Rockies Series Starts Monday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Monday against the Colorado Rockies. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. I will update this should new and updated information become available. Here are some important links:

• 2019 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Parking / Transportation 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

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Monday, September 2nd at 5:10 PM

TV: MLBN (out-of-market only), SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 8/22/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Stop dawdling! We are running out of time.

The Dodgers lost again last night, 5-2, and the culprit was the lack of timely hitting. They went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Per Ken Gunick at MLB.com:

"It's more than just putting really good players together and now you're going to score seven or eight runs a night," said manager Dave Roberts. "The players we've acquired have done a great job, it's getting everybody else synched up. We get guys on base, now it's moving the line, and we're having a hard time doing that, let alone the two-out hit."
...
"As you're mired in this, it doesn't feel good," Roberts said. "It's a little contagious. You look around the room, these guys have a track record and that's something we expect them to come out of it. We have very good players. They're going to hit. They understand what's at stake."

I still have faith, but there's also a growing sense of fear. BTW, I mean to distract with the pic of Hello Kitty above, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1948 the Dodgers recorded a triple steal in the fifth inning of their game against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. Jackie Robinson stole home, Gene Hermanski took third and Pee Wee Reese swiped second base. In 1965 Giants hurler Juan Marichal attacked Johnny Roseboro with his bat while at the plate. He had been buzzing Dodger batters all day, so Roseboro - with Marichal at the plate - decided to throw the baseball back to his pitcher while at the same time making sure it barely missed Marichal's face. Quickly, benches cleared and a brawl commenced. See the pic on the right to see what I mean. In 2000 Eric Karros becomes the first Dodger in franchise history to hit two home runs in one inning. It was against the Expos.
• Happy Birthday, Ned Hanlon, Al Bashang, Jeff Weaver, Randy Wolf & David Huff!

Cardinals Series Starts Monday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Monday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2018 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

The Dodgers have a Good Sport Designated Driver program for those 21-years old or older who will provide responsible transportation for all members of their group and will not drink alcoholic beverages. Fans can sign up at any Fan Service Station, receive a coupon for one complimentary soft drink and be entered in a drawing to win a special on-field experience as the Budweiser Good Sport designated driver of the season.

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Monday, August 20th at 7:10 PM

Alex Wood vs Austin Gomber

TV: MLBN (out-of-market only), SportsNet LA, KTLA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Nationals Series Starts on Friday - Pregame Info, Autographs and Other Stuff!

DC Half Smoked Sausage

The next homestand starts on Friday against the Washington Nationals. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2018 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Viva Los Dodgers Schedule
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

Pastrami Fries

There are two new food items being made available for this homestand only, and they are available at the On Deck Circle stand on Field Level section 48, Loge Level section 133 and Reserve Level section 4. First, you can get the DC Half Smoked Sausage which features a Pork and Beef smoked sausage topped with chili con carne, diced onions & mustard.

Chorizo Torta

Also available is the Pastrami Fries. This features Golden Crispy Fries topped with pastrami and brown gravy.

You can also get the Chorizo Torta that features a Chorizo sausage split in half, ranchero bean spread, shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, queso fresco, and smoke jalapeno aioli.

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Friday, April 20th at 7:10 PM

Clayton Kershaw vs. Max Scherzer

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Padres Series Starts Monday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Monday against the San Diego Padres. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2017 Broadcast Schedule
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 

The Nacho Tots will be available for this homestand only against Padres and will be available in Field section 10, Loge section 136 and Reserve section 31. It features golden fried tater tots with carne asada, nacho cheese, Pico de Gallo, and sour cream. See it on the right.

The Dodgers have launched the Extra Innings Lounge on the Top Deck. It is a great place to wait out traffic and enjoy City views postgame. The Lounge will be open from the seventh inning until one hour after the final out during the final six regular season home games, and serve beer, wine, soft drinks and coffee. The Lounge is located just outside the stadium gates on the Top Deck, and can be accessed through either the Top Deck seating area or by walking up the stairs from the Reserve Level. It is near a Dodger Stadium Express Metro Bus Stop and the Lot 11 Uber lot.

