Blog Kiosk: 7/1/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a really interesting photo I ran into on eBay (link here). It is dated September 24, 1957, and it features Brooklyn Dodger Vice President Buzzi Bavasi seated right in the center (sitting on the right field grandstand steps).

He is wearing shades, as if to hide his appearance from the throng of fans sitting nearby. After all, this day, this game they are watching, would be the very last ballgame ever played at Ebbets Field. The Brooklyn Dodgers would move to Los Angeles the next season.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1917 the Dodgers/Robins play their very first Sunday ballgame, despite there being a state law banning games on this day. They announce that admission will benefit the Militia of Mercy, a wartime charity, and there will be a pregame band concert and military drill exhibition before the game. When the band concert ends ticket sales stop to conform with the Sunday baseball laws. More than 12,000 attend. Nevertheless, Charles Ebbets and manager Wilbert Robinson are arrested, and will pay a small fine. Here is the boxscore. In 1948 Roy Campanella made his Major League debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He caught Ralph Branca and recorded three hits --  a double and two singles. In 2011 Dee Gordon completed a stolen base cycle. During the seventh inning he reached base on a force out, stole second, then stole third, and finally swiped home with Casey Blake at the plate.  Gordon is the 40th Major Leaguer to accomplish this during the same frame. Here is the boxscore and you watch him steal home here.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Quinn, Kent Greenfield, Boots Poffenberger & Chris Pérez!

Blog Kiosk: 6/29/2020 - Dodgers Links & Mews - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic 1913 vintage photographs featuring a "Bloomer" girl -- a female ballplayer/team who would barnstorm around the country taking-on all competition. The photographs is via the Shorpy blog -- easily my favorite of all vintage photography websites. Check it out here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1990 Fernando Valenzuela no-hit the Cardinals, 6-0, at Dodger Stadium. With 119 pitches he struck out seven and walked three. Also, on this same night, former Dodgers starter Dave Stewart threw a no-hitter against the Blue Jays -- thereby marking the first time in modern Baseball history that two no-hitters were thrown on the same day. In 1995 Hideo Nomo struck out thirteen Rockies to give him a then team record of 50 strike outs in four consecutive starts. In 1996 Mike Piazza hit three home runs against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. He became the fifth Dodger to hit three homers in a game. In 2012 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Yasiel Puig. 
• Happy Birthday, Wilbert "Uncle Robbie" Robinson, Farmer Steelman, Bobby Morgan, Rick Honeycutt & Pedro Guerrero!

Blog Kiosk: 1/8/22020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic action photo of Jackie Robinson manning his position at second base (eBay link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Chicago Cubs Gene Hermanski lies flat for the slide on a second frame force as Dodgers second sacker Jackie Robinson fires to Gil Hodges at first for a double play, Aug. 25, at Ebbets Field. Bruce Edwards rolled to third sacker Billy Cox who flipped to Robinson for the play. 8/25/51.

Unfortunately, the Dodgers would not prevail in this game. They would lose, 5-1. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Jackie Robinson is awarded the prestigious Spingarn Medal by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People for his strong support of civil rights initiatives. Martin Luther King Jr. was given the honor the prior year. In 2011 tragedy struck. In Tucson, AZ US Rep. Gabby Giffords is shot and severely injured in an assassination attempt during a constituent meeting held in a supermarket parking lot. She would survive, but others did not. Christina-Taylor Green, 9-year old daughter of Dodgers scout John Green (also grand daughter of former ballplayer Dallas Green), is killed -- along with five other folks. Please check out this fantastic story from late-2018 by Katrina Bland at AZ Central -- "Christina-Taylor Green (who had mad baseball skills) is still surprising her parents." 
• Happy Birthday, Breyvic Valera, Chauncey Fisher, Brian Johnson & Derek Thompson!

Blog Kiosk: 5/28/2019 - Dodgers Links - MVP! MVP! MVP!

First, I wanted to acknowledge a patch that ballplayers wore for the first time yesterday, for Memorial Day. It is a remembrance poppy that has been used since 1921 to commemorate military personnel who have died in war and was first adopted by the American Legion. See it on the right, via UniWatch.

As for Cody Bellinger (featured in the pic above), he is unbelievable. Cody was a driving force behind this weekends sweep of the Pirates and their Memorial Day win yesterday afternoon. He is slashing .278/.381/.722/1.103 with two home runs, five runs scored and five RBI over the past four games. On top of that, he is looking like a Gold Glover every day. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“Words are tough to come by,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “I don’t know if they give out Gold Gloves in May, but it’s hard to see it play out any other way.” 

Roberts said there’s only one comp to what Bellinger can do to impact a game and he used the name – Mike Trout – with trepidation. 

