A Brief Look at the All-Star #FanFest in Cincy - A Jackie Robinson Display

Man-O-Live!

I sure wish they would bring an All-Star Game to Los Angeles.   It's been 35 years since we've hosted one, and seeing the kind of activities this event brings with it on social media has me green with envy.  Just check out twitter.  There are a bunch of pics from the #FanFest in Cincinnati and it looks like a fantastic time.  Check out some photos below that I thought worth sharing.

Of course, an MLB event like this has to include some history, and Dodger great Jackie Robinson appears to have an prominent display.

Bruin Legend Jackie Robinson featured a #ASG2015 #FanFest @UCLAAthletics pic.twitter.com/VwTrIRkj0d

— liz keating (@eakeating) July 10, 2015

Sneak Peak! I'm live #fanfest this morning. It's a history lesson in baseball. So much to see! #allstarnow @fox19 pic.twitter.com/Q6jvFkTkC2

— Megan O'Rourke (@FOX19Megan) July 10, 2015

I just love the Jackie Robinson 1945 Kansas City Royals uniform above.

And above are a couple of fantastic statues of some Negro League greats - Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige.  Pic via @AllStarGame on twitter.  There was even a mascot autograph session, as evidenced in the photos below, via @schffbd on twitter.

Mascot autograph sessions at #FanFest. @Marlins @RaysBaseball @Mets @Indians pic.twitter.com/rD3V2bb7pf

— Walks Will Haunt (@scheffbd) July 13, 2015

Several ladies from the AAGPBL were on-hand to sign for fans, via @pookiejones18 on twitter.

@AllStarGame #fanfestspirit #fanfest having fun pic.twitter.com/B6Wf31UAQD

— Glenn Meyers (@pookiejones18) July 13, 2015

I thought I would end this post with a photo of our centerfield rookie and soon to be Home Run Derby winner Joc Pederson, via @AllStarGame on twitter.

Pic at the very top via @Toppscards on twitter.

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Blog Kiosk: 7/13/2015 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Pederson and Don Demeter

As you've certainly heard by now, Clayton Kerrshaw has been added to the National League roster.  Via a Dodger press release:

National League All-Star manager Bruce Bochy of the San Francisco Giants announced today, in conjunction with Major League Baseball, that left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers has been added to the NL’s active roster for the Midsummer Classic.  Kershaw replaces Washington Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer, who started on Sunday afternoon and has elected not to be active during the All-Star Game.

Above is a pic by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015 featuring all five Dodger All-Star jerseys who'll be heading over to Cincinnati.  Below are some links to check out:

• BTW, Joc Pederson was named a starter for the All-Star Game, via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider.
• Via Mark Townsend at Big League Stew, "Dodgers build shrine to former teammate Juan Uribe on his bobblehead day."
• Via Nick Diunte at Baseball Happenings, "Catching up with Brooklyn Dodger Don Demeter."

"The next night I got to pinch hit again and the first swing I took, I hit a home run," he said. "They put me in the Ebbets Hall of Fame because I have a .500 average in Ebbets Field."

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Juan Gonzalez strikes out 2 in MLB Futures Game."
• Via Corey Brock at MLB.com, "Dodgers prospect Farmer gets taste of Future." 

"On the catching side, it's his leadership and his ability to connect with pitchers that has shined," said Dodgers director of player development Gabe Kapler. "He's been an exemplary teammate. It's been a pleasure to watch him rise and a true feather in the cap of our catching specialist, Travis Barbary."

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "A.J. Ellis finds his roll in new role."

"There was an adjustment period, figuring out the transition," Ellis admitted. "Fortunately, defensively I have felt good all year. The limited amount of playing time keeps you fresh, so when I do catch I have my legs under me. I'm able to move and throw, and do everything I need to do behind the plate, which is first and foremost the most important part of my job."

