Showing posts with label Joe Shoemaker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joe Shoemaker. Show all posts

Monday, March 30, 2020

Blog Kiosk: 3/30/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends


Wow! Check out this fantastic action shot taken by the United Press (dated 5/20/1956) of Gil Hodges making a fantastic grab of a foul pop-fly. Not only does it include a great catch, but also features the Ebbets Field rightfield wall in the background. (eBay auction link)
Dodger Scooper...
Dodger 1st base,am Gil Hodges charges close to the stands to scoop a pop fly out of the air with his big glove in the 7th inning of the 1st game of the Dodgers-Cubs double header here May 20th. The ball was hit by Cub centerfielder Pete Whisenant. The Dodgers swept both ends of the twin-bill from Chcago by indentical scores of 5-3.
Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale end their legendary holdout when they signed contracts for $130,000 and $105,000, respectively. The holdout last 32 days. In 1981 the Dodgers traded Mickey Hatcher (and a couple other minor leaguers) to the Twins for Kenny LandreauxIn 1988 the Dodgers signed free agent veteran catcher Rick Dempsey.
  • Happy BirthdayNig Fuller!

Thursday, December 05, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 12/5/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends


Above is a 1950's era New York Herald Tribune press photograph featuring Carl Furillo rounding thirdbase, presumably after hitting a home run (eBay auction link). He is greeted by coach Walter Alston. Unfortunately, an exact date of the photo is unknown. It was originally taken by staff photographer Jack Frank.

Below are more links to check out:

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 8/27/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Mistakes were made. Errors committed. Game was lost. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
“There’s no excuse for what happened,” (Dustin) May said. “I should have been behind third to back the ball up. Can’t let it go into the dugout in that situation. A huge situation.” 
“The throw came in and I was assuming Corey [Seager, at shortstop,] was going to cut it off, but it was over his head,” (Justin) Turner said. “I tried to knock it down, and it just sneaked by me.”
Oftentimes, it's the little things that determine your fate. Photo above via Raymond Gorospe/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1937 Dodger righty Fred Frankhouse throws a rained-shortened (7 2/3 innings) no-hitter, beating the Reds, 5 - 0.  He recorded only three strikeouts and walked six. In 1955 Sandy Koufax earned his first career win during his first career start when he pitched a complete game shutout to defeat the Reds, 7-0. He struck out 14 batters and walked five. In 2005 Dodger second baseman Jeff Kent hit his 300th career homer run as a second baseman -- the first to have ever done so. In 1988 Tommy Lasorda won his 1,000th career game as Manager of the Dodgers. 
  • Happy Birthday, Don McJamesHal JanvrinMike MadduxJim ThomeRick GoreckiJustin Miller!

Thursday, April 04, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 4/4/2019 - Dodger Links - Some odds and Ends


They just keep slugging.

Last night the Dodgers extended their consecutive homer streak to start the season to seven games when Kiké Hernández hit his third home run of the season to lead-off the game.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterday's game. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1997 Mike Piazza reached base for the eight consecutive plate appearance -- he went 3-for-3 with a walk in a Dodgers win over the Pirates. He would fly out his next at-bat the following day. In 2016 the Dodgers handed the Padres the worst Opening Day loss in Major League history since 1913. They beat them silly, 15-0. Go here for the boxscore. BTW, this game was Dave Roberts Dodgers managerial debut.
  • Happy BirthdayJohn HummelPete KilduffJoe VosmikMickey OwenWillie RamsdellGil Hodges & Louis Coleman!

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Blog Kiosk: 4/10/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


There's nothing like a father teach his son the game.

As you can see, featured above is Jackie Robinson teaching Jackie Robinson Jr. the finer points of the game in a March 1, 1953 Associated Press photo. It is currently available at auction at RMY Auctions (link here).

Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1947 the Dodgers officially announced, during the sixth inning of an exhibition against the Royals, that they had purchased the contract of Montreal Royals infielder Jackie Robinson.  He would be the first African-American to be on the roster of a modern Major League club. In 1962 the Dodgers played their very first home game at the newly built Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine. There were 52,564 fans on-hand to watch Johnny Podres throw the first pitch to infielder Eddie Kasko -- who promptly doubled in the at-bat. Duke Snider would record the first Dodger hit with a single in the second inning.  Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose the game to the Reds, 6-3. Reds outfielder Wally Post hit the first homer in the stadium during the seventh inning to lead Cincinnati.
  • Happy Birthday, Bob McGrawChuck ConnorsLee LacyMike DevereauxAlberto ReyesAndre Ethier & Charlie Culberson!

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Blog Kiosk: 1/10/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


You lucky-ducky!

Featured is a 1950 ACME press photo taken during the filming of the Jackie Robinson Story that is currently on auction at Memory Lane (auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:
Jackie Robinson, Brooklyn Dodgers' second baseman, offers batting tips to young Heath Taylor. The Dodgers opened training yesterday in Vero Beach, Fla.
Below are more links to check out:

Monday, December 21, 2015

Meet Your Dodgers Minor League Managers - Some Fantasy BB Cards

In what should be expected to be a slow news week, the Dodgers unveiled who will be skippering their fast rising prospects throughout the minor leagues.  As you'll recall, this past Thursday they shared who would be coaching the big club in Los Angeles (see my post here about this).
  • Bill Haselman at Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers
  • Ryan Garko at Double-A Tulsa Drillers
  • Drew Saylor at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
  • Gil Velazquez at Single-A Great Lakes Loons
  • Shaun Larkin at Rookie-advanced Ogden Raptors
  • John Shoemaker at the Rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers
As I am want to do, I made several fantasy Baseball cards for the new coach's.  Check them out below.  BTW, I paired the fantasy cards with a brief biography provided by the Dodgers PR group.

All of these fellows will be managing their teams for the first time.  Garko, Saylor and Larkin are brand new to the organization.  So, as a die-hard Dodger fan I'd like to welcome them all to the Dodger Blue family.

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Bill Haselman continues his ascent up the Dodgers’ organization ladder as manager of Triple-A Oklahoma City after leading Single-A Rancho Cucamonga to a California League title in 2015. The 49-year-old enters his third year in the Dodger organization and his sixth season as a minor league skipper after leading Single-A Great Lakes in 2014, the Angels’ Single-A Inland Empire in 2012-13 and the Rangers’ Single-A Bakersfield in 2010. The UCLA product was a first-round draft pick of the Rangers in 1987 and went on to play 13 big league seasons with the Rangers (1990, 1998, 2000-02), Mariners (1992-94), Red Sox (1995-97, 2003) and Tigers (1998).  Via a story written by Michelle Gardner at the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin in June:
“He has got so much baseball knowledge, more than we’ll probably ever have,” said outfielder Brian Wolfe, who also had Haselman as a coach for a brief time while he was at the University of Washington. “He really lets you just be yourself.”
Ryan Garko, 34, will take over as Double-A Tulsa manager after 10 professional seasons as an outfielder, catcher and first baseman, including six big league seasons with the Indians (2005-09), Giants (2009) and Rangers (2010). Garko entered the coaching ranks in 2014 as an assistant coach at Stanford University, where he played college ball prior to being selected by Cleveland in the third round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft. Born in Pennsylvania, Garko grew up in Orange County and graduated from Servite High School in Anaheim.  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA:
"I'm very excited to join the Dodgers organization and to come to Tulsa," said Garko. "No city or affiliate has a better reputation than Tulsa, and I look forward to bringing my family there."
Drew Saylor, 31, joins the Dodger organization as Single-A Rancho Cucamonga manager after four years in the Rockies’ system as hitting coach for Rookie-advanced Grand Junction (2012) and Single-A Modesto (2015),  and manager for Single-A Tri-City (2013-14), where his club compiled a 67-85 record (.441) over two seasons. Prior to his time in the Colorado organization, Saylor served as an assistant coach at the University of Akron (2011) and Cleveland State University (2009) following the conclusion of a five-year professional career in the Astros and Marlins minor league systems. He was originally selected by the Marlins in the 13th round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft out of Kent State University.  You can follow Shaun on twitter here: @drewsaylor19.  Via a tweet by Saylor:
Excited to be a part of the Los Angeles Dodgers! Thanks to the Rockies for 4 great years!
Gil Velazquez assumes a manager’s role for the first time in his career with Single-A Great Lakes following his coaching debut last season as the fourth coach for the Rookie-level AZL Dodgers. The 36-year-old enjoyed a 17-year professional career as an infielder, including five big league seasons with the Red Sox (2008-09), Angels (2011) and Marlins (2012-13) after being selected by the Mets in the 14th round of the 1998 First-Year Player Draft.

