Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 9/28/2012

Here is a look at this seasons 12th edition of the Dodgers Playbill.  It features the Dodgers 2012 Roy Campanella Award winner, AJ Ellis.

• Congrats to both John Ely and Joc Pederson for winning this seasons Branch Rickey Minor League Pitcher and Player of the Year Awards, per a Dodgers press release.
• Okay.  I guess I lied about not putting up any more 2012 Topps Triple Threads cards.  Check out this great Matt Kemp "1 of 1" All-Star Game Laundry Tag Book card that was just put up on eBay.

• Ned Colletti speaks with Barry Bloom of MLB.com.  Word of a little argument in the clubhouse between Ned and the coaching staff leaked out.

MLB.com: So there was a little blowup in the clubhouse after Tuesday night's loss here. We heard that was you.
Colletti: I had a passionate exchange in the coach's room.
MLB.com: What was the message?
Colletti: Were you invited?
MLB.com: No, but I wish I was.
Colletti: It was just a bit of an evaluation.

• Dan Braunstein at ESPN discusses how good Luis Cruz has been for the Dodgers.

Cruz has proven to be an effective low-ball hitter, hitting .326 in at-bats ending with a pitch in the lower third of the zone or below. That’s the sixth-highest average in the league among players who have at least as many at-bats as Cruz has.

Unlike many players without much major league experience, Cruz has also shown he can be effective against breaking pitches. He’s hitting .323 when the at-bat ends with a breaking ball; only four players in the league have more overall plate appearances and a higher average against breaking balls. 

• Steve Garvey will be signing autographs this coming Sunday, September 30th at Dick's Sporting Goods in San Diego from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, via his twitter account.

(twitter link)

• Panini's 2012 Americana Heroes & Legends set honors several American war hero's; including 9 Tuskegee Airmen and 5 living Medal of Honor recipients. Panini's blog has some pics to look at.

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Collection: Al Downing Memorable Moments Autographed Card

Ya know, this card just doesn't seem fair.

Let me ask you, what "Memorable Moment" did Dodgers pitcher Al Downing have in 1974?  

Did he win a big game that propelled the team to a championship?  Not quite.  He did win a game in the National League Championship series, though.

Did he reach a personal milestone that would be remembered in the record books for generations to come?  No, not even close.

Al Downing's "Memorable Moment" was giving up home run number #715 to Atlanta Braves Slugger 'Hammering' Hank Aaron in 1974. 

That's not something many pitchers would want to be remembered for- giving up a historic home run that will undoubtedly follow him for the rest of his life. 

Upper Deck, you are so mean.

I'm not exactly sure what this card is.  It's some sort of Timeless Teams Legends autographed card from 2004.

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2012 Topps Triple Threads Baseball Cards- Dodgers Unity Relics

I promise that this is the last post I write featuring Dodger cards in this seasons 2012 Topps Triple Threads set.  After all, I've already posted up every Dodger card available in the set; with exception of the cards shown below.  See the other Triple Threads Dodgers cards here, here, here, here and here.

Below are the Unity Autograph and Relic cards.  I really like this design.  The circles have a mesmerizing effect that puts me into a haze.  I can't help but stare and get lost in the background.  Below are the Steve Garvey and Duke Snider Unity Autographed cards.

TTUAR-4 Steve Garvey - Dodgers

TTUAR-102 Duke Snider - Dodgers 

Here are the Unity Relic game-used cards.

TTUR-58 Matt Kemp - Dodgers
TTUR-59 Matt Kemp - Dodgers
TTUR-60 Matt Kemp - Dodgers

TTUR-95 Clayton Kershaw - Dodgers
TTUR-96 Clayton Kershaw - Dodgers
TTUR-97 Clayton Kershaw - Dodgers

TTUR-114 Steve Garvey - Dodgers

TTUR-249 Sandy Koufax - Dodgers

TTUR-257 Andre Ethier - Dodgers
TTUR-258 Andre Ethier - Dodgers
TTUR-259 Andre Ethier - Dodgers

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 9/27/2012

This is how baseball fans got autographs in 1950.  These kids went all out to get something signed by Roy Campanella.  Pic via Andy Gray at SI Vault on twitter.

• Bloomberg makes note of a secret Dodgers TV deal with MLB.

A settlement ending their 2011 battle in U.S. Bankruptcy Court gives the Dodgers’ new owners a chance to cap income subject to revenue-sharing from a proposed regional sports network at about $84 million a year, according to five people familiar with the confidential “special terms.” With TV sports-rights experts saying the team could get as much as $225 million a year from a network’s rights fees, the Dodgers may enjoy an annual unshared windfall of as much as $141 million. 

• Gates open early for Dodger games this weekend during Carmageddon II, via the LA Times.

In conjunction with the Dodgers' annual Hispanic heritage festival Saturday, parking lots will open at 1:30 p.m. for a 6:10 p.m. first pitch. Sunday the lot will open at 10:30 a.m. for a game scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m.

• Beltre, Ventura and Edwin Jackson respond to Eric Gagne's assertion that 80% of his team used PED, via Richard Durrett at ESPN.

"He should have mentioned names," Beltre said. "I know for sure I'm not one of them. I haven't read the book. I'm not interested in it. He should have come up with names instead of a percentage."

• This coming Saturday, Ron Cey will be signing autographs at the Time Warner booth from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Saturday at Dodger Stadium.

(twitter link)

• Athlon Sports brings to you the 30 greatest athletes in movies.
• In 2011 the Dodgers lost a member of its family to a senseless shooting in Arizona.  Christina Taylor, 9-year-old daughter of Dodgers scout John Green was killed during the assassination attempt made on Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. In Christina's honor her family fights against gun violence

Christina Taylor, shared his love of baseball, once telling her father that she wanted to be the first female major league baseball player. Nine-year-old Christina was also very interested in politics which is why she jumped at the chance to meet U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords nearly one and half years ago. She was killed while she stood in line to speak with the congresswoman in Tucson, Arizona. It was a day that has changed the Green family forever. Now, they hope to make a difference and want to speak out against gun violence in the United States. His profile is part of AC360's series "What Keeps You Up at Night," which focuses on election issues.

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A Fan Fight from the Brooklyn Dodgers Past

Earlier today, Andy Gray tweeted a photo on SI Vault that strikes me as both outrageous and hilarious.  Although, I am sure the subject of the beating above, umpire George "Mage" Magerkurth, doesn't think it's funny.

It is a Monday afternoon at Ebbets Field (September 16, 1940).  There was no pennant race.  The Cincinnati Reds had a comfortable 9 game lead over the Dodgers- who stood in 2nd place.  With only a couple weeks left in the regular season, there wasn't much left to fight over.  After all, the Dodgers would not be playing in October, and everybody knew it.

Maybe, that sense of a lost season contributed to the heated feelings that would bring about violence at the Brooklyn borough ballpark that day.  Were we looking for someone to blame? 

On that night in front of a crowd of 6,782 fans, the Reds were in town to play their final game against the Dodgers.  The Dodgers had taken the early lead in the 1st inning, but failed to hold on as the Reds rallied back to win it in the 10th inning.  Unfortunately, the Reds win wasn't uncontested.  It was as a result of a umpires ruling that allowed runners to be safe, and many folks that night were not happy about it.

All evening long, the Dodgers, especially skipper Leo "The Lip" Durocher, had it in for umpire George Magerkurth.  They complained of bad calls and continued to razed him all night.  Seeing this, a man named Frank Germano jumped onto the field at the end of the game to pummel George Magerkurth in retribution. 

Per the Gotham City Insider blog:

[The berserk Dodger fan] Frank Germano, an unemployed youth of twenty-one, who lives at 128 Thirty-third Street, Brooklyn, was arrested after the fight and taken to the 71st Precinct.  “Gernano was held in $500 bail in Brooklyn-Queens afternoon court for a hearing today on a charge of simple assault.

Germano was lucky he blindsided the umpire.  Mag, as he was affectionately called, was a former heavyweight boxer.  Germano is also lucky that Mag refused to press charges.  Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick, on the other hand, was not so forgiving.  For Durocher's part in inciting the fan, he was suspended 5 games.

Below is another press photo from the incident that I found at SB Nation.

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Collection: 1996 Roger Cedeno Leaf Signature

How many folks remember this guy?

Featured in this post is a 1996 Leaf Signature autographed card (both silver & bronze versions) of former Dodger Roger Cedeno.

Cedeno started his professional career as a Dodger prospect.  He signed as a free agent in 1991 out of Venezuela, and was being groomed to be eventually replace Brett Butler in the outfield.  Cedeno showed the brass that he had the wheels and a bat that might fit in perfectly as a lead-off hitter.  So, in 1995 he made his debut in Blue.  Unfortunately, his 4 years with the Dodgers were unspectacular.  Soon, he was shipped to the Mets for Todd Hundley, and immediately showed why the Dodgers were so high on him.  Cedeno stole 66 bases for the Mets in 1999 and batted an impressive .313.

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 9/26/2012

This is probably the best photo of Endeavor flying over Dodger Stadium, via twitter @Dodgers.

• Eric Gagne spills the beans, via Mark Saxon at ESPN.

In the book, Gagne does not provide any names of players he says used PEDs. Baseball began stricter testing in the spring of 2006. Players are subject to HGH testing during spring training and in the offseason, but not during the season.

"I was intimately aware of the clubhouse in which I lived. I would say that 80 percent of the Dodgers players were consuming them," Gagne says in the book.

• Congratulations to AJ Ellis for being named this seasons winner of the 7th Annual Roy Campanella Award, via a Dodger press release.

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced today that catcher A.J. Ellis was named the winner of the seventh annual Roy Campanella Award, which is given to the Dodger player who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher. The award, which was voted upon by Dodger uniform personnel, will be presented to Ellis by Campanella’s daughter, Joni Campanella Roan, during pre-game ceremonies Saturday night.

• Envious, am I.
• Tom Bartsch at Sports Collectors Digest writes about how 'The Dodger Way' still resonates 60 years later.

At this year’s dinner for the Baseball Assistance Team, honoring the 50th anniversary of the New York Mets, former Mets shortstop Bud Harrelson spoke of the importance of manager Gil Hodges to the miracle world championship won by the ’69 team.

“Gil taught us the Dodger way to play baseball,” he said. “The fundamentals. In a way, the win for the ’69 Mets was sort of another win for the Dodgers, for the way they did things. That’s what Gil brought to us.”

• Ha! Ha!  Jamie McCourt is now suing Frank McCourt, via Fox Sports.

''Mr. McCourt got about 93 percent of the family assets, and Mrs. McCourt got about 7 percent,'' Fields said in a phone interview. ''We would've much preferred to have this massive imbalance resolved with some modification, but we got no response to that approach. We didn't want to have more family litigation, but now it's up to the court.''

• Wow!  This is the farthest-ever view into the universe.  Via Mashable,

The picture, called eXtreme Deep Field, or XDF, combines 10 years of Hubble telescope views of one patch of sky. Only the accumulated light gathered over so many observation sessions can reveal such distant objects, some of which are one ten-billionth the brightness that the human eye can see.

• No More Hockey Games.

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: An Autograph from a King

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.

UPDATE:  A complete listing of events for Dodgers autographing at Dodger Stadium on Saturday is below!!  This is the last homestand, so the Dodgers are going all out for the last Viva Los Dodgers event.

I have yet to hear from the Dodgers about any "Autograph Alley" signers (other than La Gran Fiesta signers) for the upcoming homestand.  As soon as information gets passed down from the Dodgers I will be sure to update this post.

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Jonathan Quick of the Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings will be in town to sign some free autographs for fans.  Go here for information.  He will be at the La Mirada Living Spaces on Saturday, September 29th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  Only 300 fans will get an autograph, so get there early.

La Mirada
14501 Artesia Blvd
La Mirada, CA 90638
(877) 266-7300

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LA GRAN FIESTA at Dodger Stadium

On Saturday, September 29 the Dodgers will hold La Gran Fiesta! This event will feature performances by Los Cuates de Sinaloa, OzoKidz, Kinky, and Boogaloo Assasins. The Dodgers will pay tribute to Dodger coach Manny Mota's 50th anniversary in MLB, and the Spanish-language broadcast team of Jaime Jarrín, Fernando Valenzuela and Pepe Yñiguez will be on hand for autographs. Gates open 4 hours prior to game time and the event is FREE with a ticket to the game.  Autograph times have yet to be released, so check back here later on.  I will update this post when news is passed down by the Dodgers.

UPDATE:  Check out the Updates with times for player signings below!!

In the meantime, check out this promotional video put out by the Dodgers.

Video Link:

UPDATE:

Ron Cey will also be signing on Saturday during La Gran Fiesta.  He will be at the Time Warner booth from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Here is a complete listing of signings for Saturday during La Gran Fiesta at Viva Los Dodgers.

1:30 p.m.     All Dodger Stadium auto gates open
2:00 p.m.     La Gran Fiesta – Viva Los Dodgers begins
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.     Dodger players including Alex Castellanos, Luis Cruz, Adrian Gonzalez, Hanley Ramirez and Paco Rodriguez autograph signing*

*subject to change, players will be signing for 30 minutes each between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. 

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.     Boogaloo Assasins perform
2:30 p.m. – 2:55 p.m.     George Lopez Q&A with Dodger Coach Manny Mota
2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.     Al Downing and Maury Wills autograph signing
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.     Manny Mota autograph signing
3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.     George Lopez on stage
3:10 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.     “Sweet” Lou Johnson, Joe Moeller and Derrel Thomas autograph signing
3:32 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.     Kinky performs
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.     Jaime Jarrín, Fernando Valenzuela and Pepe Yñiguez autograph signing
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.     Ron Cey autograph signing in the Time Warner Cable booth
4:05 p.m. – 4:18 p.m.     Dodger giveaways and trivia on stage
4:20 p.m. – 5:20 p.m.     Al “The Bull” Ferrara and Kenny Landreaux autograph signing
4:20 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.     Ozomatli presents: OzoKidz performs
5:00 p.m. – 5:12 p.m.     Dodger Spanish-language broadcasters on stage
5:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.     Los Cuates de Sinaloa perform

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Manuel's Original El Tepeyac Cafe  will have Manny Mota signing free autographs on Sunday, September 30th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  This originally going to be on Saturday, but has been rescheduled.  Go here for information.

Manuel's Original El Tepeyac Cafe #2
13131 Crossroads Pkwy South
City of Industry, CA 91746
(562) 695-2277

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Los Angeles Galaxy Defender, Omar Gonzalez will be at a Macy's on September 27, 2012 from 6:00PM to 7:30 PM.  Receive Omar's autograph plus the first 75 customers to spend $25 or more will receive a free soccer ball for him to sign. Enjoy amazing soccer tricks performed by the LA Galaxy futboleros and you'll have a chance to win prizes from the LA Galaxy street team.  While supplies last. One per customer. Event subject to change or cancellation.  Go here for more information.

Macy's
3400 N Sepulveda Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 546-5525

Hat Tip: LA Inspiration

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Collection: 2002 Shawn Green Autographed Card

I don't know much about this card.  I believe it is a 2002 Topps Gallery autographed card of Shawn Green.  The artwork on the front was done by Stephen Gardner.  Check out Gardner's website here.  He also has a blog where he shares various sketches.

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2012 Topps Triple Threads- The Vets: Garvey, Koufax, Wills & Snider

Continuing on my quest to feature every Dodgers card within this years Triple Threads set, I bring to you some autographed relics cards of some veterans. 

Below is a Jumbo Plus Autographed Relic book card of Steve Garvey.  To see other cards I've already written about from this set go here, here, here and here.

TTLPAR-14 Steve Garvey - Dodgers

The next grouping of cards are all Autographed Relics of several Dodger veterans.  There are anywhere between 1 to 5 different versions of each player, so there is a possibility that I might have missed one.  I believe, though, that I've nailed down every variation out there.  Steve Garvey has 5 differed Autographed Relic cards. More common parallels of this card have been selling from $35 to $55 each, while "1 of 1" variations have been selling for hundreds.  For Instance, the "Dodgers Great" card is a "1 of 1" White Whale variation that recently sold for $126.27 on eBay. 

