Blog Kiosk: 7/22/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Opening Day is around the corner.

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

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

Blog Kiosk: 7/15/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

First, let me just add that net proceeds garnered from this will go directly to the LA Dodgers Foundation. Now, on to this exciting news. The Dodgers are offers "fan cutouts" in the Dugout Club or the new Pavilion Home Run Seats for $299 and in the Field Level or Loge Level locations for $149. On top of that, the cutout is yours at the end of this truncated season and it'll be authenticated by MLB. Go here for more information.

“The electrifying energy of Dodger Stadium is rooted in the passion of our fans. While we are saddened that they will not be part of the live experience, the personalized cutouts will bring a bit of color to the stadium during these challenging times,” said Nichol Whiteman, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation CEO. “Thanks to the generosity of our fans everywhere, this campaign will fund our critical work. Together we will help Angelenos when they need support the most.”

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 play at Candlestick Park is halted for 24 minutes after Giants first baseman Willie McCovey hits a Don Drysdale pitch in the second inning to shallow left field that no one can see due to thick fog. McCovey is given a "invisible triple." In 2004 Eric Gagne records his 24th save of the season, helping defeat the Diamondbacks, 4-3. The save is his 130th as a Dodger -- breaking Jeff Shaw's record for most career saves in franchise history. In 2017 Cody Bellinger hit for a cycle against the Marlins at Marlins Park -- becoming the first Dodger rookie to have ever done so. You can watch highlights of the game here.
• Happy Birthday, Dan McGann, Bruce Edwards, James Baldwin & Miguel Olivo!

Blog Kiosk: 7/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Happy Belated Birthday, Cody!

He turned 25-years old yesterday.

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

• This Day In Dodgers History: In 2003 the Dodgers sign free agent future Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson. The Dodgers are 49-44 at the time, but languish in third place in the NL West -- 7.5 games behind the Giants. Unfortunately, Rickey cannot change the Dodgers fortunes. He gets into only 30 games, batting .208 with one double, two home runs and five RBI's. In 1995 Dodger pitcher Ramon Martinez no-hits the Marlins at Dodger Stadium, 7-0 (boxscore). He was perfect for 7 1/3 innings before walking Tommy Gregg. It is the 22nd no-no in franchise history. You can watch the final out here.
• Happy Birthday, Tim Locastro, Ed Hug, Happy Smith, Max West, Gene Schott, Danny Walton, Pepe Frias, Darren Hall, Robin Ventura & Jose Hernandez!

Blog Kiosk: 6/24/2020 - Dodgers Links & news - We're Back!

Baseball's back!

Featured above is a 9/29/1946 ACME press photo featuring the Ebbets Field granstands and a whole bunch of celebrating Brooklynites. Per the descriptor on the reverse (eBay auction link):

Futile Ray of Hope -- Brooklyn fans cheer at Ebbets Field as their team stops the Boston Braves momentarily. A few moments later, gloom descended again as the Braves went on to win the game, 4 to 0. Brooks are tied for first place in the National League with the St. Louis Cardinals, who lost to the Cubs, 8 to 3. 

On a side note, I am still not entirely convinced that this is really going to happen. Nevertheless, I will celebrate with all the optimism and hope the game tries to inspire.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Jackie Robinson stole home plate for the first time in his career. It was against the Pirates at Forbes Field during the fifth inning to give the Dodgers a lead and it was the eventual winning run, 4-2. In 1955 future Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax makes his Major League debut. He pitches in relief against the Milwaukee Braves and goes two innings -- allowing one hit, one walk and striking out two. In 1958 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder/outfielder Ron Fairly out of USC. He would eventually play 12 seasons in Los Angeles -- slashing .260/.347/.385/.732 while helping the club capture three World Series titles. In 2018 the Dodgers tie a NL record when they collectively hit seven solo home runs during a single game. It was against the Met's at Citi Field, and it includes a game-winning homer by Justin Turner -- against his old club in the 12th inning, 8-7.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Banta & Jason Romano!

Blog Kiosk: 6/8/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday Topps released their sixth Dodgers-related 2020 Topps Now 'Turn Back the Clock' online exclusive card and it makes note of Yasiel Puig's remarkable debut in 2013 -- four homers in his first five games. Per the description on the reverse.

June 7, 2013 -- After tallying three home runs and nine RBI in his first four games, Yasiel Puig continued the Scintillating start to his Baseball career. The 22-year-old clubbed a solo shot, marking four home runs in his first five games and giving the Dodgers another dynamic athlete to add to a solid starting lineup.

