Blog Kiosk: 11/27/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's an AP wirephoto featuring the great Roy Campanella (eBay listing).

February 9, 1972 -- 'Campy' Comments -- Roy Campanella reflects on a photo of himself as a Brooklyn Dodger Thursday, at New York's Gallaghers restaurant where he volunteered to serve as sports chairman for the Highway Safety Foundation. Commenting on the naming of black athletes Josh Gibson, a catcher, and Walter "Buck" Leonard, a first baseman, to the Baseball Hall of Fame, Campanella said, "They were two of the greatest players I ever played with."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1953 Roy Campanella is the named the National League MVP for the second time in his career. He slashed .312/.395/.611/1.006 with 41 homer runs, a league leading 142 RBI's and recorded 7.1 WAR. In 1956 Don Newcombe was awarded the inaugural Cy Young Award, going 27-7 with a 3.06 ERA. A week prior he was given both the MVP and Rookie of the Year Awards; thereby becoming the first and only player to win all three major awards for a pitcher in one season.
• Happy Birthday, Jimmy Schmitz, Mike Scioscia & Jimmy Rollins!

Blog Kiosk: 10/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Wow! What a photo.

Here's a great action shot of a play at home featuring Johnny Roseboro. Unfortunately, he was unable to hold on to the throw. (eBay auction link) From a June 3, 1962 game. Via the description on the reverse:

Bobby Wine, Philadelphia Phillies shortstop, is safe on this play at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers Sunday at Philadelphia. Wine had to jar the ball from the grasp of Dodger catcher John Roseboro on a hard slide. Wine scored from first base on John Callison's double to rightfield in the third inning. He had to slide to beat the relay throw from first baseman Ron Fairly on a peg from rightfielder Duke Snider. The Phillies handed the Dodgers their second straight loss 7-5.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1943 Dodger skipper Leo Durocher signed a new contract to remain with the club. The contract provides a $20,000 base salary plus an additional $5,000 for every 100,000 fans over 600,000 attendance. In 1981, Game 5 of the World Series, the Dodgers win their third straight game against the Yankees to take 3-2 series lead. Pedro Guerrero and Steve Yeager hit back-to-back homers, and Jerry Reuss pitches a 2-1 complete game for the victory. 
• Happy Birthday, Mickey Hughes, Jack Doyle, Weldon Henley, Russ Meyer, Pete Mikkelsen, Tito Landrum, Mike Harkey & Pedro Martinez!

Blog Kiosk: 10/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic UPI press photo featuring the Dodgers' three co-MVP's from the 1981 World Series -- Pedro Guerrero, Steve Yeager and Ron Cey (eBay auction link). Dated October 28, 1981 and taken by Pat Benic/UPI.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1965 the Dodgers released Wally Moon -- whose famed "Moon Shots" over the short left field wire fence at the Coliseum helped propel Los Angeles towards a championship in 1959. In 1984 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever Brian Holton. He would eventually be an important cog to the Dodgers 1988 World Championship team -- going 7-3 on the season with an 1.70 ERA, a 2.72 FIP, 2.1 WAR, 49 strikeouts, 26 walks, one save in 45 appearances. In 2013 the Dodgers signed Cuban ballplayer Alex Guerrero.
• Happy Birthday, Kid Carsey, Oscar Jones, Mike McCormack, Johnny Morrison, Sam Bohne & Jumbo Elliott!

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

The next homestand starts on Friday against the Colorado Rockies. 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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Blog Kiosk: 5/10/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Take a look at this slide.

Here's a May 19, 1943 ACME press photo of Cardinals outfielder Harry Walker trying his best to break-up a double play, as he slides way outside of the bag to interrupt Dodgers shortstop Arky Vaughn (eBay auction link). His effort would lead to Stan Musial, who hit the grounder, reaching base and eventually scoring the first run of the game (boxscore).

BTW, the ACME descriptor on the reverse actually says that the Brooklyn player featured is second baseman Alex Kampouris, but that can't be right. The play was a grounder to second, who shoveled to the shortstop and then threw to first. Therefore the Dodger above is the shortstop, not the second baseman.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1955 Don Newcombe threw a complete game shutout against the Cubs while facing the minimum of 27 batters, 3-0. He allowed just one hit, to second baseman Gene Baker, who would subsequently be caught stealing. In 1966 the Dodgers sent 1955 World Series hero Johnny Podres to the Tigers as part of an conditional deal. In 1968 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Ken Boyer. At the age of 37 the aging All-Star would slash .271/.317/.403/.720 with 60 hits, six home runs and 41 RBI's that season. In 1996 Tommy Lasorda managed his 3,000th major league game. It was against the Cardinals, and the Dodgers defeated them in twelve innings, 3-2. 
• Happy Birthday, Bill Davidson, Jim Hickman & John Cummings!