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Monday, September 25th at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

A Sneak Peek at Dodger Promos and Food

There's nothing like spending an afternoon at Dodger Stadium, so when the club was kind enough to invite me to a special luncheon at the Baseline Club on Friday I couldn't say no. They promised everything from new stadium foods to an early peak at this seasons promotional items.  Best yet, they even offered a free tour of the stadium to cap off the day (I'll have more on that in a later post).

Padres Series Starts Friday - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Friday against the San Diego Padres, and several former Dodgers are scheduled for an autograph session with fans during Sundays Viva Los Dodgers event.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

The eleventh 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, spotlighting the Dodgers’ push toward a title despite the injury to Clayton Kershaw, will be available at Dodger Stadium.  (see it on the left).  On the cover are Kenley Jansen, Adrian Gonzalez, Kenta Maeda, Justin Turner, Corey Seager and Dave Roberts.  The Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand.  They are distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. 

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Friday, September 2nd at 7:10 PM
LHP Clayton Richard vs. LHP Julio Urías
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Phillies Series Starts Today - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts Monday evening (tonight) against the Philadelphia Phillies.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

Tommy Lasorda’s Trattoria will be offering the BLT Pizza during this homestand.  It features a fresh dough pizza slice with shredded mozzarella cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, topped with shredded iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes and drizzled with creamy Ranch dressing.  Check out a pic of it on the left.

The Extreme Loaded Dogs stands will be offering the Philly Cheesesteak Dog for this series against the Phillies.  It consists of a quarter pound all-beef Super Dodger Dog topped with shredded beef sirloin, sautéed onions and cheese whiz.  Check out a pic of it on the right.

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Monday, July 6th at 7:10 PM

SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Monday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM. The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Maury Wills bobblehead.  See it on the left.

Former “The Voice” contestant and current star of “Phantom of the Opera” at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre Chris Mann will perform the national anthem.

Dodger alumnus Matt Luke will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is retired U.S. Air Force Major General Marvin Barry.

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Tuesday, July 7th at 7:10 PM

SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Tuesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. 

World-famous dog trainer Cesar Millan will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Millan will be joined by one of his dogs named Junior.

Dodger alumnus Al Ferrara will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps E5 Sergeant Alexander Esquer.

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Wednesday, July 8th at 7:10 PM

SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Wednesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a Hello Kitty plush doll.  See it on the left.

It is also Japan Night at Dodger Stadium.  The Nisei Week Court will be on hand and a Taiko Drum performance by LA Matsuri Taiko will take place pregame. Hello Kitty will participate in photo sessions in the right-field plaza from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Hello Kitty will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Peter O’Malley, president of the Dodgers from 1970-1998, will receive “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” decoration from Harry H. Horinouchi, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles. The pregame ceremony will mark the official presentation of the decoration, conferred by Emperor Akihito. If not already sold out go here for information.

The Extreme Loaded Dogs stands will be offering the Nihon Teriyaki Dog for Japan Night, only.  It consists of a quarter pound all-beef Super Dodger Dog is dipped in teriyaki sauce, served on sweet Hawaiian bread and topped with a pineapple, cilantro and diced tomato salsa.

Dodger alumnus Tim Leary will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Heroes of the Game are U.S. Army E4 Richard Krykrew, U.S. Navy E4 Benjamin Robles, U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Mayo Westbrooks and U.S. Marine Corps Corporal E4 Marlowe Dickerson.

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Thursday, July 9th at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Thursday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. 

Singer and songwriter Blair Perkins will perform the national anthem. Actress Judy Greer, star of “Jurassic World” and FX Networks’ “Married,” will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Dodger alumnus Dennis Powell will sign autographs in the left-field pavilion plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant E6 Bert Brescher.

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Blog Kiosk: 5/16/2015 - Dodger Links - Ethier, Dodgers' Hello Kitty Plush Doll and a Fan Ejection?

Here is a fantastic vintage press photo taken by International News, dated March 1, 1954, that I ran across on eBay.  It features several Dodger greats getting some needed practice before the season starts.  After having an impressive rookie campaign the season prior, Junior Gilliam looks to be showing a couple of pitchers how to slide.  After all, all reports I've read indicate that Gilliam had a high Baseball-IQ, and just naturally seemed to understand every part of the game.  Below is what is written on the caption attached to the reverse:

SLIDE, JUNIOR, SLIDE--Vero Beach, Florida.....Second baseman Junior Gilliam slides in under the watchful eye of Field Director Al Campanis at the Dodgers training quarters as pitchers Don Newcombe and Joe Black watch.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Dodgers announce rain-delay ticket offer for May 25-27 Braves series."
• ICYMI: Kenley Jansen has been reinstated from the DL and reliever Daniel Coulombe has been options back to AAA, via a tweet from @DodgersPR.
• Via Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times, "Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier is playing like old self."

