Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Kings & Stanley Cup to make an Appearance at Dodger Stadium Tomorrow

(Pic Credit: Twitter @BernieNicholls9)

With much posh and circumstance the NHL Champion Los Angeles Kings and the Stanley Cup will slowly make its rounds to meet fans throughout Southern California this summer. 


Where will its first stop be?  Dodger Stadium, of course.

Before tomorrow's game, on Wednesday, the Kings and the Stanley Cup will make an appearance on the field.  Both the Dodgers and Angels will get together with The Cup for a special 3-team photo.  Then, a Kings player or more will throw out the first pitch.  The Dodgers PR department indicated an expected time on field at 6:00 PM.  So, get there early!

It is unknown who or how many Kings players will be going to the game.  I would be surprised if it was the entire team, but a handful would be great.

BTW, the above photo is why I love twitter.  Above, Trevor Lewis (on left) and Drew Doughty carry The Cup at what looks like a afternoon get together earlier today.  The photo was taken by current Kings coach and former Kings superstar goal scorer Bernie Nicholls.  Both Colin Fraser and Mike Richards also tweeted photos of The Cup today from the party, here and here.  Another tweet, found here, says they're partying at Stoll's house and The Cup is in the pool.  LOL!
(Pic Credit: Dave Sanford on twitter)

Here is a great video from the NHL showing the arrival of Stanley Cup to the game last night.

Video Link:

Vin Scully Calls in to Congratulate Bob Miller

(Photo Credit: Jon SooHoo LA Dodgers 2012)

The good feelings surrounding the Kings just won't go away.  Check out Mason & Ireland's radio show as they have Kings broadcaster Bob Miller in the house as Vin Scully makes a surprise call-in.

Check it out here.

Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 6/12/2012

The Dodgers twitter provides a sneak peek at the Kirk Gibson bobblehead to be given out on July 31st.
  • Chad Moriyama notes that the Dodgers have already signed 11 of their 2012 Draft picks.
  • Ryan Dempster appears to be within the Dodgers sights, via True Blue LA.
  • Dodgers historian Mark Langill has a blog... you have to check it out.  It's called Dodgers History.  From his very first post
“How does one become a team historian?”
That is the most common question asked when introduced as a member of the Dodger front office. The answer? In my case, don’t hit the ball in Little League and you’re well on your way to a life filled with reference books, trading cards and anything else related to the sport and the hometown franchise.
  • Check out Chris's great post at Dodgerfan.net- "Pacific Northwest Dodger Fan Share Their LA Stories.
  • Bob Lemke relays a story I had never heard.  The Dodgers almost traded Duke Snider to Chicago in 1952.
In the lead story on Page 1 of the June 27, 1951, issue, The Sporting News publisher J.G. Taylor Spink wrote, ‘The startling Chicago-Brooklyn four-for-four player trade, which created a storm of discussion June 15, is expected to have an even more sensational sequel next season.

“In 1952, it is learned from a reliable source, the Cubs will receive Outfielder Duke Snider in exchange for $200,000 in cash, as the finale of the multi-player swap arranged just before the trading deadline this year.
  • Andre Ethier had a group of his friends on hand for the press conference this afternoon announcing his new contract extension.  Kemp, Gwynn and Guerra sit by.
(Pic via Dodgers Twitter)
  • On top of that, Ethier remarked that this year is the best year, ever!
(Pic Link: Eric Stephen Twitter)
  • Then, Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times drops some additional news.
(Pic Link: @DylanHernandez)

I Still Can't Believe It- Kings are Stanley Cup Champions


I'm speechless... I really am!

Last night is a blur.  I was fearful and nervous as the day began.  I remember driving to Staples Center, parking is some far off land, and walking through downtown.  I didn't stop to take any pictures (heck, I forgot to bring my camera).  No random "high-fives" or chanting til my throat was sore.  I just scampered to the game as quickly as I could.  While there my heart felt like it was sunken deep within my chest, and the fright that comes with doubt started to creep in.

I admit it.  I was afraid of a Game 7.  I was afraid that history would remember this team for the wrong reasons.  I was worried that the tank was empty and the emotions drained. 

But, as the night wore on I become more hopeful and thankful.  The Kings came out of the gate like the roar of a Roman Legion.  They moved their feet, controlled their checks, and fired the puck at every opportunity.  It was great to see, and proved that there was never anything to worry about.  The Kings got this. 

And with that, it is a pleasure to write that the Los Angeles Kings are Stanley Cup Champions!!!!

Wow, I really thought I would never write or say that in my lifetime.
(Pic Credit: Dave Sanford on twitter)

Now, you may be wondering, what about the thankful part?
  • Well, as a 9-year season ticket holder I am ever-thankful for the Kings greatly discounted seats in the former "Die Hard" section.  I know it is largely a defunct promotion, but the Kings have continued to cater to us with very affordable prices.  Thank you!
  • I am thankful for Dean Lombardi and his "5 year plan."  Several years back he held a "Breakfast with the GM" meeting for season ticket holders and explained, in detail, the entire Kings rebuilding process- with graphs and charts, no less.  It was fascinating.  More importantly, he convinced everyone there to stick by him, and we have been rewarded for our faith.  I can truly say, "In Dean, I Trust."
  • I'm thankful for the work from the guys who came before.  I would like to heap a great amount of praise for our old coach, Terry Murray.  He built the foundation that helped this team win.  Without him we wouldn't be here today.  Our old GM Dave Taylor also deserves our thanks.  He started a rebuild before Lombardi by drafting well.  It's because of his leadership that we have Brown, Kopitar and Quick on this team.
  • I'm thankful for Section 315.  Those folks are a great group of fans and it has been a pleasure to experience this season with those people.  I'm especially thankful for my row.  We might not know each other on a personal level, but when we see each other at a game we know that for those few hours we are the best of friends. 
  • I am thankful for the team.  What a great collection of players and personalities.  You've got the once quiet captain turning his leadership on the ice into the roars reminiscent of a war general.  There is the superstar in the making proving to the east coast biased journalist that the best two-way centerman in hockey belongs to LA.  We have the two malcontents seemingly shipped off to the Siberian hockey jungle called Los Angeles only to prove that they are champions.  There is the castoff who was thought to be dead only to rekindle that old fire while laughing and joking with us about pulled muscles and pancakes.  We've got a young stud of a defenseman who held out for a big contract, stumbled out of the gate and looked slow all season long.  Thankfully, he righted that ship and proved that he is worth every penny. 
  • I am thankful for Bob Miller.  He is the Kings version of Vin Scully.  To see the below photo gave me tears and I am thankful that after years of heartbreak he finally gets the opportunity to hoist up that big cup.
(Bob Miller with the Cup, via Rich Hammond/ LA Kings Insider)


For a collection of some great photos from last night check out:
(Pic Credit: Dave Sanford on twitter)

Ethier Agrees to Contract Extension


Via Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com, we find that Andre Ethier will stay Blue.:
Andre Ethier will be a Dodger for a long time.
The right fielder and the club have agreed on a five-year extension worth $85 million through 2017, with a $17.5 million vesting option for 2018 based on plate appearances in 2017 or 2016-17, according to an industry source.
There is a $2.5 million buyout if the option does not vest.
WooHoo!  It's great news to know that one of the cornerstones of the team will be sticking around for awhile.

(Pic credit: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2012)