2019 Topps Series 1 Baseball - Inserts Galore, Part One

Now that you've seen the Dodger base cards, here are several of the inserts you can find in packs. First, I thought I would share the handful of Dodgers found in Topps' 2019 Silver Pack 1984 Chrome promotion. Available at local hobby stores or online hobby retailers, you will receive a silver pack of four cards for each hobby box purchased. A jumbo hobby box should get you two silver packs. Go here for a complete checklist of promo cards.

2019 Topps Baseball Silver Pack Promotion

1984 Chrome Promo Cards

#T84-6 Jackie Robinson      #T84-15 Manny Machado

Blog Kiosk: 1/31/2019 - Dodgers Links - Happy 100th Birthday Jackie Robinson!

The celebration of all things Jackie Robinson begins in earnest today. The Dodgers will honor this day by hosting a celebration for 250 children and parents from Union Rescue Mission. Per a Dodger press release:

The birthday party runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in partnership with Worthy of Love, a non-profit organization that hosts monthly birthday parties for children living in the Union Rescue Mission in Downtown Los Angeles. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson Statue (in Lot B), where participants will sing “Happy Birthday” to Robinson.  Other activities include a tour of the Jackie Robinson exhibit at the club’s Pop-Up Museum Presented followed by DJ/dancing, a photo booth, a balloon artist, face painting and a petting zoo in the Stadium Club.

Photo above via the Daytona Tortugas on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers signed future Hall of Famer Paul Waner to a free agent contract. In 1972 former Brooklyn Dodger players Rube Marquard (known mostly as a Giant) and Dave Bancroft (also mostly a Giant) were selected by an Hall of Fame Special Veterans Committee for enshrinement. In 2001 an article was published in the WSJ related to the most infamous pennant race in National League history. Written by Joshua Prager, he details how the Giants team stole catchers' signs during the 1951 pennant race to help them overcome a Dodgers 13.5 game lead i the National League. You can read the original article here. In 2003 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Wilson Alvarez. In 2005 the Dodgers signed pitcher Scott Erickson as a free agent. 
• Happy Birthday, Hank Aguirre, Ted Power, Stuffy Stewart & Jackie Robinson!

2019 Topps Series 1 Baseball Is Now Out - All the Dodgers Base Cards & Variations

Guess what officially hits stores today?

That's right, it is Topps Baseball Card Day, and as always it officially ushers in the 2019 season by officially releasing their flagship card set - the 2019 Series 1 brand.

There are 13 Dodger cards in Series 1; including a card of Dodger Stadium and a checklist featuring a Dodger celebration. BTW, there is a Yasiel Puig card here, as well. So, fans can still find him in Dodger Blue on cardboard. Go here for a complete checklist.

I've also included pics of the three four five known Dodger variation cards below. Should more pop up I will certainly update this post.

Base

#10 Clayton Kershaw

#41 Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 1/30/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just one more win.

Featured above is an AP wirephoto showing an overjoyed Clem Labine (eBay Auction Link). Per the description on the reverse:

Clem Labine, Brooklyn's relief artist, leaps for joy as catcher Roy Campanella and first baseman Gil Hodges rush to congratulate hm at the of Sunday's fifth game of (1955) World Series. Labine, fourth game winner, recued Roger Craig in Sunday's game. Dodgers won, 5-3, to take series edge three games to two.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2003 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Ron Coomer. He would get into 69 games for the Dodgers; slashing .240/.299/.368/.667 with four homers and 15 RBI's. In 2008 pitcher DJ Houton is sold to the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks (Japan Pacific). In 2017 the Dodgers traded Carlos Frias to the Indians for cash. 
• Happy Birthday, Davey Johnson, Red Smyth, Mal Mallette, Sandy Amoros, Charlie Neal & John Lindsey!

My 2019 FanFest Day -- With Pics and Links

The Dodgers FanFest has come and gone, and like in past years there was plenty of fans in attendance, a lot to do and lines everywhere. Heck, it would be entirely appropriate to just call this event the Dodgers LineFest. Nevertheless, I have no doubt that a majority of fans enjoyed the spectacle more than it annoyed them.

There were some minor tweaks to this years FanFest. The kid friendly activities (slides, wall climbing, etc.) were placed in the parking lot area instead of on the playing field, like in past years. Also, we were introduced to this coming seasons slogan -- "LA Bleeds Blue".

Blog Kiosk: 1/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Joc Pederson and his dog Blue met with Dodger fans and their canine friends for a special photo shoot yesterday afternoon in Van Nuys.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. You can check out more pics from this event and others, here.

