Thursday, February 15, 2018

Blog Kiosk: 2/15/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


This is the cutest thing I've ever seen. Apparently, Clayton Kershaw has a new Valentine.

Photo above via Camelback Ranch on twitter. Go here to check out  a bunch of pics taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo here. Below are more links to check out:

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Valentine's Day in Fantasy Baseball Card Form


No Valentine's Day could possibly complete without a handful of fantasy Baseball cards to celebrate the occasion; especially considering that today also marks the very first full day of workouts for the Dodgers at Spring Training.

Naturally, I had to make a couple of cards featuring Puig and Ward's growing romance on the field. As we all know, Puig has had his struggles at the plate, so when batting coach Turner Ward righted his ship Yasiel was compelled to express gratitude. As a result, we fans are treated to an hilarious amount of hugging and smooching in the dugout. There is no doubt that Puig is the amorous sort.

My favorite, though, has to be the grainy 'black & white' pic used for the card on the bottom right. Featured are (L to R) Morganna Roberts, Wes Parker and Astros third sacker Doug Rader (dated 1/1/1970). For those of you too young to remember, Morganna -- better known as the Kissing Bandit -- was a huge fan favorite. For three decades, from 1969 to 1999, she would scramble onto the field and assault a ballplayer with a kiss. Fans, of course, cheered. Major League Baseball, on the other hand, was not too pleased. Nevertheless, she continued her antics and has a permanent place in the memories of millions of Baseball fans.

As for the specific scenario below, here is what the descriptor to the AP Press photo:
Morganna Roberts comes running out the stands to kiss Los Angeles Dodgers Wes Parker, who is being caught and held by Houston Astros third baseman Doug Rader on Tuesday July 1, 1970 in Los Angeles, Calif. 
That's quite a sandwich.

BTW, there's a little documentary available for viewing on YouTube here.

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Basketball Stars in Town for All-Star Game

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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Lakers legend Michael Cooper will be signing autograph photos to fans at the Pro Image Sports store in the Westfield Culver City Mall on Saturday, February 17th from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. This event requires a qualifying purchase to get an autograph. Go here for more information.
Pro Image Sports Store
Westfield Culver City, Culver City, CA
6000 Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite #1577
Culver City CA 90230

Blog Kiosk: 2/14/2018 - Dodgers Links - Happy Valentine's Day!


The boys are back! Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
"The challenge is keeping guys sharp but rested," said Roberts, embarking on his third season as manager of a club that has won its division each of the last five years. "We'll cut guys short, give them more days off, back-field work, at-bats in Minor League games. But to sit in a Major League game for 2 1/2 hours to get two or three at-bats the first couple weeks doesn't make much sense." 
General manager Farhan Zaidi sounded the same cautionary tone. 
"Our responsibility is to monitor and make sure in April this group is not experiencing any physical effects from the long season," Zaidi said.
Photos above via @Dodgers on twitter - likely taken by Jon SooHoo. BTW, Jon SooHoo shared even more pictures from the first day of Spring Training, here. Below are more links to check out:

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Welcome Back to the Blue, Chase Utley!


To the surprise of no one, Chase Utley is coming to the Dodgers -- at least that's the unconfirmed report. Per a tweet by Jon Heyman:
Some folks might wonder, why? After all, Utley isn't the same player he was when he starred for the Phillies. Rather, he's a guy who's skill at the plate and on the field have diminished as the grey turns to white. Like a lot of things, though, it's that touch of grey that brings value to the club.

Blog Kiosk: 2/13/2018 - Dodgers Links - Pitcher's and Catcher's Report Day!


Today is the day when it all become real. Today is the official beginning of Spring Training for the Dodgers. All pitcher's and catcher's are scheduled to report to Camleback Ranch. Coincidentally, we also got our first look at the Dodgers 2018 yearbook. Check it out above. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:
A special cover story details how the Dodgers came to be in Los Angeles, the team’s impact on the city and the magical moments throughout the past 60 years of LA Dodger baseball, complete with photos, infographics and quotes from some of the unforgettable legends of the past six decades.
Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1968 the Dodgers completed a rare trade with the Giants. In fact, it would be 17 years before another trade is consummated between the two clubs. They shipped Ron Hunt and Nate Oliver to San Francisco for catcher Tom Haller and a minor leaguer. Haller would play four seasons in LA; slashing .276/.344/.393/.737. He would also garner MVP consideration his two first seasons in Blue -- coming in 22nd in '68 and 29th in '69.
  • Happy Birthday, Wayne LeMasterGilly CampbellTodd WilliamsErnie RudolphEddie Pye & Nathan Eovaldi!