Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Blog Kiosk: 6/26/2013 - Dodgers Links - A Puig Promotion Night, Paco's Celebration & Druken "Fall"ies in Korea

The Dodgers have added a new promotional game to their schedule.  On Sunday, July 14 (a game against Colorado) they will be giving out the above Yasiel Puig T-shirt to the first 40,000 fans.  They will be available in two sizes, medium and extra large.
  • Congratulations to UCLA for winning the College World Series!


It took Hanley Ramirez about one second to answer the question, "When was the last time you felt this good at the plate?"

"Um, 2009, when I was the batting champion," Ramirez said. 
  • Infectious Joy!  .gif below of Paco's celebration via Dodgers tumblr.
  • Via Stephen Bailey at the LA Times, "Matt Kemp begs manager to play, backs it up with game-saving grab".
  • Via Brandon Lennox at True Blue LA, "Dodgers 6/25/13 minor league report - Top 2013 picks Chris Anderson, Tom Windle in debut with Loons".
  • This might be the second greatest tradition in sports.  After the Blackhawks Stanley Cup victory the other night, fans went to their coach's home, Joel Quenneville, at TP'd it.  The pics are a sight to behold.  Via Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy.
  • Has this ever happened in a Major League game?



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By at Wednesday, June 26, 2013 0 comments
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Hunt Auctions at the All Star FanFest - Rare Jackie Robinson Memorabilia Related to Debut as a Dodger

This seasons All-Star game in New York will not only feature the best Baseball players in the league, but will also host an auction by Hunt Auctions at its FanFest.  It's a huge offering that includes 826 different lots; including items from the collections of Warren Spahn and former MLB umpire Artie Gore.

In fact, there is one item within the Artie Gore collection that I thought was too great not to share here.  Featured below is an actual game used Baseball from Artie's very first game he ever umpired, April 15, 1947 at Ebbets Field, which happens to coincide with Jackie Robinson's very first Major League Baseball game.  So, this is a game used Baseball from Jackie's first Major League game.  Artie Gore manned third base as umpire and Jackie played first base for the Dodgers.

The memento was given to Gore to commemorate his first game, and was a present to his wife Millie for her many years of dealing with her husbands years of toil as a Minor League umpire.  Artie Gore was 39 when he finally made the Majors.  The ball has been signed by Hall of Fame umpire Al Barlick and fellow umpire "Babe" Pinelli.  The ball has also been inscribed with particulars from the game:
Brooklyn - 5
Boston - 3
Opening game 
Brooklyn + Boston
15, April - 1947
By remarkable coincidence, Artie Gore also was the home plate umpire when Jackie Robinson debuted in the Minor Leagues in 1946 as a member of the Montreal Royals.  Gore would eventually umpire in the Majors for 10 years in 1,464 games.
(Auction Link)

Below is another item related to Jackie Robinson's debut as a Dodger.  It is a letter writted by Jackie to a fan in Kentucky named Charles.  It is dated just 17 days after his first game as a Dodger, May 2, 1947. 
Dear Charles, 
I want to thank you and the others for your really nice letter.  I am really glad to have received just such a letter. No I was not surprised to receive a letter from the South because there are many more Southerners who share the same feelings you have and I am sure that it will be fellows like yourselves that will go a long way in furthering the democratic way of life most of us want.  As for my treatment in Louisville last year, it was overshadowed by some very nice letters I received from residence of Louisville.
Thanks again for your letter and I might add there is a lot of encouragement in every line.
Sincerely, Jackie Robinson.
I think it's fair to say that Jackie's exploits had created a fan, and that it in turn helped change the world for the better.
(Auction Link)

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By at Wednesday, June 26, 2013 0 comments
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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Guerrier, AGon, Kenley, Mike Marshall and a Dodger Fest at Frank & Sons (Puig, Kemp and More)

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.

This is a very busy Saturday for Dodger Autograph collectors.  There are 4 different events happening on Saturday, and 2 of them are free for fans!  There are 12 different current and former Dodgers' signing.  On top of that, Kenley Jansen is signing this afternoon on La Cienega.  Wow!
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Kenley Jansen will be at a T-Mobile store on La Cienega in Los Angeles on this afternoon, Wednesday, June 26th from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  This is a free event for fans.  More information is here.
T-Mobile store
350 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90048
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Adrian Gonzalez will be at a T-Mobile store in Huntington Park on Saturday, June 29th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  This is a free event for fans. 
T-Mobile store 
6900 Pacific Blvd.
Huntington Park, 90255
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Matt Guerrier will be meeting with fans and signing autographs at the Sports Authority in Burbank on Saturday, June 29th from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  This is a free event for fans.  More information is here.
Sports Authority
1900 W. Empire Ave. Ste R12 
Burbank, CA 91504 
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Former Dodger Mike Marshall will be in Whitter on Saturday, June 29th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Harry's Dugout.  Go here for more information.  This is a pay event.
Harry's Dugout
10701 W Beverly Blvd
Whittier, Ca 90601
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This weekend is a Dodger weekend at Frank & Sons.  Nine Dodgers will be in attendance to sign for fans.  Check out the below flyers for information, or go here.  Click on any flyer to embiggen.

