Five Affordable Rookie Cards Every Die Hard Dodger Fan Should Have

Who doesn't love rookie cards?

They are a main driver in the card collecting hobby, and oftentimes the most desirable card available for any player.

So, with the winter doldrums in full swing I thought it would be fun to explore some rookie cards that I think every Dodger fan should have. I also thought it would be best to focus on cards that are most affordable -- for $10.00 or less. After all, not everyone can afford a Jackie Robinson or Sandy Koufax rookie card.

So without further ado, here is the first card on my list, and it is of Dodger legend Fernando Valenzuela. Best yet, his 1981 Topps card (#302) also includes the rookie card for popular catcher and former Angels manager Mike Scioscia. Check out the reverse of the card on the right.

Not surprisingly, Valenzuela cards can be purchased in great condition for next to nothing -- like a couple of bucks. As most collectors know, the 80's and for much of the 90's cards were overproduced -- flooding the market with more cardboard then collectors knew what to do with. Pair that with a collecting base that has admittedly shrunk since the hobby's heyday, and you've got a recipe for bargain prices for some of the games greatest players.

2018 Panini Flawless - All the Dodgers Cards

Panini released their high-end Baseball card brand last week, and I've got pics of most of the Dodger cards below. Go here for a complete checklist.

This product will cost you about $1,200 for a box of ten cards, and you are guaranteed seven autographs, 2 memorabilia relics and a single diamond embedded card. Furthermore, no team logos can be found here. Panini does not have a MLB license. Nevertheless, collectors are drawn to the on-card autographs and the overall design.

Base

#12 Don Drysdale

Blog Kiosk: 11/5/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Japan Series begins in earnest later this week, but in the meantime it's MLB players spent the weekend in Hawaii getting prepared and working out. Per Kyle Galdeira at MLB.com:

"We want guys to walk out of here healthy, have a great experience and, when we get to Japan, play at full speed and represent Major League Baseball well," Mattingly said. "It's a great chance to relax a little bit and get ready for the trip."

In addition to Chris Taylor, seen above, other Dodgers travelling to Japan include Kenta Maeda and Kiké Hernandez.

Photo above of Chris Taylor with University of Hawaii ballplayer Alex Baeza, via Baeza on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 the Dodgers named former spitballer Burleigh Grimes as their manager. In 1940 former Dodgers lawyer Wendell Willkie loses to third term American President Franklin D. Roosevelt in todays Presidential election. He would later on become VP and legal counsel for Brooklyn in the early 40's and would then be replaced by Walter O'Malley. In 2008 Dodgers pitcher Greg Maddux wins his 18th career Gold Glove. 
• Happy Birthday, Tommy Sheehan, Pryor McElveen & Ralph Birkofer!