Apparently, the Dodgers Tried to Trade for Warren Spahn

I usually refrain from writing about trade rumors. After all, we all know that a vast majority of the 'Hot Stove' is bunk. That said, this one vintage, circa 1950's, rumor has my imagination flowing, so I thought I'd share it here. According to a newspaper cutout attached to a letter written by Walter O'Malley -- that's currently available at REA (Auction Link) -- the Dodgers were charging hard to trade for future Hall of Famer Warren Spahn from the Braves prior to the start of the 1953 season.

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

At one point, Walter O'Malley had dreams about building a domed stadium in Brooklyn. Featured above is a May 11, 1957 AP press photo featuring O'Malley showing off his design (eBay Auction Link). Strangely, with him are New York Giants president Horace Stoneham, San Francisco Mayor George Christopher and SF County Cupervisor Francis McCarty. As you know, the Dodgers would soon announce their intention of leaving the Brooklyn borough for Los Angeles.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers traded for soon to be Hall of Famer Arky Vaughan from the Pirates in exchange for Pete Coscarart, Luke Hamlin, Babe Phelps and Jimmy Wasdell. In 1998 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher Kevin Brown to a seven year $105 million contract -- thus becoming the first $100 million man in Baseball. In 2012 the Dodgers received Skip Schumaker in a trade with the Cardinals -- sending Jake Lemmerman to St. Louis in return.
• Happy Birthday, Buzzie Bavasi, Peter O'Malley, Phenomenal Smith, Derrell Griffith & Orlando Hudson! 

Blog Kiosk: 12/5/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I'm fairly certain I've shared this pic in the past, but it's so good I figured it's worth another look. Featured above is a March 6, 1957 United Press photo of a contingent of Los Angeles politicians wooing Dodger owner Walter O'Malley at Vero Beach. (eBay Auction Link) As you can see, Duke Snider and the famed clown Emmett Kelly (the Dodger Bum) also joined them. 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 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 LA Board of Supervisors; LA Mayor Norris Poulson; Dodger slugging star Duke Snider; and Dodger President Walter O'Malley.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1973 the Dodgers traded 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, Gus Mancuso, Don Padgett, Steve Rachunok, Raleigh Aitchison, Billy Shindle & Ray Moss! 

Writing to a Distraught Fan - O'Malley's Correspondence About Trade Rumors

After what was no doubt the most frustrating year in Dodger history, fans unsurprisingly lashed out following the 1951 Brooklyn Dodger season. They complained at the dinner table, they whined to their neighbors and ultimately they wrote about their deepest concerns to the Dodgers themselves. After all, you must be heard when your team gives up a 13 game cushion to lose the pennant. And to make matters worse, they lost it on the last day of the season.

Featured above is a response to one of those irate letters to the club. It is written and signed by from Walter O'Malley to Dodger fan Robert Gray, and it is current available on auction at Hunt Auctions. In it O'Malley writes:

Dr. Mr. Gray, 

Please do not be disturbed about rumors of a trade in the papers. We have no intention of breaking up our fine team, which we regard as the best in the league, and we will make no deal unless it is a one-sided deal in our favor. 

I do hope that we can give faithful fans like yourself something to cheer about next year.

It's good to know that reporters have always wantonly thrown around baseless trade rumors.

As you know, this was the year Bobby Thompson hit his "shot heard 'round the world" that elevated the Giants over the Dodgers for the pennant. So, I imagine a rabble-rousing press corps in New York took the opportunity that winter to suggest that the Dodgers were ready to cut-bait after such a disappointing season.

Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. the team would instead stay the course and eventually win their only championship in the Brooklyn borough four years later.

