Blog Kiosk: 9/15/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I missed this recent release from Topps yesterday. Featured here is a Topps 2020 Turn Back the Clock online exclusive card made available yesterday, and it celebrates Clayton Kershaw's complete game shutout ten-years ago. Per the description on the reverse:

September 14, 2010 -- In a game where the Dodgers only mustered one run, 22-year-old Clayton Kershaw gave the team a much needed dominant performance. The left-hander fired a complete-game shutout. allowing just four hits and leading the Dodgers to a tight, 1-0 victory over the division-rival Giants.

BTW, this Kershaw win was his first career shutout and complete game. Check out the boxscore here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 the second game of a doubleheader between the Dodgers and Cubs at Ebbets Field is postponed during the fifth inning due to a giant swarm of gnats attacking the field and players and the coming evening darkness. In 1978 the home attendance at Dodger Stadium of 47,188 fans marks the first time in Major League history that a team has drawn more the three million rooters during a season at home.
• Happy Birthday, Doc Bushong, Bud Clancy, Fritz Ostermueller, Charley Smith & Jim Barbieri!

Blog Kiosk: 8/31/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It was Jackie Robinson weekend. As you know, ballplayers throughout the league wore #42 to honor the great Dodger. Take a look at the cap the Dodgers wore on the right, via Chris Creamer at Sportslogos.net.

BTW, this weekend was not entirely celebratory. Chadwick Boseman, the fantastic actor who played Jackie in the 2013 film ‘42,’ died of colon cancer at the age of 43 on Friday -- on Jackie Robinson Day.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 Gil Hodges became the fourth Major Leaguer to hit four home runs in one game. It was against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. Overall, he went 5-for-6 with nine RBI's, five runs scored and 17 total bases. In 1959 Sandy Koufax set a new National League record when he fanned 18 Giants during a nine inning game at the LA Coliseum. It also tied the Major League mark for strike outs, and set a new Major League record with 31 total strike outs over two consecutive games (he struck out 13 Phillies his last time out). In 1985 the Dodgers got Bill Madlock from the Pirates for RJ Reynolds, Cecil Espy and Sid Bream. In 2006 the Dodgers received veteran Marlon Anderson from the Nationals for pitching prospect Jhonny Nunez. Anderson would have a stellar couple of months in Dodger Blue. He slashed .375/.431/.813/1.243 with seven homers, 15 RBI's and 12 runs scored. In 2009 the Dodgers received starting pitcher Jon Garland from the Diamondbacks for infield prospect Tony Abreu. Garland would get six starts -- going 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA.
• Happy Birthday, Duke Farrell, Ray Berres, Ira Hutchinson, Frank Robinson, Cleo James, Jack Perconte, Tom Candiotti, Mike Hartley, Hideo Nomo & Juan Nicasio!

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: 8/3/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

It was good to see Kershaw out there, and even better that he did well. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I think there’s a lot of things involved,” Kershaw said. “First time pitching in eight, nine months of a game that actually mattered. There’s some relief, some thankfulness for sure. Just grateful to be back out there again.”

he went 5.2 scoreless innings, with six strikeouts and no walks to win in his first outing of the season. 

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959 a second All-Star Game of the year is played at the LA Coliseum. Don Drysdale gave up a third inning two-run homer to Yogi Berra to lose the game, 5-3. In 1980 Duke Snider, along with Al Kaline and Chuck Klein, are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1997 Tommy Lasorda, along with Phil Neikro, Nellie Fox and Willie Wells, are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2013 the Dodgers set a franchise record when they won their 13th consecutive game on the road by defeating the Cubs, 3-0. 
• Happy Birthday, Gus Getz, Jim Gott, Sid Bream & Kevin Elster!

Blog Kiosk: 5/29/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I have no idea what's going on in the photo above, and neither does the seller on eBay (auction link). It is unmarked and undated. Featured is a vintage B&W photograph, possibly a press photo, showing Gil Hodges, Don Drysdale, Johnny Podres and Pee Wee Reese in their Sunday best.

These Dodgers' appear to be having a good time -- as Podres playfully pushes Reese against the wall, like he's about to get frisked. Or maybe, they are in the midst of a conga line, with Pee Wee leading the pack astray -- right into a wall.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1905, according to legend, Dodger hurler Elmer Stricklett introduces Baseball to the spitball -- beating the Giants, 4-3. Of course, this is a bunch of mumbo-jumbo. Although, many do credit Stricklett with being one of the first to use it -- having built a reputation for throwing the pitch much earlier in his career on the west coast. In 1957 tough-talking New York Mayor Robert Wagner, following the leagues announcement allowing the Dodgers and Giants to leave New York, states that the city will not be "blackjacked" into doing a deal. In 1980 Dodgers starter Bob Welch throws a one-hit shutout to defeat the Braves, 3-0. He faced the minimum of 27 batters in the game. In 1983 Dodger reliever Steve Howe is readmitted to a drug treatment center after suffering a relapse from his cocaine addiction.
• Happy Birthday, Phil Gallivan, John Kennedy, Eric Davis, Trever Miller & Jerry Hairston!

Blog Kiosk: 5/27/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

A hopeful and elated Charley Dressen is seen above in a 1953 AP press photo, from October 3, 1953 (eBay auction link). Per a descriptor on the reverse:

Two's a magic number for manager Charley Dressen of the Brooklyn Dodgers who flashed a happy smile after his club drew even with the New York Yankees by winning the fourth game of the World Series, 7-3. Those two fingers he is holding up could be a victory sign or the number of games he thinks the series will have to go to end in his favor.

Unfortunately, Dressen's smile would turn upside down. The Dodgers lose the next two games and the '53 series. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1888 fan favorite Adonis Terry pitched his second career no-hitter for Brooklyn Bridegrooms at Washington Park, 4-0. It was against the Louisville Colonels -- a club that would eventually fold following the 1899 season. BTW, I just ran into a website dedicated to Adonis Terry. Check it out here. In 2015 the Dodgers traded beloved Juan Uribe, and Chris Withrow to the Braves for Alberto Callaspo, Juan Jaime, Eric Stults and Ian Thomas. Uribe spent over 4 season with Los Angeles -- slashing .260/.306/.381/.687 with 28 homeruns, 155 RBI and an overall WAR of 6.8.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Crane, Lefty Hopper, Jacob Brumfield & Todd Hundley!

Blog Kiosk: 5/11/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Great photo - Bad result. Pete Reiser was out at home. (eBay auction link) Below is what's written on the reverse:

Dusty Dodger Out At Home 

Boston, Mass... Pete Reiser, Dodgers' left fielder made at game try but is declared "out" at the plate in the third inning of the opening game at Braves Field here today. The putout was made on Connie Ryan's throw to Phil Masi. Pee Wee Reese had previously scored on Saunders' fumble. The Boston Braves were trailing the Brooklyn visitors at this stage of the game 2 to 0. (Dated 7.7.1946) (Photo via Myer Ostroff).

Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose this game, 3-2 (boxscore). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1963 Sandy Koufax no-hit the Giants at Dodger Stadium, 8-0 (boxscore). In fact, he had a perfect game going into the eighth, before walking the second batter of the inning. Overall, he recorded four strikeouts, two walks and faced only 28 batters - only one more than the minimum. This was also his second career no-hitter.
• Happy Birthday, Gene Hermanski, Bill Bean, Trent Hubbard & Red Patterson!

Blog Kiosk: 4/29/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

This is the best photo I've seen all year, via former Dodger GM Fred Claire on twitter. From L-R: Ron Roenicke, Mike Scioscia, Vin Scully, Fred Claire and Mickey Hatcher.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 closer Eric Gagne is suspended for two games and fined -- even though he was on the disabled list. He had been ejected on April 6th for heckling home plate umpire Bill Hohn. Per league rules, any player on the DL may not take part in any activity during the game. In 2011 Casey Blake is placed on the DL with a staph infection in his left elbow. He would have surgery and be out of commission for a month.
• Happy Birthday, Pat Deisel & Ron Washington! 

Blog Kiosk: 4/28/2020 - Dodgers Link & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here is a fantastic International News press photo from Game 4 of the 1955 World Series. It features Sandy Amoros scoring the Dodgers first run of the evening in the third inning. As you know, the Dodgers would win this game, 8-5. Photo available via Mile High Card Co auction.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1900 Brooklyn Superbas outfielder Fielder Jones becomes the first modern day Dodger player to hit a grand slam. It was accomplished at Brooklyn's Washington Park. In 1982 the Dodgers traded Leo Hernandez to Baltimore for professional pinch-hitter Jose Morales. As a pinch hitter in his career he slashed .276/.324/.424/.747 with 123 hits in 446 at-bats. As a Dodger he batted .270 with 24 hits in 89 at-bats. In 1985 Fernando Valenzuela set a major league record by extending his consecutive scoreless innings streak at the start of the season to 41 frames when he blanks San Diego for eight innings. The Padres would then score off Fernando in the ninth inning when Tony Gwynn hit a game winning homer to defeat the Dodgers, 1-0. 
• Happy Birthday, David Freese, Matt Beaty & Jim Poole!

Blog Kiosk: 4/27/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a vintage World Wide Photo print featuring Dodgers ace Sandy Koufax with Jay North - aka, Dennis the Menace. They appeared together in an episode of Dennis the Menace in May 1962 -- during 31st episode of season 3. The episode was titled, "Dennis and the Dodger." The photo is available through RMY Auctions. You can watch much of the episode on Daily Motion, here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1929 Dodger reliever Clise Dudley became the first pitcher (and only second player ever) to hit a home run on the first major league pitch thrown to him. In 1944 Jim Tobin of the Braves no-hits the Brooklyn Dodgers in Boston, 2-0. In 1990 Orel Hershiser undergoes surgery on his pitching shoulder. In 2004 Mets Catcher Mike Piazza ties Carlton Fisk for most career round-trippers by a catcher when he hit home run #351 against Dodgers hurler Hideo Nomo at Dodger Stadium.
• Happy Birthday, Hi Myers, Frank Wurm & Corey Seager!

Blog Kiosk: 4/23/2020 - Dodgers Links & news - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun UP press photo, dated 8/7/1952, of a pregame event for a former Dodger -- Leo Durocher. (eBay auction link)

Wreathed in Smiles... New York: Giant manager Leo Durocher (right) smiles as he bears the easy weight of a huge floral wreath presented to him at the polo grounds, Aug. 7, while Dodger pilot Chick Dressen looks on. Durocher, who holds a plaque given to him by the Section-5 Club, received honors and gifts in a give-away program, as New York met the Brooklyn squad in a night game, the third and last of their current series. Brooklyn won the contest, 7-5.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 Dodgers righty Ed Head threw a no-hitter against the Boston Braves, 5-0. He said after the game: “I knew I had it all the time – don’t ask me how, but I knew it.” (boxscore) It was his first appearance after returning from the military. In 1958 Dodger first baseman Gil Hodges hit his 300th career home run on the same day that Pee Wee Reese played his 2,000th career game. In 1999 Cardinals third baseman Fernando Tatis becomes the first player in MLB history to hit two grand slams in one inning when he did it against Chan Ho Park at Dodger Stadium, 12-2. You can watch it here.
• Happy Birthday, James Mulvey, Dolph Camilli, Bob O'Brien & Andruw Jones!

The Only Thing You Need to Listen to Today -- Vin Scully

I've been thinking about Vin Scully too, so yesterdays story from Bill Plaschke was nice to see. He gave Vin a call and shared his thoughts about what's been going on with all of us. (Story Link -- "Pull up a chair and hear Vin Scully give a message of hope and optimism")

“We’re like everybody else, we’re hunkered down,” says Scully, who is sheltering with wife Sandi in their Los Angeles home. “But for me, I’ve been hunkered down ever since we hung things up at the end of ‘16, I’m very accustomed to being at home …it’s that old line, if it wasn’t for doctor appointments we wouldn’t have a social life at all.”

Blog Kiosk: 12/27/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Campy and Yogi exchange notes in the March 30, 1956 Associates Press wirephoto shown above (eBay auction link). It says:

St. Petersburg, Fla., March 30th, Most Valuable Talk - The American League's Most Valuable Player Yankees' Yogi Berra, left, and the National League's most Most Valuable Player Brooklyn Dodgers' Roy Campanella meet before yesterday's game. Campanella has the injured finger showing out of his mitt. The injury has kept him out of some exhibition games.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1981 Fernando Valenzela is named the Southern California Athlete of the Year by the sports editors of the Southlands major newspapers. This caps off a fantastic season where he was an All-Star, wins the Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, Silver Slugger and a World Series ring for the Dodgers. He also won a Sporting News triple crown -- named the winner of the Major League Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year and Rookie Pitcher of the Year Awards.
• Happy Birthday, Ernie Krueger, Norm Larker, Gary Weiss, Jim Leyritz, Jason Repko & Dylan Floro!

