Blog Kiosk: 3/16/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I love this pic that I ran into on eBay (auction link). Per the descriptor:

Yankee Stadium - Oct 3 -- Celebrate Winning Ways -- Tommy Davis, left fielder; Johnny Podres, winning pitcher; and Bill Skowron, first baseman, left to right, are shown in Dodger dressing room at New York Yankees Stadium today after Dodgers second straight win over the New York Yankees in the 1963 World Series. Davis contributed two triples and Skowron, a homer in the Dodgers 4-1 victory.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2010 Dodger Stadium hosted a memorial service for Willie Davis, who had passed away a week prior. Per an AP story at the Spokesman:

“I like to believe the president saw the news and felt a little sadness,” his daughter, Kim, said in an hour-long service, “as did the mailman, the man at the doughnut shop, the drug addict downtown, and the 45-year-old who remembers the lightning speed of the 3 Dog.”

...
“He was the only man I’ve ever seen who, when he hit a ball in the gap, the opposing team watched him run,” (Lou) Johnson said.
...
“He was one of the most likable Dodgers,” O’Malley said. “The fans liked him. Members of the press liked him and respected him. Management liked him. He was just a likable person. He was the best, and I’m going to miss him.”

• Happy Birthday, Patsy Donovan, Jake Flowers, Lloyd Waner, Hee-Seop Choi, Curtis Granderson. Brian Wilson & Brandon League!

Blog Kiosk: 2/6/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Whoa! Check out that catch!

With the opening of spring training around the corner, I find myself searching for vintage spring training press photos like the one above. It is a 1954 United Press pic of a player on the bubble -- trying to make the team. Per the descriptor on the reverse (eBay auction link):

Bobbin' Bobby... Vero Beach, FLA: From the expression on Bobby Morgan's face, perhaps the ball landed just a bit too hard in the pocket of his mitt. The Brooklyn Dodgers chief utility man is training at the camp in Vero Beach, Florida, with the prospect of landing the regular third baseman's job. 2/27/54.

Bobby would not get that job. Instead, he would be traded to the Phillies a month later to become Philadelphia's starting shortstop. The Dodgers decided to go with veteran Billy Cox -- with 26-year old youngster Don Hoak as backup.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley, in a last ditch effort to save baseball in Brooklyn, lends his public support for a Wagner-Cashmore plan to build a $30-million Brooklyn sports center -- promising to purchase $4 million worth of the bonds. Unfortunately of them, lack of funding from the city's Board of Estimates killed the plan. In 2014 the Dodgers officially signed a free agent minor league contract with third baseman Justin Turner. He had just been released by the Mets, and was only given an invitation to spring training by the Dodgers. To the surprise of many, Turner would have a breakout season and become an important leader in the clubhouse.
• Happy Birthday, Babe Ruth, Andy Sommerville, Rube Ward, Red Downey & Glenn Wright!

Blog Kiosk: 1/6/2020 - Dodgers News & Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is a 1947 press photo (eBay link) featuring today's birthday boy, Ralph Branca. Per the descriptor:

Yankee Stadium, Sept. 30 -- Opposing Pitchers -- Yankees Frank Shea (left) and Dodgers Ralph Branca, World Series opening game pitcher's shake hands before start of game here today.

As you may know, the Dodgers would not prevail. They would lose to the Yankees, 5-3, and eventually lose the series in seven games.

Below are links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1997 Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley publicly announces that the Dodgers are for sale. The O'Malley family had been in control of the franchise since 1950. As you know, the club would eventually be sold to the Fox Entertainment Group for $311 million -- at the time, the most ever paid for a professional sports franchise.
• Happy Birthday, George Shoch, John Corriden, Lee Walls, Ralph Branca & Marlon Anderson!

Blog Kiosk: 2/14/2019 - Dodgers Links and News - Happy Valentine's Day!

This is a good sight.

