Legends of Dodger Baseball to be Unveiled Next Season

This is really exciting.

For years folks have clamored for the Dodgers to expand their "Ring of Honor" by adding more retired player numbers. Frequently, fans mention names like Fernando Valenzuela, Don Newcombe and Steve Garvey as those that should be there, but tradition set many moons ago would not allow it. As you know, only Hall of Famers get their number retired by the Dodgers, with one lone exception being beloved longtime player and coach Jim Gilliam (#19) -- who died of a brain hemorrhage just days before the start of the 1978 playoffs.

So, what's a club to do when they have so many heroes under its wings?

Create something new, of course.

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!