2020 Topps Transcendent Collection - Hall of Fame Edition - All the Dodgers

A $20,000 box of cards was just released by Topps. It's their Transcendent Collection brand and it is the Hall of Fame edition and is limited to only 50 boxes.

Each box consist of a 50 card Hall of Fame base set, a 50 card Hall of Famers Original Art Sketch, 41 autographed cards and a invitation to a unique VIP Experience with a not-yet-to-be-determined Hall of Fame player. Go here for a complete checklist. Below are most of the Dodger cards I could find.

Base Hall of Fame Icons (#/50)

#25 Sandy Koufax           #29 Jackie Robinson

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 Series 2 Flagship Set -- The Rest of the Dodger Insert Cards

Here's a final look at the second series of cards for Topps 2019 flagship baseball set. Go here to check out all of my previous posts. Below are the rest of the Dodger inserts that are available in packs.

Major League Material

#MLM-CB Cody Bellinger

2018 Topps Five Star Baseball - All the Dodgers Cards

Topps newest high-end product, Five Star, hit stores this week, and below are pics of most of the Dodger cards. As you know, this is an all on-card autograph product. Boxes will run you about $120 and you'll get two cards in each box. For a set that includes only stars and top prospects, it's strange that Clayton Kershaw cannot be found anywhere in this years set. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base Autographs

#FSA-AV Alex Verdugo         #FSA-AW Alex Wood

Blog Kiosk: 9/27/2018 - Dodgers Links - Ugh!

We're not out, but it sure don't feel good.

Last night the Dodgers failed to win their series against the Diamondbacks, losing 7-2 to win just one-of-three games in Phoenix. So, now they enter their last series of the year - a three game set - against the Giants with the season on the balance. Fortunately, we still hold a one game lead for the last wild card spot, but I would much prefer to win the division.

On a side note, this last series against the Gnats is sure to be exciting. I hope my heart can take it.

In hopes of providing inspiration, please check out the above fantastic October 2, 1955 International News press photo taken by the legendary Herb Scharfman. It features a celebrating Dodger dugout and our slugging centerfielder, Duke Snider, after his second homer of the day during Game 5 of the World Series.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 future Dodgers Hall of Fame skipper Walter Alston played in his only Major League game. It was as an 24-year old first baseman for the Cardinals, and he got into the game as a late-inning substitution for Johnny Mize. He would commit an error on the field in two chances, and only get a single at-bat -- he struck out. In 1951 future basketball Hall of Famer Bill Sharman was on the bench for the Dodgers as a 25-year old prospect. On this day he would be thrown out of the game, along with 14 other teammates, for "bench-jockeying" after a close play at home. He would never get a chance to play a Major League game, and thus became the only player to be ejected from a game without ever appearing in one. In 1961 Sandy Koufax recorded seven strikeouts against the Phillies to set a new National League record for strikeouts in a season at 269. The mark was previously held by Giants hurler Christy Mathewson who set it in 1903 with 267 strikeouts. In 2000 the Team USA Baseball club, skippered by Tommy Lasorda, beat the Cuban ballclub to win the gold medal in the Olympics.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Visner, Doug Baird, Whit Wyatt, Len Matuszek, Jason Phillips, Vicente Padilla & Jon Garland!

Blog Kiosk: 9/25/2018 - Dodgers Links - Magic Number is Now Five

Last night the Dodgers defeated the Diamondbacks, 7-4, to drop their magic number to five games, with just five games to go.

The win was far from an easy victory. Fortunately, David Freese was on point, as he knocked in the first two Dodger runs of the evening. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I really like the at-bat quality, and he's gotten big hits for us, but tonight was probably the biggest, the home run that tied the game up," said Roberts. "He's a leader, doing things the right way, and guys tend to follow him. When we're talking about approach and having a plan as a team, he's all in. He's all that we had hoped for."
...
"You understand what this organization is trying to do and you get called upon to help out," said Freese, part of the club's right-handed-hitting platoon. "You do whatever Dave asks of you. You need to be productive and help the team, and so far, I think I've done a decent job of doing my thing and filling my role. This never gets easy, but we're all professional hitters and we're handling it pretty well."

Photo above of David Freese high-fivin' Clayton Kershaw via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers won their first NL pennant in 21 years when they defeated the Braves in Boston, 6-0. In 1956 Dodgers hurler Sal "The Barber" Maglie no-hit the Phillies at Ebbets Field, 5-0. At 39 years old he became the oldest pitcher to throw one. You can listen to the last inning of Maglie's no-no (as called by Jerry Doggett with Vin Scully) here. In 1974 Dr. Frank Jobe performs the first ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery on Dodgers pitcher Tommy John's left elbow. The revolutionary procedure would soon be known as Tommy John Surgery.
• Happy Birthday, Dave Walsh!

A Unique Collection of Dodger Pins Sold at Hake's Auctions

It's a little known fact that I'm a Dodger pin collector. I wouldn't say that it's a main focus of my collecting habits, but I do like to pick something up on a whim from time to time. For the most part, I'm more of a looker than an active buyer. I guess you can say that I strike when a deal is too good to pass up, or when that rare mood comes along that begs me to buy something. So, when Hake's opened up a pin-centric auction featuring the collection of pin aficionado Paul Muchinsky I had to take a look. Now that this auction is over, I thought I would catalog some of the more unique offerings that were available. BTW, I didn't win any of these pins unfortunately.

On another note, several of these pins in this post appear to be fairly modern. At the same time, they are rarely ever seen in the hobby. I suspect there's a treasure trove of some of these hiding somewhere -- maybe within stored-away boxes of ex-employees or fans who don't realize their value in the hobby.

Blog Kiosk: 4/25/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just a nice friendly hello.

Considering last night umpire debacle that has much of Dodger Nation "up-'n-arms" I thought the above vintage 1937 Associated Press photo found on eBay would be fun to share. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

"BURLY "GREETS" DOLLY.  New York, May 5--"Dolly Stark, National League umpire who stayed away from the game last year because of salary differences, was greeted back on the job today by burly Burleigh Grimes, Brooklyn Dodger Manager.  The Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Dodgers, 5 to 1."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1976 Cubs outfielder Rick Monday, in an act that will be remembered and celebrated throughout the country, snatched and rescued an American flag from two protesters who were in the midst of setting it on fire. You can watch it here.

"He got down on his knees and I could tell he wasn't throwing holy water on it," Monday said of one of the perpetrators. "If he's going to burn a flag, he better do it in front of somebody who doesn't appreciate it. I've visited enough veterans' hospitals and seen enough with their legs blown off defending that flag."

• Happy Birthday, Darren Holmes, Brad Clontz & JP Howell!

2018 Topps Series 1 Baseball - The Rest of the Dodgers Insert Cards

Here is a last final look at the various Dodgers' insert cards that can be found in packs of 2018 Topps Series 1. Featured below are the "Legends in the Making", Cut Signatures, "In The Name" Relics, All-Star Medallions, MLB Awards, Opening Day, Spring Training Patches, Players Weekend, Home Run Challenge and original "1 of 1" Sketch cards.

BTW, all Bellinger autographed cards come as a redemption. Also, I've included the three known Dodgers' original "Sketch" cards, and will try to periodically updated this post should any more turn up. On another note, the Cody Belling original "Sketch" looks more like Kiké Hernández than Cody -- just my opinion.

Legends in the Making

#LTM-CB Cody Bellinger         #LTM-CE Corey Seager

2017 Topps Dynasty - The Dodgers Cards

Released a couple of weeks back, I am only know able to share some of the Dodger cards found in boxes of Topps 2017 Dynasty set. This is a high-end brand that will cost you about $300 for one box, and there is only one card in the box. So, this is very pricey. On the plus side, you are guaranteed an on-card autograph. Go here for a complete checklist.

For Dodger fans only the cards of Kenta Maeda and Mike Piazza are inserted into packs. Clayton Kersahw, Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger cards can only be found as a redemption.

Kenta Maeda

#AP-KM1 Kenta Maeda            #AP-KM2 Kenta Maeda

Blog Kiosk: 1/13/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

He's officially a Dodger now.

Featured above is a vintage International News press photograph showing the Dodgers manager helping newly signed Dodgers coach, Babe Ruth, into his uniform for the very first time.  (RMY Auction Listing) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Into Uniform Once More... But Only To Coach:  Manager Burleigh Grimes of the Brooklyn Dodgers helps the one-time King of Swat to don his uniform.  Just before the Brooklyn team took to the field to engage in a double-header against the Chicago Cubs.  A few minutes later, the Bambino received a tremendous ovation from 25,000 fans when he made his debut as a Dodger coach.  The beloved ex-home run king spent an hour posing for the movies before the game, signing autographs and hitting fungoes to the outfield.  To top things off Ruth took a turn at bat and drove one of Grimes offerings out of the lot (dated 6/19/1938)

The Dodgers were no-hit by Reds hurler Johnny Vander Meer on June 15, 1938 -- the second of his two consecutive no-hitters that season.  Then the following day Ruth met with the team and officially signed a contract to be a coach for Brooklyn.  He would debut in the uniform on the 19th at Ebbets Field.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1988 Steve Garvey announced his retirement from the game of Baseball.
• Happy Birthday, Jimmy Jordan & Elmer Dessens!
  

2016 Topps Dynasty Baseball - The Dodgers Cards

I am now finally getting around to sharing pics of all the various Dodger cards I've been able to gather on Topps 2016 Dynasty Baseball card set.  Go here for a complete checklist.  As you may know, there are six Dodger players featured in the "Autograph Patch" base set, and each player has a varying number of different cards available.  For instance, There are least eight different Adrian Gonzalez cards available; whereas, Julio Urias appears to have only five different cards in the set.  I've done my best to gather pics of them all, but I am still missing a handful of cards to make this listing complete. Check out what I've put together so far below.

Autograph Patches

#AP-AG2 Adrian Gonzalez          #AP-AG4 Adrian Gonzalez 

2015 Panini National Treasures - The Booklet Cards and Other Scarcities

Here is a final look at Panini's National Treasures Baseball card set.  Below are pics of many of the booklet cards.  I also provide a listing of all the other scarcities that are available; like the bat knobs, barrels and glove relic pieces.  Click this link to see all of my other post on this set.

As for the booklet cards, there are various different parallels available, and it's unlikely I have pics of all them below.  So, this is hardly a complete visual checklist.  Still, this should provide a good look at whats available.  My favorite booklet card is probably the below vertical Corey Seager card.

Armory Booklet

#4 Corey Seager (#/25)

2015 Panini National Treasures - The Dodgers Base Cards

Panini must be on a different calendar because they just released a new Baseball card set that refers to itself as being from 2015.  They are living in the past.  Although, considering this brand that is rather apt since this new set largely pays homage to some of the games past greats.

Check out the Dodgers base cards to Panini's 2015 National Treasures set below.  As you can see, there are plenty of former Dodgers' throughout.  Go here for a complete checklist.  I'll have pics of many of the inserts next week.

Base

#6 Burleigh Grimes                               #10 Don Drysdale

Blog Kiosk: 9/12/2015 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic vintage 1920 International press photo from game 2 of the World Series.  Hall of Fame pitcher Burleigh Grimes is shown scoring the second run in the game on a double by Tommy Griffith.  As you can see, Cleveland Indians catcher Steve O'Neil is unable to make the tag on a sliding Grimes.  Although the Dodgers didn't win the crown this season there were plenty of highlights.  For instance, Burleigh Grimes would go on to pitch a seven hit shutout to bring the Robins (Dodgers) to a series tie of one game apiece.  The above photo is via RMY Auctions and is currently on auction there.  Check out the listing here.

Below are more links to check out:

• Via Brandon Lennox at True Blue LA, "OKC Dodgers eliminated from PCL playoffs."
• Listen to Vin Scully speak with Colin Cowherd of Fox Sports talk about Sandy Koufax here.

When I walked in the clubhouse I saw the fella who was going to try out, and my first thought was, ‘he’s got a big back’ and my second thought was, ‘he’s all tan, fully tan. So he’s probably spent the summer on the beach, I can’t imagine he’s that good of a ballplayer.’ So, I failed as a scout. I went down to the bullpen at Ebbets Field and I stood along with maybe two or three other people and watched this kid throw. He threw hard, bounced his curveball. I had just finished playing ball for college the previous summer, so he was like I thought, a lot of the pitchers that I saw in college; threw hard and was wild. And of course the next thing I know, he is a magnificent pitcher, awesome, and inspiring and every adjective and participle you can think of. He was really special.”

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Seager growing into a major role with Dodgers."

"He's very process-driven and you see that here, too, just the way he plays the game. He doesn't show much emotion when he plays, similar to his brother," said Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis. "He just goes out and competes and tries to make the right baseball play."

• Via Maren Angus at MLB.com, "Five questions with the Dodgers' top prospect and September callup Corey Seager."

Q: What was the conversation like when you got "the call?"
A: Our [Oklahoma City] manager D.B. [Damon Berryhill] called me around 1:00 and just said, "Congratulations, you're going." I freaked out a little, I almost hung up on him and called my parents. It was fun. I called [my brother] Kyle about an hour after I talked to my parents.

• I got a chuckle out of this.  Via Tom Ley at Deadspin, "Good Dodgers Fan Flips Off The Whole World." 
• Jusr being mindful appears to be the key.  Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "What's behind the Dodgers' better baserunning?"

Two things happened when the Dodgers got to Oakland for a quick two-game series Aug. 18 and 19. First, Ron Roenicke was brought in to replace Lorenzo Bundy as the third-base coach. Second, the coaches convened the players for a team meeting and showed them the metrics the front office compiled.
...
“We’re leading the way, stealing more bases. That probably made Jimmy [Rollins] want to steal more bases because he hadn’t been doing it before,” Crawford said. “I’d like to say we helped it. That’s what we’re trying to do, make guys more aggressive and run the bases better.”

• I thought I'd pass along photos of a new piece by noted Baseball artist Sean Kane who uses vintage gloves as his canvas.  He recently completed is a fantastic drawing commemorating the poem "Casey at the Bat" using three old catchers mitts side-by-side.  Check out a pic below.  He also shares a video on his website featuring a "making of" collage of the painted gloves.  Watch the video here.  You can also check out an interview I did with the artist a few years ago here.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

2015 Topps Series 2 Baseball - The Last of the Dodger Insert Cards

Here is a final look at the Dodger cards available in 2015 Topps Series 2 Baseball.  Unfortunately, I do not have many images to share for these particular subsets.  Below are pics and a checklist for the Strata Cut Signature, MLB All-Star Autographs, Hot Streak and Bunt Player Code Cards. Go here to check out all of my previous post on this set.

Strata Cut Signatures (#1/1)

• #SCS-BG Burleigh Grimes
• #SCS-JR Jackie Robinson

MLB All-Star Autographs (Walmart Exclusive)

#ASA-CK Clayton Kershaw

2014 Panini National Treasures - The Dodger Scarcities

I've shown you the relics and autographed cards found in Panini's 2014 National Treasures set.  Now, take a look at some of the really scarce cards.  Below is a checklist and some photos of the (1 of 1) bat barrel and bat knob cards.  Also, I've included pics of most of the Dodger "Flawless Diamond" cards.  Go here to check out all of my previous post on this set.

Bat Barrels

• #13 Carl Furillo 
• #29 Gil Hodges 
• #31 Hanley Ramirez 
• #35 Jake Daubert 
• #54 Pee Wee Reese 
• #55 Pete Reiser
• #75 Yasiel Puig
  

#29 Gil Hodges

2014 Panini National Treasures - All the Dodger Booklet Cards

Did I mention that in ever box of National Treasures you get one booklet card?  Well, here is a look at the various Dodger booklet cards available in the set.  I think that the Armory Booklet card directly below is my favorite of the bunch.  Go here to check out all of my previous post on this set.

Armory Booklets

#4 Yasiel Puig

Safe Booklets

#2 Yasiel Puig

#5 Dee Gordon

(not yet seen)

2014 Panini Classics Baseball - The Dodger Base Cards

Panini America's newest Baseball card set was released last week, and it is called 2014 Panini Classics.  The set includes game-used relics, autographs and a 200-card base set filled with current and retired ballplayers.  Go here to check out a complete checklist.

There are 13 Dodgers in the base set; including several old-tyme Dodger greats.  Check them all out below.  I hope to have pics of all the Dodger relic and autographed cards next week.  Here is a list of parallel base cards that are available: Timeless Tributes Silver #/149, Timeless Tributes Gold #/25, Timeless Tributes Platinum 1/1.

Base Set

#4 Adrian Gonzalez                           #18 Burleigh Grimes

#29 Clayton Kershaw                              #35 Duke Snider

#60 Hanley Ramirez                            #65 Jackie Robinson

#86 Leo Durocher                                      #88 Carl Furillo

#106 Pee Wee Reese                             #119 Roy Campanella

#147 Yasiel Puig                                  #152 Alex Guerrero

#164 Erisbel Arruebarrena

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

2014 Panini Hall of Fame 75th Anniversary Baseball - All the Dodger Base Cards

Here is a last look at Panini's 2014 Hall of Fame 75th Anniversary Baseball card set.  The base set is numbered to 100 and includes 100 different players.  But each player in the set has three different variations available that includes a different photo on the front and a completely different reverse.  So, you could either try to complete a 100-card set or work on the difficult task of a completing the 300-card master set.  Furthermore, as is the norm there are numerous parallels available of each variation.  Go here to check out a complete checklist, or go here to check out all of my previous post on this Hall of Fame set from Panini.

BTW, all three different base cards are numbered to 75.  Parallels include: Red #/50, Blue #/25, Green #/10, Gold #/5, Black 1/1.

Check out the Dodger cards below.  When possible I have included a pic of the reverse of the card.

#29 Zack Wheat