Blog Kiosk: 6/25/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Featured is 1951 ACME press telephoto showing a bunch of fanatic Dodger fans lining up for tickets (eBay auction link). Below is what's written on the reverse:

10/1 - Brooklyn, NY, Brooklyn's Ebbets Field is besieged by determined baseball fans, who line up early to get tickets for the crucial National League playoff opener between the Dodgers and Giants.

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: 6/2/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Below are Some links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1894 Brooklyn hurler Ed Stein pitched a seven inning no-hitter against the Chicago Colts (Cubs), 1-0. I am unsure as to why the game was called early. In 1995 Japanese All-Star Hideo Nomo wins his first Major League game after five no-decisions. He would go eight innings, walked three and strike out six batters to defeat the Mets, 2-1, at Dodger Stadium. In 2017 Clayton Kershaw records his 2,000th career strikeout -- blanking Brewers infielder Jonathan Villar. BTW, Villar had a very bad day. He struck out three times against Kershaw. Also, the Dodgers combined for a total of 26 strikeouts during the 12-inning game, while the Brewers blanked 16 batters. Overall, both teams set a record for total strikeouts in a game at 42 (boxscore).
• Happy Birthday, Sloppy Thurston, René Valdés, Bob Lillis, Gene Michael, Lemmie Miller, Chance Sanford & Chin-hui Tsao!

Blog Kiosk: 5/6/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

He's all smiles!

Check out this vintage United Press Photo taken shortly after the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in the 1955 World Series (eBay link).

The Victor and the Loser
New York: Yankee manager Casey Stengel (right) congratulates a smiling Dodger manager Walt Alston in the Brooklyn dressing room after the Dodgers won the rubber game of the World Series to win their first championship. The Dodgers whipped the Yankees, 2-0, to take the 7th and final game of the series at Yankee Stadium Oct. 4th.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1937 Baseball fans at both the Polo Grounds and Ebbets Field see the Hindenberg zeppelin fly overhead - just a few hours before it infamously exploded into a fireball in Lakehurst, New Jersey. In 1947 NL President Ford Frick threatens seven Cardinals players at Ebbets Field with banishment from the league should they follow through with their planned boycott to protest Jackie Robinson. In 1978 Dodger super-utilityman Lee Lacy becomes the first Major Leaguer to hit pinch-hit home runs in consecutive at-bats. On May 17th he would make it three-in-a-row.
• Happy Birthday, Les Webber, Mike McCormick & Mike Kincade!

Blog Kiosk: 4/15/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

It is Jackie Robinson Day. Featured above is a March 4, 1946 AP press photo of Jackie inspecting some bats. He is wearing a Montreal Royals uniform. (eBay auction link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1909, Opening Day, the Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) were no-hit by Red Ames of the Giants at the Polo Grounds for nine innings, but eventually prevailed to defeat the crosstown rival in the 13th inning, 3-0. On a side note, the Giants outfield recorded no putouts and the Superbas winning pitcher was Kaiser Wilhelm. In 1915 the Brooklyn Robins are no-hit by future Hall of Famer Rube Marquard of the Giants at the Polo Grounds, 2-0.  In 1947 Jackie Robinson makes his Major League debut at Ebbets Field. He would go 0-for-3, but would also score the go ahead run in the seventh inning after reaching base on an error during a sacrifice bunt. The Dodgers won the game 5-3. In 1958 the Dodgers and Giants play their first major league game on the West Coast. Unfortunately, Ruben Gomez of the Giants blanked the Dodgers at Seals Stadium in San Francisco, 8-0.
• Happy Birthday, Hub Collins, Jack Sheehan, Ted Sizemore, Willie Davis, Jeremy Burnitz & Milton Bradley!

Blog Kiosk: 3/27/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Poignant.

Here's a look at the upcoming cover of Sports Illustrated for April 2020. Pic via Stephen Canella at Sports Illustrated -- "Into the Great Big Emptiness."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1961 Cardinals pitcher Larry Jackson suffers a broken jaw when hit by a fragment of Duke Snider's broken bat during a spring training game. He would be out for four weeks. In 2012 Frank McCourt agrees to sell the Dodgers to a group headed by Stan Kasten, Guggenheim Partners and Magic Johnson for $2 billion.  He also sold the parking lots to the same group for $150 million (while retaining partial ownership).
• Happy Birthday, George Magoon, Bill Collins, Vince Sherlock, Newt Kimball, Wes Covington, Bill Sudakis & Adam Melhuse!

2019 Flawless Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

A few weeks back Panini America released their Flawless Baseball card brand, and I've gathered up a bunch of Dodger cards to share here. As you may know, this is Panini's hieh-end Baseball card set -- costing $1,250 for one box of ten cards. Each box consist of seven autographs, two relic cards and a diamond insert card. Go here for a complete checklist.

It is notable that Panini has issued another Vin Scully autographed card. It is the third Vin Scully card issued by Panini this year - the others coming from their Diamond Kings and National treasures brands. Two examples of this card have recently sold for $380 to $450.

Base Gems

Base

#14 Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 12/5/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Above is a 1950's era New York Herald Tribune press photograph featuring Carl Furillo rounding thirdbase, presumably after hitting a home run (eBay auction link). He is greeted by coach Walter Alston. Unfortunately, an exact date of the photo is unknown. It was originally taken by staff photographer Jack Frank.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1973 the Dodgers trade outfielder Willie Davis to the Expos for relief pitcher Dr. Mike Marshall. Dr. Marshall went on to win the NL Cy Young Award that next season. He pitched in 106 games, finished 83 of them and recorded a league high 21 saves as a reliever. In 2011 the Dodgers signed free agent utilityman Jerry Hairston to a two-year $6 million contract. He would soon thereafter retire and join the Dodgers broadcast crew.
• Happy Birthday, Jamie McCourt, AJ Pollock, Gus Mancuso, Don Padgett, Steve Rachunok, Raleigh Aitchison, Billy Shindle & Ray Moss! 

Blog Kiosk: 11/7/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As I am wont to say, "Baseball will break your heart". Check out the above 1939 press photo showing the hard-luck case of Vito Tamulis (eBay auction link).

May 18, 1939 -- Vito Gets the Hard Luck Crown -- Vitautras C. Tamulis (right) today wore the Major League's hard luck baseball crown, the Brooklyn left-hander, shown with manager Leo Durocher (left) and Lynn Lary, pitched 11 innings (boxscore) of that 19 inning struggle at Chicago yesterday, allowing only four hits, but couldn't come up with a win. His whole career has been like that.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2016 the Dodgers traded catcher Carlos Ruiz to Seattle for Vidal Nuno III. Ruiz came to Los Angeles as a late-season addition for their playoff run -- a trade that sent popular backstop AJ Ellis to Philadelphia. Carlos Ruiz got into 14 games and slashed .278/.350/.333/.683.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Hatten, Dick Stuart, Rich Rodas & Orlando Mercado!

Blog Kiosk: 11/5/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just another vintage Spring Training AP press photo to get you excited about the upcoming season. (eBay auction link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Vero Beach, Fla., Feb 27, 1963 -- Alston Likes What He Sees -- Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Walter Alston (left) is all smiles as pitcher Sandy Koufax gives assurances at spring training camp his left hand is in good shape. The Dodgers sagged in last year's pennant race when Koufax came up with an ailing finger. 

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 the Dodgers named former Brooklyn spitballer Burleigh Grimes as their manager. In 1940 former Dodger lawyer Wendell Willkie loses to third term American President Franklin D. Roosevelt in today's Presidential election. He would later on become VP and legal counsel for Brooklyn in the early 40's and would then be replaced by Walter O'Malley. In 2008 Dodgers pitcher Greg Maddux wins his 18th career Gold Glove. 
• Happy Birthday, Tommy Sheehan, Pryor McElveen & Ralph Birkofer!

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

The next homestand starts on Friday against the Colorado Rockies. This is the last home series of the season Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. I will update this should new and updated information become available. Here are some important links:

• 2019 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Parking / Transportation 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

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Friday, September 20th at 7:10 PM

TV: ESPN, SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 9/18/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Corey Seager has had a subpar year -- not surprising considering his injuries last season and this. That said, there are signs that he might be returning to form. Last night he knocked in four runs on two doubles -- becoming only the sixth Dodger in franchise history to record two 40+ doubles seasons. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“It’s been good in the sense that he was able to participate and play and compete,” manager Dave Roberts said of Seager’s season. “There was that (hamstring) injury (in June) that he was frustrated in, but now to be back and get consistent playing time, the rhythm and feel is there at the plate. He adds so much length to our lineup, and to play a premium position defensively and be an impact bat obviously makes us considerably better.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2006 the Dodgers came back from a four run deficit by slugging four consecutive home runs in the ninth inning -- by Jeff Kent, JD Drew, Russell Martin and Marlon Anderson -- to tie the game against the Padres at 9-9. They would then win the game in the tenth inning when Nomar Garciaparra hit a two-run homer, 11-10. You can watch highlights of all five round-trippers here.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Tepsic, Dick Dietz, David Sells & Ken Brett!

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

The next homestand starts on Friday against the New York Yankees -- returning to Chavez Ravine for the first time since 2013. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. I will update this should new and updated information become available. Here are some important links:

• 2019 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Viva Los Dodgers Schedule
• Dodger Stadium Parking / Transportation 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

Please note that the Dodgers are embarking on a new culinary experience at the stadium. Fans can find the LA Feeds Blue Chef Series located in the right field plaza that will feature a special Chef Series pop-up concession stand. This homestand will feature foods from Border Grill + Socalo. More information is available at the bottom of this post.

