Blog Kiosk: 8/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends!

As you surely know by now, Vin Scully has consigned a whole bunch of his personal memorabilia to Hunt Auctions, and frankly it's overwhelming. There's a ton of stuff, and bids are starting to reach lofty heights -- after being open for just a day or two.

I have yet to go through the entire catalog, but so far I think the cream of the crop might be his 1955 World Series ring. That's right folks! His championship ring is on the block and right now it sits at $13,750.00 -- with the possibly it'll reach six figured before it's all said and done. Wow! See the ring on the right. Go here to check out the entire auction, and do a search for Vin Scully

BTW, next week I plan on writing and sharing a bunch of his stuff on this blog, so stay tuned for that. I suspect next week will be Vin Scully week here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1942 the oft-injured outfielder Pete Reiser enters the hospital with a torn thigh ligament. In 1945 Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson meet to discuss plans for integrating Baseball. During the three hour meeting Rickey berates Robinson with a flurry of racial epithets to test his mettle and willingness to 'turn the other cheek.' Also on this day, 17-year old Brooklyn shortstop Tommy Brown becomes the youngest person to steal home in Major League history. In 1952 the Brooklyn Dodgers set a National League record when they hit into a double play in their 23rd consecutive game. In 2002 Eric Gagne recorded his 45th save of the season, setting a franchise record and earning a bottle of Dom Perignon autographed by his Dodger teammates. 
• Happy Birthday, Ryan Madson, Joe Yeager, Goody Rosen & Darren Lewis!

Blog Kiosk: 8/21/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Just another Dodger victory.

Last nights win was brought to you by Clayton Kershaw. He went seven strong innings, struck out a season high eleven batters and allowed just one run to lead the Dodgers in their 6-1 (boxscore) victory over the Mariners. On top of that, Clayton now has the second most strikeouts in Dodger franchise history -- leaping over Don Drysdale's mark of 2,486. Kershaw's 2,493 strikeouts is just 203 short of Don Sutton's record as a Dodger. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Obviously very cool,” Kershaw said. “Just to be a Dodger long enough to accomplish something like that is pretty special.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1970 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder Jerry Royster out of Sacramento High School. He would be traded five years later to Atlanta as part of a package for Dusty Baker, and go on to have a ten-year career with the Braves. In 1975 the Cubs pitching brothers of Rick and Paul Reuschel combine to shutout the Dodgers, 7-0. This is the first time brothers have collaborated on a shutout. In 1990 the Dodgers lost a tough one. Against the Phillies they allowed nine runs to score in the ninth inning to lose the game, 12-11. You can watch highlights of this shameful game here. Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts wrote about it today, here. In 2005 the Marlins suspended a bat boy for six games after the 11-year old kid accepted a challenge from Dodger pitcher Brad Penny. He dared the preteen to drink a gallon of milk in an hour without throwing up for $500. The sixth grader drank the milk, but hurled. The Milk Processor Education Program (a lobbying group) offered to pay off the dare and cover his lost wages if he promises to dutifully drink three glasses of milk every day. In 2015 the Dodgers are no-hit by Astro's hurler Mike Fiers, 3-0 (boxscore). 
• Happy Birthday, Woody Williams, Shawn Hillegas, John Wetteland, Craig Counsell, Ismael Valdéz & Jesse Chavez!

2020 Bowman Sterling -- All the Dodger Cards

Here is a look at all of the Dodgers found in packs of Topps 2020 Bowman Sterling brand. Go here for a complete checklist.

Many of the Dodgers top prospects are a part of this set; including Dustin May and Gavin Lux. It is also notable that Andy Pages, the ballplayers who had been traded to the Angels as part of the Joc Pederson trade that was cancelled, also has an autographed card available here.

As you know, this is a mid to high-end product that will cost you about $300 for a box of five packs. Each pack consist of six cards and you are guaranteed at least five autographs per box.

Base

#BSR-55 Brusdar Graterol         #BSR-63 Tony Gonsolin

Blog Kiosk: 8/17/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

We are in the midst of experiencing a Dodgers' catching renaissance. First, we saw Will Smith wow the fans. Now, it's Keibert Ruiz's turn. In his first career at-bat yesterday afternoon he smashed a home run. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It was very exciting,” Ruiz said after the Dodgers’ 8–3 win that swept the series in Anaheim. “First time being in the big leagues, I just was focused on getting a fastball and making contact. Happy to be here with all these guys and keep learning.”

You can also watch him speak with the press after the game, via SportsNet LA on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers and Cubs played a 17 inning game that was temporarily halted at a tie, 1-1, because of darkness (this was before Wrigley Field had lights). The next day they begin where they left off. The Dodgers would eventually win on a sacrifice fly by Dusty Baker in the 21st inning. In 1992 Dodgers hurler Kevin Gross no-hit the Giants at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. Watch the last out of the game, as called by Vin Scully, here. Per a NY Times article:

"The later it got, the more the adrenaline started pumping," Gross said. "It was just a blur when that last out was made."

• Happy Birthday, George Harper, Doug McWeeny, Joe Bradshaw, Boog Powell, Brad Wellman, Jeff Fischer & Kyle Farmer!

2020 Absolute Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

Here are most of the Dodgers' found in packs of Panini's Absolute Baseball brand. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base 

#28 Mookie Betts

2020 Topps Total - Wave 6 - All the Dodgers

Here are the three Dodgers' found in packs of 2020 Topps Total - Wave 6. It includes newest Dodger David Price and MVP Cody Bellinger. Go here for a complete checklist of this set.

Wave 6

#522 David Price

2020 Topps T206 - Series 1 & 2 - All the Dodger Cards

Here's a look at all of the Dodgers found in the Topps online exclusive T206 set -- Series 1 & 2. As you may know, Topps first put out this flashback brand ten years ago and now they are back at it. It is being released in 10-card packs online and is priced at $14.99 each. A total of five series' will be sold, and I've got pics of the Dodgers found in Series 1 & 2. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Series 1 Base

#29 Corey Seager     #45 Gavin Lux

2020 Topps Finest Flashbacks -- All the Dodger Cards

A couple of weeks back Topps released their 2020 Topps Finest Flashbacks brand exclusively online. As you may know, this brand first came on the scene in the early 90's and it ushered in a refractor craze that continues to this day. This new set is an homage -- using the same design Topps used in their inaugural 1993 Baseball Finest set. Check out all the Dodgers available below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base 

#1 Walker Buehler               #4 Will Smith

2020 Topps Series 2 -- All the Dodger Insert Cards

After a couple of weeks waffling around I finally have pics of most of the Dodger inserts found in packs of Topps flagship Series 2 cards. Check them out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Baseball Stars Autographs

#BSA-CK Clayton Kershaw         #BSA-GL Gavin Lux

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

2020 Topps Finest -- All the Dodgers'

Topps Finest is now here and pics of all the Dodgers' to share. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base

#19 Brusdar Graterol              #29 Max Muncy

2020 Panini Diamond Kings -- All the Dodger Insert Cards

Last week I shared pics of all the Dodger base cards found in packs of Panini's 2020 Diamond Kings brand. Below are photos of all the various inserts that are available. Go here for a complete checklist.

DK Signatures

#DKS-TO Tony Gonsolin      #DKS-DM Dustin May

#DKS-BG Brusdar Graterol         #DKS-GL Gavin Lux

2020 Panini Diamond Kings -- The Dodgers Base Cards

Officially arriving in stores today is Panini's 2020 Diamond Kings Baseball cards, and I've got pics of all the base cards to share with you right now. Check them out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

As you can see, there's a nice Mookie Betts card, wearing a Dodger uniform. There are also a bunch of inserts available to chase after.

Base

#4 Walter Alston              #24 Carl Erskine

2020 Panini Select Baseball -- All the Dodger Inserts

Here is a look at all of the Dodger inserts cards available in packs of Panini's 2020 Select Baseball brand. Go here for a complete checklist.

There are a ton of prospects here; including five Gavin lux cards -- two of which are autographed. Other rising stars include Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May and Keibert Ruiz. There is also another Mookie Betts cards, but it once again shows him wearing Boston Red Sox gear.

Signatures

#S-CS Corey Seager

2020 Panini Select -- All the Dodgers Base Cards

Panini America released their Select brand last week and I've got pics of all the Dodgers base cards to share. Check them out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Notably, there is a Mookie Betts cards available that designates him as a Dodger, but it clearly features him wearing a Boston Red Sox uniform.

Base

#9 Cody Bellinger

2020 Topps On-Demand #5 - MLB Rookie Progression - Graterol, Lux & Gonsolin

Several weeks back Topps released an On-Demand card set online called "MLB Rookie Progression" and it came out in a series of four different waves of ten cards. Only three Dodgers can be found in the 40 card set and I've got pics of all of them, including photos of any parallel autographed cards. Check them out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base -- Week 1

#10 Brusdar Graterol

Blog Kiosk: 3/18/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a look at the Dodgers 2020 on-field cap. As you can see, it includes a patch for the upcoming All-Star Game. Pic above via New Era on twitter. BTW, below is a look at the St. Patrick's Day Dodger cap for this year, below (via Dodger Blue)

(Emmett Kelly by Art Rogers/LA Times)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1942 two African-American ballplayers, Jackie Robinson and Nate Moreland, showed up at the White Sox spring training home at Brookside Park in Pasadena and requested a tryout. They met manager Jimmy Dykes and were allowed to hit the field, but as you know nothing would come of it. In 1958 famed clown Emmett Kelly, signed by the Dodgers to play the teams mascot in Brooklyn, announced that his contract had not been renewed to join the team in LA. The veteran circus performer believes the size of the Coliseum, the club's new home on the West Coast, is just "too big for one clown".
• Happy Birthday, Oscar Walker, Johnny Cooney, Gerónimo Berroa & Scott Podsednik!

Blog Kiosk: 3/6/2020 -- Dodgers Links & News -- Some Odds and Ends

Above is a peek at the Dodgers 2020 Yearbook. You can get a copy of the yearbook above here (heck, it's free with a subscription to Dodger Insider Magazine).

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 Chapman's racist insults directed at Jackie Robinson.  
• Happy Birthday, Frank Gatins, John McMakin, George Mohart, Doug Podbielan, Greg Hannahs, Terry Adams & Marcus Thames!

Blog Kiosk: 3/5/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Clayton Kershaw looked pretty good his second time out this Spring. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

Kershaw struck out four in three scoreless innings, allowing two hits and no walks. 

“There were things I did better in the first game, but I landed my curveballs for strikes better than the first game, which was good,” he said. “A little better command than the last game. Backed up some sliders that they hit hard to shortstop, but overall a good step.”

Unfortunately, his outing was overlooked a bit because of a Dodger-Giant rivalry that continues unabated.

As Kershaw was walking from the mound to the dugout after the third out, Giants third-base coach Ron Wotus passed by en route to his first-base dugout and said something that set off Kershaw. 

.....

“He was upset that I hit him and that’s fine, it’s part of the game and he’s allowed to be upset. I didn’t say anything,” said Kershaw, who said he was hoping Turner had avoided a repeat of two years ago.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 the Dodgers, facing war-time travel restrictions, open spring training at Bear Mountain in upstate New York. In 1958 Duke Snider, Johnny Podres, and Don Zimmer are involved in an car accident in Vero Beach while trying to beat a 12:30 am curfew. With Snider driving, they veered off the road into a ditch. They fortunately suffer only minor injuries. BTW, this was the third car accident a Dodger player had suffered over the past two months. First, Roy Campanella was paralyzed then Jim Gilliam was struck by a trailer truck. In 1958 the Dodgers signed 21-year old free agent outfielder Frank "Hondo" Howard. He would play seven years in Dodger Blue -- slashing .269/.326/.495/.822 with 123 homers and 382 runs driven in. In 1966 the players elect Marvin Miller, assistant to the president of the United Steelworkers, as Executive Director of the Major League Players Association.
• Happy Birthday, Bernie Hungling, Lu Blue, Elmer Valo, Chad Fonville, Paul Konerko & Mike MacDougal!

Blog Kiosk: 2/12/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out the above 2020 Topps "Decades' Best" insert card featuring the Dodgers celebrating their 1963 World Series sweep of the Yankees. Do you notice something weird about it?

It should jump out as plain as day.

Well... If you don't see it, don't feel bad. I missed it too. Fortunately, bbcardz -- who writes the Stadium Fantasium Dodger blog -- caught it and let me know. (He wrote about it here)

For whatever reason Topps chose to give the Dodgers celebrating in the photo red numbers on their backs.... Red? What a screw up!

I figured I'd see if I could find an original copy of the photo and came across it on an RMY Auction from just a few weeks ago. It was taken by Larry Sharkey of the Los Angeles Times and is in B&W. So clearly, something went array as they were colorizing the photo, and some person behind a computer (likely figuring that since the Dodgers numbers on front are red, then so must the numbers on the back) messed it up.

I wonder if Topps will make a corrected version of this error. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2009 a $4.8MM civil lawsuit was filed against former Dodger infielder José Offerman by catcher John Nathans. As a member of the independent Long Island Ducks in 2007 he charged the pitcher with his bat in tow after being hit by a pitch. The pitcher suffered a broken finger and the catcher had a concussion (effectively ending his playing career) from the melee. Offerman is eventually found guilty and ordered to pay $940,000.
• Happy Birthday, Sweetbread Bailey, Enzo Hernández, Don Stanhouse & Dennis Springer!