Game 9 Game Preview: Greinke Takes the Mound for Second Time this Season

Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego Padres

Zack Greinke vs. Jason Marquis

Game Start: 7:10 p.m., April 11
TV: Prime Ticket
Radio: 570 AM (English), 1020 AM (Spanish)

• Via AJ Cassavellat MLB.com, "Greinke set for first taste of Petco Park in finale."

"Right now, he's about where most of the guys in spring were at the very end," said Mattingly, who noted Greinke won't exceed 105-110 pitches. "We don't feel like he's built all the way up, arm-strength wise, so we'll be a little bit cautious along those lines. But there's been no real signs of the elbow [injury]."

Dodgers Lineup:

(twitter link)

Padres Lineup:

(twitter link)

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On the Eve of the Release of "42"

I am beyond excited about the newest Jackie Robinson movie.  It has been a long time since his life has been featured on film, and by many accounts I've read so far this film does a good job of telling his story. 

Later this evening I plan on being in downtown Los Angeles for a preview showing of the film courtesy of Time Warner Cable.  So, I wanted to extend a hearty thank you to them for inviting me.  I can't wait, and I'll be sure to have up my own review before to long.

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Also of note, Don Newcombe, Harrison Ford and Chadwick Boseman (who plays Jackie) will be on Studio 42 with Bob Costas this weekend on MLB Network.  From a press release:

Taped at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles last week, Newcombe comments on Robinson both on and off the baseball diamond, while Boseman, who portrays Robinson, and Ford, who plays Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey, talk about what drew them to the film and how they prepared to play such larger-than-life characters. Boseman details his Spring Training-like practices and Ford describes studying Rickey’s mannerisms by watching his appearance on an episode of the game show “What’s My Line?” in 1959.

This will air this Saturday, April 13 at 1:00 PM PST and on Sunday, April 14 at 7:00 PM PST.

Below is a short video excerpt from the Costas show.

Video Link:

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Since we are on the topic of a movie about Jackie Robinson I thought I would share some related items within my collection.  Below are four original movie theater lobby cards for The Jackie Robinson Story that came out in 1950.

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Blog Kiosk: 4/11/2013

Here's a photo of Carl Crawford after his lead-off home run yesterday.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.

• Check out Jon Weisman's excellent review of the movie "42" at Sports on Earth.
• Alyssa Milano shares a bunch of pics from the "42" Premier. 
• Be sure to check out the movie "42" Vintage Baseball Card Creator from Warner Brothers.  Awesome!  (Hat Tip: Roberto at VSIMH) 
• Via Beth Harpaz at Yahoo, "A Guide to Exploring Jackie Robinson's Brooklyn.
• Steven Goldman at Baseball Nation writes about the Branch Rickey Miracle.

"Of course the Emancipation Proclamation by Lincoln made the southern Negro slave free," Branch Rickey said in 1956, "but it never did make the white man morally free. He remained a slave to his inheritances. And some are, even today."

• Here's another article on the "ferocious Christian gentleman" Branch Rickey from David Prince of the Baptist Press.

Rickey meticulously planned and shaped the master narrative for integrating the national pastime but it could not have been accomplished without a unique player of great ability, personal courage, and unfathomable self-control. Rickey said of Robinson, "God was with me when I picked Jackie. I don't think any other man could have done what he did those first two or three years." And Robinson would say that in his estimation Rickey did more for African Americans "than any white man since Abraham Lincoln."

• Rob Neyer at Baseball Nation shares an interview with Carl Erskine about Jackie.

After the game, Jackie came to our dugout and asked for me by name. When I stepped out of the dugout, he shook my hand and said, "I hit against you twice today. You won't be in this league very long." By July 25th, I was called up, joining the Dodgers in Pittsburgh. Jackie was the first player to my locker. He said, "I told you you couldn't miss."

• Mike Newman at FanGraphs takes a closer look at Dodgers prospects Yasiel Puig and Zach Lee.

On Puig: "My first impression of Yasiel Puig was he’s the “next generation” Yoenis Cespedes. Puig is bigger, faster, stronger and younger than the Athletics slugger. However he profiles with the same glaring weakness Cespedes did when scouting him in Arizona — Breaking ball recognition."
On Lee: "As a former football standout, my expectation was for Lee to be a physical pitcher. Instead, he presented as the polar opposite. Command and feel for a four-pitch arsenal will be Lee’s trademark. This is doable considering his above average athleticism and smooth, repeatable pitching mechanics."

• Nick Ostiller at Yahoo reminds us why we hate the Giants.
• Rany Jazayerli at Grantland pens a great piece on the wealth of the Dodgers.
• "Hanley declares himself ahead of schedule," via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.
• Check out Michael Jordan's pimped out golf cart, via Joe Kinsey at Busted Coverage.

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Collection: A 1941 Yearbook from USC that Includes Jackie Robinson

Yesterday, I started a Jackie Robinson yearbook parade of posts that included photos from his 1939 Pasadena Junior College and 1940 UCLA yearbooks.  (BTW, you can take a look at the 1938 Pasadena yearbook from my collection here.)  Today, I take a step in a slightly different direction and feature a yearbook from a school Jackie didn't even go to.  Shown here is a 1941 yearbook from USC.

As you probably know, UCLA (Jackie's school) and USC have always been rivals.  Fans root against each other and come out in droves to watch their team try to demolish the other.  Still, for all the temerity that exist with each side there is always a steadfast respect for the abilities of the opponent, and this respect extended to the athletic greatness of Jackie Robinson.  This 1941 USC yearbook is a great example of this because featured within its pages are several photos of the Trojans playing against Jackie's Bruins.

In the pages featuring USC's victory over UCLA they make mention of Jackie and the Trojans football system's ability to keep him in check.  First, below are some action shots.  Jackie Robinson wore #28 and can be seen trying to evade a tackle in the photo on the top left.

Also on the page is a description of this game where the main focus was on the teams ability to quiet Jackie Robinson.  They new they could win only if they could find a way to stop him- fortunately for them, they did.

Below is another photo of Jackie.  This time he is in the midst of making a tackle on Bobby Jones.

Jackie Robinson is even shown in the basketball section of the yearbook.  In the photo on the top right, Jackie is seen shooting a jump shot.  He wore #18.

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: A Couple of Angels

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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It's always great when ballplayers decide to take some of their time to donate to a worthy cause.  The below autograph opportunities in central Orange County is an example of a couple of folks from the Angels organization who are doing just that.  Outfielder Peter Bourjos and Angels GM Jerry Dipoto will be at the OC Dugout in Anaheim on Saturday from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, and all off the proceeds they will receive will go to charity.  Dipoto will be making a donation to the Special Olympics of Southern California and Bourjos will make his announcement regarding a charity on Saturday.  Go here to preorder and for more details.

Peter Bourjos prices            Jerry Dipoto prices
 - Small items: $20 each         - All items: $10 each
 - Large items: $30 each         - Inscriptions: $10 each
 - Inscriptions: $10 each

The OC Dugout (owners of OCSportsCards.com)
1238 S. Beach Blvd., Ste. J
Anaheim, California 92804
(714) 527-6319

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SCP Auctions: The Steve Garvey Collection

Oh my goodness. Now here's a collection worthy of entry into a Dodger museum.  Sure, Steve Garvey wasn't quite the boy scout we all thought he was.  Still, he was the face of the organization for so many years... Years that experienced success and a winning tradition we strive for today. 

Just opened up at SCP Auctions is a huge collection of collectibles and memorabilia that comes directly from Steve Garvey.  There are 71 different lots, and it includes everything from his high school game worn Baseball cap to his 1974 MVP Award.

Check out a handful of what is available below.

As a kid I always imagined myself playing 1st base, just like Garvey.  Now, I can continue with my delusions of grandeur with the help of Steve Garvey's actual glove that he used in 1982- his final year with the Blue Crew.

(Auction Link)

This is one of the more epic awards a player can earn.  Below is Steve Garvey's 1974 NL MVP Award.  From the auction description:

1974 was a very special year for the young 25 year-old Steve Garvey. After splitting time with Bill Buckner at first base with the Dodgers in 1973, he claimed the job full time in Spring training of 1974. Playing in 156 games, Garvey had a .312 batting average with 200 hits, 21 home runs, and 111 RBI. This would be the first of six 200 hit and the five 100 RBI seasons.

(Auction Link)

Who wouldn't want this sitting on your mantle?  This is Garvey's 1981 World Series trophy.

(auction link)

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