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Blog Kiosk: 7/11/2015 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Guilmet and Beachy

Check out this fantastic colorized attempt of a legendary photograph taken by George Bain of the Dodger dugout during the 1916 World Series.  It was shared by r/IckyChris on r/colorization Reddit.  From left to right: centerfielder Hi Myers, manager Wilbert Robinson, and an unknown mascot/bat boy.

Below are some links to check out:

• You're welcome, Clayton!  Via his twitter:

Ending Twitter hibernation to thank everyone who voted for me! Very cool to see the turn out regardless of the results!

— Clayton Kershaw (@ClaytonKersh22) July 10, 2015

• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider thinks he still might make it to the All-Star - as the first alternate should any pitcher be unable to attend.
• The Dodgers make another roster move by picking up Preston Guilmet off waivers, via a tweet from Ken Rosenthal.

#Dodgers claim RHP Preston Guilmet on waivers from #Rays.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 10, 2015

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Dodgers claim Preston Guilmet, designate Chris Reed for assignment."

Guilmet, 27, has 21 innings of Major League experience with a 6.43 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 7.7 K/9. In Triple-A this year, he has a 1.84 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 8.6 K/9. The Dodgers are his third organization this year, after the Rays claimed him from the Blue Jays on May 13.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue, "Brandon Beachy will start Saturday for Dodgers."  He last pitched almost two years ago, and this will be his first start as a Dodger.

"Yesterday when we talked I didn't think he would be the starter today. We knew phyiscally he was ready, just through the trainers and how he's been doing and bouncing back," Mattingly said. "He's had some conversations with Farhan [Zaidi, general manager] and some of the guys, and absolutely feels like he's ready to go. That's what we needed to hear. We weren't worried about the physical part, it was more the mental side, and he sounds ready to go."

• Via Bernie Pleskoff at MLB.com, "Scouting profile: Cody Bellinger."

Bellinger can hit. Not at all flashy, he has a very uncomplicated, easy swing. Bellinger makes good contact, using the barrel of the bat to consistently hit line drives to the right-center-field gap or down the right-field line. He gets out in front of the ball with quick wrists and above-average, but not elite, bat speed. A disciplined hitter with very good mechanics, it will be very surprising if Bellinger doesn't hit for a high batting average throughout his career.

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2015 Bowman Inception Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

Topps newest card set came out a couple of days and it's a high-end set focused on rookies/prospects and autographs.  You get five cards, all of them autographed, in a single box that will run you about $80.00 a piece.  There is no base set.  Go here for a complete checklist.  Take a look at the Dodger cards below.  I've included a checklist of the "1 of 1" cards for your information.

Prospect Autographs

#PA-GH Grant Holmes

Blog Kiosk: 7/10/2015 - Dodger Links - Pederson, Greinke, Scully and Bill Murray

Joc Pederson is pumped!  He's as excited as you can be to have been selected an All-Star, and is no doubt relishing the chance to show off his swing during the home run derby.  BTW, he'll face-off against Orioles slugger Manny Machado in the first round of the derby, and then either Pujols or Bryant in the next round.  Here he is above showing off the National League team jersey.  Photo via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Molly Knight at Vanity Fair, "How the Dodgers Went from Mismanaged Failure to One of the Most Valuable Teams in Sports."

(Magic Johnson) wanted an owner who was committed to building a winning team. During his meeting with the Guggenheim executives, he looked at Walter and asked: “Are you doing this for the investment or are you doing this to win?” Walter didn’t hesitate: “I’m doing this to win,” he said, adding that he hoped to leave the team to his daughter one day. 

• I love this man!  Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "Bill Murray says Cardinals fans are 'Satan's messengers on Earth'"
• Via Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com, "Dodgers, Giants favorites to sign top international prospect (Eddy Julio) Martinez."

Martinez could command at least a $10 million bonus, and his contract will send the team that signs him into the maximum penalty under the international signing guidelines -- 100-percent tax on the bonus pool overage and the inability to sign a player for more than $300,000 during the next two signing periods -- if it is not already there.

• Via Chris Cwik at Big League Stew, "Listen as Vin Scully teaches you how to speak Japanese."
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Zack Greinke finishes historic first half with 1.39 ERA, 35 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings."
• Blue Skinny Fan shares his experience getting Pedro Baez's autograph at Walmart yesterday, here.
• Topps has just issued a limited (1 of 1) 10"x14" All-Star Game online exclusive cards of twenty players and Dodger rookie Joc Pederson is included.  See it below.  Go here to check it out.  This is already sold out, but have no fear.  Limited 5"x7" complete set versions are also available.
  
  

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Brewers Series Starts Tomorrow - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts tomorrow against the Milwaukee Brewers, and several former Dodgers are scheduled for an autograph session with fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

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Friday, July 10 at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM.  It is Friday Night Fireworks, so fans will be able to go down onto the field after the game to watch the spectacle. The theme for the evening will be 70's music.  Go here for information about future firework themes.

The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Special Olympics World Games commemorative Pin.  Prior to the game, the Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America will culminate at Dodger Stadium.

Local musician and lyric soprano Gretchen Anderson will perform the national anthem as part of Mormon Night at Dodger Stadium. Pregame entertainment will also include DJ Adam in the right-field plaza and a strolling magician in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Dodger alumnus Lee Lacy will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Coast Guard and Marine Corps Petty Officer Second Class Brian Escamilla.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Friday include a Kenley Jansen autographed photo, Yasmani Grandal autographed baseball and Howie Kendrick autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 8:45 p.m.

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Saturday, July 11th at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Saturday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM.  The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Juan Uribe bobblehead.  See it on the left.

Anderson da Silva, mixed martial artist and former UFC middleweight champion will throw the first pitch. Sophie Simmons, daughter of rock legend Gene Simmons, positive body image activist, fashion designer, actress and singer, will perform the national anthem.

Pregame entertainment will also include pop band Everett Coast in the left-field plaza, singer Michael O. in the right-field reserve level, DJ Adam in the right-field reserve plaza and a strolling yo-yo artist the left-field reserve plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Dodger alumnus Billy Ashley will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Eric Quintanar.

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Sunday, July 12th at 1:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Sunday's game starts at 1:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 10:40 AM, and stadium gates open at 11:10 AM.  The first 15,000 ticketed kids 14-years old or younger will receive a Kids' hamper.  Check it out on the left.

Viva Los Dodgers will be at the historic 76 station beginning at 11:00 a.m. and will celebrate Cuban Heritage. Viva Los Dodgers will feature  photos with fans from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with All-Star catcher Yasmani Grandal. Outfielder Alex Guerrero will take photos with fans from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Outfielder Yasiel Puig will greet fans on stage at 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and take part in a Q&A session alongside reliever Paco Rodriguez.  musical entertainment will be provided by The Arsenio Rodriguez Project and Buena Onda. Dodger scout Mike Brito will also partake in a meet and greet with fans at 12:00 p.m.

Also exclusive to Viva Los Dodgers will be the Cuban Dog.  The Cuban Dog features a quarter-pound all-beef hot dog topped with ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese, yellow mustard and pickle chips and will be available at Viva Los Dodgers while supplies last.

Cuban music mogul and 19-time Grammy award winner Emilio Estefan will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game.  The Dodgers will present a community hero award to the Gavina family at Viva Los Dodgers. Gavina Coffee, a Cuban-owned business, has been a coffee tradition in Los Angeles since 1967. Cuban-American Alejandro Mayorkas, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, will throw Sunday’s honorary first pitch.

Singer, actress, R&B Divas L.A. star and “X-Factor” finalist Stacy Francis will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alumnus Derrel Thomas will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Army E-7 Nicholas Cottrill and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Pastor McGill.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Sunday include a Don Mattingly autographed photo, Orel Hershiser autographed baseball and Justin Turner autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 2:45 p.m.

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