On Tuesday, former batterymates Clayton Kershaw and Russell Martin were reunited after an eight year separation. It's like they got part of the band back together. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"We both have a certain amount of miles on our body from the last time we worked together, but what a career he's had," said Martin. "I remember the last time I caught him he was just fastball, curveball. Now, one of the best pitches he has is the slider. That's the cool thing about baseball, the best players stay the best because they're willing to make adjustments, and Kershaw is one of those guys who's going to do what it takes to stay at the top. It's nice to get back there and reminisce a little bit."

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. BTW, Jon SooHoo has shared a whole bunch of pics from yesterdays going-on's at Camelback Ranch, here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Baseball History: In 1957 the Georgia State Senate approved a bill, introduced by state senator Leon Butts, that prohibits blacks from playing baseball with whites except at religious gatherings -- ten years after MLB had integrated. 

"Anything that tends to break down the bulwarks of segregation must be forcibly met by this general assembly. We have a situation in Georgia which has come about because of a national situation. I am referring to the Negroes in organized baseball in this state. It is unfortunate that some few people would participate in the destruction of our institutions for a few dollars."

• Happy Birthday, Mike Hechinger, Candy LaChance, Tim Jordan, Abe Kruger, Len Gabrielson & Takashi Saito!

2019 Dodger Spring Training Info - Facility, Schedule and Roster

The Dodgers just released their 2019 Spring Training broadcast schedule, so I thought I would pass that along (see at very bottom). Over 70% of the games the Dodgers play this spring will be televised on either SportsNet LA or online at Dodgers.com. Additionally, once the club releases their 2019 Spring Training player roster (I've been piecing this together and you can see it below) I will update this post with that information (I do currently have the list of non-roster invitees - at the very bottom). To the right is a look at this season's Spring Training Dodger cap. Below are some pertinent dates to keep in mind:

• Tuesday, February 12 - Pitchers and Catchers Report 
• Wednesday, February 13 - Pitchers and Catchers 1st Workout
• Sunday, February 18 - Position Players Report 
• Monday, February 19 - First Full-Squad Workout 
• Thursday, February 20 - Dodgers Photo Day (media related event only) 
• Wednesday, March 6 - All Minor League Players 1st Workout

Here are the typical batting and field practice schedules for home games.

2018 Dodger Spring Training Info and Complete Roster

The Dodgers just released their entire 2018 Spring Training roster, so I thought I would pass that along (see at very bottom).  This should be a helpful guide for those of you attending games at Camelback Ranch.  After all, it just isn't reasonable for you to know everybody's number.  BTW, this list will likely adjust/change as Spring Training moves along.  I'll do my best to update this.  Below are some pertinent dates to keep in mind:

• Tuesday, February 13 - Pitchers and Catchers Report 
• Wednesday, February 14 - Pitchers and Catchers 1st Workout
• Sunday, February 18 - Position Players Report 
• Monday, February 19 - First Full-Squad Workout 
• Thursday, February 22 - Dodgers Photo Day (media related event only) 
• Wednesday, March 7 - All Minor League Players 1st Workout

Here are the typical batting and field practice schedules for home games.

Blog Kiosk: 1/29/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The crush of fans at the Dodgers FanFest on Saturday was overwhelming. So much so, it was almost impossible to traverse the outfield -- let alone the stadium concourse. Nevertheless, it seems that most folks had a great time. It has been announced that over 35,000 were in attendance. Wow! Stay tuned as I'll have my pics from the day up soon.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1961 one-time Dodger Max Carey, along with deadball era outfielder Billy Hamilton, are elected in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Carey played four seasons in Brooklyn, slashing .260/.346/.339/.685 with three homers and 81 RBI's, and managed the club from 1932-1933. He recorded a 146-161 record as the Dodgers skipper. In 1967 former Dodgers GM Branch Rickey, along with Pirates outfielder Lloyd Waner, are elected by the Veterans Committee into the Baseball Hall of Fame. BTW, Waner was a Dodger for a short time in 1944 -- having had 17 plate appearances in 15 games and slashing .286/.412/.286/.697. In 1988 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Kirk Gibson to a three-year $4.5MM contract.
• Happy Birthday, Henry Medicus, Bill Krieg, Ray Hayworth, Hank Edwards, Steve Sax, Jason Schmidt & Mike Bolsinger!

