Blog Kiosk: 9/15/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I missed this recent release from Topps yesterday. Featured here is a Topps 2020 Turn Back the Clock online exclusive card made available yesterday, and it celebrates Clayton Kershaw's complete game shutout ten-years ago. Per the description on the reverse:

September 14, 2010 -- In a game where the Dodgers only mustered one run, 22-year-old Clayton Kershaw gave the team a much needed dominant performance. The left-hander fired a complete-game shutout. allowing just four hits and leading the Dodgers to a tight, 1-0 victory over the division-rival Giants.

BTW, this Kershaw win was his first career shutout and complete game. Check out the boxscore here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 the second game of a doubleheader between the Dodgers and Cubs at Ebbets Field is postponed during the fifth inning due to a giant swarm of gnats attacking the field and players and the coming evening darkness. In 1978 the home attendance at Dodger Stadium of 47,188 fans marks the first time in Major League history that a team has drawn more the three million rooters during a season at home.
• Happy Birthday, Doc Bushong, Bud Clancy, Fritz Ostermueller, Charley Smith & Jim Barbieri!

Blog Kiosk: 7/31/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - #FreeJoeKelly

I just had to make these. Featured here are a handful of Joe Kelly "pouty face" fantasy custom Baseball cards. Enjoy.

#FreeJoeKelly -- Via Alden Gonzalez at ESPN:

"I don't think anyone's too happy about it," Pollock said. "It's not our call; it's obviously the commissioner's call. But I don't think anyone's too happy about that. I just don't think it's very good feel on his end."
...
"There's a lot of guys that were upset about the severity of it," Roberts said, noting that Kelly never admitted to throwing at Bregman on purpose.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1983 Dodger skipper Walter Alston is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1984 Baseball as an Olympic demonstration sport begins its Olympic tournament at Dodger Stadium. In 2004 the Dodgers receive outfielder Steve Finley and backstop Brent Mayne from the Diamondbacks for Koyie Hill, Reggie Abercrombie and southpaw Bill Murphy. They also traded outfield speedster Dave Roberts to Boston for Henri Stanley. In 2006 the Dodgers traded shortstop César Izturis to the Cubs for future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux. In 2008 the Dodgers traded for Manny Ramirez from the Red Sox (including a three team trade with Pittsburgh) for Andy LaRoche and Bryan Morris (who goes to the Pirates). Pirates outfielder Jason Bay goes to Boston.
• Happy Birthday, Pembroke Finlayson! 

2020 Topps Road to Opening Day - All the Dodgers

Months back Topps released their "Road to Opening Day" set exclusively online. It included a 15-card base set and an opportunity to get one of three autographed cards (Lux, May or Smith). I now have pics of all 15 Dodger cards. Check them out below. Go here for a complete checklist. Additionally, since we've had a second "Spring Training" several additional "Waves" (additional cards) have been added over the past several weeks. I will share photos of those when pics become available. In the meantime, check out the Dodgers below.

Base

#OD-406 Mookie Betts       #OD-407 A.J. Pollock

Blog Kiosk: 7/10/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

They say he's locked and loaded for the season.

I recently participated in a roto-league draft and made sure to get Corey Seager. This is his first season back, after a disastrous 2018, so I am expecting big things from him.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the Dodgers collectively hit a home run in 24 consecutive ballgames. This day's homer was hit by Roy Campanella against Giants pitcher Sal "The Barber" Maglie. Unfortunately, that would be the only run Brooklyn scores. They would lose 6-1. In 1971 the Dodgers signed future Hall of Fame reliever Hoyt Wilhelm. He would retire a year later at the age of 49. As a Dodger he got into 25 games, recorded four saves, a 1.047 WHIP and an 3.14 ERA. Not too bad for a guy in his middle-ages.
• Happy Birthday, Scott Alexander, Larry Burright & Bob Bailor!

2020 Topps Series 2 Baseball -- The Dodger Base Cards and Variations

Last week Topps released their second series of cards for their flagship Baseball card brand and I've got pics of all the Dodger base cards to share. Check them out below. I've also included all the known variations available. Go here for a complete checklist of the set.