Unfortunately, it is too late to order this card directly from Topps. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1955 the Dodgers sent pitcher Tommy Lasorda down to the minors (Montreal Royals) in order to make room for bonus baby signee Sandy Koufax on the roster. In 1968 Don Drysdale not only set the major league record for consecutive scoreless innings, but also saw his streak end at 58 2/3 innings when the Phillies score a run in the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly by Howie Bedell. In fact, this would be Bedell's only RBI this season. BTW, the Dodgers would win the game, 5-3. In 1991 Mike Scioscia catches his 1,219th game as a Dodgers - setting a franchise mark for games caught. In 2012 the Dodgers are no-hit by six different Mariner pitchers, 1-0. Seattle began the game with Kevin Millwood, then followed Charlie Furbush, Stephen Pryor, Lucas Luetge, Brandon League, and Tom Wilhelmsen.
• Happy Birthday, Van Lingle Mungo, Mark Belanger, Kevin Gross & Dave Mlicki!

Blog Kiosk: 6/4/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

On this day in 1972 the Dodgers retired the very first numbers in their history, and they chose to do it with a bang. They didn't just retire one number -- they retired three. Featured above is Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and Sandy Koufax. The ceremony happened during pregame activities on Old-Timers Day.

BTW the Dodgers would eventually lose that evenings game against Bob Gibson and the Cardinals, 4-0 (boxscore).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1964 Sandy Koufax threw his third no-hitter of his career. He blanked the Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium, 3-0. Overall, he recorded 12 strike outs and allowed just one walk. In 1968 Don Drysdale threw his sixth consecutive shutout of the season, extending his scoreless streak to 54 innings, when he defeated the Pirates, 5-0. This is also the day Robert Kennedy made note of Drysdale's efforts in a speech at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles after winning the CA primary. You can watch that portion of the speech here. Soon thereafter, Kennedy would be assassinated. In 1972 the Dodgers retired the first three numbers in their history during pregame activities on Old-Timers Day -- Sandy Koufax #32, Roy Campanella #39, and Jackie Robinson #42. In 1998 the Dodgers traded Hideo Nomo to the Mets for Dave Mlicki and Greg McMichael. In 1990 Dodgers ace Ramón Martínez struck out 18 Atlanta batters to defeat the Braves, 2-0. His effort tied a club record for strike outs in a game with Sandy Koufax, and was one short of the Major League record.
• Happy Birthday, Lee Magee, George Watkins & Rick Wilkins!

Blog Kiosk: 5/22/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic press photo of a young Carl Erskine from the Houston Post. The clarity and contrast between dark and light, along with what I believe is the grandstands from Ebbets Field is phenomenal. It is dated April 29, 1959, so it's clearly not a period photograph. Erskine is wearing a Brooklyn Dodgers cap and by 1959 the Dodgers had already moved to Los Angeles. I suspect this is a photograph that the Houston Post kept in their library for future use. To collectors, this photograph would be described as a Type II photo -- a picture printed from the original negative more than 2 years of the photo being shot. (eBay auction link).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1949 Don Newcombe made his first major league start, firing a five-hit shutout in a 3-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. He would go on to have a 17-8 record with 19 complete games, five shut outs and an 3.17 ERA -- winning both the Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young awards. In 1987 the Dodgers traded reliever Tom Niedenfuer to the Orioles for John Shelby and Brad Havens. Shelby would go on to have a very impactful season for the World Series Champion Dodgers the next year.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Lohrman & Tommy John!

Blog Kiosk: 5/11/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Great photo - Bad result. Pete Reiser was out at home. (eBay auction link) Below is what's written on the reverse:

Dusty Dodger Out At Home 

Boston, Mass... Pete Reiser, Dodgers' left fielder made at game try but is declared "out" at the plate in the third inning of the opening game at Braves Field here today. The putout was made on Connie Ryan's throw to Phil Masi. Pee Wee Reese had previously scored on Saunders' fumble. The Boston Braves were trailing the Brooklyn visitors at this stage of the game 2 to 0. (Dated 7.7.1946) (Photo via Myer Ostroff).

Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose this game, 3-2 (boxscore). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1963 Sandy Koufax no-hit the Giants at Dodger Stadium, 8-0 (boxscore). In fact, he had a perfect game going into the eighth, before walking the second batter of the inning. Overall, he recorded four strikeouts, two walks and faced only 28 batters - only one more than the minimum. This was also his second career no-hitter.
• Happy Birthday, Gene Hermanski, Bill Bean, Trent Hubbard & Red Patterson!

