Blog Kiosk: 12/20/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I realize that the photo above has nothing to do with Baseball or even specifically the Dodgers, but it was taken at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn.  Featured above is an in-action composite photograph of an vivacious and energetic Marilyn Monroe kicking a soccer ball to open an international friendly between the Israeli team and an American All-Star squad, dated May 13, 1957.  (Auction Link Here)  As you can see in the AP press wire photo, Marilyn strikes the ball with all the gusto of a pro.  BTW, this photo recently sold on eBay for $412.00.  Wow!

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1989 the Dodgers traded Mike Marshall and Alejandro Peno to the Mets for infielder Juan Samuel.  In 2005 thew Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Kenny Loften.
• Happy Birthday, Fred Merkle & Snooks Dowd!

2016 Elite Extra Edition Baseball - All the Dodgers Cards

Here is a look at all the Dodger cards found in packs of Panini's 2016 Elite Extra Edition Baseball card set.  Go here for a complete checklist. 

This set was released last week and focuses solely on top prospects from throughout the minor leagues, college and the Team USA Baseball team.  So, it's likely there are a few more Dodger players in this set who are still playing prep ball.  In the meantime, we have the Dodgers 2016 first round pick (Gavin Lux) and several other high-flying prospects to chase after. 

#20 Gavin Lux                                        #32 Will Smith

Blog Kiosk: 12/19/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kenta Maeda is incognito.  

Over the weekend we were greeted with a fun video from Japanese television featuring Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda goofing on a bunch of little league aged ballplayers.  He dressed up as an old man and played some ball.  Watch the entire segment at the very bottom.  (Hat Tip: Joseph Kim on twitter)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal to a three year/$39 million contract and Nomar Garciaparra to a one year/$6 million contract.  In 2014 the Dodgers traded for free agent shortstop Jimmy Rollins in exchange for Tom Windle and Zach Eflin. 
• Happy Birthday, Welcome Gaston, Wally Gilbert, Rex Barney, Geoff Zahn & Mike Fetters!

Blog Kiosk: 12/16/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

(AGon in Dubai, via his twitter)

Once again, the Dodgers prove that they are willing and able to spread the gospel of Baseball to far off places.  This weekend, both Adrian Gonzalez and Dave Roberts are in Dubai visiting the Dubai Little League.  They will inaugurate the Emirates Airline Dubai Little League Park, hold a players clinic, sign autographs and watch a friendly match between the Dubai Dodgers and another local club.  Per an Emirates press release:

John Fekete, President of the Dubai Little League commented: “The objective of the Dubai Little League is teach our 500 players the fundamentals of baseball and foster a team environment that gives them the opportunity practice good sportsmanship and we have no better partners than the Los Angeles Dodgers and Emirates Airline to help us achieve these goals. We are thrilled that our youth will have the opportunity to enhance their skills through the mentorship of some of the most respected players in Major League Baseball and we are looking forward to more visits from the Los Angeles Dodgers.”

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1990 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Juan Samuel.  In 2007 the Dodgers signed Japanese free agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda to a three year/$35.3 million contract.  In 2014 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Brandon McCarthy to a four year/$48 million contract.  In 2015 the Dodgers received Micah Johnson, Frankie Montas and Trayce Thompson in exchange for Brandon Dixon, Jose Peraza and Scott Schebler in a three way trade with the Reds and White Sox.
• Happy Birthday, Paul DePodesta, Pete Hotaling & Sammy Strang!

2016 Topps Dynasty Baseball - Kershaw's "On This Day" Autographed Patch Card

I've always been a bit dismissive of cards with a relic or game-used uniform pieces inserted within them.  Sure, they look cool sometimes, but how do you know if the uniform piece is real?  Fakes are unfortunately everywhere, and recent news detailing the FBI's continued prosecution of the scammers only emboldens my view that this stuff isn't worth the premium they sell for.

Then, Baseball started their MLB Authentication program, and suddenly fans/collectors had a means of receiving and verifying the legitimacy of various memorabilia items.  Soon thereafter, Topps joined the train and started to include MLB Authentication stickers on several of their higher-end cards.  Suddenly, doubt no longer is an issue, and I find myself singing a different tune.

Blog Kiosk: 12/15/2016 - Dodgers Links - Diaz, Buehler, Stripling and the Dodgers Holiday Party

The Dodgers and its foundation hosted more than 300 kids from local area schools at their annual Children’s Holiday Party at Dodger Stadium yesterday.  Players and alumni in attendance included Joc Pederson, Al Ferrera, Kenny Landreux and Dennis Powell.  Kids in attendance were greeted with Santa, lunch, a snow sled track, photos, toys and more.

Photos above of Pederson, Santa and some kids are via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics bu Jon from yesterdays party.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1968 Dodgers GM Al Campanis traded his own son, Jim Campanis, to the KC Royals.  In 1987 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Mike Davis to a contract.  He would eventually become a hero for taking a walk and stealing a base ahead of World Series hero Kirk Gibson.  In 2004 the Dodgers signed free agent second baseman Jeff Kent to a three year $21 million contract.  In 2009 the Dodgers trade Juan Pierre to the White Sox for two players to be named later - John Ely and Jon Link. 
• Happy Birthday, Aaron Miles & Doug Rau!