2019 Flawless Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

A few weeks back Panini America released their Flawless Baseball card brand, and I've gathered up a bunch of Dodger cards to share here. As you may know, this is Panini's hieh-end Baseball card set -- costing $1,250 for one box of ten cards. Each box consist of seven autographs, two relic cards and a diamond insert card. Go here for a complete checklist.

It is notable that Panini has issued another Vin Scully autographed card. It is the third Vin Scully card issued by Panini this year - the others coming from their Diamond Kings and National treasures brands. Two examples of this card have recently sold for $380 to $450.

Base Gems

Base

#14 Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 11/27/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's an AP wirephoto featuring the great Roy Campanella (eBay listing).

February 9, 1972 -- 'Campy' Comments -- Roy Campanella reflects on a photo of himself as a Brooklyn Dodger Thursday, at New York's Gallaghers restaurant where he volunteered to serve as sports chairman for the Highway Safety Foundation. Commenting on the naming of black athletes Josh Gibson, a catcher, and Walter "Buck" Leonard, a first baseman, to the Baseball Hall of Fame, Campanella said, "They were two of the greatest players I ever played with."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1953 Roy Campanella is the named the National League MVP for the second time in his career. He slashed .312/.395/.611/1.006 with 41 homer runs, a league leading 142 RBI's and recorded 7.1 WAR. In 1956 Don Newcombe was awarded the inaugural Cy Young Award, going 27-7 with a 3.06 ERA. A week prior he was given both the MVP and Rookie of the Year Awards; thereby becoming the first and only player to win all three major awards for a pitcher in one season.
• Happy Birthday, Jimmy Schmitz, Mike Scioscia & Jimmy Rollins!

Blog Kiosk: 11/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Vin Scully Collection Coming to Auction in 2020

Holy Moly!

I had suspected, with the MLB All-Star Game scheduled for Dodger Stadium next season, that Hunt Auctions would have something special for collectors to chase. As you may know, Hunt has had an annual MLB All-Star Week auction and it usually includes some historically important memorabilia. For 2020, though they have truly gone above and beyond. According to an announcement this morning, they have secured select items from the personal collection of Dodger Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully -- easily the most iconic Dodger personality in its history.

There's no word yet on how many items will be available, but based on the pic in their email it appears he'll be parting with some items from a Dodgers Tour of Japan, his 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Series ring, the 1981 World Series trophy and some personal photographs.

Stay tuned I'll be sure to highlight everything once more information is available. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1972 Dodger first baseman Wes Parker won his sixth consecutive Gold Glove award. He would soon retire from the game, shortly after his 33rd birthday, and become a broadcaster for the Cincinnati Reds in 1973.
• Happy Birthday, Bert Cunningham, Gene Bailey, John Wells, Ben Wade, Tony Brewer, Octavio Dotel & Grant Dayton!

Blog Kiosk: 10/17/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I am already thinking of Spring Training, so I thought sharing this photo would be apt. Featured is a March 12, 1937 International News press photo (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

"TIME OUT FOR BREATHER.  Clearwater, Fla...All work and no play does things to a ballplayer as well as other folk, so this trio of Brooklyn Dodgers takes time out from training to sit and chat for a bit.  They are, left to right, Woody English, who came from the Cubs; Harry Lavagetto, a former Pirate 2nd baseman, and Roy Henshaw, former Cub pitcher.".

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1978 the Yankees defeated the Dodgers in Game 6 of the World Series to win their second consecutive title. In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Montreal Expos in Game 4 of the NLCS at Olympic Stadium, 7-1. Steve Garvey hit a two-run homer in the eighth to break a 1-1 tie, then the Dodgers scored four more runs in the ninth to run away with it. They are tied at two games a piece in the series with a deciding Game 5 two days later.
• Happy Birthday, Pop Dillon, Mike Sandlock, Johnny Klippstein & Jim Gilliam!