Blog Kiosk: 4/27/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a vintage World Wide Photo print featuring Dodgers ace Sandy Koufax with Jay North - aka, Dennis the Menace. They appeared together in an episode of Dennis the Menace in May 1962 -- during 31st episode of season 3. The episode was titled, "Dennis and the Dodger." The photo is available through RMY Auctions. You can watch much of the episode on Daily Motion, here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1929 Dodger reliever Clise Dudley became the first pitcher (and only second player ever) to hit a home run on the first major league pitch thrown to him. In 1944 Jim Tobin of the Braves no-hits the Brooklyn Dodgers in Boston, 2-0. In 1990 Orel Hershiser undergoes surgery on his pitching shoulder. In 2004 Mets Catcher Mike Piazza ties Carlton Fisk for most career round-trippers by a catcher when he hit home run #351 against Dodgers hurler Hideo Nomo at Dodger Stadium.
• Happy Birthday, Hi Myers, Frank Wurm & Corey Seager!

Blog Kiosk: 4/20/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic AP press photo featuring Pistol Pete's follow-through at the plate -- dated 9/20/1941 (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Brooklyn, NY -- Pete Reiser, hard-hitting young center-fielder for the Brooklyn Dodgers, who will be in there swinging for his team during World Series play, if they win the National League flag. 

The Leo Durocher managed Dodgers did win the pennant (with a 100-54 record), but lost to the Bronx Bombers in October. Below are more links to checkout:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1995 Peter O'Malley donates the Brooklyn Dodgers' 1955 World Championship banner to the borough in which it was won, saying, "The flag belongs in Brooklyn." In 1999 the Dodgers surpass the 100 million mark in attendance at Dodger Stadium. In 2011 it is announced that MLB will be taking over the operations of the Dodgers due to concerns over the finances of team owner Frank McCourt. 
• Happy Birthday, Don Mattingly, Germany Smith, Pat Hannivan, Dave Bancroft, Hal Peck, Tom Hutton, Todd Hollandsworth & Ian Thomas! 

Blog Kiosk: 3/20/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

This is just charming. Featured here is a vintage press photograpgh (P&A Photos) of former Dodger owner Charles Ebbets with his wife Grace (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

"Squire" Ebbets, owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers and his wife picking oranges at Clearwater, Fla., where his team is in training. The "Squire" has always been a shrewd business man and a judge of good baseball material. Here's hoping that he hasn't picked any "Lemons" on his team.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 the great Babe Didrikson pitched the first inning against the Brooklyn Dodgers during an spring training game against the Philadelphia A's at McCurdy Field in Frederick, Maryland. She walked one and gave up no hits. In 2005 the Dodgers traded starting pitcher Kazuhisa Ishii to the Mets for catcher Jason Phillips. In 2008 the Dodgers make their Cactus League debut. For the first time they would spend their spring training in Arizona. They would beat the White Sox in Phoenix, 8-2. 
• Happy Birthday, Pat Corrales, Mike Griffin, Joe McGinnity, Johnny Butler, Jim Golden, Terry McDermott, Rick Parker & Will Brunson! 

Blog Kiosk: 3/18/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a look at the Dodgers 2020 on-field cap. As you can see, it includes a patch for the upcoming All-Star Game. Pic above via New Era on twitter. BTW, below is a look at the St. Patrick's Day Dodger cap for this year, below (via Dodger Blue)

(Emmett Kelly by Art Rogers/LA Times)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1942 two African-American ballplayers, Jackie Robinson and Nate Moreland, showed up at the White Sox spring training home at Brookside Park in Pasadena and requested a tryout. They met manager Jimmy Dykes and were allowed to hit the field, but as you know nothing would come of it. In 1958 famed clown Emmett Kelly, signed by the Dodgers to play the teams mascot in Brooklyn, announced that his contract had not been renewed to join the team in LA. The veteran circus performer believes the size of the Coliseum, the club's new home on the West Coast, is just "too big for one clown".
• Happy Birthday, Oscar Walker, Johnny Cooney, Gerónimo Berroa & Scott Podsednik!

Blog Kiosk: 1/6/2020 - Dodgers News & Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is a 1947 press photo (eBay link) featuring today's birthday boy, Ralph Branca. Per the descriptor:

Yankee Stadium, Sept. 30 -- Opposing Pitchers -- Yankees Frank Shea (left) and Dodgers Ralph Branca, World Series opening game pitcher's shake hands before start of game here today.

