Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Mike Marshall, Manny Mota and Garvey & Friends

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Former Dodger slugger Mike Marshall will be at Harry's Dugout in Whitter to sign autographs for fans.  Go here for information.
Harry's Dugout
10715 Beverly Boulevard
Whittier, CA
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Angel players Efren Navarro & Matt Shoemaker will be at the OC Dugout in Anaheim to sign for fans.  Go here for information and ordering details..
The OC Dugout
1238 S Beach Blvd
Anaheim, CA
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Manny Mota will be at Zendejas Mexican Restaurant/Club in San Dimas on Sunday, September 14, 2014 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  Hat Tip to Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy - who has more information, as well.

Autograph + Photo-Op = $15
All proceeds to benefit the MANNY MOTA FOUNDATION
Zendejas Mexican Restaurant/Club
665 W Arrow Hwy
San Dimas, Ca 91773
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This coming Monday, September 15 at the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in Highland is the newest installment of "Garvey & Friends."  Go here for information.

Coming out to talk baseball and swap stories will be Maury Wills, Tommy Davis and Dusty Baker. 

Doors open at 6:30pm
Dinner service starts at 7pm

The $40 cost includes a three-course dinner. "Garvey & Friends" follows dinner. Get tickets at Ticketmaster.com or the San Manuel Box Office. Seating is limited. Buy your tickets early.
San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino
777 San Manuel Blvd
Highland, CA

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Blog Kiosk: 9/10/2014 - Dodgers Links - Lead Shrinks to 2.5 Games


Holy Moly!  A comedy of errors plagued the Dodgers yesterday as some misplayed balls in the second inning resulted in a bunch of runs scoring.  Worse yet, it all appeared to rattle starting pitcher Roberto Hernandez.  He only went three innings, giving up five runs on five hits, and only two of the runs were earned.

Andrew Cashner of the Padres was money.  He stifled the Dodgers for seven innings by spreading around nine hits and allowing only two runs on a Adrian Gonzalez homer.  The Dodgers certainly got enough men on base, but just couldn't finish the job. 

The above photo of the Dodger bat rack was taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014Go here to check out more pics of his from yesterday's game.  Hopefully, the Dodgers use those bat to drive in some runs tonight.

With the Dodgers loss last night and the Giants win over the terrible Diamondbacks, the good guys see their lead in the West shrink to 2.5 games.  Someone find me some aspirin 'cause my muscles are sore and my mind is aching from the stress.  Below are some links to check out:
“I’m getting pitched a little different than I did in the minor leagues,” said Pederson. “It’s a little adjustment period but it will come with time. I’m not worried about it, I definitely put up a lot worse numbers in the minor leagues in 17 at-bats.”
  • Yeah, I know.  I promised no more McCourt stories, but I couldn't resist this one.  Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times, "Could Frank McCourt really bring horse jumping to Dodger Stadium?"
  • Via Wayne Drehs at ESPN, "Two in a Million."  It's all about the day Clayton Kershaw and Mike Trout went head-to-head.
It's tantalizing to imagine how it will go: Kershaw will stare at Trout through his black leather glove, kick his right knee so it nearly touches his elbow and then fall toward home plate, planting his right foot and unleashing a pitch from his arsenal. Trout will hold a two-tone 31½-ounce piece of maple behind his head. He'll stare back at Kershaw, lift his left foot, shift his weight forward, turn his hips and in a split second decide whether or not to pull his bat through the zone with power and purpose.

And everyone will watch.

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Tuesday, September 09, 2014

Benny Hill and the Dodgers

You just knew this was going to happen.

Check out the slapstick comedy of the Dodger defense as they do their best to audition for the Benny Hill Show.  (Hat Tip: gobbluth25 on Reddit)  I think the best part is right at the end of the sequence when Clayton decides to just toss up the ball at home plate in utter defeat, amazement and disgust.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 9/9/2014 - Dodger Links - Magic Number is Now 16


It's nice to finally witness some Dodge offense.  They exploded for nine runs yesterday, and even scored four of them before the fifth inning.  Hanley had a four hit game, Crawford had three hits including a homer and Uribe homered as well.  Clayton Kershaw did his part on the mound; going eight innings, giving up one earned run and striking out eight.

