This Pic is Cooler than I Originally Thought

I am so annoyed with myself right now, and as I am wont to do these days, I blame it on the flu.

What happened is last week I ran across the above vintage 1955 press photo on eBay (link here) featuring an in-action pic of Tommy Lasorda. Knowing how rare something like this is to see (considering how short his playing career was) I focused on just that fact... But, as helpfully pointed out by Jon Weisman on twitter, it proved to be so much more interesting than that.

Blog Kiosk: 1/22/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Dodgers wedding #6 happened over the weekend. Congrats, Mr. & Mrs. Barnes!

Barnes, Pederson, Ryu, Wood, Stripling and Turner have gotten married this winter.

Photo above via Barnes on Instagram. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 seven ballplayers are declared free agents as a result of an Players Association's 1985 collusion lawsuit against the owners. Kirk Gibson is one of those players, and he would eventually sign with the Dodgers seven days later. The rest, as they say, is history. In 2007 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Pedro Báez as a 19-year old third baseman out of the Dominican Republic. He would eventually convert to a relief pitcher in 2013.
• Happy Birthday, Jay Hughes, Jeff Treadway, Chone Figgins, Wayne Kirby & Carlos Ruiz!

Welcome to the Blue, Jake Peter!

I blame the flu!

I know this trade occurred two weeks ago, so apologize for this late post. As you already know, the Dodgers completed a three-team trade that netted them a reliever named Scott Alexander and a utility player named Jake Peter. This post celebrates Jake's addition to the ballclub. Per a Dodger press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the completion of a three-team trade with the White Sox and the Royals, with the Dodgers receiving left-handed pitcher Scott Alexander and minor league infielder Jake Peter; the White Sox receiving left-handed pitcher Luis Avilán, right-handed pitcher Joakim Soria and cash considerations; and the Royals receiving infielder Erick Mejia and right-handed pitcher Trevor Oaks.

Blog Kiosk: 1/19/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Gorgeous!

Newest Dodger hurler Tom Koehler just got a new glove, via a pic on his twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1972 Sandy Koufax was elected in the Baseball Hall of Fame -- become the youngest player to ever to be enshrined. In 1983 the Dodgers traded popular third baseman Ron Cey to the Cubs for Vance Lovelace and a minor leaguer. 
• Happy Birthday, Dolly Stark & Shawn Tolleson!

Blog Kiosk: 1/18/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's another fantastic action photo of a play at the plate. Featured is an July 8, 1949 International News press photo (eBay auction link) of Roy Campanella tagging Giants pinch-hitter Joe Lafata. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

NO GIANT SCORE HERE---Brooklyn, New York.....Lafata, of Giants, is tagged out at home on Lockman's grounder in 9th frame of Giants-Dodgers game at Ebbets Field tonight. Hodges to Campanella for the out. Umpire Descoli calls the play.  The Dodgers beat the Giants 4 to 3.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2011 the Dodgers signed veteran free agent outfielder Gabe Kapler as a non-roster invitee.  Unfortunately, he didn't make the team and would subsequently be released at the end of March.  As you know, he would soon retire and make his mark in the Baseball front office.
• Happy Birthday, Zeke Wrigley, Eddie Moore, Len Koenecke, Billy Grabarkewitz, Brian Falkenborg & Mike Lieberthal!

Dodgers FanFest Details are Now Here

We finally have some details for the Dodgers sixth annual FanFest at Dodger Stadium. It is set for Saturday, January 27th, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. As always, a full slate of autograph guest and VIP experiences will be available for fans. Go here to check it all out. Admission is free.

I've attended the past five FanFest's and shared a bunch of photos from those days (these post also include numerous links to post from other bloggers).  Check out the below links to check them out.  Below that are details about the player autograph sessions.

• 2017 Fan Fest
• 2016 Fan Fest
• 2015 Fan Fest
• 2014 Fan Fest
• 2013 Fan Fest

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First of all, FanFest tickets are free. So, go here to get them. Also, you must download the MLB.com Ballpark app in order to get those free admission tickets digitally. Parking gates (A, C & E) will open at 9:30 AM and it will be free, as well. You will enter the event either through the left or right field plaza gates at 10:00 AM.

The LA Dodger Foundations (LADF) will host its fourth annual Yard Sale with one-of-a-kind Dodger items for budgets of all sizes; including jerseys, T-shirts and more. There will also be a Mystery Bag Fundraiser where fans can purchase an official Major League baseball autographed by a current or former Dodger.  All Proceeds benefit the programs and charitable giving of LADF.

FanFest autograph tickets officially go on sale on Monday, January 22 at 2:00 PM PST. You will need to go here (www.dodgers.com/fanfest) to get those tickets. This is also where you will go to get tickets for the various VIP Experiences; such as meet and greets, Q&A sessions, pitching lessons, batting lessons, tours, etc. Prices for autograph ticket vouchers has not been release yet. BTW, voucher cost $25.00 last year, so you should figure on them being around that much.

Also, the Dodgers are setting up a free autograph session for kids (14 years old or younger) at the Jr. Dodger Autograph tent in Lot G of the parking lot. Autographs are not guaranteed and players will not be named in advance. An autograph card will be provided to each child to present to the signers. No personal items will be signed at this activation.

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