Weekend Autograph Opportunities: LLLUUUUUUCCCC!!!

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.

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I wanted to first note that auditions are being held this Saturday for aspiring singers at Dodger Stadium for National Anthem duties.
Here are the details:

WHAT: The Dodgers will hold Red, White and Dodger Blue National Anthem Auditions this Saturday and performers will be chosen to sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at home games this season. One participant will be selected to sing the national anthem at the Dodgers’ first home game in Los Angeles, as they take on the Angels next Tuesday, April 3. Entry and parking for the Red, White and Dodger Blue National Anthem Auditions will be free.

• Stadium gates open at 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., with auditions occurring until 6 p.m. on a first come, first serve basis
• All performers are encouraged to bring a DVD with their rendition of the National Anthem and a resume
• Please note that based upon attendance, not all performers will have the chance to audition before 5 p.m. in which case, singers will be considered based upon their DVD submission. We'll draw three people from those submissions to perform at Dodger Stadium during the season
• Performers will be asked to sing a cappella and will begin at "rockets' red glare"
• The auditions are free to all ages. Performers under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by a legal guardian
• Each performer is allowed to bring one friend or family member with them inside of the stadium gates

** Performers are encouraged to bring in-ears or headphones to help with the acoustic delay**

Go here for more details. And GOOD LUCK!

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If you can't carry a tune then why not get an autograph of former Laker Robert Horry at Frank & Sons in the City of Industry on Saturday. See the flyer below, and a link here.

Horry will be signing from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

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Can you ever beat free autographs from a Southern Californian legend and Hall of Famer. Former Kings left winger and current Kings President of Business Operations, Luc Robitaille, will be in La Mirada for a free autograph session. See the flyer below and a link can be found here.

Details:

Sunday, April 1st; 10 am - 12 pm
Living Spaces
14501 Artesia Blvd
La Mirada, CA 90638
(714) 228-1164
Only one autograph per person.
Autographs available as time permits.
Line will be limited to 300 guests.
Hat Tip: LA Inspiration

Mears Auction: A Couple of Vintage Dodgers Photos

Here are a couple of great photos from Mears monthly auction featuring some old-time Dodgers.

This is a first generation press photo from the archives of The Sporting News. Below is Don Drysdale, from 1964, doing some running during Spring Training.

(Auction Link)

Here is another Sporting News press photo featuring a couple of current and a future Dodger first baseman.

Los Angeles Dodgers first basemen Frank Howard and Gil Hodges share repetitions with young prospect Gil Hodges Junior at the Dodgers spring training camp in 1960.

I don't think Junior could have better tutors than these two guys.

(Auction Link)

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training- Game 29

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.

Milwaukee Brewers (11-14-2) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (12-11-4)

Friday, March 30, 2012 – 1:05 p.m., Camelback Ranch - Glendale

LHP Chris Capuano vs. Francisco Rodriguez

Spring Game 29/Home Game 14

Split squad games today.

Todays Starting Lineup for the game at Camelback Ranch:

Dodgers: Hairston LF, Sellers SS, Kemp CF, Ethier RF, Rivera 1B, Fields 3B, A.J. Ellis C, Joe Becker 2B, Capuano P.
Brewers: Weeks 4, Gomez 8, Braun 7, Conrad 5, Lucroy 2, Gamel 3, Izturis 6, Aoki 9, Rodriguez 1.

Todays Starting Lineup for the other game in Mesa:

Dodgers: Gordon SS, M. Ellis 2B, Loney 1B, Uribe 3B, Gwynn LF, Angle CF, Cruz RF, Treanor C, Nieve P.
Cubs: DeJesus RF, Barney 2B, Castro SS, LaHair 1B, Soriano LF, Stewart 3B, Byrd CF, Soto C, Dempster P

Upcoming Spring Training Schedule:

(Eddie Vedder and Johnny Ramone visit Dodger Dugout, pic via twitter @PearlJamOnline)

• SPLITSVILLE: The Dodgers will play two games this afternoon with split-squads battling the Brewers at Camelback Ranch and the Cubs on the road in Mesa. Los Angeles and Milwaukee split their previous two meetings this spring with the Dodgers winning 7-6 on March 20 in Glendale and losing 7-1 on Sunday in Maryvale. The Dodgers lost the season series 2-4 to Milwaukee last season and the clubs will get their matchups underway early in the 2012 campaign with meetings from April 17-19 at Miller Park and May 29-31 at Dodger Stadium.

• HURLERS: LHP Chris Capuano will make his fifth Cactus League start this afternoon after allowing two runs in 5.0 innings in his last outing on Saturday against the Indians. The 33-year-old spent seven seasons in the Milwaukee organization from 2004-10, going 44-48 with a 4.34 ERA in 139 games (120 starts) with the Brew Crew. Capuano is 1-1 with a 3.29 ERA this spring and has limited opposing hitters to a .231 batting average (12-for-52) with 15 strikeouts in 13.2 innings. He will be followed to the hill by:

  ● RHP Jamey Wright will tie Josh Lindblom for the team lead with his ninth appearance of the spring today after allowing one run in 1.0 inning on Tuesday against the Padres in a spot start. That same day, the 37-year-old had his contract selected by the Dodgers and was added to the club’s 40-man roster, essentially making the club as a non-roster invitee.

  ● RHP Todd Coffey has seen his ERA balloon to 8.53 after allowing a two-run homer in his 1.0 inning of work on Wednesday against the Giants and has allowed runs in three of his last four appearances. Coffey pitched three seasons in Milwaukee from 2008-10 before spending last season in Washington and went 7-8 with a 3.52 ERA in 156 games with the Brewers.

  ● RHP Matt Guerrier will make his third appearance of the spring after a back injury kept him off the mound since his last appearance on March 11 against the Cubs.

  

(pic via Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2012)

• ROSTER UPDATE: Following yesterday’s game, the Dodgers released non-roster invitees OF Cory Sullivan (.289 batting average in 22 games) and C Josh Bard (.111 average in 14 games) from their minor league contracts. There are currently 37 players remaining in Major League camp, including Rubby De La Rosa and Blake Hawksworth, who are on the 60-day disabled list.

• THREE DOWN: The Dodgers lost their third consecutive game yesterday, falling 3-1 to the White Sox. Juan Uribe posted his second multi-hit game of the spring, going 2-for-3, and A.J. Ellis drove in Los Angeles’ only run of the game with a sacrifice fly in the fifth. Aaron Harang continued to impress in his fifth Cactus League start, allowing just one run and striking out six in 6.0 solid innings.

• FOLLOW THE LEADERS: Dee Gordon (six games) and Andre Ethier (eight games) both had their hitting streaks snapped yesterday, but have been two of Los Angeles’ hottest hitters this spring. Gordon ranks among the NL leaders in batting average (.385, 5^th), steals (10, 2^nd), runs (13, T-3^rd) and on-base percentage (.458, 6^th). Ethier is tied for the league lead with eight doubles and three triples, is tied for fifth with 36 totals bases and leads the Dodgers in average (.390) and slugging percentage (.878).

  

(pic via Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2012)

• SING FOR THE FENCES: The Dodgers will hold Red, White and Dodger Blue National Anthem Auditions tomorrow starting at 9:00 a.m. at Dodger Stadium to select performers to sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at home games this season. One participant will be selected to sing the national anthem at the Dodgers’ first home game in Los Angeles, as they take on the Angels next Tuesday, April 3. Interested performers can find more information and download the participant waiver at Dodgers.com/Anthem.

• LEAVE THE LIGHT ON: The Dodgers will pack up and leave Arizona for Southern California following Sunday’s game against the Diamondbacks at Camelback Ranch – Glendale. The Freeway Series against the Angels gets underway on Monday night in Anaheim (7:05 p.m.) with games on Tuesday night (7:10 p.m.) and Wednesday afternoon (12:10 p.m.) at Dodger Stadium. Fans can get their first in-person look at the 2012 Dodgers by visiting Dodgers.com or calling 866-DODGERS.

It Was Always Meant To Be

From Jon at Dodgers Thoughts:

Rachel Robinson to join Dodgers Board of Directors. Link

She is not only on the Board. The Jackie Robinson Foundation is also a partner in the purchase. Wow!

(Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons/White House/Eric Draper)

1947 World Series Press Photos - Yankees vs Dodgers

Do you know what's better than a vintage press photo featuring your favorite team in the World Series? How about a grouping of press photos of that same event.

Recently, I ran into several auctions on eBay featuring numerous press photos from Acme Newspictures that centered on the 1947 World Series between the Yankees and Dodgers. There were a whole bunch to look through, but I wanted to focus on just a handful. See them below.

Stamped "Acme Newspictures" Press Photo with descriptor, date dated Oct 2, 1947, of the New York Yankees vs Brooklyn Dodgers, World Series. "HUDDLE AT THE PLATE, Brooklyn, N.Y.: Six umpires go into a huddle with coaches Chuck Dressen of New York and Ray Blades (face hidden) of Brooklyn to confer on ground rules at the start of the third stanza of the World Series at Ebbets Field on October 2. Catcher Bruce Edwards of Brooklyn warms up at left".

This was the first World Series where 6 umpires were used on the field. In the past, they used the customary 4 umpires around the diamond for the October Classic with 2 umpires available for emergencies.

(Auction Link)

This is from a very tough first inning from Game 4 of the World Series for the Dodgers.

Stamped "Acme Newspictures" Press Photo with descriptor, date dated Oct 3, 1947, of the New York Yankees vs Brooklyn Dodgers, World Series. "DECISION REVERSED, Brooklyn, N.Y.: Peewee Reese, Dodgers shortstop drops the ball for an error on what should have been an easy force out on Tommy Henrich at second base in the first inning of the fourth game of the World Series, at Ebbets Field, Oct. 3. Umpire Babe Pinelli first called Henrich out and then safe".

Bases now loaded for Joe Dimaggio.

(Auction Link)

The game has not started out the way the Dodgers had hoped. It's still the first inning of the game and the Dodgers are trying to minimize the damage. The Yankees lead 1-0 and still have the bases loaded. Time for some relief?

Stamped "Acme Newspictures" Press Photo with descriptor (attached), dated Oct 3, 1947, of the New York Yankees vs Brooklyn Dodgers, World Series. "ELEVEN PITCHES AND OUT, New York.: Singles to George Stirnweiss and Tommy Henrich, and error on Larry Berra's hit to second, and a walk to Joe DiMaggio - all of which took place in eleven pitches by Dodger hurler Harry Taylor - resulted in Mr. Taylor's going to the showers early, in the Yankees-Dodgers fourth World Series game at Ebbets Field, October 3. Here's the conference on the mound as Taylor gets word he's leaving the game in the first inning without retiring a Yank. PeeWee Reese (#1), Bruce Edwards (#10), Hal Gregg, relieving pitcher (left), Coach Clyde Sukeforth, Harry Taylor (right) and Jackie Robinson in rear."

This has got to be one of the earliest hooks ever. Hal Gregg in to pitch.

(Auction Link)

Here, Pee Wee Reese turns an inning ending double play to end the first inning. Hal Gregg has done his job. Heck, he would go a strong seven innings to keep the Dodgers in the game.

Stamped "Acme Newspictures" Press Photo with descriptor (detached but included), dated Oct 3, 1947, of the New York Yankees vs Brooklyn Dodgers, World Series. "KILLING A RALLY, Brooklyn, N.Y.: Joe DiMaggio of the Yankees is out at second as Ed stanky of the Dodgers whips the ball to first to get Billy Johnson on a fast double-play which retired the side in the first inning of the fourth game of the World Series at Ebbets Field, Oct. 3. The Yankees had the bases loaded with none but were only able to score once, the run being forced in on a walk to DiMaggio."

This is probably my favorite photo of the bunch.

(Auction Link)

Still Game 4, Jackie beats out Yogi to the base.

Stamped "Acme Newspictures" Press Photo with descriptor (attached), dated Oct 3, 1947, of the New York Yankees vs Brooklyn Dodgers, World Series. "ROBBIE WINS, New York.: Jackie Robinson likes to beat the batter to first base when he hits a ball hit down his way. He's shown here outrunning Yogi Berra, Yank catcher, in the third inning of the Yanks-Dodgers World Series game at Ebbets Field, October 3. Umpire is Bill McGowan."

(Auction Link)

This is from Game 6 of the 1947 World Series. The Dodgers are in a must win situation if they want to win the series.

Stamped "Acme Newspictures" Press Photo with descriptor (attached), dated Oct 5, 1947, of the New York Yankees vs Brooklyn Dodgers, World Series. "CUT DOWN AS DODGERS SCORE, New York.: Jackie Robinson is forced at second by Phil Rizzuto, who fielded Dixie Walker's grounder, stepped on second threw to first to Jack Phillips, in the first inning of the sixth WORLD SERIES game at Yankee Stadium, Oct. 5. Eddie Stanky from third on the play and Rizzuto was hurt. Snuffy Stirnweiss is at left."

This is a great action photo of Jackie taking out Rizzuto. The Yanks did turn the double play, but had to give up a run to do it. Eddie Stanky scored. Reese would later cross the plate on a pass ball.

(Auction Link)

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training- Game 27

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.

Chicago White Sox (11-15) at LOS ANGELES DODGERS (12-10-4)

Thursday, March 29, 2012 – 1:05 p.m., Camelback Ranch - Glendale

RHP Aaron Harang vs. LHP Chris Sale

Spring Game 27/Home Game 13

Todays Starting Lineup:

Dodgers: @skinnyswag9 SS, M Ellis 2B, @TheRealMattKemp CF, Rivera 1B, Ethier RF, Fields LF, Uribe 3B, @AJEllis17 C, Harang RHP

White Sox: De Aza CF, Lillibridge 1B, Rios RF, Dunn DH, Ramirez SS, Flowers C, Viciedo LF, Beckham 2B, Escobar 3B, Sale P.

Upcoming Spring Training Schedule:

(pic via Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2012)

• GET OUT THE BROOMS?: The Dodgers and White Sox complete their five-game Cactus League series with an afternoon tilt at Camelback Ranch – Glendale today. The Dodgers have won all four contests, including a 17-4 victory in in Tucson that benefitted the Christina-Taylor Green Memorial Foundation. Los Angeles has outscored its Glendale roommates 37-17 this spring. The two squads will meet again during the regular season from June 15-17 at Dodger Stadium.

• HURLERS: Dodger right-hander Aaron Harang will make his fifth start of the spring this afternoon and is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA (6 ER/14.0 IP) in his first Spring Training with the Dodgers. The 6-7, 230-pound Harang last pitched on Friday in Surprise against the Royals and gave up just one run over 5.0 innings. The San Diego native and resident is coming off one of the best seasons of his 10-year big league career after leading the Padres with 14 wins and posting a career-low 3.64 ERA in 28 starts last season. Since 2004, Harang ranks among the National League leaders in wins (85, 7th), strikeouts (1,223, 3rd), innings pitched (1,467.2, 4th) and complete games (13, T-7^th). He will be followed to the mound by:

  ● RHP Josh Lindblom will make his team-leading ninth appearance of the Cactus League season today. Thus far, Lindblom has a 4.00 ERA (4 ER/9.0 IP) this month and has struck out seven batters without a walk. The right-hander out of Purdue went 1-0 with a 2.73 ERA (9 ER/29.2 IP) in 27 appearances for the Dodgers last year.

  ● RHP Ronald Belisario will make his sixth appearance this spring. The native of Venezuela has allowed five runs in 6.0 innings in March.

  ● LHP Scott Rice tossed a scoreless inning on Tuesday in Peoria and now has a 4.05 ERA (3 ER/6.2 IP) to go along with seven strikeouts and just one walk. The 30-year-old non-roster invitee is looking to make the Major Leagues for the first time in his 14-year professional career.

(pic via Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2012)

• THIS FEELS FUNNY: The Dodgers have lost two-in-a-row for the first time all spring following yesterday’s 4-1 loss to the Giants. Nathan Eovaldi started and allowed two runs on three hits over 5.0 innings while Kenley Jansen and Mike MacDougal each tossed 1.0 scoreless inning of relief. At the plate, second baseman Mark Ellis went 2-for-3 with a runs scored and a walk while James Loney went 2-for-4 with two extra-base hits and the club’s lone RBI.

• A CHANGE IS GONNA COME: It was announced Tuesday night that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Frank McCourt reached an agreement under which Guggenheim Baseball Management LLC will acquire the Los Angeles Dodgers for $2 billion upon completion of the closing process. The purchasing group includes Mark R. Walter as its controlling partner, as well as Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Peter Guber, Stan Kasten, Bobby Patton and Todd Boehly.

• SPEE -DEE: Dee Gordon has hit safely in his last six games, batting .650 (13-for-20) with eight runs scored, one double, two triples and five steals since March 20. The 23-year-old leads NL qualifiers with a .417 batting average and 14 runs scored and ranks among the leaders in steals (10, 2^nd), OBP (.491, 2^nd), and hits (20, T-5^th).

  

(pic via Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2012)

• THE BIG BATS: The Dodgers’ .282 team batting average ranks third among National League teams this spring and all three of the club’s starting outfielders are hitting over .300. Andre Ethier’s current eight-game hitting streak has given him a team-leading batting average of .421 while Matt Kemp (.313) and Juan Rivera (.304) rank sixth and seventh on the squad, respectively. Rivera is tied for fourth in home runs with four and Ethier ranks among the leaders in doubles (8, T-1^st), total bases (36, T-4^th), triples (3, T-1^st) and runs scored (11, T-7^th).

• MY GOODNESS, MY GUINNESS: On this date four years ago, a Guinness World Record 115,300 fans watched the Dodgers and Red Sox play in an exhibition game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum that raised more than $2 million for ThinkCure!, the club’s official charity.