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

The next homestand starts tomorrow against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and several former Dodgers are scheduled for an photograph session with fans.  Yasiel Puig will also meet with fans at Viva Los Dodgers.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

The May issue of Dodger Insider magazine will be available at the stadium.  Check it out on the right.  It features Adrian Gonzalez on the cover and a story that places his career in context with the great first basemen in MLB history, finding that Gonzalez is well on track to becoming one of the top 25 first basemen of all-time. A sidebar looks at the rise of veterans Carl Crawford and Jimmy Rollins up baseball’s all-time charts.

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Friday, May 1st at 7:10 PM
RHP Rubby De La Rosa vs. RHP Carlos Frias
SNLA/AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 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 is Top-40 Hits.  Go here for information about future firework themes.

It is also UCLA Night at Dodger Stadium.  Folks who ordered a special ticket package in the All You Can Eat Right Field Pavilion or Infield Reserve will get an exclusive UCLA Dodger T-shirt with your ticket.  See that on the left.  If not already sold out go here for information.

UCLA and Dodger alumnus Eric Karros will throw the ceremonial first pitch. UCLA alumnus (2012) Joanna Alexis Jones will perform the national anthem. Pregame entertainment will also include a strolling magician in the left-field plaza and DJ Adam in the right-field plaza from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Tommy Davis will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Army Captain Joel Perez of Los Angeles. Perez was deployed to Iraq twice as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the 975th Movement Control Team (MCT) after earning his B.A. in Computer Science. His third deployment was to Kuwait in 2012 as the transportation Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of the 420th Movement Control Battalion (MCB). He is currently in his fourth deployment, stationed in Afghanistan as an advisor to the Afghan Local Police for the NATO Special Operations Component Command.
• 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 an Andre Ethier autographed photo, Clayton Kershaw autographed baseball and Joc Pederson autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 8:45 p.m.

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Saturday, May 2nd at 6:10 PM
RHP Jeremy Hellickson vs. RHP Scott Baker
SNLA/AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Saturday's game starts at 6:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 3:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 4:00 PM.  The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Dodgers Reusable Tote Bag.  See it on the left.

Actress, author, autism advocate and co-founder of HollyRod Foundation Holly Robinson Peete will perform the national anthem.  Actor Nick Kroll will throw the first pitch. Pregame entertainment will also include juggler Josh Horton in the left-field plaza, DJ Adam in the right-field plaza, DJ Lady Sha in the left-field reserve plaza and band The Trip will be in right-field reserve plaza.

Al Ferrara will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Army Sergeant Thomas Hoyt of Fresno. Hoyt served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He is currently stationed at Ft. Campbell 101st Airborne in Kentucky.

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Sunday, May 3rd at 1:10 PM
RHP Chase Anderson vs. LHP Brett Anderson
SNLA/AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Sunday's game starts at 1:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 10:30 AM, and stadium gates open at 11:00 AM.  The first 15,000 ticketed kids 14-years old or younger will receive a Yasiel Puig Replica Jersey.  Check it out on the left.

Viva Los Dodgers begins at 11:00 AM. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for a chance to take a photo with Yasiel Puig who will make a 30-minute appearance from approximately 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM.  Additionally, in celebration of Kids’ Yasiel Puig Replica Jersey day, Puig will select a youngster in attendance at Viva Los Dodgers to throw the ceremonial first pitch Sunday. Dodger alumnus Tim Leary will also sign autographs from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Latin Pop/Rock band Sonsoles and Columbia Records recording artist Danny Mercer. Mercer will also perform the national anthem and “God Bless America” Sunday.

Dodger alumnus Billy Ashley will sign autographs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the left-field pavilion plaza.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Army Specialist Andrew Zapata of Colton. Zapata served on a deployment to Kuwait last year. He is currently stationed at Fort Riley Kansas.
• 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 an Alex Guererro autographed photo, Howie Kendrick autographed baseball and Zack Greinke autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 2:45 PM.

