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!