Blog Kiosk: 7/6/2018 - Dodgers Links - First Place, Baby!

Woo Hoo! For the first time this season the Dodgers are in first place.

The trepidation that began at the start of the season is now but a distant memory.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 Leo Durocher recorded a "little league" home run that started as an sacrifice bunt in the seventh inning during the All-Star Game played in Cincinnati. Durocher was credited with a bunt single and came around to score on errors by Jimmy Foxx and Joe DiMaggio. In 1979 the Dodgers purchased the contract of pitcher Fernando Valenzuela from Puebla of the Mexican League. In 1980 the Dodgers retired Duke Snider's uniform #4 during that days Old-Timers Day ceremonies at Dodger Stadium. In 2000 Vin Scully is voted the No. 1 sportscaster of the 20th century by members of the American Sportscasters Association. 
• Happy Birthday, Frank Kellert, Willie Randolph & Germán Rivera!

Blog Kiosk: 4/18/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I'm still salty about last nights elimination of the Kings at the hands of the upstart Las Vegas Knights. These were some tough hard-fought games, and losing all four of them when it could have easily gone the other way does not ameliorate my grief. Overall, only ten goals were scored collectively and the play of each net-minder was beyond excellent. Unfortunately, the Kings offense could never find a consistent rhythm, and the team and its fans (yes, the crowd was just as frustrated as the players) suffered for it.

I can't say I'm happy with how this season ended, but I will say we did better than I thought we'd do when the season started.

With that all being said, I send out a hearty congratulations to the Las Vegas Knights. They beat us this time. We'll get them back. I sense that an intense rivalry has just begun.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1925 Charles Ebbets, the Dodgers owner and president, dies of an heart attack on the morning of his teams home opener at Ebbets Field. In 1939 Red Barber announces the first ever regular season Dodger game to be broadcast in Brooklyn. In 1946 Jackie Robinson makes his debut as a second baseman for the Montreal Royals. He belts a home runs and records three singles. In 1947 Burt Shotten is named the Dodgers manager - replacing Leo Durocher who was suspended by the league ten days prior. In 1950 Vin Scully calls his very first game as a Dodgers broadcaster. In 1952 Willie Mays is knocked unconscious when he runs in to the Ebbets Field outfield wall while making a game saving catch. In 1958 Los Angeles holds a downtown parade for the the Dodgers before their first home game at the Coliseum. A National League record 78,672 fans crowd the stadium to watch their new team defeat the soon-to-be-hated Giants, 6-5. In 1964 Sandy Koufax throws his second career Immaculate Inning - three strike outs on nine pitches during one inning. In 1966 Maury Wills becomes the first batter to get a hit on artificial grass - a single off of Robin Roberts at the Astrodome. In 2008 the Dodgers announce that Joe Beimel had been selected by fans to get a bobblehead.
• Happy Birthday, Hughie Hearne, Tommy McMillan, Nick Polly, Bobby Castillo, Jim Eisenreich & Brady Clark!

Welcome to the Blue, Zach Neal!

Considering last nights roller-coaster-of-a-game you shouldn't be surprised by this move. After all, our bullpen arms are a bit overtaxed. Announced just a moment ago, the Dodgers have called up 29-year old right-handed pitcher Zach Neal (#49) from Triple-A Oklahoma City. At the same time, reliever Josh Fields has been placed on paternity list (mazel tov!).

Blog Kiosk: 1/9/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Congrats, Ryu!

He and Bae Ji-hyun tied the knot this past weekend in a private ceremony in Seoul. Photo above via Dan Kurtz on twitter. Per the Korean Herald:

“The year 2018 will have a bigger meaning than any other year,” they said. “We’ll be warm companions for each other, a husband and a wife who always think positive, and two people who will give their best for each other.”

Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Ray French, John Hall, Stan Javier, Harley Payne, George Crable, Ivan de Jesus, Ferrell Anderson& Otis Nixon!