Blog Kiosk: 10/1/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is another fantastic press photo, originally from the George Michael Collection, featuring a close play at the plate, dated 9/16/1951 (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Chicago: Dodger catcher Roy Campanella puts the ball on Ransom Jackson as the Cub infielder tries to score from third on Chuck Connors' fourth inning grounder to first baseman Gil Hodges who fumbled the ball, but Jackie Robinson grabbed it and threw Jackson out. Brooklyn won 6-1.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 the very first playoff series to determine a league champion is played between the Dodgers and Cardinals. Today is Game 1 of a three game set and is played in St. Louis. Unfortunately, Brooklyn would lose Game 1, 4-2, and lose the series a couple of days later at home, 8-4. In 1974 Dodger reliever Dr. Mike Marshall set a Major League mark when he made his 106th appearance of the season. In 1993 Mike Piazza set a Dodgers new record for RBI's in a season for a rookie when he plated his 107th run during an 8-5 victory over the Astros.
• Happy Birthday, Duster Mails, Jim Russell, Fred Kipp & Roberto Kelly!

Is This the Holy Grail of Vin Scully Memorabilia? His First Employment Contract

I never, in my wildest dreams, ever thought something like this would end up at an auction. Heck, it's a travesty that it's even available for sale. This piece of history, no doubt an important relic of Dodgers history, needs to be in a museum. How it ever ended up in private hands, I can only speculate (I've heard rumors of various Dodger artifacts being pilfered several decades back).

Featured here, at SCP's current Summer Premier Auction, is the very first employment contract between Hall of Fame Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully and the Brooklyn Dodgers -- countersigned and initialed by the esteemed Branch Rickey. (Auction Link) Per the auction description:

How does one land his dream job? For starters, one must know how to ask. When an aspiring 22-year-old broadcaster named Vin Scully typed up this two-page letter to Brooklyn Dodgers President, Branch Rickey, in December 1949, he never imagined in his wildest dreams that he’d spend the next 67 years of his life with the same organization doing what he loves – what he was born to do. Of course, it wasn’t just the polite and humble manner in which Vin applied that impressed Rickey; the ambitious young man came with rave reviews from his mentor and current Dodger play-by-play man, Red Barber, who had recently recruited Scully to cover college football on CBS Radio. As fate would have it, Rickey signed the letter, which apparently turned into the official contract to hire Scully. And the rest, as they say, is history. Within just a few years on the job, Scully would take Barber’s spot in the Dodgers’ booth for good. Presented here is this very contract that started it all.

Blog Kiosk: 7/24/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

That was a thrilling game... And sure, we didn't come out on top this time, but you gotta admit that there is no better way for a game to end. Some people like their walk-offs -- I'll take a game-ending play at the plate anytime. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“To be honest, it wasn’t really close,” said Bellinger. “Calhoun threw the ball real hard and accurate. I was out by a lot.” 

Hernandez said he knew he hit the ball hard enough that Calhoun might have difficulty fielding it cleanly. 

“I knew he might misplay it, and in a way he did, but the ball got to him so quick, he had a chance to set his feet and make a strong throw,” said Hernandez. “As a defender, you’re expecting the guy to go. Your job is to make a good, low throw. It takes perfect throws for our guys to get thrown out. Sometimes you’ve got to tip your cap to the opposition.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019. Go here to check out more pics from yesterday's game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1931 Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) outfielder Babe Herman hit for the cycle against the the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1939 the Brooklyn Dodgers selected Dixie Walker off waivers from the Detroit Tigers. He would go on to play nine season in Brooklyn -- slashing .311/.386/.441/.827 for the Dodgers. In 1967 Dodgers President Branch Rickey is posthumously inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1993 Mets outfielder Vince Coleman tossed a M-80 firecracker from his car as he was leaving the Dodger Stadium parking area. It is reported that three people are injured; including an 11-year old boy and a two-year old girl. Coleman eventually pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of unlawful possession of an explosive device and is sentenced to 200 hours of community service. The incident, along with many others, leads the Mets to announced a month later that he would never play for the team again. 
• Happy Birthday, Tommy McCarthy, Joe Wall, Joe Schultz, Preston Ward, Norihiro Nakamura & Scott Van Slyke!