TTAR-4 Steve Garvey - Dodgers

Here is the prize of the bunch.  This is the only Koufax version I am aware of.

TTAR-142 Sandy Koufax - Dodgers

Maury Will has at least 3 different variations.

TTAR-211 Maury Wills - Dodgers

I love the fact that they can still make Duke Snider autographed cards.  I bet Topps has a whole bunch of his sticker autographs sitting around in their warehouse.

TTAR-274 Duke Snider - Dodgers

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This Dodgers Fan Still Loves Dusty Baker

I have an unhealthy obsession with the Dodgers of my youth.  They were the guys who made me fall in love with the team, and they will forever be fondly remembered.  Heck, there has always been a little pain in my heart when I see one of our own put on another teams uniform, but such is life. 

After all, I couldn't rightfully expect so many great Baseball minds to stay in LA.  There just isn't enough room for them all to stay.  So, as many of those old horses have graduated beyond playing on the field, it shouldn't have been a surprise to see so many hear the call to be the skipper.  I'm constantly amazed by how many former Dodgers from the 70's and 80's have gone on to manage or coach, and considering their mentor I guess I shouldn't be surprised in the least. 

One of those old Dodgers to rise up as manager is Dusty Baker. 


As many of you know, Dusty was admitted into the hospital with an irregular heartbeat last week.  Then as he was being released a few days later, he suffered a mini-stroke.  Per a Reds Press Release:

While in Chicago on Wednesday, Reds manager Dusty Baker was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, commonly referred to as an irregular heartbeat. As he was being discharged on Friday, he suffered a mini-stroke and immediately was treated by the hospital's stroke team, which minimized the effects of the stroke.

Dusty returned to Cincinnati on Sunday, and his condition has improved dramatically. His Cincinnati neurologist, Dr. Joseph Broderick, and cardiologists, Dr. Dean Kereiakes and Dr. Daniel Beyerbach, expect Dusty to make a full recovery and return to the dugout, possibly as soon as the season's final series next week in St. Louis.

Dusty said, "While at Wrigley Field I was blessed to have our trainer, Paul Lessard, have the good sense to call in Cubs team physician Dr. Stephen Adams, who examined me in the clubhouse, immediately determined how serious by condition was and personally rushed me to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Dr. Broderick and Dr. Kereiakes are going to make sure I'm ready to handle the duties of managing before I return full time. My family and I are very grateful for the support we've received the past few days from Mr. Castellini and our ownership group, Walt, our friends, the baseball family and especially Reds fans. I'm feeling much better, and it's great being back here in Cincinnati. Chris Speier and my staff are doing a terrific job, and I look forward to getting back to the dugout."

Thank goodness for some quick thinking and modern science.

Get Well, Dusty!  This old Dodger fan looks forward to rooting for your Reds when you come back.  This is assuming, of course, that the Dodgers don't make it to the postseason- then, all bets are off.

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 9/25/2012

Look at what just popped up on eBay.  Featured above and below is the 2012 Matt Kemp Triple Threads Jumbo Sleeve Team Patch Relic card numbered "1 of 1".  My Triple Threads obsession has not abated.  It has a high asking price, but if you're interested I would suggest making an offer. Apparently, five folks have already done so.

• Jared Diamond at the Wall Street Journal rates which Baseball announcers are the biggest homers.  Vin Scully is noted as being one of the more unbiased announcers.
• Say hello to a new Dodgers blog called Elysian Fields.  I must confess that this was a name I considered for this blog some 6 to 7 years ago.
• Dustin Nosler of Feelin' Kinda Blue gets his question answered about Dodgers prospect Joc Pederson by Jim Callis of Baseball America.
• Here's your daily Canseco on twitter.  Where does he get this stuff?

(twitter link)

• Frank Jackson at the Hardball Times writes about the "Organizational Player" every team has in the minors.
• Ha! Ha! Ha!  Unfortunately, only Kinks fans will laugh at this.  Via Kuklas Korner, we find out that former Kings goalie and failure in the net Dan Cloutier has been named as a goaltending consultant for the Vancouver Canucks.  Good luck with that. 
• Watch some Navy Seals drop into Dodger Stadium.

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