Base

#381 Kyle Garlick           #416 Chris Taylor

Blog Kiosk: 5/11/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Great photo - Bad result. Pete Reiser was out at home. (eBay auction link) Below is what's written on the reverse:

Dusty Dodger Out At Home 

Boston, Mass... Pete Reiser, Dodgers' left fielder made at game try but is declared "out" at the plate in the third inning of the opening game at Braves Field here today. The putout was made on Connie Ryan's throw to Phil Masi. Pee Wee Reese had previously scored on Saunders' fumble. The Boston Braves were trailing the Brooklyn visitors at this stage of the game 2 to 0. (Dated 7.7.1946) (Photo via Myer Ostroff).

Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose this game, 3-2 (boxscore). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1963 Sandy Koufax no-hit the Giants at Dodger Stadium, 8-0 (boxscore). In fact, he had a perfect game going into the eighth, before walking the second batter of the inning. Overall, he recorded four strikeouts, two walks and faced only 28 batters - only one more than the minimum. This was also his second career no-hitter.
• Happy Birthday, Gene Hermanski, Bill Bean, Trent Hubbard & Red Patterson!

2020 Topps Total - Wave 1 - Kelly, Taylor & Pollock

Topps Total has returned and the first "wave" of cards has just arrived on collectors doorsteps. As you'll recall, they brought back the brand last season as an online exclusive set sold in segments of nine - 100 card lots over the entire season. Go here for a complete checklist. Below are the three Dodgers available so far -- Joe Kelly, Chris Taylor and AJ Pollack.

Wave 1

#28 Joe Kelly

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: 9/12/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

AJ Pollack had a big game, going 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in the sixth inning. Unfortunately, the rest of the guys seemed to be elsewhere. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I think we were focused,” Pollock said. “Maybe the energy was a little bit down, but we for the most part pushed pretty hard. We were just a little flat on offense.”
...
“I wouldn’t say anybody necessarily stayed up later than we usually do or anything,” Stripling said. “Certainly not an excuse by any means. I imagine it may not be a winning record for teams after they clinch, but it’s definitely not an excuse that we’ll use.”

The Dodgers lost to Baltimore, 7-3 (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 History: In 1930 Dodger catcher Al Lopez hit the last Major League bounced home run. It was off Ray Kolp at Ebbets Field. Prior to the rule change any hit ball that bounced over the outfield walls was ruled a homer. Now, it'll be a ground-rule double. In 1963 the NY Mets hold a pregame ceremony in honor of Brooklyn favorite Duke Snider - "I look up into the stands, and it looks like Ebbets Field. The Mets are wonderful, but you can’t take the Dodger out of Brooklyn." In 2000 Dave Hanson broke former Dodger Johnny Frederick's record for pinch-hit home runs during a season when he hit his seventh pinch-homer of the year against Curt Schilling of the Diamondbacks. BTW, Johnny Frederick set his record of six pinch-homers on this exact same date in 1932.
• Happy Birthday, John Gochnaur, Masao Kida & Franquelis Osoria!

A Whole Slew of Dodger Custom Fantasy Baseball Cards Featuring Last Nights Celebrations

I just couldn't help myself.

I grabbed a bunch of photos found at the Dodger Insider blog, as well as, various post found on twitter. Here are 15 different fantasy cards celebrating last nights clinch game and the ensuing partying in the clubhouse thereafter.

Blog Kiosk: 9/10/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends - It's Clinch Day!

I missed another Dodgers' 2019 Topps Now card. It was issued over the weekend to celebrate AJ Pollock's three-homer game on Friday night against the Giants. It has a print run of 181 cards. Below is what's written on the reverse:

AJ Pollock impressively hit three solo homeruns against the Giants, one of which traveled at least 420 feet. This was the second three homerun game by a Dodger's player this season but unfortunately this feat was not enough to pull through a win, the Giants won 5-4.

BTW, the Dodgers Magic Number now sits at one! Today could be the day they win the National League West Division. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1992 a report came out about a "security check" that revealed serious issues with two members of a buying group interested in purchasing the Giants and moving them to Florida. One of the investors mentioned was Vince Piazza -- father of recently called-up catcher Mike Piazza of the Dodgers. The deal falls apart, and MLB settles with the group for $6MM (which includes a letter of apology to Vince Piazza). In 1996 outfielder Brett Butler breaks his hand on a bunt attempt when he is hit by a pitch. The 39-year-old Butler, who battled back from cancer surgery, is out for the year after playing five games. In 2016 Rich Hill threw seven perfect innings against the Marlins, but is pulled by Dave Roberts because of concern over a previous blister problem (boxscore). He had thrown 89 pitches at this point. The Dodgers won, 5-0, but the relief staff ended up yielding two hits to negate the perfect game and possible no-hitter.
• Happy Birthday, High Pockets Kelly, Terry Wells, Danys Baez, Chad Hermansen & Nick Green!

2019 Topps Heritage High Number -- All the Dodger Cards

Last week Topps released their 2019 Topps Heritage High Number brand, and I've got pics of most of the Dodger cards to share below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Several players receive a Dodger card for the very first time (please correct me if I'm wrong). Reliever Scott Alexander, who has been with the club for two seasons, finally gets his own card. Strangely, Drew Jackson, who hasn't been high on the Dodgers prospect radar, also gets a card. Finally, Connor Joe, who was plucked by the Reds as a Rule 5 pick this season, traded to the Giants and then returned to the Dodgers weeks later, also gets a Dodger card.

Base

#522 A.J. Pollock                #528 Joe Kelly

2019 Topps Allen & Ginter - All the Dodger Base Cards

One of Topps more popular sets is now in stores. This week saw the release of Topps' 2019 Allen & Ginter brand, and I've got pics of all the Dodger base cards below. Go here for a complete checklist. As I'm sure you know, each base card also has a parallel mini version available. Additionally, the 'Base Mini Exclusives' and 'Mini Metal' cards shown below can only be found in RIP cards.

Base

#32 Sandy Koufax             #33 Walker Buehler

Blog Kiosk: 7/15/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

AJ Pollock is doing everything he can to make sure we haven't forgotten him. Since coming back from the IL on Friday he has gone 6-for-14 with two home runs with six RBI's. On Saturday he said, via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“It’s only two games, but I like where I’m at,” Pollock said. “Physically, feel great, my legs feel really good and I’m in a good place health-wise. Hopefully I can have different results than my first go-round. It’s fun to get back. It’s a great group to be part of.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 play at Candlestick Park is halted for 24 minutes after Giants first baseman Willie McCovey hits a Don Drysdale pitch in the second inning to shallow left field that no one can see due to thick fog. McCovey is given a "invisible triple." In 2004 Eric Gagne records his 24th save of the season, helping defeat the Diamondbacks, 4-3. The save is his 130th as a Dodger -- breaking Jeff Shaw's record for most career saves in franchise history. In 2017 Cody Bellinger hit for a cycle against the Marlins at Marlins Park -- becoming the first Dodger rookie to have ever done so. You can watch highlights of the game here.
• Happy Birthday, Dan McGann, Bruce Edwards, James Baldwin & Miguel Olivo!

2019 Bowman Platinum Baseball - All the Dodger Base Cards

The Walmart exclusive brand, Bowman Platinum, hit store shelves last week, and I've got pics of all the Dodger base cards. Check them out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base

#34 Clayton Kershaw             #35 Walker Buehler

Blog Kiosk: 7/10/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out our All-Stars. Although the National League didn't come out on top, I think it's clear that fun was had by all.

I also made a couple of Joc Pederson Home Run Derby fantasy custom cards. Check those out below.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the Dodgers collectively hit a home run in 24 consecutive ballgames. This day's homer was hit by Roy Campanella against Giants pitcher Sal "The Barber" Maglie. Unfortunately, that would be the only run Brooklyn scores. They would lose 6-1. In 1971 the Dodgers signed future Hall of Fame reliever Hoyt Wilhelm. He would retire a year later at the age of 49. As a Dodger he got into 25 games, recorded four saves, a 1.047 WHIP and an 3.14 ERA. Not too bad for a guy in his middle-ages.
• Happy Birthday, Scott Alexander, Larry Burright & Bob Bailor!

2019 Topps Stadium Club - All the Dodgers Base Cards

One of the best sets in the hobby has just arrived on store shelves. It is Topps 2019 Stadium Club brand and I've got pics of all the base cards to share. Go here for a complete checklist. As you know, these cards are famed for the use of unique full-bleed photography -- many of which you're seeing on cardboard for the very first time.

My favorite Dodger base is the above Cody Bellinger card. I don't know exactly what moment the photograph captures, but I like to think it shows us his 13th inning walk-off single against the Milwaukee Brewers during last years Game 4 of the NLCS (boxscore). You can watch a highlight of that here. BTW, seeing Belli celebrate in the photo used above is fun to see, but I think crowd-watching the fans in the background is even better. Check out that guy near Belli's right foot who is in full prayer-mode. I thnk we may have him to thank for the victory.

Below are the Dodger base cards. Which one is your favorite?

Base

#41 A.J. Pollock

#70 Jackie Robinson

Blog Kiosk: 6/26/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This team is on a roll! They won their 55th game of the season (best in the Majors), and they did with some timely hitting and six scoreless bullpen innings. Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“Doesn’t matter who’s out there,” said Turner. “We have a lot of good baseball players who play the game the right way. We have a very deep lineup, we’re tough to pitch to and our starters have been off the charts and the bullpen’s been throwing really good lately, we’re leading baseball in defensive runs saved. We’re checking off all the boxes, we’re not just showing up, everybody is working to get better and that’s the recipe for getting good results.”

Photo above via Norm Hall/Stringer at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1944 the Dodgers, Giants and Yankees play an exhibit charity game in front of 50,000 fans for the war bond movement dubbed the Tri-Cornered Baseball Game. The Dodgers won the contest: Dodgers 5, Yankees 1, Giants 0. Check out what I wrote about it here. Nathalie Alonso at MLB.com wrote a story about it that came out today. Check it out here. In 1999 Dodgers catcher Todd Hundley hit a three-run game-winning home run off of Giants closer Robb Nen in the ninth inning to spark a come-from-behind victory at Candelstick Park, 7-6. 
• Happy Birthday, Jean-Pierre Roy, Henry Schmidt, Rodney Myers & Babe Herman!

2019 Topps MLB Sticker Collection - All the Dodger Cards/Stickers

Topps MLB Sticker Collection has returned and this time they decided to combine their stickers with actual baseball cards. In past years the stickers would come with a backing that had some sort of advertising on it, so you'd just discard it when sticking it into an album. This season, there's a sticker with a collectible back that gives it a trading card feel. In other words, there are two ways to collect this set. You can chase after the stickers and/or the backs. Go here for a complete checklist.

As you can see below, there are seven Dodger stickers to collect. There are also nine different Dodger backs to chase after. Photos of both (with their corresponding reverse-side) are shown below. Furthermore, I have no idea what is the difference between the Type I and Type II backs.

Base Stickers

#110 Jackie Robinson

#117 Sandy Koufax

Blog Kiosk: 6/18/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This must've been a very sad day in Flatbush.

Featured above is an April 18, 1958, AP wirephoto of a lone ballplayer walking the field with his head held down at Ebbets Field. As you know, this date corresponds to the opening week of play for Major League Baseball. Unfortunately, the Brooklyn ballclub moved that winter to warmer digs. They are now known as the Los Angeles Dodgers. The headline used in the papers (as indicated on the reverse of photo) says, "Opening Day in Flatbush -- And Nothing But Silence." Written on the side is the following:

Ebbets Field, home of the Brooklyn Dodgers for decades, is spic and span as usual this Spring. But the stands remain empty and desolate and the field bare of players during these opening days of the 1958 season, The Dodgers, new based across the continent in Los Angeles, open their home season today in the huge Los Angeles Coliseum.

Photo above grabbed from an eBay auction (link here). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 the Dodgers sign their newest coach, Babe Ruth, to a contract. He hopes that he'll be installed as manager of the club the following season. As you know, that would not occur. Instead, it becomes clear that he is signed for publicity reasons -- he takes batting practice before the start of each game to guarantee high attendance. In 1988 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Pedro Martínez. In 2014 Clayton Kershaw no-hit the Rockies at Dodger Stadium, 8-0. He recorded a career high 15 strike outs, no walks and missed a perfect game when Hanley Ramirez committed an error in the 7th inning. Watch Vin Scully's call here. 
• Happy Birthday, Sandy Alomar!