Tagged: Fernando Valenzuela
Rest in Peace Bobby Castillo
How sad that we have lost another Dodger. Bobby (Babo) Castillo was a Dodger pitcher who taught Fernando how to throw the screwball.
I heard the news on Twitter from el senor Jaime Jarrin. El Maestro Jaime said that Babo Castillo was the first of 35 baseball players signed by Mike Brito that reached Major league Baseball.
Here is Bobby with Mike Brito
I was remembering back in 2009 when the Dodgers used to host WIN (Women Initiative Network) Baseball clinics and Bobby Castillo was part of our instructors for that day. He was in the Dodger bullpen and Lorena and I stood in line so that we could throw and he could catch us. Well, he never got to us. We told him and he said “I’ll make it up to you two” Well, he never did. Rest in peace “Babo” Our deepest condolences to your family and friends.
Ref: Jon SooHoo pictures.
Dodgers 2013 Holiday Tour
The Dodgers Holiday tour starts Saturday November 16! Woohoo! The closest locations to me are the Santa Anita mall & the West Covina mall.
Here is the Dodgers Press Release:
The Los Angeles Dodgers Holiday Tour starts Saturday, November 16 at Westfield Culver City with Steve Yeager and Maury Wills
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers Holiday Tour will be visiting Southern California malls for the second consecutive year in order to encourage fans to give the gift of Dodger baseball. Starting Saturday, November 16 at Westfield Culver City, Dodger alumni Steve Yeager (11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) and Maury Wills (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) will be on hand for a meet-and-greet and autograph session. Westfield Culver City is located at 6000 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, 90230. Complete details and the most up to date information on the Los Angeles Dodgers Holiday Tour can be found by visiting http://www.dodgers.com/malltour.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Holiday Tour featuring Dodger alumni, will continue on Black Friday, November 29 (Westfield Promenade Woodland Hills), November 30 (Westfield West Covina), December 7 (Westfield Santa Anita), December 14 (Westfield Century City) and December 21 (Del Amo). Dodger alumni scheduled to participate: Steve Sax (November 29), Steve Garvey (November 29, November 30, December 7) and Fernando Valenzuela (December 7).
The Dodgers will be on site at each location from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Autograph session timings will vary and will be announced prior to each stop. All appearances are subject to change. There will also be crafts for kids and other family friendly activities.
Holiday gifts including 2014 mini plans and season tickets starting at just $5 per seat per game will be available for purchase. Information can be found at http://www.dodgers.com/seasontickets or by calling 323-DODGERS. Fans that purchase a mini plan or season tickets will receive a gift with purchase
Heading to OLOCR for NLDS Game 3. Let’s Go Dodgers!
I am dressed and ready to head to OLOCR (Our Lady of Chavez Ravine) I got my Mission October shirt, my Sandy Koufax jersey and I will take my Dodger poncho to wear later. I can’t wait to be there!
Julio Teheran goes for the Braves,
Dodgers sent rookie Hyun-jin Ryu. Game
Fernando Valenzuela will be thrown out the first pitch and Sandy Koufax is scheduled to be there tonight and tomorrow night.
The calm before the storm at Dodger Stadium
Take a look at Stephen Seemayer’s painting for today
We brandish our torches! Ilumina los valientes!… (Let blue balls fly.)
For more paintings, go to www.labluebum.com
Baseball Dreams: What I am waiting for
It has been a while since I have updated my blog. I got the Hilda award from the Baseball Reliquary since then. I still got to post about that and then there was the trip to the SABR convention in Philadelphia. That was so much fun that I am ready for the next convention in Houston.
I was telling myself “I should post today before I return to Dodger Stadium” when I received email of Mark Newman’s latest blog post http://mlblogs.mlblogs.com/2013/08/09/what-are-you-waiting-for/ He titled it “Baseball Dreams: One fan’s ultimate wish list” He listed all he is waiting for then asked us ‘What are we waiting for?”
Apparently I was waiting for Mark so here goes.
On this Friday, after the Dodgers last road trip of 7-1, I am waiting for their return! I am waiting to see my boys against the Rays! I am waiting to see Dodger Stadium again, my home away from home. I am waiting to applaud my beloved Dodgers for a job well done on road.
I am waiting to hear Nancy Bea at the organ. I am waiting to hear el locuaz Pepe Yniguez, Fernando Valenzuela and el Maestro Jaime Jarrin who will be a grand marshal at the Ecuadorian parade on Sunday that will end at Olvera Street.
I am waiting for the clock to say 4 p.m. so that I can leave work and head to Dodger Stadium.
I am waiting to see Tony Jackson return today to cover the Dodgers. He no longer has the long hair.
I am waiting to see the ushers like Burnie, Cynthia, Raissa, JD, Margarita, Ernest, Leonard, Valerie and so many more. I am waiting to see Loui to see if we are still going to go see Howie sing Jazzsinatra songs next Friday night.
I am waiting to see my friends at OLOCR (Our Lady of Chavez Ravine) I am waiting to see my friend Lorena!. I am waiting to meet Tom Jackson who is making a trip to Dodger Stadium with his teenage daughters and his girlfriend.
I am waiting to see Jon SooHoo, Jill, Juan, Jessica, Polo. I am waiting to see my other boys in Blue that no longer play the game but still work for the Dodgers.
I am waiting to hear Adrian’s Gonzalez’s at bat song “El Mariachi Loco” so that Alan, Marta and any other friends around us can dance along. We believe it helps Adrian bat better 😉
I am waiting to see more sunsets at Dodger Stadium.
I am waiting to see Vin Scully and wish him a good night. I am waiting for him to waive back and say in that so familiar tone “Good night”
I am waiting for the Think Cure weekend at Dodger Stadium and see what they have on the auction to help this great cause for the research of Cancer at City of Hope.
I am waiting for another road trip, this time to San Diego for the last Dodger games. It is always a lot of fun to go see the Dodgers in San Diego. I am waiting to see Ryu and Puig in their rookie hazing outfits.
I am waiting for October and playoffs. It has been a while since we have seen the Dodgers in playoff games. It has been longer (25 years) since we have seen them in a World Series.
It is a great time for Baseball for a lot of us fans with the Pirates playing well and in first place. The Tigers and the Braves with a 10 game winning streak. The Dodgers 8-2 in the last 10 games. The Rangers 9-1 in the last 10 and going neck in neck with the Oakland A’s.
I am waiting for a fun October!
Busy weekend with Fernando Valenzuela, Bob Hope Garage sale and more
Is that time of the year when our weekends are so busy but the Dodgers Holiday Mall tour continues encouraging fans to give the gift of Dodger Baseball. Fans that purchase a 2013 mini plan or season tickets at the mall Saturday will receive an autographed Fernando Valenzuela bobblehead while supplies last. Cool ha? but what about us that already have season tickets?
Location: WestField West Covina 112 Plaza Drive West Covina, CA 91790
Time: Saturday, December 8 , 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Autograph times: Fernando Valenzuela from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and Kenny Landreaux from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00
Bob Hope Garage Sale
I was reading the Daily News when I ran into an article about a garage sale at Bob Hope’s Estate. The garage sale is December 8 & 9. The sale according to the article is for Christmas stuff. This reminded me of Bob Hope’s Dodger bobblehead
I wish I had this bobblehead. The information from the daily news here http://www.dailynews.com/ci_22133815/garage-sale-this-weekend-at-bob-hopes-toluca.
From the article:
Fans of Bob Hope can buy a little piece of the legendary entertainer this weekend at a garage sale held at his Toluca Lake estate that will be a prelude to its eventual sale.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, admirers of the comedian, movie star, perennial Oscars host, tireless USO tour emcee and golf nut can purchase Christmas decorations and other items he and his wife collected after they built the place in 1939. Bob Hope died at age 100 in 2003, and Dolores died at age 102 in 2011.
“The house is not currently on the market,” their daughter, Linda Hope, explained regarding much recent speculation. “The garage is being cleaned out of things to prepare it, but it’s not ready to be on the market yet. Eventually, it will be sold.”
Hope noted that furniture, artwork and other items from her parents’ home will later be auctioned via Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, probably in the fall of 2013.
She also mentioned that this is the last time to enjoy a special display at 10346 Moorpark St.
“We have the Nativity up that was sort of a Christmas tradition with my parents,” Hope said. “This will be the last year that it’s up there, but it’s for all of our neighbors and friends for whom it’s kind of a highlight to have that up there at the corner for the holidays.”
I would love to see this huge nativity set.
Allendale Holiday Literary Festival and Tree Lighting
Saturday is also the company (where I work) Christmas party but I already had RSVP to a different event. I am going to the “Allendale Holiday Literary Festival and Tree Lighting” My brother Vic said “The Allendale event is more what you like to do.” He is right.
From the email I got from my friend Terry Cannon who works at this branch “A stellar roster of poets and authors will explore the “true meanings” of the holidays in works ranging from the irreverent and satirical to the spiritual and devotional….”
When: Saturday, December 8, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Allendale Branch Library, 1130 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106/
Some of the poets and authors participating:
Dorian Cohen, Monica Lee Copeland, Chris Erskine, Michael C Ford, Naomi Hirahara, David Kipen, Abel Prudhomme, Luivette Resto, Ellen Snortland, Lynne Thompson.
The evening’s festivities will conclude with the lighting of the Allendale Park Christmas Tree at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact Shauna Redmond at (626) 744-7260 or sredmond@cityofpasadena.net.
Like I said, busy weekend.
La Gran Fiesta: Viva Los Dodgers and A Tribute to Manny Mota
Today is like Jaime Jarrin says “La mamacita de las fiestas” The mother of all the Viva Los Dodgers fiestas. Gates open at 1:30. There are lots of autograph opportunities at La Gran Fiesta. The autograph will start at 2 p.m. with Adrian Gonzalez, Luis Cruz and Hanley Ramirez. I am aiming to be there at 1:30. Hopefully I get to talk to El Cochito
Fernando Valenzuela, Pepe Yniguez and Jaime Jarrin will also be signing I hope Fernando signs something for me like maybe my ticket from Opening Day in 1981 or this picture
Manny Mota being honored for his 50 years in MLB
Manny Mota began his career with the Giants in 1957 out of his native Dominican Republic, and made his major league debut with the Giants in 1962. Before joining the Dodgers, he played for Pittsburgh and Montreal.
In june, 1969, Dodger Vice President Al Campanis pulled of of his greatest deals when he traded for Manny Mota and Maury Wills, giving up Ron Fairly and Paul Popovich in exchange. In late July of that year, Mota delivered his fist pinch hit in a Dodger uniform.
Felicidades Sr. Manuel Jeronimo Mota por sus 50 años en MLB!
From the Cactus League book above. Manny Mota, a rookie with the Houston Colt 45s, poses in front of Geronimo Park in Apache Junction. Looking forward to the Gran Fiesta and Manny Mota being honored!
Feliz Dia de El Locutor. Jaime Jarrin’s Anniversary and I will see Vin Scully on Saturday
Dodgers lost to the Cardinals. It was another frustrating night at Dodger Stadium with the team lack of hitting.
The highlight of the game on Thursday: the Cool-A-Coo! It hit the spot and brought back so many memories back when I used to watch Fernando pitch, back when Scioscia was behind home plate, back when the team was known as “The Big Blue Wrecking Crew”
Another highlight last night: Hanging out with friends especially Lore and little Rachel
Thank you Rachel for my drawing! I love it! 
Here is Rachel again. She is a cutie. She and her sister Elizabeth and her parents are season ticket holders. I’ve been seeing since they were babies.
Jaime Jarrin’s Hollywood Star Anniversary.
On this day, September 14, 1998 – Jaime Jarrin received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
You can find the star on the north side of the 6300 block of Hollywood Boulevard. Happy anniversary sr. Jaime!
Feliz Dia de El Locutor
Hoy Septiember 14, es El Dia de El Locutor en Mexico. Today is Day of the Broadcaster in Mexico.
Felicidades a Jaime Jarrin, Pepe Yniguez y a Fernando Valenzuela! Ojala que celebren con una victoria de los Dodgers. Let’s hope you celebrate with a Dodger victory. Feliciadades muchachos!
Baseball Prospectus event at Dodger Stadium
Saturday I am looking forward to attending the Baseball Prospectus event at Dodger Stadium. In addition to meeting many of Baseball Prospectus personalities, Vin Scully will also make a special appearance!
There will also be a question and answer session with industry guests including Los Angeles Dodgers Assistant GM, Amateur and International Scouting Logan White.
The private event is sold out so I am glad that I signed up!
So I was remembering reading about the time Hilda Chester colored her hair red to change the Dodgers luck. They went on to win that day.
Dodgers in Miami but here are some baseball related events in the Southland
The Dodgers start their 10 game road trip tonight with the Miami Marlins but no worries, there are some baseball related events in the Southland.
Baseball Exhibition at LAFAM
The museum of Art & Folk located on 5814 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles has a baseball exhbition from the private collection of Gary Cypres. the exhibition runs until September 9, 2012. I went last night to see the panel discussion on the history of community baseball in Los Angeles as put together by Terry Cannon, founder of the Baseball Reliquary.
“Bad Moon Rising Baseball and the Summer of ’68” A Baseball Reliquary exhibition at the Burbank Central Library.
The exhibition runs until September 27, 2012. The Burbank Central Library is located at 110 N. Glenoaks Blvd. Burbank, CA.
Little League Baseball in San Bernardino Saturday 8/11/2012 at 1: pm
The Grensham, Oregon Little League team will play against the kids from Post Falls, Idaho Little League. Fernando Valenzuela is throwing out the first pitch. The location:
Little League Western Region Headquarters
6707 Little League Dr.
San Bernardino, Ca 92407
I will be at the Little League Western Region Headquarters tomorrow then is home to watch the Dodgers.
Pictures from the first Dodger Stadium FanFest
I arrived at the first Dodger FanFest at noon. There were a lot of people there waiting for the gates to open. The first thing I did was have my baseball card made. This is my third baseball card but this one has the Dodger schedule in the back. The next thing I did was the Dodger flip book. Basically you put a glove on and pose for pictures pitching, catching while the camera rolls and they make that into a tiny book.
It was already hot so when I saw sosmeone with a paper fan with half of Matt Kemp’s face, I asked where they got it. It is KCAL CBS sponsored with their broadcast schedule in the back. They gave you three rubber baseballs and if you made it thru the big hole you got the fan. If you made it thru the smaller hole you got Dodger tickets. I wanted the fan but I only came close. Lucky for me my brother Victor was with me. He aimed for the big hole and got me my fan! How do I look?
When Mattingly was on stage, I went to the mike and asked him what Lilly had done to get tossed in Chicago. Also I said on the Mike while wearing my Vote for AJ Ellis button (I took the image from MikeSciosciatragicillness blog and glued it to one of my buttons. Mattingly said “yes, I am voting for AJ.
Here is Matt Kemp on stage being interviewed and taking questions.
The longest Dodger infield was missing the iron man Steve Garvey. He had an emergency so only Russell, Cey and Lopes were there. I thanked them for 1981 which was my first year as a season ticket holder and told Lopes that back in 1981 I had given Bobby Welch a greeting card to make him feel better because he was not doing well. He said something like “you don’t know how much we appreciate that when we are not doing well..” That year in December 1981 I received a postcard from Lopes thanking me for my support. I still have it.
Vin Scully also made it appearance! He talked and we listened only with the “WE Love you Vin!” “No, you are Great!”
Next it was Pepe Yniguez, Fernando Valenzuela & Jaime Jarrin. Pepe funny as usual and even Fernando. Jaime great as always.
Earlier I had gone to the section where the Dodgers had the Tommy Lasorda wine tasting. This section was only for season ticket holders. Later on Tommy was going to walk around talking to fans there posing for picures but I had a conflict since it was the same time Vin Scully was going to be on stage. Anyway, after Pepe, Fernando and Jaime appearace on stage, Tommy followed. He was funny, inspirational and full of Dodger Blue energy. He got the crowd going. I asked him “what kind of food I should have with two bottles of his wine I have at home. He said “Save it!” “And when the Dodgers win the World Series I will drink those bottles of wine with you!” 🙂 Tommy: I got plenty of witnesses!
I left in time to watch some batting practice. Clayton Kershaw pitched a great game. He blanked out the Cardinals 6-0,
Dodgers win in Colorado! Skinnyswag Dee Gordon goes deep!
I was coming out of work when I heard Dee Gordon hit a homerun. I stopped to double check that on MLB At Bat 12. Yep! is true! he hit one out! Of course I had to watch it too. He put it a few rows up. Congratulations @skinnyswag! Dee is in my baseball fantasy team. This time Dee could take his time running around the bases.
pic by Jon SooHoo
Pepe Yniguez wins the bet with Fernando Valenzuela. Pepe picked @skinnyswag Dee Gordon to hit a homerun this season. Fernando chose Mark Ellis. Dinner on Fernando.
Those two are not the only ones that had a bet going. About a month ago I was having dinner with friends Terry of http://www.baseballreliquary.org/ and Steve Seemayer of http://labluebum.com/. Terry bet Steve that Dee Gordon would hit a homerun this year. The bet: the big sum of $1. 🙂
Dodgers were leading 4-0 in the first inning but as we all know, no lead is safe in Colorado. The score ended up being 7-6. Javy Guerra, yes, Javy Guerra saved the game! The snuggie curse on Javy has been lifted. Not posting another picture with the snuggie. I don’t want to upset the baseball gods or Santa Rita, the Baseball saint.
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I felt asleep adding this post. hit post before I was done so update below.
#20 MLB Fan ranking for April 2012. Don Sutton.
Thank you all that visit my blog! It came in at #20 for the MLB Fan blogs. #20 is Don Sutton retired number. I saw him briefly When Atlanta was at Dodger Stadium. I asked Don if I could have a picture with him. He asked for what. I said for my blog and he said no, something about a bad experience. I was OK with it so I told him “Have a great day!” 
OK, so I don’t know what made me check this but did you know that Don Sutton never had a homerun?
Dodger Blue World 