“You’re talking about slug, average, on base, first-to-third, stolen bases, catching the baseball, outfield assists, all that stuff,” said Roberts. “To do what he can do, to check all those boxes. You’ve got to be careful when you’re talking about Mike Trout. That’s longevity, too. For a two-month span, that’s kind of what you’re talking about.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from Memorial Day. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 the NL officially approves of the move of the Dodgers and Giants to the West Coast, provided both clubs make their request before October 1 and move at the same time. This effectively allowed both clubs to start negotiating with potential host cities. In 1962 Don Newcombe signs a contract to play for the Chunichi Dragons of the Japanese Central League. In 2001 Dodger catcher Paul Lo Duca has a big day. He goes 6-for-6 to lead the Dodgers during an 11-10 win over the Rockies. He records five singles, a three-run home run and four RBI. In 2011 a small fire in a nearby storage area in the Reserve seats at Dodger Stadium forces the evacuation of fans of that section during a game between the Dodgers and Marlins. The fire is controlled quickly and they do not need to evacuate the entire stadium.
• Happy Birthday, Rafael Landestoy, Kirk Gibson & Cory Wade!

2019 Topps Pro Debut - All the Dodgers' Insert Cards

Now that you've seen the base cards, below is a look at all of the other Dodger insert cards that are available in packs of 2019 Topps Pro Debut. On a side note, I decided to include the two Mike Trout/Rancho Cucamonga Quakes cards below. I reasoned that since the Quakes are now a Dodgers farmclub I would be justified. Besides, I'll likely never have an other opportunity to show a Trout card on this blog, so why not.

Future Cornerstones Autograph

#FCA-KR Keibert Ruiz

Blog Kiosk: 4/30/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Cody Bellinger just keeps rolling along. Last night he went two-for-three, recorded his fourth outfield assist of the season and drove in his 37th run -- a new Major League record for RBI's before May 1st. Unfortunately, it just wasn't enough as the Giants ended the Dodgers four game winning streak last night, 3-2.

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 1935 the Dodgers signed 21-year old amateur free agent Rod Dedeaux. He would later on go on to become the head baseball coach at the University of Southern California (USC) for 45 season -- winning 11 national titles and 28 conference championships. In 1940 Brooklyn tied a Major League record for consecutive wins to start a season at nine victories when Dodgers hurler Tex Carlton no-hit the Cincinnati Reds, 3-0. In 2014 the Dodgers won their 10,000th game in franchise history when they defeated the Twins, 6-4, behind the pitching of Zack Greinke.
• Happy Birthday, Paul Wachtel, Phil Garner, Jeff Reboulet & José Peraza!

Blog Kiosk: 3/12/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Tony Gonsolin has been turning heads at the Dodgers camp -- and not just because he fancies cat t-shirts. Rather, he's been lights out during his three appearances this spring, pitching six scoreless innings. Overall, the 25-year old has struck out five, walked none and batters are hitting a paltry .190 off him. Per Matt Borelli at Dodger Blue:

“Minor League Pitcher of the Year, he has a four-pitch mix, he can throw his secondaries for strikes when he needs to, he’s a tough competitor, he’s very intelligent, and the stuff is real,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts answered when asked for his evaluation of Gonsolin. 

“For me to be able to put eyes on him, our coaching staff, was good. The way he carries himself in the clubhouse is very mature.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Pic on the right via Gonsolin on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1989 the Dodgers traded outfielder Mike Devereaux to Baltimore for starting pitcher Mike Morgan. Morgan would stay in LA for three seasons -- compiling a 33-36 record with an 3.06 ERA, 3.38 FIP and a 1.162 WHIP. In 2003 Mets catcher Mike Piazza charged the mound to go after Dodgers reliever Guillermo Mota during a spring training game at Thomas J. White Stadium in Port St. Lucie, FL. Mota plunked Piazza on the shoulder, so Piazza stormed after him -- even going so far as to enter the Dodgers clubhouse following the game. Both players would be suspended five games. Per Mike DiGiovanna at the LA Times:

"Where's Mota?" Piazza screamed, checking the trainer's room. "Where's Mota?" he yelled, walking through the clubhouse. Once he realized Dodger reliever Guillermo Mota had left, Piazza walked out the back door, got into his car and sped off.

• Happy Birthday, Frank Schneiberg, Bob Barr, Jim Wynn, Darryl Strawberry, Shawn Gilbert, Steve Finley, Raul Mondesi & Greg Hansell!

Blog Kiosk: 2/18/2019 - Dodgers Links and news - Some Odds and Ends

There's no better place than Camelback Ranch to get autographs from your favorite Dodgers'.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 Walter O'Malley and the Dodgers completed their purchase of the Chavez Ravine area by paying $494,000 for property valued at $92,000. In 1986 the Dodgers signed 18-year old free agent Dominican infielder José Vizcaíno. He would go on to have an 18 year career in the Majors -- playing five seasons for the Dodgers. In 2017 the Dodgers re-signed Chase "Dad" Utley to a one-year $2 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Sherry Smith, Manny Mota, Bob Miller, Kevin Tapani, Jamey Carroll & Chad Moeller!