It is Major League Baseball’s Players Weekend, and as a part of the festivities the Dodgers and Yankees will be wearing special monochromatic all-black or all-white uniforms -- with the Dodgers wearing home whites. Check out what the Dodger uniforms will look on the right. Also, go here for more info about this event; including nicknames many of the players will be using.

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Friday, August 23rd at 7:10 PM
TV: FB-WATCH (out-of-market only), SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish
Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

2019 Panini Immaculate Collection Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

Last week saw the release of Panini Immaculate brand, and I've got pics of most of the Dodger cards to share below. Go here for complete checklist. As always, all Panini cards lack team logo's, so the cards tend to be aesthetically challenging -- even with the clean designs. Nevertheless, these are always nice looking cards, so collector don't seem to mind too much. If this company were ever able to get a MLB license I suspect they'd give Topps a run for their money.

Rookie Patch Autographs

#25 Caleb Ferguson            #27 Dennis Santana

Angels Series Starts Tuesday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Tuesday against the California Angels -- Freeway Series! Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2019 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Parking / Transportation 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

Please note that the Dodgers are embarking on a new culinary experience at the stadium. Fans can find the LA Feeds Blue Chef Series located in the right field plaza that will feature a special Chef Series pop-up concession stand. This homestand will feature foods from Border Grill + Socalo. More information is available at the bottom of this post.

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Tuesday, July 23rd at 7:10 PM
Kenta Maeda vs Felix Pena

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 7/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Thank you, Fernando! Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“It’s very special. It’s a great honor, because the Dodgers have the history of tremendous ballplayers for many years. To be part of this, it’s a great honor,” Valenzuela said. “When the Dodgers mentioned I was going to be in with these two great ballplayers … that means a lot. Steve Garvey, he was my first baseman when I came up as a rookie. He supported me. He helped me a lot for my first couple years. To now be part of the same group, to be selected for this honor, is tremendous.”

Photo abvoe via Jon SooHoo at Dodger Insider 2019. Go here to check out more pics from Saturday's ceremony. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 DodgerVision at Dodger Stadium relays a message to Mets outfielder Ron Swoboda during the game. It says, "Congratulations, Ron Swoboda. Your new son is born tomorrow morning". Cecilia Swoboda gave birth to Chipper, the couple's first child, at 1:05 a.m. EST, making it the next day on the West Coast. In 2005 Yhency Brazoban breaks Steve Howe's Dodger rookie record for saves when he works a perfect inning against the Mets to record his 18th save. He would finish with 21 saves during the season.
• Happy Birthday, Sheldon Lejeune, Elmer Knetzer, Lindsay Brown & Kevin Pasley!

2019 Donruss Optic Baseball - All the Dodger Insert Cards

Now that you've seen all of the Dodger base cards, here is a look at the inserts found in packs of Panini's 2019 Donruss Optic brand.

Rated Rookie Signatures

#13 Dennis Santana              #46 Caleb Ferguson

2019 Panini Father’s Day - The Dodger Cards

Once again, Panini celebrated Father's Day with a card promotion at local hobby card shops throughout the country. With the purchase of certain Panini products you would get packs of Father's Day cards. Unfortunately, a complete checklist has not yet been revealed, but I do know that there are at least three different Dodger cards available. Go here for some detail on this set (this is also where a checklist will exist once it is made available).

There doesn't appear to be any current or former Dodgers' in the base set, but there are some inserts. Check them all out below.

Father's Day Relic

#WB Walker Buehler

Giants Series Starts Monday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Monday against the San Francisco Giants. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2019 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Parking / Transportation 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

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Monday, June 17 at 7:10 PM

TV: ESPN, SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 6/13/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I think it's safe to say that everybody had a fun time at last nights Blue Diamond Gala in support of the Dodgers Foundation. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“We have a lot of stuff that goes on during the season on off days that guys don’t always look forward to, but I think this is one event that happens every year — as well as Clayton (Kershaw)’s ping-pong event — where guys put it in the calendar and look forward to it,” said Justin Turner, “especially when you have a guy like Bruno Mars performing.”

They raised over $3 million in support of the organization. Photo above of Dave Roberts, via the Dodgers Foundation on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1973 the famed Dodger infield of Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell and Ron Cey play on the infield together for the first time. Ten days later they would be inserted into the starting lineup for the first time. In 1998 the very first triple play is executed at Dodger Stadium. It sequence is 1-6-4-5 in the fifth inning -- with men at 1st and 2nd, Darren Dreifort fields a sacrifice bunt attempt, throws to shortstop Jose Vizcaino at 2nd, who then throws to covering second baseman Eric Young at 1st, who then throws to Bobby Bonilla at 3rd to get the final out. See the GIF on right to see the play.
• Happy Birthday, Gene McCann, Bill Bergen & Charlie Malay!

Cubs Series Starts Thursday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2019 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Parking / Transportation 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

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Thursday, June 13th at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020