Blog Kiosk: 11/2/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Guess who's in LA?

As you know, today is round 2 of the 'will he, or won't he' Clayton Kershaw sweepstakes, and I think it's getting clearer what the decision will be.

Clayton Kershaw was spotted at the LAFC home game yesterday with teammate Joc Pederson and funnyman Will Ferrell, and I'd be willing to bet that he'll be present for a special announcement today. So, stay tuned!

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1976 the Dodgers traded minor league catcher Steven Patchin to the Royals for future Baseball legend Ron Washington. He would wear Dodger Blue for only one season, 1977, getting into just ten games as a 25-year old rookie. -- he slashed .368/.400/.368/.768 with seven singles in 19 at-bats. He is more famed for being a highly regarded manager. In 1977 Tommy John comes in a distant second place in Cy Young voting -- having been beaten by Steve Carlton of the Phillies. John went 20-7 for the Dodgers with an 2.78 ERA, FIP of 3.05, eleven complete games and three shutouts.
• Happy Birthday, George Sharrott, George Bell, Jerry Standaert, Tom Paciorek, Wilson Betemit & Al Campanis! 

Blog Kiosk: 10/24/2016 - Dodgers Links - It Wasn't Meant to Be

The Dodgers got beat.  There's no way around it.  They got beat by the better team.  A team that did all the little things to win; including a surprise bunt single (just like Vic Davalillo for the Dodgers in 1977) in Game 4 that ended up being a huge spark for their offense.

The Dodgers, on the other hand, were just not themselves in this series.  They committed seven errors in the six games; having only committed 80 errors all season long.  Worse yet, they recorded six of those errors in the last three games they played -- all loses.  Per a transcript of the Dave Roberts' press conference after the game:

Yeah, it's a little bit of a sour taste. Obviously, if we play a clean three games in 4, 5, 6 there could have been a different outcome. And very uncharacteristic of our guys. When you make plays and pitch counts change and the next hitter that's coming up, the outs, everything changes.

So, yeah, when you look back these last three games, to not play our best baseball, there's a little sour taste.

I am constantly reminded that Baseball is as much about losing as it is about winning.  The game is meant to break your heart, and it's ultimate enduring lesson is the value of perseverance.   You must never give up, and always try again.  So it is with a hearty and optimistic growl that I yelp, "wait 'til next year!"

Photo above of Clayton Kershaw and Joc Pederson via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers.  Go here to check out a few more photos from Saturday's game by Jon.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1972 barrier breaker, Dodgers great and Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson died of an heart attack at the age of 53 at his home in North Stamford, CT.  In 1986 Dodgers shortstop Bill Russell announced his retirement from the game after an 18-year Major League career. 
• Happy Birthday, Rafael Furcal!

Blog Kiosk: 8/3/2016 - Dodgers Links - Robinson Highway, Puig Problems and Brandon McCarthy

Brandon McCarthy came out to make his sixth start since coming back from Tommy John Surgery last night and didn't seem right.  Maybe it was the high altitude that did him in.  Or maybe it was the 38 minute rain delay in the middle of the first inning with him on the mound that did it.  I dunno.  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"Never felt like that on a mound before," said McCarthy, whose first four starts were sharp, followed by one bad inning in a four-inning start, then Tuesday's three-run outing. "Coming back, there's a lot of ups and downs, but when the feeling was off, I was able to get through it. Tonight, just the opposite. There were just some horrific, bad pitches in there. I just felt very weird."

McCarthy needed 85 pitches to get through three innings.  He gave up three hits, walked five, struck out only two and allowed three earned runs.  You can listen to Dave Roberts talk about the outing here.  BTW, reliever Jesse Chavez did not impress in his first outing as a Dodger.  He came in to pitch the sixth inning and gave up three runs.  If not for an inning ending double play with the bases loaded it would have been much worse.

Fortunately, the slumping Giants couldn't get past the moribund Philadelphia Phillies.  They lost to keep the Dodgers two games behind in the division race.

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

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1959 the second All-Star Game of the season is played at the LA Memorial Coliseum.  The AL defeated the NL, 5-3, on a third inning two-run homer by Yogi Berra off Don Drysdale.  In 2013 the Dodgers set a franchise record by winning their 13th consecutive victory.

Blog Kiosk: 9/8/2015 - Dodger Links - Ruggiano and Corey Seager on Julio Urias

Could Justin Ruggiano be our next great pinch-hitter?

He's been on quite a tear of late for the Dodgers.  He's had three off-the-bench opportunities since coming over from Seattle, and has successfully driven in a run each time.  Obviously that's far too small of a sample size to extrapolate further.  Still, you gotta like what he'd done at the plate for us so far.  He's getting an opportunity to contribute, and has made the most of it.

Last night might have been his most important pinch-hit so far.  With the game locked up in a 1-1 tie in the 5th inning, Ruggiano came in to hit with two men on base.  On the very first pitch he lined a double to left that scored the runners and gave the Dodgers an import two runs.  (You can watch it here)

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  BTW, the Dodgers "Magic Number" is now at 17.  Below are more links to check out:

• Via Dan O'Neill at STL Post-Dispatch, "Greinke brings Gibson's amazing '68 season into focus."
• Fantastic!  Eric Stephen at True Blue LA recalls the first Dodger game he remembers watching: "Sock day at Dodger Stadium, 30 years later."
• Via Steve Bourbon at MLB.com, "Grandal, Rollins join litany of injured Dodgers."

Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal was scratched from the starting lineup in Monday night's series opener against the Angels with a sore left shoulder in the same spot that caused him to miss three games in late August. Also sitting was shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who was set to have an X-ray on a jammed knuckle on his right hand.

• Via JP Hoornstra at Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, "Corey Seager pumps Julio Urias up while Dodgers pump the brakes." 

“His command was unbelievable,” Seager said. “He threw it where he needed to at all times and his changeup was really working for him. People were missing by two feet. He threw it 20, 30 percent of the time and literally people couldn’t hit it.”
...
“They should be (excited). He’s coming and it’s going to be impressive.”

• Via Chris Mitchell at FanGraphs, "Projecting Corey Seager." 
• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Dodgers pitching prospect Pablo Fernandez to miss postseason."

They shut him down and sent him home to rest, nothing else I’ve heard further,” said Quakes pitching coach Bill Simas prior to Monday afternoon’s game. “I think it was just some tightness [in his elbow], I don’t think it was anything major.”

• Via Michael Clair at MLB.com, "Will Ferrell inducted into the Hall of Fame (kind of) before world premiere of 'Ferrell Takes the Field'"

Ferrell's plaque, which was presented by the Dodgers' Adrian Gonzalez and the Padres' Wil Myers (whom Ferrell "carried" on the field during his appearance with the Padres during Spring Training), honors his nicknames, "Cactus Rose" and "Mr. Clutch" and forever commemorates the 92-mph fastball that he fouled off.

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Blog Kiosk: 7/15/2015 - Dodger Links - Pederson, Kershaw and Sandy Koufax

With exception of the National League losing the game, the entire All-Star Game was fantastic.  From pregame to end, it was fun to watch.  My favorite moment was when the "Franchise Four Greatest Living Legends" came onto the field, as evidenced in the photo above tweeted by @SportsCenter.  From L-R: Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Sandy Koufax and Willie Mays.

The next best moment was Sandy Koufax's first pitch to Johnny Bench.  Watch it below, via a tweet from @MLBGIFs.  As you would expect, he threw it right down the middle.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Kershaws’ Ping Pong 4 Purpose set for July 30."
• Jon also shares the Dodgers "Dodgers Franchise Four" here - Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Jackie Robinson and Duke Snider.
• A must read!  Via Pedro Moura at the OC Register, "Dodgers' Joc Pederson brings pivotal minor-league coach to Home Run Derby stage."

“Show me what you do that is similar,” (Johnny) Washington said he told Pederson. “And we couldn’t find too many similarities. So we combined the three hitters and tried to make him. And he took to it well.”

“I was frustrated, but it was honestly the best move that ever happened to me,” Pederson recalled Monday. “It made me become so much more open and see what I was doing wrong and why I only hit in batting practice and why it didn’t translate into games. I’m still learning a lot about hitting, but it was special.”

