Happy Vin Scully Day!

It's good to be governor.

Per a press release:

Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles), in his capacity as Acting Governor, issued a proclamation today declaring July 8, 2016 as “Vin Scully Day” in the State of California to honor the legendary Los Angeles Dodgers announcer.

Welcome to the Blue, Andrew Toles!

Here's a Cinderella story of a different kind.  Just a couple weeks ago the Dodgers brought up a kid who began the season in Single-A.  His name was Brock Stewart, and he made his Major League debut as a starter last week after beginning the year at the bottom of the ladder.  Now we have a similar scenario in Andrew Toles.  As you may have heard, the Dodgers are planning to bring up the outfielder (per JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers), and he too began the season in Single-A.  Although, unlike Stewart, Toles journey had a far more circuitous route. 

2016 Panini America Father's Day Promo's - All the Dodgers Cards

I had just plain forgotten about this set.  Featured below are the Dodgers cards found in the Panini America Father's Day packs.  Go here for a complete checklist.

As you'll recall, select sports card hobby shops throughout North America offered limited edition packs to customers as a promotion on Father's Day.  The cards included stars and rookies from the MLB, NBA, NFL, NASCAR and soccer.  There were even collegiate-themed cards available.

Of note, the Base and Rookie sets have several different parallel cards available; including autographed versions.  I've seen an Corey Seager autograph card (pic shared below), but am uncertain if an autographed Kershaw card also exist.  If you happen to know please pass that knowledge along.

Base

#26 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 7/8/2016 - Dodgers Links - Seager, Maddux and Hyun-Jin Ryu

After months of waiting the Korean "Monster" finally got back onto the Dodgers mound.  In late May, nearly 14 months ago, Ryu underwent surgery on his left shoulder to repair a torn labrum.  Since that time he's worked tirelessly to get back to Los Angeles, and I think it's fair to say that the Dodgers are pleased.  Regardless of the lackluster results they received last night. Per Sarah Wexler at Dodgers Digest:

“Getting him back out there was a victory in itself,” Dave Roberts said. “I think the bigger answer will be how he feels tomorrow and the next day going forward. But to see Ryu take the mound tonight was great.” 

Ryu could only go 4 2/3 innings; having given up eight hits, six earned runs, two walks and four strike outs on 89 total pitches thrown.  Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

But the Dodgers were realistic and not expecting total domination, just a baseline from which to move forward. They got that, seeing Ryu work through an opponent with a fastball that ranged from 89-92 mph, and offspeed pitches that sometimes dipped into the upper 60s.

"That's how he was before, pitching in all spectrums of velocity when he was so dominate for us in 2013, 2014," said catcher A.J. Ellis, who was pleased to see his old battery-mate make a return to the mound. "He knows how to pitch. He's such an amazing athlete out there on the mound, he has such an amazing feel and great body control. He adds and subtracts really well. I'm just really excited to see him out there today."

Dodgers lost to the Padres, 6-0, and are now 6.5 games behind the Giants.  They are also effectively ties with the Mets for the Wild Card spot.  Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1949 Giants infielder Hank Thompson faced Dodgers pitcher Don Newcombe at the plate; marking the first time a black batter hit against a black pitcher in Major League history.  In 1980 the All-Star Game is played at Dodger Stadium.  The National League wins for the ninth consecutive time.
• Happy Birthday, Ferdinand Abell (one of the original founders of the Dodgers)!