Dodgers Blue Heaven: Blog Kiosk: 3/6/2019 - Dodgers Links

Wednesday, March 06, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 3/6/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just another fantastic spring baseball photo. This time it's of a pitcher who many regard as one of the most underrated hurlers of the 30's.

Dated March 27, 1943. Ex-Dodger -- The Brooklyn Bums were visited by Larry French, formerly a member of their mound corps, recently at their Bear Mountain spring training camp. French, who is now a lieutenant junior grade with the US Navy, is reported seeking permission to play weekend ball with the Dodgers so that he might reach the 200-win mark before hanging up his spikes. Shaking hands with French is Manager Leo Durocher.

Unfortunately, Larry French did not receive such permission. Instead, he began his second career. Larry French would remain in the Navy for 27 years as both in active duty and as a Navy Reservist -- retiring in 1969 as a Captain. BTW, he participated in the invasion of Normandy in June 1944. Below are more links to check out:

This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 the Dodgers received first baseman Dolph Camilli from the Phillies for an outfielder named Eddie Morgan and $45,000. Camilli would spend the next six seasons in Brooklyn -- slashing an overall .270/.392/.497/.889 with 139 home runs, 572 RBI's and an WAR of 29.1. He would also be named the NL MVP in 1941. In 1948 the Dodgers traded second baseman Eddie Stanky to the Boston Braves. Stanky famously yelled at Phillies coach Ben Chapman during a game the season prior due to his racist insults directed at Jackie Robinson.
Happy Birthday, Frank Gatins, John McMakin, George Mohart, Doug Podbielan, Greg Hannahs, Terry Adams & Marcus Thames!
Video: Dave Roberts discusses the possibility of Clayton Kershaw not being ready for Opening Day after the lefty's throwing session (video link).
Video: Kenley Jansen discusses his recovery from heart surgery, Spring Training, his goals for 2019 and new teammate Joe Kelly (video link).
LA Dodger Talk takes a closer look at our minor league managers: "Dodgers Minor League Managers – Part One."
Per an AP Report at ESPN; "Bellinger agrees to $605K salary, raise of $20K."
Per Bill Plunkett at San Gabriel Valley Tribune/OC Register; "Ross Stripling comes to terms with his hybrid role with Dodgers."

“I get that,” Stripling said of the likelihood he would have a spot in the starting rotation for a number of teams less well-stocked than the Dodgers. “My response to that is, yeah, maybe I’d be a No. 3, 4 or 5 on a bunch of other teams. But a bunch of those teams will probably lose a bunch of games. We win 95 to 100 every year and that makes it worth it.”

Panini's Donruss Baseball brand hits stores this week, so their blog has a bunch of preview pics to gawk over. Go here to check them all out. Below is a Adrian Beltre card as a Dodger on the right.
Via Mike DiGiovanna at the San Diego Union Tribune; "A.J. Pollock out to prove he can be great for Dodgers, even if he isn't Bryce Harper."

“I get it,” Pollock said. “I’m sure every fan base would say, ‘Of course I want Bryce Harper,’ he’s a great player. But I don’t read too much into what fans are saying right now. I’m just doing my thing.

“I used to be the type of guy who would seek the approval of other people. I don’t really need any of that anymore. I just want to play ball to the best of my ability and help this ballclub win games.”

I just figured I'd pass this along. Angels Fox Sports reporter and former Ninja Warrior Alex Curry has a limited edition (only 500) bobblehead being released through Ultimate Pastime and The OC Dugout. You can purchase it here and get it autographed by her (date to still be determined). Check out her bobble on the right.
Night Owl Cards points out a couple of errors found on Dodger cards in this years Topps flagship set.
Per a PR release: "Chan Ho Park, Former LA Dodger and the Most Successful Asian-born MLB Pitcher, Joins SparkLabs Korea as a Venture Partner."

"When I was a player, becoming successful in the global market was always an important topic for me. I've always been interested in Korean startups who can potentially do well in the global market, this partnership with SparkLabs is more meaningful for me. I look forward to supporting startups in various ways through this partnership including investing in startups and attending SparkLabs’ demo days,” stated Chan Ho Park.