Blog Kiosk: 7/20/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

When Manny met Vinny.

BTW, Manny will wear #8 as a Dodger. Also, it appears that Andrew Toles will be sent down to Triple-A to make room for Machado (via a tweet from Ken Gurnick).

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1906 Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) pitcher Mal Eason no-hit the Cardinals in St. Louis, 2-0. In 1925 future Hall of Famer and Brooklyn Dodger pitcher Dazzy Vance struck out 17 Cubs to defeat Chicago 4-3 in 10 innings. In 1970 Dodger hurler Bill Singer no hit the Phillies at Dodger Stadium, 5-0. Singer struck out ten, walked none and committed two errors on the field.
• Happy Birthday, Heinie Manush, Claude Crocker & Charles Johnson!

Blog Kiosk: 7/18/2018 - Dodgers Links - Machado!

Is he, or is he not coming westward?

According to numerous scribes and prognosticators, the Manny Machado sweepstakes has been won by the Dodgers. He will be changing from the horrid orange to majestic Blue, and this Dodger fan cannot be more excited. Of course, it has yet to be confirmed by the league and the respective teams. Nevertheless, I'll take last night's "Selfie" moment as a sign. He's coming!

BTW, you should check out this fantastic photoshopped pic of the Selfie -- showing Machado in Blue -- here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1939 the Dodgers receive shortstop Pee Wee Reese from the Red Sox in exchange for $35,000, three minor leaguers and a player to be named later. It is later discovered that a poor scouting report filled out by then current Boston shortstop Joe Cronin purposefully downplayed Reese's abilities for fear of losing his job. In 1949 Jackie Robinson testified in front of the House Committee on Un-American Activities to express his disagreement with actor Paul Robeson's assertion that African-Americans would not fight a war against Russia due to America's history of racial animus. In 1957 Gil Hodges hit his 12th career grand slam to tie a National League record held by both Rogers Hornsby and Ralph Kiner.
• Happy Birthday, Johnny Hopp!

Blog Kiosk: 7/10/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kershaw is back to his old ways. Last night he threw six two-hit scoreless innings, struck out five and allowed just one walk to record an 8-2 victory over the Padres. He also reached a career mark of over 2,000 innings pitched as a Dodger -- the 13th Dodger to do so and the first Dodger to achieve the milestone since Orel Hershiser in 1993. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It was a good day," said Kershaw, as he held 3-year-old daughter Cali in his arms. "Definitely a step in the right direction. They were patient, got my pitch count up there, but for the most part, made some good pitches when I needed to."

On another note, Kershaw also faced good friend and former battery-mate AJ Ellis last night for the first time ever.

"That was miserable," Kershaw said. "I've faced a lot of ex-teammates and friends in this game, but probably nobody with the history I have with A.J. We both decided it's probably the last time I have to do that." 

Photo of Clayton Kershaw 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 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 about 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!

2018 Topps Inception - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Here's a look at most of the Dodgers' inserts found in packs of 2018 Topps Inception packs.

Base Rookie and Emerging Stars Autographs

#RES-AV Alex Verdugo        #RES-WB Walker Buehler

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: 12 Happy Dodgers at the GT Sports Marketing Show (UPDATE-Prospects Kendall, Bannon and Wong in Azusa)

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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2018 Topps Series 2 - All the Dodgers Base Cards

The Series 2 part of Topps 2018 flagship Baseball card set is now in stores. Check out all of the Dodgers' base and variation cards below. Go here for a complete checklist.

There are at least seven different Dodger photo variation cards available; including two Seager cards and a Legends Variations for both Jackie Robinson and Sandy Koufax. It is also notable that Andre Ethier is included in the base set -- possibly his last Dodger card.

Base

#364 Dodgers - Combo Cards

#369 Chris Taylor               #466 Tim Locastro

Blog Kiosk: 6/6/2018 - Dodgers Links - "We're Back in the Mix"

See... There was nothing to worry about. After what felt like a lifetime, the Dodgers have finally reach the brim of the giant hole that they dug for themselves at the start of this season. They are now officially at .500 with a record of 30-30 and 102 games left to play. Best yet, they are just two games back of the lead. Per Bob Cohn at MLB.com:

"We're back in the mix, and now the goal is to keep playing good baseball," Roberts said after his team won for the 14th time in 18 games, a 5-0 victory over the Pirates at PNC Park paced by three home runs and another splendid outing by starter Ross Stripling.

Photo above of Ross Stripling via Justin K. Aller/Getty at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1944 the Brooklyn Dodgers received infielder Eddie Stanky from the Cubs for Bob Chipman. In 1957 the first fog out in major league history occurs during a game at Ebebts Field against the Cubs. After an 86-minute delay the game is halted during the second inning. In 1988 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent slugger Raul Mondesi out of the Dominican Republic. In 1990 the Dodgers recorded their 8,000th franchise victory as they defeat the Braves, 7-5. In 1994 Mike Piazza hit the longest home run ever recorded at Joe Robbie Stadium in Florida. It was off Mark Gardner and is estimated to have traveled 477 feet. In 2006 the number six plays a huge part in the day. The Dodgers, on the sixth day of the sixth month of the sixth year of the century score six runs in the sixth inning during the sixth game of the current homestand.
• Happy Birthday, Fresco Thompson, Jeff Williams & Mark Ellis!

Blog Kiosk: 3/28/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

So, that happened last night.

As you surely know by now, Dodger Stadium was beset with a unseemly leak on the field that forced an early end to the last spring game of the season. A sewer pipe had burst, and if you've ever been witness to such a thing then you know this was the right call. Nobody should have to sit around and possibly get into contact with any of that dirty water.

They ended up calling the game in the fifth inning -- with the Dodgers leading the Angels 4-3. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Apparently, in the middle of the fifth inning, there was a pipe backup on two different levels of the stadium,” Kasten said. “We don’t know exactly where the backup was or what caused it. It had something to do with a main pipe here as well as a main pipe outside. The city is aware of it. The city is on the scene, and they’re trying to figure that out. We could’ve stayed there and tried to locate it, address it, work on the field…we had no idea how long that would take.”

You can watch Kasten talk about it here. Both photos above via Doug Padilla on Twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1991 the Dodgers released longtime Dodger starter Fernando Valenzuela.  Per an AP article in the Lodi News-Sentinel:

"I will never forget Fernando and all he has done for me and the Los Angeles Dodgers," manager Tom Lasorda said. "It was a privilege and honor to manage him over the years because he was without a doubt a great talent and a great competitor. I want to thank him for all the memories."

Blog Kiosk: 3/23/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just another vintage spring training pic to get you excited for the upcoming season. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Dated Mar 6, 1949 - WHITMAN FLIES OUT IN INTRA-SQUAD GAME.  Dick Whitman, Dodger outfielder, flies put in first inning of the first intra-squad game for the Brooklyn club at their Vero Beach, Fla., training camp.  Catcher Lembo and umpire Andrews watch the ball sail to the outfield." (eBay link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1951 the Brooklyn Dodgers sign a 21-year lease with the City of Vero Beach to build their spring training facility at an old abandoned Naval base. It would be known as Dodgertown. In 2002 the Dodgers traded Jorge Nunez and Matt Herges to the Expos for Guillermo Mota and Wilkin Ruan.
• Happy Birthday, Barney Koch, Jerry Brooks, Joel Peralta & John Link!

2018 Topps Gypsy Queen - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Here is a look at all of the Dodgers' inserts available in packs of Topps 2018 Gypsy Queen Baseball card set. I hope to have pics of all the various base variations soon, so stay tuned for that.

Gypsy Queen Autographs

#GQA-AT Andrew Toles        #GQA-AV Alex Verdugo

Blog Kiosk: 12/6/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just awesome!

Above is an original 1958 Spring Training photograph taken by the legendary Barney Stein currently on auction at RMY (auction link). As you can see, it features the entire team, and it is purported to be the very first team photo of the newly minted Los Angeles Dodgers. As you know, the club would play in LA for the first time that season.

I've personally placed a bid on this photograph, but have little hope I'll walk away with it. This auction just opened up and it already has six bids. I suspect it'll sell for far more than I am willing to pay. That said, there are a bunch of great vintage pics in the auction, so stay tuned as I highlight other favorites I run into.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 actor Gene Autry is awarded an American League Los Angeles franchise that would be known as the Angels -- borrowing. In 1973 the Dodgers traded Claude Osteen and Dave Culpepper to the Astros for outfielder Jim Wynn. Wynn would go on to have a stellar year the following season in Los Angeles. He slashed .271/.387/.497/.884 with 32 homers and 108 RBI's, and would come in at fifth place in MVP voting. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Jason Schmidt. In 2007 signed free agent outfielder Andruw Jones.  
• Happy Birthday, Tony Lazzeri, Tommy Brown & Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis!

2017 Panini Chronicles - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Earlier this week I shared pics of the 2017 Chronicles Dodgers' base cards. Now, here are the rest of the Dodger cards you can find in packs. Please note that the numbering that Panini provides (seen below) for their inserts are entirely inaccurate. They provide just a general listing.

Chronicles Autographs

• #2 Cody Bellinger -- Not Yet Seen -- May Be Redemption

#45 Corey Seager              #49 Joc Pederson