"It's frustrating, but not everything's going to go good and go the way you want it to be," he said. "You have to grind through things. You're going to have ups and down, not only in the course of the year but in the course of your career. You have to figure out a way to ride them out and keep fighting and keep finding a way to improve and make adjustments."

• Here's an early peek at the Hello Kitty plush Dodger doll that is being given away to fans on Wednesday, July 8th against the Phillies.  Check out the Dodgers promotional schedule here.
• Benjamin Hill at Ben's Biz Blog recently visited Historic Dodgertown and shared a bunch of pics.  Check them out here.
• I wonder if this could potentially be big news for Dodger fans; especially to those who have been locked out due to the cable situation?  Via Timothy Burke at Deadspin, "Judge Grants Class-Action Status To Sports TV Blackout Antitrust Case."  Jon Brodkin at Arstechnica also writes about the lawsuit in more detail.
• This is for the Baseball history buffs out there.  Via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily, "(Masnori) Murakami to Return to U.S. for Autographs."  Masnori was the first Japanese born player to appear in the major leagues, and he has just finished a new book on his experiences.
• Via David Seideman at Forbes, "Weighing The Risks and Rewards of Investing In Today's Vintage Baseball Card Boom."
• During Thursday's game at the bottom of the ninth inning the home plate umpire is seen moving towards the fans behind him and looked to be motioning at a fan.  The initial reaction by most is that he tried to have a fan ejected from the game; which is rare but certainly within his purview.  I spent some time trying to find out about the incident and came across the below post on reddit, here.  It appears that the flash used by a fan was the problem.  DodgerFilms makes note of the incident at the 10:13 mark in this video here.

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Branding to the Extreme - Hello Kitty to be Brand Advertiser on Dodger Uniforms!

Nascar has been doing it for decades.  Soccer clubs worldwide do it too.  Heck, nearly every professional sports franchise throughout the world does it.

So, what keeps North American leagues from following suit?

The answer is nothing, and as I have learned today through a source, the Dodgers will be the first Major League Baseball club to sell advertising on their uniforms.

Welcome to the Dodgers, Hello Kitty!

Per an exclusive quote provided to me this morning:

"We are proud to be a partner with global brand Sanrio^® Inc., parent company of Hello Kitty.  They have the most recognized brand in the world," said Dodgers Chief Marketing Officer Lon Rosen.  "That rascally cat, not-a-cat, will usher in a new Dodger era.  She... It... Whatever, will represent the Dodger Blue spirit by gracing the right shoulder of our uniforms."

I also understand that for one game this year all the Dodger players will wear a branded Dodger Hello Kitty cap.  Check it out below.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/28/2014 - Dodger Links - Kershaw's League Leading Win and Ryu Ready to Pitch

What more can you say about Clayton Kershaw?  He's magnificent and virtually a lock for a win whenever he pitches - even on night's he said he had a bad start.  Last night he went eight innings versus the Diamondbacks; striking out 10, walking just two and allowing just one earned run (unearned).  His ERA falls to a minuscule 1.73, and he now leads the league with 16 wins on the season. 

As for the Dodgers offense for the evening, they did all of their damage in the third inning.  Matt Kemp played the hero again by driving in two wins on a double to right centerfield.  Scott Van Slyke added another run with a solo home run to left center.  BTW, Kenley Jansen recorded his 38th save of the season and 100th for his career.  To all those naysayers who doubted his role as the teams closer at the start of the season can now all just shut up - you are a bunch of reactionary know nothings.

The photo at the top is of Hello Kitty - who is not a cat.  Via Carolina A. Miranda at the LA Times,

"That's one correction Sanrio made for my script for the show. Hello Kitty is not a cat. She's a cartoon character. She is a little girl. She is a friend. But she is not a cat. She's never depicted on all fours. She walks and sits like a two-legged creature. She does have a pet cat of her own, however, and it's called Charmmy Kitty."