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2015 Bowman Baseball - The Dodger Base Cards

The set prospect collectors love has just been released.  It is Bowman's 2015 flagship set and below are all of the Dodger base cards.  As you know, this set has a strong focus on up-'n-comin' ballplayers, so you'll find Dodger minor leaguers like Urias, Seager, Holmes and De Leon throughout.  Go here for a complete checklist.  Over the next few days I'll have pics of most of the insert, relic and autograph cards.

#1 Clayton Kershaw                             #15 Zack Greinke

Blog Kiosk: 4/30/2015 - Dodger Links - Home Runs, McCarthy and Guerrero Takes the High Road

Kazuhisa Ishii was in the house last night to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.  Great to see you Kaz!

And what a great game to witness, eh?  Heck, Ishii might have felt like he was in a different world.  After all, the Dodgers punched the ball out of the park like they were a mile high in Colorado.  He was witness to four Dodger dingers; including three in the first inning alone.

For whatever reason Dodger Stadium has not been the pitchers paradise it is known for.  I haven't spent much time trying to figure out why that is, and it's probably way too early in the season to believe this is the new normal.  Still, you have to wonder.  Reporters even asked Mattingly what he thought about it (certainly in jest), via a tweet from Bill Plunkett:

Asked Mattingly to explain all the HRs being hit at #Dodgers Stadium: "You mean other than global warming?"

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) April 30, 2015

Yeah, that's as good as any other reason.  Or maybe it's this, via Mark Saxon at ESPN:

"I think it's just taken Mac this long to get through to the guys," Mattingly said.

BTW, Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider had some fun with Dodger home run projections.  Check his post out here.  The above photo was taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more pics by him from yesterday.  Below are some links to check out:

• Alex Guerrero is a high-road kind of person.  Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Alex Guerrero says he's unfazed by Madison Bumgarner's yelling."  Clearly, Bumgarner prefers the low-road.

“I think he was still thinking about the home run I hit in San Francisco, but I'm not the kind of person who gets upset at that kind of thing,” Guerrero said in Spanish. “To me, it's nothing.”

• Brandon McCarthy to have surgery today, via Alanna Rizzo on twitter:

McCarthy is scheduled for Tommy John Surgery tomorrow AM. It will be performed by Dr. ElAttrache. #Dodgers.
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) April 29, 2015

• Via Craig Edwards at FanGraphs, "Joc Pederson Taking the Adam Dunn Path."
• Kudos to Adam Jones, via a Gabe Kapler tweet:

Adam Jones is a strong individual. Much respect for this powerful take. pic.twitter.com/sQDW2ngf92
— gabe kapler (@gabekapler) April 29, 2015

• I really hated the 80's, but the decade definitely had its moments.  Case in point, check out this oldy, but goody.  Here is Steve Sax's parody of the Billy Crystal song "You Look Marvelous;" which features Vin Scully dancing.  Yup!

Video Link:

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Madison Bumgarner was Disrespectful to the Game

A really strange thing happened during last nights game that has been vexing me.  In the seventh inning during a very tight game Madison Bumgarner responded to Dodger hitter Alex Guerrero in a manner not appropriate for a professional of his magnitude.

It was simply an act of a child - a kind of bullying you see from the insecure.  He allowed himself to verbally harass a player due to an ill-perceived slight; wholly manifested out of nowhere.  Bumgarner's own lack of respect for Guerrero (and frankly the game) was sad to witness, and I hope he comes to understand that it was himself who shows disrespect.

If you don't know what I'm talking about then watch the video below.

Video Link:

As you see, even the commentators can tell that whatever Guerrero did while coming out of the box was a sign of his own frustration.  Guerrero was clearly not showing up anyone... But clearly, Bumgarner was showing up Guerrero.

Matthew Moreno at Dodgers Nation does some lip reading:

Bumgarner appeared tell Guerrero, “You’re not that [expletive] good, man. You’re not that [expletive] good.” Guerrero, who hit a pinch-hit home run off Bumgarner on April 22, offered no reaction to the comments. 