Blog Kiosk: 4/24/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kenta Maeda got roughed up early yesterday afternoon, as he yielded six runs during his first two innings on the mound. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I wasn’t able to locate my pitches very well. I kept struggling throughout the entire inning and the walks piled up,” Maeda told Rizzo. “I was able to get to an 0–2 count (on Contreras), but my pitch obviously caught too much of the plate.”

Contreras had hit a double with the bases loaded to drive in three during the first inning. The Dodgers would then lose to the Cubs, 7-2. Photo above via Darren Georgia/MLB.com 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 1962 Sandy Koufax fanned 18 Cubs at Wrigley Field during a 10-2 win, tying a Major League record set by Bob Feller for strike outs in a game. In 1998 Mike Piazza tied a Major League record when he walloped his third grand slam of the month during a 12-4 victory over the Cubs.
• Happy Birthday, Harry Harper, Dixie Howell, Bill Singer, Pat Zachry, Bill Krueger & Mike Blowers!

Blog Kiosk: 4/8/2019 - Dodgers Links - Santa Maria!

Did you see Cody's homer on Sunday? It was both majestic and frightening -- so scary, I am sure that bare-handing the ball would've sheared your hand right off. Watch it here. Overall, the Dodgers are 8-2 and have now scored 84 runs through the first ten games played in the season -- tied for third best in the modern era. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“We’re good,” said Bellinger.

Photo above via Harrison Barden/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from Sunday's game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1968 Opening Day is postponed throughout Major League Baseball due the funeral of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who was assassinated on April 4, 1968. In 1974 Dodger hurler Al Downing gave up a fourth inning home run to Hank Aaron -- surpassing Babe Ruth's record with his 715th homer of his career. You can watch the homer here, as called by Vin Scully. In 1987 GM Al Campanis is fired by the Dodgers following his racially insensitive remarks said on an April 6th telecast of ABC-TV's Nightline. Campanis had said that blacks may lack some of the 'necessities' to be a field manager or general manager. In 1994 Braves lefty Kent Mercker no-hit the Dodgers, 6-0. This game also marked Chan Ho Park's first career start as a Dodgers and the very first game played by a Korean ballplayer in the Major Leagues. Check out the boxscore here.
• Happy Birthday, Lady Baldwin, Pete Cassidy, Kirby Higbe, Turk Farrell & Gary Carter!

LA Kings Celebrated Dodgers Night Last Night

For the first time since its inception the LA Kings held a Dodgers Night at the Staples Center and I did not attend. Heck, you'd think I'd want to just check out those jazzy Dodger jersey's the team wears during the pregame warm-ups in person. But, no. Instead, I watched the game from the comfort of my couch. Thankfully, my laziness is not a barrier to blogging. So, despite my unwillingness to travel to downtown LA, I've still got plenty of pics -- found throughout social media -- to share here.

For instance, check out the Dodgers hockey jersey's I mentioned, above and on the right. This season the Kings wore Dodger Blue jerseys on the ice. Last year they wore home-whites on the ice (link here), and like always they auctioned them off to fans in benefit of the LA Kings Foundation.

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: The West Coast Collectors Expo with Raiderfest and Dodger Signers

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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The West Coast Collectors Expo

There is a big card show scheduled for this weekend (Friday 2/22 to Sunday 2/24) at the Fairplex - Los Angeles County Fairgrounds in Pomona. It will include a huge Raiderfest event featuring a ton of autograph guest; including Ray Guy, Tom Flores, Rod Martin, etc. A bunch of Dodgers will also be signing -- Pedro Guerrero, Maury Wills, Steve Yeager and Jerry Reuss. Go here for more information.

Blog Kiosk: 11/12/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

A contingent of three Dodgers - Chris Taylor, Kike Hernandez & Kenta Maeda - are in the Japan All-Star Series, and they appear to be having a great time. Per Alyson Footer at MLB.com:

"The fans have been amazing so far," Hernandez said to the crowd. "Japan has always been a place that I have wanted to come visit. I get to experience this amazing culture that you have here. Playing at the Tokyo Dome has been great."

Per Kenta Maeda:

"It's been a little while since I've pitched in that stadium (Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium)," Maeda said. "I want to show all my fans in Japan something that they would enjoy. I'll do my best to get as many hitters out as I can and have a good performance."