Who knew?  Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

The Dodgers 3 to 1 victory allowed them to maintain their 5.0 game lead ahead of the Giants.  Now, below are some links to check out:

• Via Bill Plunkett at the OC Register, "Dodgers striking out at claiming players."

(Via Ned Colletti) “It’s a function of how many teams are in the playoff hunt and our place in the order. We’ve claimed – what’s a good word, droves? Many? Very many? … We’ve claimed a lot of players and they never get to us.”

• Children's Hospital Los Angeles was actively involved in ThinkCure! Weekend at Dodger Stadium and they just shared the story of a couple of their patients on their website.  Check that out here.  
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Ryu free of pain after sim game; return near."

Dodgers left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu said he felt no pain while throwing a two-inning simulated game on Wednesday and could return to the starting rotation on Sunday or Monday.

• Via Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Stop it: Julio Urias isn’t making his MLB debut in 2014." 
• An FYI, Monday, September 8th will be LA Kings Night at Dodger Stadium.  Go here for information.  I am uncertain if any King players will be in attendance, but fans attending through a special ticket package to sit in the all-you-can-eat right-field pavilion will get a cool little t-shirt (as seen on right).
• Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "Dodgers fan gets hassled over T-shirt at D-backs game, but social media prevails."  Those fans (security & other staff members) in Arizona sure are a bunch of whiny little kids.  The only person there with any sort of rational understanding of things is Josh Rawitch - Diamondbacks VP of Communications.  Good job, Josh, on getting it figured out.
• GCRL shares some more Steve Garvey oddball baseball cards.  Awesome!

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Blog Kiosk: 7/11/2014 - Dodger Links - Kershaw Streak Stopped at 41 and Babe Ruth's 100th Anniversary

Clayton Kershaw was incredible last night, once again.  He pitched a complete game in the victory; striking out 11, waling 1 and giving up only 3 hits.  Unfortunately, his scoreless-innings streak was stopped at 41 innings (now 3rd on the Dodgers all-time list) by a Chase Headley home run in the 6th inning.  Nevertheless, the Dodgers eked out a 2 to 1 victory on the backs of Kershaw and some timely hitting.  Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Check out more of his photos from yesterday here.

• ICYMI:  Carl Crawford is now back with the Dodgers following his rehab stint in Albuquerque.  Clint Robinson has been designated for assignment. 
• So, do you want to work for the Dodgers?  Is social media your forte?  Well, check out what Josh Tucker just posted on twitter:

The job has officially been posted -- the #Dodgers are looking for a new Social Media Coordinator: http://t.co/a8Bz3vJoUW
— Josh Tucker (@joshbtucker) July 11, 2014

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, three Dodger players are on the list of Top-20 most popular MLB jersey's.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Sore shoulder could sideline Hanley until after break."
• As you may have heard, upwards of 20,000 Dodger fans did not receive a Hello Kitty Travel Mug at last nights game.  Jill Painter on twitter tells us why:

#Dodgers booed again over 2nd Hello Kitty travel mug snafu announcement. Heard truck got in accident on way to stadium. Can't make this up
— Jill Painter Lopez (@jillpainter) July 11, 2014

• Via Matt Calkins at UT San Diego, "Be bold (and right), Padres -- hire Kim Ng."

Kim Ng's name is being thrown around more and more as the ideal candidate for the Padres' vacant general manager position, which would make her the first female GM in a major professional sport. But could these endorsements simply be the byproduct of our desire to witness history? 

Actually, no. That's not it all. Ng, who will likely interview with the Padres this week, just happens to be the most qualified candidate out there.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Alex Guerrero homers in first rehab assignment game."
• Via Cory DiBenedetto at the Daily Gammons, "Home Run Derby: Can it hurt your game?"  Based on the numbers provided it sure does.
• BTW, today is the 100th anniversary of the debut of Babe Ruth.  As a special treat check out a Jim Axelrod story at CBS News that includes a recent interview with Babe's daughter, Julia Ruth Stevens.  Holy moly, she is 97-years old.  A video is included.

She still calls him "Daddy." She says, "I always did. When I think about Daddy. I think about him just being my father, but he really belonged to the world."

• Also, via Lee Sinins at the Daily Gammons, "Stats report: Adrian Beltre sets a major league record."  It was for career total bases by a 3rd baseman.  Still think he's not a future Hall of Famer?

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

The next homestand starts this evening against the San Diego Padres, 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.

For this homestand the Dodgers have created a special Taco Dog.  It's an all-beef hot dog topped with seasoned beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream and jalapeños.  It is available through Wednesday at extreme loaded dog concession stands on the Field, Loge and Reserve levels.  

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Thurday, July 10th at 7:10 PM
RHP Odrisamer Despaigne vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw

Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  Hello Kitty strikes again!  The first 40,000 fans will receive a Hello Kitty Travel Mug.  See it on the right.

Hello Kitty will meet with fans from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the left-field pavilion plaza. Also, Dodgers Radio AM 570 FOX Sports LA “Petros and Money” will be broadcasting live from the left-field pavilion plaza from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Actress Kate Walsh, best known as Dr. Addison Montgomery on “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice,” will throw the ceremonial first pitch.  Singer, songwriter, producer and pianist Sheléa Frazier will perform the national anthem. Frazier recently performed at the White House and the Library of the Congress. 

Former Dodgers Tim Leary (in right-field pavilion plaza) and “Sweet” Lou Johnson (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Kevin Price. Watching the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001 prompted Price to join the Marine Corps after high school. He is assigned to the 7th Engineer Support Battalion based at Camp Pendleton which provides engineering support to the Marine Expeditionary Force including Explosive Ordnance disposal, mobility and survivability enhancements. Price serves as an Engineer Equipment and small craft maintenance such as cranes, Zodiac reconnaissance crafts and bridge boats.  His deployments include Okinawa, Japan and Fallujah, Iraq. His accolades include the National Defense Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal. 

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Friday, July 11th at 7:10 PM
RHP Jesse Hahn vs. RHP Dan Haren

Friday'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 are super heroes.

Two members of the US Soccer team that recently returned from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil will throw the ceremonial first pitch.  “American Idol” season six runner-up Blake Lewis will perform the national anthem.  Malcolm Smith, Superbowl MVP with the Seattle Seahawks, will throw an honorary first pitch.

Former Dodgers Dennis Powell (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Al “The Bull” Ferrara (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Also, both of them will be signing in the Stadium Club from approximately 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Army Private First Class (PFC) Fred Gomez of Bakersfield. Gomez was drafted in 1943 and was initially trained at a machine gunner and went on to become a medic who provided life-saving medical care to wounded soldiers. Gomez served with the 164th Regiment deploying to New Caledonia, Fiji and the Philippines. Following his Army service, Gomez fulfilled a life-long dream by working as a security guard at Dodger Stadium from 1963-1965. His accolades include two Purple Heart Medals, the Philippine Liberation Medal and a Bronze Star.
• 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 Yasiel Puig autographed baseball, Dee Gordon autographed photo and Brandon League autographed game-used #42 LA Dodgers 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, July 12th at 7:10 pm
RHP Ian Kennedy vs. TBD

Saturday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.

It is another Dodger bobblehead day. The first 50,000 fans will receive a Pee Wee Reese and Roy Campanella bobblehead.  As you may know, this bobblehead commemorates Roy Campanella Night on May 7, 1959 at the LA Coliseum.  A record crowd of 93,103 fans packed the house that evening; setting a MLB record for attendance.  See the bobblehead on the right.

John Lloyd Young will perform the national anthem.  Boxer Gennady Golovkin will throw an honorary first pitch.

Former Dodgers Lee Lacy (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Derrel Thomas (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  Also, both of them will be signing in the Stadium Club from approximately 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Maria Gomez. She will also be the recipient of an authenticated flag and display presented by Bank of America. Gomez will be honored with a piece of Dodger history, a flag that has flown over Dodger Stadium.

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Sunday, July 13th at 1:10 PM
RHP Tyson Ross vs. LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu

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 40,000 fans will receive a Dodgers portable speaker.  See it on the right.

Actor, director and producer Rob Reiner will throw the ceremonial first pitch.  Comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias will throw an honorary first pitch and the national anthem will be performed by actor U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant JW Cortes.

Former Dodgers Al Downing (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Bill Ashley (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Also, both of them will be signing in the Stadium Club from approximately 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM.

Viva Los Dodgers begins in the Dodger parking lot at 11:00 AM.  Dennis Powell and comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias will be there to sign autographs for fans.

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant JW Cortes. Cortes Cortes served with the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group which provides security at designated U.S. Diplomatic and Consular facilities and was assigned to American Embassies in Nairobi and Australia. In 2003, Cortes was part of the initial troop movement into Iraq. He served 13 years active duty and reserve before moving on to serve with the NYPD. His accolades include the Combat Action Ribbon, Marine of the Year and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
• Sunday’s “Héroe de la Comunidad” honoree at Viva Los Dodgers is Dunia Perich, Family Services Director, The Bresee Foundation, who emigrated to the US from Honduras in 1993 and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from California State University Northridge. She has been working at Bresee Foundation since 2007, assisting families with supportive services, coordinating health and nutrition classes, mental health, and community workshops.  As a certified Parenting Instructor, Dunia has been teaching Parenting Classes at Virgil Middle School and Bresee for the past four years. Dunia has also been a mentor to Bresee youth, assisting with homework, following up with grades, and arranging and attending parent-teacher conference meetings.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will have a Mystery Bag fundraiser at Viva Los Dodgers at the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Tent. For a $40 donation, fans can get an official Major League baseball signed by one of eight Dodger Alumni featured, including Orel Hersisher, Tommy Lasorda, Fernando Valenzuela and current players including Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Dee Gordon. Only 68 Mystery Bags available. 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.
• 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 Clayton Kershaw autographed baseball, Adrian Gonzalez autographed photo and Brian Wilson autographed game-used #42 LA Dodgers 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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Tuesday Night Game Info - Hello Kitty Bobblehead Night

Tonight is the 2nd game of the Dodgers homestand against the Chicago White Sox.  Below are some odds and ends for tonight's game.  Unfortunately, a former Dodger player is not scheduled to sign at the stadium.

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Tuesday, June 3rd at 7:10 PM

RHP Hector Noesi vs. RHP Dan Haren

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 Hello Kitty Mini Bobblehead night.  The first 50,000 fans in attendance receives one.  Hello Kitty will be in the left-field pavilion plaza to meet fans from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.  The national anthem will be performed by Rozzi Crane, Hello Kitty will throw the ceremonial first pitch and George Lopez will serve as guest PA announcer.

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Army Sergeant Raymond Muckelroy of Bloomington, CA. Muckelroy enlisted in 2007 and serves with the 558th Military Police Company, 728th MP Battalion, 8th MP Brigade based at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.  In his role as a Military Police Officer, he serves as a team leader supervising fellow officers and provides law enforcement. Muckelroy has served deployments overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His accolades include the Global War on Terrorism Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star Device and two Army Commendation Medals. 

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Blog Kiosk: 5/16/2014 - Dodger Links - A Huge Hanley Contract, Greinke's Approach and a Sneak Peek at Some Dodger Bobbleheads

There had been an online campaign for fans to vote for their favorite Dodger t-shirt to be given away at Dodger Stadium on May 29th.  The winning t-shirt is above, pic via @Dodgers on twitter.

• Via Jon Heyman at CBS, "Dodgers love Hanley and are talking about big deal, but work remains."

Ramirez, eligible for free agency after this season, is seeking a contract in excess of $100 million, and probably well north of that figure. While no exact numbers have gotten out, it is thought that he is actually seeking something in excess of $130 million. 

• Via Tim Brown at Yahoo Sports, "How Zack Greinke changed his approach to protect his elbow."

Greinke, being Greinke, was perhaps just self-aware enough to change. He still throws plenty of sliders, but hopes to cap them at 15, maybe 20, per start, thereby balancing his desire to win with the hope to pitch again in five days. Perhaps the ulnar collateral ligament goes a thread at a time, he doesn't really know, but if so, he was going to budget his threads, and not pitch straight through his elbow by the time he was 30 and then be no good to himself or his team for a year.

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers who missed Australia are hitting their marks."

"If I had gone, Australia would have been a mess for me," Greinke said. "Technically, I would have had enough starts to be ready to open the season. But it would have been very tough. Staying back helped me catch up with the workouts."

• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA notes that, "David Price is coming to L.A."  He'll be at the Major League Baseball Urban Youth Academy in Compton on Saturday.
• Here is an early peek at the Tommy Lasorda (June 14th) and Hello Kitty (June 3rd) bobbleheads the Dodgers are giving out next month.

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