Blog Kiosk: 2/22/2016 - Dodgers Links - Roberts, De Leon and Kenta Maeda

Even with games still over a week away fans have started to flock to Camleback Ranch for photos and autographs.  Check out Brett Chris Anderson and Mike Bolsinger in the above photo, tweeted out by Camelback Ranch, signing for fans.  One helpful piece of advice, provided by the Dodgers Spring home, is:

Early bird gets the worm! Best time to get @Dodgers autographs is around 9:15am when the club works out.

Rise and shine, Dodgers fans!  Below are more links to check out:

• Via Doug Padilla at ESPN, "Dave Roberts' message to Dodgers: No shortcuts to success.

“I think that as a coach, or as a first-time manager, you always want to control your emotions,” Roberts said. “But we just met for the first time in there and I let the guys know how excited I am and how excited the staff is. Every year, the first day of spring training is exciting, but obviously in this position, it’s all new to me. It’s going to be fun.”

• David Hood at True Blue LA writes a bit about Dodgers prospect Jose De Leon:

De Leon’s feel for pitching is big league ready. He throws all of his pitches for strikes (including a fringe, get-me-over curveball early in counts) and will change the sequencing of his pitches to keep hitters off balance. Despite high swing and miss totals, De Leon can get hit when he misses in the zone, especially with the slider, or as he tires with the fastball.

• Via Ken Gurnick on twitter, Kenley Jansen's comment about the aborted Aroldis Chapman trade:

Jansen said club officials explained the deal for Aroldis Chapman was part of a "life after Zack" strategy. "Why get bitter about it?"

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) February 20, 2016

• Via Harold Uhlman at Think Blue LA, "The 2016 Dodgers 90 and Over Team."
• Andy McCullough at the LA Times writes about Kenta Maeda's first bullpen session; "Kenta Maeda attracts Dodgers brass to bullpen session at camp."

"Mechanically, he's very solid," (Rick) Honeycutt said. "Able to move the ball, control the baseball, make the ball do different things. He's actually a good hitter. He's an athlete."

• Beth Harris at the AP has the details on Yaisel Sierra's contract; "Dodgers, Cuban pitcher Yaisel Sierra finalize $30M deal."

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Blog Kiosk: 2/18/2016 - Dodgers Links - LAsorda, Scully and Andrew Friedman

Tommy Lasorda... uhhh... The Tommy Lasorda bobblehead has arrived early for Spring Training in Glendale.  Photo above via @CamelbackRanch on twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• Via Bill Shaikin at the LA Times, "Andrew Friedman Q&A: Dodgers grand plan explained." 

I think large-revenue teams can sometimes fall into a trap of focusing too much on the current, and that is something that we have tried to be extremely mindful of. We certainly understand and respect the fans’ passion. It’s one of the things I like most about my job.

We feel like our responsibility is to do everything we can to sustain a certain level of success -- as you look at it over a five-year period, a seven-year period, a 10-year period, we’re able to play through that time period as an upper-echelon, elite-level team. And it’s not as easy as people think it is, especially if you devote a large percentage of your focus and resources on just the now.

• This is fun.  Check out Steve Dilbeck's story at the LA Times, "These 23 things are guaranteed to happen during Dodgers spring training."

My laptop will blow up before the first exhibition game and my private computer repair man, General Manager Farhan Zaidi, will laugh and claim he lost his mini-screwdriver.

