Blog Kiosk: 9/21/2018 - Dodgers Links - Welcome to the Blue, Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss!

This bit of news just came out of left field yesterday. It was announced that a brand new addition has been made to the Dodgers ownership group. Tennis champions and longtime partners Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss are joining the franchise. Per a Dodger press release:

“As someone born, raised and educated in Southern California, it is an honor to be part of the Dodger ownership group,” King said. “Mark Walter and the entire Dodger organization are a first-class operation that have proven to be leaders in sports on and off the field of play. We share a commitment to equality and inclusion, including the LGBTQ community, and we hope to further expand the team’s efforts in those areas as we move forward together.” 

“I have been fortunate to work closely with Mark and Kimbra Walter on some projects, and I’m looking forward to being part of the Dodgers’ ownership group and helping the team expand its reach with new audiences,” Kloss added. “I hope to work with the team at a variety of levels and I share the organization’s proven commitment to excellence on the field and in the community.”

This just seems right. What other franchise in all of sports has done more to break down barriers?

Welcome to the Blue, ladies!

BTW, they will both be introduced to the fans prior to tonight's game against the Padres. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 Cardinals starter Paul "Daffy" Dean ho-hit the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field, 3-0. In 1952 the Boston Braves play their last home game in Boston in a game against Brooklyn. Of the 8,822 fans on-hand most are rooting for the Dodgers. The Braves would move to Milwaukee the next season. In 1997 Mike Piazza becomes the first Dodger, and the first player in 25 years, to hit a home run out of Dodger Stadium. He whacked it off Rockies pitcher Frank Castillo over the Left Field Pavilion, and it is said to have traveled 478 feet. Willie Stargell was the last player to do it before Piazza. You can watch the monstrous homer here.
• Happy Birthday, Frank McManus, Max Butcher & Manuel Barrios!
• Video: Matt Kemp was on the Jimmy Kimmel Live last night -- He chats a bit about being traded, coming back, his bobblehead and the current Dodgers playoff run (Video Link).
• Fun stuff! Per Jake Mintz at Cut4; "Joc Pederson and Kyle Farmer played fetch with their dogs in the Dodger Stadium outfield."
• Video: Do you know these robbers? As you know, Yasiel Puig recently had his home broken into for a fourth time. Now, the LAPD has released a video of the cuplrits. Watch it here.
• Cecil Cooperstown shares a drawing of a Bill Bergen T205 Baseball card.
• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA shares his report from last nights Author Series at the South Pasadena Library featuring Ned Colletti and Dodgers historian Mark Langill.
• ICYMI: Jaime Jarrín has signed a two-year contract extension to remain with the club until the 2020 season. Per a Dodger press release:

“It seems like it was just yesterday that I was at the Coliseum in 1959 and started my work with the Dodgers, the time goes so fast. I’m still enjoying it just as much as I did 60 years ago. I love what I do, and it’s a privilege for me to be able to do it. I have had the opportunity to work with the best of the best, ballplayers, broadcasters and staff, and I have been so fortunate throughout my career. Of course, I have to thank the Dodgers and especially my wife Blanca for her support and for allowing me to do what I love all these years.”

“Jaime Jarrín is a Hall of Famer in every sense of the word, and the Dodgers are lucky to have had him behind the mic for the past 60 years as he’s chronicled the greatest moments in Los Angeles history with his unique storytelling and iconic style,” said Lon Rosen, Dodger Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “We’re thrilled that Jaime is returning with this multi-year contract extension and are looking forward to celebrating him Friday night.”

• Per Jorge Castillo at the LA Times; "Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is 'betting on' Kenta Maeda becoming a bullpen weapon again."

“Obviously, in the ’pen, [that’s] the best we’ve seen him,” Roberts said. “It’s still that transition he’s trying to get used to. But as far as the conviction with the fastball, attacking hitters, and that slider, with the depth, we had him go against their best and it was really exciting to see. It was great to see him that emotional.”

• Per Mark Whicker at the OC Register; "Dylan Floro has been a Titan in the Dodgers bullpen."

With the Dodgers, Floro has significantly changed his patterns. He featured sinkers and changeups before. Now he’s relying on four-seamers and sliders.

“I still throw some changeups, but in this role, I can’t afford to make any mistakes,” Floro said. “It’s better if I just go with the two pitches. Any pitch can decide the ballgame. 

“I tried to throw more four-seamers earlier in the year just to get hitters off my two-seamer, and I’ve basically been trying to throw the slider harder. Mainly it’s been nice to know I’m going to get chances even if I have a rough night, and I’ve had a couple of those.”

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