2018 Topps Home Run Challenge - The Cody Bellinger Card

There's a cool quirk found within packs of both Series 1 and 2 of Topps' flagship Baseball card set. They are the Home Run Challenge promotion cards, and as the name suggest these little lottery-styled tickets can earn its bearer a nice little prize if you can pick the day when said player hits a homer.

2018 Topps Series 1 Baseball - The Rest of the Dodgers Insert Cards

Here is a last final look at the various Dodgers' insert cards that can be found in packs of 2018 Topps Series 1. Featured below are the "Legends in the Making", Cut Signatures, "In The Name" Relics, All-Star Medallions, MLB Awards, Opening Day, Spring Training Patches, Players Weekend, Home Run Challenge and original "1 of 1" Sketch cards.

BTW, all Bellinger autographed cards come as a redemption. Also, I've included the three known Dodgers' original "Sketch" cards, and will try to periodically updated this post should any more turn up. On another note, the Cody Belling original "Sketch" looks more like Kiké Hernández than Cody -- just my opinion.

Legends in the Making

#LTM-CB Cody Bellinger         #LTM-CE Corey Seager

2018 Topps Series 1 Baseball - More Dodger Insert Cards

Here is a second group of Dodgers' inserts available in packs of 2018 Topps Series 1 packs. Featured below are the Postseason Performance Relics, Superstar Sensation, Topps Now Top 10 and Topps Salute cards.

Notably, we get a first look at a 2018 card featuring Yu Darvish as a Dodger. Also, all of the Cody Bellinger autographed cards below only come with a redemption card.

Postseason Performance Relics

#PSP-CK Clayton Kershaw                #PSP-CS Corey Seager

2018 Topps Series 1 Baseball - The 1983 & Major League Materials Dodgers' Cards

Now that you've seen the Dodgers' base cards, here is a look at a couple insert set that are available. Featured below are the Dodger cards found in the 1983 Topps throwback-styled cards and the Major League Materials sets.

1983 Topps Baseball

#83-9 Alex Verdugo      #83-16 Clayton Kershaw

#83-20 Alex Wood             #83-25 Yu Darvish

2018 Topps Series 1 Baseball - Check Out All the Dodgers Base Cards

First, we had the FanFest. Now, we collectors can rejoice at the release of Topps' 2018 flagship Baseball card set.

As you certainly know, today marks the official release of Topps Series 1 Baseball, and I've got pics of all the Dodger base cards to share. I also have pics of the known short prints/variations. Check them out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Of note, there are an extraordinary number of horizontal Dodger cards (9 of 17 cards). Also, both Walker Buehler and Alex Verdugo are included in this base set.

Base

#2 Clayton Kershaw LL

#35 Logan Forsythe           #42 Cody Bellinger

2018 Topps Series 1 Baseball - The Dodgers Silver Chrome Promo Pack Cards

This is an important week for Baseball card collectors. This coming Wednesday is the official release date for Topps' 2018 Series 1 flagship Baseball card brand, so you should expect a flurry of post about the set over the coming days. Go here to check out the entire checklist. As an incentive to visit a hobby store, a limited number of 2018 Topps Series 1 promotional Silver Chrome packs are available when you purchase a box at your local shop (only) -- so, this isn't available at Walmart or Target.

How it works is for every box (hobby & jumbo) that you purchase at your local card shop will get you a certain number of these packs. Each pack consist of four cards and features a 50-card base set on the vintage 1983 Topps Baseball card design. Each card also comes with a 35th anniversary stamping and an exclusive chain pattern background known as "mojo." There are also autographs available. Go here for this promo checklist.

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

The Dodgers Community Tour yesterday included a special visit by Yasiel Puig at a local McDonald's and Joc Pederson for a doggie 'Meet & Greet.' Per Michael Duerte at NBC Los Angeles:

Puig signed autographs for fans and employees, and posed for pictures throughout the hours that he was there, saying that he couldn't eat too much McDonald's on the day as he was preparing for Spring Training which takes place next month in Glendale, Arizona. 

