Weekend Autograph Opportunities: A Laker and a Former Trojan

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 Trojan and current Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Marqise Lee and Lakers rookie Brandon Ingram are scheduled to sign autographs at the Sports Authentics store at the Puente Hills Mall this coming Saturday, March 18th.  Check out the flyers below.  The Sports Authentics website is here.  You can order autograph tickets here and here through the OC Dugout.

Sports Authentics USA
Puente Hills Mall
1600 South Azusa Avenue 
Rowland Heights, CA

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Blog Kiosk: 3/15/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Spring Odds and Ends

As you may know, the Great Lakes Loons, a Dodgers Single-A minor league affiliate, won the 2016 MidWest League Championship.  Yesterday afternoon the guys got together for a special championship ring ceremony at Camelback Ranch.  Above is group picture of the team, via the Loons on twitter.  Go here to see even more pics.  At right is a closer-up look at the ring.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers Baseball:  In 1945 the Dodgers opened their spring camp at Bear Mountain State Park in upstate New York due to wartime travel restrictions.  There were real worries that German U-boats would attack the eastern coast of America.  This is the third straight year the Dodgers would practice here.  In 1975 the Dodgers signed former Giants pitcher Juan Marichal to a free agent contract.  He would retire from the game a little over a month later on April 17th. 
• Happy Birthday, Doc Casey, Ralph Miller, Rosy Ryan, Lou Fette, Dick Scott, Mickey Hatcher & Trayce Thompson!
  

The Glory of Will "The Thrill" Ireton

If you've been paying attention to the Dodgers over the past several months then you've no doubt encountered the name Will Ireton.  He is Kenta Maeda's Japanese translator and lovable sidekick.  Furthermore, he has become a Dodger players' favorite.  In fact, Dave Roberts called him the team mascot today after he accomplished a challenge made by Kenley Jansen, per Eric Stephen at True Blue LA:

"That was Will the Thrill, our team mascot. He was challenged by a couple players that he couldn't deadlift 405 pounds,” Roberts said. “As I got wind of this wager, I wanted to see it first hand, so we brought the weight room into the clubhouse this morning. Suffice it to say, he was successful.”

Blog Kiosk: 3/14/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Spring Odds and Ends

Kenta Maeda was fantastic in his spring start against the Angels yesterday.  He went 3 2/3 innings and allowed just one hit - a solo homer to Albert Pujols.  Overall, he struck out seven batters.  Per Doug Miller at MLB.com:

"The life of his fastball in the zone, and the conviction he had throwing it, was really good," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Maeda. "He's got such good command, but sometimes he tries to be too fine. Today he was down in the zone and he executed all day."

You can also watch Maeda talk about his outing with SportsNet LA here.   BTW, in the video, standing on Kenta's left, is Dodgers Japanese translator Will Ireton, and he has become quite an sensation for the club.  To see what I mean check out these two videos posted up this morning by Alex Wood, here and here.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1932 the Dodgers sent 23-year old future Hall of Famer Ernie Lombardi and the still very effective Babe Herman to the Reds for Joe Stripp, Tony Cuccinello and Clyde Sukeforth.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Holbert, Jud Daley, John Miller, Mike Strahler, Kevin Brown & Jose Nunez!
  

2017 Donruss Baseball - The Rest of the Dodgers' Insert Cards

Here is a last look at the Dodger cards found in packs of Panini's 2017 Donruss Baseball cards.  Below are the 1983 Retro Variations, Signature Series, Diamond Collection relics, New Breed autographs, Promising Pros Materials relics and signatures, Significant Signatures, The Rookies and the Recollection Buybacks.  Go here to see all my post on this set.

Retro Variations 1983

#17 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 3/13/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Spring Odds and Ends

I think we should nickname the team the "Bridegrooms".

Last week we got word that Dodger outfielder Joc Pederson proposed to his then girlfriend (link here).  Now we found out that third baseman Justin Turner did the same this weekend while at the Grand Canyon, as evidenced by the photo he shared on twitter.

Congrats Justin and Courtney!

As you may know, the Brooklyn Baseball club was given the nickname of the "Bridegrooms" by the press in the late 1880's.  Over one winter break four of their players had gotten hitched.  This nickname lasted for quite a few years until Ned Hanlon took charge as manager in 1899 and the press renamed the club the Superbas.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1917 Dodger skipper Wilbert Robinson performed some spring antics on the field.  After having heard about Gabby Street catching a ball from the Washington Monument, Robinson bragged that he could catch a ball dropped from an airplane.  So, it was set up, but young outfielder Casey Stengel decided to substituted a grapefruit instead of a Baseball.  Said fruit was then gloved by Robinson as it fell, but it exploded on his chest.  Having seen the fruit innards Wilbert mistook it for blood and screamed that he was dying -- that is until he tasted it.
• Happy Birthday, Chappie McFarland, Tom Flood, Mal Eason, Lew Malone, Don Bessent, Don Miles & Mariano Duncan!