Monday, September 30, 2019

2019 Topps Now -- #917 & #922 -- Franchise Record 106 Wins


This is likely the last Dodgers' 2019 Topps Now card of the regular season, and it highlights yesterday afternoons win over the Giants. As you surely know by now, that victory was the clubs 106th of the year - a new franchise record. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:
“I’m going to take a moment to appreciate what we did as an organization,” said manager Dave Roberts. “When you’re talking about the regular season and all those great teams in Dodger history, it takes a lot to accomplish what we accomplished as a group.”

Blog Kiosk: 9/30/2019 - Dodgers Links - 106 Wins!


With the Dodgers weekend sweep of the Giants, they recorded a franchise best 106 wins for the season. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
“All those great teams in Dodgers history, it takes a lot to accomplish all we’ve accomplished as a group and organization,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “Very proud of everyone, top to bottom. It’s something no one can take away from us.”
Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:
“It’s special,” Seager said to SportsNet LA’s Alanna Rizzo. “The work’s not done. We’re going to try to go finish business.”
Photo above via Michael Urakami/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1951 the Dodgers defeated the Phillies on the last game of the season to force a three-game playoff for the National League pennant against the Giants. They win in the 14th inning -- after Jackie Robinson made a game saving catch then hit a home run the next inning to give the Dodgers a 9-8 victory. In 1953 Shotgun George Shuba becomes the first National League player (and third player overall) to have hit a pinch-hit home run in the World Series. Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose the game, 9-5, to the Yankees. In 1999 the Dodgers ruin the fun at Candlestick Park when they defeat the Giants, 9-4. This is the last game ever played at this bay area ballpark.
  • Happy Birthday, Nap RuckerDick CoxJohnny AllenFrank LamanskeFrank SkaffJohnny PodresJohn DeSilvaJose LimaJamie RomakEdward ParedesKenley Jansen!

Friday, September 27, 2019

Check out Some "Costume Travel Day" Custom Fantasy Baseball Cards


I just could't help myself. Check out a bunch of custom fantasy baseball cards I put together this afternoon.

2019 Futera Unique Onyx Prospects & Legends Baseball -- The Dodger Cards

Earlier this month Onyx and a company named Futura (who is totally new to me) released a card collaboration non-licensed Baseball card set that features both prospects and some living legends -- called 2019 Futera Unique Onyx Prospects & Legends Baseball. As is typical, there are no team logos anywhere. Go here for a complete checklist.

Only three Dodgers are available -- Gavin Lux, Keibert Ruiz and Mike Piazza. Unfortunately, not all of the individual cards have been revealed. The product is limited to only 75 cases (900 boxes or 3,600 packs). Nevertheless, I've got pics of some of the Dodger cards that are available.

Base Prospects & Legends

  • #20 Gavin Lux -- Not Yet Seen
#30 Mike Piazza              #32 Keibert Ruiz

2019 Topps Heritage Minor League -- All the Dodger Cards

This week Topps released the Heritage Minor League Baseball card brand, and I've got pics of most of the Dodgers' that are available. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

Two of our biggest young stars are available here -- Gavin Lux and Dustin May. Additionally, if you think Will Smith is the 'cat's meow' then wait til you get a look at our other top catching prospect -- Keibert Ruiz. He's got ten different cards available in this set (more than any other Dodger), and is considered to have a much better bat than the the 'fresh prince of Chavez Ravine."

Base

#21 Mitchell White

Blog Kiosk: 9/27/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Yesterday was "Costume Travel Day" for the Dodgers. Heck, everyone who boarded the plane, including travelling staff, had to join in on the fun.

If I can find the time, I will make a bunch of fantasy baseball cards of them in costume.

On another note, the Dodgers, on the back of Kershaw's six innings of scoreless two-hit ball, defeated the Padres, 1-0, last night. This was his last outing of the season. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
“You’re just building confidence,” said Kershaw. “No matter how long you play this game, you struggle and your confidence will go here and there at times. Today, just went in with the mindset to be super aggressive and keep going and don’t worry about all the stuff that’s happened. The results are better today, for sure. 
“If I had pitched bad today, it wouldn’t be the end of the world, but it wouldn’t have been fun going into the postseason knowing I had struggled. It’s definitely good to get some momentum and confidence going and realize the pitches I need to make are still in there. It was good, for sure.”
Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1936 future Dodger Hall of Fame skipper Walter Alston played in his only Major League game. It was as an 24-year old first baseman for the Cardinals, and he got into the game as a late-inning substitution for Johnny Mize. He would commit an error on the field in two chances, and only get a single at-bat -- he struck out. In 1951 future basketball Hall of Famer Bill Sharman was on the bench for the Dodgers as a 25-year old prospect. On this day he would be thrown out of the game, along with 14 other teammates, for "bench-jockeying" after a close play at home. He would never get a chance to play a Major League game, and thus became the only player to be ejected from a game without ever appearing in one. In 1961 Sandy Koufax recorded seven strikeouts against the Phillies to set a new National League record for strikeouts in a season at 269. The mark was previously held by Giants hurler Christy Mathewson who set it in 1903 with 267 strikeouts. In 2000 the Team USA Baseball club, skippered by Tommy Lasorda, beat the Cuban ballclub to win the gold medal in the Olympics.
  • Happy BirthdayJoe VisnerDoug BairdWhit WyattLen MatuszekJason PhillipsVicente Padilla & Jon Garland!

Thursday, September 26, 2019

2019 Topps Total - Wave 7- All the Dodger Cards

Wave 7 from 2019 Topps Total has been released, so now there are three more Dodger players are available to collect -- Enrique Hernandez, Kenta Maeda and Rich Hill. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist. BTW, each card has an approximate print run of 366.

Base - Wave 7

#615 Enrique Hernandez

#652 Kenta Maeda                #677 Rich Hill

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* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 9/26/2019 - Dodgers Links - 300 Saves!


Congrats, Kenley!

Last night Kenley Jansen recorded his 300th career save -- all as a Dodger. I know the past couple of years has been a long hard slog for the closer, so reaching this milestone I think will prove important to his mindset. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
“I know the second half hasn’t gone well at all,” Jansen said. “Just a lot of noise, let’s say it like that. I just have to show myself being here for my teammates. I never lost the confidence in myself. The numbers don’t look good when I go back-to-back, Doc and I talked about it today. It’s something I need to prove. Scientists are not right all the time and I want to prove them wrong.”
Photo above via Raymond Gorospe/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from last nights game. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1975 Burt Hooton set a Dodgers record for starters when he won his 12th consecutive game. In 1981 the Dodgers were no-hit by legendary fireballer Nolan Ryan of the Astros in Houston, 5-0. It would be the fifth no-no of his career. You can watch the last out of the game hereIn 1997 Mike Piazza hit a change-up against former Dodger hurler Darren Holmes that went 496 feet to left-centerfield -- hitting a billboard between the scoreboard and the Rockpile at Coors Field. It is deemed the longest homer ever hit at the Colorado stadium. You can watch the blast here. BTW, the Dodgers defeated the Rockies, 10-4. Per a Denver Post story:
    “It was mammoth, man,” pitcher Darren Holmes said. “It was a big bomb.”
  • Happy BirthdayBernie Neis & Brian Traxler!

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Goldin Auctions: Kenta Maeda Rookie Superfractor is Available


Goldin Auction is currently running their October Legends auction and it's got a card that you don't see too often at these established auction houses. Featured here is a modern issue card, and it represents one of the top Kenta Maeda cards in the hobby. It is his 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospects rookie card and it's of the highly coveted 'Superfractor' variety -- meaning it's a 'one-of-one' card (Auction Link).

Best yet, this auction might be able to answer a question that I've always wondered about. If you had a card to sell (assuming it's a high-dollar item), would you be better off selling it on your own through eBay, or should you reach out to an auction house?

The reason I can ask this question is that this exact card sold in August on eBay for $749.99 (you can see that listing here). So, it'll be interesting to see if this card will sell for significantly more or less than its sale price of just one month ago.

BTW, arguably the best Maeda card you can get is the autographed version of the above card.... And wouldn't you know it. That card sold last month too. It closed at $1,200.00 (eBay Auction Link). You can see it on the right.

As for other Dodger stuff in Goldin's auction I really like the below painting by artist Greg Gutierrez. He is an Southern California based artist who is probably best known for his book, "Zen and the Art of Surfing."

As you can see, his painting is of Jackie Robinson rounding first base. (Auction Link)

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* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 9/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Rich Hill had something to prove. He came out last night to show that he can help this club win in the playoffs, and in doing so ended up recording five strike outs in two innings of work. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:
“I want to pitch. I want to help this team in the postseason,” Hill said. “Hopefully I can prove that I can help the team do that. The main goal is October, and I believe today was a step in the right direction, and I certainly want to continue to go in the right direction on Sunday.”
Dave Roberts adds more:
“There’s a lot of will, there’s a lot of fight in there with Richie,” Roberts said. “You could see there were grimaces in there. There was trying to feel for things as far as the knee and trusting letting the fastball and letting the breaking ball go.”
BTW, Hill's five strike outs gives him 1,000 for his entire career. Congrats!

On another note, the Dodgers 6-3 win last night notched home field advantage for both the NLDS and NLCS. Photo above via Raymond Gorospe/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1941 the Dodgers won their first NL pennant in 21 years when they defeated the Braves in Boston, 6-0. In 1956 Dodgers hurler Sal "The Barber" Maglie no-hit the Phillies at Ebbets Field, 5-0. At 39 years old he became the oldest pitcher to throw one. You can listen to the last inning of Maglie's no-no (as called by Jerry Doggett with Vin Scully) hereIn 1974 Dr. Frank Jobe performs the first ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery on Dodgers pitcher Tommy John's left elbow. The revolutionary procedure would soon be known as Tommy John Surgery.
  • Happy BirthdayDave Walsh!

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

2019 Topps 150 Years of Baseball -- #89 -- Historic Moments: Jackie Steals Home


The 10th Dodger card found in Topps 2019 '150 Years of Baseball' set features Jackie Robinson's famous steal of home during Game 1 of the 1955 World Series. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:
With the Yankees leading, 6-3, in the top of the eighth inning, Jackie Robinson famously broke for home plate while Whitey Ford was delivering a pitch. Robinson slid and was ruled safe, narrowing the Yankees lead to merely two runs.
Below is a listing of all previously issued 2019 Topps 150 Years of Baseball Dodger cards. You can also check out a complete checklist of the set here.
  • #2 -- Sandy Koufax -- Perfect Game -- 2415 Print Run (link here)
  • #17 -- Jackie Robinson -- Breaking Color Barrier -- 1,231 Print Run (link here)
  • #42 -- Mike Piazza -- 1993 Rookie Campaign -- 817 Print Run (link here)
  • #45 -- Duke Snider -- Artist Rendition -- 992 Print Run (link here)
  • #55 -- Eric Gagne -- 84 Consecutive Saves -- 725 Print Run (link here)
  • #66 -- Jackie Robinson -- Artist Rendition -- 1,333 Print Run (link here)
  • #71 -- Sandy Koufax -- 1965 World Series -- 855 Print Run (link here)
  • #75 -- Roy Campanella -- Artist Rendition -- 1,181 Print Run (link here)
  • #84 -- Cody Bellinger -- 2017 Rookie Year -- TBA Print Run (link here)

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* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Correspondence: How a Dodger VP Responded to a Fan Rant


As you know, fans are the worst. We are a demanding bunch of miscreants, often insisting that we know more than any of those idiots in the front office. Heck, if you'd only listen to me the Dodgers would be perennial World Series champions. Instead, we are left to wallow in mediocrity and failure -- always playing second fiddle to this team or that team.

Right?

This is what we, as die-hard fans, all believe... And there's nothing wrong with that. That said, sometimes a little dose of reality is important to keep our heads on our shoulders.

Featured here is a letter written by Dodgers Vice President Fresco Thompson, dated August 19, 1964, to a fan named Frank D'Esposito of Orlando, FL (eBay Auction Link). Unfortunately, we do not know what D'Esposito had written to illicit a response from Thompson, but I think it's fair to assume he was critical of the lack of trades to improve the team that season (much like the complaints we hear today). In the Thompson letter he explains to the Dodger-fanatic that making trades is not an easy endeavor. In fact, it often results in deficiencies elsewhere. Below is an excerpt of Fresco's words:

Blog Kiosk: 9/24/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Here's a fun, dated circa 1957 on the reverse, photograph of Pee Wee Reese lounging comfortably on a leather armchair. It was taken by Dodger photographer Barney Stein and includes five well-dressed gentleman surrounding Pee Wee. I have no idea who those guys are or what is going on, but I suspect this was some sort of pregame activity/ceremony. I know for certain that there was a Pee Wee Reese Night at Ebbets Field in 1955, but am unsure if they did it again two years later. Maybe this was a pregame promotion where they gifted Pee Wee the easy-chair to promote the product. I dunno. (eBay Auction Link)

Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1901 Brooklyn outfielder Jimmy Sheckard became the first 20th-century player to hit grand slams in two consecutive games, as Brooklyn pounds Cincinnati, 16 - 2.  In 1957 the last Major League game is played at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Pirates first baseman Dee Fondy makes the last out when he grounds to Dodger shortstop Don Zimmer with starting pitcher Danny McDevitt on the mound. The Dodger win, 2-0In 1971 Dodger lefty Al Downing wins his 20th game of the season -- defeating the Atlanta Braves, 2-0. He would finish third in Cy Young voting this season. In 2003 Eric Gagne ties the NL record for saves when he records his 55th save of the season against the Padres in extra innings, 5-3.
  • Happy BirthdayTom SeatsDixie WalkerOtis DavisDick NenHubie BrooksLarry White & Jim Neidlinger!

Monday, September 23, 2019

2019 Topps Now - #881 - Babe Ryu and the Dodgers 100th Win!


The Dodgers Cy Young candidate, Hyun-Jin Ryu, came out on Sunday and recorded not only his 13th win of the season (one short of a career high), but also hit his very first career home run. It was off of Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela in the fifth inning, and it tied the game up at one run apiece. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:
Ryu said he tried to keep a poker face on his trip around the bases and into the dugout. His teammates did the opposite. 
“We were definitely more excited than him,” Bellinger said. “That was his first career home run, so we’re obviously really excited for him, which is crazy (that he hasn’t hit one before) because he has stupid power at batting practice.”
Soon after Ryu moonshot the Dodger rallied to score four more runs during the inning and eventually won the contest to win their 100th of the year. In honor of both Ryu's home run and the Dodger win Topps has issued a new 2019 Topps Now card for fans to collection. Go here to check it out and order.

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* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 9/23/2019 - Dodgers Links - Babe Ryuth!


Hyun-Jin Ryu his his first career homer yesterday, and the inevitable happened. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
“There were chants from the dugout -- Babe Ryuth,” said Roberts. “It got our dugout going and the fans going. But just the way he threw the ball today, it was back to the old Hyun-Jin. His entire mix was good. We needed this from him.”
Photo above via Carrie Giordano/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1908 (not Dodger news) Giants infielder Fred Merkle failed to touch second base as the apparent winning run crossed home plate. The miscue results in the game being declared a tie, and forces a one-game tie-breaker that the Giants lose. The play is forever known as "Merkle's Boner." Here's a little ditty about the play that I thought worth checking out. In 1942 34-year old Dodger hurler Larry French pitched a brilliant one-hitter to defeat the Phillies, 6-0, and record his 197th win of his career. Soon thereafter, he would join the US Navy and retire as a Captain in 1969. On this same day Dodger President Larry MacPhail announced that he would quit his job with the club to re-enter the Army. In 1947 the Brooklyn Dodgers celebrate Jackie Robinson Day at Ebbets Field. In 1962 Maury Wills records his 97th steal of the season to eclipse the major league single-season record of 96 steals by Ty Cobb in 1915. In 1983 Dodger closer Steve Howe is suspended by the league for refusing to take a urinalysis test, and is therefore made ineligible for postseason play. In 2000 1955 World Series hero Carl Erskine performed the national anthem on his harmonica prior to the start of this evenings game. He witnessed Kevin Brown throw a two-hit complete game to defeat the Padres, 2-1.
  • Happy Birthday, Bob HigginsMatt KempJedd Gyorko!

Friday, September 20, 2019

2019 Topps Heritage High Number Mega Box - The Shiny Russell Martin Card

As you may know, Topps released an online exclusive 'Mega Box' for their 2019 Topps Heritage High Number brand last week, and it includes an exclusive insert set featuring a handful chromed-out Heritage base cards. It includes only one shiny Dodger card. It is of Russell Martin and you can see it below. Go here for a complete checklist. BTW, you can still order boxes here.

Base Heritage Chrome Exclusives

#THC-596 Russell Martin

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* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 9/20/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Here is an undated, probably circa 1950's, press photo featuring several Dodger players celebrating at Ebbets Field (eBay auction link). As you can see, the players are surrounded by several stadium employees, complete in full Ebbets Field regalia. On the right are a couple of fans milling about. In fact, the fellow on the far right appears to have stolen a Brooklyn cap right off the head of an unsuspecting Dodger player. You can see the Dodger player (who I can't identify) reaching for his missing cap, and an usher forcefully grabbing for said cap.

Unfortunately, we don't have a description of the event to tell us more, but I think it's fair to say that you shouldn't be be like that guy.

Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1907 the Dodgers are no-hit by Pirates rookie Nick Maddox, 2-1. In 1959 the Dodgers and Giants play the last ballgame ever at San Francisco's Seals Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Giants 8-2. The Giants would play at Candlestick Park the next season. In 1993 pinch-hitting machine Dave Hansen collected his 18th pinch-hit of the season to set a new franchise record. In 2011 Clayton Kershaw becomes the first Dodger twenty game winner since Ramon Martinez in 1990. He defeats the Giants 2-1. 
  • Happy BirthdayNelson GreeneVic Lombardi & Chuck Dressen!

Rockies Series Starts Friday - Stadium Giveaways, Autographs, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts on Friday against the Colorado Rockies. This is the last home series of the season Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. I will update this should new and updated information become available. Here are some important links:
---------------
Friday, September 20th at 7:10 PM
TV: ESPN, SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish
Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Thursday, September 19, 2019

2019 Bowman Chrome - All the Dodger Cards

Bowman Chrome is now available at your favorite hobby shop, and I've got pics of most of the Dodger cards to share. Check them out below. Go here to see a complete checklist.

It is notable that we see the very first officially licensed cards of prospects Robinson Ortiz and Edwin Uceta. MLB Pipeling ranks Ortiz as the Dodgers 25th best prospect, while Edwin Uceta is ranked at 21.

Base Bowman Chrome

#64 Clayton Kershaw             #99 Justin Turner

Blog Kiosk: 9/19/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Kenley's killing me! Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
“I didn’t have it today. I sucked,” Jansen said after backsliding from three solid outings by allowing a pair of runs in the ninth inning. “You can’t control the outcome. Yes, the command wasn’t what it was the last three games, but you just can’t let this one frustrate you.”
I'm frustrated (boxscore). Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1956 starter Don Newcombe hit two home runs in a game for the third time in his career -- defeating the Cardinals, 17-2In 2000 a Dodger fan pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of causing a disturbance at a sporting event, and has been banned from attending home games in Los Angeles for 18 months. The irate patron during a May 30th game threw coffee in the face of a Mets fan who was cheering a grand slam hit by New York's catcher Todd Pratt. In 2013 the Dodgers celebrated their NL West Division title in Arizona by climbing the Chase Field right-centerfield wall to party in their outdoor pool. Watch the event unfold here. In 2014 Clayton Kershaw won his 20th game of the season for the second time in his career. He is the first Dodger pitcher to win 20 game twice since Claude Osteen in 1969 and 1972.
  • Happy BirthdaySadie McMahonJack RyanRed BarkleyDuke SniderJoe FergusonScott Baker & Charlie Haeger!

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Even More Dodger Goodies at SCP Auctions


Last week I highlighted an incredible Vin Scully artifact (link here) that is available through SCP Auctions. It's his very first employment contract and it's currently at $8,577 -- nearly double what it was just a few days ago. Today, I thought it's be fun to take a look at some of the other Dodger stuff... And there's a lot of it.

For instance, there are nearly 20 different listings featuring Dodgers' game-worn uniform pieces -- from jerseys to pants. But none of those are as cool as the above highlighted 1959 Don Drysdale gamer (Auction Link). As you know, the Dodgers won their very first World Series title on the West Coast that season. It's currently priced at $12,100, at the time of this posting.

Blog Kiosk: 9/18/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Corey Seager has had a subpar year -- not surprising considering his injuries last season and this. That said, there are signs that he might be returning to form. Last night he knocked in four runs on two doubles -- becoming only the sixth Dodger in franchise history to record two 40+ doubles seasons. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:
“It’s been good in the sense that he was able to participate and play and compete,” manager Dave Roberts said of Seager’s season. “There was that (hamstring) injury (in June) that he was frustrated in, but now to be back and get consistent playing time, the rhythm and feel is there at the plate. He adds so much length to our lineup, and to play a premium position defensively and be an impact bat obviously makes us considerably better.”
Photo above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

2019 Topps Luminaries - All the Dodger Cards

A couple weeks back Topps released their premium all-autograph brand, Luminaries, to the collecting public. For the price of about $150 you are guaranteed one autographed card. Additionally, every card comes encapsulated in a hard case -- with exceptions being the booklet cards. Go here for a complete checklist.

Below is a look at most of the Dodger cards that are available.

Home Run Kings Autographs

#HRK-MPI Mike Piazza

Blog Kiosk: 9/17/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Here's another fantastic "action" press photo from the famed George Michael Collection featuring Jackie Robinson stealing second base against the Cardinals, dated July 25, 1949 (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:
Jackie Robinson steals second base in the 4th inning. Cards Red Schoendist makes late tag, ump Frank Dascoli safe sign. Game called after 9th, 4-4 tie, due to travel.
This is one of the more unusual reasons to end a game in a tie -- travel. Strangely, It doesn't appear that they ever played a make-up game, which seems weird since the Dodgers ended up besting the Cardinals' by only one game to win the pennant. Anyone know what happened here? Did they play a make-up game and my dense-self can't figure out what game that was? Here a link to the boxscore for this game. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1912 Brooklyn outfielder and future Hall of Fame Manager Casey Stengel made his Major League debut. He collected four hits in four at-bats, drove in two runs and swiped a pair of bases. In 1979 Dodger catcher Joe Ferguson hit his 20th homer of the season against the Atlanta Braves, which gave the team their fifth player with at least 20 homers on the year for the first time in franchise history. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela ties a Major League record for shutouts by a rookie at eight when he defeated the Atlanta Braves, 2-0In 1996 Hideo Nomo threw the Dodgers 20th no-hitter in franchise history. He defeated the Colorado Rockies, 9-0. Watch the last out of this game here.
  • Happy BirthdayButts Wagner (older brother of Honus Wagner), Maury KentErnie Koy & Dan Haren!

Monday, September 16, 2019

Rays Series Starts on Tuesday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Rays.   Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. I will update this should new and updated information become available. Here are some important links:
----------------------
Tuesday, September 16th at 7:10 PM
Ross Stripling Caleb Ferguson vs Blake Snell
TV: YouTube
Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 9/16/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


New York Giants skipper John McGraw decided to take a photo of his counterpart, Dodger manager Wilbert Robinson. Per a description on the reverse (eBay auction link):
John McGraw takes Wilbert Robinson's picture but Robinson and his Brooklyn Baseball team took the first game (boxscore) from the New York Giants on the opening game of the (1926) season at the Polo Grounds, New York. McGraw evidently wanted to see if rotund Robby had gotten any thinner since they last met last fall.
Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1940 a fan instigated a fight on the field with the games home plate umpire. Following a dismal season and a bad call that resulted in another Dodger loss, 21-year old fan Frank Germano jumped on the field and proceeded to sucker-punch a retired heavyweight boxer, umpire George Magerkurth. I wrote about the incident hereIn 1957 the LA City Council votes to approve a 300-acre site in Chavez Ravine for a ballpark if the Dodgers will finance a public recreation area. In 1988 Reds starter Tom Browning throws a perfect game against the Dodgers, 0-1 (boxscore). 
  • Happy Birthday, George McVeyDick RobertsonBuster MillsMike GarmanOrel HershiserPaul Shuey!

Friday, September 13, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 9/13/2019 - Dodgers Links - Happy Friday the 13th!


Here's a clubhouse celebration featuring Duke Snider and Sandy Amoros after they helped defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates to win the National League Pennant on the last day of the season (boxscore), September 30, 1956. Per the description on the reverse of the photo above (eBay link):
HOMER HEROES. Brooklyn, N.Y.: Duke Snider (left) and Sandy Amoros embrace in the Dodger dressing room here Sept. 30, after each crashed two mighty homers to lead Brooklyn to its 10th National League Pennant, with an 8-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.  The Duke also made a spectacular leaping, back-hand stab against the centerfield barrier to rob Bucs' Bob Skinner of an extra-base hit and choke off a seventh-inning Pirate rally.
Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1925 future Brooklyn Hall of Famer Dazzy Vance no-hit the Phillies at Ebbets Field, 10-1. In 1977 outfielder Dusty Baker set a franchise record by recording five RBI's in a single inning -- during the second inning against the Padres. His hits include a two-run double and a three-run homer. In 2005 Dodgers futility was at it's best. During the second inning against the Padres all three Dodger outfielders (Ricky Ledee, Jose Cruz Jr. and Jason Werth) committed errors that contributed to the scoring of six runs and a loss, 6-4.
  • Happy BirthdayHarry RedmondDutch RuetherJohn KelleherSam CraneOtho NitcholasMorrie AderholtRick DempseyAndy LaRoche & Zach Lee!