As you may know, the Dodgers would not prevail. They would lose to the Yankees, 5-3, and eventually lose the series in seven games.

Below are links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1997 Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley publicly announces that the Dodgers are for sale. The O'Malley family had been in control of the franchise since 1950. As you know, the club would eventually be sold to the Fox Entertainment Group for $311 million -- at the time, the most ever paid for a professional sports franchise.
• Happy Birthday, George Shoch, John Corriden, Lee Walls, Ralph Branca & Marlon Anderson!

Blog Kiosk: 12/23/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

In honor of today's Festivus Day I bring to you a letter written by Tommy Lasorda to George Castanza, of Seinfeld fame, that attempts to recruit him for the Dodgers (Hat Tip: u/WoodyPecker on Reddit). It says:

Congratulations on a great career with the Yankees! You lasted than any of Steinbrenner's managers! 

Everyone know that the Yankees hadn't won for years until you joined them. Their batters couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat! But you get there and they win a World Series championship. Now, I want you to do the same for the Dodgers. 

We're looking for your bhig ideas. Like the cotton uniforms, for example... BRILLIANT! They'll be great in LA. I got my order from the very top, George. Now that you're a FREE AGENT, we'll do whatever it takes to get you in Dodger Blue. All the Slim Fast you'll ever need, if that's what it takes.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 Dodgers second baseman Jim "Junior" Gilliam is named the National League Rookie of the Year. He slashed .278/.383/.415/.798 with a league leading 17 triples. In 1958 traded infielder and future Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson to the Phillies for Rip Repulski, Jim Golden and Gene Snyder. In 2004 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder JD Drew to a five-year, $55 million deal contract that includes and option clause after the second season. He would slash .284/.399/.505/.905 his first two years, and immediately exercised that option to become a free agent. He would then five-year, $70 million contract with the Red Sox. In 2016 the Dodgers signed team-leader Justin Turner to a four-year, $64 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Doc Gessler, Bunny Fabrique, Danny Taylor, Ox Eckhardt, Max Rosenfeld, Pat Ankenman, Tim Harkness, Ray Lamb, Tim Leary, Cody Ross & Hanley Ramírez!

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!

Blog Kiosk: 8/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Have no fear, Muncy is here! Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“I can’t count how many big hits he’s had for us,” manager Dave Roberts said of Muncy. “When we’re at home, we feel if the game’s tied, we have a good chance to finish it with a walk-off.”

Last nights game winning homer was the Dodgers 11th walk-off of the season. Photo above of Muncy receiving a powder bath via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1948 the Dodgers recorded a triple steal in the fifth inning of their game against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. Jackie Robinson stole home, Gene Hermanski took third and Pee Wee Reese swiped second base. In 1965 Giants hurler Juan Marichal attacked Johnny Roseboro with his bat while at the plate. He had been buzzing Dodger batters all day, so Roseboro - with Marichal at the plate - decided to throw the baseball back to his pitcher, Sandy Koufax, while at the same time making sure it barely missed Marichal's face -- who took offense. Quickly, benches cleared and a brawl commenced. See the pic on the right to see what I mean. In 2000 Eric Karros becomes the first Dodger in franchise history to hit two home runs in one inning. It was against the Expos.
• Happy Birthday, Ned Hanlon, Al Bashang, Jeff Weaver, Randy Wolf & David Huff!

Blog Kiosk: 8/20/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The elation on their faces is palpable.

Featured above is an October 2, 1963 AP press photo of Sandy Koufax with old friend Carl Erskine within the Yankee Stadium clubhouse following Game 1 of the World Series (eBay auction link). As you know, Sandy recorded a six-hit complete game to defeat the Bronx Bombers, 5-2 (boxscore). He struck out an unbelievable 15 batters and walked only three. BTW, the Dodgers ended up sweeping the Yankees to take the crown.

UPDATE: Jon Weisman of Dodger Thoughts passes along some info I had failed to realize. Per a tweet from him:

The significance of Erskine being in that pic with Koufax is that Koufax broke the World Series strikeout record that Erskine set 10 years earlier to the day. And Erskine was there to see it. #brothersinarms https://t.co/iRWOPm8hgi

— Jon Weisman (@jonweisman) August 20, 2019

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 seventeen year old Dodger shortstop Tommy Brown became the youngest player in Major League history to hit a home run. He hit it off of Pirates hurler Preacher Roe in the seventh inning, and it would be the only run the Dodgers would score in a losing effort, 11-1. In 1978 Steve Garvey and Don Sutton have a scuffle in the clubhouse before their game against the Mets at Shea Stadium. Sutton had been critical of Garvey in a Washington Post story (here's a followup story) -- saying that he was more interested in his off-field persona than his play, and that Reggie Smith was the teams real MVP.

"All you hear about on our team is Steve Garvey the All-American boy. But Reggie Smith was the real MVP. We all know it . . . (Smith) has carried us the last two years. He is not a facade. He does not have the Madison Avenue image."

• Happy Birthday, Frank Bonner, Ed McLane, Bill Crouch, Al Lopez, Fred Norman, Lance Rautzhan, Kal Daniels, Jamie Hoffman & Blake DeWitt!

Blog Kiosk: 8/16/2019 - Dodgers Links - Youngest to 40

Cody Bellinger launched his 40th homer of the season last night to become the youngest Dodger in franchise history to hit as many home runs -- he is 24-yeas old. Via Christina De Nicola at MLB.com:

Per Andrew Friedman: “Obviously, incredibly talented player who’s had a lot of success, but for him to take that other big step forward has been awesome. Just the maturation that we've seen over the offseason into this year, we think it's a big contributing factor to that.”
...
“He's a special player, when you think about it,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “This guy plays center. He plays first. He's a really good outfielder. He can steal a bag. He has power. The whole thing. It's a different look. He does everything. When you're talking about one of the top guys in the league, they're guys that can do that. It's not just home runs. It's not just average. It's a little bit of everything.”

Photo above via Michael Reaves/Stringer 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 1950 Giants third baseman Hank Thompson hit two inside-the-park home runs off Dodger pitchers Don Bankhead and Carl Erskine at the Polo Grounds. Brooklyn got pummeled 16-7. In 1964 Cardinals great Curt Flood recorded eight consecutive hits against the Dodgers during a doubleheader in Los Angeles; including four hits against Sandy Koufax. Unfortunately, Koufax injured his elbow while on the basepaths and would not pitch again that season. In 1988 the Dodgers traded fan favorite Pedro Guerrero to the Cardinals for starting pitcher John Tudor. This move would prove to be an impactful one. In nine starts Tudor would solidify the rotation by going 4-3 with an 2.41 ERA as the Dodgers head to the World Series.
• Happy Birthday, Hub Northen, Billy Rhiel, Roger Cedeno & Yu Darvish!

2019 Topps Tribute Baseball - Most of the Dodger Cards

Last week Topps released their Tribute Baseball brand, and I've got pics of many of the Dodgers' found within packs. Unfortunately, I have yet to find any of the autographed Dodger cards that are available, so I'll update this post as they emerge. In the meantime, take a look at the base and relic cards. BTW, a box will cost you about $275 and you'll get six packs consisting of three cards. You are  also guaranteed three autographed and three relic cards per box. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

Base

#3 Duke Snider               #24 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 8/14/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

“It was as good of a night as we’ve had all year,” said manager Dave Roberts.

When you've got the best pitching coach in the game and some of the best youngsters the league can produce, it should come as no surprise that games like last nights happen. Last night we absolutely decimated the lowly Marlins, 15-1, and even witnessed the beauty of Russell Martin as a reliever for the third time this season. BTW, Dustin May is the real deal. He showed us his curve ball and it was very good. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

On Tuesday, May’s sinker-cutter combo stayed as trusted as it has all year, getting a combined seven swinging strikes and 17 called strikes. But he also more frequently incorporated the curveball, throwing it 17 times. 

“The more comfortable I feel with it, the more I’m going to throw it,” said May, who recorded a second straight outing allowing just one run.

Photo above via JC Ruiz/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays blowout game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 the Dodgers and Cubs play a doubleheader that last a total of only two hours and seventeen minutes. In the opener, the Cubs blanked Brooklyn 2-0, in one hour and ten minutes, and in the nightcap it takes the Dodgers one hour and seven minutes to shut out Chicago, 1-0. In 1980 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent pitcher Tom Niedenfuer out of Washington State University. In a couple of years he would be a mainstay in the Dodgers bullpen -- recording 64 saves as a Dodger. 
• Happy Birthday, Magic Johnson, Frank McCourt, Mark Loretta, Scott Stewart, McKay Christensen & Juan Pierre!