Pic above via Kike Hernandez on Instagram. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1986 the Dodgers officially released longtime shortstop Bill Russell -- in order to facilitate his recent retirement from the game. He had an 18-year career with Los Angeles and ranked second in franchise history for games played (behind Brooklyn Dodger Zack Wheat). In 2014 Clayton Kershaw is the unanimous winner of the National League Cy Young Award. It is his third Cy Young. He went 21-3 with an 1.77 ERA, 1.81 FIP, six complete games and two shutouts. He will be named the MVP the next day.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Ryan, Red Evans & Greg Gagne!

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Steve Yeager and Alex Wood

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

Smoked BBQ Chicken Nachos

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

• 2018 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Viva Los Dodgers Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

Frito Pie Extreme Dog

There are three new food items being made available for this entire homestand, and they are available at the On Deck Circle stand on Field Level section 48, Loge Level section 133 and Reserve Level section 4. First, in honor of Atlanta you can get the Smoked BBQ Chicken Nachos which features Slow and low smoked chicken, smothered in house made sweet smokey barbecue sauce, served on top of triangle cut nacho chips, topped with green onions and cheddar cheese.

Turkey Pastrami Gravy Fries

The Texas new food item is a Frito Pie Extreme Dog that features an all beef hot dog, topped with fitos, chili, nacho cheese, diced onion, black beans, pickled jalapenos and sour cream.

The third food item honoring San Francisco series is an Turkey Pastrami Gravy Fries featuring crispy french fries, tossed in gourmet sea salt, topped with turkey pastrami, brown gravy and chopped parsley.

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I Took a Dodgers Pop Up Museum Tour - Here are My Pics

This should have been posted weeks ago, so apologize for the tardiness. During the recent Dodgers FanFest I had the pleasure of joining the Pop-Up Museum Tour hosted by former Dodger catcher Steve Yeager. Below are a bunch of pics from that afternoon; including a photo with "Boomer" himself.

First of all, there is only one opportunity left to see this little museum at Dodger Stadium -- this weekend from March 2nd to 4th. It is located at the "Top of the Park" store in the Top Deck area of the stadium. Go here for more information.

Blog Kiosk: 1/23/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The first leg of the Dodgers 2018 Community Tour yesterday included an afternoon with firefighters and first responders at Dodger Stadium. They took part in batting practice and had an opportunity to meet with a whole bunch of Dodgers'. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“We’ve been shoulder to shoulder with our citizens that have just endured an incredible situation, and it does wear on our personnel,” Millers said. “For the Dodgers organization just to give us a little time on the field where many of us have dreamt to be, it’s fantastic.” 

Wood said he knows how crazy the last couple months had to be for all the firefighters who were at Dodger Stadium on Monday, so he’s glad they got to have a day to just enjoy themselves. 

“You see the news with all the wildfires and everything,” Wood said. “I know it’s probably taken a pretty big toll on a lot of these guys and a lot of hours and work they’ve had to put in. To have a day just for them out here and to be a part of it, it’s pretty cool.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1932 the Brooklyn Dodgers traded for future Hall of Famer Hack Wilson (during the tail end of his career) from the Cardinals for a minor leaguer and some cash. In 1962 Jackie Robinson, along with Bob Feller, are selected for the Baseball Hall of Fame in their first years of eligibility. 
• Happy Birthday, Joey Amalfitano (a Dodgers pitching coach) & Billy Mullen!

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Yeager & Reuss

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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Dodger legend and coach Steve Yeager will be signing autographs at the Sports Authentics store at the Puente Hills Mall on Saturday, July 8th from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Go here for more information.

Sports Authentics USA
Puente Hills Mall
1600 South Azusa Avenue
Rowland Heights, CA, 91748
(626)581-2016

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Former Dodger pitcher Jerry Reuss will be signing autographs this coming Saturday, July 8th at the OC Dugout in Anaheim from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. Go here for more information.

The OC Dugout
1515 S. Sunkist St., Ste. G
Anaheim, CA 92806

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 6/12/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It was a glorious Saturday afternoon as many Dodgers' from the past came onto the field to play some ball. Per an AP story at ESPN:

"I think that the fans enjoy it, the alumni and old players enjoy it, and it's entertaining. For a short period of time -- because we can't play it like we used to. But we try," said catcher Steve Yeager, who played 14 seasons for the Dodgers and was co-MVP of their 1981 World Series win.