Featured above is Magic Johnson with LA Kings mascot Bailey, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014Go here to check out more photos from the evening.  Last night was Kings Night at Dodger Stadium.  Unfortunately, the Stanley Cup did not make an appearance.  On another note, I want Bailey's jersey so bad. 

The Dodgers now have won four games in a row and increased their division lead to 3.5 games over the Giants.  BTW, their MAGIC NUMBER is now 16.  Now, check out some links below:
  • If you watched last night's game then you saw a bit of the Bad News Bears during the top of the sixth inning.  On a single play the Dodgers committed three errors that allowed two runs to score.  It was like watching my nephews little league game in action.  Ken Gurnick at MLB.com has a good rundown of the event; including video.
  • Dan Haren is now on twitter.  Follow him here: @ithrow88.  Unfortunately, he might not be there for long.  It appears the trolls have come out of the woodwork.  He recently posted that he is already regretting joining, here.
  • the 2015 Dodger schedule is now available for viewing.  Go here to check it out.
  • Via Bill Chuck at the Daily Gammons, no one has more hitless relief appearances than JP Howell this season.
  • Via Mark Langill at Dodger Insider, "Camilli and Gonzalez: Two of a kind at first."
Dolph Camilli and Adrian Gonzalez have more in common than being the only Dodger left-handed hitting first basemen in the last 75 years of the franchise to post consecutive 100-RBI seasons. Camilli and Gonzalez represent key players acquired under new ownership during their respective eras.
“I like the fact guys are talking about the right things, like having good at-bats, and I can feel the energy on the bench,” Mattingly said. “We’ve been more competitive in games we’ve been down. Right now, it’s that time of year. We’re in a pennant race. We know every game is important, every at-bat is important, every play you make on the field is important. Guys know where we’re at.” 



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Monday, September 08, 2014

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 olde-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.

BTW, the Extreme Loaded Dog concession stands will be making the Surf and Turf Dog, an all-beef hot dog with bay shrimp salad, shredded green cabbage and Kewpie mayonnaise slaw .  It will be available Monday through Wednesday at extreme loaded dog concession stands on the Field, Loge and Reserve levels.  Check out a pic on the right. 

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Monday, September 8th 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.

It is LA Kings Night at the stadium.  Kings mascot Bailey will be making an appearance. Also, 2014 Stanley Cup Champion LA Kings, Tyler Toffoli, Tanner Pearson, Martin Jones and Alec Martinez, are scheduled to be on hand for pregame ceremonies, including the ceremonial first pitch. Fan who have come out as a part of a special ticket package will be getting the t-shirt on the right.  This is sold out. 

Former Dodgers Matt Luke (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Lee Lacy (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  Dodgers Radio KLAC AM 570’s Petros and Money show will broadcast live from the left-field pavilion plaza.
  • The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Jeremy Redfern. Redfern joined the Air Force in 2008 and was sent to school to become an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician. He is responsible for rendering conventional, chemical, biological, improvised and nuclear weapons that would pose a threat. Redfern is now an EOD Instructor at Elgin Air Force Base. He has served two deployments in Afghanistan and escorted a fallen Air Force EOD warrior home to Dover Air Force Base and to his family. His accolades include the Air Force Commendation Medal with Valor and two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.  
  • The Dodgers will celebrate 75 employees with 25 or more years of service prior to tomorrow’s game. Heading the list of those to be recognized during pregame ceremonies are Hall of Famers Tommy Lasorda and Vin Scully, as well as long-time traveling secretary Billy DeLury, all with 65 seasons of service. Pitching great Don Newcombe (57 seasons), Spanish language Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrin (56 seasons), pinch-hitting wizard Manny Mota (45 years), 1965 World Series hero Lou Johnson (33 years), All-Star third baseman Ron Cey (30 seasons), All-Star  outfielder and broadcaster Rick Monday (29 seasons) and organist Nancy Bea Hefley (27 seasons) are also among the honorees.
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Tuesday, September 9th at 7:10 PM
RHP Andrew Cashner vs. RHP Roberto Hernandez

Tuesday's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  This is the last Dodger bobblehead day of the season, and they leave the most exotic one for last. The first 50,000 fans will receive a Babe Ruth Bobblehead.  See the bobblehead on the right.

