My 2019 FanFest Day -- With Pics and Links

The Dodgers FanFest has come and gone, and like in past years there was plenty of fans in attendance, a lot to do and lines everywhere. Heck, it would be entirely appropriate to just call this event the Dodgers LineFest. Nevertheless, I have no doubt that a majority of fans enjoyed the spectacle more than it annoyed them.

There were some minor tweaks to this years FanFest. The kid friendly activities (slides, wall climbing, etc.) were placed in the parking lot area instead of on the playing field, like in past years. Also, we were introduced to this coming seasons slogan -- "LA Bleeds Blue".

Blog Kiosk: 1/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Joc Pederson and his dog Blue met with Dodger fans and their canine friends for a special photo shoot yesterday afternoon in Van Nuys.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. You can check out more pics from this event and others, here.

Furthermore, the Dodgers FanFest is tomorrow, and there are plenty of autograph and VIP events still available. Go here to check it out. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 Giants skipper Bill Terry, when asked about the Dodgers prospects for the upcoming season, remarked, "I haven't heard anything from them; are they still in the league?" This obviously caused all of Brooklyn to scream in outrage, and ultimately lead to the Dodgers' greatest revenge. With the Giants tied with the Cardinals and with just two games left to play in the 1934 season (both against Brooklyn), the Dodgers would sweep to deny them the pennant.
• Happy Birthday, Danny Richardson, Ray Schmandt, Ed Head & Ed Goodson!

Welcome to the Blue, AJ Pollock!

I kinda wanted Harper, so this bit of news feels like a consolation prize. That being said, AJ Pollock is not a player to scoff at. He remains a serious offensive right-handed threat at the plate, and still commands respect as a plus outfielder -- even given the numerous injuries he's faced the past several years.

As I'm sure you know by now, the Dodgers are in the midst of signing free agent 31-year old right-handed outfielder and former Diamondback AJ Pollock. This news was originally posted up by Ken Rosenthal on twitter. Additionally, his contract appears to be for four-years at $55 million, plus an $10 million option/$5 million buyout for year five. So, for luxury tax purposes this translates into a five-year/$60 million contract (per Buster Olney on twitter). BTW, there is also an opt-out clause after year three.

Blog Kiosk: 1/24/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends - Signing AJ Pollock

Dodger reliever Joe Kelly did some moonlighting last night at a local Smart & Final.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1939 former Dodger Wee Willie Keeler (along with George Sisler and Eddie Collins) are elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Keeler had famously said, "hit 'em where they ain't." In 1963 the Dodgers acquired Don Zimmer in a trade with the Reds for a minor leaguer. This is Don's second stint with the team; having originally been signed by Brooklyn as an amateur in 1949 and rising up their ranks. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever and soon-to-be legend Joe Beimel. In 2014 the Dodgers signed free agent utilityman Chone Figgins.
• Happy Birthday, Jim Lindsey, Neal Finn & Scott Kazmir!

Blog Kiosk: 1/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Dave Roberts was Grand Marshall for the Kingdom Day Parade yesterday.

Photo above via Dodgers Foundation on twitter. 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!

LA Community Tour Next Week

The always anticipated Dodgers community tour to usher in the upcoming season is scheduled for next week, and there are all kinds of festivities available for fans to attend. Overall, there are nine separate events that will feature Dodger players, alumni, coaches and broadcasters.

Monday, January 21

• 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.             Kingdom Day Parade

Dave Roberts will serve as the grand marshal of the 34th annual Kingdom Day Parade. The three-mile route will begin at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Western Avenue and proceed west on King to Crenshaw Boulevard and then south to Vernon Avenue, where a post-parade festival will be held at Leimert Park. Go here for more information: kingdomdayparade.org. BTW, the parade will also be televised on ABC 7 -- starting at 11:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. In the past Sweet Lou Johnson, Derrel Thomas, Bobby Castillo, Tommy Davis, Al “The Bull” Ferrara, Lee Lacy, Kenny Landreaux, Tim Leary, Wes Parker and Dennis Powell have participated in the parade. Furthermore, Matt Kemp was the grand marshall of the Kingdom Day Parade in 2013.