Blog Kiosk: 10/15/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I feel ya Jackie.

I put myself on a brief hiatus following the Dodgers recent plunge in the playoffs. I just needed some time to sulk. But now I'm back and I thought the above 1952 AP wirephoto that recently sold at RMY Auctions (link) would be appropriate to show here. As you can see, Jackie Robinson doesn't look well after losing another World Series to the Yankees. Per the descriptor:

The big 4 of the 42 of Jackie Robinson's uniform seems post-climactic as the Dodger second baseman sits dejectedly in Ebbets Field dressing room today after the Brooklyn team lost final game of the 1952 World Series to the New York Yankees. Winning four games to three the World Champions once again kept the Dodgers from their first World Championship.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 Kirk Gibson hit his legendary walk-off home run off A's pitcher Dennis Eckersley to win Game 1 of the World Series. This event spawned Vin Scully to utter these immortal words; "In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened."  Go here to watch and listen to it. Arash Markazi at ESPN wrote a great article about the event here.
• Happy Birthday, Henry Thielman, Phil Reardon, Chris Haughey, Nick Tremark & Mitch Jones! 

Blog Kiosk: 10/3/2019 - Dodgers Links - Eleven Wins to Go!

Go Dodgers!

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Yankees hurler Bill Bevins was one out from no-hitting the Brooklyn Dodgers in Game 4 of the World Series before yielding a walk-off two-run double to pinch-hitter Cookie Lavagetto, 3-2. In 1951 Bobby Thompson of the NY Giants hit the most infamous home run in Dodgers/Baseball history. He walloped a Ralph Branca pitch in the ninth inning at the Polo Grounds for a walk-off victory, 5-4, during the deciding game of a three-game series to decide who would go to the World Series. The homer has since been dubbed the "shot heard ’round the world." You can watch it here, if you must. In 2005 manager Jim Tracy is fired by the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Henry Thielman, Phil Reardon, Chris Haughey, Darrin Fletcher& Brock Stewart!

Blog Kiosk: 10/1/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is another fantastic press photo, originally from the George Michael Collection, featuring a close play at the plate, dated 9/16/1951 (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Chicago: Dodger catcher Roy Campanella puts the ball on Ransom Jackson as the Cub infielder tries to score from third on Chuck Connors' fourth inning grounder to first baseman Gil Hodges who fumbled the ball, but Jackie Robinson grabbed it and threw Jackson out. Brooklyn won 6-1.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 the very first playoff series to determine a league champion is played between the Dodgers and Cardinals. Today is Game 1 of a three game set and is played in St. Louis. Unfortunately, Brooklyn would lose Game 1, 4-2, and lose the series a couple of days later at home, 8-4. In 1974 Dodger reliever Dr. Mike Marshall set a Major League mark when he made his 106th appearance of the season. In 1993 Mike Piazza set a Dodgers new record for RBI's in a season for a rookie when he plated his 107th run during an 8-5 victory over the Astros.
• Happy Birthday, Duster Mails, Jim Russell, Fred Kipp & Roberto Kelly!

2019 Topps Now - #822, #827 and the Dodgers Postseason Team Set

There are a bunch of Dodgers' Topps Now cards available today; including some autographed cards featuring rookie Gavin Lux.

As you know, Lux hit hit first home run of his career last night. At the very bottom of this post I share pics of all the auto'd cards. Go here to check out the above card to order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

In a game in which the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the NL West Division title, it was Gavin Lux who impressed with the first home run of his MLB career. The roundtripper was one of the rookie's three hits, as the Dodger scored seven runs and beat the Baltimore Orioles 7-3.

Blog Kiosk: 9/4/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Never count out the old guys.

The story of the season has been the rise of the kids. From Buehler to Bellinger, it is the youngsters who have driven the Dodger bus all season. That said, we've got some wily veterans who don't want you to forget that they've got some heroics left in them too. Last night it was the geezers -- Russell Martin and David Freese -- who got it done. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“I think we’re going to go to Denny’s after this and get on the 55 and older menu, order some Grand Slams,” Turner joked. “No, but it was a good night. Big swing by Russell, two strikes and gives us a lead. And before we even get done giving him high-fives, Freezer gives us a little cushion.”

The Dodgers defeated the Rockies, 5-3, last night. The photo above via Carrie Giordano/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 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 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. Dodger Historian Mark Langill wrote a fantastic story about Willie Davis and this record here.
• Happy Birthday, Elmer Horton, George Pfister, Doyle Alexander, Mike Piazza & Brian Myrow!

Blog Kiosk: 8/23/2019 -- Dodgers Links -- Just Another Walk-Off

Walk-Offs are fun.

Those pesky Dodgers did it again. For the 12th time this season the Dodgers pulled out a victory from the jaws of defeat. This time it was bobblehead night honoree Kiké Hernandez with the winning hit -- the 8th different Dodger to accomplish the feat so far this season. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“We like to walk off,” Hernandez said after he followed Corey Seager’s game-tying two-run double with one out in the bottom of the ninth, with an RBI single that gave the Dodgers a 3-2 win over Toronto, a sweep of their Interleague series, their 12th walk-off win of the year and the second in as many nights.
...
“Twelve times and you expect it, you don’t know who it’s going to be, but I think even after that walk [Max Muncy, leading off the inning], they felt it,” said Roberts. “You start having that and it manifests itself.”

Photo above via Katie Chin/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 at Dodgers Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1958 Gil Hodges hit his 14th career grand slam. It set a new National League record for grand slams in a career. BTW, Don Drysdale also walloped two solo homers during this game. In 1989 Tommy Lasorda had Expos mascot Youppi! ejected from a game in Montreal during the 11th inning. The mascot was causing too much noise by jumping on top of the Dodger dugout roof during the 22-inning game. You can watch Youppi! get tossed here. BTW, the Dodgers defeated the Expose, 1-0, on an home run by Rick Dempsey in the 22nd inning. 
• Happy Birthday, Red Downs, Phil Page, Lonny Frey, Dale Mitchell & Casey Blake!

2019 Topps Heritage High Number -- All the Dodger Cards

Last week Topps released their 2019 Topps Heritage High Number brand, and I've got pics of most of the Dodger cards to share below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Several players receive a Dodger card for the very first time (please correct me if I'm wrong). Reliever Scott Alexander, who has been with the club for two seasons, finally gets his own card. Strangely, Drew Jackson, who hasn't been high on the Dodgers prospect radar, also gets a card. Finally, Connor Joe, who was plucked by the Reds as a Rule 5 pick this season, traded to the Giants and then returned to the Dodgers weeks later, also gets a Dodger card.

Base

#522 A.J. Pollock                #528 Joe Kelly

Blog Kiosk: 8/12/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun fact: If not for Hyun-Jin Ryu's terrible June 28th start in Colorado, he would currently be sporting an 1.04 ERA. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“It’s an absolute display of the art of pitching,” Turner said of Ryu’s latest masterpiece. “He can pitch to all four quadrants, his command has been great all year. Vintage Ryu. Changing speeds, keeping guys off-balance. He’s like Houdini when he gets in trouble; he finds a way out of it.”

...
“It’s definitely unbelievable,” Ryu said of his ERA. “Like I’ve said many times, I don’t think this is all because of myself. There are many people around me, especially my teammates, that have helped me reach that number. My goal is to do what I do and finish the season strong.”

Ryu pitched sevens innings of scoreless ball to win the game -- recording four strikeouts, one walk and allowing only five hits.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 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 1984 both Don Drysdale and Pee Wee Reese are inducted in into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Other inductees include Harmon Killebrew, Rick Ferrell and Luis Aparicio. In 1995 the Dodgers defeated the Pirates, 11-10, due to an obscure baseball rule. In the 11th inning with men on 2nd and 3rd, Dodger pinch-hitter Mitch Webster swings at a pitch in the dirt. Pittsburgh catcher Angelo Encarnacion casually picked up the ball using his mask. This is a violation of the rules. A fielder may not use his mask to touch a thrown ball. Tommy Lasorda appealed to the umpires and they agreed that the runners shall advance two bases -- driving in the walk-off winning run. Encarnacion is given an error.
• Happy Birthday, DJ Houlton & Julio Urias!

Blog Kiosk: 8/9/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I think I preferred Kershaw's 1980's retro outfit from last year (see pic on the right).

As you surely know, Clayton's annual Ping Pong4Purpose event was held last night at Dodger Stadium, and by the looks of it fun was had by all. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s overwhelming just to see everybody that comes out,” Kershaw said. “To get such a great turnout from teammates and to get to have them all here and playing and enjoying themselves and a part of it, it really is a special thing. It makes this night go.”

BTW, proceeds from the event will go to benefit Kershaw’s Challenge’s local and international beneficiaries, including the Dream Center, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, Arise Africa, Just Keep Livin’ Foundation, Both Ends Believing and International Justice Mission.

Photo of Bellinger and Kershaw above via Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1975 Davey Lopes stole his 32nd consecutive base without being caught, breaking Max Carey's 1922 record. He would steal six more bases before getting called out. His record would eventually be broken by Cardinal's speedster Vince Coleman in 1989. In 1976 Pirates hurler John Candelaria no-hit the Dodgers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, 2-0. In 1979 longtime Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley died of congestive heart failure at the age of 75.
• Happy Birthday, John Grim, Leo Callahan, Johnny Mitchell, Tom Sunkel, Chuck Essegian, Claude Osteen, Matt Young & Drew Butera!

Blog Kiosk: 7/18/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Jackie and Pee Wee had a little bit of fun during their 1949 pennant run.

Bear Mountain, NY - August 15, 1949 - Jackie to Pee Wee but Nobody on Base -- With coach Herman Hickman and his Eastern College All-Stars in pursuit, Brooklyn Dodger Jackie Robinson (left) whip pass to his baseball teammate Pee Wee Reese (right) at training session of the footballers for game with the New York Giants at Polo Grounds, Sept. 1. The Baseballers, guests of the New York baseball writers at an outing, dropped in on training session nearby. 

Photo found on eBay (link 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 Boston shortstop Joe Cronin had purposefully downplayed Reese's abilities for fear of losing his job with the team. 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: 7/10/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out our All-Stars. Although the National League didn't come out on top, I think it's clear that fun was had by all.

I also made a couple of Joc Pederson Home Run Derby fantasy custom cards. Check those out below.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo at Dodger Insider. 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 day's 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 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!

2019 Topps Series 2 Flagship Set - All the Dodger Base Cards and Variations

Series 2 is now out in stores, and it includes 11 new Dodger base cards to add to this season flagship set. There are some big names here, like Cody Bellinger, Walker Buehler and Cy Young favorite Hyun-Jin Ryu. On top of that, I believe the Pedro Baez card is his very first flagship base card - please correct me if I'm wrong. Go here for a complete checklist.

BTW, I've included pics of the five six currently known short-printed photo variations that are available --  the most notable being the Bellinger sliding like Superman card.

Base

#364 Kenta Maeda

Blog Kiosk: 6/5/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

ACE!

Ryu was fantastic, once again. He spun seven innings of shutout ball against the Diamondbacks, recorded only two strikeouts and walked none to earn his ninth victory of the season, 9-0. Per Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com:

“Baseball is never easy, but I’m executing my game plan and things are working out for me,” Ryu said. “There’s always a challenge, especially when commanding my pitches. I’m trying to make sure that I throw each and every pitch in a very competitive fashion.”
...
“He’s just in complete control,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “It’s front and back, it’s all quadrants, it’s changing speeds and mixing up the sequence.”

Photo above via Joe Cortez/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 1957 Don Drysdale recorded the first shutout of his career against the Cubs at Roosevelt Stadium in New Jersey, 4-0. In 1977 the Dodgers retired former manager Walter Alston's uniform number #24 at Dodger Stadium. He compiled a 2040-1613 (.558) record for the franchise. It was also Old-Timer's Day as the Dodgers defeated the Padres, 4-2. 
• Happy Birthday, Bill Maloney, Fred Mitchell, Duke Sims & Russ Ortiz!

2019 Topps Total - Wave 1 - All the Dodger Cards

Several weeks back Topps announced that they would be bringing back their Topps Total brand. For those who don't know -- which includes myself since I wasn't collecting when this initially came out in the early-2000's -- Topps Total is a card set that seeks to give every Major League ballplayer their own card. In other words, it's meant to be a comprehensive set that will include everyone. So, if you are looking for a 2019 card of Dylan Floro, Scott Alexander, and Pedro Baez then this is the set for you.

Unlike its older brethren these cards are only being sold exclusively online, and they've been broken up into 100-card blocks (or Waves, as they are calling it) to be sold every three weeks in 10-card packs. For instance, Wave 1, which is already sold out, sold a grand total of 5,837 packs, so this translates into approximate print run of 583 cards each. Go here for a checklist for Wave 1.

As you'll notice, four Dodgers' are a part of this first Wave -- Kershaw, Freese, Barnes and Jansen. Check them all out below. BTW, Wave 2 is currently on sale through Topps and this block of 100 cards includes four Dodgers -- Pollock, Ferguson, Ryu and Bellinger. Go here to order these cards (you have until Friday).

Base - Wave 1

#16 Clayton Kershaw              #27 David Freese

Blog Kiosk: 5/13/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Ryu is an 'Ace' right now. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I can’t say enough about Hyun-Jin and what he’s done for us,” Roberts said. “He’s off to obviously a tremendous start. To watch him work as a technician, it was masterful. It really was.”

Hyun-Jin came so close to throwing a no-hitter last night. He went 8.1 scoreless innings before giving up a double to first baseman Gerardo Parra, and now has a scoreless innings streak of 24 innings.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 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 1947 the famous 'embrace that shook the baseball world' occurred at Crosley Field in Cincinnati. The Dodgers, facing the Reds for the first time this season at their home stadium, witness a barrage of racial slurs directed at Jackie Robinson. Team captain Pee Wee Reese, seeing this, engages with Jackie on the field and then put his arm around his shoulder, a gesture that stuns and silences the crowd (or so the story goes). In 1952 Vin Scully experienced something incredible. As a youth he dreamed of being a broadcaster. A classmate named Larry Miggins shared a similar dream with him. He wanted to play Major League Baseball. So on this day Miggins, now a outfielder with the Cardinals, was at-bat with Vin Scully calling the game for the Dodgers in Brooklyn, and proceeded to hit his first career home run in front of his close friend. Per an SI story (2016):

“I remember I said, ‘Larry, when we get out of here, what do you want to do?’ And he said, ‘I’d love to be a big league ballplayer.’ “And I said, ‘I wonder what those odds are.’ And then I said, ‘Well, you know, I’d like to be big league broadcaster. I wonder what those odds are.’ “And then I said, ‘How about this one for a long shot: How about you play, I broadcast, you hit a home run?’ And we said, ‘The odds, no one would be able to calculate that!’”

• Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, Jimmy Archer, Carden Gillenwater, Don LeJohn, Bobby Valentine, Johnny Roseboro and John Ely!

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!

2019 Topps Now - #41 - Dodgers' Home Run Record and Comeback Victory Last Night

The third Dodgers' 2019 Topps Card of the season is being released today, and it celebrates not only the franchise mark for consecutive home runs to start the season -- at seven games -- but also their come-from-behind victory capped off by a clutch two-run double by David Freese. Go here to check it out and order. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

The Dodgers are 5-2 through their first seven games and were two bullpen meltdowns shy of a perfect homestand. They won with home runs, for sure, but there’s more to the team this year. 

Blog Kiosk: 3/28/2019 - Dodger Links - It is Opening Day!

Opening Day, Baby!

Above is a look at the two new patches the Dodgers will be wearing this season. First, you can see the MLB 150 patch that celebrates 150 years of professional Baseball and will be worn by every team in the league. Above that is the Don Newcombe memorial patch, via a tweet from Arash Markazi.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1970 Dodger Stadium was host to the "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial All-Star Baseball Classic". All-Star teams were assembled that included Joe DiMaggio as manager of the East and Roy Campanella as manager of the West team. Ron Fairly of Montreal and Ron Santo of the Chicago Cubs hit home runs as the East claimed victory, 5-1. In 1991 the Dodgers released legend and longtime Dodger hurler 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: 3/26/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Pee Wee Reese could soar like an eagle.

Featured above is a 1957 spring training pic taken by Herb Scharfman of Reese at Dodgertown. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Veteran Captain Pee Wee Reese of the Brooklyn Dodgers may not be as young as some of his teammates at the Dodgers spring camp, but he still has plenty of zip and bounce. He is floating over the pitchers batting screen here like a two-year-old.

The above pic is currently available through RMY Auctions (link here). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the St. Louis Browns returned pitcher Tommy Lasorda to the Dodgers after having just purchased him a month prior. In 1984 Jackie Robinson was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan in a White House ceremony. Rachel Robinson accepted the award on her late husband's behalf. At the time, Jackie was just the third ballplayer to be given the distinction (Moe Berg and Joe DiMaggio were the others). You can watch the presentation here. In 1991 the Dodgers sign free agent catcher and future Hall of Famer Gary Carter to a one-year $500,000 contract. 
• Happy Birthday, Jack McCarthy, Joe Klugmann, José Vizcaíno & Frank Lankford!

Blog Kiosk: 11/2/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Guess who's in LA?

As you know, today is round 2 of the 'will he, or won't he' Clayton Kershaw sweepstakes, and I think it's getting clearer what the decision will be.

Clayton Kershaw was spotted at the LAFC home game yesterday with teammate Joc Pederson and funnyman Will Ferrell, and I'd be willing to bet that he'll be present for a special announcement today. So, stay tuned!

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1976 the Dodgers traded minor league catcher Steven Patchin to the Royals for future Baseball legend Ron Washington. He would wear Dodger Blue for only one season, 1977, getting into just ten games as a 25-year old rookie. -- he slashed .368/.400/.368/.768 with seven singles in 19 at-bats. He is more famed for being a highly regarded manager. In 1977 Tommy John comes in a distant second place in Cy Young voting -- having been beaten by Steve Carlton of the Phillies. John went 20-7 for the Dodgers with an 2.78 ERA, FIP of 3.05, eleven complete games and three shutouts.
• Happy Birthday, George Sharrott, George Bell, Jerry Standaert, Tom Paciorek, Wilson Betemit & Al Campanis!