eBay Unearths some Pics of the 1997 Dodgers

I was window shopping on eBay this afternoon when I came across a series of photographs that I thought I'd share here.  These aren't exactly vintage in nature, but they do elicit some old memories.

Featured are a bunch of scans from original 35mm color slides that were taken by a photographer named Thearon Henderson - who was on assignment for the Upper Deck Company at the time.  From what I understand, he is currently with Getty.  All of the pics where taken during the 1997 season, and it includes several players you hardly ever see.

More Dodgers Goodies at Lelands Auctions - Erskine's No Hit Game Ball

Earlier this week I wrote a bit about a Brooklyn Dodger themed prayer/mass card that Lelands Auctions has available for sale (link here).  Now I take a look at some other notable Dodgers collectibles that are available.

Directly below is a 1977 Dodgers National League Championship pendant that was given to Jodie Doggett, the wife of longtime announcer Jerry Doggett. (Auction Link Here)

Even more thrilling is the below, dated October 4, 1949, vintage photograph featuring the Brooklyn Dodger players and front office personnel at the steps of Brooklyn's Borough Hall in celebration of their National League pennant. (Auction Link Here)  The next day they would face the Yankees for the first game of the World Series at Yankees Stadium.  As you know, the Dodgers would lose to the Bronx bombers four games to one.

Blog Kiosk: 5/20/2016 - Dodgers Links - Dieter Ruehle and the Angels Honored Vin Scully

Forget about the game.  Let's talk about the Angels (Los Angeles South?) class act.  Yesterday, several players and coach's - many of whom are former Dodgers - payed tribute to Vin Scully in a small get together prior to the start of the game.  They greeted him like an old friend and passed along numerous gifts as a sign of their affection.  Via Fabian Ardaya at MLB.com:

"This is no fanfare," Scioscia said as he surprised Scully in front of a small group consisting of former players, coaches and members of the Angels organization. "All the words have already been said about you and your career."
...
Scioscia spoke fondly of Scully, who called most of his games throughout his playing career when he was a catcher for the Dodgers.

"I've never considered myself a neighbor," Scioscia said. "I've always considered myself a part of the Dodger family."

Along with Scioscia, also on-hand was Mike Trout, Jared Weaver, Dave Hansen, Ron Roenicke and Alfredo Griffin.

As for last nights game, I think Dodgers starter Ross Stripling said it best.  Via Fabian Ardaya and Jack Baer at MLB.com:

"Another frustrating game. It just feels like I'm always battling," Stripling said. "I couldn't get the first guy out to lead off an inning and was constantly in the stretch. Felt like the game was at a snail's pace for me, couldn't imagine what it feels for you guys."

The photo above via @Angels on twitter.  Go here to check out a bunch of great pics by Jon SooHoo from the game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1971 Al Downing shut out the Astros, 3-0, in a game that lasted just one hour and 30 minutes - a record at Dodger Stadium.  In 1979 Don Sutton defeated the Reds to become the winningest pitcher in Dodgers franchise history.  He won his 210th game in Blue.
• Happy Birthday, Jason Werth!

Welcome Back to the Blue, Chin-Hui Tsao!

I get the feeling that the retooling of the Dodgers relief staff is just beginning.  The Dodgers announced this afternoon that they are bringing back right-handed reliever Chin-Hui Tsao.  Mike Bolsinger, who started last nights game, has been optioned back to Oklahoma City. 

As you'll recall, the Dodgers initially signed Tsao as a free agent last winter.  He pitched well enough that Spring to be invited to stay with the club in the minors.  Quickly, he worked himself back into Major League shape (after having been out of the Majors for eight years), and eventually pitched in five games for Los Angeles that July with mixed results.  This season he started the year with the Oklahoma City Dodgers and did quite a bit of closing for them. 

Per a Dodgers press release:

2016 Topps Finest - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Now that you've seen the base cards, here is everything else.  Unfortunately, the Kenta Maeda autographed card is available only through a redemption card.

Finest Autographs

• #FA-KMA Kenta Maeda (via a redemption card)

Finest Firsts

#FF-CS Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 5/19/2016 - Dodgers Links - Yadier Alvarez, Mike Bolsinger and Louis Coleman

Mike Bolsinger returned to the Dodgers rotation and did the best he could.  He scattered six hits and gave up only a lone home run to Mike Trout before the dreaded fifth inning came around.  That's when the wheels fell off.  Bolinger got into another jam, and what could only be called 'bad luck' then sunk the team.  Per Jack Baer at MLB.com:

"I thought Mike had did what we had hoped," Roberts said. "There were 60 pitches that he threw in that last rehab start ... and where he was at with the third time through, I thought he gave us a chance to win."

(Coleman via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers)

In that fifth inning, Bolsinger left the game with two men on and one out when Louis Coleman was called in.  As you may know, Coleman has been one of the more effective relievers on the Dodgers staff.  Since April 25th he had not given up an earned run and allowed just one inherited runner to score in 10.1 innings pitched.  Over that span he has recorded 12 strike outs, walked only two and the opposition was slashing .088/.139/.118/.257.  Of course, this is a small sample size, but you had to like the results so far, and you had to figure he was the right man for the job.  Unfortunately, sometimes a version of Keystone Cops erupts on the field.

First he walked Pujols to load them up.  Then the next batter, CJ Cron, hit a infield single between Seager and Turner to score a run.  Following that was a little dribbler that was mishandled by Kendrick, the evenings 1st baseman, to score another.  Then, Rafael Ortega hit a 'Texas Leaguer' to left that Thompson dove for and missed.  Another fly ball to right scored the last run of the inning.  Overall, four balls where hit with Coleman on the mound, and only one was hit hard - the sacrifice fly.  Nevertheless, five runs crossed the plate to seal the game for the Angels.

Photo at the very top via SportsNet LA on twitter.  Go here to check out more pic from yesterdays game by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1988 Tim Leary threw his second shutout of the season against the Montreal Expos.  He had been winless in his past five starts.