Blog Kiosk: 2/4/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out these Brooklynites celebrating with Carl Erskine in the above UP press photo (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Erskine Does It Again -- Brooklyn, NY: Dodger pitcher Carl Erskine is congratulated by admiring fans, after the trim Indiana righthander hurled the second no-hit game of his career, a brilliant 3-0 win over the New York Giants here May 12th. Erskine's other no-hitter came against the Chicago Cubs on June 19, 1952. Erskine's feat makes him the 17th pitcher in Major League history to have pitched at least two no-hitters, and by coincidence, the Major League's last no-hitter was pitched exactly one year ago on this date by Chicago's Sam Jones in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. 5/12/1956. (boxscore)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1861 the Brooklyn Atlantics defeat the Charter Oak Club, 36 - 27, playing Baseball while wearing skates on a frozen Litchfield Pond in South Brooklyn. In 1956 Commissioner Ford Frick introduces the Cy Young Memorial Award in memory of the Hall of Fame pitcher who died the year before. As you know, Dodger hurler Don Newcombe would be the first to win the award later in the season. In 1985 the Dodgers traded 6' 5" righty Pat Zachery to the Phillies for aging slugger Al Oliver. 
• Happy Birthday, Lefty Davis, Eddie Ainsmith, Possum Whitted, Pat Perry & Steve Schmoll!

2019 Flawless Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

A few weeks back Panini America released their Flawless Baseball card brand, and I've gathered up a bunch of Dodger cards to share here. As you may know, this is Panini's hieh-end Baseball card set -- costing $1,250 for one box of ten cards. Each box consist of seven autographs, two relic cards and a diamond insert card. Go here for a complete checklist.

It is notable that Panini has issued another Vin Scully autographed card. It is the third Vin Scully card issued by Panini this year - the others coming from their Diamond Kings and National treasures brands. Two examples of this card have recently sold for $380 to $450.

Base Gems

Base

#14 Cody Bellinger

2019 Topps Dynasty - The Dodgers Cards

Several weeks back Topps released their 2019 Topps Dynasty brand, and I finally have pics of many of the Dodgers available in it. Go here for a complete checklist. This is a high-end product -- costing about $300 for one single encapsulated autographed card per box. So, every pack should have a big hit in it.

For Dodger fans, this set is notable since it includes two former Dodgers in Blue -- Adrian Beltre and Rickey Henderson.

Autographed Patches

#Adrian Beltre
#DAB-ABE4

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

2019 Topps Luminaries - All the Dodger Cards

A couple weeks back Topps released their premium all-autograph brand, Luminaries, to the collecting public. For the price of about $150 you are guaranteed one autographed card. Additionally, every card comes encapsulated in a hard case -- with exceptions being the booklet cards. Go here for a complete checklist.

Below is a look at most of the Dodger cards that are available.

Home Run Kings Autographs

#HRK-MPI Mike Piazza

2019 Topps Chrome -- All the Dodger Cards

Here's a look at most of the Dodger cards found in packs of 2019 Topps Chrome. Go here for a complete checklist. As always, this brand is a super-shiny (chromium) version of their flagship brand. Five Dodgers can be found in the base set, and there's a small number of Dodger insert cards available.

Base

#32 Max Muncy

2019 Topps Archives Signature Series "Active Player Edition" - The Dodger Cards

A couple of weeks back Topps released their "Active Player Edition" of the 2019 Topps Archives Signature Series cards, and I'm only now able to share some pics of the Dodgers' found in boxes. As you likely know, this brand features buyback autographs of some of the games best current stars. For the Dodgers this includes Chris Taylor, Clayton Kershaw and Max Muncy. BTW, Adrian Beltre is also on the checklist, but I have yet to find any cards of him as a Dodger that have been signed. I suspect, though that they exist and are probably low-numbered scarcities. Go here for a complete checklist.

#Adrian Beltre

• No Dodger cards found yet.

#Chris Taylor

2018 Gypsy Queen          2017 Topps Heritage

Blog Kiosk: 6/12/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Another tough loss, but I ain't worried. I am, on the other hand, concerned about Seager's injury. He's been so good lately. Nevertheless, I'll treat last nights defeat as nothing more than a mere speed bump. In keeping my desire to accentuate the positive I thought I would highlight how on-point Max Muncy has been at the plate. He rocketed two homers last night -- making it three homers over the past three games.

Photo above via Dodgers Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are some links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1940 the Dodgers made one of the biggest trades in their history. They received 1937 Triple Crown winner Joe "Ducky" Medwick and pitcher Curt Davis from the Cardinals for outfielder Ernie Koy, pitcher Carl Doyle, two minor leaguers and $125k in cash (a huge sum in those days). The Dodgers would win the pennant the following season for the first time since 1920. In 1955 Don Newcombe, having won his first ten decisions of the season, lost his first game of the year when Brooklyn loses to the Cubs, 9-5. In 2005 first baseman Hee-Seop Choi hit home runs in his first three at-bats this evening against the Twins to propel the Dodgers over Minnesota, 4-3. Watch all three here.
• Happy Birthday, Jack O'Brein, Roger Bernadina & Damon Hollins! 

Blog Kiosk: 6/10/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

What a fun game. Not only did we witness a pitching duel for the ages, but we also saw some fantastic game-saving defense and hard-nosed squawking on the field. Sure, Bumgarner's act can be tiring, but I will never doubt his passion. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It was fun. Kind of an old-school baseball game — two №1s going head-to-head, and we saw the best of Madison Bumgarner and matched Walker pitch for pitch,” said manager Dave Roberts. “To see those guys go out there and compete and win pitches, win at-bats, it was fun. But fortunately for us, we scored one more run than they did.”

Photo at the very top via Michael Urakami/MLB.com
 at Dodger Insider. The Buehler pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterday's game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 Dodger outfielder John Shelby has his 24-game hitting streak stopped by Andy Hawkins and the Padres. The Dodgers also lost the game on a walk-off double to Carmelo Martinez, 4-3. In 2005 first baseman Hee-Seop Choi hits a walk-off home run off Twins reliever Terry Mulholland to propel the Dodgers over the Twins, 6-5. In 2015 the Dodgers drafted Matt Beaty out of Belmont University in Nashville and Kyle Garlick out of Cal Poly, Pomona.
• Happy Birthday, Ken Lehman, Ed Palmquist, Elias Sosa & Brad Gulden!

2019 Topps Finest - All the Dodger Cards

Wow! I can't believe how weak this set is for Dodger collectors. Last year there were seven base cards and eight different inserts available. In 2017 there were four base and 13 insert cards available. Prior years were just as packed. This season, however there are only five Dodger cards available to chase after in all --  three base cards, an insert and an autographed card. So, if you're a box breaker I would suggest passing on getting the Dodgers. Go here for a complete checklist. Below is a look at all the Dodger cards.

Base

#7 Walker Buehler              #23 Clayton Kershaw

2019 Panini Diamond Kings - Dodgers' Inserts Part 2

Here is a last look at some of the Dodger inserts found in packs of Panini's 2019 Diamond Kings brand. Unfortunately, there are quite a few inserts cards that I do not yet have pics of. I will do my best to update this post when those photos become available.

Jersey Kings

#10 Max Muncy                          #19 Pee Wee Reese

2019 Donruss - All the Dodger Insert Cards

Now that you've seen the base cards, here are the Dodger inserts found in packs of 2019 Donruss.

Retro 1985 Signatures

#11 Cody Bellinger

Retro 1985 Materials

#16 Adrian Beltre           #17 Adrian Gonzalez

Blog Kiosk: 3/6/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just another fantastic spring baseball photo. This time it's of a pitcher who many regard as one of the most underrated hurlers of the 30's.

Dated March 27, 1943. Ex-Dodger -- The Brooklyn Bums were visited by Larry French, formerly a member of their mound corps, recently at their Bear Mountain spring training camp. French, who is now a lieutenant junior grade with the US Navy, is reported seeking permission to play weekend ball with the Dodgers so that he might reach the 200-win mark before hanging up his spikes. Shaking hands with French is Manager Leo Durocher.

Unfortunately, Larry French did not receive such permission. Instead, he began his second career. Larry French would remain in the Navy for 27 years as both in active duty and as a Navy Reservist -- retiring in 1969 as a Captain. BTW, he participated in the invasion of Normandy in June 1944. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 the Dodgers received first baseman Dolph Camilli from the Phillies for an outfielder named Eddie Morgan and $45,000. Camilli would spend the next six seasons in Brooklyn -- slashing an overall .270/.392/.497/.889 with 139 home runs, 572 RBI's and an WAR of 29.1. He would also be named the NL MVP in 1941. In 1948 the Dodgers traded second baseman Eddie Stanky to the Boston Braves. Stanky famously yelled at Phillies coach Ben Chapman during a game the season prior due to his racist insults directed at Jackie Robinson.  
• Happy Birthday, Frank Gatins, John McMakin, George Mohart, Doug Podbielan, Greg Hannahs, Terry Adams & Marcus Thames!

Blog Kiosk: 1/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Joc Pederson and his dog Blue met with Dodger fans and their canine friends for a special photo shoot yesterday afternoon in Van Nuys.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. You can check out more pics from this event and others, here.

Furthermore, the Dodgers FanFest is tomorrow, and there are plenty of autograph and VIP events still available. Go here to check it out. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 Giants skipper Bill Terry, when asked about the Dodgers prospects for the upcoming season, remarked, "I haven't heard anything from them; are they still in the league?" This obviously caused all of Brooklyn to scream in outrage, and ultimately lead to the Dodgers' greatest revenge. With the Giants tied with the Cardinals and with just two games left to play in the 1934 season (both against Brooklyn), the Dodgers would sweep to deny them the pennant.
• Happy Birthday, Danny Richardson, Ray Schmandt, Ed Head & Ed Goodson!

Blog Kiosk: 12/3/2018 - Dodgers Links - Dave Roberts Signed to Four-Year Deal

Sometimes you need just a bit of luck.

Featured above is a October 3, 1952 International News Press Photo (eBay auction link) featuring Dodger skipper Chuck Dressen before the start of game three of the World Series. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Manager Charles (Chuck) Dressen of the National League Champion Brooklyn Dodgers makes it double in crossed fingers to scare odd the "Whammy" before the start of the third game od the 1952 World Series at Yankee Stadium today. Dressen's Brooks took the series opened, 4-2 and sropped the secon to the Yanks to the tune of 7 to 1 to even the contest at one game apiece. Hurling for the Brooks will be done by Preacher Rowe today and for the Yanks it will be Ed Lopat. Photo by Sonnee Gottlieb.

As you know, the Dodgers won Game three, 5-3, but eventually lost the series in seven games. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2007 Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley is elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame by the veterans committee. In 1991 the Dodgers signed free agent knuckleball pitcher Tom Candiotti to a four-year contract
• Happy Birthday, Cozy Dolan, Bill Harris, José Peña, Mark Bradley, Eric Hull & JT Chargois!

Blog Kiosk: 11/20/2018 - Dodgers Links - Congrats, Adrián!

Congrats on a fantastic career!

As I'm sure you've heard by now, former Dodger phenom and future Hall of Famer Adrián Beltré has announced his retirement from the game. I have always loved this guy and will always consider him a Dodger. That said, when he enters the hallowed hall of Cooperstown in five years time he'll likely be wearing the cap from Texas, and I couldn't be prouder. He belongs there (no matter what hat he wears), and as much as I hate that he didn't spend more time in Dodger Blue I can't help but feel happy for his accomplishments. He was one of my all-time favorites, and this Dodger fan can do nothing but tip my cap to him.

BTW, you can watch Beltré's first hit and RBI, as called by Vin Scully, here. It was against Angels hurler Chuck Finley on June 24, 1998. Also, Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts put up a great piece this morning on Adrián that I thought worth check out. You can also read Beltré's retirement letter here, via a tweet from the Rangers.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2011 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Luis Cruz. He would have a career year in Dodger Blue; slashing .297/.322/.431/.753 with six homers and 40 RBI's in 2012. In 2014 the Dodgers acquired relievers Adam Liberatore and Joel Peralta from the Tampa Bay Rays for Greg Harris and Jose Dominguez. 
• Happy Birthday, Leon Cadore, Rube Ehrhardt, Jay Johnstone, Rick Monday, JD Drew & Alex Guerrero!

Five Affordable Rookie Cards Every Die Hard Dodger Fan Should Have

Who doesn't love rookie cards?

They are a main driver in the card collecting hobby, and oftentimes the most desirable card available for any player.

So, with the winter doldrums in full swing I thought it would be fun to explore some rookie cards that I think every Dodger fan should have. I also thought it would be best to focus on cards that are most affordable -- for $10.00 or less. After all, not everyone can afford a Jackie Robinson or Sandy Koufax rookie card.

So without further ado, here is the first card on my list, and it is of Dodger legend Fernando Valenzuela. Best yet, his 1981 Topps card (#302) also includes the rookie card for popular catcher and former Angels manager Mike Scioscia. Check out the reverse of the card on the right.