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Blog Kiosk: 7/3/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Over the weekend a new Major League record was set when the league collectively hit 1,101 home runs to set a new record for homers during a month. Naturally, Topps released a new 2017 Topps Now card to celebrate the occasion, and it includes rookie slugger Cody Bellinger on the front of the card. Check it out above. Unfortunately, the card is already sold out -- 1,247 cards were made. Check out the reverse of the card on the right.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1925 Robins (Dodgers) second baseman Milt Stock recorded his fourth consecutive four-hit game -- setting an NL mark. In 1958 the Dodgers, in their 35th home game ever in Los Angeles, reached the one million attendance mark.  At Ebbets Field they drew 1,028,258 fans total all season the year prior. In 1974 Dodgers reliever Dr. Mike Marshall appeared in his 13th consecutive game, setting a major league record.  The streak also ended on this day when he didn't make an appearance during the second game of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds. In 1991 the Dodgers traded José González for outfielder Mitch Webster. In 1993 Don Drysdale died of a heart attack in Montreal after broadcasting the Dodgers’ game against the Expos. In 2013 Yasiel Puig becomes the first player to be named Player of the Month for the first month he plays in the major leagues in the 55-year history of the award. 
• Happy Birthday, Cliff Curtis, Jack Dalton, Luke Hamlin, Art Fowler, Howie Schultz, Ed Roebuck, Danny Heep, Juan Rivera & Edinson Volquez!

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!
  

1966 Union 76 Dodgers 45 RPM Record Set Featuring Vin Scully Interviews

With the off-season officially upon us I though I would take a moment to checklist a scarce set from  the mid-60's.  Featured below are the twelve different Union 76 Los Angeles Dodgers 45 RPM records featuring Vin Scully interviewing 24 different players and executives.

As you can see, it includes a colorful sleeve with drawings done by Nicholas Volpe -- known for the various player portraits handed out by Union 76 over the past several decades.  Furthermore, each sleeve includes a portrait drawing of Vin Scully.  Each record has a separate Scully interview on each side, and fans were able to purchase a single record at participating gas stations for $0.49 each with a minimum purchase of gas.

On the right is a advertising poster for the records that had been previously shared by Mark Langill at Dodger Insider (link here).  Apparently, the poster is thought to be the only copy in existence today.

As for the records, I don't have any recordings to share.  If you happen to know where I could listen to any of them please pass that along to me. 

1966

Union 76 - 7” 33RPM Record EP Set - 12 Record Set

Record One

Sandy Koufax/John Kennedy

Blog Kiosk: 10/26/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw on a Plane, Urias, Utley and Garvey

Above is an fantastic 1910's advertising poster for Fatima Turkish brand Cigarettes that features action photos from an opening series match-up between the Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) and New York Giants.  It is currently on auction at Mile High Card Company.  (Auction Link)

Unfortunately, the poster mainly points out popular Giants players like Fred Snodgrass, George Burns and Fred Merkle.  So it's likely this ad was prominently displayed in neighborhoods loyal to that team.  Nevertheless, it's a unique piece that includes several rare photographs.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1950 Walter O'Malley became the ninth president and chief stockholder in the Dodgers franchise.  Following the death of team owner John L. Smith (who owned one-quarter of the club) O'Malley navigated a deal where he bought Branch Rickey's share of the club and essentially became a trustee over the Smith family portion to take over majority control.
• Happy Birthday: Dan Coulombe!

Blog Kiosk: 8/8/2016 - Dodgers Links - Honeycutt, Segedin and AGon!

Much like the Olympics in Rio, one record after another was set or surpassed this weekend at Dodger Stadium.  First, on Saturday rookie infielder Corey Seager hit his 31st double of the season; thereby setting a new Los Angeles Dodgers record for doubles by rookie.  He jumped over former Dodger first baseman Eric Karros, who established the record in 1992 during his Rookie of the Year season.  Per Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA:

“It’s cool. The long history of the Dodgers it’s just cool to get in the books no matter how it is. It’s exciting for sure,” Seager said.

