Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Pederson, Hough, Thompson and Seager

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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Blog Kiosk: 6/1/2016 - Dodgers Links - Guerrero DFA'd, Urias Called Back Up and Kazmir's Fantastic Start

Has he figured it out?

Last night was the second great start for Scott Kazmir.  He threw six strong innings, recorded seven strike outs and allowed only one hit all evening to the Cubs.  Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

"He's back," manager Dave Roberts said. "The ball has life and the changeup, he's getting extension with the change and the fastball. The deception is there. He's just really excited about the place he's at. Even when he's giving up runs, he's throwing the ball well, so I think he's been back and it's exciting for us."

...
"It's kind of just getting everything in sync," (Scott Kazmir) said. "That's where I'm at right now."

You can watch Dave Roberts speak more about Kazmir's start with Alanna Rizzo on SportsNet LA here (Video Link Here). 

Photo above of Kazmir and AGon via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterday's game.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1962 Don Drysdale beat the Phillies for his 13th victory without a loss over the past 15 starts against them.  He would then go 0-9 in his next 12 starts against Philadelphia.  In 1997 Wilton Guerrero is ejected (and later suspended) for using a corked bat in that days game.  He had broken his bat while at the plate and immediately scrambled to pick up the broken pieces.  The umpire, a bit curious at Guerrero's actions, decided to investigate, and found cork strewn on the grass.
• Happy Birthday, Derek Lowe!

A Look at some Vintage Brooklyn Dodgers China

Given how often these pop up at various auctions throughout a year, I thought I would take a moment to briefly write about them here.  Featured is a vintage set of 1952 Brooklyn Dodgers National League Champions china that includes a plate, cup and saucer.  The exact set shown in the pic above is currently available at Hunt Auctions (Auction Link Here).

These were originally given to players, coaches, Dodgers employees and even the press in appreciation for the work done that past season.  In 1952 the Dodgers won the pennant by 4.5 games over the Giants, but lost the World Series to the Yankees that Fall.

The china includes a spiffy looking pennant logo emblazoned on front, and a Delano Studios mark and formal thank you from the Dodgers on its reverse.  It says:

Blog Kiosk: 5/31/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers thought that they'd lucked out yesterday.  That afternoons starter, Jason Hammel, left the game early due to an hamstring cramp.  So, they wouldn't have to face one of their best starters so far this season.  Unfortunately, the Cubs bullpen was up to the task of shutting down Los Angeles.  Via Brian Hedger at MLB.com:

"Once Hammel goes out there and we're into the bullpen in the third inning, you're thinking you can grind some at-bats and wear out the bullpen," Turner said. "It's Game 1 of a four-game series. [Wood] did a good job of pounding the zone and getting quick outs, and I think he went four innings. You have to tip your cap to him."

Five Cubs pitchers combined for a one-hit shutout victory; including seven no-hit innings by their relievers.  The lone Dodger hit was a single by Justin Turner in the first inning.  The Dodgers lost 2-0.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2106.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: This is remarkable.  In 1948, Tommy Lasorda, as a member of the Schenectady Blue Jays of the Phillies system, struck out 25 batters in a 15 inning game to defeat the Amsterdam Rugmakers.  Lasorda has said in the past that he likely threw more than 300 pitches that day.  In 1965 the Dodgers, for the first time in history, field an all switch-hitting infield in a game against the Reds.  The players were Wes Parker, Jim Lefebvre, Maury Wills and Jim Gilliam.  In 1968 Don Drysdale hurled his fifth consecutive shutout to extend his scoreless innings streak.  This is the game where a Giants batter was called out on a bases loaded hit-by-pitch since he was ruled to have not made an attempt to get out of the way of the pitch.
• Happy Birthday, Dave Roberts!

Blog Kiosk: 5/30/2016 - Dodgers Links - Bonds on Joc, Ryu and Clayton Kershaw

That's the look of steely determination.

Clayton Kershaw was a workhorse again last night; going 7.2 innings, giving up four hits, striking out ten and walking none.  Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

"To say it's a luxury (to have him) is an understatement," manager Dave Roberts said of that fifth day, when his ace takes the mound. "I think every time he takes the mound, you're looking at penciling in 10-12 strikeouts, eight innings. The pen is going to get rested. It's something that we don't take for granted around here. We appreciate Clayton."

Unfortunately, the bullpen failed to maintain a win for Kershaw intact.  Nevertheless, he did keep the Dodgers in the game long enough to allow then a chance to win the game.  Adrian Gonzalez drove in the winning run for the Dodgers in the ninth inning.  BTW, we did get a bit of an injury scare to Clayton.  Via Ken Gurnick and Troy Provost-Heron at MLB.com:

Kershaw nearly became the latest Dodgers pitcher injured while batting in the fifth inning. As he grounded out, the bat broke and the barrel struck him on the right side of the neck. He never left the home-plate area while being put out, but was uninjured and continued.

"It just scared me," Kershaw said. "I've never really done that before, it was just shocking. I wanted to make sure I didn't have any stab wounds. It just stunned me."

Both photos above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics bu Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 Boston Braves outfielder Bama Rowell became the first player to hit a Baseball that hit the Bulova clock located above the right field scoreboard at Ebbets Field.  in 1962 Maury Wills becomes the 7th player in history to hit home runs from each side of the plate in a single game.  It was against the Mets.
• Happy Birthday, Manny Ramirez!

A Julio Urias 2016 Topps Now Card - #102

Topps has issued a limited edition Topps Now card.to commemorate Jullio Urias' start last night.  Go here to check it out and order.  They are only available til Sunday afternoon.

Since Urias didn't have a great start I wonder if that will harm the number of cards collectors will order.  I suspect, though, that the ceiling placed on the young left-handed prospect will remain high regardless of the recent results last night.  So, the production numbers should be better than average.

UDDATE:  There are 2,992 copies of this card.

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