Blog Kiosk: 11/1/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is a fantastic vintage International News press photo of Jackie Robinson, sporting one of those satin jersey's, with young son Jackie Robinson Jr. from the 1949 season.  It had recently sold ($750) at Christie's auction house last month as part of the National Pastime Museum auction.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1942 Branch Rickey becomes General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers.  In 1951 Roy Campanella is named the National League MVP -- his first of three MVP's he would win.  In 1966 Sandy Koufax becomes the first three-time winner of the Cy Young Award. He is a unanimous winner for the second-straight year. This is the last year that only one award is given for pitchers in both of the major leagues. 
• Happy Birthday, Fernando Valenzuela!

Kenley Jansen 2016 Topps Now Card - NL Reliever of the Year - #OS-3

As you know, Kenley Jansen was named the 2016 Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year on Sunday.  Naturally, Topps has commemorated the award with an 2016 Topps Now card that features both Jansen and the AL winner Zach Britton.  Go here to check it out and order.

Per Mark Newman at MLB.com:

"Thank you so much for this tremendous honor," Jansen said via video. "I'm so sorry that I could not be there to receive the Trevor Hoffman Award from the man himself, a pitcher I respect and always admire. … Thank you for the legends and Hall of Famers to vote for me. To earn that respect from the greatest reliever of all time means a lot."

Blog Kiosk: 10/31/2016 - Dodgers Links - Congrats, Kenley!

Here is a fantastic vintage photo of soon-to-be Dodger star hurler Joe Black that I ran into at Hake's auctions.  (Auction Link)  It was taken following an impressive winter season effort where he lead the Cuban League (1951-52) in both wins and strike outs.  As you can see, a makeshift crown was placed on his head to commemorate this achievement.

As you may know, Joe joined the Dodgers that Fall and absolutely blew everyone away.  In 1952 he would go 15-4 with an 2.104 ERA, 85 strike outs, 41 walks, a 4.4 WAR and an ERA+ of 171.  Furthermore, he would be named the Rookie of the Year and come in third place in MVP voting.

Below are more links to check out:

• Happ Birthday, Javy Guerra!

Blog Kiosk: 10/28/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is an fantastic Acme press photo, dated October 8, 1941, that features a group of resilient Dodgers fans eager to watch Game 3 of the World Series.  Unfortunately, it appears that mother nature has something else in mind for the day.  It's pouring like the Dickens, but that doesn't stop them from waiting in line for the start of the game.  It is currently available at Hake's current memorabilia auction (Auction Link).  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Can’t Dampen That Dodger Spirit
Brooklyn, NY -- Holding umbrellas and blankets over their heads, Brooklyn fans – male and female – wait outside the bleachers entrance to Ebbets Field to see their “Bums” in the third game of the World Series.  Dark skies and continued rain caused the game to be postponed.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1890 the Dodgers played a Game 7 of a World Series between the National League and American Association.  They battled the Louisville Colonels but lost 6-2.  This put the series in a tie with a record of 3-3-1.  Game 3 had ended in 7-7 tie due to darkness.  Furthermore, they would never play a decisive Game 8.  Poor weather and a general lack of fan interest –(the largest crowd for any of the game was 5,600) caused the competition to be stopped.  Both Brooklyn and Louisville would be named co-champions.  In 1953 Red Barber resigns as the Brooklyn Dodgers Broadcaster, and will work for the New York Yankees.  In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in Game 6 of the World Series to become champions for the first time since 1965.  Pedro Guerrero, Steve Yeager and Ron Cey are named co-MVP's of the series.

2nd Annual Bat 4 HOPE Celebrity Softball Game with Adrian Gonzalez in November

On Saturday, November 19th Dodger Stadium will host the 2nd annual Bat 4 HOPE Celebrity Softball Game in benefit of PADRES Contra El Cáncer.  You can go here for more information and to order tickets.

Event Details:

Join Los Angeles Dodgers First Baseman Adrian Gonzalez for his 2nd Annual Celebrity Softball Game benefiting children and young adults with cancer.  Player line-up: MLB players and celebrities.  Game Day Includes: Free parking (use Sunset entrance), concession stands sales (limited menu), pre-game sponsor village, limited merchandise sales, goodie bag with each ticket purchase, silent auction, raffle, and an autograph session with Adrian Gonzalez.

Adrian Gonzalez will sign a limited number of baseballs and items prior to the start of the game. MLB baseballs and tickets for the signing will be sold on game day. Sales start at 10 AM, are limited and will go quickly. MLB baseballs are $25 (if you don't bring your own ball); autograph $35 per item/signature.  A maximum of 2 baseballs and 2 signatures per person. Cash will only be accepted in exact denominations (no change). Signing will begin at 10:45 AM in section 1 for only those that purchase a MLB baseball or ticket.

Last year the event was co-hosted with Eva Longoria.  Go here to check out some photos from that, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.

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Blog Kiosk: 10/27/2016 - Dodgers Links - Verdugo, Stewart, Seager, Jansen and Maeda

Check out this World Series action photo.  Per the descriptor:

Dodgers Andy Pafko makes a leaping one-handed catch off Gene Woodling's whistling bid for home run into the right field stands in the second inning of fifth Series game.

The run saving grab would help the Dodgers maintain a small lead in the early going, and prove to be an important catch as the Dodgers would eventually win the game in extra innings, 6-5.  I think the best part of this photo, though, are the hundreds of fans who are seen peering in eager anticipation.

I ran into this United Press Association press photo, taken by Tony Sande, on eBay.  Check out the auction here.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1890, the Brooklyn Bridegrooms (Dodgers), in their first season as a member of the National League, lost Game 6 of an World Series against the Louisville Colonels of the American Association, 9-8.  The loss shrank the Dodgers lead in the series to 3-2-1 -- Game 3 ended in a 7-7 tie due to darkness.  Game 7 will be played the next day.