Then on Sunday Adrian Gonzalez become the 140th ballplayer in Major League history to hit 300 hoe runs.  Per Jack Baer at MLB.com:

"I've seen a lot of those homers with me and against me -- 300, that's a big number," manager Dave Roberts said. "He's a guy that is very underrated right now in his career and the stability that he brings to a club. To get that big hit for us, for us to get the extra insurance, but also for him personally, I think that he doesn't really thrive and care much about individual accomplishments, but that's a big number and a lot to be said for his career."

Far more surprising was the performance of longtime minor leaguer Rob Segedin.  After toiling for six years within the Yankees minor league system he finally got into his very first Major League game on Sunday, and he did not disappoint.  Segedin went two for three with a double and set a club record for with four RBI's during a Major League debut.  Per Jack Baer and Quinn Roberts at MLB.com:

"It was great to see him drive in a few runs, a couple big, huge hits," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "When you imagine a debut, 50,000 people, big hits and contributing to a huge win, players going crazy for him, it's something that he'll obviously remember. A non-roster invitee this spring and had a great year in Triple-A, he earned that opportunity and took advantage of it today."

Photos above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics from the game by Jon.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1957 Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley officially announced that the team would be moving to Los Angeles.  In 2000 Dodgers starting pitcher Darren Dreifort hit two home runs in a single game.  Infamously, on this same day a female couple was asked to to leave Dodger Stadium after being seen kissing.  They were told to never "set foot back on the premises" for "lewd behavior".  My, have times changed.

Inept is what Billy Martin Called the Dodgers

These were fighting words.  No doubt! 

Featured above is an October 27, 1953 letter written by Dodgers President Walter O'Malley to Collinsville Herald columnist Elmer Hazzard that is currently available at Hunt Auctions (auction link here).  The Illinois reporter had sent along a story he had written focusing on Yankees infielder Billy Martin.  Below is what O'Malley wrote:

Thank you for sending along a copy of your column on Billy Martin.  We here in Brooklyn do not think that the Dodgers are as inept as Martin claims.

Ouch!  Billy was slinging some mud.

Skirball Cultural Center Baseball Exhibit is Now Open - Includes O'Malley Memorabilia

A few weeks back I had mentioned that a new Baseball themed exhibit was opening up at the Skirball Cultural Center, so I wanted to take a moment to let you all know that it is now open.  Go here for information.  Furthermore, there is another exhibit there that is also worth your time called, "The Unauthorized History of Baseball in 100-Odd Paintings: The Art of Ben Sakoguchi."  (Information Here)

The main exhibit is called, "Chasing Dreams: Baseball & Becoming American," and I recently discovered that there are several artifacts displayed within that were loaned by the O’Malley family collection.  Per a press release:

Peter O’Malley, president, Los Angeles Dodgers, 1970-1998, is lending the original Dodger Stadium model, made by renowned Hollywood producer-director Mervyn LeRoy from design plans and given as a gift to Peter’s father, Walter, in 1960. LeRoy had David Ernstein, a model-maker at Warner Bros. Studios create the model, circa 1960. The original model was exhibited in the winter of 1961-62, prior to the April 10, 1962 opening of Dodger Stadium, when it was on display at the downtown Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Bank of America headquarters building. The model shows the same pastel color palette as when Dodger Stadium opened and was in Walter O’Malley’s office until 1979.

2016 Panini Diamond Kings - The Rest of the Dodgers Insert Cards

Here is a final look at the Dodgers cards found in 2016 Panini Diamond Kings packs.  Go here to see all of my previous post on this set.  Featured below are the remainder of the Dodgers inserts I have yet to show; including a bunch of relic and autographed cards.

Diamond Deco

#DD-CS Corey Seager

2016 Panini Diamond Kings - All the Dodgers Mini Cards

Now that you've seen the Dodgers base cards found in packs of Panini's 2016 Diamond Kings set, here are the various mini cards that are available. 