Furthermore, the Dodgers FanFest is tomorrow, and there are plenty of autograph and VIP events still available. Go here to check it out. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 Giants skipper Bill Terry, when asked about the Dodgers prospects for the upcoming season, remarked, "I haven't heard anything from them; are they still in the league?" This obviously caused all of Brooklyn to scream in outrage, and ultimately lead to the Dodgers' greatest revenge. With the Giants tied with the Cardinals and with just two games left to play in the 1934 season (both against Brooklyn), the Dodgers would sweep to deny them the pennant.
• Happy Birthday, Danny Richardson, Ray Schmandt, Ed Head & Ed Goodson!

Welcome to the Blue, AJ Pollock!

I kinda wanted Harper, so this bit of news feels like a consolation prize. That being said, AJ Pollock is not a player to scoff at. He remains a serious offensive right-handed threat at the plate, and still commands respect as a plus outfielder -- even given the numerous injuries he's faced the past several years.

As I'm sure you know by now, the Dodgers are in the midst of signing free agent 31-year old right-handed outfielder and former Diamondback AJ Pollock. This news was originally posted up by Ken Rosenthal on twitter. Additionally, his contract appears to be for four-years at $55 million, plus an $10 million option/$5 million buyout for year five. So, for luxury tax purposes this translates into a five-year/$60 million contract (per Buster Olney on twitter). BTW, there is also an opt-out clause after year three.

Blog Kiosk: 1/24/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends - Signing AJ Pollock

Dodger reliever Joe Kelly did some moonlighting last night at a local Smart & Final.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1939 former Dodger Wee Willie Keeler (along with George Sisler and Eddie Collins) are elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Keeler had famously said, "hit 'em where they ain't." In 1963 the Dodgers acquired Don Zimmer in a trade with the Reds for a minor leaguer. This is Don's second stint with the team; having originally been signed by Brooklyn as an amateur in 1949 and rising up their ranks. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever and soon-to-be legend Joe Beimel. In 2014 the Dodgers signed free agent utilityman Chone Figgins.
• Happy Birthday, Jim Lindsey, Neal Finn & Scott Kazmir!

Blog Kiosk: 1/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Dave Roberts was Grand Marshall for the Kingdom Day Parade yesterday.

Photo above via Dodgers Foundation on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 seven ballplayers are declared free agents as a result of an Players Association's 1985 collusion lawsuit against the owners. Kirk Gibson is one of those players and he would eventually sign with the Dodgers seven days later. The rest, as they say, is history. In 2007 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Pedro Báez as a 19-year old third baseman out of the Dominican Republic. He would eventually convert to a relief pitcher in 2013.
• Happy Birthday, Jay Hughes, Jeff Treadway, Chone Figgins, Wayne Kirby & Carlos Ruiz!

LA Community Tour Next Week

The always anticipated Dodgers community tour to usher in the upcoming season is scheduled for next week, and there are all kinds of festivities available for fans to attend. Overall, there are nine separate events that will feature Dodger players, alumni, coaches and broadcasters.

Monday, January 21

• 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.             Kingdom Day Parade

Dave Roberts will serve as the grand marshal of the 34th annual Kingdom Day Parade. The three-mile route will begin at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Western Avenue and proceed west on King to Crenshaw Boulevard and then south to Vernon Avenue, where a post-parade festival will be held at Leimert Park. Go here for more information: kingdomdayparade.org. BTW, the parade will also be televised on ABC 7 -- starting at 11:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. In the past Sweet Lou Johnson, Derrel Thomas, Bobby Castillo, Tommy Davis, Al “The Bull” Ferrara, Lee Lacy, Kenny Landreaux, Tim Leary, Wes Parker and Dennis Powell have participated in the parade. Furthermore, Matt Kemp was the grand marshall of the Kingdom Day Parade in 2013.

Blog Kiosk: 1/17/2019 - Dodgers Links - Autograph & VIP Experience FanFest Tickets On Sale Today!

Here's a special notice for Dodger FanFest attendees, the autograph and VIP experience tickets will go on sale this afternoon, online, at 1:00 PM. Go here. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear they'll be providing a preview of who will be signing or specifics about VIP events.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the Brooklyn Dodgers traded Andy Pafko to the Milwaukee Braves for Roy Hartsfield. In 1976 Dodger great Tommy Davis is released by the KC Royals, ending an 18-year MLB career. As a Dodger he played eight seasons; slashing .304/.338/.441/.779 with an 117 OPS+, 16.2 WAR, two batting crowns and two All-Star appearances.
• Happy Birthday, Tyler Houston, Scott Mullen, Harry Pattee & Don Zimmer!

1951 Brooklyn Eagle Printing Plate of the Duke

At just 24-years of age, the young Snider had just finished his first great season as a Dodger. In 1950 he slashed a fantastic .321/.379/.553/.932 to become an All-Star and MVP candidate (coming in ninth place) for the first time. So naturally, a nice little raise was in order.

Featured above is a January 28, 1951 (link here) Brooklyn Eagle printing plate of Duke Snider that accompanies a story highlighting his signing of a new contract for the upcoming 1951 season. Here's the headline:

Snider Okays 1951 Dodger Pact; Figure Set at $15,000

2019 Dodgers FanFest Details Are Now Here

We now have some details for the Dodgers seventh annual FanFest at Dodger Stadium. It is set for Saturday, January 26th, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. As always, a full slate of autograph guest and VIP experiences will be available for fans. Go here to check it all out. Admission, as always, is free, but you must get a ticket ahead of time.

I've attended the past six FanFest's and shared a bunch of photos from those days (these post also include numerous links to post from other bloggers).  Check out the below links to check them out.  

• 2018 Fan Fest
• 2017 Fan Fest
• 2016 Fan Fest
• 2015 Fan Fest
• 2014 Fan Fest
• 2013 Fan Fest

----------------------------

As always, both admission and parking is free at Dodger Stadium. Unfortunately, just about everything else is not. Go here for more information. You must download and claim a free ticket to attend the event (no parking tickets are required). Once there, parking gates open at 9:30 AM and stadium gates will open at 10:00 AM. There will be a bunch of activities available for both young and old.

Once again, there will be a Jr. Dodgers Autograph session for kids only (ages 14 and under) in the autograph tent that will be in Lot G. Additionally, these autographs are free for kids, but you must be a Jr. Dodgers member (which is also free). Go here to sign up and check it out.

The LA Dodger Foundations (LADF) will host its fifth annual Yard Sale with one-of-a-kind Dodger items for budgets of all sizes; including jerseys, T-shirts and more. There will also be a Mystery Bag Fundraiser where fans can purchase an official Major League baseball autographed by a current or former Dodger. All Proceeds benefit the LADF.

FanFest autograph tickets are to go on sale later this week, so stay tuned. You will need to go here (www.dodgers.com/fanfest) to get those tickets. This is also where you will go to get tickets for the various VIP Experiences; such as meet and greets, Q&A sessions, pitching lessons, batting lessons, tours, etc. Prices for autograph ticket vouchers has not been release yet.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

2018 Leaf Ultimate Draft - All the Dodgers Cards

Leaf always seems to release a couple of brands a month or two too late. For instance, last week they released their 2018 Leaf Ultimate Draft cards and they'll have their 2018 Leaf Valient cards next month -- even though we are well into the new year. Nevertheless, it's always nice to get new cards of some up-'n-coming prospects.

Featured below are the three Dodgers found in packs of 2018 Leaf Ultimate Draft. Go here for a complete checklist.

1990 Leaf Autograph

#BA-DJP D.J. Peters         #BA-KR1 Keibert Ruiz

Blog Kiosk: 1/14/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As you know, this weekend Jaime Jarrin received the Pioneer Award at the 16th annual Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation awards dinner, and our very own Justin Turner was on-hand to present it to him. BTW, former Dodger VP of Amateur Scouting, Logan White, was also honored at the scouts dinner - being one of eight scouts honored.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2006 the Dodgers, with closer Eric Gagne on the DL due to Tommy John surgery, traded starting pitcher Edwin Jackson and minor league pitcher Chuck Tiffany to Tampa Bay for relievers Danys Baez and Lance Carter.
• Happy Birthday, Art Decatur, Derrel Thomas, Terry Forster, Troy Brohawn & Logan Forsythe!

Welcome Back to the Blue, Russell Martin!

This morning we all got a bit of news regarding our open catcher position, and it has nothing to do with the Marlins. Instead, we find out that an old friend will be coming back home. According to Canadian Sportsnet journalist Arash Madani, Russell Martin has been traded to the Dodgers, via twitter:

BREAKING: Per MLB sources, the Blue Jays are trading Russell Martin to the LA Dodgers.

More to come...

— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) January 11, 2019

And now we have official confirmation of this from the Dodgers. Below is from a press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired catcher Russell Martin and cash considerations from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Andrew Sopko and minor league infielder Ronny Brito.

Welcome to the Blue, Jaime Schultz!

Last week the Dodger completed their first trade of 2019, and they did it in the most unsurprising way. The Dodgers, as they are wont to do, added additional depth to their pitching roster by trading their 20th round 2018 pick, pitcher Caleb Sampen, to the Tampa Bay Rays (Andrew Friedman's former employer) for righty reliever Jaime Schultz. Per a Dodger press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired right-handed pitcher Jaime Schultz from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Caleb Sampen.

Blog Kiosk: 1/10/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out who's on the cover of the most recent issue of Baseball America -- stud catching prospect Keibert Ruiz

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1984 Don Drysdale was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame; along with Luis Aparicio and Harmon Killebrew. It was Drysdale's tenth year on the ballot. In 2006 the Dodgers hire Hall of Famer Eddie Murray to be their hitting coach. He would remain a Dodger til June 2007. In 2017 the Dodgers signed closer Kenley Jansen to a five-year $80 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Ed MacGamwell, Gary Rath, Marty Hermann, Johnny Peacock & Adam Kennedy! 

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: California Strong Celebrity Softball Game & Padres FanFest

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any), as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

---------------------------

1958 Packard Bell Dodgers Regional Set - The Dodger Cards

I was recently checking out the current Lelands Winter Classic auction and came across the above 1958 Packard-Bell poster advertising "pictures" of three Dodger players. (Auction Link) Featured are skipper Walter Alston, beloved player and future coach Jim Gilliam and should-be Hall-of-Famer Gil Hodges.

As you know, 1958 was an important year for the club. It marked the franchise's first season in Los Angeles, and as you can imagine it fueled plenty of interest throughout the Southland. West coast baseball fans without a Major League hometeam to root for came out of the woodwork, so businesses were eager to latch their name/product to the team. The poster featured above is an example of one those early efforts.

Blog Kiosk: 1/8/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Is that bugler in the background an old Brooklyn "Sym-Phony" band member?

Featured above is a September 30, 1963 AP wire photo (eBay link here) of Sandy Koufax arriving at LaGuardia airport in preparation for the upcoming World Series against the Yankees.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Jackie Robinson is awarded the prestigious Spingarn Medal by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People for his strong support of civil rights initiatives. Martin Luther King Jr. was given the honor the prior year.
• Happy Birthday, Chauncey Fisher, Brian Johnson & Derek Thompson!

Blog Kiosk: 1/3/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just another vintage spring training pic to make you long for the upcoming season, dated 2/23/1947 (eBay Auction Link).

Bat Selection. Bruce Edwards (left), Brooklyn Dodger catcher, looks over some bats with rookie Tom Tatum at the Dodger training area at Havana, Cuba, Feb. 21. Tatum came to the Dodgers from Montreal in the International League where he hit .319 in the 1946 season. Edwards' home is in Sacramento, Calif, and Tatum lives in Nashville, Tenn.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 the trade that sends outfielder Shawn Green from the Dodgers to the Diamondbacks and includes $8 million changing hands is approved by the Commissioner of baseball, Bud Selig. The trade would officially be consummated eight days later. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher Brett Tomko to a two year/$8.7 million contract.  
• Happy Birthday, Frenchy Bordagaray & Chris Van Cuyk!

Blog Kiosk: 1/2/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is a pic of Dodgers team mascot, Ambrose the dog, with team owner Charles Ebbets and his family. It is currently available at RMY Auctions (link here). Per the description on the reverse:

Owner Watches Dodgers Shaping Up -- Stiff workouts continue daily at the Brooklyn Dodgers' Florida Training Camp. The owner Charles Ebbets is there to see thing are going right and he is shown with Mrs. Ebbets helping Ambrose, the mascot to a light. Dated 3-11-1924.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1911 Dodgers president Charles Ebbets announces that he has completed the purchase of 4.5 acres of land in the Pigtown section of Brooklyn to build a new concrete and steel stadium for the team. In 1935 the Dodgers selected Cubs catcher Babe Phelps off of waivers. He would go on to play seven seasons in Brooklyn -- slashing .315/.368/.477/.845 and attended three All-Star games. In 2004 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder and pinch-hitting savant Olmedo Sáenz. All hail the "Killer Tomato".
• Happy Birthday, George Boehler, Bobby Reis, Cliff Dapper, Bill Madlock, Greg Heydeman, Mike Metcalfe & Scott Proctor!