Go Kings Go!

Man-O-Live!

I have not been able to think about anything other than Kings hockey today.  Heck, for the next couple of weeks I'll be dreaming of only floating pucks and open-ice checks.

Tonight is Game 1 of the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals, and I am more excited than I can ever express.  My palms are sweating as my muscles tense up from the anticipation.  The Kings have an opportunity to take back the Cup, and I plan on being at the Staples Center to cheer them on.

If you're interested in some Stanley Cup previews and information check out the below links:

• Via langluy at Jewels From the Crown, "Kings-Rangers SCF Game 1 Preview."
• The LA Kings website has up a bunch of videos from today; including a game preview and interviews with several plaeyrs and the Kings coach.
• Get'rDunn at Battle of California writes a helpful guide for the new Kings fan (it's OK, I don't hate the newbies - bandwagoners).
• Eric Roberts at Rink Royalty writes his own, "Stanley Cup Finals Preview."
• Here's an excellent podcast called 'All the Kings Men' focused on Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

The game starts at 5:00 PST, and it'll be on NBC channel 4.  Below is a graphic with the schedule for the series.

(Graphic via @LAKings on twitter)

And, if you want to get pumped up for the game I suggest watching the below video.  It always gets my heart pumping.

Video Link:

Pic at the very top via @FOXSportsLive on twitter:

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Wednesday Night Game Info - 10,000 Wins Commemorative Pin Night

Tonight is the rubber match in the Dodgers homestand against the Chicago White Sox.  Below are some odds and ends for tonight's game.  Unfortunately, a former Dodger player is not scheduled to sign at the stadium... But, you will get a pin... So, there's that.

Another thing... Please pitch around Abreu.  Let's not allow him to hit a home run 3 days in a row against us. 

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Wednesday, June 4th at 7:10 PM

LHP John Danks 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 10,000 Wins Commemorative Pin night.  The first 40,000 fans in attendance receive one. As you likely know, the Dodgers reached the 10,000 franchise win milestone on April 30th.  They beat the Minnesota Twins 6 to 4.  A pre-game ceremony will include a DodgerVision video tribute and the presentation of a special commemorative display for the fans to enjoy on behalf of the Dodger organization.

Actress Elle Fanning will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. The honorary first pitch will feature Special Olympics athlete Jorge Grosso.  In addition, Special Olympics athletes representing six sports to be played this weekend, June 6-8 on the USC Campus for the Special Olympics Summer Games Invitational, will officially start the game with “It’s Time for Dodger Baseball!”

• The Veteran of the Game is U.S. Army Reserve Sergeant Michael Perez of Los Angeles. Perez enlisted in 2003, serves with the 693rd Quartermaster Company as an Automated Logistics Specialist and is responsible for supervising and ensuring that troops are equipped for any mission.  He has served at Ft. Bragg, Ft. Leonard Wood and in one deployment to Kuwait. Perez’s accolades include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.  

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Manny Mota, Garvey and the Long Beach Expo

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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This weekend is the Long Beach Expo at the Long Beach Convention Center.  It starts tomorrow to Saturday, and will feature many hobbies under one roof.  The sport collectible section is small relative to the number of coin hobby tables that will be there.  Nevertheless, if you're looking to do some shopping I can't think of a better place to go this weekend.  Go here for information.  Collectors Universe (PSA) members get free admission, but I'm fairly sure anyone can get in for free.  Go here for that.

I think the key attraction to this show for me is the recently released 2014 Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin.  It has been one of the hottest collectible in the country, and commands strong premiums.  Cassie McFarland, designer of the 2014 Baseball Hall of Fame commemorative coin, will be signing autographs at the show on all 3 days.

Long Beach Convention Center
300 E. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90802

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Manny Mota will be at Manuel's Original El Tepeyac Cafe in the City of Industry on Saturday, June 7, 2014 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  This is a TOY DRIVE! You receive a FREE autograph w/ $10 Toy Donation.  All proceeds will benefit the Manny Mota Foundation.  Some info can be found here.

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

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The OC Dugout in Anaheim will feature David Freese for an autograph signing on Sunday, June 8th from 5:00 PM to 6:15 PM.  Go here for more information.

The OC Dugout
1238 S. Beach Blvd. Ste. K
Anaheim, California 92804 
(714) 761-6414

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Steve Garvey will be at Congregation Beth Shalom Santa Clarita on Sunday.  Go here for more information.

Congregation Beth Shalom Santa Clarita 
21430 Centre Pointe Parkway 
Santa Clarita, California 91350

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Blog Kiosk: 6/4/2014 - Dodger Links - Rename the Ford Frick Award, the Garvey's and Puig

Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo captures Justin Turner in the midst of goofing on Hyun-Jin Ryu.  Check out more pics from yesterdays game here.  On a side note, considering the Dodgers recent slide maybe they are having a little bit too much fun.

• This is something I can get behind.  Via Bill Chuck at the Daily Gammons, "It’s time to rename the Ford Frick Award – The campaign to #HonorVinceNow."
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Chris Reed, Scott Schebler among 5 Chattanooga Southern League All-Stars."
• Via Mark Newman at MLB.com, "For the Garvey's, home is all about family."

"We've always felt that the first impression is very important," Steve Garvey said. "When people come up to our home, just as maybe you did, and you went, 'Wow, this is something special.' Well, she's created that. I'm very, very happy to defer. I'm not a pitcher for a reason. I was a hitter for a reason. She's a designer and a renovator for a reason."

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Yasiel Puig simply can't do it alone."

In the old days, they used to call that "carrying a team," but where has it gotten this team? The Dodgers are 18-19 and have lost 6½ games in the standings since that date.

• Pnini America will once again sponsor a Father's Day promotion at numerous hobby shops throughout the country.  Go here to find out more.

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