I wonder what are fans suppose to think of Madison?  Doesn't this kind of action fall under the "lack of respect" for the game column?  Is not his apparent taunting disrespectful to the player, to his opponents, to his teammates and to the game at large?

UPDATE:  I thought I'd add, aren't Baseball fans suppose to care about "showing respect for the game," or does Madison (for whatever reason) get a pass?

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Steve Garvey in Lancaster on Thursday

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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If you're heading out to Lancaster this coming Thursday (tomorrow) then you should check out the JetHawks play the Dodgers Single-A affiliate Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.  And if you go you'll be attending that clubs first "Superstar Series" event of the season.  What this means is that you will have an opportunity to meet and get an autograph from Dodger legend Steve Garvey.  Below is a schedule of other players who will be attending on future dates.

From what I understand, each guest will be signing during the game (at its start) for approximately 90 minutes.  BTW, the games start at 6:30 PM.  You can go here for more information.

Lancaster JetHawks
45116 Valley Central Way
Lancaster, CA 93536

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Blog Kiosk: 4/29/2015 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Peter O'Malley and Kirk Gibson

Clayton Kershaw was good last night - just not good enough.  He faced off against Madison Bumgarner and the Giants for the second time this season and again came out on the losing side.  Per Matthew Moreno at Dodgers Nation:

“The bottom line is I just got out-pitched,” Kershaw said. “Madison pitched better than I did and they won the game. So, not a whole lot of analyzation going on. I gave up two, he gave up one, he pitched eight innings, I pitched seven, so yeah, I got outpitched.”

Kershaw gave up seven hits and two runs, and had a heck of a time with Giants phenom Buster Posey - who drove in both runs.  On a happy note, Clayton is getting better with each outing.  Per Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com:

"I think he's just getting better and better as the season's going on. I think that's the one thing we see," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "There are years when guys get runs and years when they don't. You never know who you're going to match up with."

The above photo was taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more pics by him from yesterday.  Below are some links to check out:

• This is quite an honor.  Former Dodger owner Peter O’Malley will be honored with “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” from the Government of Japan.  This is that nations highest award for a non-citizen.  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider. 
• OMG!  I'm pullin' for ya, Gibby!  Via Jason Beck at MLB.com; "Gibson reveals diagnosis of Parkinson's disease."

"I have faced many different obstacles in my life, and have always maintained a strong belief that no matter the circumstances, I could overcome those obstacles," Gibson said in the statement. "While this diagnosis poses a new kind of challenge for me, I intend to stay true to my beliefs. With the support of my family and friends, I will meet this challenge with the same determination and unwavering intensity that I have displayed in all of my endeavors in life. I look forward to being back at the ballpark as soon as possible."

• This is fun.  Via Andres Tardio at MTV.com, "Kendrick Lamar Walks Us Through His First Pitch With The Dodgers."

“This is amazing, especially being from the inner cities of L.A. We’ve never been to the Dodger Stadium on this type of level. I’ve probably been way up there,” he said pointing to the upper deck, “but to actually be in the dugout and on the field, that’s a whole ‘nother story coming from Compton. It’s a blessing, man. It’s a blessing.”

• Listen to agent Scott Boras talk about Dodger baseball (Seager and Urias) with Mason and Ireland on ESPN, here.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Jansen opposes hitters; Ryu nearing same step."
• Awesome!  Greg at Plaschke, Thy Sweater is Argyle shares a new edition to his collection - a 1911 T332 Helmar Stamp of Zach Wheat.  I added a couple of these to my collection a few years ago - a Bell and Rucker.  Go here to check those out.
• You lucky dog, you!

Walk into the club house to this....Thanks @MagicJohnson #Showtime pic.twitter.com/ylMGLOb2U8
— Joc Pederson (@yungjoc650) April 28, 2015

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