A Look at HOF'er Dick Williams' Personal Baseball Scrapbook - When He was a Dodgers Prospect

Dick Williams had manned the helm of six different clubs over a 21 year career, and won two World Series championships for his efforts.  So it's easy to forget that the Hall of Fame manager started his Baseball life as a Dodger.  I'll have you know, though, that Williams was a bright prospect in the Brooklyn system, and thankfully, due to several unique items currently available at Worthridge Auctions, we get a little glimpse of his early days with the franchise.

Featured here are two of his personal scrapbooks as a youth.  In fact, there are numerous items at Worthridge from his estate in this auction.  Check them out here.  Below are some pics found in the scrapbooks.  Click any pic to embiggen.

Scrapbook #1 (Auction Link):

After being noticed by a Dodgers scout in 1946 during a semi-pro game, he immediately joined the Class-C 1947 Santa Barbara Dodgers of the California League.  As an eighteen year old he would slash .246/.246/.361/.607 that first season.  Not known for having significant tools, Dick Williams did differentiate himself by out-working and out-hustling everybody else.  BTW, a teammate of his in 1947 was Rocky Bridges. Below is a team photo of that 1947 team.

Blog Kiosk: 5/5/2016 - Dodgers Links - Arruebarrena, Urias, and Gone Fishing

What's a ballplayer to do when you've got a day off in Toronto?

You go fishing, of course.

Early this morning, after what was a late night red-eye flight to the Great White North, both Adrian Gonzalez and Yasiel Puig heading out to Lake Ontario to cast some lines.  As you can see, they were rewarded with a couple large salmons.  BTW, AGon's catch was 24 lbs.  Photos above via their twitter accounts here and here.  You can check out more pics of their morning here, here, here and here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1955 Tommy Lasorda would start his first Major League game for the Brooklyn Dodgers.  He would last only one inning and tie a record for throwing three wild pitches in that first inning.  Also, in 2000 Lasorda was named the manager for the 2000 Baseball Olympic team.  They would go on to win a gold medal.