Blog Kiosk: 8/21/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

What a killjoy.

Just as Dodger nation rejoiced at Jansen's return, we get rocked by a performance that was less than stellar. Per Alden Gonzalez at ESPN:

"Everything was flat," Jansen said, his Dodgers now 2½ games back in the National League West while in fifth place in the wild-card standings. "As I faced hitters, it started to get better. But the first two hitters, I wasn't in my comfort zone. I was battling with myself."

Kenley, who entered a tie game in the ninth inning, yielded two solo homers on his first three pitches to take the loss, 5-3. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"The first two hitters, I wasn't in my comfort zone," Jansen said. "I think I tried to maybe be amped up to be back and try hard and everything flattened out. I definitely didn't come back too soon. Stuff happens, but you've got to move forward. Tomorrow, if I have a shot, same hitters, I'm looking forward to it."

Ugh! Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1970 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder Jerry Royster out of Sacramento High School. He would be traded five years later to Atlanta as part of a package for Dusty Baker, and go on to have a ten-year career with the Braves. In 1975 the Cubs pitching brothers of Rick and Paul Reuschel combine to shutout the Dodgers, 7-0. In 1990 the Dodgers lost a tough one. Against the Phillies they allowed nine runs to score in the ninth inning to lose the game, 12-11. You can watch highlights of this shameful game here.
• Happy Birthday, Woody Williams, Shawn Hillegas, John Wetteland, Craig Counsell, Ismael Valdéz & Jesse Chavez!

2018 Topps Now - #617 - Kershaw 2nd Fastest Dodger to 150 Wins

For a split second I thought Topps would issue an Immaculate inning card for Dodgers reliever Zac Rosscup, but that was not meant to be. I suppose they feared a lack of sales would hamper that card. Instead, we get to enjoy a Clayton Kershaw card that celebrates his 150th career win. See it above and below. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger insider:

“It was a good day,” Kershaw said. “That first inning we get five like that early, it’s imperative you go out there, you want to have quick innings and get guys back in the dugout. (There’s) even more of an emphasis on that when guys are swinging the bats like they did today. It’s go right after guys and get quick outs.”

Blog Kiosk: 8/20/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Something you might have missed from last night's 12-1 rout of the Mariners was the ninth inning performance by Dodger reliever Zac Rosscup. He came in to finish the game and proceeded to throw the 93rd Immaculate Inning in Major League history -- striking out three batters using only nine strikes. It was also the first Dodger' Immaculate inning since Kenley Jansen's performance on 5/18/17 against the Marlins, the eighth ever in Dodgers history and the sixth Dodger to ever do it (Koufax did it three times). You can watch Rosscup's inning here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 seventeen year old Dodger shortstop Tommy Brown became the youngest player in Major League history to hit a home run. He hit it off of Pirates hurler Preacher Roe in the seventh inning, and it would be the only run the Dodgers would score in a losing effort, 11-1. In 1978 Steve Garvey and Don Sutton have a scuffle in the clubhouse before their game against the Mets. Sutton was critical of Garvey in a Washington Post story (here's a followup story); saying that he was more interested in his off-field persona than his play, and that Reggie Smith was the teams MVP.

"All you hear about on our team is Steve Garvey the All-American boy. But Reggie Smith was the real MVP. We all know it . . . (Smith) has carried us the last two years.He is not a facade. He does not have the Madison Avenue image."

• Happy Birthday, Frank Bonner, Ed McLane, Bill Crouch, Al Lopez, Fred Norman, Lance Rautzhan, Kal Daniels, Jamie Hoffman & Blake DeWitt!

Cardinals Series Starts Monday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Monday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2018 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

The Dodgers have a Good Sport Designated Driver program for those 21-years old or older who will provide responsible transportation for all members of their group and will not drink alcoholic beverages. Fans can sign up at any Fan Service Station, receive a coupon for one complimentary soft drink and be entered in a drawing to win a special on-field experience as the Budweiser Good Sport designated driver of the season.

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Monday, August 20th at 7:10 PM

Alex Wood vs Austin Gomber

TV: MLBN (out-of-market only), SportsNet LA, KTLA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Dodger Jose Gonzalez -- one of the "Stuntmen"

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: 8/17/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic in-action United Press photo featuring the first at-bat between Ralph Branca and Bobby Thomson after last season's "Shot Heard 'Round the World." (eBay auction link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

This Time Thomson Walks

Renewing old acquaintances, Giants slugger Bobby Thomson, whose homer in the playoffs the last season gave the pennant flag to the 'miracle' team, faces Dodger hurler Ralph Branca for the first time this season. In their clash at Ebbets Field, April 19. It was Branca who pitched that fatal ball back in '51. This time Thomson walked. Roy Campanella is the Dodger backstop, and the plate umpire is Bill Stewart.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers and Cubs played a 17 inning game that was temporarily halted at a tie, 1-1, because of darkness (this was before Wrigley Field had lights). The next day they begin where they left off. The Dodgers would eventually win on a sacrifice fly by Dusty Baker in the 21st inning. In 1992 Dodgers hurler Kevin Gross no-hit the Giants at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. Watch the last out of the game, as called by Vin Scully, here. Per a NY Times article:

"The later it got, the more the adrenaline started pumping," Gross said. "It was just a blur when that last out was made."

• Happy Birthday, George Harper, Doug McWeeny, Joe Bradshaw, Boog Powell, Brad Wellman, Jeff Fischer & Kyle Farmer!