DK Minis

#6 Gil Hodges                          #12 Leo Durocher

2016 Panini Diamond Kings - The Dodgers Base Cards and Variation

Returning for a second year is Panini's 2016 Diamond Kings Baseball card set.  Go here for a complete checklist.  This brand offers both current and former greats on cardboard.  As you can see in the pics below, this product focuses on artwork and drawings of the players.  Below are pics of all the Dodgers base cards in the set; including the Corey Seager variation card.

#6 Gil Hodges                                       #12 Leo Durocher

Blog Kiosk: 3/12/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kiké, Hyers and Brandon McCarthy

Spring training is for practice, and featured above is an Dodger great doing just that.  Sprawling on the sand in this vintage "International News" press photo is Jim Gilliam with a picture perfect slide, dated March 1, 1954.  Via a descriptor attached to the reverse:

SLIDE, JUNIOR, SLIDE--Vero Beach, Florida.....Second baseman Junior Gilliam slides in under the watchful eye of Field Director Al Campanis at the Dodgers training quarters as pitchers Don Newcombe and Joe Black watch.

Below are more links to check out:

• This is all kinds of fun.  Via Alysha Tsuji at USA Today, "Kiké Hernandez and the Dodgers mastered filters on MLB Snapchat Day."
• Chris Mitchell at FanGraphs shares their KATOH Projection of Dodgers Prospects (Link Here).
• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Hyers education: Hitting 101."

“I would say all hitters all have their own unique style,” Hyers said. “It’s my job to understand their swing. And it’s not my swing, it’s their swing. You want to get to know them as a person and a player. Be the eyes for them. That’s what I try to do — get to know them, understand and work within the framework of their swing. Stay within the framework of their swing. When they start struggling, remind them of who they are as a player, how they got there and the things they do to be successful. Hitting, a lot of it is mental. It’s negative, because of so many times we fail. There’s the physical part, but the mental part is there also.”

• Via Clinton Riddle at Baseball Magazine, "Walter O’Malley and The Dome That Could Have Been."

• What the heck are these?  I think I just went blind.  Check out Lids newest Baseball cap creation in honor of Spring Training in the above photo.  They are only available from the Lids website (Link Here).  (Hat Tip: Chris Cwik at Big League Stew)
• Via JP Hoornstra at the Daily News, "The Dodgers and Cuba: past, present and future."  JP takes a look at the Dodgers success and failures on the international market, and tells us of what's expected in the future.
• Guess who had a baby?  Congrats, Brandon!

We made a thing and named her Cassidy pic.twitter.com/t0lSnblp9R

— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) March 11, 2016

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Blog Kiosk: 2/11/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some ODss and Ends

A sign of things to come.

Featured above is an vintage color transparency from the Metropolis Collection that is currently being auctioned by Hyee_Auctions on eBay, and it features the then Mayor of Los Angeles Norris Poulson meeting with Walter O'Malley.  It is dated March 6, 1957, a full year before the Dodgers would move to the West Coast, and it includes a sorrowful Brooklyn Dodgers "Bum" listening in.  The clown in the photo is none of than the famous Emmett Kelly.  Also framed in the pic is the Dodgers official plane.  The photograph was taken by Cranston & Elkins of the New York Daily News.

Although nothing was official at the time, I have no doubt the folks in the photo above knew exactly what was going to happen.  The Dodgers were coming to Los Angeles.  They just needed to make sure everyone was on board.  Per the Walter O'Malley website, Mayor Poulson was joined by John Gibson, president of the City Council; Samuel Leask, city administration officer; L.A. County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn; county chief administrative officer John Leach; and Milton Arthur, chairman of the county recreation commission.

Below are more links to check out:

• USA Today names Corey Seager the #1 name to know in the MLB this season.  Kenta Maeda is #11, Julio Urias is at #78, Frankie Montas at #80 and Trayce Thompson at #82.  See story here.

The words “Hall of Famer” are already being tossed around in regard to Seager, 21, by teammate Adrian Gonzalez. Seager’s uncommon combination of talent and composure inspires. He might be the National League’s version of Carlos Correa — a lanky shortstop with power, poise and leadership skills — and his opposite number at All-Star Games for years to come. Lefty-swinging Seager replaced former MVP Jimmy Rollins as the Dodgers’ starting shortstop in September, kept the job in the playoffs and goes into the season as the regular.

• Blowout Buzz shares some preview pics from Topps 2016 Strata set; including the Koufax autographed card on the right.  It is slated to be released on July 27th.  Go here to check out more pics.
• Huh... Apparently, the Dodgers have signed a minor league deal with former Giants infielder Brandon Hicks to Spring Training.  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Dodger mix picks Hicks."
• Via Tracy Ringolsby at MLB.com, "Dodgers securing future with international prospects."

The Dodgers have been every bit as aggressive in the international market as the big league market. And they were not deterred by the sizable tax penalty for exceeding their allotted segment of the international signing pool.

The team set a record by spending $150 million on international players in 2015.

• Keith Law at ESPN ranks the Dodgers farm system at #2 in Baseball:

You can say that they bought this farm-system ranking, and you’d be right, and I don’t think they’d particularly care. However, that doesn’t do justice to the successful draft picks in 2013 and 2014 that line their top 10 around the various high-dollar Cuban signings (and that one Mexican lefty named Urias).

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Football not off Lee's radar."

"I wouldn't say it's completely left the station. It's a decision I'd have to make pretty soon. But I've got an opportunity to prove myself in the big leagues."

• The Baseball Continuum has put up a nice primer on the upcoming World Baseball Classic Qualifier; "World Baseball Classic Qualifier Preview: Sydney (Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa)."  Go Philippines!

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Vintage Pics of Holman Stadium at Dodgertown, Vero Beach from its Opening in 1953

Over the past few days I've been posting up vintage pics (here and here) from an well-known eBay auctioneer named Hyee_Auctions that feature vintage photographic transparencies.  Nearly every Baseball team is available, but none are cooler than the photos featuring the "Boys in Blue" (except for maybe the Yankees pics; which are just as good).  Most of the Dodgers photos available were taken during various spring days over the decades, and the most fantastic ones are in this post.  BTW, these pics were all taken by a duo known as "Cranston & Livia."  If you happen to know who they are please let me know.

Featured here are photographs from the very first game played at Holman Stadium in Dodgertown, Vero Beach, FL - Its Opening Day. The date is March 11, 1953.

At the very top are the stadium flags raised as a part of the Opening Ceremonies (Auction Link Here).  The white flag seen above celebrates the Dodgers National League Pennant in 1952.  Below is Brooklyn Borough President John Cashmore with Walter O'Malley in the stands (Link Here).

(Auction Link)

Below is a view of the crowd in the left field stands (Link Here).  On the right you can see what the players dugout looked like.  Also, the blue flag on the left says "Elmira."  I believe this refers to a town in the western part of New York state; near Ithica.  

(Auction Link)

This last photo is of the Dodgers dugout that sits along the right field line (Link Here).  Roy Campanella (#39) is easily recognizable at the center of the photo.

BTW, the Dodgers won the days game, and Cark Erskine is credited with throwing the very first pitch in the stadium.  Per a letter O'Malley sent to The Sporting News:

“I believe our attendance at the game (opening game for Holman Stadium on March 11th) exceeded the total population of the City of Vero Beach.”

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Corresponding About Campanella - Letter from Felton to O'Malley

This is fantastic. 

Featured above is an letter from former Brooklyn Dodger pregame television host Happy Felton to LA Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley in 1958.  It is currently for sale in the Lelands 2015 Winter Auction (auction link here).  In it he writes about recently taping an interview with Roy Campanella, who was paralyzed by this time, and how he was doing his best to help Campy earn a little bit more income.  Furthermore, Felton spread some good news that Roy was physically improving just a bit.

As you know, the Dodgers eventually put together an fund raising event for Campanella at the LA Coliseum that drew 93,103 fans (a record for a game at the time) in May of 1959 that raised a whole bunch of dough.  I wonder if this letter was one of many that lead to that endeavor.   After all, it appears that everyone involved truly wanted to do everything they can for Campy.

