Dodgers Blue Heaven: Blog Kiosk: 9/20/2019 - Dodgers Links

Friday, September 20, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 9/20/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is an undated, probably circa 1950's, press photo featuring several Dodger players celebrating at Ebbets Field (eBay auction link). As you can see, the players are surrounded by several stadium employees, complete in full Ebbets Field regalia. On the right are a couple of fans milling about. In fact, the fellow on the far right appears to have stolen a Brooklyn cap right off the head of an unsuspecting Dodger player. You can see the Dodger player (who I can't identify) reaching for his missing cap, and an usher forcefully grabbing for said cap.

Unfortunately, we don't have a description of the event to tell us more, but I think it's fair to say that you shouldn't be be like that guy.

Below are more links to check out:

This Day in Dodgers History: In 1907 the Dodgers are no-hit by Pirates rookie Nick Maddox, 2-1. In 1959 the Dodgers and Giants play the last ballgame ever at San Francisco's Seals Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Giants 8-2. The Giants would play at Candlestick Park the next season. In 1993 pinch-hitting machine Dave Hansen collected his 18th pinch-hit of the season to set a new franchise record. In 2011 Clayton Kershaw becomes the first Dodger twenty game winner since Ramon Martinez in 1990. He defeats the Giants 2-1.
Happy Birthday, Nelson Greene, Vic Lombardi & Chuck Dressen!
Via Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider -- "Lux, Gray earn Dodgers’ top minor league honors." They will be recognized on the field prior to the start of Saturday's game.
WooHoo! Per Mark Polishuk at MLB Trade Rumors -- "Stan Kasten: “I Am Completely Certain” Andrew Friedman Returns To Dodgers In 2020." Friedman has built a juggernaut.
Meet our two new Dodger overlords. As you likely know, the Dodgers have been selling shares (minority shares) of the club, and I think it's fair to say that they are going after investors who are also die-hard Dodger fans. In other words, these are folks will probably never sell. Anyway, the two new owners are retail magnet Robert Plummer of Illinois and local real estate investor Alan Smolinisky. Per a Dodger press report:

Alan Smolinisky

"I have been a fan of the Dodgers since my Little League days, and my involvement with the club is a dream come true,” said Plummer.

Plummer also operates and invests in real estate, hospitality, banking, agriculture, and other industries. One of his favorite real estate developments, “Ebbets Field,” in Edwardsville, Ill., has numerous streets named after Dodgers players and managers.
...

Robert Plummer

Alan Smolinisky is a Principal at Conquest Housing, a private investment company that operates in real estate, publicly traded securities and other entrepreneurial ventures. He also is the owner of the Palisadian-Post, the more than 90-year-old newspaper serving Pacific Palisades (Los Angeles).
...
“I’m a lifelong Dodger fan and to now be a part of their ownership group is an exciting opportunity and time for me and my family,” said Smolinisky.

This weeks Topps Throwback Thursday online exclusive card set features the 1988 Topps Baseball BIG design and includes Dodgers rookie catcher Will Smith. Check it out on the right. Go here to order.
Via Stephanie Apstein at Sports Illustrated -- "Former Dodgers GM and Lifelong Hockey Fan Ned Colletti Now Scouts for the Sharks."

“I saw [Dodgers president Stan Kasten] at Dodger Stadium yesterday,” says Colletti, a newly minted scout for the NHL’s San Jose Sharks. “He said, ‘I’m not surprised. I always wondered if your first love was baseball or hockey.’” Colletti laughs. “It’s probably a dead heat.”

We are starting to get preview Baseball cards for the upciming 2020 season. Cardboard Connection has pics from the 2020 Topps Tribute set -- including the Cody Bellinger card below. Go here to check out more. BTW, this brand will not be coming out til early February.