Babe at the World's Fair Parade -- Just Prior to Becoming a Dodger Coach

I thought this would be a fun photo to share today. Featured above is a 1938 Underwood & Underwood press photo of the soon-to-be Dodger coach Babe Ruth that will soon be available through Memory Lane. He stands aboard a motorcade parade float promoting the New York World's Fair that will open the following year. (Auction Link)

Blog Kiosk: 7/26/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Ugh... I don't like losing. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"They beat us," said Roberts. "We got beat this series. I don't think we laid down. They got the big hits when they needed to. That's the difference in this series."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 Dodgers outfielder Jim Russell becomes the first ballplayer in major league history to hit a home run from both sides of the plate during a game for the second time in his career. His record is eventually surpassed by Mickey Mantle in 1956 when he does it for a third time. In 1990 super-utilityman Mike Sharperson become the first player in Dodger history to start every infield position in the same season. In 1991 Montreal starter Mark Gardner no-hit the Dodgers for nine innings, but eventually lost the game in the tenth inning. He allowed two singles and reliever Jeff Fassero gave up the winning hit to lose, 1-0.  Dodger pitchers Orel Hershiser, Kevin Gross and Jay Howell combine for a two hit shutout. In 1995 the Dodgers signed free agent amateur pitcher Eric Gagne out of Seminole State College. In 2008 the Dodgers received third baseman Casey Blake from the Indians for Jon Meloan and Carlos Santana. 
• Happy Birthday, John Butler, Sam Leslie, Hoyt Wilhelm, Glenn Mickens, Jody Reed & Brandon Morrow!

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Ferrara, Guerrero and Marshall

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.

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

Blog Kiosk: 7/25/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I never thought we'd see this day. Last night, after 15 1/2 innings of grueling play, the Dodgers were left with only one option on the mound. Kiké Hernández would have to pitch.

The event was both glorious and sad. Kiké had often talked about this day coming, but I don't think he ever thought it would.

Clearly, he should have known better because he was woefully unprepared for the spotlight. Kiké looked like a deer staring down the largest damn lion he'd ever seen. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"Has anybody else gone 0-for-7 and given up a walk-off home run?" asked Hernandez, who had always hoped to add pitching to his laundry list of assignments, but never imagined it would turn out like this.
...
"I was thinking about my AB [popped out in the 16th] on the mound," he said. "Thinking we had another game in 11 hours and how I was 0-for-7. And this was my time to redeem myself and I didn't."

He got rocked by a walk-off three-run homer to take the loss, 7-4. Photo above of Kiké Hernández via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Brooklyn outfielder Carl Furillo becomes the first Dodger to hit a home run at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City -- a onetime home field for 15 games from 1956 to 1967. Unfortunately, the Dodgers lost this game to Cincinnati, 2-1. In 2006 the Dodgers received starting pitcher Elmer Dessens from the Royals for Odalis Perez and a couple minor leaguers. 
• Happy Birthday, Doc Reisling, Marv Rackley, Larry Sherry, Dave Patterson, Garey Ingram & Guillermo Mota!

Check Out Some Historic Dodgers Memorabilia at Lelands

Lelands 2018 Invitational auction is now open and hidden within its catalog are numerous Dodger items that I thought worth sharing here.

For instance, check out this watch.

2018 Topps Now - #490 - Phillies Legend Chase Utley Received Standing O

Chase Utley, known as "The Man" in Philadelphia or "Dad" to Los Angeles, received the greeting you'd expect from thankful fans. Last night the Phillies faithful stood and thanked their former field general with numerous standing ovations, and I have no doubt Chase appreciated the gesture. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I’ve had so much support over the years, and there’s a lot of different tools that kind of help guys perform at this level,” Utley said at his initial retirement announcement. “One of those tools, in my opinion, was confidence. Philadelphia fans really brought that confidence out of me, regardless if I was 0-for-4 or 4-for-4. They were always cheering for me. They were always supporting me. That, to me, in my opinion, has really helped me become a better player.”