• Scout.com released their annual list of top 50 prospects and it includes Corey Seager at #1.  Check it out here.  BTW, four Dodger players made the list.
• David Young at True Blue LA writes about the tallest ballplayers ever to wear Dodger Blue, here.
• Check out this fantastic fan-made website in tribute to Vin Scully called: "The Master's Touch," here.  It includes some video, audio and a great writeup.
• Below is a fantastic graphic that celebrates the career of Vin Scully, via VIPtickets.com:

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Time to Plan for Spring - Dodgers Spring Training Schedule Announced

Now that it's winter, all I can think about is spring.

This morning the Dodgers unveiled their 2016 Spring Training schedule at Camelback Ranch.  Go here for more information.  Via their press release:

The Dodgers will play 17 of their 30 Cactus League games at Camelback Ranch – Glendale, including 15 home dates. The club has at least one home game during each of the four Cactus League weekends, providing fans ample opportunity to make the five-hour drive or one-hour flight to the desert. Camelback Ranch features a state-of-the-art ballpark, six practice fields on the Dodger side, including a replica Dodger Stadium field, fan photo elements commemorating Dodger history, walking trails, an orange grove and a five-acre lake.

The Dodgers will be at home the entire weekend of March 25-27, taking on the Giants Friday night (7:05 p.m.), before battling the White Sox on Saturday night (7:05 p.m.) and the Reds on Sunday afternoon (1:05 p.m.). Los Angeles will also be at home on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, when they square off against the defending World Champion Royals at 1:05 p.m.

After returning from Arizona, the club will conclude its exhibition schedule with three games against the Angels March 31-April 2, including 7:10 p.m. games at Dodger Stadium on Thursday March 31 and Friday April 1.

Tickets for games at Camelback Ranch – Glendale start as low as $9. Season tickets, mini-plans, group tickets and suites are all available now at www.dodgers.com/spring or by calling (623) 302-5000. Single-game Spring Training tickets go on sale on Monday, January 11, 2016 and a full schedule of promotions is available at www.camelbackranchbaseball.com. For more details, including special ticket and mini-plans for 2016, please visit dodgers.com/spring. 

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Life-Sized Puig Bobblehead Invaded Camelback Ranch

Holy Heck!  What is that? 

When the new ownership came in they introduced life-sized bobblehead-styled mascots at Dodger Stadium that scared the bejesus out of everyone.  They were freaky and the thing of nightmares.  Now, a fan has apparently joined the act.

Seen yesterday was a fan-made life-sized Yasiel Puig bobblehead at Camelback Ranch and I gotta say I'm a little scared.  I don't know how I'll sleep tonight.  Check out the GIF above, via a story written by Cut4 writer Mike Bertha. 

The "Plaster Puig" was all over the park and even had an opportunity to meet his inspiration at the fan autograph area at the Dodger facility. 

Best yet, Dodger video maven StadiumBound was there to document it all.  Watch it below.  Per the video description.

The crowd goes crazy when Yasiel Puig puts on a giant bobblehead a fan gave him to sign. Puig spent a long time signing autographs and then finally got near this guy holding up the giant head and motioned to the guy to give it to him. The guy said he had it custom made.

I desperately need a better photo of Yasiel Puig wearing that Yasiel Puig bobblehead head.  BTW, StadiumBound has a bunch of Spring Training video worth check out, so go there now.

Video Link:

GIF above via Mike Bertha at Cut4

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Sunday Dodger Videos: Some Spring Training Videos to Satisfy your Thirst

Here are this Sunday's Dodger videos.

StadiumBound is at Camelback Ranch and shares a video of the boys heading to practice yesterday.

Video Link:

@DaaDozer at West Coast Bias Dodgers provides some sights and sounds of spring.  Watch the Dodger work out on the field without the interruption of any commentary.

Video Link:

Steven Kaufman captures Yasiel Puig taking some batting practice during spring training as Jimmy Rollins does a little bit of trash talking.  Puig responded back with, "OK, Jimmy!"