Shaun Larkin, 36, joins the Dodger organization as Ogden’s skipper following three seasons coaching in the Indians organization, including his managerial debut last year with Single-A Lake County (71-66, .518). Prior to his time in the Cleveland organization, which included stints as hitting coach at Single-A Mahoning Valley (2013) and Lake County (2014), Larkin served as an assistant coach at several schools in his native Southern California, at his alma mater, Cal State Northridge, from 2011-12, Orange Coast College in 2010 and Newport Harbor High School in 2009. Selected by the Indians in the ninth round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft, Larkin played six professional seasons as an infielder in the Cleveland organization from 2002-07.  You can follow Shaun on twitter here: @SLarkin04.  Via a tweet from him:
Pumped to have the opportunity to also manage this year!
John Shoemaker.  After serving as Ogden’s manager in 2015, Shoemaker will lead the AZL Dodgers as he embarks on his 40th season in the Los Angeles organization and 23rd season as a minor league manager. Drafted by the Dodgers in the 35th round of the 1977 draft, Shoemaker has been with the club ever since, as a player (1977-80), manager, coach and coordinator, and, last season, he was appointed as the Dodgers’ “Captain” of Player Development. He was also recognized by Minor League Baseball as the 2015 recipient of the Mike Coolbaugh Award, which is presented annually to an individual who has shown outstanding baseball work ethic, knowledge of the game and skill in mentoring young players on the field.  Via a story in September by JP Hoornstra at the LA Daily News:
“Often-times you get into coaching and your objective is, ‘I want to manage in the big leagues.’ I feel like that is so far removed from me right now,” (Shoemaker) said. “I just enjoy what I’m doing in the minor leagues and I happen to have an important job.

“I know that hard work and dedication and loyalty, understanding that the boss is the boss, and you do what the boss says, and you follow the rules and you’re able to adapt.”

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Blog Kiosk: 11/18/2015 - Dodger Links - Captain Joe Shoemaker Wins Coolbaugh Award


O Captain!  My Captain!

Accolades from all circles are coming in for longtime Dodger minor league manager, teacher and mentor Joe Shoemaker.  He was named the recipient of the eighth annual Mike Coolbaugh Award - presented annually to those who have shown outstanding baseball work ethic, knowledge of the game and skill in mentoring young players on the field.  That pretty much describes Shoemaker to a "T". As you may recall, he was appointed “Captain” of Player Development this past September for his dedication through the course of 39 years with the club, and now dons a "C" on his jersey.

He said the following about winning the award, per a Dodger press release:
“With numerous qualified instructors eligible for this award, I feel extremely fortunate to be the recipient of this year’s Mike Coolbaugh Award,” said Shoemaker, who led the Ogden Raptors to a 43-33 mark in his 22nd season as a manager in the Dodgers organization. “Past, present and future winners of this award have the distinct privilege on honoring the legacy of Mike Coolbaugh, who throughout his career displayed passion, determination and perseverance, all valuable traits for a professional athlete. I am grateful to Pat O’Conner, Minor League Baseball, the entire Los Angeles Dodgers organization and most importantly, the Coolbaugh family for recognizing me with this award.”
Photo at the very top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Below are more links to check out:
  • Kiké Hernandez has begun rehab, via his tweet:

On Thursday, Kershaw and his wife Ellen will host their second annual benefit concert in Dallas to benefit Kershaw’s Challenge, the nonprofit charity they founded to transform at-risk communities and the lives of children worldwide. Country music artist Easton Corbin is the featured performer.
Dodgers pitcher and Dallas native Clayton Kershaw made a personal financial donation toward construction of the Texas Rangers MLB Urban Youth Academy in West Dallas.
...
"Kershaw's Challenge is all about giving kids an opportunity," Kershaw said. "We never expected to have a partnership with the Rangers, but it's awesome. We just wanted to do something here in our hometown … in our backyard. It's an incredible partnership."

    * Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
    * Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

    Sunday, September 13, 2015

    Rockies Series Starts Tomorrow - Scheduled Autograph Sessions, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


    The next homestand starts tomorrow evening against the Colorado Rockies, and several former Dodgers are scheduled for an autograph session with fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

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    Monday, September 14th at 7:10 PM
    SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

    Monday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM. The Seventh of eight Cy Young Collectors' Pin Series giveaways is this night.  The first 40,000 fans will receive an Eric Gagne pin.  See it on the left.

    Southern California band the Dirty Heads will perform a pregame concert at approximately 6:45 p.m. from atop the Dodger dugout.  They will also throw the ceremonial first pitch Monday. Additionally, the host of “Entertainment Tonight” Kevin Frazier will throw a first pitch. Jim Gaffigan, Grammy-nominated comedian, will announce the Dodgers’ starting lineup. Grammy and Latin Grammy award-winning artist Lila Downs will perform the national anthem.

    Dodger alum Al Downing will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Dirty Heads will also sign autographs for fans in the right-field plaza from 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    • The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Martinez.

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    Tuesday, September 15th 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.

    It is also Law Enforcement Appreciation Night at Dodger Stadium.  Folks who ordered a special ticket package in the All You Can Eat Right Field Pavilion or Infield Reserve will get an exclusive commemorative Law Enforcement Appreciation travel mug.  See that on the left.  If not already sold out go here for information.

    As part of Law Enforcement Appreciation Night, Levy Restaurants will offer a 25 percent discount at all concession stands, excluding alcoholic beverages, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the presentation of a valid law enforcement badge. Additionally, Levy Restaurants will offer a Law Enforcement Dog for $9, which consists of a quarter-pound all-beef Super Dodger Dog covered with chili, nacho cheese and fresh onions, at Extreme Loaded Dogs locations on field, loge and reserve levels.

    Law Enforcement Appreciation Night will include pregame ceremonies. Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey and Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer will throw an honorary first pitch. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s color guard will be on hand for the national anthem. Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell and Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck will announce the Dodgers’ starting lineup.  LAPD Detective Alma Burke will sing the national anthem.

    The Dodgers will also honor John Shoemaker who was recently appointed “Captain” of Player Development for his dedication through the course of 39 years with the Dodgers. Director of Player Development Gabe Kapler will make an on-field presentation to Shoemaker and a video with messages from current players will be played. Additionally, Shoemaker will throw the honorary first pitch.

    Dodger alumnus Mickey Hatcher will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
    • The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Navy Operator First Class Peter Izarra.

    ---------------
    Wednesday, September 16th at 7:10 PM
    SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

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

    The Dodgers will officially kick off their commemoration of National Hispanic Heritage Month and will be joined by legendary Mexican rock band Maná. The rockers from Guadalajara, Jalisco, will join Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) President Fidel Vargas Sr. in celebrating HSF’s 40th birthday. Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles Carlos M. Sada will be on hand to present the “El Grito” speech celebrating Mexican Independence Day. Sada along with Fher of Maná will also throw first pitches.

    Fans are invited to arrive early for a special musical performance at approximately 6:40 p.m. by Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar. Mexican actor and singer Jaime Camil will perform the Mexican national anthem followed by the U.S. national anthem. Members of the Valenzuela family will officially start the game with “It’s Time for Dodger Baseball!”

    The Dodgers will also join Major League Baseball in celebrating Roberto Clemente Day. As part of the league-wide celebration, the Dodgers will recognize their 2015 Roberto Clemente Award, All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. 

    Dodger alum Al Ferrara will sign autographs in the left-field plaza from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
    • The Military Hero of the Game is U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Edgar Valles.
    • The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) conducts silent auctions throughout the season featuring more than 25 signed pieces of memorabilia from Dodger players, coaches and alumni. Auctions will take place behind the Vin Scully press box on the club level. The items up for auction on Wednesday include an Andre Ethier autographed photo, Zack Greinke autographed baseball and Joc Pederson autographed Dodger jersey. The auction will end at 8:45 p.m.

    * Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
    * Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

    Tuesday, August 18, 2015

    Blog Kiosk: 8/18/2015 - Dodger Links - Dodger Style NFL Fantasy Draft


    Since ballplayers are restricted from playing fantasy Baseball they do the next best thing.  They play Fantasy Football, and last night several Dodger players got together to draft their team.  Via a photo tweeted out by Alex Wood, you can check out who picked who (see above).  That's some fancy layout, eh?

    The early consensus from Dodger insiders is that Brandon McCarthy crapped out and is headed for a losing season.  You be the judge.  In the meantime, check out the below tweets to see some friendly (or not so friendly) jabs.
    Bored much?!

    From here things get interesting.  Some good-nature razing begins with a sly comment from AJ Ellis.
    Then McCarthy pleads for it to stop.
    Yeah, he's not having a great year.  Of course, that didn't stop Brandon from throwing a zinger out too.
    It's good to know that this team can have fun outside of the baselines.  That's a good sign that things are not that bad.  Below are some links to check out:
    He told us he has not made a decision about returning for what would be his 67th season with the Dodgers. He said he does not want to commit too soon.
    • Even Plaschke can write a gem.  Via his story at the LA Times this past weekend, "Minor league lifer John Shoemaker has major impact on Dodgers organization."
    His impact has been so enduring, he not only managed Dodgers All-Star center fielder Joc Pederson, but also coached his father Stu. His reach has been so deep, the winning pitcher for his first minor league managerial win was Ramon Martinez. And, oh yeah, just for grins, he once coached a Vero Beach eighth-grade basketball championship team led by this giant center named Prince Fielder.

    "The tree of baseball players that have grown from Shoe's influence is endless," says Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis, who credits Shoemaker with helping save his career in 2007. "It's amazing how many people's lives he has touched."
    • Via Daniel Brim at Dodgers Insider, "Pedro Baez is Quietly Breaking Out."
    • The shakeup has begun.  The Dodgers new front office is in the process of putting their stamp on the organization.  Now that they have had a chance to evaluate things I suspect we'll see more changes over the coming months.  Via Jesse Sanchez and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Source: Dodgers part with several from int'l scouting corps."
    The Dodgers parted ways with a significant portion of their international scouting department on Monday, including vice president Bob Engle.

    Also no longer with the club are Patrick Guerrero, the Dodgers' scouting coordinator in Latin America; Franklin Taveras, the club's scouting coordinator in the Dominican Republic; Joseph Reaves, the director of international and Minor League relations; Rafael Colon, special advisor for international player performance; Hidenori Sueyoshi, senior manager of international scouting; and Bruce Hurst, Latin America field coordinator, a source told MLB.com. The club did not confirm the front-office changes.
    • Just awesome.  Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, "Five-year-old throws first pitch at Orioles game with her amazing robotic hand."

    * Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
    * Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *