Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Bill Walton and Legendary Scout George Genovese

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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If you can head out to Pasadena tomorrow evening then this event sounds like it'll be well worth your time.  On Thursday, July 16 starting at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) the South Pasadena Public Library and the Baseball Reliquary co-present an “Author Night” event featuring A Scout’s Report: My 70 Years in Baseball, by legendary scout George Genovese and Dan Taylor. Both authors will be present, and autographed books will be available for purchase.  Admission is free.  Go here for more information.

On George Genovese:  Following 11 seasons as a minor league manager, Genovese developed a level of proficiency many believe will never be duplicated.  His profession's highest honor, its lifetime achievement award bestowed by the Professional Baseball Scout's Foundation, bears his name.  In his 90s, he's still a consultant to the Dodgers and the team leaves a ticket for him at all home games.  His discoveries include future All Stars Bobby Bonds, Matt Williams, George Foster, Dave Kingman, Chili Davis, and Jack Clark.  Eight years ago he tried to convince the Dodgers that young Mike Stanton, who played for Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, had unbelievable upside.  Mike is now Giancarlo Stanton, the reigning National League MVP who was signed in the offseason by the Miami Marlins for $350 million.

South Pasadena Public Library Community Room
1115 El Centro St.
South Pasadena, California.

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The great Bill Walton will be at Frank & Sons to sign autographs for fans.  Go here for more information.

Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 San Jose Avenue
City of Industry, CA 91748

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Blog Kiosk: 7/15/2015 - Dodger Links - Pederson, Kershaw and Sandy Koufax

With exception of the National League losing the game, the entire All-Star Game was fantastic.  From pregame to end, it was fun to watch.  My favorite moment was when the "Franchise Four Greatest Living Legends" came onto the field, as evidenced in the photo above tweeted by @SportsCenter.  From L-R: Hank Aaron, Johnny Bench, Sandy Koufax and Willie Mays.

The next best moment was Sandy Koufax's first pitch to Johnny Bench.  Watch it below, via a tweet from @MLBGIFs.  As you would expect, he threw it right down the middle.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Kershaws’ Ping Pong 4 Purpose set for July 30."
• Jon also shares the Dodgers "Dodgers Franchise Four" here - Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Jackie Robinson and Duke Snider.
• A must read!  Via Pedro Moura at the OC Register, "Dodgers' Joc Pederson brings pivotal minor-league coach to Home Run Derby stage."

“Show me what you do that is similar,” (Johnny) Washington said he told Pederson. “And we couldn’t find too many similarities. So we combined the three hitters and tried to make him. And he took to it well.”

“I was frustrated, but it was honestly the best move that ever happened to me,” Pederson recalled Monday. “It made me become so much more open and see what I was doing wrong and why I only hit in batting practice and why it didn’t translate into games. I’m still learning a lot about hitting, but it was special.”

• Via Kevin Kaduk at Big League Stew, "Clayton Kershaw says he isn't a fan of the All-Star 'counting' after taking loss."

"It was fun until I started giving up runs," the Los Angeles Dodgers ace said. 

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Greinke has Eric Gagne-moment in 2015 All-Star Game."
• Via Israel Fehr at Big League Stew, "Here's our first look at 'Ferrell Takes The Field'"
• Via Adam Hughes at Sports Collectors Daily, "10 Underrated Baseball Rookie Cards of the 1980s."  Adam's list includes rookie cards for several former Dodger players.

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