction speech here. In 1974 Steve Garvey, who was a write-in candidate, had a single, double and an RBI during the All-Star Game in Pittsburgh. He would be named the MVP of the game. In 1975 Willie Crawford and Lee Lacy hit pinch-hit home runs in the ninth inning in a loss against the Cardinals, 5-4. The homers tied a Major League record for pinch-hit homers in the same inning.
• Happy Birthday, Hod Ford, Paul Chervinko, Pee Wee Reese, Don Drysdale, Nomar Garciaparra, Larry Barnes & Hung-Chih Kuo!

Blog Kiosk: 6/25/2019 - Dodgers Link - Some Odds and Ends

Please meet Mrs. Myrt Power. At the time this photo was taken, dated on the reverse at June 15, 1956, she was probably just as famous as the two gentlemen at her sides -- Pee Wee Reese and Duke Snider. So, who is she?

Myrt Power was the 1950's equivalent of Ken Jennings and James Holzhauer with a twist of Dodger love. Still confused?

In the summer of 1955 she was on a WCBS-TV quiz show called “The $64,000 Question,” and on that show she won $32,000 due to her knowledge of Baseball. Additionally, she decided to not attempt the next level prize of $64,000 because she didn't want to win a championship before her beloved Dodgers did. BTW, the day after her appearance on the show the Dodgers and Yankees faced each other for the 1955 World Series - a series the Dodgers won!

Thank you, Myrt!

On a side note, for her efforts she given a parade and a key to the city of Buford, Georgia (her hometown). Photo found on eBay (auction link).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1968 Giants rookie Bobby Bonds hit a grand slam against Dodger righty John Purdin in his third at-bat of his first major league game -- becoming only the second player to have ever done so. In 1984 infielder Bill Russell played his 1,953rd game to become the LA Dodgers' all-time leader in games played. He would finish his career in Blue with a total of 2,181 games played -- second best all time in Dodger history. Hall of Famer Zack Wheat best him with 2,322 games played as a Dodger.
• Happy Birthday, Barney White, Don Demeter, Alejandro Peña, Aaron Sele& Paul Maholm!

Blog Kiosk: 4/1/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

What an amazing Opening Weekend. Not only did the Dodgers start things off right by winning the first series of the year, but they did it by eclipsing several records.

• On Thursday they walloped eight homers to set a Major League record for homers on Opening Day.
• On Friday they played the longest regular season game at Dodger Stadium in franchise history -- at six hours and five minutes.
• They shattered a LA record for most runs scored for a four-game series -- at 42 runs.
• When Russell Martin pitched on Sunday he became the first full-time position player to record a 1-2-3 ninth inning for a team win since 1963 -- by Willie Smith of the Tigers.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1963 the Dodgers sold veteran outfielder Duke Snider to the New York Mets for $40,000. Snider would go on to represent the Mets in the All-Star Game. In 2013 Clayton Kershaw would be the first Major League pitcher since Don Drysdale, back in 1965, to throw a complete game shutout and hit a home run on Opening Day. Check out the boxscore here.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Kennedy, Ron Perranoski, Matt Herges, John Axford & Chris Withrow!

Blog Kioks: 2/22/2019 - Dodgers Links and News - Some Odds and Ends

So, when does the ping pong tournament start?

Photos above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019. Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterday at Dodger Insider, here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers 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 heavily favored 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, Rocky Gale, Ed Silch, Clarence Mitchell, Bill Hall, Roy Spencer, Bob Wilson & Steve Colyer!

Legends of Dodger Baseball to be Unveiled Next Season

This is really exciting.

For years folks have clamored for the Dodgers to expand their "Ring of Honor" by adding more retired player numbers. Frequently, fans mention names like Fernando Valenzuela, Don Newcombe and Steve Garvey as those that should be there, but tradition set many moons ago would not allow it. As you know, only Hall of Famers get their number retired by the Dodgers, with one lone exception being beloved longtime player and coach Jim Gilliam (#19) -- who died of a brain hemorrhage just days before the start of the 1978 playoffs.

So, what's a club to do when they have so many heroes under its wings?

Create something new, of course.

Blog Kiosk: 4/13/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Last night Sharon Robinson, daughter of Jackie, accepted the inaugural Reagan Institute Summit on Education (RISE) award on behalf of The Jackie Robinson Foundation. RISE is dedicated to elevating the national conversation on education by creating space for leaders from diverse industries and political backgrounds to have purposeful discussion of the issues.

Photo above via the Jackie Robinson Foundation on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1939 Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig, during a spring training game against the Dodgers in Norfolk, Virginia, hit two homers that would prove to be the last home runs he would ever hit. In 1954 Walter Alston made his major league debut as the Dodgers manager. In 2009 second baseman Orlando Hudson hit for the "Cycle" against the Giants during the Dodgers home opener. He is the first Dodger to accomplish the feat at Dodger Stadium, and the first Dodger to do it in a nine-inning game since Gil Hodges in 1949. In 2012 Dodger starter Aaron Harang struck out nine consecutive Padre batters -- breaking the Dodgers franchise record of eight held by Johnny Podres. The Major League mark is at ten, and is held by Mets pitcher Tom Seaver in 1970. 
• Happy Birthday, Kid Elberfeld, Ben Cantwell & Ed Amelung!

Blog Kiosk: 3/28/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

So, that happened last night.

As you surely know by now, Dodger Stadium was beset with a unseemly leak on the field that forced an early end to the last spring game of the season. A sewer pipe had burst, and if you've ever been witness to such a thing then you know this was the right call. Nobody should have to sit around and possibly get into contact with any of that dirty water.

They ended up calling the game in the fifth inning -- with the Dodgers leading the Angels 4-3. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Apparently, in the middle of the fifth inning, there was a pipe backup on two different levels of the stadium,” Kasten said. “We don’t know exactly where the backup was or what caused it. It had something to do with a main pipe here as well as a main pipe outside. The city is aware of it. The city is on the scene, and they’re trying to figure that out. We could’ve stayed there and tried to locate it, address it, work on the field…we had no idea how long that would take.”

You can watch Kasten talk about it here. Both photos above via Doug Padilla on Twitter. 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."