Corey Seager NL Silver Slugger SS Winner - 2016 Topps Now Card #OS-10

To no one's surprise Corey Seager was named the National League recipient of the Silver Slugger Award for the shortstop position yesterday.  In commemoration of that Topps has issued the featured 2016Topps Now card seen in this post.  Go here to check it out and order.

Welcome to the Blue, Darin Ruf & Darnell Sweeney!

The Dodgers have made their second trade of the winter.  They sent infielder/outfielder Howie Kendrick to the Philadelphia Phillies for first baseman/outfielder Darin Ruf and minor league infielder/outfielder Darnell Sweeney. 

As you'll recall, word recently spread that Howie Kendrick was unhappy with his role this past season as a roving left fielder/second baseman -- even though only four other Dodgers' (Corey Seager, Adrian Gonzalez, Justin Turner and Chase Utley) had more at-bats than him.  Nevertheless, he wanted a more consistent position, and apparently the Phillies are able to abide.  BTW, Kendrick has a one-year contract remaining at $10 million.

Blog Kiosk: 11/11/2016 - Dodgers Links - Calhoun, Seager and Veterans Day

On this Veterans Day I am elated to have run into the above vintage press photo featuring Don Sutton undergoing training with the US Army.  It is dated to the winter of 1967 and was taken at Ft. Gordon, Georgia.  This followed his second season as a Dodger starting pitcher.  I've, so far, been unable to find much information about his time there.

UPDATE: I just found a brief mention about Sutton's time in Georgia.  It is in The Bulletin from Bend, Oregon.  It adds in the caption, "Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Don Sutton is worried about his control.  Pvt. Sutton, a basic trainee at US Army post in Fort Gordon, Ga., says he scored only a "lousy" 23 out of a possible 40 points on his dummy hand grenade throwing test.  Sutton said he had trouble getting his curve across the target.  Sutton is scheduled to be released from active duty shortly after the 1968 baseball season opens in April."

Another source, via Florida Today, 1968, states that he had a four-month stint with the Army Reserves.

Having said that, I thought I would pass along a couple of websites that focus on Baseball military veterans.  These are some great sources worth your time to check out.  If you happen to know of any more please pass them along.

• Baseball in Wartime (link here)
• Baseball's Greatest Sacrifice (link here)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela was named the very first rookie to win the NL Cy Young Award -- barely edging out Tom Seaver of the Reds, 70-67.  In 1986 Valenzuela is beat by Houston hurler Mike Scott in Cy Young voting.  Scott received fifteen first place votes and Valenzuela received nine.

Corey Seager "ROY" Players Choice Award - 2016 Topps Now Card #OS-9

Along with a parade of awards for rookie shortstop sensation Corey Seager there will no doubt be a flurry of Topps Now cards to commemorate the occasion.  Available for the next day is the above 2016 Topps Now card featuring four National League Players Choice Awards winners -- Corey Seager, Kyle Hendricks, Jose Fernandez and Daniel Murphy.  Check it out here to order.

UPDATE  The print run is  459 cards.

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Blog Kiosk: 11/10/2016 - Dodgers Links - Verdugo, DeJong, Seager, Zaidi and the 2017 Spring Schedule

The 2017 Dodgers Spring Training schedule has officially been set.  The graphic above of the schedule is via Camelback Ranch on twitter.  Go here or here for more information.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1988 Orel Hershiser was named the winner of the NL Cy Young Award.  He was the unanimous choice.
• Happy Birthday, Rob Segedin and Shawn Green!

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Rams and Raiders Signings on Sunday

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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This coming Sunday is the Deacon Jones Foundation Charity Event at the Dave & Buster's in the City of Orange.  Go here or here for information.  It will be held from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Come Meet Rams Hall of Famers Jackie Slater and Tom Mack along with Rosey Grier from the Original Fearsome Foursome. PLUS MANY MORE RAMS LEGENDS All guests receive: Autographed Deacon Jones Art Card, Souvenir Event Program, DJF rally towel, Unlimited BBQ buffet, Unlimited Jackson Family Wine servings, plus special gifts, Raffle, prizes, and more. ENTRY FEE: $50.00

Dave & Buster's
20 City Blvd W #1, 
Orange, CA 92868

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Former Raider QB and coach Tom Flores will be signing autographs at the Dave & Busters in the Ontario Mills Mall this coming Sunday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.  Go here for information.  This event is being co-sponsored by The Silver and Black Republic and Inland Empire Raiders Booster Clubs!

Autograph prices:

Small Flats – Autograph Only – $25
Medium Items – Autograph Only – $30
(Balls, Mini Helmets, Large Flats)
Large Items – Autograph with 1 Inscription – $40
(Additional Inscriptions) – $10

Dave & Busters
Ontario Mills
4821 Mills Circle
Ontario, CA 91764

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