Blog Kiosk: 2/9/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers have now completed their annual Spring move to Camelback Ranch. On Wednesday the club packed up their stuff (see the photo on the top right), and then landed in Arizona and unpacked yesterday (see the photo on the top right). Pics above via @Dodgers and @CamelbackRanch on twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2009 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Jeff Weaver. This is his second go-around with the club; having played for us from 2004 to 2005. 
• Happy Birthday, Eddie Solomon, O'Koyea Dickson, Wally Hood, Buzz Boyle, Harvey Green, Erv Palica, Jim Campanis & Dioner Navarro!

Blog Kiosk: 2/8/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It's so close I can taste it!

Pitchers and catchers report on Tuesday. Graphic above of Rich Hill via @Dodgers on twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1916 National League owners voted down a proposal by Dodgers owner Charles Ebbets that would impose a limit of 2,000 seats that a club can sell for 25 cents. In 1933 the Dodgers traded their soon-to-be Hall of Fame pitcher Dazzy Vance to the Cardinals for a couple of scrubs. In 1982 the Dodgers traded longtime second baseman Davey Lopes to the A's for a minor leaguer. This trade broke up the longest-playing infield in major league history. In 1995 the Dodgers signed Japanese free agent pitcher Hideo Nomo. He would have a fantastic rookie campaign -- going 13-6 with an 2.54 ERA, a league leading 236 strike outs and three shutouts.
• Happy Birthday, Bruce Caldwell, Bert Haas, Charlie Householder & Joe Black!

Saturday was Dodgers Night at the LA Kings Game -- Once Again I Did Not Win a Jersey

The only thing better than seeing the Kings win a game at home is to see them do on Dodgers Night.

This past Saturday they hosted their annual Dodgers Night event at the Staples Center, and this time every fan in attendance received a freebie. Check it out below. It's a co-branded drawstring backpack. In years past they would only give out a Dodger related gift to those who purchase a special ticket package for the game -- much like what they do at Dodger games for events like Star Wars Night.

This evening they faced off against the hated, and currently terrible, Arizona Coyotes, on the ice, but before they dropped the puck the Kings took their pregame skate wearing a special jersey that would be auctioned during the game in benefit of the Kings Care Foundation. Check out my pics from the skate below. Click on any pic to embiggen.

Blog Kiosk: 2/7/2018 - Dodgersw Links - Some Odds and Ends

After two seasons in Dodger Blue Kenta Maeda finally made it to a Lakers game. Here he is above with Dodger translator Will Ireton (wearing the Lakers Lucha Libre mask) and friend, via Maeda's Instagram. He wrote:

My first @lakers and NBA game was a success! Had a great time and it was even better with a Laker win! 

For the sake of the Lakers season I think he needs to go more often. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1958 the Dodgers officially became the Los Angeles Dodgers, Inc. In 2006 the Dodgers signed Japanese pitcher Takashi Saito to a free agent minor league contract. Saito made the Opening Day roster and would quickly become a fan favorite. That first season he would record 24 saves with an 2.07 ERA, 1.87 FIP and come in 8th place in Cy Young voting.
• Happy Birthday, Tom Daly, Mel Almada, Cy Moore, Art Jones, Johnny Werhas & Burt "Happy" Hooton!

My 2018 Dodgers FanFest Recap - Photos and Links

I thought I would borrow the lyrics of a famous song and mutilate it.

"Lines, Lines, Everywhere there's Lines"

It was packed that Saturday. More packed than a can of sardines in the the middle of a pallet of canned sardines. Moving around from the concourse to the field and back to the concourse was an almost impossible task. Everywhere you went you ran into a line for this or that. In fact, it was so crowded I've heard rumblings that this was the least enjoyable of all the FanFests held thus far.

Nevertheless, I am certain that an majority thought differently. Most, it seemed, were just happy to be back at "Blue Heaven on Earth," and eager for the 2018 season to begin. I know, I am. BTW, there were over 35,000 Dodgers fans at the stadium -- a new record.

As for the event itself, it was set-up almost exactly as last year -- with the exception of the stage being relocated to behind second base. In prior years it had been placed along the right field line. Also, the area behind the pavilion seats (in the parking lot area) was expanded and enlarged.

Blog Kiosk 2/6/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds Ends

It's not often you see something like this on the ballfield today. Featured above is a vintage ACME press photo of a pregame ceremony at Ebbets Field in 1946. On this day the Dodger players presented their GM with a gift, and it wasn't a Timex.

Dodgers Give Present to Branch Rickey 9/25/46 -- Dodger Manager Leo Durocher, General Manager Branch Rickey and Dixie Walker (left to right). Dodgers presented a $5,100 boat cruiser to Rickey before the game with the Phillies at Ebbets Field Sept. 25. Walker, spokesman for the team, said "The Boys wanted to do something for the boss in appreciation for what he has done for us."

BTW, that $5,100 present would be worth $61,630 in today's dollars. The press photo above was on auction at RMY, but did not sell (auction link). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2014 the Dodgers signed a free agent minor league contract with third baseman Justin Turner.  He had just been released by the Mets, and was only given an invitation to spring training by the Dodgers.  To the surprise of many, Turner would have a breakout season and become an important leader in the clubhouse.
• Happy Birthday, Andy Sommerville, Rube Ward, Red Downey & Glenn Wright!