Video Link:

BJ Kileen does the "Ball Walk" around Camelback Ranch.  Check out some of the new features added to the Dodger spring home.

Video Link:

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Scorpions Invade Camelback Ranch - They Stay on White Sox Side

Those are some nasty looking creatures, eh?

Over the weekend Camelback Ranch, home of both the Dodgers and White Sox, faced an invasion of a different kind.  As reported by ESPN Chicago reporter Doug Padilla, the White Sox training complex was littered with scorpions.  Photo above via Padilla on twitter.

Strangely, they appear to not have migrated over to the Dodger side of the facility.  Maybe someone skimped on pest control for the Sox side. 

This incident does have me thinking, though.  With the band AC/DC already scheduled to play a concert in September at Dodger Stadium this year, maybe they should look at booking the Scorpions too.  Heck, maybe an announcement like that is on the way and this incident was an elaborate way to get the word out.  Or maybe Arizona is just covered with these little menaces.

BTW, from what I understand these are giant desert hairy scorpions, whose bite is unpleasant but not particularly venomous.  On the other hand, if they found Arizona bark scorpions I'd be running for the hills. 

Hat Tip: Michael Clair at Cut4:

Pic at very top via Doug Padilla of ESPN Chicago on twitter:

UPDATE:  I apparently spoke too soon.  The Scorpions are migrating towards the Dodgers side of Camelback Ranch.  On Tuesday, February 24th Jon Chapper in the the Dodgers PR department got stung by a giant desert hairy scorpion on the arm.  It was hiding in his jacket sleeve, per Alanna Rizzo on twitter.

Scorpion that stung Dodgers official Jon Chapper. pic.twitter.com/of9Y2mdo8e
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) February 24, 2015

Chapper is going to make it.  He was touch and go. We're so thankful! #Dodgers. pic.twitter.com/iBema0IttR
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) February 24, 2015

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There's Something New About Camelback Ranch

Camelback Ranch is getting a bit more Dodger flare.  With the improvements and beautification process at Dodger Stadium well underway Dodger Senior Vice President, Planning and Development Janet Marie Smith and her team are focusing their attention on their Spring home in Arizona. 

There will now be Dodger-themed attractions that incorporate the club's history in Brooklyn and Los Angeles all over the facility.  Heck, they even brought over one of those giant bobbleheads for fans to enjoy.  They expect everything to be up and ready by the start of the first Spring game on March 4th.  Below is a bullet point list of the new additions:

(pic via Bill Plunkett on twitter)

• Lasorda Bobblehead: Evidenced by Jon SooHoo's photo above, the Dodgers brought their Tommy Lasorda Hall of Fame bobblehead located adjacent to the Dodger Major League building.
• Dodger Mini-Scoreboard: A mini Dodger scoreboard, resembling the Dodger Vision scoreboard at Dodger Stadium, will welcome fans as they enter the Dodger Major League practice fields. The scoreboard provides another photo opportunity for fans right before they make their way to the Dodger Major League practice fields.
• Dodger Replica Field Scoreboard:  The scoreboard on the Dodger replica practice field has been transformed to resemble the look of the scoreboard at Dodger Stadium. This added feature is part of the overall effort to enhance the Los Angeles Dodger brand at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.

• All-Star Panels:  Ten All-Star panels will line the Legends Walk which surrounds the lake. These panels will celebrate Dodger players and managers who made All-Star appearances: an All-Star manager card features Tommy Lasorda, an All-Star pitcher card features Fernando Valenzuela, an All-Star catcher card features Mike Piazza, an All-Star first baseman card features Gil Hodges, an All-Star second baseman card features Jackie Robinson, an All-Star shortstop card features Pee Wee Reese, an All-Star third baseman card features Ron Cey, an All-Star left fielder card features Tommy Davis, an All-Star center fielder card features Duke Snider and an All-Star right fielder card features Shawn Green. All cards list each Dodger All-Star to date in every respective position and will be updated annually.
• LA logo sculpture:  An LA logo sculpture will be located near the Dodger practice fields. Similar to the LA logo sculpture located at the Loge entrance at Dodger Stadium, the iconic logo provides fans with another memorable photo opportunity at Camelback Ranch-Glendale and is a nod to the team's home in Los Angeles. It will sit adjacent to the waterfall at the lake's edge.
• MVP baseballs:  The Legends Walk at Camelback Ranch-Glendale will now also feature three-foot diameter MVP baseballs which pay tribute to Dodger MVPs. This enhancement will line the Legends Walk and will feature the names, positions and MVP years of all Dodger MVPs to date: Brooklyn Dodgers first baseman Jake Daubert (1913), pitcher Dazzy Vance (Brooklyn, 1924), first baseman Dolph Camilli (1941), second baseman Jackie Robinson (1949), catcher Roy Campanella ('51, '53, '55) and pitcher Don Newcombe (1956) and Los Angeles shortstop Maury Wills (1962), pitcher Sandy Koufax (1963), first baseman Steve Garvey (1974), Kirk Gibson (1988) and Clayton Kershaw (2014).

• Retired numbers:  Inspired by Dodger Stadium where retired number signs line the interior of the ballpark, now at Camelback Ranch-Glendale, Dodger and White Sox greats will be acknowledged in-stadium. Retired number signs will be located above the right (White Sox) and left-field (Dodger) bullpens.

• Minor League Affiliate mileage sign:  Camelback Ranch-Glendale will now feature signage located in the CF Courtyard that will include the names and distances from Glendale, Ariz., of each of the Dodgers' minor league affiliate. The opposite side of the sign will include each of the White Sox minor league affiliates.  (Really, though, who cares about the White Sox?)

The fan experience during games will also be enhanced.  There will be some new food items, a larger concourse patio area and much more:

• The Montejo Patio:  Located on the first-base concourse, the Montejo Patio features an enlarged patio area, formerly 2,000 now 5,000 square feet, and is highlighted by a shade structure covering 3,500 square feet and rising to 17 feet. The Montejo Patio features an 800 square-foot bar with tables, chairs and drink rails. Designed to fit the desert architecture of the stadium, the area will also provide fan-favorite food options.
• Concessions:  New to Camelback Ranch-Glendale's concession menu will be an 18-inch slice of pizza, bacon-on-a-stick, kabobs and frozen yogurt.
• Weekends at the Ranch:  At all Friday-Sunday home games, indicated as Weekend Premier games on the schedule, fans can enjoy exclusive photo opportunities, live music, special activities for kids and much more.
• Weekend Eighteen|76 Legends Deck:  The Eighteen|76 Legends Deck is an all-inclusive experience at Weekend Premier games that includes a deluxe ballpark menu served from stadium opening until the end of the sixth inning. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are available throughout the game. A former Dodger or White Sox player will visit the Eighteen|76 Legends Deck during the game.
• Senior Stroll:  Seniors Stroll the Bases every Wednesday. Just like legends of the past, seniors can stroll the bases following every Wednesday game.
• Uptown Alley Family Sundays:  Children ages 12 and under receive a lawn seat for just $3 at all Sunday games courtesy of Uptown Alley-Surprise. There is a limit of four discounted lawn seats for each full-price adult ticket. The $3 lawn tickets are available on the day of the game only at the ticket office. Following the game, children can run the bases.

BTW, tickets appear to be going fast.  The game against the Giants on Friday, March 27 is already sold out and three games have limited availability: Friday, March 13 vs. the Reds, Saturday, March 14 vs. the Indians and Thursday, March 19 vs. the Angels. Tickets can be purchased online at Dodgers.com/Spring or via the phone by calling 800-905-3315.  You may also buy tickets at the Camelback Ranch box office.

Pic at the very top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.

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