Kelley Jakle, singer and actress of “Pitch Perfect,” “42” and the upcoming “Pitch Perfect 2” will perform the national anthem. Jakle is the great granddaughter of Branch Rickey.

Former Dodgers Derrel Thomas (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. 
  • The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Luis Bardales. Bardales enlisted in 1995 and served as an Indirect Fire Infantryman and a personal security detail for the Company Commander while deployed in Iraq. Following his active duty service, Bardales enlisted in the National Guard after the attacks on Sept. 11, where he volunteered for security missions throughout California and Oregon. His last mission with the National Guard was during the Escondido fire where he provided security to protect homes. He was honorably discharged from the National Guard in 2008. Bardales’ accolades include the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained while in Iraq and the Army Commendation Medal.
  • 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 Carl Crawford autographed baseball, Juan Uribe autographed photo and Clayton Kershaw autographed Dodger jersey. 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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Wednesday, September 9th at 7:10 PM
RHP Ian Kennedy vs. RHP Dan Haren

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

The Dodgers will play host to the first annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night. This special event ticket package includes a ticket to Wednesday’s game and a commemorative Law Enforcement Appreciation Dodger mug (see it on the right). Pregame ceremonies will honor First Responders from throughout Southern California and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Limited tickets are still available and can be purchased by visiting www.dodgers.com/lawenforcement.

Former Dodgers Ken Landreaux (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Billy Ashley (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 Lieutenant Colonel George Gallagher. Gallagher enlisted in 1956. During the Vietnam War, he flew more than 57 combat sorties including 29 medical evacuation flights involving 60 causalities during a three-day period. Lieutenant Colonel Gallagher’s accolades include the Vietnam Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Bank of America Assistant Vice President Mortgage Servicing Manager Home Loans Rowena McCann will present an authenticated flag and display case to Gallagher. The flag has flown over Dodger Stadium.

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Blog Kiosk: 9/8/2014 - Dodger Links - Dodgers Expand Lead in West to Three Games


Adrian Gonzalez was a lightening rod yesterday afternoon.  He rocketed two three-run home runs to power the Dodgers over the Diamondbacks.  Above is a photo of AGon's first home run swing from yesterday, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014Go here for more pics from the day; including a sampling of the breakfast created by Chef Joyce Simonds that the Boys in Blue enjoy in the clubhouse.

Of note, in the seventh inning both Don Mattingly and Clayton Kershaw got thrown out of the game.  Mattingly got thrown out for arguing with an umpire's warning on a hit-by-pitch, and Kershaw was tossed for being unruly from the dugout during the ensuing argument.  Eric Stephen at True Blue LA has a good rundown of the events (go here). 
"It was a slider, man," said Kemp. "They were just jumping the gun a little too much. It's a pitch that doesn't really hurt too much."

"Dre got hit with a slider, they weren't trying to hit him," said Gonzalez.
BTW, AGon now has 100 RBI's; his fifth straight season.  The Dodgers expanded their lead over the Giants to 3.0 games.  Now, below are some more links to check out:
"I don't think we should be trying to compare and go back three years," Mattingly said Sunday. "I think it's better off staying right where we're at. Matt's been swinging the bat good, been driving the ball, been driving in runs. As much as anything, he's doing the job now. ... Hopefully this is glimpses of things to come."
It is commonly referred to in a variety of ways: getting into their head, rattling their cage or simply psyching them out. It is the affect that an individual or a specific incident has on an opposing player, usually a pitcher, in high stress situations and it is a game-changer – and Dee Gordon is the Jedi Master at it.

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