Scott Van Slyke is on rehab assignments in Albuquerque, but is expected to be back in LA before the weekend.  I suspect if those plans change and he remains on rehab with the Isotopes, then his appearance at Frank & Sons will be postponed.
Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 E. San Jose Ave.
City of Industry, CA 91748

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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Blog Kiosk: 6/25/2013 - Dodgers Links -


Shawn Green was in the house last night.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.
  • If you are so inclined, please check out my blogs Facebook page and "like it".
  • ICYMI:  Check out my post from yesterday about the Nick Punto Song.  After Punto's clutch double in the 8th inning of yesterdays game to start the rally I thought we should all sing his praises by singing his song.
  • Check out my post from earlier today on a couple of Brooklyn Dodger Carl Erskine no-hitter memorabilia items.
  • Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "Andre Ethier, this is your life now that Yasiel Puig is around".
  • Mike Oz also writes, "Young Dodger fan pledges to give money from viral video to injured Giants fan Bryan Stow".
  • John Brenkus at ESPN breaks down Yasiel Puig's swing.
  • Chad Moriyama may have noticed a small adjustment to Puig's swing.  Check out what he has to say.
  • Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times writes, "Does Yasiel Puig dream of electric sheep?"  Any time you see a story about the Dodgers that makes a Phillip K. Dick reference then it must be read.  The title of this story refers to a book by Dick that was made into a movie that you've probably seen - Blade Runner.  Awesome!
Those are numbers Willie Mays could admire. They are unsustainable, which is not to say they’re not to be absolutely enjoyed as long as this ride continues.

I don’t know if androids dream of electric sheep, but right now, Dodgers fans dream of Yasiel Puig.


  • Carl Crawford Cards shared a great video interview with Negro Leaguer Carl Long.  Just awesome!   I love it when little known blogs get a gem like this, and I firmly believe it's my duty to pass it along.

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By at Tuesday, June 25, 2013 0 comments
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Yeah, Baby! 3 In a Row!


It's a little hard to believe that last night was the first time the Dodgers recorded a winning streak of three games.  But as Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts noted, it is true.  UPDATE: strike that, this 3 game winning streak is actually the first 3 game game winning streak is 8 consecutive tries.  As a commenter on facebook noted, they won a 3 game set against Pittsburgh during the first roadtrip of the season.

Hopefully they can keep it up and continue winning.

Was it the offensive exploits of our newest stud outfielder that propelled us?  Not exactly. 

Sure, Puig's bat has been a godsend, and his exuberance has certainly enlivened the team.  But, other than last nights 3 for 4 evening, he had no real part in the dodgers scoring runs during the first two Dodger wins.

The real reasons for the Dodgers recent mini-streak has been the pitching and defence.  They have given up only a run in the last three games, and our relief corps appear to finally be waking up.  Thankfully, Kenley Jansen has taken to the closer role very nicely.  Furthermore, the Dodgers have not committed an error, save Puig's little mishap last night that could have been scored an error

With last nights victory, the Dodgers pushed the Giants into 4th place in the Western Division, and they have an opportunity to push them even further down today. 

For now, though it's great to savor our first winning streak of the year.. 


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By at Tuesday, June 25, 2013 0 comments
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Congratulations, Chicago Blackhawks! The New Stanley Cup Champions!


It is with bittersweet emotions that I congratulate the Chicago Blackhawks for their victory last night over the Boston Bruins.  I say bittersweet not only because the 'Hawks eliminated the Kings during the Conference Finals, but last night also marked the official end of the Kings reign as Stanley Cup Champions.

The Blackhawks were just incredible this season.  They came out of the gate fast, and won consistently throughout the year.  Heck, they recorded points in 24 straight games to start the season, having only lost 3 games in overtime.  At the end of the lockout shortened season they finished with the best record in the league.

Coming into these playoffs there was one team that worried me - the Blackhawks.  I knew how good they were and feared that they would be the only team that could stop the Kings from repeating as champions.  As you know, they did just that.  Now, they are Stanley Cup Champions, and I salute you.

Congrats, Blackhawks!

Pic Credit Above: twitter @keeperofthecup:

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By at Tuesday, June 25, 2013 0 comments
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