Friday, August 15, 2014

Brewers Series Starts Tonight - Scheduled Autograph Signings, Game Give Aways and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts this evening against the Milwaukee Brewers, and several old-tyme Dodgers will be in the house to sign free autographs for fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

BTW, the Extreme Loaded Dog concession stands will be making the Bratwurst Dog, a bratwurst topped with sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard.  It will be available Friday through Sunday at extreme loaded dog concession stands on the Field, Loge and Reserve levels.  Mmmm...  Check out a pic on the right.

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Friday, August 15th at 7:10 PM
RHP Jimmy Nelson vs. RHP Zack Greinke

Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  It is Friday Night Fireworks, so fans will be able to go down onto the field after the game.  The theme for the evening will be Star Wars.

Speaking of Star Wars, tonight is the 6th annual Star Wars Night at Dodger Stadium.  The special event ticket package is sold out.  Starting at 5:00 PM Star Wars characters including R2D2 will be amongst Dodger fans in the right-field pavilion, right-field pavilion plaza and left-field pavilion plaza.

Newly appointed Lakers head coach Byron Scott will throw the honorary first pitch. Darth Vader will throw the first ceremonial pitch for Star Wars Night.

Former Dodgers Al Downing (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Tim Leary (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  Both will then sign autographs in the Stadium club from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
  • The Veteran of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Captain Jonathan Chang of Pacific Palisades. Chang completed Officer’s Candidate School in 2008, was commissioned as Second Lieutenant and went onto to become an Artillery Officer. He currently serves with the Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego.  As the Company Commander, he is responsible for the training welfare and unit readiness of more than 100 Marines. Chang has served a deployment to Marjah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan and his accolades include a Combat Action Ribbon, Afghan Campaign Medal and Navy Marine Corps Achievement medal with Combat Distinguishing Device.
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will hold a silent auction on the Club level by the Vin Scully Press Box. The auction ends at 8:45 p.m. with more than 25 items up for bid, including a Clayton Kershaw autographed baseball, Matt Kemp autographed photo and Hyun-Jin Ryu autographed game-used #42 Dodger jersey from Jackie Robinson Day. The LADF will feature two autographed game-used #42 LA Dodger player or coach jerseys from Jackie Robinson Day at each silent auction for the remainder of the season. All proceeds will benefit LADF and its programs in sports and recreation, education and literacy and health and wellness which help children and families throughout the greater Los Angeles region.
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Saturday, August 16 at 6:10 PM
RHP Yovani Gallardo vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw

Tonight's game starts at 6:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 3:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 4:00 PM.

This evenings game features a postgame Dodger Stadium Movie Series viewing of the Baseball movie classic, "The Natural." All fans in attendance are welcome to stick around after the game to watch the movie.  Fans seated in the pavilion areas are invited to sit in the outfield to view the game. 

Two-time NBA All-Star and current head coach at Cal State Northridge Reggie Theus will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Mark Lindquist will perform the national anthem. Lindquist is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and world-touring entertainer who has performed in 22 countries and 44 states.  He is also a former sergeant in the United States Air Force and an Afghanistan war veteran.

Former Dodgers Dennis Powell (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Ken Landreaux (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.  Both will sign autographs in the Stadium club from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
  • The Veteran of the Game is U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) Juan Sandoval of Glendale. Sandoval enlisted in 1993, serves as an Aviation Machinist with Fleet Squadron 55 and provides maintenance and repairs to C-130 aircrafts. He has served deployments onboard the U.S.S Kitty Hawk and global missions throughout the world, including in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq.  His accolades include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one star. Bank of America will present an authenticated flag and display case to Sandoval. The flag has proudly flown over Dodger Stadium and will be presented on behalf of Bank of America by Navy veteran and a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Jesse Smith.
  • Kim’s Hapkido Jang Mu Won has been teaching the traditional Korean martial art of Hapkido since 1960 and will be in attendance Saturday. Hapkido incorporates various self-defense techniques such as striking, twisting, throwing techniques and weapon techniques for self-defense situations. A demonstration will take place during pregame ceremonies tomorrow.
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Sunday, August 17th at 1:10 PM
RHP Wily Peralta vs. Dan Haren
This is the busiest Sunday ever!

Sunday's game starts at 1:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 10:30 AM, and stadium gates open at 11:00 AM.  The first 15,000 ticketed kids 14 years of age or younger will receive an Kids' Luch Box.  Check it out on the right.

Also, today is Faith and Family Day at Dodger Stadium.  All fans are invited to celebrate family and fellowship at Dodger Stadium and following the game, Dodgers A.J. Ellis, Adrian Gonzalez, Clayton Kershaw and Scott Van Slyke will share their personal testimonies on faith. A special postgame performance is scheduled by former contestant of “The Voice” contestant and gospel singer Anthony Evans and Christian rock artist Dom Liberati.

It is also Cuban Heritage Day at Dodger Stadium.  Cuban-American actor Tony Plana, best known for his role as Betty’s father on “Ugly Betty” will throw the first pitch. Actress Jessica Alba, will throw the ceremonial first pitch. As part of Faith and Family Day at Dodger Stadium, Anthony Evan will perform the national anthem.

Also, it is Carne Asada Sunday with Andre Ethier.  As part of the event, fans will have the opportunity to eat freshly prepared carne asada seasoned with Chef Merito, hear stories from Andre Ethier and have the opportunity to ask the Dodger outfielder questions. All proceeds will go towards the Union Rescue Mission. This event is sold out.

Former Dodgers Tommy Davis (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Al Ferrara (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Both will sign autographs in the Stadium club from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

As always, Viva Los Dodgers begins in the Dodger parking lot at 11:00 AM and it will celebrate Cuban Heritage.  The festival will feature an appearance by Yasiel Puig and Hanley Ramirez from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM.  Puig will be on hand to greet fans on stage followed by photos with fans in the Dodger autograph tent (no autographs!). Fans are encouraged to arrive early in order to take their place in line for a chance to take a photo with Puig and Ramirez.  Also, Dodger broadcaster Manny Mota and Dodger scout Mike Brito will sign autographs from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

In celebration of Cuban Heritage Day, Levy Restaurants will offer a special extreme loaded dog, the Cuban Dog, an all-beef hot dog served with roasted shredded pork, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and yellow mustard. I think this is better than the Bratwurst Dog.  See it on the right.  It will be available only on Sunday at extreme loaded dog concession stands on the Field, Loge and Reserve levels and at Viva Los Dodgers.
  • The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is Cuban-American Fernando Rivero of the U.S. Navy Reserve serving with the Joint Public Affairs Support Element. His responsibilities include coordinating and escorting news media aboard naval ship, ashore and in hazardous combat environment.  LCDR Rivero is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. His accolades include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, NATO Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will hold a silent auction on the Club level by the Vin Scully Press Box. The auction ends at 2:45 p.m. with more than 25 items up for bid, including a Yasiel Puig autographed baseball, Zack Greinke autographed photo and Kenley Jansen autographed game-used #42 Dodger Jersey from Jackie Robinson Day. The LADF will feature two autographed game-used #42 LA Dodger player or coach jerseys from Jackie Robinson Day at each silent auction for the remainder of the season. All proceeds will benefit LADF and its programs in sports and recreation, education and literacy and health and wellness which help children and families throughout the greater Los Angeles region.

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* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

2014 Topps Finest Baseball - The Dodger Base Cards

On Wednesday Topps released their 2014 Finest Baseball card set.  Go here to see a complete checklist, via Cardboard Connections.

Below are all of the Dodger base cards in the 100 card set. Of special note, super-defensive wizard Erisbel Arruebarrena now has his first official Dodger Baseball card.  BTW, he also has an autographed card in the set.  I'll have a pic of that next week.

I've included photos of both the front and reverse of the Alexander Guerrero card below.

#5 Alex Guerrero

#9 Matt Kemp                                    #25 Clayton Kershaw

#50 Yasiel Puig                                 #76 Erisbel Arruebarrena

#99 Hanley Ramirez

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Blog Kiosk: 8/15/2014 - Dodger Links - And the Dodgers Just Keep on Winning


Roberto Hernandez was a bit more wild in his second start as a Dodger.  He threw 118 pitches in six innings and walked four batters.  Nevertheless, Hernandez pitched well enough to record his second straight quality start and a victory.  He limited the Braves to just three hits and one run on his way to his very first win in Blue.

On the offensive side, catcher Drew Butera hit his third home run of the season.  Also, Adrian Gonzalez continued his hot ways by recording three hits; including a double, and three RBI's.  Even better, Yasiel Puig looks to have gotten out of his mini-slump.  He hit three singles, drove in a run and made a spectacular catch while crashing into the centerfield wall.  Watch it below.  Graphic above via @Dodgers on twitter.


The Dodgers increased their lead over the Gianst to 5.5 games.  Now, here are some more links to check out.
  • Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider shares a pic of the Magic Johnson bobblehead the Dodgers will be giving out on September 2nd.  See it on the right.
  • Seung Lee at the LA Times provides an interactive timeline on the life and career of "Vin Scully through the years."
  • Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Stopping (just) short of calling race for L.A."  It's all about the Dodgers currently being in the driver seat, the pundits worrying about making another bad call and that initial bad call that certainly motivated the Dodgers to get their butt into gear.
“That was funny (of the articles calling the division for the Giants),” catcher A.J. Ellis said. “All I’ll say about that is, I think Drew Butera still has a link to it on his phone. We got a kick out of it.” 
  • He just gets better as time moves on.  Via Teddy Cahill at MLB.com, "Urias strikes out nine in win for Rancho Cucamonga."  We are easily a couple of years (at a minimum) before he wears Dodger Blue, but I just can't wait.  Something tells me that he'll be worth it.
  • I dare you to tell me Puig isn't a fine young man after reading this.  Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Yasiel Puig’s heartwarming gesture to Carl and Jimmy Erskine."
  • Awesome!  GCRL shares even more Steve Garvey oddball cards and collectibles.
  • Ouch.  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Erisbel Arruebarrena placed on Triple-A DL with right shoulder inflammation."
  • Via Chris Olds at Beckett we get a first look at Topps 2015 Baseball flagship Baseball card design.  See it below.  So, what do you think?  Do you like it?

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    * Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *