Blog Kiosk: 4/21/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Today is historically quite an inauspicious day in Dodger history. As stated below, in 1925 we laid to rest the owner of the team, Charles Ebbets. He had risen through the ranks within the club, starting as a ticket, peanut and scorecard salesman to eventual owner and president. On this day though, he was buried in Brooklyn after having had a heart attack just three days prior. At the same time, his business partner, friend and newly named team president, Ed McKeever, got pneumonia while attending Ebbets funeral services. He would die soon thereafter.

Above is a circa 1913 vintage photo of the pair taken by legendary Baseball photographer George Bain. Ignore the markings at the top. Ed McKeever stands on the left and Charles is on the far right.

Below are some links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1925 Dodgers owner Charles Ebbets is buried at Brooklyn's Greenwood Cemetery. All National League games are cancelled in observance. In a strange twist of fate, new Dodgers President Edward McKeever contracts pneumonia at the services and dies eight days later. In 1955 the Brooklyn Dodgers win the 10th consecutive game in a row to start the season -- setting a then major league record. In 1967 the Los Angeles Dodgers experienced their first ever rain-out since moving west -- a streak of 737 consecutive games played at home. In 2000 the game between the Dodgers and Reds is delayed 27 minutes. The umpires' equipment was accidentally shipped to New York, and replacement gear had to be purchased at a nearby store. Furthermore, due to heavy traffic a police escort is used.
• Happy Birthday, Bert Hogg, Stan Rojek, Jesse Orosco, Chris Donnels, Jack Taschner, Terry Tiffee & Joc Pederson!
  

It Is National High-Five Day!

By virtue of him being the first we celebrate this day in honor of former Dodger outfielder Glenn Burke.

I of course will also note Dusty Baker's participation, but that's more because he was the catalyst naturally responding to the moment. It was Burke who started it all.

Happy high-five day!

Blog Kiosk: 4/20/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Clayton Kershaw is a focused and intense beast when he's pitching, and usually this is a plus. Last night though, you have to wonder if his feelings towards the gamesmanship by Rockies starter Tyler Anderson might have boiled his blood too high. In last nights postgame press interview he said:

Yhea that was uh... that was one of the more disrespectful things I've been a part of in a game. I really didn't appreciate that.

The games start was delayed when Anderson finished his pregame warmup behind schedule and then he proceeded to nonchalantly walked back to the dugout. Kershaw, as intense as ever, had his routine knocked off balance, and as a result experienced a shaky first inning. The Rockies got their first three batters on base to load them up. Fortunately, they could only get one runner across the plate.

Now, I'm not saying that one thing absolutely lead to another, but you do have to wonder if his intensity got the better of him. Nevertheless, he was able to right the ship quickly, and lead his team to a 4-2 victory. Kershaw went seven innings with ten strike outs, one walk and only two earned runs.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1999 the Dodgers surpass the 100 million mark in attendance at Dodger Stadium. In 2011 it is announced that MLB will be taking over the operations of the Dodgers due to concerns over the finances of team owner Frank McCourt. 
• Happy Birthday, Don Mattingly, Germany Smith, Pat Hannivan, Dave Bancroft, Hal Peck, Tom Hutton, Todd Hollandsworth & Ian Thomas!
  

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: A Special Manny Mota Bobble and an Angel

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.

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

Former Angels infielder Jim Anderson will be signing autographs at the Inland Empire 66ers game against the Lake Elsinore Storm at San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino on Thursday, April 20th. Jim will be taking photos and signing autographs. Anderson will also be throwing out the games first pitch.

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

One of the cooler bobbles ever. Featured below is a limited edition Manny Mota bobblehead available through Ultimate Pastime Sports Collectibles, and this coming Saturday Manny will be in Ontario to sign it. Go here for information.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 4/19/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Ryu wasn't terrible... Really! He wasn't. It's just that batters are teeing off his fastball and hitting homers - six of them so far this season. That's all. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“It’s still difficult to ignore the fact that I gave up three home runs, but looking at the pitch count and also the innings, there are definitely positive signs, and it’s definitely something I can build on,” Ryu said.

Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"We feel comfortable with him making a start every fifth day, and as he gets into the rhythm of a season, we know he'll get better," said manager Dave Roberts. "For us, the barometer for Ryu is the delivery repeating, holding velocity, which he's doing, and executing pitches. He's made some mistakes that were hit out of the ballpark. If he minimizes damage, he'll be fine."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1890 the Brooklyn Bridegrooms (Dodgers) play their very first game as a member of the National League. In 1938 both Dodgers' Ernie Koy and Phillies' Heine Mueller hit home runs in their first major league at-bats. In 1956 Roy Campanella recorded his 1,000th career hit at New Jersey's Roosevelt Stadium - a tenth inning double. This was the first ever MLB game played in New Jersey. The Dodgers would play several home games here just prior to moving to Los Angeles. In 1968 Met's hurler Nolan Ryan throws an Immaculate Inning (three strikes out on nine pitches in one inning) against the Dodgers in the third inning.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Greenwood, RJ Reynolds, Brett Mayne, Jose Cruz, Dennys Reyes, George Sherrill, Joe Beimel & Alberto Callaspo!
  

Couple Fantastic Oddball Dodger Pieces at Hunt Auctions

Auction season is in full swing. Just about every major sports auction house is hosting a collectors sale and I can barely find the time to post about them all. Have no fear though, I will endeavor to share my favorites over the coming days.

For instance, check out this weird thing I spotted at Hunt's current Internet sports auction.

What the heck is this?