Weekend Autograph Opportunity: A Tommy Lasorda Signing

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events 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.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any), as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Here is one last Dodger autograph event before Christmas. Tommy Lasorda will be at Bobblemania Collectibles in Monterey Park on Saturday, December 22nd from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Go here for more information.
Where

Bobblemania Collectibles
2332 S Atlantic Blvd,
Monterey Park, CA 91754
(323)202-3374

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Blog Kiosk: 12/20/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

During his two terms as President, Dwight D. Eisenhower attended 13 Major League Baseball games -- all of which were at the Senators home field in Washington DC, with exception of just one time. To open the 1956 World Series he gracefully threw out a ceremonial first pitch at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Featured above is a Osvaldo Salas photograph of the event, via the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution. As you can see managers' Casey Stengel and Walter Alston were by his side.

On a side note, following the series loss for the Dodgers Ike spoke with Don Newcombe, saying:

"I think I know how much you wanted to win a World Series game. I for one was pulling for you, but I suggest that when you think over this past season you think of the twenty-seven games you won that were so important in bringing Brooklyn into the World Series."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1976 the Dodgers traded Ted Sizemore to the Phillies for catcher Johnny Oats and a minor leaguer. In 1989 the Dodgers traded Mike Marshall and Alejandro Peña to the Mets for infielder Juan Samuel. In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Kenny Lofton.
• Happy Birthday, Branch Rickey, Erik Goeddel, Harry Stovey, Bob Hall, Butch Henline, Fred Merkle & Snooks Dowd!

Blog Kiosk: 12/19/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Ouch!

Featured above is a vintage Associated Press photo of Duke Snider grasping his right elbow after being beaned. (eBay Auction Link)

THE DUKE IS FELLED.  Duke Snider, hard-hitting centerfielder of the Brooklyn Dodgers, holds his right elbow and falls to the ground after being hit by ball being pitched by Giant relief hurler Marv Grissom in tenth inning of game at Polo Grounds, New York, night of June 29.  An examination showed no break, but Snider could hardly lift his arm later.  Giants won, 4 to 3, in 13th inning.

Snider sat out the next two games nursing that elbow, and would prove to be just fine when he came in as a pinch hitter during the third game after this incident. He walloped a triple to drive in a run in the ninth inning -- bringing the Dodgers within one run of tying a game (game link).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal to a three year/$39 million contract and Nomar Garciaparra to a one year/$6 million contract. In 2014 the Dodgers received veteran shortstop Jimmy Rollins from the Phillies in exchange for minor league pitchers Tom Windle and Zach Eflin. 
• Happy Birthday, Lou Koupal, Gordie Windhorn, Tom Wilson, Welcome Gaston, Wally Gilbert, Rex Barney, Geoff Zahn & Mike Fetters!

2018 Topps Advent Calendar - #5 - Walker Buehler

The second Dodger found in Topps online exclusive 2018 Advent calendar Baseball card set is rookie sensation Walker Buehler. As you know, since the start of this month Topps has been selling/unveiling each individual card from this 20-card set daily. Card #19 was of Clayton Kershaw. Now we know that card #5 is of our future ace. Go here to check it out and order. It will only be available for sale over a 24 hour period.

2018 Topps Brooklyn Collection - The Lone Dodger Card

As you may know, several weeks back Topps introduced their 582 Montgomery Club to the collecting masses. It had been billed as an exclusive membership program that offers products inspired by their early days in Brooklyn. You get a handful of exclusive sets and an opportunity to buy exclusive new brands direct from Topps. Initial membership cost $199.99 and sold out rather quickly. I do not know how many members are in this initial group. BTW, I did not join these ranks.

Blog Kiosk: 12/18/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this grizzled veteran. Featured above is 34-year old infielder Marty McManus in Brooklyn Dodger Blue, per a March 19, 1934 ACME press photo on eBay (auction link).

The longtime American Leaguer had signed a contract to play for the Dodgers in January and did very well during that Spring to show his worth -- batting .340 in exhibition games. Nevertheless, McManus would be sold to the Boston Braves in April; thereby ending a Dodger career that never really got started. Depending on which sources you read, McManus was either disgruntled and let go by rookie manager Casey Stengel (possibly fearing competition for his job), or sent to Boston to help a sinking ballclub. Either way, this old horse would play just one more season of pro ball, and then would quickly transition to be a minor league manager -- until his retirement in 1948.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2009 the Dodgers traded outfielder Juan Pierre to the White Sox for pitchers John Ely and Jon Link. In 2014 the Dodgers traded Tim Federowicz and Matt Kemp to San Diego for Zach Eflin, Yasmani Grandal and Joe Wieland. 
• Happy Birthday, Dave Oldfield, Hub Knolls, Jimmy Pattison, Bill Skowron, Gino Cimoli, Zoilo Versalles, Lance Carter & Micah Johnson!