Check Out the Jackie Robinson Foundation Auction

This is a momentous week.  Saturday is the 70th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's first Major League game and to mark the occasion the Dodgers will dedicate their very first statue at Dodger Stadium in his honor.  You can see a preview of what that statue will look like on the right.

In addition, the Jackie Robinson Foundation has partnered up with Goldin Auctions to host the very first Jackie Robinson Foundation auction of rare and important memorabilia. Part of the proceeds from this sale will go directly to the foundation.

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Hershiser, Gibson and Lasorda on Saturday

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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Now this is an autograph signing for Dodger fans. This coming Saturday, Jackie Robinson Day, at the Sports Authentic store at the Puente Hills Mall, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, will be a trio of Dodger hero's from the 1988 World Series. Signing autographs will be Tommy Lasorda, Kirk Gibson and Orel Hershiser.  Go here for information. 

This is a pay signing event. Prices start at $59 for Hershiser, $79 for Gibson, and $99 for Lasorda.

I thought I would add one little note. I suspect all three of them will be at Dodger Stadium for the official dedication ceremony for the Jackie Robinson statue on that day. That ceremony is not open to the public and begins at 3:00 PM. So, I suspect that all three of them will leave promptly at 1:00 PM.

Sports Authentic store
Puente Hills Mall
South Azusa Avenue
City of Industry, CA

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Blog Kiosk: 4/12/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

A part of the famed George Michael Collection of Baseball sliding press photographs (eBay auction link), featured above is a 1952 United Press Photo of a soaring Jackie Robinson. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Both feet in the air, Brooklyn second baseman Jackie Robinson whips the ball to Gil Hodges at first after forcing Chicago Cubs' Hank Sauer out at second in the second inning of the Ebbets Field Contest, Sept. 11. Jackie was too late for the double play. Sauer tried to advance to second on Toby Atwell's grounder.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1962 left-handed rookie Pete Richert made his major league debut by striking out the first six batters he faced -- tying records for strike outs in an inning (4 K's in the 3rd inning), successive strike outs by a pitcher in his major league debut, and consecutive strikeouts by a relief pitcher. 

"I had good stuff and somebody up there likes me," Richert said of his first big league game. "What I mean is that I always say a little prayer when I’m nervous and excited. And I was tonight as I started walking to the mound." 

• Happy Birthday, John Harkins, Mickey O'Neil, Walt Moryn, Vicente Romo, Paul LoDuca, Antonio Osuna & Justin Ruggiano!