Dodgers FanFest Autograph Tickets Go on Sale Tomorrow - Thursday!

The Dodgers fifth annual 2017 FanFest is right around the corner and now you can properly plan for the day.  They have just announced a  full schedule for player autograph sessions and VIP experiences.  BTW, for the first time the Dodgers will be holding a free autograph session only for kids (14 years old or younger) at the Jr. Dodger Autograph tent in Lot G of the parking lot. 

FanFest will be on Saturday, January 28th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  You should have already downloaded a "FREE" admission ticket.  If you hadn't go here (link here) to do that.  Parking gates are likely to open at 9:30 AM and it will be free, as well.  You will enter either through the left or right field plaza gates at 10:00 AM.

There will be photo opportunities in the Dodger dugout and with the World Series trophy and Silver Sluffer award.  The LA Dodger Foundations (LADF) will host its third annual Yard Sale with one-of-a-kind Dodger items for budgets of all sizes; including jerseys, T-shirts and more. There will also be a Mystery Bag Fundraiser where fans can purchase an official Major League baseball autographed by a current or former Dodger.  All Proceeds benefit the programs and charitable giving of LADF.

I've attended the past four FanFest's and shared a bunch of photos from those days (these post also include numerous links of post from other bloggers).  Check out the below links to check them out.  Below that are details about the player autograph sessions.

• 2016 Fan Fest
• 2015 Fan Fest
• 2014 Fan Fest
• 2013 Fan Fest

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Duke Snider Received a Presidential Pardon Yesterday

The 80's were a crazy time for many retired ballplayers; especially those with a collector following.  After all, for many decades these old-timers received a pittance in salary for their work on the diamond, and many of them found income opportunity rather scant after playing the game.  So, when the collector boom happened it proved to be a godsend.  Baseball players could now earn a good amount of cash traveling across the country meeting with fans and signing autographs.

Unfortunately, a few of them failed to report that income on their tax returns, and soon found themselves in trouble with the law.

Two of those ballplayers, Hall of Famers Willie McCovey and Duke Snider, received a Presidential Pardon yesterday as a part of President Obama's flurry of commutations and pardons (273 of them) during his last week in office.

Both men had pleased guilty to tax evasion charges in July 1995.  McCovey had failed to declare $70,000 in income.  Duke Snider failed to report $100,000 of income, and was given two years probation, paid $30,000 in back taxes and a $5,000 fine.

At the time Snider said, per Joseph Fried at the NY Times:

"We're in the world of choice, and I made the wrong choice."

...

His white mane seeming even whiter under the bright courtroom lights, Snider promised Korman that "it won't happen again." And in a written statement he submitted to the court, he expressed concern that "my conduct may have in some way tarnished the game" that had been "very good to me," and "hope that my fans, especially those in Brooklyn, can accept my apology."

Apology accepted, Duke.  And now the United States officially forgives you and Willie for these indiscretions.  Heck, I am fairly certain fans forgave them a long time ago.  Nevertheless, this act by the President is an awfully nice gesture.  I am sure the family of Duke Snider, who passed away in 2011, appreciates this.

(HAT TIP: Rich Mueller at SCD)

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Blog Kiosk: 1/18/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

With Spring around the corner I can't help but be excited when I see a vintage spring training photograph like the one above.  (eBay Auction Link) Featured are five Dodger pitchers showing off for the camera while training at Dodgertown, dated February 25, 1953.  It was taken by noted International News and soon-to-be Sports Illustrated photographer Herb Scharfman.  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Posing prettily here at the Brooklyn Dodgers Vero Beach camp are the five top flingers of the Dodgers/  In Front: Russ Meyer, latest acquisition; and Carl Erskine (right).  Rear: (from left) Joe Black, Billy Loes and Preacher Roe.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 2011 the Dodgers signed veteran free agent outfielder Gabe Kapler as a non-roster invitee.  Unfortunately, he didn't make the team and would subsequently be released at the end of March.  As you know, he would soon retire and make his mark in the Baseball front office.
• Happy Birthday, Eddie Moore, Len Koenecke, Billy Grabarkewitz, Brian Falkenborg & Mike Lieberthal!