Hanley!!!!!

Holy Moly!  Wow!  Hanley Ramirez sure has a flare for the dramatic.  Not only does the trade that got him here define the new direction for the team, but it also shows that a little bit of "Dodger Blue" does a player good.  After a subpar start to the season with Miami, Hanley goes ahead and shows that he has not lost a step.  Hanleywood here we come!

Below is a video of the home run, but I suspect youtube will be taken down soon.  So, watch it before its gone.

Video Link:

(photo credits above: Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2012)

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In the I'm not surprised department, after the game several Giants fans got in to it with some of the Dodgers.  According to a post-game report by Steve Lyons, some Gints fans got in to a verbal confrontation with Dee Gordon (hat tip: Reddit).  Considering that Dee lost his mother at a very young age I can only imagine what they said to him.

Steve Lyons wrote this on his twitter account, @SteveLyons12.

If you want a reason to hate the Giants this is the reason why.

Goodwin & Co: A 1887 Card of Beloved Dodger- Darby O'Brien

Goodwin & Co. recently concluded their most recent auction, so I thought I would feature a really old card they sold of a Brooklyn favorite.

Check out the card below of old Brooklyn Bridegrooms/Grays William "Darby" O'Brien.  Born in Peoria, Illinois in 1863, Darby came of age just as Baseball was exploding in popularity.  He was a right handed batter with a good bat, great speed, and a head for the game.  Unfortunately, he would only have 6 years to show his stuff.

Darby first joined the Brooklyn team after opening his rookie year with the New York Metropolitans in 1887 at the age of 23.  Later in the year as the Metrolpolitans were closing shop, he was packaged along with 7 other teammates to Brooklyn for a then princely sum of approximately $25,000.00, and signed on for the next season for a reported annual salary of $1,900.00.  The outfielder was described by The New York Times as an "honest, competent, hard-working and game ballplayer."  For a working class neighborhood these traits quickly endeared him to the fans. 

He would bat .280 in his first season, while knocking in 65 runs and stealing 55 bases.  The next year he would bat .300, and hit a career high 5 home runs (this was quite a lot back then).  Over his first 5 season with Brooklyn he would have a batting average of .278 with 648 hits, 321 RBI's and 272 steals (he currently ranks 137th on the Majors all-time steals list with 321).

Then, lung problems he developed in his career caused him to enter the 1893 season in less than healthy shape.  The team captain could no longer play, so he was sent to Colorado to allow his lungs to recover.  Soon, the team and the community got behind him by putting together a benefit game in his honor in hopes of helping him pay for his treatment and his future.  A news report from that time period indicates that 9,000 people showed up and $5,000.00 was raised.  Every dollar earned from ticket and scorecard sales went directly to him.  Heck, it was reported that numerous tickets were sold that were never used.

Unfortunately, his change of scenery did not help Darby.  Later that year in 1893 he would die of typhoid fever.

Below is a 1887 N172 Old Judge card of O'Brien that recently sold for $346.29.

(Auction Link)

Right Field Pavilion All-You-Can-Eat Themed Events

With 3 themed events coming slated for this coming homestand I thought I would take a moment to highlight what the all-you-can-eat Right Field Pavilion has to offer for the remainder of the season.  Go here for more details.

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Monday, July 30 vs. D-backs, 7:10pm

LA Galaxy Night at Dodger Stadium on Monday, July 30. A purchase of this package provides you with a limited edition picture autographed by Galaxy and US Soccer star Landon Donovan.  Galaxy players Sean Franklin, AJ DeLaGarza, Bryan Jordan, Hector Jimenez, David Junior Lopes, Rafael Garcia, Dan Keat, Juninho, Marcelo Sarvas, Mike Stephens and Kenny Walker will be on hand for photo opportunities and autographs along with the MLS Cup in autograph alley from 5:20 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. Galaxy players will then throw the ceremonial first pitch.

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Star Trek Night Friday, August 3 vs. Cubs, 7:10pm 

This is an event any Trekkie would enjoy.  This ticket package includes a limited edition Dodger/ Star Trek t-shirt.  See it below.  As part of Star Trek Night, William Shatner will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

LIVE LONG AND PROSPER!

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Clippers Night Wednesday, August 8 vs. Rockies, 7:10pm

This is the first ever Clippers Night at Dodger Stadium. This ticket package includes a limited edition Dodger and Clipper themed cap. Clippers players will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

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Kings Night Friday, August 24 vs. Marlins, 7:10pm

Kings Night at Dodger Stadium returns for the third consecutive year.  A purchase of this ticket provides you with a limited edition Kings themed Dodger scarf to keep you warm during both teams' games, and access to a pre-game autograph session from select current L.A. Kings players. This event tends to sell out so be sure to buy your tickets early!  I wonder if the Stanley Cup will make appearance for this.

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Natural Balance Bark in the Park Saturday, September 1 vs. D-backs, 6:10pm


Ever dream of not having to leave your dog at home when you come to the ballpark? Your dreams become a reality with the third annual Dodgers Bark in the Park presented by Natural Balance Pet Foods. With your ticket package for you and your furry friend you will each receive a seat in the Coca-Cola All-You-Can-Eat Pavilion, a goodie bag, admission to a pre-game "Pup Rally" with contests and awards, and a pre-game parade around the Dodger Stadium warning track. In addition, partial proceeds from each ticket purchased will be donated to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Los Angeles. Click here for more information, details, and restrictions. This event typically sells out so be sure to purchase your tickets early! These tickets are just $26 each.