Below is what Felton wrote to O'Malley:

Deal Walter,

Saw Campy last Thursday, and this morning I taped an interview show with him.  Dr. Rusk and the rent of the staff seem to think it would be very good for him therapeutically, and, of course, if I am able to sell it, it would be a source of income for him.  I am taking it to the American Tobacco Co. tomorrow.

They had him in a chair for the first time today, and they seemed to be well pleased.  He is moving both arms and was able to feel a piece of paper between his thumb and fore finger on his right hand.  This cheered him up quite a bit.

Don't let those Californians get you down.  Good luck next Tuesday.  Our love to all of you.

Thine,
Happy Felton

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Blog Kiosk: 12/7/2015 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is another fantastic Charles Conlon original photograph that recently sold at an RMY Auction this weekend.  As you can see, it features Brooklyn Hall of Fame pitcher Dazzy Vance in his follow-through.  This photograph sold for $286.  Check out the listing here.

Below are more links to check out:

• Although not yet confirmed by the team, the Dodgers have resigned Chase Utley via a tweet by Jeff Passan:

Sources: Chase Utley agrees to a one-year deal with the Dodgers. @Ken_Rosenthal said it was close.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 6, 2015

• Via Adam Rubin at ESPN, "Bob Geren departure fueled by family matters."

"It was a very tough decision, but I am headed to L.A.," Geren said. "Both my wife and I have aging parents and extended family in Southern California. It's not often you get a chance in baseball to work that close to home and to your family. I'm going to miss everything about New York and the Mets. It was a wonderful four years."

• Via Joe Posnanski at NBC Sports, "Then and now: A desperate gambit 50 years ago shows just how much baseball has changed."  Joe writes about the time Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax tried to collectively negotiate a contract.

Here’s the thing that is striking about the Koufax-Drysdale gambit — it never had a chance of working, and that is made entirely clear by the amused reaction of the Dodgers’ brass. You might imagine the miserly Walter O’Malley, his face red with rage, shaking his fist and grumping, “You’ll never get another nickel out of me!” But it wasn’t like that. O’Malley and Bavasi were not angry at all. Quite the opposite. They sounded almost sympathetic to the absurdity of baseball players believing that they had the power to command that sort of money or security.

• This is too damn cute.  A couple of Dodger fans "revealed their Baby's gender in the most epic way possible," via Morgan Shanahan at BuzzFeed.
• ICYMI:  Andrew Friedman responds to Greinke signing with Arizona on twitter:

Statement from Dodger president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman on Zack Greinke: pic.twitter.com/edegqWjc2R

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) December 5, 2015

• Apparently, the Dodgers have added another coach.  He is Chris Woodward and he will man 1st base, via a tweet from Ken Rosenthal:

Sources: Former #Mariners 1B coach Chris Woodward will be part of Dave Roberts’ staff with #Dodgers.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 7, 2015

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Today is the Dodgers Birthday of Sorts

For Los Angeles Dodger fans today is a significant day.  It marks the 58th anniversary of Dodgers official announcement that they would be moving the franchise from Brooklyn to Los Angeles.  And with that tears, screams and anger could be felt throughout the New York borough.

Of course, the announcement was of no surprise to many since earlier that year, May 28, 1957, the other Major League clubs had already unanimously voted to allow both the Giants and Dodgers to move out west.  So, it was just a formality that the team would be playing the following season in Los Angeles.  Still, it provided a finality to the contentious situation.  All the protest and rally's begging for O'Malley to "Keep the Dodgers in Brooklyn" had been for naught. 

I can imagine, though, that most Angelenos were ecstatic about having a Major League club as storied as the Dodgers suddenly becoming their hometown team.  Heck, if you can forgive my lack of empathy, I imagine many west coast fans had something like this running through their mind (watch the video below).

Video Link:

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