More Robinson Memorabilia at Jackie Robinson Foundation Auction

Following the numerous post I've put up over the past couple days, here are some more interesting memorabilia related directly to Jackie Robinson available at Goldin's current Jackie Robinson Foundation auction.

This is a rarity. Above is a Jackie Robinson game-used 1955 World Series bat. (auction link) As was custom, Hillerich & Bradsby created this series specific custom bat for Jackie to use. Below is a circa 1955-56 Brooklyn Dodger cap attributed to Jackie Robinson. (auction link)

A Wesleyan Yearbook with Branch Rickey and Charles Thomas - Where Baseball Integration First Entered Rickey's Mind

The yearbook you see above doesn't look like much, but it holds within it an important story relevant to this weekends Jackie Robinson Day. Featured above is a 1905 “Le Bijou” Ohio Wesleyan University yearbook -- the school where Dodger General Manager Branch Rickey first got the idea that Baseball should not have a color line. (auction link) Best yet, there is an fantastic team photo of the schools Baseball team that includes Rickey and a certain fellow who is the main subject of this story -- an African-American ballplayer named Charles Thomas.

Diamondbacks Series Starts on Friday - Stadium Giveaways and Other Stuff!

The next series starts on Friday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.   Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

I am considering discontinuing this series of post focused on homestand information. Unfortunately, the Dodgers will likely not be providing the same kind of detail they had in the past about each upcoming homestand. So, the below info does not include, for the most part, first pitch, pregame ceremony, Military Hero of the Game, and other interesting information.

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Friday, April 14th at 7:10 PM

Zack Greinke vs. Clayton Kershaw

SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Blog Kiosk: 4/14/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Cold bats on a cold day continue to hamper the Dodgers. Yesterday, they could not muster a hit when they needed it most. They went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position; which only added to their woes against the Cubs. Over the pasty three games they are 1-for-24 with runners in scoring position. Ironically, 1-for-24 equates to a 0.042 average -- maybe the Baseball gods are having a bit of fun with us as we enter Jackie Robinson weekend. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“When you’ve got to have that hit to push a couple across, we haven’t got it yet. I know it’s not for lack of effort. Maybe a little (wanting it) too much.” — Dave Roberts

The Dodgers got blanked, 4-0. Ryu struggled through 4 2/3 inning, allowing two home runs with the wind blowing in. Per John Jackson at MLB.com:

"The velocity was a little bit down today," Roberts said. "He touched 91 [mph] but pitched at 87, 88. I thought he left a couple of fastballs out over [the plate], one to Rizzo and one to Russell. I thought the changeup was really good.

Photo at the very top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1931 47-year old Brooklyn Robins hurler Jack Quinn becomes the oldest pitcher to start an Opening Day game. He would lose to the Boston Braves, 7-4. In 1964 Sandy Koufax made his only Opening Day start for the Dodgers. He faced the St. Louis Cardinals and threw a six-hit shutout, 4-0. It is also his ninth career complete game without allowing a walk.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Radtke, Greg Maddux, Mike Trombley, Brad Ausmus & Carlos Perez!