• Via Kevin Kaduk at Big League Stew, "Clayton Kershaw says he isn't a fan of the All-Star 'counting' after taking loss."

"It was fun until I started giving up runs," the Los Angeles Dodgers ace said. 

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Greinke has Eric Gagne-moment in 2015 All-Star Game."
• Via Israel Fehr at Big League Stew, "Here's our first look at 'Ferrell Takes The Field'"
• Via Adam Hughes at Sports Collectors Daily, "10 Underrated Baseball Rookie Cards of the 1980s."  Adam's list includes rookie cards for several former Dodger players.

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OMG! A Will Ferrell Dodger Autographed Card Just Sold for Huge Bucks!

I knew these cards would be big sellers, but the prices showing up on eBay are outrageous.

Check out the pic above.  It is tied to an auction that closed yesterday morning and features the very first 2015 Archives Will Ferrell autographed Dodger card to have sold at the online auction house.  This is what the description said:

I just pulled this from a target retail pack. 2015 topps archives will Ferrell on card auto. Card is # 2/10. This is in the Dodgers uniform. This will be one of the hottest cards of the year. Could be the first one pulled so far.

It was a "Buy It Now" sale and it apparently exchanged hands at a cool $2,000.00.  Check out the auction here.

BTW, the Ferrell Dodger card numbered at "01/10" is on eBay at the price of $2,159.99.  Check that auction out here.

Overall, it appears that four of these cards have sold on eBay.  They include:

• Diamondbacks Ferrell at $899.99 (Auction Link);
• Red Ferrell at $699.99 (Action Link);
• Dodgers Ferrell at $2,000.00 (Auction Link); and
• Mariners Ferrell (Auction Link) that sold at a best offer price - likely just below the $1,699.99 initial asking price.

Wow!

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The Will Ferrell Cards are Now Available - A Look at all the Cards

Topps 2015 Archives set is out at stores, so fans of Baseball and comedy finally have an opportunity to gaze upon the cardboard goodness of Will Ferrell.

During this past Spring the comedian extraordinaire delighted fans with an spectacle that is sure to be remembered for a long time.  He got onto the field and played nine different positions and batted as a DH for the ten different Cactus League clubs on a single day - reminiscent of a similar feat accomplished by Bert Campaneris on September 8, 1965.  On that day Campaneris became the first person to ever play all nine fielding positions in a single game.  BTW, Ferrell wore #19 (Bert's number) in honor of him.

In celebration of this happening Topps has created a 10-card Baseball card set featuring Ferrell in each uniform and inserted them into their Archives set.  Below are pics of every card in the subset.

Also, a limited number of cards have been autographed by Ferrell - numbered to only ten copies for each team card.  So far, only two of the autographed cards have turned up on eBay and they sold for huge dollars.  A Diamondbacks autographed card sold for $899.99 (see auction here) and a Reds autographed card sold for $699.99 (see auction here).

Directly below are pics of both the front and back of the Will Ferrell Dodger card.  The reverse includes the following description:

Will faced one batter for the Dodgers, retiring San Diego's Rico Noel on a bunt -- 1-3, if you're scoring at home.  Ferrell thus tied the all-time record for lowest career Spring Training ERA at 0.00.

Awesome!

Will Ferrell Set

#WFA-9 Will Ferrell - Los Angeles Dodgers

And if you're curious, here's the rest of the set.

#1 A's                                                #2 Mariners

#3 Angels                                                   #4 Cubs

#5 Diamondbacks                                            #6 Reds

#7 White Sox                                                #8 Giants

#9 Dodgers                                                 #10 Padres

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A Will Ferrell Dodger Baseball Card is Coming

Color me not surprised.

As I'm sure you remember, Will Ferrell paraded around Arizona playing ten different positions for ten teams during Cactus League play.  It was all for various charities he supports and an upcoming "Funny or Die" episode.  A ton of money was raised from the event, and I'm sure a lot of good has come as a result of it.

For fans, enjoying the spectacle didn't stop at only watching the games.  Fans also had an opportunity to buy some game-used stuff.  All the apparel Ferrell wore that day was auctioned off for charity, and now we learn that card collectors will be able to join in the fun.

Topps announced this morning that limited edition Will Ferrell Baseball cards will be randomly inserted into packs of 2015 Topps Archives.  There will be ten different Will Ferrell cards featuring him in the uniforms of the ten different teams he played for.  The cards will be numbered to only ten copies and they will all be autographed.

The best part about this all is that we will soon have a Will Ferrell Dodger card.  WooHoo!

BTW, the Archives set comes out in June.  So far, only four of the ten cards have been revealed by Topps online.   You can check them out above and directly below. 

Unfortunately, the Dodger version of the card has yet to be released.

Since I'm the impatient sort and have some, albeit low, level of knowledge of photoshop I decided to make my own.  Check it out below.  I used the 1972 Topps Baseball card design and a photo taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015 from that evening.

As soon as the real Will Ferrell Dodger card shows up I'll update this post.  In fact, Topps promised me that they will share a pic of that card later today, so stay tuned:

@ernestreyes we will be showing that off later today

— Topps Company (@toppscards) May 6, 2015

UPDATE: Topps just shared a pic of what the reverse of the cards look like on twitter.  I wonder if the Dodger card will have pitching stats instead:

We like the pictures on the Will Ferrell cards, but the backs are pretty cool too. @cut4 @mlb #MLB #baseballcards pic.twitter.com/vdJkWXw860

— Topps Company (@toppscards) May 6, 2015

UPDATE II: The Dodger Will Ferrell card is now available to gawk at.  Check it out below, via @toppscards:

Miss the news? Will Ferrell cards are coming to #Topps in 2015 Archives Baseball. Here he is on his @Dodgers card. pic.twitter.com/BV4R4Vd6ma

— Topps Company (@toppscards) May 6, 2015

UPDATE III: Topps instagram shared a couple more Ferrell pics; including the Angels and Reds cards below:

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Now You Can Own Will Ferrell's Game-Used Dodger Uniform

Were you enamored with the magnificent spectacle created by Will Ferrell during his recent Spring Training exploits?

Have you ever thought, "I want to look just like him?"

Or, maybe you just want to help a good cause while adding unique collectibles to your collection.

Now is your chance.  On auction are a whole bunch of game-used memorabilia used by Ferrell to play ten different positions for ten different teams on the same day,  Best yet, all proceeds go to charity.

Above are photos of the uniform he wore for the Dodgers as a pitcher.  Check out that auction here.  You can also find his pants (here) and his cap (here).  No word on if his jock strap will be for sale.

(Auction Link)

(Auction Link)

You can watch him pitch for the Dodgers below:

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 3/19/2015 - Dodger Links - McCarthy, Pederson and the Dodger Ping Pong Champions

Dodger hurler Brandon McCarthy had a terrible outing during his third stint this spring.  Pitching against the Cubs, he gave up six runs on eight hits in four innings.  Fortunately, McCarthy sees his poor start as a teaching moment.  Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com:

"I kind of like sometimes failing in spring because it gives you a better idea of what you need to do," McCarthy said. "It kind of takes off the bulletproof sheen that you get in the offseason of, ‘I'm going to win the Cy Young this year and everything's going to be where I want it,' and you realize right away it's still just as hard as you remember."

The photo above of McCarthy signing a Baseball via Gisselle Ruiz and shared on twitter.  Below are some more links to check out:

• This is a great read.  Via Craig Calcaterra at Hardball Talk, "How in the heck did my kids become Dodgers fans?"

But the real game-changer, particularly with my son, was Yasiel Puig. At some point in the past two years he heard me saying something about Puig. Maybe while doing a radio spot, maybe while just talking, but he knows that I talk about Puig differently than I talk about other players. He asked me why that was one time and I explained how Puig is different than a lot of other guys for many reasons.

• I think it's fair to say that Joc will be our starting center fielder.  Via Mike Bauman at MLB.com, "Pederson letting play make case for starting job."

"What I like with Joc now is he's staying in the middle of the field; earlier on, it was a little bit pull," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "His at-bats are good and he seems to be able to get himself a good pitch to hit. That's as key as anything."

