Blog Kiosk: 2/7/2018 - Dodgersw Links - Some Odds and Ends

After two seasons in Dodger Blue Kenta Maeda finally made it to a Lakers game. Here he is above with Dodger translator Will Ireton (wearing the Lakers Lucha Libre mask) and friend, via Maeda's Instagram. He wrote:

My first @lakers and NBA game was a success! Had a great time and it was even better with a Laker win! 

For the sake of the Lakers season I think he needs to go more often. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1958 the Dodgers officially became the Los Angeles Dodgers, Inc. In 2006 the Dodgers signed Japanese pitcher Takashi Saito to a free agent minor league contract. Saito made the Opening Day roster and would quickly become a fan favorite. That first season he would record 24 saves with an 2.07 ERA, 1.87 FIP and come in 8th place in Cy Young voting.
• Happy Birthday, Tom Daly, Mel Almada, Cy Moore, Art Jones, Johnny Werhas & Burt "Happy" Hooton!

My 2018 Dodgers FanFest Recap - Photos and Links

I thought I would borrow the lyrics of a famous song and mutilate it.

"Lines, Lines, Everywhere there's Lines"

It was packed that Saturday. More packed than a can of sardines in the the middle of a pallet of canned sardines. Moving around from the concourse to the field and back to the concourse was an almost impossible task. Everywhere you went you ran into a line for this or that. In fact, it was so crowded I've heard rumblings that this was the least enjoyable of all the FanFests held thus far.

Nevertheless, I am certain that an majority thought differently. Most, it seemed, were just happy to be back at "Blue Heaven on Earth," and eager for the 2018 season to begin. I know, I am. BTW, there were over 35,000 Dodgers fans at the stadium -- a new record.

As for the event itself, it was set-up almost exactly as last year -- with the exception of the stage being relocated to behind second base. In prior years it had been placed along the right field line. Also, the area behind the pavilion seats (in the parking lot area) was expanded and enlarged.

Blog Kiosk 2/6/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds Ends

It's not often you see something like this on the ballfield today. Featured above is a vintage ACME press photo of a pregame ceremony at Ebbets Field in 1946. On this day the Dodger players presented their GM with a gift, and it wasn't a Timex.

Dodgers Give Present to Branch Rickey 9/25/46 -- Dodger Manager Leo Durocher, General Manager Branch Rickey and Dixie Walker (left to right). Dodgers presented a $5,100 boat cruiser to Rickey before the game with the Phillies at Ebbets Field Sept. 25. Walker, spokesman for the team, said "The Boys wanted to do something for the boss in appreciation for what he has done for us."

BTW, that $5,100 present would be worth $61,630 in today's dollars. The press photo above was on auction at RMY, but did not sell (auction link). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2014 the Dodgers signed a free agent minor league contract with third baseman Justin Turner.  He had just been released by the Mets, and was only given an invitation to spring training by the Dodgers.  To the surprise of many, Turner would have a breakout season and become an important leader in the clubhouse.
• Happy Birthday, Andy Sommerville, Rube Ward, Red Downey & Glenn Wright!

2018 Topps Series 1 Baseball - The Rest of the Dodgers Insert Cards

Here is a last final look at the various Dodgers' insert cards that can be found in packs of 2018 Topps Series 1. Featured below are the "Legends in the Making", Cut Signatures, "In The Name" Relics, All-Star Medallions, MLB Awards, Opening Day, Spring Training Patches, Players Weekend, Home Run Challenge and original "1 of 1" Sketch cards.

BTW, all Bellinger autographed cards come as a redemption. Also, I've included the three known Dodgers' original "Sketch" cards, and will try to periodically updated this post should any more turn up. On another note, the Cody Belling original "Sketch" looks more like Kiké Hernández than Cody -- just my opinion.

Legends in the Making

#LTM-CB Cody Bellinger         #LTM-CE Corey Seager

2018 Topps Series 1 Baseball - More Dodger Insert Cards

Here is a second group of Dodgers' inserts available in packs of 2018 Topps Series 1 packs. Featured below are the Postseason Performance Relics, Superstar Sensation, Topps Now Top 10 and Topps Salute cards.

Notably, we get a first look at a 2018 card featuring Yu Darvish as a Dodger. Also, all of the Cody Bellinger autographed cards below only come with a redemption card.

Postseason Performance Relics

#PSP-CK Clayton Kershaw                #PSP-CS Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 2/2/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a look at Dodger veteran Pee Wee Reese on Camera Day at the LA Coliseum in April 1959 that is currently available at RMY Auction (auction link).

As nice as the above press photo is I think the photos being taken by those fans would be even cooler to see.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1964 a Hall of Fame Special Veterans Committee elected three former Dodgers' into the Hall of Fame: Burleigh Grimes, Heinie Manush and John Montgomery Ward. Also joining them in the Hall are Red Faber, Tim Keefe and Miller Huggins.
• Happy Birthday, Wes Ferrell, John Tudor, Scott Erickson & Chin-lung Hu!