Blog Kiosk: 12/9/2016 - Dodgers Links - Valentine, Urias, Turner and Sandy Koufax

Once upon a time, Sandy Koufax moonlighted as an actor.  He wasn't a particularly good one, mind you, but he did get quite a few Hollywood roles; especially after leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a World Series Championship in 1959. Heck, he and many of his teammates suddenly became the toast of the town, and producers quickly came knocking on their doors.

(Koufax with Dorothy Provine)

Featured above is a vintage 1959 ABC promotional photograph that shows Sandy playing a cavalry officer named Johnny in the TV western Colt .45. (eBay Auction Link)  Koufax had a short scene in the episode, titled "Impasse", that resulted in his untimely death.  Jeff Katz, the Mayor of Cooperstown and lover of Baseball, writes on his blog:

Not a very lengthy role, Koufax dies in the opening scene, before the TV critics could get a handle on his acting chops. The quick-witted Koufax gave his own review, “I’ve gone out quicker in some games.” True before 1960, not so true after. The Brooklyn-born lefty was willing to give acting a go. Cognizant that it was his ball playing skills providing him with small screen opportunity, Sandy thought these small chances could lead to more. “I don’t know if I have any acting talent, but if anybody wants to take a chance it’s O.K. with me. If there’s a career for me in acting, fine. I want to go as far as my capabilities will carry me. At 23, I’ve got to think about what I’m going to do after leaving baseball.” He couldn’t imagine that day would come so quickly. For his role as Johnny, credited to “Sanford Koufax,” he was pleased that he didn’t “have to ride a horse, just die.”

On the right is another publicity photo that shows him with actress Dorothy Provine.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1981 the traded Jack Perconte and Rick Sutcliffe to the Indians for Jack Fimple, Jorge Orta and Larry White.  In 1992 the Dodgers signed free agent closer Todd Worrell.  In 2012 the Dodgers signed Hyun-Jin Ryu to a six-year, $36 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Kelley, Enos Kirkpatrick, Juan Samuel, Mat Latos & Eric Stults!

Blog Kiosk: 11/28/2016 - Dodgers Links - Dodgers Debt, King on Castro and Vin Scully

Check out this fantastic photo of the famous Dodgers infield, dated to spring training 1979.  It includes Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell, and Ron Cey.  The photograph was taken by famed photographer Alex Traube, and is a part of an limited print-run of just five copies.  (eBay auction link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1950 Burt Shotten is fired as manager of the Dodgers.  Chuck Dressen, who was managing the Oakland Oaks of the PCL, is named as his replacement.  In 1969 second baseman Ted Sizemore is named the NL Rookie of the Year.  In 1970 starting pitcher Rick Sutcliffe is named the NL Rookie of the Year.
• Happy Birthday, Ken Howell, Frank O'Rourke & Pedro Astacio!

Blog Kiosk: 6/21/2016 - Dodgers Links - Meet Your Franchise Saves Leader Kenley Jansen

It's funny to think that this guy started out in pro ball as a catcher.

Kenley Jansen now holds the Dodgers franchise record for career saves at 162.  Last night he helped extend the Dodgers winning streak to four games by striking out two of the three batters he faced for his 20th save of the season. Via Doug Padilla at ESPN:

"He's really good. We've been spoiled," Kershaw said of Jansen immediately after a hard night's work was finished. "It just feels like when the ninth inning rolls around, we have a win. And you can't take that for granted. I'm happy for him. He's had a nice career here so far, and hopefully there is more to come."

It should be noted that his very first save of his career came in only his second big league appearance on July 25, 2010 with Clayton Kershaw on the mound to win his 10th game of the year.  His record setting save last night also came in relief of Kershaw for his 11th win of the season. 

"Every time Kershaw is pitching, I have a great chance to get in there," Jansen said. "To get my first save with the Dodgers with him, and then to break the record with him, that's awesome."

BTW, Jansen has saved 33 of Kershaw's wins in his career.  Listen to Kenley speak about the record save with Alanna Rizzo here.  Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:In 1998 Dodgers manager Bill Russell is released and replaced by Glenn Hoffman.  Also, Tommy Lasorda becomes the Dodgers GM.
• Happy Birthday, Rick Sutcliffe!

Blog Kiosk: 6/4/2015 - Dodger Links - Puig, Pederson and Kenley Jansen

Today is the 51st anniversary of Sandy Koufax's third career no-hitter against the Phillies.  He became only the second pitcher in the modern era to throw three no-no's - Bob Feller was the first.  Photo above via @sportsphotos on twitter.

Below are some links to check out:

• Check out a new Dodger blog called "From Duke to Joc, All Things Dodgers" here.
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Yasiel Puig will start rehab assignment Thursday with Rancho Cucamonga."   BTW, Eric also tells us that Hector Olivera will make his debut in Tula today, as well (here)
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Paco Rodriguez MRI shows no new elbow damage."
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Joc Pederson's power continues to blossom."

“I still think the best is yet to come for Joc,” Mattingly said. “That doesn’t mean he’s going to hit 60 homers or anything, but I think just the consistency of at-bats will get better and better.”

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "A new voice for a critical 2015 Dodger draft."

“The power of the group together and more minds is better than one mind,” (Billy Gasparino) said. “It worked every draft I’ve been a part of. The best drafts, the best outcomes have been a group reflection of the board and the players we take, not just one person.

“We emphasized that in San Diego. We’ve had some success. We’re going to emphasize it here. Josh, Andrew and Farhan have all had their own success in places they’ve come from and we’re just trying to combine it all together.”

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Mystery surrounds Kenley Jansen's absence."

"I don't know who wants to talk about it. I'm not the one who wants to talk about it, though," said Mattingly, clearly perturbed. "He was unavailable."

Former Major League pitcher Rick Sutcliffe tweeted this out; which only adds to the mystery.  BTW, you may recall that a couple of years ago he was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat - atrial fibrillation:

Sending my prayers to #Dodgers and closer @kenleyjansen74

— Rick Sutcliffe (@Sut_ESPN) June 4, 2015

• Panini will once again create special Father's Day cards that will be available at participating hobby stores, and they shared a bunch of pics online.  Go here to check out a whole bunch of preview photos.  Below are the Yasiel Puig, Clayton Kershaw and Joc Pederson cards.

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A Look at the 1988 Dodgers Unocal Pin Set

Following up on Wednesday's post featuring all 6 pins from the 1987 Dodgers Unocal pin set, I now share with you the pins from the 1988 set.

Unocal decided to go with a theme for the 1988 set.  All 6 pins feature LA Dodgers award winners.  Check them all out below.

Pin #1 - Move Valuable Players - In 1962 and 1963, the Dodgers had back-to-back National League MVP's in Maury Wills and Sandy Koufax.  Om 1974, Steve Garvey became the third Los Angeles Dodger to be honored with the league's most prestigious award.

Pin #2 - Stolen Base Champions - The LA Dodgers have two players lead the National League in stolen bases.  Maury Wills captured the stolen base championship six times from 1960-1965, including a record setting 104 in 1962.  Davey Lopes won the title in 1974 and 1976.  Lopes stole a career-high 77 bases in 1975.

Pin #3 - World Series MVP's - In 1959, Larry Sherry became the first World Series MVP the Dodgers had in LA.  Sandy Koufax led the World Champion Dodgers in the 1963 and 1965 World Series and he earned MVP honors in both series.  In 1981, Pedro Guerrero, Ron Cey and Steve Yeager were the sparks for the Dodgers, earning tri-MVP honors.

Pin #4 - CY Young Award Winners - The Los Angeles Dodgers have had four players earn the top honor for pitchers in the National League:  Don Drysdale (1962), Sandy Koufax (1963, 1965, 1966). Mike Marshall (1974), and Fernando Valenzuela (1981).

Pin #5 - Batting Champions - Tommy Davis collected two hits on Sept. 28, 1963, to finish with a .326 average and become the second youngest player in history ever to win two consecutive batting crowns.  In 1962, Tommy led the league with a .346 average.

Pin #6 - Rookies of the Year - The LA Dodgers have produced seven Rookies of the Year, including four consecutive winners from 1979-1982.  Frank Howard (1960), Jim Lefebvre (1965), Ted Sizemore (1969), Rick Sutcliffe (1979), Steve Howe (1980), Fernando Valenzuela (1981), and Steve Sax (1982.

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