Blog Kiosk: 8/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends!

As you surely know by now, Vin Scully has consigned a whole bunch of his personal memorabilia to Hunt Auctions, and frankly it's overwhelming. There's a ton of stuff, and bids are starting to reach lofty heights -- after being open for just a day or two.

I have yet to go through the entire catalog, but so far I think the cream of the crop might be his 1955 World Series ring. That's right folks! His championship ring is on the block and right now it sits at $13,750.00 -- with the possibly it'll reach six figured before it's all said and done. Wow! See the ring on the right. Go here to check out the entire auction, and do a search for Vin Scully

BTW, next week I plan on writing and sharing a bunch of his stuff on this blog, so stay tuned for that. I suspect next week will be Vin Scully week here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1942 the oft-injured outfielder Pete Reiser enters the hospital with a torn thigh ligament. In 1945 Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson meet to discuss plans for integrating Baseball. During the three hour meeting Rickey berates Robinson with a flurry of racial epithets to test his mettle and willingness to 'turn the other cheek.' Also on this day, 17-year old Brooklyn shortstop Tommy Brown becomes the youngest person to steal home in Major League history. In 1952 the Brooklyn Dodgers set a National League record when they hit into a double play in their 23rd consecutive game. In 2002 Eric Gagne recorded his 45th save of the season, setting a franchise record and earning a bottle of Dom Perignon autographed by his Dodger teammates. 
• Happy Birthday, Ryan Madson, Joe Yeager, Goody Rosen & Darren Lewis!

Blog Kiosk: 6/24/2020 - Dodgers Links & news - We're Back!

Baseball's back!

Featured above is a 9/29/1946 ACME press photo featuring the Ebbets Field granstands and a whole bunch of celebrating Brooklynites. Per the descriptor on the reverse (eBay auction link):

Futile Ray of Hope -- Brooklyn fans cheer at Ebbets Field as their team stops the Boston Braves momentarily. A few moments later, gloom descended again as the Braves went on to win the game, 4 to 0. Brooks are tied for first place in the National League with the St. Louis Cardinals, who lost to the Cubs, 8 to 3. 

On a side note, I am still not entirely convinced that this is really going to happen. Nevertheless, I will celebrate with all the optimism and hope the game tries to inspire.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Jackie Robinson stole home plate for the first time in his career. It was against the Pirates at Forbes Field during the fifth inning to give the Dodgers a lead and it was the eventual winning run, 4-2. In 1955 future Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax makes his Major League debut. He pitches in relief against the Milwaukee Braves and goes two innings -- allowing one hit, one walk and striking out two. In 1958 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder/outfielder Ron Fairly out of USC. He would eventually play 12 seasons in Los Angeles -- slashing .260/.347/.385/.732 while helping the club capture three World Series titles. In 2018 the Dodgers tie a NL record when they collectively hit seven solo home runs during a single game. It was against the Met's at Citi Field, and it includes a game-winning homer by Justin Turner -- against his old club in the 12th inning, 8-7.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Banta & Jason Romano!

Blog Kiosk: 6/16/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out the above champagne celebration featuring Fernando Valenzuela and Rick Monday, following the Dodgers capturing the 1981 National League pennant (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor:

10/19/1981 -- Montreal - Dodgers pitching ace Fernando Valenzuela (L) and game hero Rick Monday swig the champagne in the dressing room after Los Angeles downed the Montreal Expos in the fifth game to win the National League CHampionship.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1961 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Roy Gleason. He would get a cup of coffee with the Dodgers in 1963 -- recording a double in his only at-bat and getting a World Series ring. Soon thereafter he would be drafted into the Army and be sent to Vietnam. Gleason would lose his World Series ring there, and becomes the only US Combat Veteran and former Major League Baseball player to receive "Special Congressional Recognition" for being awarded a "Purple Heart", a World Series Ring, and holding a "Perfect" Lifetime Major League Batting Average. In 1963 rookie pitcher Nick Willhite shut out the Cubs, 2-0, and become the first Los Angeles pitcher for throw a shutout in his Major League debut. In 1977 the Dodgers purchased right-handed reliever and Los Angeles native Bobby Castillo from the Kansas City Royals. 
• Happy Birthday, Pete Coscarart, Stan Wall & Jonathan Broxton!