"For spring training, I can't eat too much McDonald's today," Puig told the employees at the restaurant. "All of my team is at the stadium right now... Practice and be ready for spring training and make a good year and try to win the championship."

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Pic on the right via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018. 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 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 them 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: 1/17/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

You do not often see a vintage action photo featured Tommy Lasorda as a player, so when you do it's worthy of sharing. Featured above is a June 1955 press photo that was formerly a part of "The George Michael Collection". Per the descriptor on the reverse (eBay auction link):

Cards Wally Moon safe at home on passed ball. Dodgers Pitcher Tommy Lasorda spoke on the play left the game. Umpire Augie Donatelli. Cards won 1st game 9-4, Dodgers 2nd 10-6.

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. 
• Happy Birthday, Tyler Houston, Scott Mullen, Harry Pattee & Don Zimmer!

Vote For Kershaw!

This blog officially endorses Clayton Kershaw as your best choice for card #1.

Once again Topps is reaching out to fans and collectors for their vote on who should be card #1 in next years flagship Baseball card set. As you know, being the first card in this brand is an honor indeed. Some of the greats to be placed into that position include Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays (twice), Ted Williams (3 times), Nolan Ryan (3 times) and Mike Trout (twice). You can go here to vote.

For Dodger fans I think it's important to note that only three Dodger players (Pafko, Robinson & Piazza) have had the honor of having their own card as #1, and it been over twenty years since that's happened. So, ain't it about time we see a Dodger there?

Blog Kiosk: 8/7/2017 - Dodgers Links - Weekend Odds and Ends

The Dodgers continue to punish. Last night they recorded their 15th series sweep of the season, and their first ever sweep of the Met's in franchise history. Heck, this year they haven't even been swept themselves. So, despite the numerous injuries that have hampered some of their core (Kershaw, Gonzalez, etc.) they continue to dominate like no other Dodger team ever has.

Photo above of Dave Roberts and Chris Taylor via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1915 rookie Dodger pitcher Ed Appleton committed an error due to a bit of trickery by Cardinals' manager Miller Huggins. While coaching on third base Huggins called for the ball from Appleton as he stepped on the mound. Appleton obliged and tossed the ball, only to see Huggins step aside and see the ball errantly roll on the field. A Cardinal runner then scored a run. In 2003 Eric Gagne tied the single season record for consecutive saves to start the season at 38. It also marked the 46th consecutive regular-season save overall.
• Happy Birthday, Adonis Terry, Tom Drake, Rocky Bridges, José Domínguez & Jose De Leon!

Blog Kiosk: 8/4/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It is Yu Darvish Day! He'll pitch his first game as a Dodger this evening against the Mets, starting at 4:10 PM PST.

In other news, the Dodgers defeated the Braves last night, 7-4. Chris Taylor continues to just hit. He hit his 13th homer of the season to lead the club. Per Mark Bowman and Jaylon Thompson at MLB.com:

"It was a hitter's count with a guy in scoring position," Taylor said. "I wanted to be aggressive and be ready for the fastball. He has good life on his fastball, and I wanted to get in front as he left the pitch over the middle."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 Dodgers backstop Mickey Owen became the first catcher to field three foul flies in the same inning -- during the third inning of an 11-6 win over the Giants. In 1942 the Dodgers and Giants played a game that ended up in a 1-1 tie at the Polo Grounds. It should've ended in a 5-1 Brooklyn victory when Pee Wee Reese whacked a grand slam in the ninth inning, but that was negated due to a wartime curfew of 9:10 PM. This would be the last twilight-wartime game played. In 1948 future Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell called his first Major League game. He was filling in for Dodgers legend Red Barber, who was recovering from a bleeding ulcer. The Dodgers attained Harwell's rights by trading catcher Cliff Dapper to the Atlanta Crackers -- the first and only time a trade like this was ever done. In 1980 Maury Wills becomes the manager for the Seattle Mariners. He is the third black manager in MLB history. 
• Happy Birthday, Dolf Luque, Tuck Stainback, Joe Pignatano, Eric Weaver, Eric Milton, Luke Allen, Alex Castellanos & Mike Freeman!