Blog Kiosk: 11/30/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I don't know if I've ever seen a photo like this of Ebbets Field. Featured above is said to be a 1956 UPI press photo showing a gaggle of Brooklyn Dodger fans milling about within the bowels of Ebbets Field (eBay Auction Link).

Clearly under that stadium grandstands, there appears to be a ticket sales booth in the background and a large advertisement telling fans to send your kin to Dodgertown Camp in Vero Beach over the winter.

"For The Summer of His Life"

Best yet, a 'No Gambling' sign is seen, as well.

The only other photo I've seen of the innards of the historic stadium was of the famed rotunda, so this pic is a welcomed change. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1952, on a local NBC TV program called "Youth Wants to Know," Jackie Robinson charged that the New York Yankees management is racist for its failure to scout, sign and bring up black players. GM George Weiss of the Yanks denied the allegations, saying that the team welcomed black ballplayers, "good enough to make the team." (The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 12/1/1952, p. 11)  Elston Howard would become New York's first black player in 1955. In 1995 the Dodgers signed free agent shortstop Greg Gagne to a two-year $5.6 Million contract. The speedy infielder slashed .253/.315/.359/.673 with an 1.9 WAR for Los Angeles.
• Happy Birthday, Tacks Latimer, Win Ballou, Gary Wayne, Clyde Sukeforth & Shane Victorino! 

2018 Topps Gallery - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Here is a last look at the Dodgers' found in packs of Topps 2018 Gallery brand. Featured below are most of the various inserts that are available. You can check out the base cards here.

Of note, the original drawings used to create these cards are randomly inserted into packs. So far, I've only seen the Joc Pederson drawing (see it below) and it can be purchased on eBay for $149.99 (link here).

Check out the Dodgers' inserts below.

Base Autographs

#9 Tim Locastro              #10 Alex Verdugo

2018 Sportkings - All the Dodgers Cards

Here is a look at all the Dodgers' available in the multi-sport 2018 Sportskings brand made by Sage. Go here for a complete checklist.

There are cards from Dodger legends Don Newcombe and Don Drysdale, and I included cards from Don's wife Ann Meyers Drysdale -- who happens to be a legendary UCLA basketball player. Heck, she was the first and only woman to have every signed a professional contract with an NBA team - Indiana Pacers.

Check out all the cards below.

Base

#20 Ann Meyers Drysdale

#24 Don Newcombe           #30 Don Drysdale

Blog Kiosk: 11/29/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a brand new online exclusive card being made available through Topps. It is a holiday advent card set and up for sale is a Clayton Kershaw card (see it above on the right). It's a 20 card set with each card being made available on separate days. The Kershaw sale closes today. Go here for more information.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 the Dodgers trade two-time batting champ Tommy Davis and outfielder Derrell Griffith to the Mets for infielder Ron Hunt and outfielder 'Gentleman' Jim Hickman, who leaves New York as the franchise's all-time home run leader with 60. In 2010 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Juan Uribe to a three-year $21 million contract, He would soon become a fan favorite.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Orengo, Irv Noren, Brian Holton & Vin Scully!

Blog Kiosk: 11/27/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As I'm sure you've heard by now, the Dodgers will be hiring former Dodger farmhand and recent Angels Bench Coach Dino Ebel to be their 3rd base coach next season, per Bill Plunkett of the OC Register on twitter. He has a long history with the Dodgers, so his return is likely to be heralded. Per Craig Minami at True Blue LA:

He played and coached in the California League and then he began to just coach for the San Antonio Missions, the Dodger affiliate in the Texas League in 1996. 

Ebel started his minor-league managerial career for San Bernardino in 1997 and then managed the Dodger Rookie-League team in Great Falls in 1998. He would manage teams in the Northwest, California, South Atlantic and Southern Leagues for the next five seasons until he left the Dodger organization at the end of the 2004 season.

Featured above are two minor league cards of Dino. On the left is a 1991 ProCards and on the right is a 1993 Cal League card. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 Roy Campanella is the named the National League MVP for the second time in his career. He slashed .312/.395/.611/1.006 with 41 homer runs, a league leading 142 RBI's and recorded 7.1 WAR. In 1956 Don Newcombe was awarded the inaugural Cy Young Award, going 27-7 with a 3.06 ERA. A week prior he was given both the MVP and Rookie of the Year Awards; thereby becoming the first and only player to win all three major awards for a pitcher in one season.
• Happy Birthday, Jimmy Schmitz, Mike Scioscia & Jimmy Rollins!

2018 Topps Now - #RC10 - Walker Buehler All-Star Team Topps Trophy Card

As you may know, Walker Buehler was named to the Topps All-Star Rookie Team, and as such will have the heralded "Rookie Cup" emblem emblazoned on his Topps flagship card next season. You can see that "Rookie Cup" in the pic above. In celebration of this Topps has issued a 2018 Topps Now card of him. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Walker Buehler dazzled in 2018 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, posting an 8-5 record while having a 2.62 ERA. Buehler pitched an impressive 137.1 innings in his first full year and struck out 151 batters. Buehler was a key part of the success the Dodgers had in reaching the 2018 Postseason and winning their sixth consecutive NL West Division title.

2018 Topps Holiday Bowman - All the Dodgers Cards

In addition to the Topps Holiday cards being sold at Walmart (link here) Topps has also brought back their 2018 Bowman Holiday card. It is an local hobby shop exclusive giveaway that officially began on Friday, November 16th. At participating stores you would get a free pack of 2018 Topps Holiday Bowman Baseball cards with a purchase of $10 or more.

The Base set includes 100 cards and the card design is the same as it's 2018 Bowman brand -- with a Topps Holiday 2018 logo at the corner. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base 

#TH-AV Verdugo            #TH-CK Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 11/20/2018 - Dodgers Links - Congrats, Adrián!

Congrats on a fantastic career!

As I'm sure you've heard by now, former Dodger phenom and future Hall of Famer Adrián Beltré has announced his retirement from the game. I have always loved this guy and will always consider him a Dodger. That said, when he enters the hallowed hall of Cooperstown in five years time he'll likely be wearing the cap from Texas, and I couldn't be prouder. He belongs there (no matter what hat he wears), and as much as I hate that he didn't spend more time in Dodger Blue I can't help but feel happy for his accomplishments. He was one of my all-time favorites, and this Dodger fan can do nothing but tip my cap to him.

BTW, you can watch Beltré's first hit and RBI, as called by Vin Scully, here. It was against Angels hurler Chuck Finley on June 24, 1998. Also, Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts put up a great piece this morning on Adrián that I thought worth check out. You can also read Beltré's retirement letter here, via a tweet from the Rangers.

Photo above via @MLB on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2011 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Luis Cruz. He would have a career year in Dodger Blue; slashing .297/.322/.431/.753 with six homers and 40 RBI's in 2012. In 2014 the Dodgers acquired relievers Adam Liberatore and Joel Peralta from the Tampa Bay Rays for Greg Harris and Jose Dominguez. 
• Happy Birthday, Leon Cadore, Rube Ehrhardt, Jay Johnstone, Rick Monday, JD Drew & Alex Guerrero!

2018 Topps Holiday - All the Dodgers Cards

With the holidays practically here, it is now time to talk about some of the various sets being put out to celebrate the festivities. First, here's a look at the 2018 Topps Holiday Baseball card set -- a Walmart exclusive.

A limited edition 10 pack box is avialable that includes a 200 card base set with a snowflake graphic in the background. You are also guaranteed one hit (Autograph, Relic or Auto Relic card). Check out what the box looks like on the right. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

Base

#HMW9 Chris Taylor

#HMW30 Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 11/19/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

With surgery looming, Kenley Jansen spent part of this past weekend at 14th annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway at Dodger Stadium. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"This shows you how great this organization is, and it's awesome to be a part of it," Jansen said. "We're putting smiles on people's faces and helping them enjoy their holidays."

Kenley is slated to have heart surgery next week, November 26th. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“It’s health first and make sure everything is good,” Jansen said. “I want to be back healthy and perform here again and try and help the Dodgers win ballgames.”

