2015 Topps Gypsy Queen - The Dodger Autograph Cards

Here is my final look at Dodger cards found within packs of 2015 Gypsy Queen.  This time I show the autograph cards.  Unfortunately, I have yet to see any of the retail exclusive mini autographed cards, so a checklist is provided instead.

BTW, the Kershaw and Puig autographed cards directly below are both gold parallel cards (#/25).

Autographs

#GQA-CK Clayton Kershaw                          #GQA-JP Joc Pederson

2015 Topps Gypsy Queen - The Dodger Relic and Other Insert Cards

Featured below are the Dodger relic (game-used memorabilia) and other insert cards found in packs of 2015 Gypsy Queen.  Tomorrow I'll have photos of the various autograph cards that can be found.  Go here for all previous post on this set.

There is one Dodger Bat Barrel card, and it is of Adrian Gonzalez.  It has yet to be found.

• Bat Barrels - #GQBB-AG Adrian Gonzalez

The "Laces Around the League" cards are numbered to only #/5 copies and feature a piece of a game-used Baseball (including laces).  The only Dodger in the set is starting pitcher Zack Greinke. 

Laces Around the League

#LAL-ZG Zack Greinke

The below two original art patch cards are "1 of 1's."  The Clayton Kershaw card was drawn by Brad Utterstrom and the Puig card was created by Monty Sheldon.

Original Art Patches

#OAP-CK Clayton Kershaw                         #OAP-YP Yasiel Puig

So, When Did Joc Pederson Wear Orange?

As you know, I love sharing pics of the newest Dodger Baseball cards in the hobby.  Considering it's likely that I won't have most of them in my collection, I just enjoy having an opportunity to see what they all look like - and I hope some of you enjoy it as well.

Anyway, from time to time a card comes along that has me scratching my head.  For instance, check out the Joc Pederson 2015 Gypsy Queen autographed relic card below.  It had be befuddled.  After all, no Dodger should have to wear orange!

#AR-JP Joc Pederson

So, what's up with the orange colored fabric in this card?  I gotta know.

It's supposedly a game-used memorabilia piece, but from where?

Well, after a little bit of searching I think I've figured it out.  Joc Pederson was named to the 2013 USA Team at the MLB All-Star Futures Game, and was forced to wear the colors of our hated rival up north.  As evidence, check out the below photo. 

Yeah... a Dodger Blue cap with that orange colored jersey just does not look right.  It's downright disgusting.  Heck, it's so bad I think I hate the Gypsy Queen card shown above... Like, really hate it.

(Getty Photo)

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2015 Topps Gypsy Queen - The Dodger Base Variation Cards

Following up on my post from Friday where I shared pics of all the Dodger base cards found in 2015 Gypsy Queen, below are the handful of variations that can be found.  I've included a pic of the normal base card (on the left) and it's short-printed photo variation card (on the right) below.

Of note, I love the Kenley Jansen variation card below.  It shows Jansen holding a cricket bat that was originally given to Adrian Gonzalez in Australia prior to their Opening Series match-up with the Diamondbacks last season.  It was signed by Australian captain Michael Clarke.

Base Variations

#62 Kenley Jansen

2015 Topps Gypsy Queen - The Dodger Base Cards

Released just a couple of days ago, here is a look at all of the Dodger base cards found in 2015 Gypsy Queen.  Go here for a complete checklist.

There is something about how they manipulate the photos for this set that I really love.  Features on players that are usually glossed over are accentuated, and any photoshopping that's done (like to the Kendrick card) looks seamless.  As you may know, it's based on an 19th century tobacco card set, so they go all out in giving it an old-timey feel.

My main complaint, though, is the photo selections for both Jackie Robinson and Sandy Koufax.  For whatever reason Topps continues to use the same old photos for them in every set they are a part of, and it's getting boring as heck.  And how many times do we have to see Clayton Kershaw show us the ball?  That photo has been used so many times since it debut in Allen & Ginter several years ago.  Ryu showing us the ball, on the other hand, is something I can appreciate.

Next week I'll have pics of the variations, inserts, autograph and relic cards.  So stay tuned.

#3 Joc Pederson                                 #13 Zack Greinke

Blog Kiosk: 4/8/2015 - Dodger Links - Last Nights Spectacle, A Celebrity Photobomb and Ryu's Fantastic Rap (Video)

The Dodger ground crew had a lot on their plate last night as rain clouds swept in to threaten that evenings game.  (Check out a pic of them via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015)  At first it misted, then it drizzled and finally a nice rain fell from the skies.  Fortunately, this is Southern California, so it didn't last long - hence our current drought.  The game got underway, albeit a bit delayed, and we got to enjoy the second game of the season under a chill of dark clouds. 

Zack Greinke was his usual best on the mound - going six innings and allowing only two hits.  If not for a misplay by Carl Crawford in left he would have given up no runs.  Via a Ken Gurnick story at MLB.com:

"I had good command," Greinke said. "I located pretty well. I didn't throw many curves, but the other three pitches were pretty good and I mixed it up."

The defensive problems on the field, however, did not stop with Crawford.  Rollins recorded a couple errors; including a play that resulted in a game-tying score in the seventh inning.  (Watch it here) Frankly, I think that call was iffy.  Having to run back toward short centerfield to make a basket catch on a Texas Leaguer is not a gimme for an infielder.  It should not have been scored an error.

The real crux was an error by Yasmani Grandal in the ninth inning.  On a sacrifice bunt Grandal overran, reached back and threw the bunted ball awkwardly at the base.  It hit the runner and got away from the first baseman.  Soon, with two on and nobody out, the wheels fell off.  Four runs crossed the plate and the Dodgers suddenly found themselves facing the Padres newly acquired ace closer Craig Kimbrel - who struck out the side.

Oy Vey!  Hopefully we won't see many games like this again.  No worries though, with the season so young and long we are bound to have mystifying spectacles like this.  Baseball can be such a fun and aggravating game.

Go here to check out a bunch of great pics from Jon SooHoo from yesterdays game here.  Below are some more links to check out:

• This is good news.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Ryu, Jansen play catch; both likely for May returns."
• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider shares a bunch of videos featuring Vin Scully entertaining fans during yesterday's brief rain delay.
• Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher got photobombed while taking a selfie on Opening Day at Dodger Stadium, via Rachel McRady at US Weekly.  They also did some photobombing themselves.
• Via JP Hoornstra at Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, "Clayton Kershaw lobbied for A.J. Ellis to catch on Opening Day."

“A lot of different factors went into this game, what’s best for the whole situation,” Mattingly said. “Obviously we’re always going to take into consideration what Clayton prefers.”

• Brad Utterstrom shared several of the original sketch cards he made for the 2015 Gypsy Queen set; including the Clayton Kershaw card on the right.  Go here to check out more from him.  (Hat Tip: Sports Card Info)
• Ha Ha!  Via Rev Halofan at Halos Heaven, "MLB: Angels Officially Part Dodger Blue. WTF?"  Check out all of the other teams being represented by their colors on the Empire State Building here; including the Dodgers in glorious Dodger Blue.
• Bob Lemke informs us of a new Jackie Robinson discovery to the Standard Catalog.  He shares a pic of a 1947 Champs Hat premium photo of Robinson.
• Hyun-Jin Ryu is one fly guy.  He can strike you out with a deceptive change-up and rap/sing like a modern day pop star.  He's just awesome!  Below is a Korean commercial, and it's worth your time to watch.  (Hat Tip: Reddit u/YaketyMax)

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 3/31/2015 - Dodger Links - MLB15, Gypsy Queen and Yasiel Puig

Guess what officially came out last night. 

MLB 15 is now available in stores and Yasiel Puig was one of the first to get a copy.  He tweeted out the above photo about an hour before the official midnight release.  BTW, Yasiel Puig and Dodger Stadium are featured prominently in the intro to the game.  Check it out directly below.

Video Link:

Below are some links to check out:

• The Dodger Blogger Softball Tournament is scheduled for April 11th, and there are still spots open for those who want to hit the diamond.  Go here for information.  Unfortunately, I will not be attending.  I do want to point out that the fellow putting it all together at Left Field Pavilion blog, in benefit of the Los Angeles Mission, is doing yeoman's work.
• Via u/Snaaaaaaaaaake on Reddit, "How to be a dodger fan in 42 easy steps."

42.  This is, the final step. You ready? Cut yourself (metaphorically). See what color you bleed. By now you should bleed dodger blue. It serves as a reminder, both good days and bad, that we're all a dodger inside.

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Growing up: Puig now letting play do talking."

Via Don Mattingly: "I think it's just part of his maturity as a player. Last year was his first full season in the big leagues, and he's still very young [24]. All we look for is him to get a little better every year."

• Famed Baseball artist Monty Sheldon shared some of the original artwork he created for Topps' 2015 Gypsy Queen set on his Facebook.  Check them out here.  On the right is an Yasiel Puig art/relic card he made that can be found in packs.  (Hat Tip: Sports Card Info)  BTW, I had the pleasure of interviewing Monty Sheldon for this blog a couple of years ago.  You can check that out here.

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Blog Kiosk: 9/30/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Adrian Gonzales was named the Dodgers nominee for the 2014 Hank Aaron Award.  This is an award that allows for fan participation via online voting at MLB.com for the most outstanding offensive performer in the league.  Additionally, a special panel of Hall of Fame players led by Hank Aaron will join fans in voting for the award.  BTW, Matt Kemp won the Hank Aaron Award in 2011.  The photo above is via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.  Go here to vote.

Now, below are some links to check out:

• ICYMI:  Game 1 of the NLDS game against the Cardinals on Friday will begin at 3:37 PM and will be aired on Fox Sports 1.  Game 2 on Saturday will begin at 6:37 PM and will be on the MLB Network.
• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider writes, "NLDS first look: Breaking down the Cardinals."
• Via Chad Thornburg at MLB.com, "Position-by-position breakdown for Cardinals-Dodgers."
• Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily has a bunch of preview pics of Topps 2015 Gypsy Queen set.  It comes out in April 2015.  To the right is a Yasiel Puig autographed button relic card.
• Via Dodger Penguin, he shares some photos from his Saturday afternoon at La Gran Fiesta at Dodger Stadium; including all of his autograph gets.
• Puig Destroyer's newest EP comes out today.  Listen to a full album stream here at Metal Injection, "PUIG DESTROYER Get You Amped For The Baseball Post-Season Grind With Full EP Stream."
• Ricky Nolasco still loves us.  Via David Brown at Big League Stew, "Twins pitcher Ricky Nolasco says he wishes he still played for Dodgers."
• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Don Newcombe – A positive influence on today’s Dodgers."  Thank you for relaying this, Ron.

Dodgers legend Don Newcombe, all 6′ 4″ of him, quietly walked through the Dodgers clubhouse going from locker to locker to congratulated each and every Dodger player for winning the National League West championship. To a man, each Dodger player stopped whatever they were doing or saying to acknowledge and thank the man who, but for his tender 19 years of age, could have been the man Branch Rickey selected to break baseball’s color barrier instead of Jackie Robinson. Some of the players merely acknowledged and thanked Newcombe by shaking his hand, but most embraced him warmly with genuine appreciation.

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