2020 Topps Sterling -- The Dodger Cards

Here's a look at a bunch of the Dodgers' found in packs of 2020 Topps Sterling. Go here for a complete checklist.

Sterling Seasons Autograph Relics

#SSAR-CK Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 1/21/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

One of the unheralded heroes of any Baseball staff is the team doctor. For the Dodgers, during the Golden Years of the franchise, it was Harold W. Wendler, or Doc Wendler, who kept the players healthy and in tip top condition. Featured above is a 1956 Spring Training press photo taken by noted photographer Herb Scharfman featuring Doc tending to Sandy Amaros (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Looking For a Break -- Miami, FLA... Doc Wendler looks for a possible fracture on the left ankle of Dodger outfielder Sandy Amaros, who was hit by a pitched ball in the third inning od an exhibition game with the Boston Red Sox today. sandy was able to walk to the dugout unaided. The Red Sox walloped the World Champions, 17-5. 

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1969 Roy Campanella is elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame with 79.4% of the vote - his fifth year of eligibility. In 2009 the Dodgers signed free agent catcher Brad Ausmus to a $1 million contract. 
• Happy Birthday, Emil Batch, Benny Meyer, Glenn Chapman, Johnny Oates, Josh Wall, Josh Ravin & Joe Wieland!

Blog Kiosk: 12/19/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

What the heck?

Check out the above undated (likely 1950's) vintage photograph featuring the Dodgers pitching staff being directed by backstop Roy Campanella (eBay link). What Campy is doing exactly, I do not know. He's got his hands cupped over his ears, like he's expecting a loud sound.

As for the pitchers in the photo, I can clearly see Don Newcombe (third on the left), and according the a notation on the back Ralph Branca is there too. Unfortunately, I can't quite place Branca. I think he might be just to the right of Newcombe. I also think Johnny Podres is the second person to the left of Newcombe.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal to a three year/$39 million contract and Nomar Garciaparra to a one year/$6 million contract. In 2014 the Dodgers received veteran shortstop Jimmy Rollins from the Phillies in exchange for minor league pitchers Tom Windle and Zach Eflin. 
• Happy Birthday, Lou Koupal, Gordie Windhorn, Tom Wilson, Welcome Gaston, Wally Gilbert, Rex Barney, Geoff Zahn & Mike Fetters!

Blog Kiosk: 11/26/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Roy is "A-Okay".

Roy Campanella, popular Brooklyn Dodger catcher, winks and gives the "okay" sign to a group of admiring small fry after a physician said Campy's injured left hand isn't permanently damaged and he's fit for duty in the All-Star game in Cleveland.

Dated July 13, 1954, the above vintage press photo (available through eBay) features some very relieved Brooklyn fans with Roy Campanella. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1962 the Dodgers traded right-handed hurler Stan Williams to the Yankees for first baseman Bill Skowron. He would play just one season for Los Angeles -- slashing .203/.252/.287/.539 in 89 games. In 1965 Dodgers second baseman Jim Lefebvre is voted National League Rookie of the Year. In 2010 the Dodgers signed free agent righty Jon Garland to a one-year $5 million contract. Garland would start nine games, going 1-5 with an 4.33 ERA, then go on the disabled list with shoulder discomfort -- leading to shoulder surgery.
• Happy Birthday, Jim Canavan, Dan McFarlan, Bob Lee, Jeff Torborg, Jorge Orta & Jay Howell!

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

Blog Kiosk: 5/1/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

You can't win without a little help from your friends.

Cody Bellinger still continues to mash, but it was the efforts of those who've had a slow start that gave the Dodgers a victory last night. Chris Taylor, who is well below the Mendoza line, knocked in two with a double in the sixth. Justin Turner finally hit his first homer of the season when he took lefty Ty Blach deep to centerfield. David Freese recorded a double and a three-run jack to break-out of an 0-for-18 slump. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“We take pride in our roles and we want to do our part,” said Freese. “We have a good enough team that we can falter and still get victories. That’s not always going to happen. Belly’s not always going to be Player of the Month with the best April in history.”
...
“If you look at the guys that have hit left-handed pitching throughout their career, really haven’t yet,” said manager Dave Roberts. “It’s a long season. We’re going to face a lot of lefties this week and I think the numbers will start to correct.”

Photo above of David Freese via Michael Urakami/MLB.com 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 1906 the Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) are no-hit by Philadelphia southpaw John Lush, 6-0. In 1920 the Dodgers and Boston Braves play a 26-inning game - the longest in major league history. Starting pitchers Leon Cadore of Brooklyn and Joe Oeschger of Boston both finish the game, as it ends in a 1-1 tie after nearly four hours of play. In 1965 Tommy Davis dislocates and breaks his ankle while sliding into second base trying to break up a double play. In 2012 a new Dodgers ownership group takes over the franchise -- headed by Stan Kasten, Mark Walter at Guggenheim Financial and Magic Johnson.
• Happy Birthday, Charlie Reynolds, Von Joshua, Ray Searage, Phil Hiatt & Iván De Jesus!

Blog Kiosk: 10/23/2018 - Dodgers Links - World Series Game 1 Today!

Brothers in Arms!

The Dodgers really do seem like a tight bunch. Above we see Game 2 and 3 starters, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Walker Buehler, on the field at Fenway during yesterday's workout.

Pic above via @SportsNet LA on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 Dodger President Branch Rickey announced that the team has signed two black ballplayers, shortstop Jackie Robinson and pitcher John "Needle Nose" Wright, to play with Brooklyn's Triple A team in Montreal. In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in Game 3 of the World Series, 5-4. Fernando Valenzuela threw a nine-hit complete game. In 1998 Davey Johnson became manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. 
• Happy Birthday, Lave Winham, Rube Bressler, Lee Grissom, Billy Sullivan, Solly Drake & Jim Bunning! 

You Too Can Own the Dodgers

Are you in the market for 2,398 shares of the Dodgers franchise?

Well, I've got some good news for you. Featured is a 1948 stock certificate originally issued to Marie McKeever Mulvey for the Brooklyn National League Baseball Club. (Auction Link)

Marie, or Dearie as she was known to friends, was the daughter of construction contractor Stephen McKeever. As you may know, Stephen and his brother Ed partnered with Charles Ebbets to build Ebbets Field; taking a significant ownership stake in the process. Together with Ebbets they continued to operate the franchise until Charles Ebbets died in 1925. Then a week later Ed McKeever died from the flu after contracting a cold during Charles Ebbets funeral. Thereafter, brother Stephen became the primary operator of the club until his death in 1938.

At that point, Dearie and her husband, became an owner of the team; along with the Brooklyn Trust Company (handling the estate of Charles Ebbets). She maintained ownership in the club until her death in 1968, at which time her husband took control until he sold the family's final shares to O'Malley in 1975.  BTW, her husband was James Mulvey, who was once President of Samuel Goldwyn Productions.

Obviously, this stock certificate is no longer outstanding. So, it's just a nice memento of the past.

I do wonder, though, if I could somehow show this to the Guggenheim folks and finagle my way into the ownership box.

Do you think they'd be fooled?

Yeah, I don't think so either.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

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* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

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

It's not often that you see an action photo like this from the early 20th century. Featured is an circa 1913 International News press photo of an unnamed Brooklyn Superbas/Dodgers player sliding into first base. It's hard to tell exactly what's going here, but it appears the batter was trying to avoid a close play at first, but the fielder chose to block the base as he scampered for the ball -- which is not to be seen anywhere. I assume there was some sort of throwing play at home plate -- maybe a bunt or pass ball/wild pitch on a third strike.

Anyway, the pic is currently at auction at RMY (auction link). If you happen to know who the players are please pass that along.

On another note, I remain unconcerned with the Dodgers. It's way too early to begin panicking. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1997 Mike Piazza reached base for the eight consecutive plate appearance -- he went 3-for-3 with a walk in a Dodgers win over the Pirates.  He would fly out his next at-bat the following day. In 2016 the Dodgers handed the Padres the worst Opening Day loss in Major League history since 1913. They beat them silly, 15-0. Go here for the boxscore.
• Happy Birthday, John Hummel, Pete Kilduff, Joe Vosmik, Mickey Owen, Willie Ramsdell, Gil Hodges & Louis Coleman!

Blog Kiosk 2/6/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds Ends

It's not often you see something like this on the ballfield today. Featured above is a vintage ACME press photo of a pregame ceremony at Ebbets Field in 1946. On this day the Dodger players presented their GM with a gift, and it wasn't a Timex.

Dodgers Give Present to Branch Rickey 9/25/46 -- Dodger Manager Leo Durocher, General Manager Branch Rickey and Dixie Walker (left to right). Dodgers presented a $5,100 boat cruiser to Rickey before the game with the Phillies at Ebbets Field Sept. 25. Walker, spokesman for the team, said "The Boys wanted to do something for the boss in appreciation for what he has done for us."

BTW, that $5,100 present would be worth $61,630 in today's dollars. The press photo above was on auction at RMY, but did not sell (auction link). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2014 the Dodgers signed a free agent minor league contract with third baseman Justin Turner.  He had just been released by the Mets, and was only given an invitation to spring training by the Dodgers.  To the surprise of many, Turner would have a breakout season and become an important leader in the clubhouse.
• Happy Birthday, Andy Sommerville, Rube Ward, Red Downey & Glenn Wright!

2017 Topps Transcendent Collection - All the Dodgers Cards

Here is a look at all the Dodger cards found in one of the 87 briefcase sized boxes of 2017 Topps Transcendent Collection. As you know, this is a very expensive product that cost collectors about $25 grand a pop. For that you get a complete base set, a complete sketch card reproduction set, a complete 50 card Transcendent autographed set, one original sketch card or baseball, three additional autograph cards (including an Aaron Judge) and an invitation to an Hank Aaron event. Go here for a complete checklist.

Icons Base

#1 Jackie Robinson              #24 Clayton Kershaw

A Wesleyan Yearbook with Branch Rickey and Charles Thomas - Where Baseball Integration First Entered Rickey's Mind

The yearbook you see above doesn't look like much, but it holds within it an important story relevant to this weekends Jackie Robinson Day. Featured above is a 1905 “Le Bijou” Ohio Wesleyan University yearbook -- the school where Dodger General Manager Branch Rickey first got the idea that Baseball should not have a color line. (auction link) Best yet, there is an fantastic team photo of the schools Baseball team that includes Rickey and a certain fellow who is the main subject of this story -- an African-American ballplayer named Charles Thomas.

Blog Kiosk: 2/15/2017 - Dodger Links - Pitchers and Catchers Report Day!

With today being the official start of Dodger Spring Baseball I figured the above Associated Press photo, dated February 27, 1949, would be appropriate to share.  Featured are a group of Brooklyn Dodgers at Penn Station in New York as they head on their way towards Vero Beach, Florida.  (eBay Auction Link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Members of the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Manager of the bluc's farm system, Branch Rickey, Jr. (at right, front row), leave Pennsylvania Station, New York, Deb. 27, enroute to Vero Beach, Fla., to open spring training on March 1.  From left (front) are: Coach Jake Pitler, Roy Campanella, Buddy Hicks, Rex Barney, and Rickey, Jr.  In back (left to right) are: Jackie Robinson, Gil Hodges and Gene Hermanski.

Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Charlie Irwin, George Earnshaw, Joe Moeller, Ron Cey, Rick Auerbach, Russell Martin & Russ Mitchell!
  

Blog Kiosk: 12/19/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kenta Maeda is incognito.  

Over the weekend we were greeted with a fun video from Japanese television featuring Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda goofing on a bunch of little league aged ballplayers.  He dressed up as an old man and played some ball.  Watch the entire segment at the very bottom.  (Hat Tip: Joseph Kim on twitter)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal to a three year/$39 million contract and Nomar Garciaparra to a one year/$6 million contract.  In 2014 the Dodgers traded for free agent shortstop Jimmy Rollins in exchange for Tom Windle and Zach Eflin. 
• Happy Birthday, Welcome Gaston, Wally Gilbert, Rex Barney, Geoff Zahn & Mike Fetters!

Blog Kiosk: 10/26/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw on a Plane, Urias, Utley and Garvey

Above is an fantastic 1910's advertising poster for Fatima Turkish brand Cigarettes that features action photos from an opening series match-up between the Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) and New York Giants.  It is currently on auction at Mile High Card Company.  (Auction Link)

Unfortunately, the poster mainly points out popular Giants players like Fred Snodgrass, George Burns and Fred Merkle.  So it's likely this ad was prominently displayed in neighborhoods loyal to that team.  Nevertheless, it's a unique piece that includes several rare photographs.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1950 Walter O'Malley became the ninth president and chief stockholder in the Dodgers franchise.  Following the death of team owner John L. Smith (who owned one-quarter of the club) O'Malley navigated a deal where he bought Branch Rickey's share of the club and essentially became a trustee over the Smith family portion to take over majority control.
• Happy Birthday: Dan Coulombe!

Blog Kiosk: 9/29/2016 - Dodgers Links - Urias, Kershaw and an Congressional Resolution for Vin Scully

Check out an fantastic candid press photo found in the current RMY auction above.  It features an obviously dejected Dodger manager Burt Shotton (left) being consoled by team president Branch Rickey (right) after being defeated by the New York Yankees in the 1947 World Series.  It was taken by local New York photographer Bill Meurer.  Go here to check it out.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1966 Sandy Koufax struck out 13 Cardinals' batters to become the first pitcher to record three 300-strike out seasons since Amos Rusie in 1892.  In 1976 Tommy Lasorda is named the new manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.  In 1979 Manny Mota set a Major League record with his 146th career pinch hit at Dodger Stadium against the Chicago Cubs.  In 2000 Gary Sheffield tied the Dodgers franchise mark for home runs in a season at 43.  He hit is against the Padres in San Diego. 

Blog Kiosk: 8/18/2016 - Dodgers Links - De Leon's Immaculate Inning, AJ on Vinny and Adrian Gonzalez

What he said!

Joc Pederson tweeted the above photo after the Dodgers, with the help of Adrian Gonzalez, defeated the Phillies, 7-2.  He added the following caption,

"@Adrian_ElTitan put the team on his back"

Last night AGon hit a three-run homer in the third to give the Dodgers a lead.  Then, for good measure, he blasted a two-run home run in the seventh as insurance.  Joc Pederson, for his part, went three for four on the evening.  Per Todd Zolecki and Evan Webeck at MLB.com: 

"Everybody's made some great adjustments," Gonzalez said. "For the most part, I feel like [Joc Pederson has] made some great adjustments, [Howie Kendrick has] made great adjustments. The guys who were already swinging it well have continued swinging well. When you've got one through eight swinging it great and taking great at-bats, it makes it really tough on the opposing pitcher."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1959 former Dodger GM Branch Rickey is named President of the newly formed Continental League.  The new third Major League never plays a game, though.  Instead, it became a catalyst for the addition of eight more teams to the American and National Leagues over the next decade.  In 1995 the Dodgers traded for Brett Butler.  This would be his second stint with the team.

Blog Kiosk: 7/10/2016 - Dodgers Links - Toles, McCarthy and Liberatore

It was "Pups in the Park" day at Dodger Stadium and the four-legged canine guest in attendance were entertained with a fantastic victory.  Brandon McCarthy went five innings; giving up three runs on three hits, three walks and six strike outs.  Per Ken Gurnick and Jack Baer at MLB.com:

"It felt very weird and it was a struggle, but at least I'm happy to get through five [innings], keep the game close and give the offense and bullpen a chance to win it," said McCarthy, who had surgery April 29 of last year.

As McCarthy said the bullpen was solid.  Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

 “I know all of us would like to get deeper into games and it’s something we want,” McCarthy said. “There are a lot of guys dealing with a lot of different situations, so it’s not a group of five horses that are healthy, happy and have been here all year. It’s guys that are a little bit of hodge-podge, so it’s on all of us to get deeper into games. The bullpen has been outstanding in picking us up, but we need to do our share in the second half to make sure we take some of the load off them.”

In fact, Dodgers reliever Adam Liberatore broke a franchise record last night.  He threw his 24th consecutive scoreless inning; breaking John Candelaria's record.

“He told me congrats, and I really didn’t know what he was talking about,” Liberatore said. “It seemed like a really weird thing to say in that situation. I’m getting pulled and the guy is saying congrats. I was like ‘What?’”

In the dugout, he soon learned what all the fuss was about, getting a game ball and the adoration from his teammates. The moment was made better for the Pittsburgh native when he learned of Candelaria’s involvement in the record.

“I know that name a little bit so that’s cool,” Liberatore said of the former Pirates and Dodgers pitcher.

The photos above via Jill Weisleder/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jill and Jon SooHoo from yesterdays game; including more dogs.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1943 a Dodgers clubhouse dispute almost leads to a players strike.  Teammates were at odds with management due to a suspension of pitcher Bobo Newsome.  Durocher suspended Newsome for insubordination and his teammates threatened to not play.  Eventually Branch Rickey intervenes and the game against Pittsburgh is played.  In 1984 Fernando Valenzuela and Dwight Good combine to strike out six consecutive AL batters in the All-Star game in Candlestick Park.

Questionnaires from 1945 Filled out by Walter Alston and Pee Wee Reese

A couple weeks back I highlighted a questionnaire filled out by Steve Garvey in 1970 (Link Here) for legendary Baseball biographer/statistician William J. Weiss.  Since the 1940's Weiss had been in contact with just about every professional ballplayer in the game, and used the information he gathered to put together sketchbooks filled with data on both minor and major league ballplayers.  Along with the Garvey I previously highlighted, Hunt Auction also has completed questionnaires from the Weiss collection of a couple other Dodgers players: Walter Alston and Pee Wee Reese.  Check those out in this post.

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Featured on the right is the questionnaire filled out by Dodgers Hall of Fame manager Walter Alston in February 1945 (Auction Link Here).  Click on the pic to embiggen.

At the time, Alston had just become a player-manager the season prior for the Trenton Packers - a minor league affiliate of the Brooklyn Dodgers.  Although he would still play on the field for a few more years it would become obvious that his future role in the game would be as the skipper.  In the questionnaire above he recounts an interesting Baseball experience with Branch Rickey related to his second year of professional ball in 1936 and as a rookie player-manager four years later.  He writes: 

Blog Kiosk: 5/3/2016 - Dodgers Links - Ebbets Field, Maeda and Josh Ravin's Suspension

Wow!  There's nuthin' 'round the ol' joint.

Shown above, via a tweet by Old Baseball Photos, is Ebbets Field just prior to its opening in 1913.  You can see the grandstands and the backside of the outfield walls, but nothing else (except a few buildings here and there).  I always assumed Brooklyn was built out the way it is today, but clearly that is wrong.  The immediate area was as barren as a bald head.

A little bit of research tells me that Pigtown, the neighborhood this area was called due to the existence of several large pig farms, was economically depressed.  It's inhabitants were largely poor and crime was known to be a problem.  Folks would come into town to dump their junk there and farm animals were known to roam around recklessly.  The metropolis it is today was just a dream back then.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 the Branch Rickey traded five Dodgers players; including Kirby Higby, to Pittsburgh.  The move was seen as a message to the players on his support for Jackie Robinson.
• Happy Birthday, Davey Lopes and Darren Dreifort!