Thursday, October 31, 2019

A Hyun-Jin Ryu Baseball Card Checklist

With the season now officially over and the likelihood that hurler Hyun-Jin Ryu will not be remaining in Dodger Blue, I thought it would be fun to take a look at a bunch of Ryu's early Baseball cards. I begin by taking a peek at several World Baseball Classic cards issued for him in 2009 to his first year as a Dodger in 2013.

Surprisingly, there aren't a lot of Korean cards bearing his name. In fact, I could only find one Korean-based card (if I missed something please let me know). There are at least three American-based issues released prior to the Korean card. Why? I dunno.

Additionally, there are numerous limited inserts available that I could not find pics of. If you happen to have a photo please pass that along. Now, on to the cards. BTW, there were numerous Ryu cards available through Panini, but I have not yet seen one autographed card -- even though several are noted on checklists. I suspect they were never issued -- i.e. Panini's America's Pastime.

2009 Bowman Sterling

World Baseball Classic Relics
#BCR-HRR

Blog Kiosk: 10/31/2019 - Dodgers Links - Happy Halloween and Congrats Nats!


I would like to extend a big Blue Heaven congratulations to the Nationals for their World Series Championship. Out of curiosity, if Kershaw is a choker then what is Verlander? He's 0-6 in World Series games. I must confess that there's a little bit of joy in knowing that Bryce Harper will not be celebrating with that team. BTW, the Dodgers were the only team to win a postseason home game against the Nationals during these playoffs. I can't believe Fernando Rodney finally won a championship. Lastly, a congrats to former Dodgers Brian Dozier, Howie Kendrick, Javy Guerra and Dan Hudson on their new rings.

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

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

2019 Topps Triple Threads - The Dodger Base Cards

Topps Triple Threads is here and I've got pics of the Dodger base cards to share. Check them out below. I hope to have pics of the Dodger inserts soon. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base

#4 Clayton Kershaw             #17 Cody Bellinger

#48 Sandy Koufax              #50 Jackie Robinson

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* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Friday, October 25, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 10/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Wow! What a photo.

Here's a great action shot of a play at home featuring Johnny Roseboro. Unfortunately, he was unable to hold on to the throw. (eBay auction link) From a June 3, 1962 game. Via the description on the reverse:
Bobby Wine, Philadelphia Phillies shortstop, is safe on this play at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers Sunday at Philadelphia. Wine had to jar the ball from the grasp of Dodger catcher John Roseboro on a hard slide. Wine scored from first base on John Callison's double to rightfield in the third inning. He had to slide to beat the relay throw from first baseman Ron Fairly on a peg from rightfielder Duke Snider. The Phillies handed the Dodgers their second straight loss 7-5.
Below are more links to check out:

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 10/23/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Here's another great Spring Training photograph, dated March 9, 1936 (eBay auction link). Per the description on the reverse:
Stanley (Frenchie) Bordagaray, outfielder, slides into home plate, covered by catcher Walter Millies, during a spring training game of the Brooklyn Dodgers at Clearwater, Fla.
Below are more links to check out:

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

2019 Topps Total - Wave 8- All the Dodger Cards

Wave 8 from the 2019 Topps Total Baseball card brand has now been released to collectors, and it includes three more Dodgers to collect. They are Corey Seager, Edwin Rios and Chris Taylor. Go here for a complete checklist. Check them out below.

Base - Wave 8

#756 Corey Seager

#757 Edwin Rios               #777 Chris Taylor

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

2019 Topps Gold Label - All the Dodger Cards

Last week saw the released of Topps 2019 Gold Label brand, and I've not got pics of most of the Dodger cards to share. Check them out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

This set consist of a base set with 100 ballplayers, and each one has three different versions available -- called "Class 1", "Class 2" & "Class 3". The "Class 3" versions are scarcer than the "Class 1" versions.

There are six Dodgers available in the base set -- Kershaw, Bellinger, Buehler, Koufax, Jackie Robinson and Seager. There also are a handful of inserts available, but unfortunately I've only seen the Max Muncy autographed card.

Base

#34 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 10/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Here's a fantastic UPI press photo featuring the Dodgers' three co-MVP's from the 1981 World Series -- Pedro Guerrero, Steve Yeager and Ron Cey (eBay auction link). Dated October 28, 1981 and taken by Pat Benic/UPI.

Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1965 the Dodgers released Wally Moon -- whose famed "Moon Shots" over the short left field wire fence at the Coliseum helped propel Los Angeles towards a championship in 1959. In 1984 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever Brian Holton. He would eventually be an important cog to the Dodgers 1988 World Championship team -- going 7-3 on the season with an 1.70 ERA, a 2.72 FIP, 2.1 WAR, 49 strikeouts, 26 walks, one save in 45 appearances. In 2013 the Dodgers signed Cuban ballplayer Alex Guerrero.
  • Happy BirthdayKid CarseyOscar JonesMike McCormackJohnny MorrisonSam Bohne & Jumbo Elliott!

Monday, October 21, 2019

2019 Topps Update Series - All the Dodger Insert Cards

Now that you've seen the Dodgers' base cards found in Topps flagship Update brand, check out many of the various Dodger insert cards that are available below. First, I thought I would begin with the two Dodger players that can be found in the 'Silver Pack 1984 Chrome Promo' packs -- Walker Buehler and catcher Will Smith. As you know, you can receive a free promo pack from participating retailers (hobby shops) for every box of cards purchased. Go here for a checklist.

As for the rest of the cards, there is plenty to chase after. Five Dodgers are available in the various All-Star themed sets, and there's a fantastic autographed Adrian Beltre I would be willing to fight you for.

Silver Pack 1984 Chrome Promo Cards

#T84U-20 Walker Buehler      #T84U-39 Will Smith

Blog Kiosk: 10/21/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Featured above is a 1941 press photo showing Dodgers skipper Leo Durocher and first baseman Dolph Camilli arguing with the home plate umpire. To the far left is a dejected Pee wee Reese. Apparently, Pee Wee was called out on a third strike, that nobody in the Dodgers dugout liked. Unfortunately, we don't know the exact date of this photo or even who the opponent is, but we do know this is Ebbets Field (eBay auction link).

Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1968 the Dodgers sold infielder Bob Bailey to the newest expansion ballclub Montreal Expos. Bailey was attained via a trade with the Pirates for speedster Maury Wills in 1966, and proceeded to stink it up in LA for two season. He slashed .227/.309/.325/.633. Nevertheless, he recorded the Expos very first hit in its franchise's history -- also driving in the clubs first two runs. Bailey also became a mainstay in Montreal, playing seven season in Canada and slashing an impressive .264/.368/.437/.805.
  • Happy Birthday, Bill RussellFranklin StubbsBryan CoreyToby HallCasey FeinZach Greinke!

Friday, October 18, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 10/18/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Pee Wee Reese knows how to have a satisfying winter. Featured above is an October 6, 1955 press photo of Pee Wee Reese grabbing his clubs for a relaxing round of golf, two days after becoming a World Series champion for the first time (eBay auction link). Per the description on the reverse:
Pee Wee Reese grabbed his golf sticks and headed for the links where he will spend much of his time until next spring.
Below are more links to check out:

Thursday, October 17, 2019

2019 Topps Archives Signature Series Retired Player Edition - The Dodger Cards

Topps released their 'Archives Signature Series Retired Player Edition' cards a couple of weeks ago, but I am only now able to share some pics of the Dodger cards found in boxes. The checklist of available players is quite extensive, as it includes a bunch of Dodgers'. In fact, I count at least 18 former players within the 93 player set (go here for a complete checklist). So far, I've found cards for only 11 of those ballplayers, but suspect more are available. See those cards below. I will updated this post from time to time, as more cards become unveiled.

BTW, this brand consist of all-autographed Topps cards from past Topps products. So, you can find cards going as far back as 1951 to this season -- all having been hard-signed. A single box of one card will cost you about $40.

#Andruw Jones

2008 Topps Trading Card History

Blog Kiosk: 10/17/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


I am already thinking of Spring Training, so I thought sharing this photo would be apt. Featured is a March 12, 1937 International News press photo (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:
"TIME OUT FOR BREATHER.  Clearwater, Fla...All work and no play does things to a ballplayer as well as other folk, so this trio of Brooklyn Dodgers takes time out from training to sit and chat for a bit.  They are, left to right, Woody English, who came from the Cubs; Harry Lavagetto, a former Pirate 2nd baseman, and Roy Henshaw, former Cub pitcher.".
Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1978 the Yankees defeated the Dodgers in Game 6 of the World Series to win their second consecutive title. In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Montreal Expos in Game 4 of the NLCS at Olympic Stadium, 7-1. Steve Garvey hit a two-run homer in the eighth to break a 1-1 tie, then the Dodgers scored four more runs in the ninth to run away with it. They are tied at two games a piece in the series with a deciding Game 5 two days later.
  • Happy Birthday, Pop DillonMike SandlockJohnny Klippstein & Jim Gilliam!

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

2019 Topps Update Series - All the Dodgers Base Cards

The final installment of Topps' 2019 flagship Baseball card set has just been released, and as always it includes most of the top rookie who impressed during the season -- this includes both Matt Beaty and Will Smith receiving their first cards from the brand. We also likely have our very last Russell Martin card in Dodger Blue from this set (assuming he doesn't stay in Los Angeles next season). Unfortunately, they don't feature Martin on the pitching mound -- clearly a lost opportunity. Go here for a complete checklist. Below are all of the Dodger cards that you can fin in this years Topps Update set.

Base

#US8 Walker Buehler AS

#US25 Cody Bellinger AS       #US31 Joc Pederson HRD

Blog Kiosk: 10/16/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Check out Sandy's new ride, via an eBay auction.
Los Angeles Dodgers star pitcher Sandy Koufax takes possession 10/18/65 of Sport Magazine's Corvette award for his World Series heroics. Koufax won the award in 1963, too. He's the only player to win twice.
This season, like in 1963, Koufax was named the World Series MVP. He started three games, won two of them (both complete game shutouts), struck out 29 batters and allowed only two runners to score (one earned) the entire series.

On another note, please ignore the rumors that claim to link this free agent or that free agent to the Dodgers. It's a load of BS. We hear this kind of crap all year long, and I assure you that it's nothing more than an agent marketing their client or a reporter trying to stir the pot. There's no truth to any of it, and blogs that report it are doing a disservice to Dodger fans. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1949 the Brooklyn Dodgers elect to not renew the contract of Dodger President Branch Rickey. He would soon join the Pirates the following season. In 1985 Jack Clark of the Cardinals created one of my worst memories as a Dodger fan. He belted a come-from-behind two-out, three-run home run in the ninth inning off of Dodger reliever Tom Niedenfuer to take the National League pennant. Watch it here if you must. 
  • Happy BirthdayNick Cullop & Boom-Boom Beck!

Monday, October 14, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 10/15/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


I feel ya Jackie.

I put myself on a brief hiatus following the Dodgers recent plunge in the playoffs. I just needed some time to sulk. But now I'm back and I thought the above 1952 AP wirephoto that recently sold at RMY Auctions (link) would be appropriate to show here. As you can see, Jackie Robinson doesn't look well after losing another World Series to the Yankees. Per the descriptor:
The big 4 of the 42 of Jackie Robinson's uniform seems post-climactic as the Dodger second baseman sits dejectedly in Ebbets Field dressing room today after the Brooklyn team lost final game of the 1952 World Series to the New York Yankees. Winning four games to three the World Champions once again kept the Dodgers from their first World Championship.
Below are more links to check out:

Wednesday, October 09, 2019

Topps Living Set - #248 - Dodger Rookie Catcher Will Smith


I am going to look at his selection for this weeks Topps Living Set as a good omen. After all, tonight is the deciding Game 5 game between the Dodgers and Nationals in the NLDS, and Will Smith is slated to start his fourth game of the series today. As you know, he's struggled so far this Postseason (going 1-for-9 with four strikeouts), so a breakout tonight would be great. Go here to check it out and order. You can see a complete checklist of the set here. Below is what's written on the reverse:
Will Smith has given perennial-contender Los Angeles Dodgers an added dimension to their already stacked starting lineup. The rookie catcher slugged 15 home runs in his first taste of the Majors, giving the Dodgers a dangerous option from one of the most important positions on the field.
Below is a current Dodgers checklist of Topps Living Set cards with their corresponding print runs:
  • #17 - Chris Taylor (link here) 4,837 print run  
  • #42 - Jackie Robinson (link here)13,147 print run 
  • #53 - Walker Buehler (link here) 7,305 print run 
  • #66 - Yasiel Puig (link here) 4,886 print run 
  • #73 - Cody Bellinger (link here) 5,273 print run 
  • #88 - Manny Machado (link here) 4,802 print run
  • #95 - Clayton Kershaw (link here) 5,872 print run 
  • #104 - Alex Verdugo (link here) 3,911 print run
  • #162 - Enrique "Kiké" Hernández (link here) 2959 print run
  • #190 - Justin Turner (link here) 2,762 print run
  • #205 - Hyun-Jin Ryu (link here) 2,628 print run

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

2019 Topps Clearly Authentic -- All the Dodger Cards

Topps 2019 Clearly Authentic brand is hitting stores today. This is a set that features all acetate/plastic cards that are both transparent and includes an on-card autograph. On top of that, every card available has been encapsulated in its own hard-plastic case. A box of one card will cost you about $50. Go here for a complete checklist.

Only four different Dodger players are available - Max Muncy, Clayton Kershaw, Sandy Koufax and Don Sutton. The Kershaw and Koufax cards that use the well-loved 1952 Topps Baseball card design are fantastic. See them both below.

Clearly Authentic Autographs

#CAA-MM Max Muncy

Tuesday, October 08, 2019

2019 Panini National Treasures - The Dodger Cards

A couple of weeks back Panini America released their 2019 National Treasures brand. As you know, this is a high-end product that will cost you about $500 to $600 for one box of eight cards -- all of which has either an autograph or game-used relic piece embedded within it. Go here for a complete checklist. Unfortunately, I have yet to see every Dodger card available, so there are numerous omissions below. Also, as always this product has no team logos, so there's a bunch of airbrushing on the cards.

Rookie Material Signatures

#6 Dennis Santana                         #42 Caleb Ferguson

Monday, October 07, 2019

2019 Panini Contenders Draft Picks Baseball -- All the Dodger Prospects

Panini's 2019 Contenders Draft Picks Baseball brand hit stores last week and I've got pics of all the Dodger prospects highlighted in it. It includes regular suspects like Gavin Lux, Miguel Vargas and Diego Cartaya, and a couple of 2019 Dodger draftees who are looking to make a name for themselves -- Kody Hoese and Michael Busch. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base

#15 Kody Hoese              #19 Michael Busch

2019 Topps Now - #970, #971 & #972 - Game 3 Victory


Game 4 of the 2019 NLDS is just in a few hours. In the meantime, here is a look at the three Dodgers' 2019 Topps Now cards that were made available today. First, check out the above Russell Martin card that celebrates his clutch go-ahead two run double in the sixth inning off Game 1 starter Patrick Corbin to give the Dodgers the lead for good. Per Adam McCalvy at MLB.com:
“I just remember in the back of my mind, we had a meeting and we went over Corbin,” Martin said. “And with two strikes and guys in scoring position he doesn't really throw many strikes. He's going to try and make you chase a little bit. And the more pitches I saw, the more I felt comfortable. I had some pretty easy takes, got back in the count, and then he just left a breaking ball a little bit up.”

Blog Kiosk: 8/7/2019 - Dodgers Links - Nine More Wins!


Let's hear it for the old guys! Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:
“What he’s done for our entire group, namely the young catchers, just the entire group of ball players, his insight, his experience — and now you talk about when he does get an opportunity to play, just his toughness, his compete and obviously the at-bat quality…he’s got some big hits for us this year, none bigger than the one tonight,” Roberts said.
Old guy Russell Martin was a major catalyst for the Dodgers last night. After trailing for most of the night, he came up with two-on and doubled to give the Dodgers a lead that they would not relinquish. His hit started a rally that would score seven runs in the sixth inning, and would provide starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu with his third career playoff win.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 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 1936 the Dodgers fire their manager, Casey Stengel. He had a 208-251 record as Brooklyn's skipper over three season. In 1977, in Game 3 of the NLCS, the Dodgers score three runs in the top of the ninth inning to take a 6-5 lead over the Phillies. The Dodgers eventually win the series the next day to advance to the World Series. In 1978, in Game 4 of the NLCS, the Dodgers defeated the Phillies on a tenth-inning run scoring single by Bill Russell to win the NL pennant and earn the a right to face the Yankees in the World Series (boxscore). 
  • Happy Birthday, Al BurchPhil LewisTony Malinosky, Phil OrtegaRudy LawJim BruskeBrickyard Kennedy!,

Friday, October 04, 2019

2019 Topps Now -- #948, #949 & #950 -- NLDS Game 1 Victory


What a great way to start a playoff series. Our starting pitcher went six strong innings of scoreless ball, a rookie hit a home run in his first playoff at-bat, and 'Funky Muncy' came through when he needed to. On top of that, there are now three new Dodgers' 2019 Topps Now and six different autographed relics cards available for fans to order.

The first card available celebrates Walker Buehler's outstanding performance on the mound. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse.
Walker Buehler paid his manager handsomely for entrusting him with the Game 1 start in the NLDS. The 25-year-old flamethrower hurled six shutouts innings, allowing just one hit and striking out eight batters/ Buehler kept the Washington Nationals starting lineup on its heels all night, protecting a 1-0 lead for most of his start.

MLB Goes Hypebeast -- A Mitchell & Ness / BAPE Collab Includes Dodger Goodies


A Bathing Ape, otherwise known as BAPE, has just joined forces with Mitchell & Ness for a MLB inspired collaboration that features logo-heavy varsity jackets, baseball jerseys and a T-shirts. Four teams have been chosen -- Yankees, Mets, Angels and the Dodgers (locations where BAPE has their only US stores) --  and they are now available. Per Sophia Caraan at Hypebeast:
The BAPE x Mitchell & Ness MLB collection will be pre-released at BAPE STORE NEW YORK and BAPE STORE LOS ANGELES on September 28, and will be available globally at A BATHING APE locations, US.BAPE.COM, BAPE.COM WEB STORE and ZOZOTOWN on October 5.
I guess the kids would say that this stuff is fire.

Blog Kiosk: 10/4/2019 - Dodgers Links - Ten More Wins!


Walker Buehler was stifling last night. In six innings he struck out eight, walked three and allowed just one hit -- a lone single to Soto in the second inning (boxscore). Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
“He loves the spotlight, loves pitching big games, loves this atmosphere. He answers the bell every time,” Justin Turner said. “If you know Walker, it’s not surprising. He’s very, very, very, very, very confident in himself. He loves it. He thrives on these situations.”
Now the Dodgers have a 1-0 series lead in the NLDS, and have longtime ace Clayton Kershaw pitching tonight.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 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 1955 the day Dodger fans had been waiting for finally happened. On this day the Brooklyn Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the World Series to win a championship for the very first time in franchise history. In 1959 the Dodgers won the teams very first playoff game in Los Angeles when they defeated the Chicago White Sox, 3-1. 92,234 fans attended the game at the LA Coliseum, setting a new record for attendance for a World Series game. This win put them up two games to one in the series.  They would win the World Series in the sixth game four days later. In 2006 the worst play in Dodgers playoff history happened (in my opinion) when two Dodger runners are thrown out at home plate on the same throw during Game 1 of the NLDS against the Mets. You can relive the horror here.
  • Happy Birthday, Rip RipulskiJohn DuffieMike SharpersonDennis CookAdam RiggsTony Gwynn, Jr. & Stephen Fife!

Thursday, October 03, 2019

A Brief Look at the Dodger Roster for the NLDS


The Dodgers just released their roster for the NLDS against the Washington Nationals. Check it out below. As you can see, they are carrying 12 pitchers and 13 position players.

Notable omissions are Austin Barnes (catcher), right-handed relievers Yimi Garcia, Dylan Floro, Tony Gonsolin and Casey Sadler, utiliyman Kristopher Negrón, infielder Jedd Gyorko, and outfielder Kyle Garlick.

Right-Handed Pitchers

Left-handed pitchers

Catchers

Infielders

Outfielders

Below is a look at the Nationals roster.


* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 10/3/2019 - Dodgers Links - Eleven Wins to Go!


Go Dodgers!

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1947 Yankees hurler Bill Bevins was one out from no-hitting the Brooklyn Dodgers in Game 4 of the World Series before yielding a walk-off two-run double to pinch-hitter Cookie Lavagetto, 3-2. In 1951 Bobby Thompson of the NY Giants hit the most infamous home run in Dodgers/Baseball history. He walloped a Ralph Branca pitch in the ninth inning at the Polo Grounds for a walk-off victory, 5-4, during the deciding game of a three-game series to decide who would go to the World Series. The homer has since been dubbed the "shot heard ’round the world." You can watch it here, if you must. In 2005 manager Jim Tracy is fired by the Dodgers.
  • Happy BirthdayHenry ThielmanPhil ReardonChris HaugheyDarrin FletcherBrock Stewart!

NLDS Series Against Nationals Starts on Thursday -- A Playoff Homestand Preview


The National League Division Series match-up between the Dodgers and the Washington Nationals begins on Thursday.  Below are some odds and ends for this series. Information about each game is still a bit scarce, so I will update this post as more information become available. Here are some important links:
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