Rockies Series Starts on Thursday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Thursday against the Colorado Rockies. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand; including autograph guest. Here are some important links:

• 2017 Broadcast Schedule
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 

The Chili Colorado Dog will be available for this homestand only against Rockies at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features an all-beer dog with chile Colorado, corn relish, sour cream and cotija cheese. See it on the right.

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Thursday, September 7th at 7:10 PM

TV: MLBN (out-of-market only), SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Thursday's game starts at 7:10 PM. Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM.

It is Law Enforcement Appreciation Night at Dodger Stadium. Folks who ordered a special ticket package will get an exclusive Law Enforcement Appreciation Night mug. See that on the left. This event is already sold out.

Honor Guard will be provided by the California Highway Patrol Southern Division Honor Guard.

Welcome to the Blue, Walker Buehler!

The Dodgers consensus #1 prospect is officially heading to Los Angeles, and frankly that's amazing. In fact, I find it difficult to wrap my head around it. I say this because right-handed hurler Walker Buehler -- just drafted in 2015 -- spent most of last year in the DL due to Tommy John surgery and has since thrown only 93 professional innings in his career. Now, he's preparing to play on a Major League ballfield.

As you likely know, Buehler is a starter, but was converted to relief duty just recently to allow him this opportunity to pitch for Los Angeles this season. Also, ever mindful of his recent Tommy John surgery, this change keeps his total innings down. In spite of those worries, though, his stuff is apparently too good not to have in LA. Per Joshua Thornton at MLB.com:

"He's had a very quick ascension," Roberts said of the 23-year-old Buehler. "He's ultra, ultra competitive and ultra talented."

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Turner, Hershiser and Hough

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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2017 Topps Definitive Collection - All the Dodgers Cards

Here is a look at most of the Dodger cards found in packs of Topps newest Baseball card brand -- known as 2017 Topps Definitive Collection. It hit stores last week. Go here for a complete checklist.

This is a high-end product that consist of only hits -- all cards either have an autograph, relic or both. A single box has one pack of eight cards, and it'll cost about $1,000 for that pack. Obviously, these boxes are not for the weary.

I especially like the Autograph Inscription cards that include a personal note written by the player. From what I can tell, Clayton Kershaw has at least two different inscription cards available. I am unsure if the other players available have multiple inscriptions in packs.

Base Autograph Relic

• #ARC-JU Julio Urias -- Redemption Card

#ARC-CK Clayton Kershaw             #ARC-CSE Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 9/6/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Ryu was good last night. Unfortunately, Dodger bats continue to struggle -- and also Pedro Baez... Ugh! Per Steve Gilbert and Joshua Thornton at MLB.com:

"I thought Ryu came out and pitched really well for us," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "Zack matched him pitch for pitch, we really couldn't muster anything outside that home run ball from Yasmani. The scoring opportunities really are not presenting themselves. You just got to continue to grind and make our own breaks."

Baez, on the other hand, has been terrible his last three outings -- all of which were in September. During his past three games he has faced ten batters, given up seven hits (including three homers), two walks and struck out one. Also, he's allowed five runs to cross the plate, and it can be argued that we was the principal reason for the Dodger loses during those three games. Nevertheless, I still believe Baez is a better option out of the pen than most of our other relievers.

Photo above of Hyun-Jin Ryu via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1943 the Dodgers signed 19-year old amateur free agent Gil Hodges out of  St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, IN. In 1950 Don Newcombe started both ends of a doubleheader against the Phillies at Shibe Park. In Game 1 he threw a complete game three-hit shutout. In Game 2 he left the game behind by two runs in the seventh inning. The Dodgers would eventually win that game, as well, on a three-run single in the ninth inning by Gil Hodges. In 1953 Giants manager and Dodger-traitor Leo Durocher is heard yelling "stick it in his ear" before pitcher Ruben Gomez struck Dodger Carl Furillo on the wrist with a pitch. As Furillo took first base he suddenly sprinted to the dugout to get at Durocher. In the subsequent melee Furillo fractures a finger -- ending his season. In 1976 catcher Steve Yeager is injured in the on-deck circle when a jagged end of Bill Russell's broken bat struck him in the throat. It pierced his esophagus, necessitating surgery. Soon thereafter, Dodger trainer Bill Buhler invented a device that hung down from a catchers mask to protect a players throat. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela threw his seventh shutout as a rookie -- tying a National League record. In 1996 the ever popular Brett Butler defied the odds to return on the field for the first time after being diagnosed with cancer of the tonsils, having surgery and intensive radiation therapy earlier in the year.
• Happy Birthday, Oyster Burns, Pete Gilbert, George Hildebrand & Del Bissonette!