"It's always nice for the fans to get the opportunity to see some of the players that they saw and grew up with around Dodger Stadium," Yeager said.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon from this weekends Old-TimersGame. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1940 the Dodgers made one of the biggest trades in their history. They received 1937 Triple Crown winner Joe "Ducky" Medwick and pitcher Curt Davis from the Cardinals for outfielder Ernie Koy, pitcher Carl Doyle, two minor leaguers and $125k in cash (a huge sum in those days). The Dodgers would win the pennant the following season for the first time since 1920. In 1955 Don Newcombe, having won his first ten decisions of the season, lost his first game of the year when Brooklyn loses to the Cubs, 9-5. In 2005 first baseman Hee-Seop Choi hit home runs in his first three at-bats this evening against the Twins to propel the Dodgers over Minnesota, 4-3. Watch all three here.
• Happy Birthday, Jack O'Brein, Roger Bernadina & Damon Hollins!
  

Blog Kiosk: 10/28/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is an fantastic Acme press photo, dated October 8, 1941, that features a group of resilient Dodgers fans eager to watch Game 3 of the World Series.  Unfortunately, it appears that mother nature has something else in mind for the day.  It's pouring like the Dickens, but that doesn't stop them from waiting in line for the start of the game.  It is currently available at Hake's current memorabilia auction (Auction Link).  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Can’t Dampen That Dodger Spirit
Brooklyn, NY -- Holding umbrellas and blankets over their heads, Brooklyn fans – male and female – wait outside the bleachers entrance to Ebbets Field to see their “Bums” in the third game of the World Series.  Dark skies and continued rain caused the game to be postponed.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1890 the Dodgers played a Game 7 of a World Series between the National League and American Association.  They battled the Louisville Colonels but lost 6-2.  This put the series in a tie with a record of 3-3-1.  Game 3 had ended in 7-7 tie due to darkness.  Furthermore, they would never play a decisive Game 8.  Poor weather and a general lack of fan interest –(the largest crowd for any of the game was 5,600) caused the competition to be stopped.  Both Brooklyn and Louisville would be named co-champions.  In 1953 Red Barber resigns as the Brooklyn Dodgers Broadcaster, and will work for the New York Yankees.  In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in Game 6 of the World Series to become champions for the first time since 1965.  Pedro Guerrero, Steve Yeager and Ron Cey are named co-MVP's of the series.

Blog Kiosk: 1/25/2016 - Dodgers Links - Press Conference, Quakes New Logo and an Mysterious Vintage Cap

Here is one last item from the current Lelands Auction that I thought was worth mentioning.  Featured above is a vintage photograph of the empty stalls within the Dodgers clubhouse.  As you can see, Roy Campanella's uniform is prominently displayed among throngs of Dodger flannels on wire hangers.  Check out the auction here.

Initially, I assumed that this photo was taken in the Brooklyn Dodgers clubhouse -- pre-1958.  But now, I'm not so sure. I say this because of a certain ball-cap above Campy's jersey.  Do you see it?

That's a "LA" hat with the "L" crossed with the "A" just like the current Dodgers logo, but the color scheme is all wrong.  The "L" is a dark color (unsure which considering this is an B&W pic) and the "A" is clearly white.  Heck, it almost looks like the caps the old Los Angeles Angels of the PCL wore before the Dodgers came to town, but again the color scheme is wrong.  Those hats, if I remember correctly, had a white "L" and a red "A". 

So, what the heck is that hat?  Were did it come from?  And, was this photo actually taken in the Dodgers clubhouse in the Coliseum?  Best yet, is this photo from Roy Campanella Day at the Coliseum -- when 93,000 fans jammed the stadium in 1958?

I dunno, and I don't know if we'll ever find out.  Unfortunately, the photograph itself has no relevant markings on the reverse to let us know.  If you happen to have any insight please pass that along.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1981 in Game 5 of the World Series the Dodgers won their thrid straight game against the Yankees to take 3-2 series lead.  Pedro Guerrero and Steve YEager hit back-to-back homers, and Jerry Reuss pitched a 2-1 complete game for the victory.
• Happy Birthday, Pedro Martinez!

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Steve Yeager in Whittier

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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Former Dodgers catcher Steve Yeager will be signing autographs at Jimmy's USA in Whittier this coming Saturday, July 30th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.  Go here for information.

Jimmy's USA
12327 Whittier Boulevard
Whittier, CA 90602

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

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

The next homestand starts on Friday against the Colorado Rockies.   Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand; including autograph information for Sunday's Viva Los Dodgers.

The Colorado Shishito Chile Dog will be available for this homestand only against the Nationals at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features a Brooklyn Dodger Dog topped with red chile Colorado sauce, shredded jack cheese, blistered Shishito peppers, salt and fresh lime.

The seventh 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, featuring a salute to the Old-Timers Game on the cover, will be available at Dodger Stadium.  (see it on the left).  The Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand.  They are distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation.  

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Friday, July 1st at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)