Blog Kiosk: 5/31/2017 - Dodgers Links - Six Game Winning Streak and First Place

It feels like a brand new day, eh?

After weeks of toiling the Dodgers finally find themselves on top of the heap. Per Scott Chasen and Alaina Getzenberg at MLB.com:

"Are we really [in first]?" Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, when asked about the division race. "We're winning baseball games right now, but I think the intent right now is to focus on the day and not worry about the standings. ... We've done a pretty good job of that."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1937 the Brooklyn Dodgers ended Carl Hubbell's consecutive-game winning streak at 24 (over two season) at the Polo Grounds by defeating the Giants, 10-3. In 1948 Tommy Lasorda, as a member of the Schenectady Blue Jays in the Phillies system, struck out 25 batters in a 15 inning game to defeat the Amsterdam Rugmakers.  Lasorda has said in the past that he likely threw more than 300 pitches that day. In 1965 the Dodgers, for the first time in history, field an all switch-hitting infield in the second game of a doubleheader against the Reds.  The players were Wes Parker, Jim Lefebvre, Maury Wills and Jim Gilliam.  In 1968 Don Drysdale pitched his fifth consecutive shutout -- while on his way to breaking the scoreless innings streak. This is the game where a Giants batter was called out on a bases loaded hit-by-pitch since he was ruled to have not made an attempt to get out of the way of the pitch.
• Happy Birthday, George Smith, Kenny Lofton & Dave Roberts!
  

2017 Topps Now - #198 - MLB Players Honor Veterans on Memorial Day - Kershaw

In commemoration of this weekends Memorial Day weekend activities Topps has issued a 2017 Topps Now card for fans to add to their collections. It featured six ballplayers on both the front and back; including Clayton Kershaw (on the reverse). Go here to check it out and order.

Proceeds from the sale of the card will be donated to various Military and Veteran charities though MLB Charities.

UPDATE: The print run for this card is 539 copies.

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Blog Kiosk: 5/30/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Rich Hill was dominant against the Cardinals yesterday afternoon. He went five strong innings, allowing just two hits, two walks and one earned run. Best yet, the Dodgers bullpen recorded four straight scoreless innings to help the Dodger win their fifth consecutive game. Per Scott Chasen and Joe Harris at MLB.com:

"Those guys did a heck of a job tonight with the bullpen," Hill said. "It's a reason why they're the best in baseball, so it's a lot of fun to see."

Per Rowan Kaver at Dodger Insider:

“I feel much more comfortable where I am now, getting my hand out of my glove, getting timing down,” Hill said. “It’s huge. You could see it today, it was much more crisp and clean and the ball was coming out much more efficiently.”

Pic above via SportsNet LA on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 Boston Braves outfielder Bama Rowell became the first player to hit the Bulova clock located above the right field scoreboard with a long drive at Ebbets Field.  His wallop shattered the clock face, causing glass to fall on the field and onto Dodger outfielder Dixie Walker. The event is said to have been the inspiration for a similar incident found in the book The Natural that was written by Brooklyn author Bernard Malamud. In 1962 Maury Wills becomes the 7th player in history to hit home runs from each side of the plate during a single game.  The feat was accomplished against the Mets during the first game of a doubleheader that afternoon.
• Happy Birthday, Jesse Whiting, Al Mamaux, Ed Rakow & Manny Ramirez!
  

2017 Topps Now - #194 - Cody Bellinger - Fastest in Club History to Reach 10 Career HR's

A few weeks ago Cody Bellinger become the first Dodger player in the modern era (since 1900) to hit five home runs in his first 11 career games in the major leagues. Now, this past Sunday Cody is the fastest Dodger ever to have walloped 10 home runs at the start of their career -- at 31 games.

This feat breaks Yasiel Puig's record setting mark of 44 games in 2013.

To honor this accomplishment Topps has issued a 2017 Topps Now card, and they made a limited number of certified autographed variations cards available. Unfortunately, all of those autographed cards are now sold out as of this posting. Go here to check out and order the normal base card. It'll be available until Tuesday morning. On the reverse it reads:

Welcome to the Blue, Mike Freeman & Chris Heston

When you see an opportunity, you seize it.

I don't think any team in the league epitomizes this ethic more than the Dodgers front office. When an opening occurs they always seem to dig down deep to fill that hole. After all, you never know if you'll find a diamond in the rough.

Case in point, the Dodgers just claimed two veteran ballplayers from the Seattle Mariners system -- lefty-batting infielder Mike Freeman and right-handed pitcher Chris Heston. Both of whom will be optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

If you've got a good memory then you may know these two names. Both players have bounced around for awhile and have played against the Dodgers at one time or another.

Cubs Series Starts Friday, Today - Homestand Series Information

Back by popular demand, here is some info on the upcoming homestand against the Chicago Cubs that starts tonight, Friday, May 26th. Unfortunately, the Dodgers no longer provide the same kind of detail they had in the past, so the below information does not include, for the most part, first pitch, pregame ceremony, Military Hero of the Game, and other interesting stuff. Below are some important links:

• 2017 Broadcast Schedule
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Viva Los Dodgers Schedule

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Friday, May 26th at 7:10 PM
RHP JAke Arrieta vs. LHP Alex Wood
SNLA & SNLA Spanish / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)