Photo above via Kenley Jansen on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1992 Dodgers first baseman Eric Karros is named the National League Rookie of the Year. He slashed .257/.304/.426/.730 with 20 home runs and 88 RBI's. In 1993 the Dodgers made one of the worse trades in their history. They sent starting pitcher and future Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez to the Expos for infielder Delino DeShields. In 2015 the Dodgers signed free agent utilityman Charlie Culberson. He would go on to play a significant part in two pennant winning Dodger clubs. 
• Happy Birthday, Eddie Morgan & Roy Campanella!

2018 Topps Gallery - All the Dodgers Base Cards

This week saw the official release of Topps Gallery Baseball -- an online and Walmart exclusive card brand. It features a 200 card base set of what is described as hand-painted portraits. Check out all of the Dodger base cards below. Go here to check out a complete checklist. As I said, they can be found only on the store-shelves of your local Walmart. You can also order boxes direct from Topps here. At this time only the 7-pack value boxes are available - the 20 pack hobby boxes are sold out. BTW, poster sized versions of these cards are also available directly from Topps. Go here to check those out.

Base

#9 Tim Locastro            #10 Alex Verdugo

#18 Yasiel Puig                 #34 Chris Taylor

Blog Kiosk: 11/16/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I can't wait for spring.

Featured above is a 1942 Spring Training pic during a Dodgers trip to Havana, Cuba. You can see shortstop Pee Wee Reese comically stepping over some bats at La Tropical Stadium. Photo found at CubanBéisbol.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1961 the expansion New York Mets unveiled a circular logo that includes the team colors of the two teams who skipped town just a few years before -- it has Dodger Blue and Giants orange. In 1966 Sandy Koufax missed out on winning his second MVP award by ten votes to Pirates outfielder Roberto Clemente. As you know, this would be Koufax's last major league season. 
• Happy Birthday, Joe Strauss, Glenn Burke & Julio Lugo!

Blog Kiosk: 11/15/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I yearn for Spring Training.

Here is another spring pic (eBay auction link) from Dodgertown in Vero Beach. It features grizzled vet Duke Snider taking some rips at the plate. It is dated on the reverse to January 6, 1961, but that couldn't be right. I can't imagine he, or any ballplayer, would be in Florida this early. Also, does anybody know who the coach is in the background - likely hitting grounders to eager infielders?

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1962 Dodger Hall of Famer Don Drysdale is named the NL Cy Young Award winner.  He went 25-9 with an 2.83 ERA, 19 complete games and 232 strike outs.  In 1988 Dodgers outfielder and legend Kirk Gibson was named the NL MVP. He lead the Dodgers to an unexpected World Series Championship -- slashing .290/.377/.483/.860 with 25 home runs, 76 RBI's and an untold number of highlights throughout the season. In 2016 Dave Roberts is named the winner of the Manager of the Year Award in the National League. The rookie skipper records a 97-71 record to finish 1st in the NL West.
• Happy Birthday, Pat Ragan, Jay Partridge, Mickey Livingston, Jack Smith & Pedro Borbón!

Blog Kiosk: 11/14/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Hollywood Stars Game was the best. Featured above are 1981 participants John Ritter and Ann Jillian, found on eBay.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1979 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher David Goltz to a six-year $3MM contract. The former eight-year Twins veteran went 9-19 with a 4.25 ERA in three season with the team before being release in 1982. In 2016 Corey Seager is the unanimous winner of the National League Rookie of the Year award.
• Happy Birthday, Harry Howell, Red Sheridan, Jim Brewer & Tim Hamulak!

Blog Kiosk: 11/13/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

If I could name a 'Captain' on the Dodgers it would be Justin Turner. He, along with several other Dodgers' spent yesterday afternoon with 400 military veterans and their families at Dodger Stadium. Per Doug Padilla at MLB.com:

"Being Veterans Day, Veterans Weekend, having a chance to give a little bit of time to say thank you and spend time with the men and women that sacrifice their life, their family, their time to go defend our country is a no-brainer for me," said Turner, who also visited fire evacuation centers in the Los Angeles area last week. "I would have not been anywhere else.
...
"For me, my guy is Justin Turner, because every time I see him, I'm always watching him and he's always saluting the vets and he's always into the vets," Ortega said. "So that's my favorite player right there. He is a good teammate, and it reminds me of all the guys I was with [in the Army]. It was all about teamwork."

