Sunday Dodger Videos: Stadium Improvements and Vin Scully on Matt Kemp

Here are this Sundays Dodger Videos.

Dodgers senior VP of planning and development Janet Marie Smith breaks down the renovation plans for six sections at Dodger Stadium.

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And here's another video taken on Thursday showing what the stadium looks like.  There's still alot to be done, but it looks like they are close to finishing up the major construction part of the project.

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Oh well.  Matt Kemp didn't win the MLB 13 cover contest, but at least we can hear Vin Scully's words.

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LA Kings Meet the Players Autograph Session

Last night was frigid, but I didn't care.  It was the first official Kings event to usher in the new season, and I was happy as a peach to be there.  The season ticket holder "Meet the Players" photo and autograph session was a perfect way to start this shortened lock-out hockey season.

I arrived more than an hour before they opened the gates, and waited patiently to get in.  There were already several hundred fans there, so I knew I planned well by getting there early.  I immediately went to the Anze Kopitar/Justin Williams line with my LA Kings Stanley Cup Champions commemorative book in tow.  I decided I would try to fill up the book with as many Kings signatures as possible.  Check out my photos with some of the players below.  Right Winger Justin Williams is in the photo on the left, and star center Anze Kopitar is on the right.  Youngters Jordon Nolan and Dwight King were also in this line, but I didn't get a photo with them.

There was even enough time to get into a second line. There I met goalie Jonathan Bernier (below, left) and defenseman Willie Mitchell (below, right).

Center Mike Richards is on the left (below) and Simon Gagne is on the right (below).

Below is my book with a bunch of signatures.  You may also notice that I had Kings broadcaster Darryl Evans and coach Bernie Nicholls sign it, as well (on the bottom left of the team photo).

I even snagged some autographs from the other Kings broadcasters.  Below is Nick Nickson.

Here, Bob Miller and Jimmy Fox sign the book.

What a great night.  Hopefully, the Kings can reward the fans with an Opening Night victory this coming Saturday.  I'll be sure to share some photos from that historic night.  They'll be raising the Stanley Cup Championship banner that afternoon.

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Video: Vin Scully Host Faith Bowl IV - 2011

I just came across this video online, and thought folks would enjoy watching it.  It is Faith Bowl IV from April 2011 where Vin Scully host a discussion on the Catholic faith in the context of children's sports.  The main themes is how "Coaches, Mentors and Parents Helping Kids Get the Most Out of Sports."  He speaks with Mike Sweeney and his father (who is a high school Baseball coach), and Kristen Sheehan - Director of Play Like A Champion Today program at the University of Notre Dame, which promotes sportsmanship and participation for all kids.

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 1/11/2013 Ryu, Huell Howser at Dodger Stadium and a Look at the Kings Championship Ring

Hyun-Jin Ryu wearing a suit with some of his work tools in a photo spread from Dugout Magazine.  Pic via Dan at MyKBO on twitter.  Check out more pics at Dugout Magazine, here.  His roundness around the belly does not instill much confidence.  BTW, if you want to check him out with the bat then watch the video at the very bottom.  He is featured in a Home Run Derby in 2010 during an All-Star Game.

• Check out some great pictures from Clayton Kershaw and friends as they finish up their trip to Zambia in benefit of Kershaw's Challenge.  They visited Victoria Falls and went on a safari.  In fact, there's a great photo they share featuring Clayton and wife, Ellen, with some cheetahs.
• Check out a leaked photo of the Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings ring at right, via The Royal Army.  From my understanding, it was originally leaked by the daughter of a team executive.  On the other hand, Life in Hockeywood seems to think it's not the real ring.  Maybe it's one of those gift rings given to lower level employees and daughters of management?
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, Dodgers prospect Zach Lee focused on future in Baseball.
• This link is especially great.  The Chapman University blog, back in October, released a great video of Huell Howser at Dodger Stadium from the 1st game at Dodger Stadium after the 9/11 attacks.
• With the 2013 Topps Series 1 set about to be released in less than 2 weeks, they decided to unveil some preview pics for Series 2.  Check out the Jackie Robinson cut-autographed relic card.  See more preview pics from Chris Olds at Beckett.

• The Daily News lets us know about a charity fundraiser at Shomrei Torah Synagogue in West Hills this coming Sunday.  Tommy Lasorda, Ron Cey, Steve Yeager, and Stan Kasten will be there.
• Via MLB Blogger, Mike Piazza loves the World Baseball Classic.
• Watch Hyun-Jin Ryu in a Home Run Derby, circa 2010.  Note that he is using an aluminum bat.

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I Went Photoshop Crazy- 3 More Dodgers Fantasy Baseball Cards

I'm addicted, I tell ya.  Addicted! 

I've been having a grand old time making my own fantasy Baseball cards the past several months, and I just can't stop.  Heck, why would I want to?

So, last night I put together 3 more beauties that uses a 1987 Topps template and some nifty photographs recently shared by Dodgers photographer Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.   I'll mix and match the card styles from time to time, but lately I've been having a secret love affair with the 1987 set.  I use to despise the design, but have new found love for it.  Check out my creations below.

McGwire in Blue.  It is so strange looking, but I like it.

I even like it better that our new batting coach is imparting his knowledge on Matt Kemp.  The below photograph is just darling.  It features Vin Scully hanging out with Jo Lasorda, Tommy's wife.  Also, from the looks of it, this photograph appears to be from Vero Beach- Dodgertown.

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Collection: 2002 Topps Autographed Duke Snider - 1952 Topps Reprint

There isn't much more I can write about "The Duke" that I haven't already written.  He was simply one of the greats.  Why it took 11 years for him to make the Hall, I will never understand.  Needless to say, his wait in no way diminishes his accomplishments on the field.

Featured here is my 2002 Team Topps autographed Baseball card of the Duke Snider.

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