• Scott Killeen at Sons of Steve Garvey shares even more photos of Tommy Lasorda at Camelback Ranch, here.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Guerrero's defense catching up with touted offense."
• Via Chris Cwik at Big League Stew, "Will Ferrell reflects on his wacky baseball experiment with David Letterman."  There's a video of his appearance to watch.
• Also, Brad Mangin (a photographer for Sports Illustrated) shares a bunch of his pics featuring Will Farrell during his spring training escapades on his blog.  Go here to check those out.  Mangin was there for the entire thing.
• Clayton Kershaw and Corey Seager are the Dodgers 2015 Spring Training Ping Pong Champions!  Watch a bit of it below.  BTW, the giant head cutout of Justin Turner being hoisted around by Darwin Barney once belonged to former MLB FanCave participant Aaron Roberts.  Per his twitter, he traded it to Barney for a couple of balls.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 3/14/2015 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Tommy Lasorda is hanging around Camelback Ranch to meet with fans, sign autographs and promote a new book about his life and career.  Be sure to check him out at the stadium this afternoon from noon to 2:00 PM to have him sign "Tommy Lasorda: My Way."

Photo at the top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers.  Go here to check out more photos from Jon from yesterday.  Below are some more links to check out:

• Will Ferrell now has a page at Baseball-Reference.  Check it out here.
• Jorge Arangure Jr. of Vice Sports tries to find out who shut down the Ned Colletti twitter parody account @DodgerzGM, "The Strange Saga of the Dodgers and a Twitter Parody Account."  BTW, the person who ran that parody account started a new one called @Ned2point0.  Check out their first post below.  Ha Ha!

*Gun pointed at my head* "No, I wasn't suspended because of the real Ned Colletti. He is great man with a terrific sense of humor."
— Ned2point0 (@Ned2point0) March 13, 2015

• Just more delays.  It's appearing more likely that we'll again not have SportsNet LA on a a majority of Southland TV screens this coming season.  Via Meg James at the LA Times, "FCC delays review of Comcast-Time Warner Cable and AT&T-DirecTV mergers."
• Via Mike Ozanian at Forbes.com, "Potential Sale Of Stake In Los Angeles Dodgers To South Koreans Values Team at $3 Billion."
• Here's a great story about a Dodger pitcher with an interesting WWII story.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "German pilot gives Coulombe a shot at Dodgers roster."

"I wouldn't be here," said Coulombe, who has thrown two scoreless innings this spring. "If the pilot had followed orders, my grandfather would have died. It's crazy to think."

• Via Matthew Mesa at Dodger Insider, "Dodger Stadium hosting 20th Annual L.A. Community Job Fair on March 28."
• Cards that Never Were made a fantastic 1978 fantasy Steve Garvey Topps MVP card.  Check it out here.

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Blog Kiosk: 3/13/2015 - Dodger Links - All Ferrell All the Time... Oh, Olivera, Ryu and Grienke Too

Yesterday was quite a spectacle.  Everyone in the stadium waited patiently for the arrival of the Cactus League traveling rookie known as Will Ferrell, and they were not disappointed.  He stumbled into the stadium wearing Giant colors (to the consternation of some in the crowd) and emerged from the Dodger dugout in Blue.

The crowd roared.  They laughed.  And best of all, we saw him throw a "slurge"

"Have you ever heard of a slurge? I'm going to throw that, I learned it in Japan"

Dodger catcher Austin Barnes was a bit tongue-tied after that.

The evening was everything you hoped it would be.  It was fun, off the cuff and thoroughly entertaining.  I get that there are some who disliked the entire show, but those voices are few and far between.  After all, in a game that starts from late February to October, having a moment to collectively laugh and smile all at once is a welcome change.  Heck, it's exactly the kind of thing to break us away from the drugery and seriousness that is everyday life. 

Will Ferrell was clocked at 55.8 MPH. 2.7 MPH faster than this Vicente Padilla eephus in 2010. Ike Davis hit a bomb http://t.co/xMFTl9Gc5e
— Daren Willman (@darenw) March 13, 2015

Photo at the top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers.  Go here to check out more photos from Jon from yesterday.  Below are some more links to check out:

• Jon Weisman at Dodger insider shares a video of Ferrell pitching to his one batter, here.  There's also a video of the games only run - a game winning dinger by rookie Joc Pederson.  Below is a GIF from the Dodgers on tumblr.

• Here's a peek at the Ferrell Dodger game-used jersey that will be on auction at MLB.com.  I'll be sure to let you all know when it comes up for sale.

Will Ferrell's jersey authenticated after taking the mound for the @Dodgers #FerrellTakesTheField #LightsOut pic.twitter.com/Zq6Do4P5c5
— MLB Authenticator (@MLB_Authentic) March 13, 2015

• Via Dave Cameron at FanGraphs, "The Dodgers Already Have Hector Olivera."  Cameron makes a good argument why the Dodger don't need him because they already have a player who is just like him.  And it's not who you might expect.

However, when reading scouting reports about Olivera’s expected performance, I can’t shake the idea that the Dodgers already have this player; he just goes by the name of Justin Turner.

• Via Jon Heyman at CBS Sports, "Olivera is hot item, but there's elbow mystery; Dodgers seek 2nd MRI."   Olivera has apparently declined to provide it.  If this is the case then I think that should end our pursuit of him
• Via Matthew Moreno at Dodgers Nation, "Dodgers Spring Training Video: Greinke Working On Improving Slider."
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Hyun-jin Ryu sets tone for Dodgers in Cactus League debut."  He went two innings, retired all 6 batters he faced and threw only thirty pitches.

"I felt great," Ryu said after his performance. "I didn't really think about it as a regular game. It was more like a preparation for the regular season, to get healthy."

• Topps newest online exclusive card offering is called "Past, Present & Future," and as the name suggest it includes three Dodgers' on a single card.  There are two different versions, and three variations available (#/99, #/10 & #/1).  Check them both out below.  Go here to see them at the Topps website.  BTW, the "1 of 1" variations have already been sold. 

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Welcome to the Blue, Will Ferrell!

Things are getting a little goofy around here!

Spring isn't just about practice and getting prepared for the long season.  No way!  It's also about having some fun.  And if you can tie in a great cause like fighting cancer then all the better.

(Fantasy card via @Dodgers on twitter)

As a part of HBO's "Funny or Die" series, Will Ferrell will traverse the desert landscape of Arizona's Cactus League to play every position on the field (including DH) for every team playing.  So that's ten positions for ten teams on one day.

That's awesome... And amazing... And considering how bad traffic is throughout the Phoenix area, it's an unbelievable task.  Have no fears, though, he'll be traveling to and fro with the help of an helicopter; which I suspect will supply endless opportunities for him to make a grand entrance.

The spectacle is in honor of Bert "Campy" Campaneris, who achieved the same feat some five decades ago, and as I said above the event will also assist organizations dedicated to fighting cancer, including Cancer for College and Stand Up To Cancer.  A large part of the fund raising effort will be an auction of game-used memorabilia from his journey that will be auctioned at MLB.com later this year.  I'll be sure to highlight this when it is available to view.

Below is a schedule of his planned appearances:

12:05 p.m. - Seattle Mariners at Oakland Athletics (HoHoKam Stadium)
1:10 p.m. - Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (Tempe Diablo Stadium)
2:10 p.m. - Cincinnati Reds at Arizona Diamondbacks (Salt River Fields at Talking Stick)
4:05 p.m. - San Francisco Giants at Chicago White Sox (ss) (Camelback Ranch)
6:15 p.m. - Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego Padres (Peoria Stadium)

BTW, you can follow the entire thing on twitter by following the hashtag: #ferrelltakesthefield.  Also, the Dodger game, that was originally scheduled for the early afternoon, will be televised on the MLB Network for all to see. 

There's no word yet on what position Ferrell will play for the Dodgers, but I'm hoping he pitches.  His bit a few years back as minor league journeyman pitcher Rojo Johnson was priceless.  Check out my little story about that here (including video).

In celebration of Ferrell's arrival to the Dodgers I made the above fantasy card for him.  I used a photo taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013 during the 2013 NLCS against the Cardinals and the 1974 Topps Baseball card design.  Also, MLB made their own fantasy card that you can see above (on the right side).