Pic above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1974 Steve Garvey was named the National League MVP; receiving 13 of 22 first-place votes. Lou Brock was the runner-up. In 2003 Eric Gagne becomes the ninth reliever to be named a Cy Young winner. He recorded 55 consecutive saves this season. In 2014 Clayton Kershaw becomes the first pitcher to win the National League MVP award since Bob Gibson of the Cardinals in 1968. He received 18 of 30 first place votes.
• Happy Birthday, Andrew Friedman, Moose Clabaugh, Alex Kampouris, Steve Lembo, Steve Bilko, Wes Parker, Tony Abreu & Carlos Frias!

2018 Topps Triple Threads - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Here is a look at most of the Dodgers inserts available in packs of 2018 Triple Threads. Go here to check out the Dodgers base cards.

On a side note, it always seems like I learn something new when I see the Triple Threads Relics. As you know, these cards include three game-used uniform relic pieces framed to say some phrase unique to the player.

For instance, Clayton Kershaw has a card that includes the phrase, "12-0 1.70 ERA". This is meant to reflect a remarkable streak he had during the 2017 season where he went 16 consecutive games - from May 6th to September 1st - and went 12-0 with a 1.70 ERA.

A second Kershaw card, though had me totally confused. What the heck is a Lid-Lifter? Until this past week, I had never heard of this phrase, and the description on the reverse of the card didn't help me out. It says:

Clayton made his franchise-record eighth Opening Day start in 2018. He suffered his first loss despite allowing just one run, but went 2-for-2 at the plate.

Huh?

Fortunately, a quick Wiktionary search unearthed an answer. A Lid-Lifter is sports slang for the first game played. Hence, the Opening Day reference seen above.

I'd love to know how this idiom came to be. If you happen to know please pass that knowledge along.

Triple Threads Relic

#TTR-CKRS1 Clayton Kershaw      #TTR-CKRS2 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 11/12/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

A contingent of three Dodgers - Chris Taylor, Kike Hernandez & Kenta Maeda - are in the Japan All-Star Series, and they appear to be having a great time. Per Alyson Footer at MLB.com:

"The fans have been amazing so far," Hernandez said to the crowd. "Japan has always been a place that I have wanted to come visit. I get to experience this amazing culture that you have here. Playing at the Tokyo Dome has been great."

Per Kenta Maeda:

"It's been a little while since I've pitched in that stadium (Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium)," Maeda said. "I want to show all my fans in Japan something that they would enjoy. I'll do my best to get as many hitters out as I can and have a good performance."

Pic above via Kike Hernandez on Instagram. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1986 the Dodgers officially released longtime shortstop Bill Russell -- in order to facilitate his recent retirement from the game. He had an 18-year career with Los Angeles and ranked second in franchise history for games played (behind Brooklyn Dodger Zack Wheat). In 2014 Clayton Kershaw is the unanimous winner of the National League Cy Young Award. It is his third Cy Young. He went 21-3 with an 1.77 ERA, 1.81 FIP, six complete games and two shutouts. He will be named the MVP the next day.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Ryan, Red Evans & Greg Gagne!

2018 Topps Triple Threads - The Dodgers Base Cards

One of the hobbies favorite brands hit store shelves this week. It is Topps Triple Threads and featured below are the six Dodger base cards found in packs. Go here for a complete check list. I should have pics of many of the inserts next week.

Base

#6 Manny Machado           #16 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 11/9/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

If I were Leo I wouldn't want that guy angry at me.

Featured above is a promotional photo showing legendary Dodger manager Leo Durocher with Herman Munster (Fred Gwynne), dated April 4, 1965. (eBay link) As you may know, they filmed an episode of The Munsters where Herman came out for a Baseball tryout. Watch a snippet of the episode here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1998 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Devon White. He would play two season in Los Angeles before being traded to the Brewers for Marquis Grissom in 2001. As a Dodger he slashed .267/.330/.402/.732. In 2001 the Dodgers received left-handed starting pitcher Omar Daal from the Phillies for Eric Junge and Jesus Cordero. Thirty-year old Daal would go on to have a decent year for the Dodgers. He went 11-9 with an 3.90 ERA in 161.1 innings, 105 strikeouts, 54 walks and a 1.3 WAR.
• Happy Birthday, Zach Neal, Judge McCredie, Harvey Hendrick, Johnny Gooch & Dick Whitman!

2018 Topps Archives Snapshots - All the Dodgers Cards

For the third year in a row Topps has released their online exclusive 2018 Topps Archives Snapshots brand, and they hit collectors mailboxes last week. Below are pics of all the Dodgers cards found in boxes. Go here for a complete checklist. BTW, boxes can still be purchased online direct from Topps. A box will cost $25 and you get eleven cards; including one autograph. Go here to check that out.

Base  

#AS-AV Alex Verdugo         #AS-CH Charlie Hough

Blog Kiosk: 11/8/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Awesome! Japan clearly has better mascots than we do. Pic above via NotSWCT on twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1990 Darryl Strawberry signed a five-year $22.25 million free agent contract to play for his hometown Dodgers. This was huge news back in the day. Unfortunately, he would not fare well in Dodger Blue. 
• Happy Birthday, John Farrow, Tony Cuccinello, Eric Anthony, Henry Rodríguez, Víctor Álvarez, Darwin Barney, José Offerman, Nick Punto and Yasmani Grandal!

Topps Living Set - #104 - Alex Verdugo

This new Alex Verdugo card makes it the eighth Dodger to be issued in Topps Living Baseball card set -- which seems like an awful lot considering there are only 105 cards available in the set so far. Nevertheless, this Dodger fan welcomes the future Dodger outfielder. Just last week I picked up my first Dodgers' Living Set card on eBay - it was of Yasiel Puig - and I am very happy with it. I think I'll be adding the rest of the set to my collection soon. BTW, you can often find them on eBay at prices well below what they cost directly from Topps.

Campanella Played the Outfield? -- Vintage Dodger Correspondence at Huggins & Scott Auctions

Here's a little bit of Dodger history found at Higgins and Scott Auctions. Featured above is a December 9, 1947 letter written by minor league catcher Roy Campanella to a chap named Al -- who is assumed to be then Dodger scout Al Campanis. (Auction Link Here)

Hi Al, 

Just a few lines to say I am well & getting along fine & also hope you are doing the same. Our team is in first place, with a two & half game lead. Newcombe hasn’t lost a game as yet, won his first five starts. 

Sal Ragovin [sic] is here also, we beat him last Sunday two to nothing, it was his first loss in five games. Max Surkont arrived here last week, he is playing with the same team Ragovin [sic] is on. 

Drop me a line, when you get time. What is this talk about me, playing the outfield?  (emphasis mine) Write by air mail $.10. 

As always, Campy.

2018 Topps High Tek - The Dodgers Insert Cards

Here's a look at the handful of Dodger inserts found in packs of 2018 Topps High Tek. Go here to check out the base cards.

High Tek Autographs

• #HT-CK Clayton Kershaw -- Redemption Card
• #HT-SK Sandy Koufax -- Redemption Card

#HT-AV Alex Verdugo       #HT-WB Walker Buehler

Blog Kiosk: 11/7/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I love the look of satisfaction on the face of Dodgers manager Walter Alston in the International News press photo above, dated October 6, 1955 (eBay auction link). It was taken following the Dodgers first world championship -- after all the parties and celebration throughout Brooklyn. Per the description attached to the reverse:

Hail and Farewell -- Brooklyn Manager Walkter Alston, carrying his baggage and a few bats, takes a last look over Ebbets Field before leaing for a long vacation. Brooklynites nursed the father of all hangovers as a result of the cataclysmic celebration that followed the Dodgers winning the first World Series in the history of the borough.

I know, one day, I'll know this feeling too. Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Joe Hatten, Dick Stuart, Rich Rodas & Orlando Mercado!

2018 Topps Now - #OS19 - Walker Buehler is ROY Finalist

Two years ago Corey Seager won the NL ROY Award. Last year Cody Bellinger took home that trophy. Now, it's potentially Walker Buehler's turn to make it three Dodgers in a row. Unfortunately, he's got some major competition. Announced yesterday, Buehler, Nationals outfielder Juan Soto and Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. are vying for the 2018 Rookie of the Year crown. In celebration of these three finalist Topps has made a 2018 Topps Now card for each of them. Featured here is Buehler's card. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Following a brilliant 2018 campaign, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler was nominated as a finalist for the National League Rookie Of The Year Award on November 5, 2018.

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2018 Piece of the Game Baseball Authentic Masterpieces by Monty Sheldon

This just might be the greatest Baseball product ever conceived.

No, seriously! This is incredible! Unbelievable! It's fantastically rare and wonderfully artistic. Heck, it's hard to believe any product could ever get better than this. Unfortunately, you have to be filthy rich to buy it. In fact, this product is geared towards the box-breaker phenomenon - so as to share and alleviate the hurt a complete box would cost you.

Featured here is the 2018 Piece of the Game Baseball Authentic Masterpieces that consist solely of one-of-a-kind game-used and autographed painted Baseballs by noted artist Monty Sheldon. There are only 15 total boxes being made and each box consist of 10 painted Baseballs. So, there are only 150 Baseballs available for the collecting public. Go here for a complete checklist. You can also check out more pics here.

Puig Kisses as Fantasy Custom Baseball Cards

There is no doubt in my mind that their respect and affection for each other is real.

As you surely know by now, Dodger batting coach Turner Ward is heading to Cincinnati to take over hitting duties for the Reds next season. As a result, the age of the 'Puig Kiss' is now over. Never again will we get to enjoy the wonder of sloppy wet-ones in the Dodger dugout. Well... At least, we won't be seeing Yasiel Puig manhandling Turner Ward again. And since it's likely all of Dodger Nation will miss this spontaneous love affair I thought it appropriate to make a bunch of fantasy custom Baseball cards to commemorate it.

Blog Kiosk: 11/6/2018 - Dodgers Links - Vote! It's Election Day!

Here's another Spring Training pic from yesteryear, as found on eBay. Dated March 7, 1950 and taken by the legendary Herb Scharfman, we see six Dodgers all vying for an opening at the third base position that upcoming season. Per the description on the reverse:

All Pulling for the Same Job
Vero Beach, FLA... There are plenty of strings attached to the third base job with the Brooklyn Dodgers as these six candidates try the position at the Vero Beach camp of the Bums. Left to right: Bob Morgan, Clarence (Buddy) Hicks, Johnny Jorgenson, Billy Cox, Everett (Rocky) Bridges and Eddie Miksis.

As you may know, rookie Bobby Morgan was the Opening Day starter, but eventually lost the starting job to Billy Cox by mid-season. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1974 Dodgers hurler Dr. Mike Marshall becomes the first reliever to win a Cy Young award. He had set a MLB record for appearances at 106 and innings pitched for a reliever at 208.1. That's right, a reliever threw over 200 innings and got into over 65% of all Dodger games that season. In 1996 Dodger outfielder Todd Hollandsworth is named the winner of the Rookie of the Year award. He is the fifth consecutive Dodger to win this award and the 16th overall in franchise history. In 2006 Dodger fan Charles Littleton, a 22-year old Saginaw Valley State University student, is TASERed by Saginaw (MI) police when he refuses to remove his Dodger cap during a City Council meeting. He is there to receive extra credit for a sociology class. See a news report here. In 2014 the Dodgers officially hire Zaidi Farhan to be their new General Manager. He takes over a  position previously held by Ned Colletti. 
• Happy Birthday, Bob Darnell, John Candelaria & Chad Curtis!