Not surprisingly, Valenzuela cards can be purchased in great condition for next to nothing -- like a couple of bucks. As most collectors know, the 80's and for much of the 90's cards were overproduced -- flooding the market with more cardboard then collectors knew what to do with. Pair that with a collecting base that has admittedly shrunk since the hobby's heyday, and you've got a recipe for bargain prices for some of the games greatest players.

Blog Kiosk: 9/18/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

On this team everyone takes their turn to lead. Yesterday, the combined efforts of Joc Pederson and Hyun-Jin Ryu resulted in an 8-2 victory over our rival Rockies. Pederson hit a leadoff homer in the first inning, then drove in two more when he hit his second home run of the evening in the fourth inning. Ryu threw seven scoreless four-hit innings to stymie Colorado. Per Jack Baer at MLB.com:

"Joc, he's just really gotten back to when he was really good," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "Looking out and over, staying in the strike zone and using right-center field to left-center field. Today, that's what he did, took a ball off Gray to left-center and did the same thing against a lefty to right-center field."
...
Link Here: "(Ryu's) always been a big-game pitcher and I've seen it from the other side," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "For him to be healthy and set the tone for this series, in complete command tonight. Stuff was really good. We fed off of him and it was good to see."

Photo above of Joc Pederson celebrating his homer with coach George Lombard via Jill Weisleder/Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2006 the Dodgers came back from a four run deficit by slugging four consecutive home runs in the ninth inning -- by Jeff Kent, JD Drew, Russell Martin and Marlon Anderson -- to tie the game against the Padres at 9-9. They would then win the game in the tenth inning when Nomar Garciaparra hit a two-run homer, 11-10. You can watch highlights of all five round-trippers here.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Tepsic, Dick Dietz, David Sells & Ken Brett!

Blog Kiosk: 9/4/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Sometimes, you can't win them all.

Last night the Dodgers fell short against the Mets, 4-2, but they sure did come close to coming-from-behind to win again. With a man on and two runs behind in the ninth inning, weekend hero Matt Kemp came up to bat as a pinch hitter representing the tying run. Unfortunately, magic didn't strike thrice. He would ground into a double play. Per Ken Gunick at MLB.com:

"I thought Kemp was going to do it again," Bellinger said.

Photo above of Cody Bellinger via Jill Weisleder/Los Angeles Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1924 the Brooklyn Robins/Dodgers won both ends of a doubleheader against the Boston Braves -- sweeping their fourth doubleheader in four consecutive days. From September 1st to 4th they beat the Phillies twice and the Braves six times. In 1966 the Dodgers become the first team to draw two million fans at home and on the road when they defeated the Reds at Crosley Fields in front of 18,670 patrons, 8-6. In 1969 Willis Davis' Dodger hitting streak comes to an end at 31 consecutive games -- setting a franchise record. It came at the hands of the Padres in San Diego. 
• Happy Birthday, Elmer Horton, George Pfister, Doyle Alexander, Mike Piazza& Brian Myrow!

Blog Kiosk: 8/30/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I'll take a two-game sweep any day. Last night the Dodgers continued their good play by completing a short series sweep of the Rangers, 3-1, to extend their winning streak to five games. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"You're at the point in the year where you need to win the games you're supposed to win," said Wood. "It's really nice for us to string five together like we have, especially with us about to play a club we've struggled against in Arizona. Those five games came at the right time and we're pretty excited to go home and see these D-backs again. We saw them so much in such a short span and it was when we weren't playing so well."

Clearly, this weekend is the most important series of the season.

Photo above of Kenley Jansen and Manny Machado in the Dodger dugout via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1918 the Dodgers and Giants play a 56-minute game at the Polo Grounds that saw New York beat Brooklyn, 1-0. In 1952 former Dodger infielder and future Hall of Famer Arky Vaughan dies in a fishing accident.  He and a friend drowned in a lake near Eagleville, CA when their boat capsized. In 1953 Roy Campanella tied a NL record for RBI's by a catcher during a season at 122. He did it by going 4-for-5 with five RBI's and three runs scored against the Cardinals. Campy would finish the year with a Major League best 142 RBI's for a catcher. In 2015 Cubs hurler Jake Arrieta no-hit the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. It is the 12th no-hitter ever thrown at Chavez Ravine.
• Happy Birthday, Bert Tooley, Kiki Cuyler, Tommy Dean & Roberto Hernández!