On a side note, it's about 10:00 AM right now and Ferrell is already in character for the day.  He has been seen at HoHoKam Stadium in an A's uniform.  Check out a pic tweeted out below:

Kind of a big deal: #WillFerrell to play for 10 #MLB teams for a good cause! #FerrellTakesTheField @funnyordie http://t.co/DOXrsGcWxz
— Starpulse (@Starpulse) March 12, 2015

UPDATE:  Here's a video about the day Bert Campaneris did it in 1965.

Video Link:

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 7/31/2012

See, Dodger fans.  Magic hasn't disappeared.  In fact, he was just on vacation.  Heck, you might be able to call it a working vacation since he was spreading some Dodger Blue across the world.  Via WhoSay: "As you can see, I turned the whole crew of the Amadeus into Dodger fans while on vacation!" Magic Johnson on WhoSay

• Per Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, Hanley Ramirez Meets the Media in Los Angeles.

"This organization has a lot of history and tradition. I grew up in the Dominican watching this organization," Ramirez said. "Leaving my family behind, that was the hard thing. But coming here to a contender, knowing that I can win some championships here, it's a very happy time for me and my family."

• Ramona Shelbourne at ESPN wonders, "Welcome to Hanleywood?"

 "The blaze that Manny came in with, it's hard to duplicate," Mattingly said of Manny Ramirez' 2008 season with the Dodgers in which he hit .396 with 17 home runs and 53 RBI in 53 games. "I'd rather Hanley just come in, be himself, get comfortable here and look at this as more of a long-term situation."

• Ben Badler at Baseball America points out a couple of hidden gems in the Dodgers farm system, via twitter @BenBadler.

• I don't know if I really understand what a Egraph is.  Nevertheless, I thought I would take notice of it since Clayton Kershaw and Don Mattingly have joined them to offer the "next generation" of autographs that include personalized written and voice messages.  From my understanding, the player will record a personalized message and digitally sign a photo for you.  It would be accessible online.  You can also order a framed print, but I believe it would be of a digital autograph and not the real thing.  Go here for more information.  BTW, 

100% of all proceeds from Don Mattingly e-graphs will benefit  Mattingly Charities efforts to provide baseball themed programs and equipment for disadvantaged youth while Clayton Kershaw's proceeds will go to the Kershaw's Challenge foundation which supports childrens' charities around the world.

• Greg at Plaschke, Thy Sweater is Argyle scores an awesome auto/relic of Duke Snider in a blog contest. 
• Barry Petchesky at Deadspin makes note of 4 Olympic athletes who are stateless.
• I'm just enjoying anything Kings related.  Here, Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis promote their new film "The Campaign" in Toronto at the Hockey Hall of Fame.  Ferrell is wearing a Kings jersey.

Video Link: (Hat Tip: Puck Daddy)

Blog Kiosk: 5/9/2010

Frustration is watching Dodger pitching.

• RIP Ernie Harwell. Check out this 1988 card featuring the broadcaster, via Grand Cards.
• Best photoshop job ever, via Left Field Pavilion. For some background check out this great post from Vin Scully is My Homeboy.
• This is an absolutely must read for the Dodger fan in all of you. Fred Claire recounts the formation of the 1988 Championship team, via FullCount.com. (Hat Tip: Dodger Thoughts)
• If I can't win the Mega Millions Lottery, then, at least a couple of Dodger fans did. (Hat Tip: Inside the Dodgers)
• Oh, Man. I need me one of these- burger scented candles from White Castle.
• Check this out. Will Ferrell, disguised as Rojo Johnson, pitched in a real-life minor league Baseball game and got kicked out.

  "Mentally, I feel like I have the strength of 10 men, after that," Ferrell/Johnson, who ripped off his mustache during the on-field chase, told reporters in a postgame press conference.

  (Hat Tip: Bugs & Cranks) See even more, including the after game press interview, here on Big League Stew.
• Recently inducted Hall of Famer, umpire Doug Harvey (remember him?), had a chance to walk through Cooperstown.
• 2K Sports Million Dollar winner. McGilberry pitches the first perfect game on MLB 2K10.
• Downsizing at Upper Deck.
• Say it ain't so, Mike! Via Vin Scully is My Homeboy.