Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 8/30/2012

Above is the September edition of Dodgers Magazine featuring Shane Victorino and Hanley Ramirez on the cover.

• The Dodgers are falling apart-- quite literally.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, Stan Kasten fears losing Billingsley for the rest of the year.

Kasten also said his fear is "not based on medical evidence," even though as CEO he has access to all medical information the club has on each of its players.

Kasten's comment came less than a week after the club gave reporters a vague description of "elbow inflammation" as the reason for Billingsley's placement on the disabled list Saturday after he underwent an MRI.

The club also said Billingsley would have a second MRI when the inflammation subsides later this week to determine the full extent of the injury.

• Kenley Jansen's heart problems have come back, via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA.  Then Mike Petriello at RotoGraphs wonders who will replace him.
• Per a Dodgers press release, Scott Elbert has been placed on the 15 day DL; Shawn Tolleson has been brought back up.
• Matt Kemp is day-to-day after crashing into the outfield wall in Colorado two days in a row, via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times.

“I don’t know how much time,” he said. “I just know that my knee … it’s sore right now. … Hopefully, just a day. We’ll see how everything goes.”

• This homestands Dodgers playbill features Adrian Gonzalez on the cover.  See it on the right.
• Apparently, Yasiel Puig just loves to sign autographs for fans.  David's Autograph Signings shares what he got.
• BTW, Author Paul Haddad will sign copies of his book, “High Fives,” in the right field merchandise tent through the third inning at tonight's game.
• This is too cool!  A hockey game will be played inside a Roman style amphitheater that was built over 2,000 years ago in Europe.  This is like the NHL Hockey Classic to the extreme.  Puck Daddy has the story. Check out a pic of them building the ice rink and seats below.  Click on the pic to embiggen.

(twitter pic)

• Tom Bartsch at Sports Collectors Digest reports on an unusual lawsuit where a collector is suing Fausto Carmona/Roberto Hernandez for his loss in his investment in his rookies cards due to the ballplayers recent finding that he falsified his name and birth certificate.  I should start a new feature called "Frivolous Baseball Lawsuits."
• I don't know why I find this awesome, but I just do.  Via Busted Coverage we find out that a Newport Beach collector is trying to sell his life-size paintings of Shaquille O'Neal on Craigslist-- one of which depicts Shaq as Superman.  Yeah, Superman! 
• COED Magazine brings to you College Football 2012 Week 1 Preview: Cheerleader Edition.  Yowzers! 
• Upper Deck recently interviewed NHL Stanley Cup Champions Los Angeles Kings 2012 #1 draft pick Tanner Pearson during Draft Day.  Watch the video below.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

It's ThinkCure! Weekend

If there is one good thing to come out of the McCourt ownership it is the creation of ThinkCure!  This charity aims to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to help fund cancer research at City of Hope and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and this weekend is one of its principle fundraising efforts.  During the games on Sunday and Monday there will be all sort of fundraising events, so be sure to check them out and give them a hand.  Also, go to their website for more information, here.

Some of the fundraising events and in-stadium activities include the following:

 

• Fans can donate to ThinkCure! by visiting www.thinkcure.org, texting the word “CURE” to 50555 for a $10 donation, or by calling into the telethon at (855) 424-4056 beginning 8 a.m. on Sunday, September 2^nd and ending after the game on September 3rd;
• An auction of Dodger memorabilia by the Dodger Dream Foundation will benefit ThinkCure!;
• A first pitch by leading cancer physicians, researchers and top fundraisers;
• Check presentations already totaling more than $200,000 will be made by key donors, including YAS Fitness Centers founder Kimberly Fowler on behalf of her annual YAS-A-THON spinning fundraiser, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Aaron Harang, and the Los Angeles Dodgers organization;
• A special "Kids Take the Field" event before each game will feature children from City of Hope and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles running on field to get the autographs from their favorite players;
• City of Hope and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles guests will announce that world famous line, "It's Time for Dodger Baseball!";
• The ThinkCure! logo will be painted on the field, and each game will feature two honorary bat kids from City of Hope and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles:
• The City of Hope bloodmobile will be taking blood donations at Viva Los Dodgers in Lot 6 on Sunday, September 2^nd, two hours before game time.

BTW, Since 2009, ThinkCure! has provided $1.84 million in research grants to City of Hope and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Collection: Shawn Green Buyback Autograph

Shawn Green has always been one of my favorite players.  He was an unassuming kid who wasn't built like a slugger, but had a swing that could propel balls into the bleachers.  True story here: I actually played against Green as a young teen.  I played ball as a kid in a Tustin youth league and recall hearing about this Shawn Green character.  Unfortunately, I do not actually recall seeing him play, but I do know that even as a kid he was spoken about as being a future MLB'er. 

Featured here is a 2001 SP Authentic Buyback insert card autographed by Shawn Green.

BTW, I was a pretty terrible ballplayer in youth leagues, but I gave it my all.  At least, all that I could.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Some Dodgers, a Hideo Gnomo Lawn Gnome and the Stanley Cup

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.

-------------------------

Autograph Alley at Dodger Stadium 

(outside of Dodger Stadium in the centerfield area)

Thursday, August 30th
5:10 PM - 6:30 PM
Tommy Davis

Friday, August 31th 
5:10 PM - 6:30 PM
Ken McMullen

Sunday, September 2nd
11:10 AM - 12:30 PM
Manny Mota Dennis Powell (At Viva Los Dodgers)

Wednesday, September 5th 
5:10 PM - 6:30 PM
Billy Ashley

-------------------------

Dodger reliever Brandon League will be signing free autographs at a local Staples store in Culver City on Friday, August 31st from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

Staples Store
11441 Jefferson Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 313-3658

(Hat Tip: Vin Scully is My Homeboy)

-------------------------

This is probably the coolest minor league game give-away ever.  Really, this is beyond cool. Go here for more info.  From the Blaze website. 

The Bakersfield Blaze is giving out a Hideo Gnomo lawn ornament (or is it a bobble- maybe both?). 

Souvenir Saturday #12 turns the clock forward a few years, and rumbles into a stretch of Rookies of the Year from an old affiliation with the Dodgers. Which one did we pick? The whirling dervish from Japan, Hideo Nomo! A collector's item for all ages, this sensation rocked Bakersfield before putting together a remarkable Big League career. Enjoy your lawn bobble, but get tickets early - we expect a sell-out!

Check out what it looks like below.  Only the first 500 fans get one.

(twitter link)

-------------------------

Do you want to get your pic with Lord Stanley's Cup.  well, you'll have your chance this coming Sunday, September 2nd.  Go here for more info.

The Ontario Reign, 2011-12 Pacific Division Champions and proud affiliate of the NHL’s 2012 Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings, announced they will host the Stanley Cup at Ayres Hotel and Suites Ontario Convention Center on Sunday, Sept. 2 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Jack Ferreira, Special Assistant to the General Manager, Dean Lombardi, is sharing his day with the Cup with the Ontario Reign and their loyal fans.  The Reign’s new host hotel partner, the Ayres Hotel and Suites Ontario Convention Center will host the event in their main lobby to celebrate their new partnership.

"It is an honor to share in the celebration of the Kings' success this season," said Reign President Justin Kemp.  "We are proud to have the opportunity to bring the excitement of the Cup to our fans."

This is a FREE event and does not require a reservation or ticket.  Be sure to arrive early as there are many people expected to be at this Stanley Cup visit.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

We're All Gonna Miss You, Gary

A couple of weeks ago the father of my best friend from college passed away.  Over the past several weeks everything was looking better, but in the end his heart could not hold on.  It was a tough time for my friend.  He was there for his Dad every step of the way, and I know the father of two will be sorely missed.  As my buddy told me, "he was a good man who had accomplished all that he had hoped to during his time on earth.  In the end, he had no regrets."  That is something I'm sure we all would want to say about ourselves when our time comes to pass.

As that evening rolled on, I made sure to give my condolences and provide the kind of support only a friend of 20+ years could give.  We talked about his life, and joked in a manner only those who know us could understand. 

Which is why I feel compelled to write this post.

My friend of 20+ years turned to me and asked, "so, are ya going to write a post about a Dodgers casket?"  I, of course, looked at him strangely.  I was both shocked and bemused.  Then, we had a laugh.  Apparently, he had spoken with his uncle who asked, in what my friend described as an excited manner, if I was going to write a post about the newest trend in memorial services.  So, in honor of my friend and the sense of humor his entire family continues to hold even in these times of grief, I share with you something any die-hard would love to spend their restful days in.

(pic link)

For those more inclined to finding an urn as a final resting place check this out. As strange as it is to write this, I must say that this thing is awesome.

Unfortunately, Gary (my buddies father) was an Angels fan.  So the below Angels urn will have to do.

On a side note, we use to joke how strange that was.  You see, although I am a Dodgers fan I have resided for most of my life in Orange County.  On the other hand, my friend and his father were Angels fans, but they had lived for most of their lives in Los Angeles.  Strange stuff, eh?

BTW, we are all Kings fans.  The last time I saw Gary we rejoiced in seeing our Kings finally win the Stanley Cup.  He had a true smile of happiness about that one.  So, I like to think they won it for him.  After all, don't we all want to see our team win it at least once before we die?

So, to Gary or Dancing Bear as he was called when he was a conductor in the rail road, I send you off in the best way a Baseball and hockey fan can.  You had the opportunity to witness a championship from both your Angels and Kings, and I am grateful for that. 

(pic link)

And I want to end this post by sharing a video I recently saw that I think we all can appreciate.  In the early 80's Sesame Street tackled the subject of death in one of their episodes when Will Lee (who played Mr. Hooper) died.  It's incredibly well done and is sure to cause some tears.  Man-O-Live, Sesame Street really is one of the greatest televisions shows around.

Sesame Street - I'm Gonna Miss You, Mr. Hooper! by Wrestlegameshow
Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 8/29/2012

I'm not sure if I've ever seen this before.  Above is a canvas giclee painting of Vin Scully done by Stephen Holland. I found this on eBay.  This piece is numbered to an edition of 93, but I'm sure more affordable prints can be found.

• Jon Weisman of Dodger Thoughts writes a piece for CityThink at Los Angeles Magazine called "In Praise of Vin's Voice."
• Scott Andes at Lasorda's Lair writes of his recent first meeting with Vin Scully while working the press box.  
• Matt Kemp is just fine, via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times.
• Mike Axisa at Fangraphs writes about Nick Punto.
• Former Dodger Paul LoDuca is playing a part in the Melky Cabrera steroid investigations, per Bob Nightengale at USA Today.  (Hat Tip:Craig Calcaterra at Hardball Talk)

 The people told USA TODAY Sports that Lo Duca alleges Seth and Sam Levinson, through their firm ACES Inc., introduced him to Radomski. Lo Duca also alleges a checking account was opened for Lo Duca to pay Radomski for steroids, human growth hormone, amphetamines and sexual-enhancement drugs, according to the people. The MLB probe is part of the investigation after the failed drug test and suspension of San Francisco Giants All-Star Melky Cabrera two weeks ago.

• Per a Dodgers press release:  

Scott Elbert on the 15-day disabled list with left elbow inflammation and recalled right-handed pitcher Shawn Tolleson from Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. 

• Another major vintage Baseball card lot was found in Maine.  It goes on auction today.  Via The Morning Sentinel.

The card, found by an antiques picker from Kennebunk who asked the auction house not to identify him, is one of seven Old Judge Cigarette cabinet cards from the 1888 Boston Beaneaters that will be auctioned Wednesday by Saco River Auction. The Boston Beaneaters went on to be known as the Boston Braves and, eventually, the Atlanta Braves. 

• John Ely has been named the PCL pitcher of the year, via @Dodgers on twitter.  Right now, I prefer to see him over Harang and Capuano.

(twitter link)

• A 1914 Babe Ruth Minor League Rookie card just sold in a private for $575,000.00, via Sports Collectors Daily.  That's a huge price for a card in PSA 2 (good) condition.  I wonder what a Near-Mint example would sell for.  Heck, does one even exist?
• Alan Kleinberger at Sports Collectors Digest writes about his day at The National.

I’m not sure how you would define “enthusiastic.” I’m also not sure how you’d define “crazy.” I had back surgery a little more than two weeks before this year’s National, held in Baltimore Aug. 1-5. So when I got up at 4 a.m. to catch a commuter train to New York’s Penn Station, where I would catch the 6:05 a.m. Amtrak to Baltimore, I was wearing a neck brace. Yeah, I say enthusiastic. My wife and more sane people would say crazy. Not the first time I was called that, and probably not the last.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *