Blog Kiosk: 7/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I just thought I'd share this photo that I saw on eBay. It's Don Drysdale (undated) leading a horse on a motorcycle. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Triumphant pitcher now can safely lead the costly jumper behind the bike, and thereby will save dozens of walking miles a week. Training process took about 15 minutes.

Photo above via an eBay listing. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1991 Montreal Expos hurler Dennis Martinez throws a perfect game against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. This is the first no-hitter by an opposing pitcher in Dodger Stadium's history. In 2010 the Dodgers get outfielder Scott Podsednik from the Royals for Elisaul Pimentel and Lucas May. In 2014 the Dodgers received infielder Darwin Barney from the Cubs for minor leaguer Jonathan Martinez.
• Happy Birthday, Freddie Fitzsimmons & Walker Buehler! BTW, he starts tonight's game against the Astros.

Blog Kiosk: 7/10/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

They say he's locked and loaded for the season.

I recently participated in a roto-league draft and made sure to get Corey Seager. This is his first season back, after a disastrous 2018, so I am expecting big things from him.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. 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!

Blog Kiosk: 6/8/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday Topps released their sixth Dodgers-related 2020 Topps Now 'Turn Back the Clock' online exclusive card and it makes note of Yasiel Puig's remarkable debut in 2013 -- four homers in his first five games. Per the description on the reverse.

June 7, 2013 -- After tallying three home runs and nine RBI in his first four games, Yasiel Puig continued the Scintillating start to his Baseball career. The 22-year-old clubbed a solo shot, marking four home runs in his first five games and giving the Dodgers another dynamic athlete to add to a solid starting lineup.

Unfortunately, it is too late to order this card directly from Topps. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1955 the Dodgers sent pitcher Tommy Lasorda down to the minors (Montreal Royals) in order to make room for bonus baby signee Sandy Koufax on the roster. In 1968 Don Drysdale not only set the major league record for consecutive scoreless innings, but also saw his streak end at 58 2/3 innings when the Phillies score a run in the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly by Howie Bedell. In fact, this would be Bedell's only RBI this season. BTW, the Dodgers would win the game, 5-3. In 1991 Mike Scioscia catches his 1,219th game as a Dodgers - setting a franchise mark for games caught. In 2012 the Dodgers are no-hit by six different Mariner pitchers, 1-0. Seattle began the game with Kevin Millwood, then followed Charlie Furbush, Stephen Pryor, Lucas Luetge, Brandon League, and Tom Wilhelmsen.
• Happy Birthday, Van Lingle Mungo, Mark Belanger, Kevin Gross & Dave Mlicki!

Blog Kiosk: 5/29/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I have no idea what's going on in the photo above, and neither does the seller on eBay (auction link). It is unmarked and undated. Featured is a vintage B&W photograph, possibly a press photo, showing Gil Hodges, Don Drysdale, Johnny Podres and Pee Wee Reese in their Sunday best.

These Dodgers' appear to be having a good time -- as Podres playfully pushes Reese against the wall, like he's about to get frisked. Or maybe, they are in the midst of a conga line, with Pee Wee leading the pack astray -- right into a wall.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1905, according to legend, Dodger hurler Elmer Stricklett introduces Baseball to the spitball -- beating the Giants, 4-3. Of course, this is a bunch of mumbo-jumbo. Although, many do credit Stricklett with being one of the first to use it -- having built a reputation for throwing the pitch much earlier in his career on the west coast. In 1957 tough-talking New York Mayor Robert Wagner, following the leagues announcement allowing the Dodgers and Giants to leave New York, states that the city will not be "blackjacked" into doing a deal. In 1980 Dodgers starter Bob Welch throws a one-hit shutout to defeat the Braves, 3-0. He faced the minimum of 27 batters in the game. In 1983 Dodger reliever Steve Howe is readmitted to a drug treatment center after suffering a relapse from his cocaine addiction.
• Happy Birthday, Phil Gallivan, John Kennedy, Eric Davis, Trever Miller & Jerry Hairston!

Blog Kiosk: 5/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this vintage NEA press panoramic photograph featuring several Major League ballplayers wearing mask while playing a barnstorming game in California, dated February 10, 1919 (RMY Auctions). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Masked Ball Game, Pasadena, Cal. -- The first baseball game in which the players, umpire and spectators wore "flu" mask was played when the Pasadena and Standard Murphy clubs clashed at Pasadena. The game went 11 innings and not once during the time did any of the players remove the masks. The rooting of the fans and their "kill the umpire" cry was somewhat muffled by the gauze masks, but otherwise they appeared to enjoy the contest. Our photo shows the masked marvels, left to right: Truck Hannah, NY Am., C; Doc Crandall, Boston Nat., P; Chick Gandil, Chi Sox, 1st; Art Griggs, Det. Am, 2nd; Fred McMullen, Chi Sox, 3rd; Olie Olsen, Brooklyn Nat., LF; Carl Sawyer, NY Amer., SS; George Cutshaw, Pitt Nat., 2nd; Bill Piercy, NY Am., P; Buster Crandel, Mascot.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 the NL officially approves the move of the Dodgers and Giants to the West Coast, provided both clubs make their request before October 1 and move at the same time. This effectively allowed both clubs to start negotiating with potential host cities. In 1962 Don Newcombe signs a contract to play for the Chunichi Dragons of the Japanese Central League. In 2001 Dodger catcher Paul Lo Duca has a big day. He goes 6-for-6 to lead the Dodgers during an 11-10 (boxscore) win over the Rockies. He records five singles, a three-run home run and four RBI. In 2011 a small fire in a nearby storage area in the Reserve seats at Dodger Stadium forces the evacuation of fans of that section during a game between the Dodgers and Marlins. The fire is controlled quickly and they do not need to evacuate the entire stadium.
• Happy Birthday, Rafael Landestoy, Kirk Gibson & Cory Wade!

Blog Kiosk: 5/26/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

On Sunday the Dodger, in partnership with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), created a Fallen Heroes Lights display at Dodger Stadium in honor of Memorial Day. Each individual light will honor the memory of a military member that served our country. The thousands of red, white and blue lights in the Dodger Stadium outfield will also represent the families of these fallen heroes that are supported by TAPS in California.

All photos above provided by the Dodgers. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Baseball History: In 1957 the Dodger got back Tommy Lasorda. After having been drafted by Brooklyn in 1948 he bounced around from the Phillies to the Browns to the A's and then to the Yankees before returning home. As you know, he would remain with the franchise for the remainder of his entire Baseball career. In 1970 the Dodgers knocked out 20 hits against the hated Giants at Candlestick Park during their 19-3 victory. This is the all-time record for highest number of runs scored total against our rival. In 1971 Maury Wills recorded his 2,000th career hit at Dodger Stadium against Gaylord Perry and the Giants. It was a run-scoring single in the fifth inning. Unfortunately, the Dodgers lost the game, 6-4.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Cronin & Rob Murphy!

Blog Kiosk: 5/19/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic International News Photo taken by Ed Grady featuring Pee Wee Reese tagging out fellow Hall of Famer Robin Roberts (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Fallen Robin --

Philadelphia, PA ...The Phillies Robin Roberts makes a good try but he's out at second attempting to stretch his hit off the right field wall in the third inning of last night's game against the Dodgers. Furillo's perfect peg to Pee Wee Reese (1) robbed Robin of the extra base and retired him. Dodgers won the game, 2-1. (boxscore).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 Tim Leary threw his second shutout of the season, defeating the Montreal Expos 2-0 (boxscore). He had been winless in his past five outings. Leary would go on to be an important cog in the World Series championship team. Tim would be the #2 man in the rotation - going 17-11 with an 2.91 ERA, nine complete games and six shutouts. In 2015 the Dodgers officially signed Cuban defector Héctor Olivera to a six year/$62.5 million contract (including a $28 million signing bonus). He would then be traded a couple of months later to the Braves in a three team trade that netted the Dodgers Alex Wood and a bunch of other players not worth mentioning.
• Happy Birthday, Dutch Schliebner, Jim Hickman, Earl Naylor & Bill Antonello!

Blog Kiosk: 5/4/2020 - Dodgers Link & News - May the Fourth be with You

I thought it would be fun to make a couple of Dodgers/Star Wars fantasy Baseball cards today -- on Star Wars Day. Photo above originally taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 Brooklynites attend the very first major league game played on a Sunday due to a new law passed by the NY Legislature called the "Sunday Baseball Bill." The Brooklyn Dodgers defeated the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field, 6-2. In 1966 Willie Mays hits his 512nd career home run off of Dodgers hurler Claude Osteen at Candlestick Park. The homer breaks the NL All-Time home run mark held by Mel Ott. In 1976 it is declared Rick Monday Day in Illinois. The then Cubs outfielder is presented with the flag he saved from an on-field burning attempt at Dodger Stadium. In 2009 the Dodgers win their 11th straight game to start the season -- breaking a NL record. In 2012 the Dodgers signed free agent outfield Bobby Abreu to a one-year $9 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Sid Gautreaux!

Blog Kiosk: 3/24/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out these two old men above at Dodgertown, Vero Beach, FL in the press pic from Wide World Photo. As you can see, Duke Snider is having his knee checked out by Dodger skipper Walter Alston. It is dated 2/23/1959 (eBay auction link). Snider had experienced knee troubles last season that resulted in Duke playing in only 106 games.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Leo Durocher had a four-hour hearing with Commissioner Happy Chandler, related to gambling. In this meeting he would admit to playing cards for money with Kirby Higbe. Durocher would soon be given a one-season suspension for "association with known gamblers." In 1959 an infamous photo is taken of Reds outfielder  Pete Whisenant during an exhibition game in Cuba against the Brooklyn Dodgers. He is seen holding Fidel Castor's machine gun. See it on the right. In 1982 Dodgers star hurler Fernando Valenzuela ends his contract holdout and reports to the Dodgers spring training. After winning the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards he sought a raise from $42,500 to $1 million. Instead, the Dodgers unilaterally renewed his contract for a reported $350,000. In 1984 the International Olympic Committee agreed to hold a six-team exhibition baseball tournament as part of the 1984 Summer Olympics to be held at Dodger Stadium.
• Happy Birthday, Jim McCauley, Mike Mowrey, Jim Bucher, Dick Egan, Wilson Alvarez & Jamie Arnold!

2020 Topps Opening Day -- Now the Rest of the Inserts

Here's a look at all the remaining Dodger insert cards found in packs of Topps 2020 Opening Day set.  I've also included pics of the two Dodger base variation cards of Max Muncy and Walker Buehler. Autograph versions of these two cards are also available, but I have yet to see any pics of them. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base Image Variation

#107 Max Muncy
Normal Base                   Photo Variation

Blog Kiosk: 3/4/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here are five Dodger pitchers warming up during Spring Training in 1949. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Brooklyn Hurlers Limber Up

Vero Beach, FLA... A quintet of the Brooklyn Dodgers' pitching staff limbering up throwing arms as the Dodgers Spring Training program went into high gear at Vero Beach. Left to Right are Hank Behrman, Joe Hatten, Preacher Roe, Rex Barney and Ralph Branca. 

Dated to 3/4/49 the International News Photo above was taken by famed sports photographer Barney Stein. (eBay auction link) Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1912 Charles Ebbets breaks ground on his new ballpark in the Pigtown section of Brooklyn. It was originally going to be called Washington Park, but will be renamed Ebbets Field. In 1984 Pee Wee Reese is elected into the Hall of Fame by the Special Veterans Committee. In 2009 the Dodgers re-signed outfielder Manny Ramirez to a two-year $45 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Jim Korwan, Jeff Pfeffer, Johnny Enzmann, Dazzy Vance, Lefty O'Doul, Bill Hart, Leron Lee, Giovanni Carrara, Bruce Aven, Hiram Bocachica, Sergio Romo & Rubby De La Rosa!

Blog Kiosk: 2/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Today marks the anniversary of the greatest Baseball contract holdout in history. Thirty-two days later Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale ended it. Featured above is a 1966 UPI Telephoto of the dynamic duo board a plane to begin their spring workouts. Per the descriptor:

Dodgers pitchers Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale wave goodbye as they board an airliner bound for Phoenix, Ariz. to join their teammates after a much celebrated and publicized 32-day holdout in which the pair asked for a million dollars combined salary over a three year period. They signed for a one year contract and and undisclosed salary.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 the great Koufax/Drysdale contract holdout commences. They are seeking a collective three year $1MM contract -- to be split evenly. In 2002 the Dodgers signed free agent Japanese starting pitcher Kaz Ishii after posting a $11.26 million bid to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows for the right to negotiate with him. He would eventually sign a four-year $12.3 million contract with the team.
• Happy Birthday, Al Humphrey, Orlando Alvarez & Trent Oeltjen!

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: 11/5/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just another vintage Spring Training AP press photo to get you excited about the upcoming season. (eBay auction link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Vero Beach, Fla., Feb 27, 1963 -- Alston Likes What He Sees -- Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Walter Alston (left) is all smiles as pitcher Sandy Koufax gives assurances at spring training camp his left hand is in good shape. The Dodgers sagged in last year's pennant race when Koufax came up with an ailing finger. 

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 the Dodgers named former Brooklyn spitballer Burleigh Grimes as their manager. In 1940 former Dodger lawyer Wendell Willkie loses to third term American President Franklin D. Roosevelt in today's Presidential election. He would later on become VP and legal counsel for Brooklyn in the early 40's and would then be replaced by Walter O'Malley. In 2008 Dodgers pitcher Greg Maddux wins his 18th career Gold Glove. 
• Happy Birthday, Tommy Sheehan, Pryor McElveen & Ralph Birkofer!

Blog Kiosk: 7/24/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

That was a thrilling game... And sure, we didn't come out on top this time, but you gotta admit that there is no better way for a game to end. Some people like their walk-offs -- I'll take a game-ending play at the plate anytime. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“To be honest, it wasn’t really close,” said Bellinger. “Calhoun threw the ball real hard and accurate. I was out by a lot.” 

Hernandez said he knew he hit the ball hard enough that Calhoun might have difficulty fielding it cleanly. 

“I knew he might misplay it, and in a way he did, but the ball got to him so quick, he had a chance to set his feet and make a strong throw,” said Hernandez. “As a defender, you’re expecting the guy to go. Your job is to make a good, low throw. It takes perfect throws for our guys to get thrown out. Sometimes you’ve got to tip your cap to the opposition.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019. Go here to check out more pics from yesterday's game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1931 Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) outfielder Babe Herman hit for the cycle against the the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1939 the Brooklyn Dodgers selected Dixie Walker off waivers from the Detroit Tigers. He would go on to play nine season in Brooklyn -- slashing .311/.386/.441/.827 for the Dodgers. In 1967 Dodgers President Branch Rickey is posthumously inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1993 Mets outfielder Vince Coleman tossed a M-80 firecracker from his car as he was leaving the Dodger Stadium parking area. It is reported that three people are injured; including an 11-year old boy and a two-year old girl. Coleman eventually pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of unlawful possession of an explosive device and is sentenced to 200 hours of community service. The incident, along with many others, leads the Mets to announced a month later that he would never play for the team again. 
• Happy Birthday, Tommy McCarthy, Joe Wall, Joe Schultz, Preston Ward, Norihiro Nakamura & Scott Van Slyke!

Blog Kiosk: 7/23/2019 - Dodgers Links - Stadium Upgrades

Holy Moly! The upcoming changes at Dodger Stadium look awesome. It'll be a $100 Million renovation that will include a new center field plaza -- two acres of food concession stands, beer garden/sports bars, a children’s play area, the relocated Jackie Robinson statue and a permanent home for the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” plaques.. Per Arash Markazi at the LA Times:

“We’re finally going to have a front door with this entertainment plaza we’re building below and beyond the pavilions,” said Stan Kasten, Dodgers president and chief executive. “It’s going to act like a two-acre tailgating area pre- and postgame.”

“This is all meant to be a celebration of the Dodgers and Dodgers history and provide fans with the kind of amenities that you see at new ballparks without changing our postcard view,” (Janet Marie) Smith said. “We relish the beauty of this place and want to preserve that. I know when fans hear we’re renovating the pavilions the first thing they ask is what’s going to happen to the wooden benches. The answer is they’re staying in place. None of those things that fans love will change. We’re just improving the experience.”

Click on any pic to embiggen. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers history: In 1939 the Dodgers once again used yellow-colored baseballs during a game at Ebbets Field. This time it was against the Cardinals, and Brooklyn lost the game, 12-0. In 1962 Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. You can listen to his induction speech here. In 1974 Steve Garvey, who was a write-in candidate, had a single, double and an RBI during the All-Star Game in Pittsburgh. He would be named the MVP of the game. In 1975 Willie Crawford and Lee Lacy hit pinch-hit home runs in the ninth inning in a loss against the Cardinals, 5-4. The homers tied a Major League record for pinch-hit homers in the same inning.
• Happy Birthday, Hod Ford, Paul Chervinko, Pee Wee Reese, Don Drysdale, Nomar Garciaparra, Larry Barnes & Hung-Chih Kuo!

Memorabilia from Elton John's Concert at Dodger Stadium

I don't always pay attention to rock 'n roll memorabilia, but the current Heritage auction is a worthy exception. As I'm sure you know, Dodger Stadium has been host to plenty of musical acts over the decades. Just last weekend Paul McCartney headlined a sold-out gig there -- a bit of a reprise of the Beatles concert at the stadium in 1966. Other musical guest at Chavez Ravine have included Genesis, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, U2, KISS, *NSYNC, Madonna and The Rolling Stones. One artist's performance, though has become legend.

Over two nights in late October 1975 Elton John, who had just released his 10th studio album "Rock of the Westies" the day before, came to Dodger Stadium and played in front of over 100,000 adoring fans -- the largest concert ever, at the time. Best yet, he strutted out onto the outfield stage during his second set of the evening wearing a super-sparkly blinged-out Dodger uniform.

Blog Kiosk: 2/20/2019 - Dodgers Links and News- Some Odds and Ends

I had never realized this.

Clearly, Don Newcombe was the inspiration for the Washington Senators logo from the 60's, via a tweet from DC Sports Artist.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 the Dodgers and Yankees complete their very first trade with each other. Brooklyn sent Buzz Boyle, Johnny McCarthy and $40,000 to the New York for Buddy Hassett. In 1984 Pedro Guerrero signed a five-year $7MM contract to stay a Dodger. In 2017 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Franklin Gutierrez to a one-year $2.6MM contract. He would only get into 35 games (primarily as a pinch hitter) before shutting down in June due to an recurrence of ankylosing spondylitis.
• Happy Birthday, Charlie Babb & Jack Bolling!

Blog Kiosk: 2/5/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic view of Dodger Stadium in the mist of being built, via RMY Auction (link here).

It is dated to 1958 and was taken by Delmar Watson -- a onetime child actor and news photographer.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2009 the Dodgers announced that on May 16th Dodger Stadium will host a regular season game between Mexico City Diablos Rojos and the Monterrey Sultanes of Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB) summer league. Unfortunately, the game was postponed due to a week-long closure of the Mexican League in April due to a swine flu outbreak. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe they ever rescheduled the game.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Hutcheson, John Gaddy, Cy Buker & Don Hoak!

2019 Topps Series 1 Baseball - Inserts Galore, Part One

Now that you've seen the Dodger base cards, here are several of the inserts you can find in packs. First, I thought I would share the handful of Dodgers found in Topps' 2019 Silver Pack 1984 Chrome promotion. Available at local hobby stores or online hobby retailers, you will receive a silver pack of four cards for each hobby box purchased. A jumbo hobby box should get you two silver packs. Go here for a complete checklist of promo cards.

2019 Topps Baseball Silver Pack Promotion

1984 Chrome Promo Cards

#T84-6 Jackie Robinson      #T84-15 Manny Machado