A Formal Joint Statement on Recent Fan Violence

Before I post the joint press release from the Dodgers, Giants and their respective Mayors and police chiefs I wanted to remind folks that a special fund has been set up for Bryan Stow. He is currently in a medically induced coma after being attacked in the Dodgers parking lot. Also, go here for info on the suspects- and how you can help. UPDATE: via Vin Scully is My Homeboy, we find out that his family has a blog in support of Bryan- see it here.

Donations for Bryan: Go to at any bank listed at www.CUSWIRL.com or Common Wealth Credit Union and donate to account number #118881 at Common Wealth Credit Union.

Below is the press release:

The following statement was issued today by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee, SFPD Interim Chief Jeff Godown, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, San Francisco Giants Managing Partner Bill Neukom and Los Angeles Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt in regard to the assault that occurred after Thursday’s Opening Day game at Dodger Stadium:

“This attack is unconscionable behavior that will not be tolerated in either of our ballparks or in either of our cities. Once apprehended, the attackers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Public safety is the top priority for all of us and even one act of random violence is unacceptable.

Baseball is a family sport that has unified our country after times of crisis and tragedy. This senseless act of violence has no place in our society and certainly not in our national pastime.

The Giant/Dodger rivalry is one of the most storied in all of sports, dating back to when the teams played across town in New York City before their moves to California. This is a great rivalry between teams competing on the field of play. That’s where it must stay.

We call on our respective citizens to stand together in honor of that rivalry as you have done throughout the years. Root hard for your teams, and do so with civility and common decency.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim Bryan Stow and his family. The best thing that we as a community of baseball fans can do to support Bryan and his family is to rise above this outrageous act and exercise good sportsmanship and mutual respect for each other.”

eBay: Dodger Smokes

Back in the 50's, smoking was not considered the health hazard we know it to be today. Players smoked and often lent their image to sell packs nationwide. Tobacco billboards were at every Baseball stadium. And, as we see in the photos, teams donated packs to serviceman through the VA.

Here is an eBay auction of a rare unopened pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes provided compliments of the Dodgers. This 50 year old vintage memorabilia item sold for $28.00.

(eBay Auction Link)

Auto Collection: JD Drew Sweet Spots

J.D. Drew is a very good hitter. But, if you ask me, he isn't worth the aggravation and salary it takes to get him. As all Dodger fans remember, he came over as a power slugging outfielder that would help us fill a spot vacated by Shawn Green. And sure, he did just that. He went on to hit .284 with 35 home runs and a .905 OPS in his two years wearing Blue (including 1/2 a year struggling through injuries). Then, he left using an escape clause in his contract and signed as free agent to play for Boston. Ingrate!

Anyway, I should just destroy any Drew card I have in my collection. He obviously has no appreciation for the "Blue" and I should therefore remove him from my mental database. Unfortunately, reality trumps my fanatic desires. He once wore Blue; therefore, I am obligated to include him in my collection.

Above is my 2006 Sweep Spot Signatures card of him from 2006. I also had the fortune of picking up a very scarce "1 of 1" Sweet Spot Signature card featuring black stitching. See it below.

Dodger Bats Come Alive as Pitching Gives a Scare

(Pic Link: TwitPic @aj82lo)

What a nice offensive showing by the Boys in Blue this evening; especially after a shellacking I would prefer to forget. Nine hits, a bomb by Kemp, and a couple of triples helped propel the Dodgers past the Giants in a nail-biter, 7 to 5.

The Dodgers even showed some heart as they retook the lead after being unable to hold a early three run cushion. They just continued to hack away and grab a victory.

Kuroda was good enough to win as he held the Giants at bay, but the relief staff was another story. Kuo was shaky and Guerrier did not instill much confidence- although he did finish the job by limiting the damage. The enigmatic Broxton was roughed up again as he gave up another home run and put the tying run at the plate. Fortunately, he was able to close the doors and recorded his third save.

Not a bad start for the Dodger so far. They take the first series of the season and (I like to think) force the Giants to leave town with their tails between their legs. Three wins and one loss, I'd take that any day.

Colorado is next as the Dodger leave town on their first road trip for a game Tuesday.

(Pic Link: TwitPic Tommy Lasorda)
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• MLB Trade Rumors starts thinking about who will be the Dodgers fifth starter next Sunday. They speculate that they may call up Ely, or make room for Tim Redding at the risk of removing someone from the 40 man roster. Get the details here.

(Pic Link: Plixi Dodgers)

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• A fund has been set up for Bryan Stow. He is currently in a medically induced coma after being attacked in the Dodgers parking lot.

Donations for Bryan: Go to at any bank listed at www.CUSWIRL.com or Common Wealth Credit Union and donate to account number #118881 at Common Wealth Credit Union.

Auto Collection: Hamulak Sweet Spot's

Tim Hamulack was a Dodger who didn't quite stick with the big club. He didn't look too bad, especially while in the Mets minor league organization, but faltered when he made the show. His one claim to fame, for which LFP memorializes right here, was for plunking Bonds in retaliation for a pitch to the head of Jeff Kent.

Above is a Tim Hamulack Sweet Spot Signatures card from 2006 in my collection. I also have one of the odd variations that exist. Below is the "red & blue" stitch version that is numbered to 50.

Blog Kiosk: 4/3/2011

• Baseball Analytics takes a look at Andre Ethier's slugging numbers at home and away.
  
• Sunshine has some great photos from Opening Day, check it out at LEAVes of Dodger Blue.
  
• A complete rundown of short prints and variations in 2011 Heritage Baseball has just been announced by Topps, here.
• Learn how to throw a knuckleball from Jim Bouton, via Deadspin.
  
• I thought this video was the best April Fools Joke this year. From the Kings- In House Kings Blogger Rich Hammond in Undisputed. Oh, and here's his blog.