RIP, Babo - Dodger Pitcher Bobby Castillo has Passed Away

The Dodgers family has just lost a good one.  It has just been announced that former Dodger pitcher Bobby Castillo has passed away.  Babo was 59 years old.  Mark Langill at Dodger Insider has a phenomenal write up on his career here.  You should go check it out. 

(graphic via Dodger Insider)

It should be noted that it was Castillo who taught Fernando Valenzuela the screwball.  If not for him that magic we experienced in the early 80's may never have happened.

Per a press release from the Dodgers:

Former Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Robert “Bobby” Castillo passed away this morning in a Los Angeles hospital after battling cancer. He was 59.

Castillo pitched in Los Angeles from 1977-81 and again in 1985, his last season in the Major Leagues. The right-hander also was a member of the Minnesota Twins from 1982-84. Castillo is survived by his mother, Nellie, his daughter, Mellanie, his daughter, Sara, and her husband, Andrew Sanchez, his son Robert III, and his sister, Lorraine, and her husband, Peter Gonzalez. Castillo had three nieces and nephews, nine grand nieces and nephews and two grandchildren, Jackson and Lila.  

The Los Angeles native was widely credited with teaching Dodger pitching great Fernando Valenzuela how to throw his famous screwball, a pitch Castillo also threw.

“I was very saddened to hear about Bobby’s passing this morning,” said Valenzuela. “He was a great teammate and friend. I’ll always be grateful for his influence on my pitching. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”

“Babo” as he was affectionately called, was a sixth-round draft choice by the Kansas City Royals in 1974 and was purchased by his hometown Dodgers on June 16, 1977. The then 22-year-old Castillo made his big league debut for Los Angeles on Sept. 19 of that year and retired Hall of Famer Johnny Bench for his first big league out.

Castillo, who attended Lincoln High School in Los Angeles, finished with a career record of 38-40 with a 3.94 ERA in 250 games (59 starts). He pitched for the Dodgers in the 1981 National League Championship Series, the ’81 World Series and the 1985 NLCS.

Since his retirement, Castillo has been a dedicated member of the Dodger organization, participating in countless events through the years and was a familiar face on Dodger hospital visits, autograph signings and at kids’ holiday parties and baseball clinics, to name a few. 

Funeral services are pending.

Below are his career Baseball stats, via Baseball Reference:


And, here is a video from 2009 where Bobby talks a bit about his career and Baseball.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Indians Series Starts Tonight - Scheduled Autograph Signings, Game Give Aways and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts this evening against the Colorado Rockies, and several old-time Dodgers will be in the house to sign free autographs for fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

The July issue of Dodger Insider is now available.  See the cover on the right.  It features stories on Beckett's comback season, follow-up on the no-hitters by Beckett and Kershaw, an inside look at the 2014 draft, the return of Dee Gordon and Brandon League from difficult 2013 seasons and a piece on Brooklyn Dodger Dixie Walker.

---------------

Monday June 30th at 7:10 PM
RHP Corey Kluber vs. RHP Dan Haren

Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM. Dodger fan and “Project Runway” winning model Kalyn Hemphill will perform the national anthem.

Former Dodgers Dennis Powell (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Kenny Landreaux (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Army Major General Paul E. Funk II. Watching his father return home from serving in Vietnam, Funk decided to follow in the same footsteps as his father, joined the Army and was commissioned in 1984. Funk is the Commanding General for the 1st Infantry Division known as “the Big Red One” at Fort Riley, Kansas. He has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. His accolades include the Legion of Merit with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, The Combat Action Badge and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Bank of America will be presenting an authenticated flag and display case to Funk. He will be honored with a piece of Dodger history, a flag that has flown over Dodger Stadium. Gregg Hall an Army veteran and now Bank of America Regional Director of Global Corporate Security will present the flag on behalf of Bank of America.

---------------

Tuesday, July 1st at 7:10 PM
RHP Justin Masterson vs. RHP Josh Beckett

Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  The first 40,000 fans will receive a Don Newcombe adult sized replica Brooklyn Dodger jersey.  See it on the right.

Don Newcombe will throw the ceremonial first pitch Tuesday and closer Kenley Jansen will catch his first pitch.  Chris Mann, classically trained singer-songwriter who finished 4th on “The Voice” season 2 on Team Christina Aguilera will perform the national anthem.

Former Dodgers Tim Leary (in right-field pavilion plaza) and “Sweet” Lou Johnson (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Air Force Colonel John Tree, who is currently serving with the Air Force Reserve as a Key Senior Leader to the Director of Resource Integration at the Pentagon. Following in his father’s footsteps, Tree joined the Air Force following his graduation from the Air Force Academy and served in active duty for seven years. Throughout his career he has been deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, twice to Haiti and Germany and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Tree’s accolades include the Humanitarian Service Medal with one Device, NATO Medal and the Air Force Expeditionary Service Medal.  

---------------

Wednesday, July 2nd at 12:10 PM
RHP Trevor Bauer vs. LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu

This afternoon's game starts at 12:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 9:30 AM, and stadium gates open at 10:00 AM.

American Bladerunner, Blake Leeper, a Silver and Bronze medalist in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Former Dodgers Matt Luke (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Derrel Thomas (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Army Sergeant Alvin Blinder, a longtime Dodger fan. Blinder was drafted in 1943 to lend support to World War II efforts and served with the 16th infantry division for General Patton’s 3rd Army, serving as communication between platoons, Company Headquarters and the First Battalion Headquarters. Sergeant Blinder fought in Metz Chateau Salins, Vic-sur-Seille France defeating part of the German First Army. Blinder’s accolades include the Combat Infantry Badge and the Purple Heart.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Check Out Some Dodgers Memorabilia at Hunt's All-Star Game FanFest Auction

As has been tradition for several years, Hunt Auctions is running their annual All-Star Game Live Auction at the MLB FanFest in Minneapolis.  There are over 400 lots to look through and collectors have an opportunity to see them personally at the FanFest in a couple of weeks. 

Of note, former Dodger catcher and White Sox manager Jeff Torborg has over 80 items available for auction; including several Dodger related goodies.  I will feature those items in a post tomorrow.  For now, take a look at some other notable Dodgers related memorabilia items that struck my fancy below.

How often do you see something like this?  Here is a circa 1950's Brookyn Dodger ushers shirt.  It is long sleeved, in Dodger blue and has the Dodgers name embroidered on the back.

(Auction Link)

The cap below is purported to have once belonged to Jackie Robinson.  It comes from a former Dodger farmhand named Fred Woelfle who joined the organization in 1951.  Per the auction description:

In 1951 he assisted the team in batting practice acting primarily as a catcher. For these efforts, naturally, he required a uniform which was furnished by the team. One day while dressing he realized he had not been given a hat and asked for one from the trainer who "went to a basket full of dirty uniforms and, after asking me my size, threw me a hat and said here use this one, Robinson won't mind."

Wow!  That's a great story.

(Auction Link)

This last item originally came from the family of Roy Campanella.  Below is Campy's Hall of Fame Induction ring from 1969. 

(Auction Link)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 6/30/2014 - Dodger Links - Elbert on the Mend, Draft Pick Updates and Goofing on Ryu

Kershaw pitched another gem yesterday, and now the Dodgers find themselves tied to first palce WooHoo!  Pic above features Clayton and Chris Perez celebrating the victory, via @MLB on twitter.

• ICYMI:  Justin Turner has been placed on the 15-day DL, and Carlos Triunfel has been called back from the minors.  Turner strained his left hamstringin saturday's game.
• Via Ken Gurnick and Michael Lananna at MLB.com, "Elbert enters final phase of rehab."

"I'm happy with Scotty's progress," Mattingly said. "We've talked about it a number of times -- it's been awhile now where everything's been pretty much positive. There hasn't been any negatives. He hasn't skipped a 'pen. He's been moving along."

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, the Dodger signed 8th round pick Hunter Redman.  He also reports that the Dodgers 12th round pick, Kam Uter, has also signed.  The Dodgers have until July 18 to sign their remaining 9 draft picks.  
• BTW, a couple of our newest draft picks recently made their professional debuts.  Via Brandon Lennox at True Blue LA, "Dodgers minor league report June 29: John Richy, A.J. Vanegas make professional debuts."
• Via Mike Bauman at MLB.com, "Dodgers firing on all cylinders."

"We've got the kind of pitching that keeps you in the game every day." Mattingly said. "If we can be solid on defense and take advantage of whatever we get offensively, we can be in pretty good shape.

"We've been solid [defensively]. Being in the right place, making the plays you're supposed to make, not hurting your team … getting the outs you're supposed to get.

"I'm happy with the energy the club is playing with. We're playing with a sense of urgency."

• Hanley did some celebrating on twitter after yesterday's game:

First place baby! Keep pressing on. I'll be ready soon to try and help my boys in blue #DodgerBlue #iSeeYou AttitudeisEverything
— Hanley Ramirez (@HanleyRamirez) June 29, 2014

• This Vine video made me laugh for hours... That scream!  BTW, they put ice down Ryu's back.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Tied For 1st - Prove Sports Writers are Often Wrong

The Dodgers accomplished something today that much of the chattering class had once said impossible.  They crawled back from being 9 1/2 games back to tie the Giants.  And, they did it in a span of 21 days... 21 Days! 

Check out what Bob Knightengale wrote earlier this month:

But win the National League West?
No chance.
It's over.
The San Francisco Giants don't have the talent the Dodgers have, but they have the kind of team the Dodgers crave.
The Giants are the definition of a true team.

How's that true team up north doing now?

Or, how about Dan Szymborski?

With a payroll of $235 million on Opening Day, the Los Angeles Dodgers weren't a team put together for the purpose of finishing second in their division. But that's just where they stand in the National League West on Friday, with the San Francisco Giants having opened up a 8 1/2-game lead. While that might not sound like an insurmountable gap to make up, history suggests the 2014 NL West is almost certainly going to be taken by the men in orange and black, not Dodger blue.

He actually reasoned that there was no way the Giants would ever relinquish their lead.  That history was on the Giants side.  That their lead was historically insurmountable.

And what strikes me as idiotic about both of these commentaries is that they were written in early June - less than 2 1/2 months into 6+ month long season.  Talk about premature, eh?

Still, with all of my desire to ridicule these professional progosticators, I can't help but take a heaping spoon of moderation.  After all, there are still 78 games left on the schedule (a little more than half way through the season), so there remains plenty of Baseball left to play.

Let's just hope that the Dodgers do not let up now. 

With that all being said, it's never bad to celebrate some milestones that were reached today.  For instance, Dodger starters are on fire.  Via tweet from the @Dodgers:

Today marked the 33rd consecutive game where a Dodger starter walked two or fewer batters, the longest streak in the NL since at least 1914.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 29, 2014

And, our ace is in the midst of an historic scoreless innings streak.

28 straight scoreless innings. 13 strikeouts. Clayton Kershaw is that dude. #Dodgers
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 29, 2014

Clayton Kershaw is still light years away from Hershiser's 59 scoreless innings.  Still, I find what he's done so far this season to be nothing short of miraculous.  Check out Jon Weisman's piece at Dodger Insider that recounts his season so far.  It amazes me that he began the season on DL, and was an early question mark after signing his huge contract.  Now, he has to be considered a favorite to win the Cy Young once again.

BTW, if you want to see a running list of the top scoreless innings leaders check out Baseball-Almanac, here.  He's got a long way to go.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Sunday Dodger Videos: Kemp, Kershaw, Dee and Puppies!

Here are this Sunday's Dodger videos.

The hijinks never stops.  Per Stadium Bound on YouTube:

The Dodgers celebrate the win after the last out tonight, and just like a couple nights ago, Clayton Kershaw makes a half-windup on the mound, and then gets nailed with the rosin bag, this time by Josh Beckett - one no-hit pitcher nails another.

Video Link:

Listen to Matt Kemp in the clubhouse after Thursday night's victory over the Cardinals; courtesy of Gary George on YouTube.

Video Link:

Earlier this week, Dee Gordon was on Intentional Talk with Chris Rose and Kevin Millar to discuss the no-hitters tossed by Clayton Kershaw and Josh Beckett, dugout bubbles and more.

Video Link:

Puppies!  Who doesn't love puppies? 

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 6/28/2014 - Dodger Links - Puig Signs Deal with Topps, Targeting Relievers and Photos from the Veteran of the Game

Get down and give me 20!"  Adrian Gonzalez and Yasiel Puig show off perfect form for doing push-ups.  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Friday's Veteran of the Game Angel Peraza shared a bunch of his photos from the game on Reddit, via Imgur.  Go here to check them out.  He wrote the following on Reddit:

Today was super cool. I was really honored to be chosen by the Dodgers to their veteran of the Game. There was some coordination that had to happen before the game, it's cool to get a phone call from "The Dodger Organization". They gave me tickets for me, my wife and two sons. It was really amazing to be able to be on the field with the players during the National Anthem. They walked me through the clubhouse to get to the field and gave me a tour as we walked through. On the way down we walked past Don Newcomb. It was mind blowing to have a quick conversion with a living legend. He told me some cool stories from his Army days. During the 3rd inning, they again brought me on to the field for a short presentation. Basically, They emailed a questionnaire a couple of weeks ago and had me send in some photos to display on by the jumbotron. I didn't get to get many photos of my time on the field, since I had to put my phone away. But, on the field I got a quick hand shake from Kemp and Puig. I got a challenge coin, too, it looks awesome .

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Billingsley faced surgery the only way he knows."

“You can’t dwell on what happened in the past,” he said. “You’ve got to keep fighting and keep going and stay positive.”

• On the heels of Kershaw's deal with Topps earlier this year, now Puig signs with them.  Via a tweet from Cardboard Connections on twitter:

Yasiel Puig has signed a 1-year deal with @toppscards. Makes him a Topps-exclusive for autographed cards #collect
— Cardboard Connection (@sportscards) June 27, 2014

• Via Chris Olds at Beckett, Puig had this to say about the deal with Topps.

“Joining the Topps family is yet another dream come true for me,” Puig said in a prepared statement. “It’s exciting to be pictured on a baseball card and to be part of such a long-standing American tradition.”

• So, what does Colletti have in mind for trade deadline acquisitions?  Mark Saxon on twitter provides some insight.

 

Ned Colletti on early trade deadline thoughts: "I'd like to get our bullpen squared away, whether it's internally or externally."
— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) June 28, 2014

This should come as no surprise.  Pitching wins championships, and right now our starters are rolling just fine, but our bullpen could use some polishing.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Some Great Dodger Memorabilia at Lelands Auctions - Koufax, Ebbets Field, Nap Rucker and Jake Daubert

Yesterday, I shared some fantastic vintage Dodger photographs currently on auction at Lelands; including a panoramic 1935 team photograph featuring an historic Baseball player (Len Koeneche) whose story is typically only known by astute Baseball historians.  Today, I feature a bunch of other Dodger memorabilia items available at Lelands.  Check them out below.

Here is a fantastic portrait painted by Southern California native and lifelong Dodgers fan Samantha Wendell.  It has a feel of a Nicholas Volpe painting (the fellow who painted all those Union Oil portraits).

(Auction Link)

I love this next item.  Featured below is a cast-iron baseball that once decorated Ebbets Field in Brooklyn.  It was rescued from its demolition and kept for safe keeping.  It measures approximately 5.5" in diameter.  A plaque reads:

"EBBETS FIELD BROOKLYN N Y C APRIL 5, 1913 - FEBRUARY 23, 1960 CAST IRON WALL FIXTURE REMOVED DURING STADIUM DEMOLITION.

(Auction Link)

Here is an early advertising piece featuring a couple old-tyme Brooklyn Dodger stars - lefty pitcher Nap Rucker and first baseman Jake Daubert.  These pieces were made for Ide Silver Collars of Troy, NY, and includes the following testimonials:

"JAKE DAUBERT IN A 'CLAYMONT' MY COLLAR TROUBLES ENDED WHEN I COMMENCED WEARING IDE SILVER COLLARS. THEY'RE COMFORTABLE AND KEEP THEIR 'STORE LOOKS' FOR A LONG TIME." and "'NAP' RUCKER IN A 'BERTRON' IDE SILVER COLLARS BELONG IN THE BIG LEAGUES. THEY FILL EVERY COLLAR WANT THAT A MAN CAN ASK FOR."

(Auction Link)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 6/27/2014 - Dodger Links - Uribe's Back, Hanley Should be on the Mend and TV Deal Heartache

Awesome!  Christopher Lloyd visited Dodger Stadium last night to announce the Dodgers lineup.  In the photo above he is with Scott Van Slyke.  Pic via @Dodgers on twitter.

• ICYMI: Juan Uribe came back to the Dodgers from the DL yesterday, and Carlos Triunfel was sent back to Albuquerque.
• Via Nathan Fenno at the LA Times, "Judge declines to dismiss lawsuit against Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig."
• Thank goodness, via a tweet from the @Dodgers:

 

The MRI on Hanley Ramirez’s right shoulder showed no structural damage. He is day to day and will be able when his pain subsides. #Dodgers
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 27, 2014

• Via Bill Plunkett at the OC Register, "Dodgers' TV deal dilemma affects no-hitter ratings."

“I don’t know what to make about ratings,” Dodgers team president and CEO Stan Kasten said. “I do know in terms of the metrics we deal with – ticket sales, sponsorships, etc. – everything is up, it’s very strong. Facebook followers, Twitter followers. It’s really a golden era for the Dodgers.

The saddest thing is that there are a whole bunch of Dodger fans who are missing the magic of Vin Scully on the tube, and nobody in "the know" seems to care about that.  Frankly, I don't think they'll ever get their act together this season, and I fear 2015 will be just the same.  After all, I don't think there's any sense of urgency.  This is a battle of wills between multibillion dollar businesses, so fans are left hanging in the lurch. And don't whine to me that Kasten and his group had no idea this would happen - that's a load of bull.  Kasten is an old cable TV guy who is smart enough to know what's been going on in the industry the past few years.  They knew very well it was likely that an entire season would be lost.

• Vie Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Chad Billingsley has successful elbow surgery to repair torn flexor tendon."
• That arm!  Gif via Dodgers on Tumblr. Could we be in the midst of witnessing a Kemp revival?  I hope so.  And, how about Beckett, eh?  Or, Turner off the bench to drive in the eventual winning run?  And, the bullpen shutting the door on last nights the game?  Or, Rojas ably filling in at short and getting two hits; including the first one off Wainwright?  As Jon Weisman wrote at Dodger Insider, this team won with some grit.  BTW, the Dodgers are now just 2 games back of the Giants.  WooHoo!

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Cardinals Series Starts Tonight - Scheduled Autograph Signings, Game Give Aways and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts this evening against the Colorado Rockies, and several old-time Dodgers will be in the house to sign free autographs for fans.  Below are the scheduled autograph opportunities and other odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

For this series the Dodgers have created a special St. Louis Dog.  It's an all-beef hot dog topped with braised beef short ribs, BBQ sauce and fried onions.  It is available through Sunday at extreme loaded dog concession stands on the Field, Loge and Reserve levels.

---------------

Thursday, June 26th at 7:10 PM
RHP Adam Wainwright vs. RHP Josh Beckett

Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  It is a bobblehead night!  The first 50,000 fans will receive a Brian Wilson bobblehead.  See it on the right.

Trey Songz, Grammy-nominated and BET Award-winning artist will throw the ceremonial first pitch.  “Back to the Future” star Christopher Lloyd will announce the Dodgers’ starting lineup. “Back to the Future” is Wilson’s favorite movie.

Former Dodgers Kenny Landreaux (in right-field pavilion plaza) and "Sweet" Lou Johnson (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Navy Lieutenant Andres Otero. Otero is the son of Cuban refugees and is based at Port Hueneme, CA where he works in testing and evaluation of weapons systems. Otero has been deployed twice while onboard the USS Nicholas to Iraq and Afghanistan. 

---------------

Friday, June 27th at 7:10 PM
RHP Carlos Martinez vs. LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu

Tonight's game starts at 7:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 4:30 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:00 PM.  It is Friday Night Fireworks, so fans will be able to go down onto the field after the game.

The Dodgers will celebrate Mormon Night for the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints. More than 4,000 members of the church from Los Angeles to San Bernardino will be in attendance for this annual event.  Elder David A. Bednar, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, will throw the honorary first pitch.

Former Dodgers Derrel Thomas (in right-field pavilion plaza) and Billy Ashley (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Angel Peraza of Palmdale. He enlisted in 2000 and serves with the 30th Civil Engineers Squadron at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Peraza is responsible for disaster preparedness, hazardous material emergency response training and ensuring the base’s ability to withstand and recover from an attack during wartime and natural disasters.  He has served deployments to Qatar, Japan and Kyrgyzstan. Peraza’s accolades include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Award and a Good Conduct Medal.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will hold a silent auction on the Club level by the Vin Scully Press Box. The auction ends at 8:45 p.m. with more than 25 items up for bid, including a Zack Greinke autographed baseball, Yasiel Puig autographed photo and Scott Van Slyke autographed game-used #42 LA Dodgers Jersey from Jackie Robinson Day. The LADF will feature two autographed game-used #42 LA Dodger player or coach jerseys from Jackie Robinson Day at each silent auction for the remainder of the season. All proceeds will benefit LADF and its programs in sports and recreation, education and literacy and health and wellness which help children and families throughout the greater Los Angeles region.

---------------

Saturday, June 28th at 4:15 PM
TBD vs. RHP Zack Greinke

Tonight's game starts at 4:15 PM.  Auto gates open at 1:45 PM, and stadium gates open at 2:15 PM. BTW, this game will be televised on Fox.

The national anthem will be performed by Dodger fan Tony DeFranco. Melissa McCarthy’s, who is starring and wrote, along with her husband, Director Ben Falcone, “Tammy,” will be on hand for the ceremonial first pitch. McCarthy will also announce the Dodgers’ starting lineup.  The California Youth Spirit Corps (CYSC) will perform their award-winning routines in a special pre-game performance.

I apologize in advance for having incomplete information regarding Dodger autograph signings on this day.  From my understanding, Al Downing will be on on-hand to sign, but I am uncertain if it is in the right or left field pavilion areas.  Also, it is likely that another player will be there as well, but I do not know who that is.  What I do know is that Saturday is Al Downing's birthday, so be sure to wish him a Happy Birthday!  Heck, it would be great if a crowd of Dodger fans serenaded him.  (This is all subject to change since the info I received was confusing, and I have yet to hear back from my follow-up inquiries.)

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Army Corporal Cecil Belmares. Belmares volunteered for service in 1942 following the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served with the 29th Infantry Division, 116th Regiment on board the Queen Mary which had been converted to a war ship to transport troops during World War II.  He served in Central Europe, Germany and in Normandy, France where his regiment took part in the historic attack on Omaha Beach, known as D-Day. Belmares’ accolades include the Presidential Unit Citation for actions of the 116th Infantry on D-Day and the Combat Action Badge.  He is a lifelong Dodger fan and his favorite player is his fellow soldier Jackie Robinson.

---------------

Sunday, June 29th at 1:10 PM
 TBD vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw

Tonight's game starts at 1:10 PM.  Auto gates open at 10:30 AM, and stadium gates open at 11:00 AM.  The first 15,000 ticketed kids 14 years of age or younger will receive an Adrian Gonzalez Replica Jersey.  Check it out on the right.

The national anthem will be performed by Elliot Yamin as part of the Dodgers’ 15th annual Jewish Community Day.  Fans who purchased the special ticket package will receive a Dodgers-in-Hebrew baseball cap.  See it on the left.  This ticket package is already sold out.  Kosher food will be available to all fans in the Left Field Reserve section, including Kosher Dogs, Jalapeno Kosher Dogs and Italian Beef Sausages. 

Viva Los Dodgers will take place at the historic 76 station and begins at 11:00 AM.  Former Dodger Lee Lacy will be signing autographs there.

Former Dodgers Tommy Davis (in right-field pavilion plaza) and "Sweet" Lou Johnson (in left-field pavilion plaza) will be signing autographs for fans from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Davis, Johnson and Lee Lacy will sign from approximately 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Stadium Club.

• The Veteran of the Game presented by Bank of America is U.S. Army Command Master Sergeant Larry Montes. Montes enlisted in 1978 and is assigned to the 104th Regiment, 7th Battalion in Bell, CA. He has served deployments in support of Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield and to Balad, Iraq. Montes’ accolades include the Bronze Star and the Army Achievement Medal.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will have a Mystery Bag fundraiser at Viva Los Dodgers at the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Tent. For a $40 donation, fans can get an  official Major League baseball signed by one of ten Dodger Alumni featured, including Don Newcombe, Tommy Lasorda, Fernando Valenzuela and current players including Yasiel Puig and Adrian Gonzalez. Only 82 Mystery Bags available. All proceeds will benefit LADF and its programs in sports and recreation, education and literacy and health and wellness which help children and families throughout the greater Los Angeles region.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will hold a silent auction on the Club level by the Vin Scully Press Box. The auction ends at 2:45 p.m. with more than 25 items up for bid, including a Clayton Kershaw autographed baseball, a Kid-Take-The-Field Experience for Wednesday, July 30 vs. the Atlanta Braves and Josh Beckett autographed game-used #42 LA Dodgers Jersey from Jackie Robinson Day. The LADF will feature two autographed game-used #42 LA Dodger player or coach jerseys from Jackie Robinson Day at each silent auction for the remainder of the season. All proceeds will benefit LADF and its programs in sports and recreation, education and literacy and health and wellness which help children and families throughout the greater Los Angeles region.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Check Out Some Vintage Dodger Photos at Lelands Auctions - the Story of Len Koeneche

Lelands has just put up their Spring 2014 Auction for collectors to peruse.  As always, there's a bunch of Dodger memorabilia to gawk at.  Take a look at some great vintage Dodger photographs I came across below.

Here is a large panoramic team photograph of the 1935 Brooklyn Dodgers taken in Orlando during Spring Training.  Some notable players include manager Casey Stengel and the infamous Van Lingle Mungo.  Also shown is an little-remembered outfielder by the name of Len Koeneche. 

Koeneche had all the promise of the world.  He was a former railroad fireman who was a hard hitting left-handed batter.  The great John McGraw had paid $75,000 for his services and remarked that he would be a star in the National League.  Unfortunately, that was not to be. 

By his early 30's, Koeneche found himself in Brooklyn as a failed ballplayer with possibly one last chance.  Under Stengel's tutelage he showed the promise of the past, but life has a way of throwing curves.  He was unceremoniously demoted near the end of the '35 season.  The exact reason is not well know, but some say it was due to his constant drinking.  Others say that the disappointment of the season caused management to lash out against him.  Whatever it was, Koeneche and some teammates were sent home mid-season, and boarded a plane in St. Louis for home.  He never made it back.

With whiskey bottle in hand, he and a couple of teammates decided to drink their problems away, and before their stop in Detroit Koeneche had become violently drunk.  He started a fight with another passenger, and had to be restrained.  In Detroit he was taken off and allowed to sleep in the terminal.  Once he woke, the still drunk ballplayer chartered a flight to Buffalo, and that's when events turned for the worse.

Now over the skies of Toronto Len Koeneche had became a madman.  He tried to wrestle control of the small chartered plane.  A fight ensued.  Soon, a fire extinguisher was used against his head; causing a cerebral hemorrhage.  That evening over the peaceful skies of Canada, Len Koeneche was dead.  The pilots emergency landed on a race track, and were immediately charged with manslaughter.  At trail, they were acquitted of any wrongdoing due to a self defense argument.

It is not known if his drunken stupor is to blame for his actions, or if this was a veiled attempt at suicide.  As Gary Joseph Cieradkowski notes in his excellent biography:

All that remained was a grieving widow, a fatherless daughter and one heck of a story that became a classic of baseball lore.

(Auction Link)

This next panoramic photograph is of the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers.  Fortunately, this team doesn't have the morbid story of the '35 team.  Instead, this Brooklyn club won their very first championship.

(Auction Link)

To finish on an even better note, featured below is Gil Hodges official wedding photo.  It came directly from the Hodges family.  Standing next to Gil is his best man and teammate Ralph Branca. 

(Auction Link)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 6/26/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this great photo of the Brooklyn Dodger broadcast crew in the pressbox at Ebbets Field (1953).  Vin Scully is seen just above the "G", pic via @Dodgers_History on twitter.  I believe Red Barber is to Vin's left and Connie Desmond is on his right.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers starters have been in control this season."

On the season Dodgers starters lead baseball in xFIP (3.30), SIERA (3.36) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.83), are second in ERA (3.09) and walk rate (5.6 percent), third in quality starts (50), fifth in strikeout rate (21.6 percent), sixth in FIP (3.60), and eighth in innings per start (6.1).

• Via Bill Shaikin at the LA Times, "Dodgers' Yasiel Puig would 'absolutely welcome' home-run derby shot."

If he chooses me, I absolutely welcome it,” Puig told the Los Angeles Times through an interpreter, “but it doesn’t matter to me whether I play or not.”

• Here's an early look at the 30HR Club Bobblehead (Baker, Cey, Garvey, Smith) the Dodgers are giving out to fans on Thursday, July 31st.
• Mark Langill at Dodger Insider shares a great story from Don Newcombe - from how he got his start in Baseball to his time playing in the Minors in Nashua with Campanella.

“So one day during the season in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Alston gets tossed from a game around the fifth inning and we’re losing 2-1. Campy becomes the manager. Around the seventh inning, Campy says, ‘Roomie, I need you as a pinch-hitter.’ I hit a two-run home run and we won the game, 3-2. Roy was so proud of that game. He talked about that game for the rest of his life. It was a bigger thrill than him winning those three National League MVP awards.”

• You sneaky devils!  Via Josh Tucker at Dodger Insider, they remembered the 5th anniversary of Michael Jackson's passing through their tweets.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Top Dodger Prospect Joc Pederson's MRI Could have been Worse

Dodger fans with a keen eye towards our most promising youngsters were thrown for a loop when top prospect Joc Pederson came up lame yesterday.  The centerfielder attempted to make an ill-advised diving grab for a bloop single off the bat of Cubs prospect Josh Vitters, and landed hard on his right shoulder (he throws left).  Watch it below:

Video Link:

As you can see, he fell far short of the ball.  Heck, it was almost Puig-like.

Dodger management was optimistic about the injury.  Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com:

"It didn't sound like it was anything major, but it would be hard for [Conte] to really say. I'm assuming he didn't break his arm or tear his shoulder out of the socket," Mattingly said. "I guess you have to watch out when you get a guy like Joc, but it didn't sound like it was a major, major thing."

Earlier today, more succinct information on Pederson's injury was released.  Based on an MRI, we find out that Joc should be ready to go in a couple of weeks.  Via a tweet from Eric Stephen:

Joc Pederson is expected to miss at least 10 days. MRI showed Grade 1 A-C joint separation in his right shoulder
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) June 25, 2014

This is probably the best outcome we could have hoped for. 

A Grade 1 AC Joint Separation, as indicated on Cedars-Sinai's website, is typically just a slight displacement of the joint.  Furthermore the ligament may either be badly stretched or partly torn.  I'll cross my fingers for the former.  Check out this great graphic I saw at injuryfix.com to visualize what's going on.

(graphic via injuryfix.com)

The downside is that an injury like this could push back his development.  He'll likely need more time than a couple of weeks to build up his shoulder strength, since it's probable that he'll have his arm in a sling. 

Either way, considering how awkward he looked in that dive, I think we lucked out.  This injury could have been far worse.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Welcome to the Blue, Clint Robinson!

The game of musical chairs continues for the Dodgers.  Announced just a moment ago, hot hitting first baseman Clint Robinson is coming up to the Dodgers, and Jamie Romak has been DFA'd.  As Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider noted, if Robinson gets into a game he'll be the 40th Dodger to play a game this season.

Nicknamed the "Alabama Hammer" (I swear I read that somewhere), it appears that Robinson's role will be as a left-handed bat off the bench.  As a first baseman, he may also provide some rest for Adrian Gonzalez.  BTW, we should expect Juan Uribe to be recalled back to Los Angeles at any time, so unless Clint creates some fireworks with the big-club I suspect he'll be with us for only a short time.  Hopefully, he'll have a chance to take an at-bat.  In 2012, Clint Robinson got a "cup of coffee" with the Royals, but did not get a hit in 4 tries.

You can follow Clint Robinson on twitter at @BatHoarder.  As Vin Scully would say, "he is a tall glass of milk."  He stands 6' 5" and weighs 225 lbs.  He originally came by way of Troy University in Alabama, and was a standout on the diamond.  In his senior year (2007) he batted .364 with 1.110 OPS, 17 HR, and a .973 fielding percentage.  Soon thereafter, he was drafted by the Royals in the 25th round and immediately stood out.  Robinson was a Pioneer League MVP, a Texas League All-Star and winner of the Mike Sweeney Award in 2009 (player that best represents the Royals organization both on and off the field).  Left off the Royals 40-man roster in 2012, he was soon traded to Pittsburgh, then claimed off of waivers by the Blue Jays in 2013 before signing as a free agent by the Dodgers this past November.

In celebration of Robinson officially becoming a Dodger today, I made the above fantasy card for him.  I used a photo originally taken by Jon SooHoo during Spring Training, a portrait from the MLB.com website and used the 1987 Topps Baseball card design.

Per a Dodgers press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today selected the contract of first baseman Clint Robinson from Triple-A Albuquerque and designated infielder/outfielder Jamie Romak for assignment.

The left-handed Robinson batted .309 with 17 doubles, one triple, 14 home runs (T-6th, Pacific Coast League) and 56 RBI (4th, PCL) in 77 games with the Isotopes, including a .402 on-base percentage (7th, PCL) and a .523 slugging percentage. Robinson has been swinging a hot bat of late, batting .469 (15-for-32) with a double, two homers and 12 RBI in his last nine games since June 16 and hitting .357 (30-for-84) with five doubles, six homers and 21 RBI in 23 June games. Overall, the 29-year-old posted a .355/.466/.639 slashline against right-handed pitchers this season.

Robinson was a non-roster invitee at Dodger Spring Training after signing as a free agent on Nov. 18, 2013 and was originally selected by Kansas City in the 25th round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, appearing in four games with the Royals in 2012 (last: June 13, 2012 vs. Milwaukee) in his only Major League action.

Here are his professional stats, via Baseball Reference:


Watch Clint Robinson go big with an opposite field home run just a couple of weeks ago in the video below.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Jay Johnstone and a Couple of Boxers

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.

---------------------------

Former Dodger and Baseball jester Jay Johnstone will be at Manuel's Original El Tepeyac Cafe in the City of Industry on Saturday, June 28th.  Appearance time not yet released.  Information available here.  Autograph Pricing: $5 Baseball Cards; $10 Any Other Item; $5 per inscription.

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

Hat Tip: Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy 

---------------------------

Boxer Rafael and Gabriel Ruelas will be signing autographs at Harry's Dugout in Whittier on Sunday, June 29th from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  Go here for more information.  

Harry's Dugout
10715 Beverly Blvd
Whittier, CA 90601

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 6/25/2014 - Dodger Links - Guerrero to Return Soon, Pederson Hurt and so is Hanley

Clayton Kershaw is seen warming up for his start yesterday against Kansas City in the photo below, pic via @Dodgers on twitter.  He didn't have a Vander Meer moment, but he was masterful in the 8 innings he pitched.  Kershaw struck out 8, gave up 6 hits and walked only 1; as the Dodgers won 2 to 0.  With the Giants losing to the Padres last night, the Dodgers now find themselves only 3 games back.

• ICYMI:  Last night I posted up scans of my recently completed 1962 Union Oil Dodgers Player Portraits set.  Check out that post here.
• Via Jon Heyman at CSB Sports, "With Dodgers prospect's ear saved, he will resume playing soon."

Alexander Guerrero, the victim in a ugly ear-biting incident with his former minor-league teammate, will not lose his ear after surgery and some anxious times and is close to resuming his Dodgers career, Guerrero's agent Scott Boras said.

"The ear is going to make it," Boras told CBSSports.com by phone. "The surgery was a success, and he won't need another surgery."

• Congrats!  I can't wait to see these two kids at Dodger Stadium a couple of years down the road.  Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Seager and Urias named to 2014 Futures Game." 
• Nooooooo!  Joc Pederson has apparently hurt his shoulder, via Danny Wild at MiLB.com.  I wonder if this will have any bearing on any potential Dodger moves to trade an outfielder.  After all, it's likely Joc would have been called up if we ever did trade somebody.  Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com shares a quote from Mattingly:

“It didn’t sound like it was anything major, but it would be hard for [Conte] to really say. I’m assuming he didn’t break his arm or tear his shoulder out of the socket,” Mattingly said. “I guess you have to watch out when you get a guy like Joc, but it didn’t sound like it was a major, major thing.”

• Can this man every stay healthy?  Via Craig Minami at True Blue LA, "Hanley Ramirez removed from lineup due to shoulder irritation."  I just do not know if it makes much sense for the Dodgers to sign him to a large long-term contract considering his recent history.  On the other hand, I do admire his apparent willingness to battle and play.

On Ramirez's shoulder pain, Mattingly said "no true injury, more the shoulder thing, felt it a little bit in San Diego."  Mattingly added that why they made the decision to take Ramirez out of tonight's lineup was because "[Ramirez] felt a little bit swinging yesterday and [Ramirez] had never not felt that all [before]."

• Look who visited the Negro League Baseball Museum yesterday:

Group from the @dodgers, led by manager Don Mattingly, joined me for a guided tour of the NLBM today! #nlbm pic.twitter.com/BJkg51JI0x
— negroleaguesmuseum (@nlbmprez) June 25, 2014

• No Way... Via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily, "Movie Rights to Operation Bullpen Purchased."  

“This story is a cross between ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ and ‘American Hustle,’” said Werner, referring to the Operation Bullpen saga in which a dysfunctional family of con artists, led by a conniving grandma and her pot-smoking son, fooled the FBI for years and ripped off a gullible American public for a cool $100 million. “It’s a great story. It’s very cinematic with broad appeal.”

• Via Aaron Mansfield at The Buffalo News, "(Grant) ‘Home Run’ Johnson gets plaque at forgotten grave in Hamburg."  Johnson is one of the great relatively unknown Negro League legends.
• Wow!  During both Stanley Cup Championships Kings goalie Jonathan Quick was battling a serious injury.  In 2012 it was a painful back issue that resulted in surgery.  Now, we find out that he just had emergency wrist surgery from an injury he originally sustained during the series with the Ducks.   Greg Wyshynski at Puck Daddy has the story. BTW, we also know that Kings centerman Jarret Stoll had a serious limp during the teams recent visit to Dodger Stadium.  I only mention these items because I always find it fascinating what ailments hockey players play through during the playoffs. 

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *