Matt Kemp Aggravates His Hamstring Injury and Breaks a Bat Over his Knee

Matt Kemp aggravated his hamstring injury in the 1st inning of tonight's game against the Brewers. Kemp scored from first base on Andre Ethier's double.  After Kemp scores, he breaks a bat over his knee in frustration.  Check out the video below:




True to the Blue!

A.J. Ellis, Juan Rivera, Javy Guerra, Kenley Jansen & Rubby De La Rosa Signing - Photos & Recap

On Saturday May 26, 2012, Hall of Fame Sports hosted one of their Dodger Days autograph sessions at Frank and Son Collectible Show.  Scheduled to sign were A.J. Ellis, Juan Rivera, Javy Guerra, Kenley Jansen and Rubby De La Rosa.  Although most of the players in attendance sign often at Camelback Ranch and Dodger Stadium, I decided to attend this signing.  I made the decision to go since I wasn't able to make it out to Spring Training this year.  It was a last minute decision and arrived at approximately 11:15 am just as A.J. Ellis and Juan Rivera were finishing up their sessions.

I was cutting it so close, Ellis and Rivera weren't even on stage anymore.  They were in the back signing items for the promoters.  I bought my autograph ticket and was escorted back stage to a corner where Ellis was a really nice guy and thanked me for coming out.  Since I was the only fan back there, I felt funny about busting out my camera and asking for a picture.  I was next escorted over to where Rivera was sitting signing baseballs and pictures for the promoters.  Rivera was a quiet but nice.

Javy Guerra and Kenley Jansen were signing on stage and there wasn't much of a line left so I walked right up.  Guerra and Jansen were also extremely nice and Guerra was pretty talkative asking how I was doing.  After about 20 more minutes, Rubby De La Rosa's session began.  There were approximately 30 people in line and the line moved rather quickly. 

I was in and out of Frank and Son in about an hour with my five autographs.  There wasn't much of a crowd and it definitely helped make the session an enjoyable one.

Javy Guerra

 Javy Guerra

Kenley Jansen

 Kenley Jansen

Rubby De La Rosa

A.J. Ellis signed 8x10

Juan Rivera signed 8x10

Javy Guerra signed 8x10

Kenley Jansen signed 8x10

Rubby De La Rosa signed 8x10

True to the Blue!

Matt Kemp and Juan Rivera Hit Homeruns for the Isotopes

Matt Kemp and Juan Rivera made rehab starts for the Albuquerque Isotopes last night.  Kemp's two run homerun & RBI single and Rivera's two-run shot helped the Isotopes beat the Oklahoma City RedHawks 11-9.  Both are expected to play five innings today before heading back to Los Angeles.

“I’ve been a great cheerleader the past couple weeks, It’s time for me to get back on the field and let other people start cheering for me again.” - Matt Kemp

To see the full story in the Albuquerque Journal click here

Even though the Dodgers have extended their lead in the National League West, it will be good to have Kemp back in the lineup soon!

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Scott Van Slyke

Photo Credit: Jon Soo Hoo

***POSTPONED***

This signing has been postponed due to Van Slyke being sent back to Triple-A

Saturday June 16, 2012

Scott Van Slyke

$29 - balls and flats up to & including 11x14

$39 - large flats, figurines, minis & equipment

$49 - helmets, bats & jerseys

$10 - inscriptions

Stage Time: TBA

This autograph session will take place at Frank & Son and is brought to you by Hall of Fame Sports and JD Legends Promotions.  See below for other Dodgers also signing on June 16th @ Frank & Son.

For Jerry Hairston Jr. info click here

For Jaime Jarrin info click here

True to the Blue!

A.J. Ellis Gets a Shaving Cream Pie to the Face

Photo Credit: Keith Birmingham/Pasadena Star News

Check out A.J.'s post game interview with Jim Watson from Fox Sports West.

A.J. gets a shaving cream pie to the face from Dee Gordon.

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Jaime Jarrin

Saturday June 16, 2012

Jaime Jarrin

"The Spanish Voice of the Dodgers"

1998 Hall of Fame inductee

$49 - balls and flats up to & including 11x14

$59 - large flats, figurines, minis & equipment

$69 - helmets, bats & jerseys

$20 - inscriptions

stage time: 11:30am - 1:00pm

This signing will take place at Frank & Son Collectible Show and is being brought to you by Hall of Fame Sports.  Check back later for more players to be announced. 

Also signing on June 16th is Jerry Hairston Jr. Click here to see my post

Dodger Signings on Saturday May 26th - Reminder

A.J. Ellis - for info click here

Juan Rivera - for info click here

Javy Guerra, Rubby De La Rosa & Kenley Jansen - for info click here

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Jerry Hairston Jr.

Saturday June 16, 2012

Jerry Hairston Jr.

$39 - balls & flats up to and including 11x14

$49 - large flats, minis, figurines & equipment

$59 - helmets, bats & jerseys

Stage Time: 10:00am - 11:30am



This signing will take place at Frank & Son and is brought to you by Hall of Fame Sports and JD Legends Promotions.

Dodger Autograph Appearance - Orel Hersisher - Photos & Recap

On Saturday May 19, 2012, former Dodger, Orel Hershiser had an autograph signing at Frank & Son Collectibles Show.  The signing was put on by OC Dugout and Honabach & Sons.  Hershiser was scheduled to sign from 11:30am to 1:00pm in the autograph pavilion and arrived a few minutes before 11:30.  After spending a few minutes backstage, Orel emerged and began the signing. 

Everyone in line was informed there would be no posed pictures with Orel in an effort to keep the line moving.  However, we were also informed that after the signing was complete, Orel was willing to stick around and take pictures with anyone who wanted one.  One cool thing that is unique to signings put on by OC Dugout is the ability of fans to take pictures with the players signing autographs.  Even though we were told no posed photos a few fans asked and Orel obliged.  This did slow the line some, so they had to make another announcement.  After the 100 VIP ticket holders got their autographs, the regular line started moving a quick pace.  I looked at my watch and it was about 12:05pm.  A short 20-minutes later, I was getting my Orel Hershiser SGA Bobblehead signed.  I have a few other Hershiser autos on a ball, a mini-helmet and 16x20 photo so I figured the bobblehead would be a cool item to have signed.

Orel was very gracious and talkative with all the fans and looked like he was enjoying himself.
This was another great signing put on by OC Dugout and was a good turnout considering Dodger Fan Fest was going on at Dodger Stadium.

Check out some of my pics below.

True to the Blue!

ESPN Sunday Night Baseball Intro - Vin Scully

During tonight's Sunday Night Baseball telecast, ESPN aired this featurette narrated by Vin Scully.  Thanks to chelseafc828 for posting it on youtube. Check out the video below.

"I came through tranistor radios in Flatbush and followed the sunset across the country.
I went passed Ruth with Aaron and between Buckner's legs.
I was there for perfection and with men who limped to greatness.
I've been there in celebration and defeat.
Through changing eras and ages.
And the whole time, you've always been right there with me."
MLB removed the video from YouTube posted by chelseafc828.
However, another YouTube user has posted a version they recorded
from their television.

Check it out:



This is the video which was removed from YouTube



True to the Blue!

Orel Hershiser Tribute Video

Since Orel Hershiser had an autograph signing today at Frank & Son, I thought I'd post this tribute video.  This video was made for Orel's bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium.

Take a look:



True to the Blue!

Justin Sellers Dives Into the Stands - "Gee Whiz!"

Justin Sellers dove into the stands last night after catching a foul ball.  His momentum prevented him from stopping.  Check out the video






True to the Blue!

Dodger Survey

On May 4, 2012, I received an e-mail from the Dodgers asking me to participate in a survey.  The survey was made up of approximately 45 questions.  The questions covered the Dodger Stadium experience, what we as fans would like to see, our likes and our dislikes.  In this post, I will highlight some of the questions I found to be most interesting.

At a typical Dodger home game, what is the normal amount of time you have to wait in line to buy food or beverages at concessions stands?

The choices were:

4-6 minutes

7-9 minutes

10-14 minutes

15-19 minutes

20+ minutes

This next question scared me a bit.

When you are sitting in your seat at Dodger Stadium, what would you like to hear more of between innings?

The choices were:

Fan coordinators in the stands leading cheers and getting fans enthusiastic

Today's popular hits

The sounds of fans talking and cheering

More of Nancy's Beas organ Music

Classic Rock from the 1960s - 1990s

Classic moments in Dodger history

Fan coordinators leading cheers? Really!!?? Please NO!!

The next question was my favorite

What should be done with beach balls at Dodger Stadium?

The choices were:

They should be banned

They should be allowed

Up next was my second favorite question

Which promotional day at Dodger Stadium would interest you most?

Hollywood Stars Game

Old Timers Game

I would love to see an Old Timers Game at Dodger Stadium, I think it would be a good way for the team to honor its past players.

True to the Blue!

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Upcoming Dodger Appearance - A.J. Ellis (2nd Signing)

Photo Credit: Doug Pensinger Getty Images

Saturday June 16, 2012

A.J. Ellis

$25 - any item if purchased in advance

$29 - day of event

$7 - inscriptions

stage time: 12:00pm - 1:30pm

This signing is being put on by MVP Trading Cards and will take place at

All Star Collectibles
Westfield Promenade Mall
6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd
2nd Floor Store #2330
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
(818) 710-0513

For advance ticket sales contact MVP Trading Cards at (818) 518-0989

Don't forget I posted info on another A.J. Ellis signing earlier this week. 

To see the post click here

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - A.J. Ellis

Photo credit: Bob Levey/Getty Images

Saturday May 26, 2012

A.J. Ellis

$29 - balls, flats up to & including 11x14

$39 - large flats, figurines, minis & equipment

$49 - helmets, bats, & jerseys

$10 - inscriptions

stage time: 10:00am - 11:30am

This signins is being promoted by Hall of Fame Sports and will take place at Frank & Son.  Also signing on May 26th are Juan Rivera, Javy Guerra, Rubby De La Rosa and Kenley Jansen.

For the info on Juan Rivera see my post here

For the info on Guerra, De La Rosa & Jansen, see my post here

For info on another A.J. Ellis signing see my post here

True to the Blue!

Tim Welke's Blown Call at First Base - Jerry Hairston Was Safe!

On Wednesday May 2, 2012, umpire Tim Welke made the worst call so far this season.  He was out of position and called Jerry Hairston out when the world could see Todd Helton was at least 2-feet off the bag.  Take a look at the pictures and video below.

Take a look at the video below



True to the Blue!

Dodgers Release Info for 2012 Fan Fest

The Dodgers have released details for Fan Fest.  Fan Fest will take place in Lot 6 from 12pm until game time.
Via Dodgers.com:

There will be a variety of activities for the whole family including current and former player appearances, live music and entertainment, and a memorabilia exhibit featuring the Dodgers team historian.
Other activities include

• Sports Bounce Center
• MLB Network Strikeout Zone
• Batting cage
• Dodger speed pitch inflatable
• Velcro wall
• Custom Photo Flip Books
• Personalized Baseball Card Booth
• Play by Play broadcast center
• State Farm Whiffleball Field for kids
• Face painting

Food and beverages will also be available at FanFest, including a VIP area for Season Ticket Holders!

Autograph Area Access at Dodger Stadium 50th Anniversary Fan Fest

Due to circumstances beyond our control, not all players or coaches may be available on this date. Any player and coach present is subject to availability.
Event will be conducted on a first-in-line-first-served basis, we reserve the right to post and enforce line cut-offs. These postings will indicate that guests may not be guaranteed an autograph from a specific player or coach during a specific posted time if you are in line beyond the posting. These postings will be enforced at each station.

Player Autograph Guidelines

• You may bring personal items for autographs. You are welcome to bring a photo, ball, and jersey, baseball bat or sports memorabilia to be autographed.
• One autograph item per player or coach per station. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• In order for as many Dodger fans as possible to receive an autograph, no photos with players or coaches will be permitted.
• Players will not be personalizing autographs.
• Players may NOT sign a blank piece of paper.
• If you choose to vacate your space in any line at any time during the autograph session or impede the lines' progress voluntarily, you will be removed from the line. This will be strictly enforced.
• You may not have someone reserve a space in any autograph line. Cutting lines is not permitted and may result in dismissal from the event.

To all my fellow Dodger fans and fellow autograph seekers, remember we want this to become an annual event so let's keep the autograph lines civil!

True to the Blue!

12:00-12:30pm Scott Elbert Elian Herrera Adam Kennedy Josh Lindblom Jerry Sands Matt Treanor Scott Van Slyke 1:00pm-1:30pm Ron Cey Steve Garvey Davey Lopes Bill Russell

12:30-1:00pm Chris Capuano Matt Guerrier Tony Gwynn Jr. Justin Sellers Jamey Wright

2:00pm-2:30pm Ronald Belisario Todd Coffey A.J. Ellis Mark Ellis Andre Ethier Javy Guerra Ted Lilly James Loney 3:30pm-4:00pm Al "The Bull" Ferrara Ken McMullen Dennis Powell Derrel Thomas

2:30pm-3:00pm Bobby Abreu Chad Billingsley Dee Gordon Jerry Hairston Aaron Harang Kenley Jansen

4:00pm-4:30pm Billy Ashley Lee Lacy Kenny Landreaux Wes Parker 5:00pm-5:30pm Jaime Jarrin Fernando Valenzuela Pepe Yniguez 5:30pm-6:00pm Tommy Lasorda

4:30pm- 5:00pm Jimmy Campanis Tommy Davis Chuck Essigian Sweet Lou Johnson 

Dodgers Sign Bobby Abreu; Justin Sellers optioned to Triple-A

From the Dodgers:

The Dodgers have agreed to terms with Bobby Abreu, and he will be activated for Friday's game against the Cubs, with infielder Justin Sellers optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque to make room on the roster.


Abreu, 38, is a two-time All-Star and one-time Gold Glove Award and Silver Slugger Award winner from his younger days. More recently, however, the Angels released him to make room for top prospect Mike Trout last week, one month into the third and final year of a $27 million deal, so the Dodgers get him for the pro-rated minimum salary. A .293 career hitter, Abreu was at .208 when cut.
Abreu drove in 103 runs in 2009 and slugged 20 homers in '10, when his average dropped 38 points to .255. But last year his eight homers were the lowest since he became an everyday player in 1998.


Abreu lost his outfield job with the Angels last year, making 108 appearances as a designated hitter. He did steal 21 bases last year.

True to the Blue!

New Ownership Press Conference Quotes; Parking rates lowered

Photo Credit: Al Seib/Los Angeles Times 

Here are some of my favorite quotes from today's press conference introducing the Dodgers new ownership group.

"Frank's not here anymore. We should be clapping for just that." - Magic Johnson

"Every aspect of this operation in this ravine is managed and controlled by us.  All of the revenues go to this organization. To be clear and not to be hiding anything, the former ownership does have an economic interest in the profits that might come from a potential development in the future. Other than that this is ours. This is our land and we manage it." - Mark Walter

The new owners officially lowered parking from $15 to $10.

"We're not here to gouge the fans just because we paid a nice sum for this franchise.  We're going to pour money into the team and the fan experience. We're here to win. We don't want the fans just because we wrote a big check we're going to stop now. We're going to write some other checks as Stan and Ned see where we need to improve. We're out to win and we want to win for the fans. I don't want that question like now we're short on money or something. That's not the case. I want everybody to understand I came here to win. It's a new day in Dodgertown here." - Magic Johnson

"Mr. O'Malley, thank you. Because we don't have to reinvent the wheel, we just have to get it back to where it was before." - Magic Johnson

"I used to have the sweetest voice in basketball, Chick Hearn, calling my games. Now I have the sweetest voice in baseball, Vin Scully." - Magic Johnson

True to the Blue!