Museum has thousands of sports memories on display
The Los Angeles Sports Museum, which opens Nov. 28, is a treasure trove of sports memorabilia that some say is the best place of its kind in the world.

latimes.com
November 16, 2008
BILL PLASCHKE
Cash that would go to the free-agent outfielder could be used to shore up team in other ways. >>

November 14, 2008
BILL SHAIKIN / ON BASEBALL
Manny Ramirez is drawing the most notice as all teams are free to negotiate with free agents starting Friday. >>

ON THE MEDIA
The owner artfully uses his own talk radio station to praise the hitter, who is weighing his options for next season, and turn the talk to his team. >>

November 13, 2008
BASEBALL
Scott Boras apparently doesn't think the Dodgers' proposed three-year deal falls in that category. >>

November 12, 2008
BASEBALL
The offer will stand until Thursday. >>

November 9, 2008
T.J. SIMERS
There's a sucker born every minute, and Frank McCourt is counting on that so he can continue to fill Dodger Stadium. >>

November 7, 2008
BASEBALL
It reportedly is worth $45 million over two years, but agent wants a longer deal for his client. >>

November 6, 2008
BASEBALL
Ned Colletti won't specify what the offer is, but he says it would be the "second-highest average annual value in baseball." Dodgers also part ways with Brad Penny. >>

November 5, 2008
BASEBALL
General Manager Tony Reagins says the club might submit a bid and ask for a prompt response 'over the course of the next couple of weeks.' >>

November 4, 2008
BASEBALL
Some question his methods, but any team hoping to sign elite players such as Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixeira must go through baseball's most powerful agent. That includes Dodgers and Angels. >>

DODGERS-ANGELS FYI
Dodgers look into signing free-agent pitcher and Angels seek to re-sign free-agent first baseman. >>

November 3, 2008
BASEBALL
General Manager Ned Colletti is expected to meet with agent Scott Boras for the first time this off-season at general managers' meetings in Dana Point. >>

October 29, 2008
DODGERS
General manager says re-signing the outfielder is one of the team's top three priorities this off-season. >>

October 26, 2008
T.J. SIMERS
Andrea Torre pegs more winners at the Breeders' Cup races than her father Joe, the Dodgers manager. >>

WORLD SERIES NOTES
Rays rookie pitcher calls Vero Beach spring-training facility 'historic.' >>

October 25, 2008
T.J. SIMERS
Dodgers manager picks three winners in five races on day one, which translates into $12,000 for kids at Mattel Children's Hospital. >>

BASEBALL
Dodgers general manager laughs at the suggestions that some have reported that the team is thinking of offering the slugger. >>

October 24, 2008
T.J. SIMERS
The cancer ward at Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA will receive money for each winner he picks at the Breeders' Cup. >>

October 19, 2008
DODGERS
With the exception of James Loney, they failed to deliver during the series with Philadelphia, but Ned Colletti says the group will benefit from the postseason experience. >>

October 18, 2008
LETTERS
Some fans seem to think the next postseason spot won't come along for a while. >>

October 17, 2008
DODGERS
Bidding for the star left fielder could exceed $100 million. The Dodgers must decide whether to pay the price. >>

BASEBALL
Not only will signing Manny Ramirez be a focal point, but the team must decide whether to retain Lowe, Furcal, Blake and others. >>

JERRY CROWE
Text messages from press row . . . >>

October 15, 2008
T.J. SIMERS
He single-handedly made the team a force to be reckoned with. >>

October 16, 2008
BILL PLASCHKE
Dodger Stadium crowd sees game marked by poor pitching from the get-go and little offense and lashes out like jilted lovers. >>

NL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES / PHILLIES 5, DODGERS 1
Cole Hamels beats L.A. for the second time in NL Championship Series, aided by three Rafael Furcal errors in one inning. Manny Ramirez homers in what could be his last game as a Dodger. >>

BILL SHAIKIN / ON BASEBALL
Nomar Garciaparra, Jeff Kent and Greg Maddux may have all played their final major league games in the Dodgers' 5-1 loss to Philadelphia in the National League Championship Series. >>

DODGERS FYI
Teammates are glad he came back for postseason. If Padres are rebuilding, Jake Peavy might consider a trade to the Dodgers. >>

October 15, 2008
FIRST PERSON
The Dodgers manager says he has 'never seen anything like Kirk Gibson's home run in the first game of the 1988 Fall Classic.' >>

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Overcoming challenges on and off the field, the Philadelphia Phillies leave their manager in awe of his team's attitude. >>

PHILLIES FYI
The duo is key in the Phillies' 5-1 victory in Game 5 to clinch the series for Philadelphia. >>

BASEBALL
After NLCS loss, Frank McCourt says Colletti will be back next season, the final season on his contract. >>

BASEBALL
Police and team officials note gains in cutting down on the unruliness and making it a family atmosphere at the stadium, but problems persist in Dodgers' unexpected postseason run. >>

BASEBALL
Outfielder has come up with the big hits and big plays throughout the postseason to put Philadelphia a game away from the World Series. >>

BASEBALL
He says the only thing he'd change would be the final result, which was a 7-5 loss to the Phillies that left the Dodgers on the brink of elimination. >>

JERRY CROWE
Text messages from press row . . . >>

BILL SHAIKIN / ON BASEBALL
Pitcher might have gotten a bad rap after Game 2, but the Dodgers' season is on the line now >>

COMMENTARY
Pundits who love to find fault with Manager Joe Torre's moves fail to understand that simple fact. >>

BASEBALL
Several members of the 1988 team share their recollections of the home run voted the greatest moment in L.A. sports history in a poll conducted by the Los Angeles Sports Council in 1995. >>

October 14, 2008
BILL PLASCHKE
Lack of pitching depth probably just cost them the season, and money that could go to Manny Ramirez would be better spent next season on rectifying that problem. >>

T.J. SIMERS
The Dodgers manager's decisions get a thorough once-over after the 7-5 loss to the Phillies in Game 4 of the NLCS. >>

ADVERTISING
The stadium won’t get a new moniker, but the bullpens might. >>

BILL SHAIKIN / ON BASEBALL
When reliever Chan Ho Park uncorked a wild pitch and struggled in the sixth inning, it forced Manager Joe Torre to bring in left-hander Joe Beimel two innings earlier than he really wanted. >>

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Leading, 5-3, L.A. relievers give up two eighth-inning home runs, giving Philadelphia a 3-1 series lead. >>

NLCS FYI
Dodgers' Hiroki Kuroda, who threw a pitch behind the head of Phillies' Shane Victorino to spark the Game 3 incident, gets $7,500 fine. Victorino and Manny Ramirez are among the others fined. >>

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Home runs from Victorino and Stairs, each 5 feet 9, have Philadelphia on verge of reaching the World Series. >>

October 13, 2008
T.J. SIMERS
Others may criticize him, but the left fielder has become the main man for the Dodgers in the postseason. >>

BILL PLASCHKE
Hiroki Kuroda's up-and-in pitch to Shane Victorino shows this isn't the old laid-back Dodgers. >>

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Blake DeWitt's three-run triple is the key hit in a five-run first as Dodgers take Game 3 on a strong outing by Hiroki Kuroda and cut Phillies' series lead to 2-1. Teams nearly brawl in the third. >>

BILL SHAIKIN / ON BASEBALL
He manages only three outs while giving up six runs to the Dodgers in Game 3 of the NLCS. >>

PHILLIES FYI
Philadelphia players say they knew that the Dodgers would 'make a statement' in Los Angeles. >>

DODGERS FYI
Dodgers' Game 4 starter will be pitching on short rest, but he has proved he can handle it in the past and his manager isn't worried. >>

NL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Despite losing the first two games of the NLCS, the Dodgers say they felt relaxed heading into Game 3. Nearly every starter has a hit as L.A. gets back into the series. >>

October 12, 2008
NLCS GAME 3 PREVIEW
He calls for a team meeting before today's Game 3 against the Philadelphia Phillies, who have a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven game series. >>

JERRY CROWE
In San Francisco, Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier threatened to introduce a resolution calling for Tom Lasorda's removal as grand marshal of Italian Heritage Day parade, leading to his withdrawal. >>

BILL SHAIKIN / ON BASEBALL
Former second baseman, now a Philadelphia Phillies coach, played on never-say-quit teams. >>

BILL PLASCHKE
Pitching inside would be a good start. >>

NLCS NOTES
Against Philadelphia in Game 3, he'll probably be at first base instead of James Loney. He could start at third base, though. >>

October 11, 2008
T.J. SIMERS
With his team down 2-0, Manny Ramirez might turn to a trick that worked for his 2004 Red Sox, who went on to win the World Series. >>

BILL PLASCHKE
The team looks different from a week ago. >>

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Philadelphia batters Chad Billingsley for eight runs in 2 1/3 innings and survives Manny Ramirez's three-run homer to win, 8-5. >>

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
In the morning, Manuel learns that his 87-year-old mother had died in Virginia. Then after the Phillies win, Victorino is told his 82-year-old grandmother died in Hawaii. >>

PHILLIES FYI
Phillies have had no luck at Dodger Stadium this season. >>

DODGERS FYI
The 23-year-old rookie pitches 31/3 scoreless innings and strikes out five in his playoff debut. Clayton Kershaw also pitches well in his first postseason appearance. >>

October 10, 2008
T.J. SIMERS
With everyone wanting a Dodgers-Red Sox matchup, it's time for the Phillies to do their part. >>

BILL PLASCHKE
The Dodgers had a chance to steal Game 1 in Philadelphia, playing two good hours of baseball, but they are done in by 10 nightmarish minutes. >>

NLCS Game 1: Phillies 3, Dodgers 2
Chase Utley and Pat Burrell homer in the sixth inning to lift Philadelphia to the Game 1 win. >>

October 9, 2008
PHILLIES FYI
They have rallied to victory 40 times this season, none as important as their 3-2 win against the Dodgers in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series. >>

October 10, 2008
DODGERS FYI
Center fielder says he doesn't want to jinx team by staying with them in playoffs, but is sure they will win it all. >>

October 9, 2008
NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Both sides know that Thursday's result is only one game and there's still a long way to go in the series. >>

October 8, 2008
T.J. SIMERS
Perhaps being the first pro sports franchise in North America to lose 10,000 games makes supporters of Philadelphia's major league baseball club behave like thugs. >>

October 9, 2008
BILL PLASCHKE
Reliever continues to impress after making a surprisingly smooth transition from double-A Jacksonville to the major leagues. >>

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES FYI
His roster spot could go to left-hander Hong-Chih Kuo. >>

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
L.A. beat Chicago without using any of its left-handed pitchers. But in the National League Championship Series, Philadelphia presents a powerful lineup with plenty of left-handed hitters. >>

STATS CORNER
A look at what the numbers crunched by STATS LLC tell us about the Dodgers and Phillies, who meet beginning tonight in the National League Championship Series: >>

BASEBALL
The Phillies' slugger may not hit for average and he strikes out a lot, but when he gets a hold of one, it usually results in a home run. >>

October 8, 2008
Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard is learning to accept the fact that as a perennial 40-homer threat, opposing teams will usually do anything they can to avoid pitching to him. >>

BASEBALL
Philadelphia pitchers contained Manny Ramirez fairly well this season, and they say they're concerned about Dodgers' entire lineup. But they do have a plan for L.A.'s most dangerous hitter. >>

BASEBALL
In the Los Angeles market, Angels-Red Sox on TBS got a 9.3 rating, competitive with ABC's popular "Dancing with the Stars" (13.8). >>

October 7, 2008
T.J. SIMERS
The Dodgers aren't feeling the pressure of playoff baseball, as if they had any choice with Ramirez carrying on in the clubhouse Monday. >>

DODGERS
Reliever missed the 2006 division series because he cut his pitching hand in a barroom incident in New York. >>

BASEBALL PLAYOFFS
It was the era of the Dodgers' Tommy John, Dusty Baker, Steve Garvey and Bill Russell against such Phillies stars as Steve Carlton, Greg Luzinski, Gary Matthews and Mike Schmidt. >>

DODGERS FYI
The move would be made to counter the left-handed bats in Philadelphia's lineup, including Chase Utley and Ryan Howard. He is being considered for the fourth spot. >>

October 6, 2008
BILL PLASCHKE
A lineup that never started in the regular season comes together with injuries healing, veterans putting aside egos, younger players showing confidence and the manager keeping everyone together. >>

BASEBALL PLAYOFFS
Dodgers swept Phillies in a four-game series at Dodger Stadium in August but lost four straight at Philadelphia barely a week later. Phillies' lefty-heavy lineup gives L.A. trouble. >>

BASEBALL PLAYOFFS
Saving series clincher against Cubs was huge for Dodgers reliever and may have Torre re-evaluating bullpen roles. >>

October 5, 2008
BILL PLASCHKE
On a night when the old stadium rocked like a giddy teen, the Dodgers shed the baggage of a 20-year postseason series. >>

T.J. SIMERS
The Dodgers manager wears his emotions on his sleeve, but that may work better than the Angels manager who keeps a lid on everything. >>

NL DIVISION SERIES / DODGERS 3, CHICAGO CUBS 1
They finish off Cubs to win first postseason series since the 1988 World Series. Hiroki Kuroda gets out of jams in 6 1/3 scoreless innings. >>

DODGERS FYI
After a season spent mostly on the sidelines, shortstop is providing a lift against at the top of the lineup. >>

CUBS FYI
Chicago Cubs thought this might be the year. >>

October 4, 2008
LETTERS
Readers say he must be re-signed in the off-season. >>

BILL PLASCHKE
Kent isn't happy, or comfortable, in his role on the Dodgers' bench, but he isn't making a big deal about it. >>

DODGERS-CUBS FYI
He has Torre's confidence, despite poor performance in Game 2. >>

NL DIVISION SERIES/ DODGERS VS. CHICAGO
Veteran right-hander is making his first postseason start, including 11 seasons in Japan. >>

October 2, 2008
T.J. SIMERS
Chicago become unglued as usual in the postseason, while the Dodgers continue to play with a carefree air about them. >>

October 3, 2008
BILL PLASCHKE
For as many miscues as Chicago made in Game 2, the Dodgers earned everything they got. >>

STEVE SPRINGER / ON THE MEDIA
Cheerleading for the Dodgers by Steve Lyons, Kevin Kennedy and Jim Watson crossed the line. >>

NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES/ DODGERS 10, CHICAGO 3
Chad Billingsley is dominant, Manny Ramirez hits a home run and the Cubs collapse defensively as L.A. takes a commanding 2-0 series lead. >>

October 2, 2008
DODGERS FYI
Closer's quick recovery is credited to injection in elbow. >>

October 3, 2008
CUBS FYI
Mark DeRosa called Game 2 a must for Cubs, but Lou Piniella says you have to win three games. >>

October 2, 2008
T.J. SIMERS
Dodgers pitcher was the man on the spot and he came up big for L.A.'s second playoff victory in 20 years. >>

BILL PLASCHKE
It was only the Dodgers second postseason win in 20 years, but it feels like the beginning of something big. >>

DODGERS-CUBS
The most devoted fans of the Cubs have to sit through a loss on the way to what they hope is a World Series title. >>

NL DIVISION SERIES / DODGERS 7, CHICAGO 2
James Loney hits a grand slam, Manny Ramirez and Russell Martin add homers and Dodgers win second playoff game since 1988. >>

DODGERS FYI
He hasn't started for eight days, but his first postseason assignment could put Cubs in an 0-2 hole. >>

CUBS FYI
Manager Lou Piniella says the right fielder will get a second chance to prove himself. >>

October 1, 2008
DODGERS
Possibly as important as all the home runs and RBIs was the attitude the slugger brought to the Dodgers. >>

BASEBALL
General manager drew criticism for high-priced free agents who flopped, but his midseason acquisitions powered the Dodgers to a division title. >>

September 30, 2008
DODGERS FYI
Pain-free after back surgery, he’ll start Wednesday against the Cubs. >>

October 1, 2008
T.J. SIMERS
CHICAGO -- I'm waiting for luggage at O'Hare with Jim Belushi. We're both going to be at Wrigley Field tonight. >>

BILL PLASCHKE
The columnist gives his 30.92 reasons, representing the miles between Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium, that the two teams might be playing for all the marbles this season. >>

JERRRY CROWE
Text messages from press row . . . >>

BASEBALL
STATS LLC provides a look at some statistics that could prove particularly pertinent in the National League division playoff series. >>

BASEBALL / CHICAGO CUBS FYI
Chicago has the NL's best record, and many fans believe the Cubs can win the World Series, ending a 100-year drought. But the team itself is taking a cautious approach. >>

September 30, 2008
NL PLAYOFFS
The weight of history (100 years since winning the World Series) -- has been strong enough to boost ticket resales among Cubs fans. >>

DODGERS
Manager Joe Torre and others know the road to success in playoffs series rests with starting rotation, given how good Chicago's starters are. >>

DODGERS FYI
Clubs' histories of championship droughts make a great story line, and the players are excited to play in such an atmosphere. >>

September 29, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO 3, DODGERS 1
Players insist their 0-3 record at Cubs' ballpark and 2-5 overall mark against Chicago this year will be of little consequence in the teams' playoff series that starts Wednesday. >>

DODGERS FYI
The veteran infielder serves as Dodgers manager on last day of the regular season, upholding a Joe Torre tradition, and he says it's quite the adventure. >>

September 28, 2008
BILL SHAIKIN / SUNDAY BASEBALL REPORT
Is Manny Ramirez the MVP? What happened to Detroit this season? And has baseball seen the last of Barry Bonds — on the field, at least? >>

COMMENTARY
Dodgers, Angels should pay whatever it takes to retain slugging free agents. >>

T.J. SIMERS
'Every day I thank God I came here and had the chance to show people who I really am,' he says. 'The guy you see here -- that's who I am.' >>

BILL PLASCHKE
The future Hall of Famer has been a great two-month rental, but at 36 and with a turbulent history, he'd be a poor long-term investment for Dodgers. >>

MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Teams select their top minor leaguers for the year. >>

DODGERS 2, GIANTS 1
Pitcher isn't assured of a spot on Dodgers' playoff roster. >>

DODGERS FYI
He'll hand the reins over to Garciaparra, continuing a tradition he had when with the Yankees. >>

BASEBALL
Dodgers made a lot of money on Ramirez, but how much is that worth in contract talks? >>

September 27, 2008
T.J. SIMERS
He will be counted upon heavily in the postseason but isn't expected to return to the team next season. >>

DODGERS
Dodgers got off to a rocky start, but deals for Casey Blake and Manny Ramirez helped them win their division. >>

DODGERS FYI
Veteran infielders vying for spots on playoff roster after returning from injuries. >>

BASEBALL
He was arrested at Dodger Stadium after a security guard found him walking on the field Wednesday morning. >>

September 26, 2008
BILL PLASCHKE
A crazy season for the Dodgers ends with some beautiful silence. >>

T.J. SIMERS
Dodgers manager says he is a mess as the team clinches the National League West title. >>

BASEBALL
They don't let 7-5 win by Padres dampen their spirits as they clinch division championship with Arizona loss. But team knows the job is far from done. >>

BILL SHAIKIN / ON BASEBALL
It could be the Mets, Phillies or Cubs, but East Coast weather could delay the end of regular season. >>

DODGERS FYI
Most of his regular position players start last home game against Padres after clinching West Division title. Catcher Russell Martin is the exception. >>

September 24, 2008
T.J. SIMERS
Dodgers outfielder has had quite an impact on the kids at Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA. >>

BILL PLASCHKE
After 20 years of disappointment, Dodgers fans deserve more from this team than just one losing postseason series. >>

DODGERS FYI
Pitcher becomes ineligible for postseason play when the Dodgers put him on the 60-day disabled list so they can activate Rafael Furcal. >>

September 25, 2008
DODGERS 12, PADRES 4
Victory over Padres means they are one win, or one Arizona loss, from winning the West outright. >>

September 23, 2008
BILL PLASCHKE
Before Tuesday's win, players are relaxed and not interested in how rival Arizona is doing (it lost). As quickly as this race felt tight, it now feels over. >>

September 24, 2008
T.J. SIMERS
Margaret Williams loves her team, win or lose. >>

DODGERS FYI
Manager might give injured shortstop some playing time in the last week. >>

DODGERS 10, SAN DIEGO 1
L.A. scores six runs in the first inning and extends NL West lead to three games with five to play. >>

September 23, 2008
BILL DWYRE
How come no one's talking about that other local team, the one that glided into baseball's playoffs and isn't still trying to get in? Chalk it up to marketing, Manny and a crafty low-key manager. >>

BASEBALL
Returning to the National League has presented the Dodgers manager with greater strategic challenges. It's definitely not as easy as managing the Yankees. >>