Blog Kiosk: 2/25/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here are three custom fantasy Baseball cards I made featuring the Dodgers version of the "Killer B's" -- Mookie Betts, Walker Buhler and Cody Bellinger. All photos were taken by Jon SooHoo during Photo Day this spring. Go here to check out a bunch of pics from the day. Below are some notes from spring training, as provided by a Dodgers press release:

• The Dodgers and the White Sox played to a tie Monday afternoon as Chicago rallied from a one run deficit to end the game in a 2-2 draw. The Dodgers had another impressive showing from All-Star Mookie Betts as the newly acquired outfielder went 2-for-3 with two put outs. Right-hander Ross Stripling made his Spring debut, firing one inning and striking out two. Dylan Floro, Adam Kolarek, Edubray Ramos, Kyle Lobstein, Edwin Uceta and Michael Boyle helped the cause tossing scoreless frames, while the offense was paced by solo homers from Cody Thomas and Omar Estévez.
• Dodger left-hander Victor González will make his Spring Training debut and his first ever appearance in a Cactus League game this afternoon. González, 24, has been with the Dodgers’ organization since 2013 after signing with the organization at 17 years old from Tuxpan, Nayarit, Mexico. In six seasons with the organization, he has combined to go 17-27 with a 4.34 ERA (182 ER/377.0 IP) and 364 strikeouts against 138 walks. He put together his best campaign in 2019, going a combined 5-2 with a 2.31 ERA (23 ER/89.2 IP) and 93 strikeouts across three different levels. The lefty was added to the 40-man roster on October 31, 2019.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1994 former Dodger Leo Durocher is is elected by the Veterans Committee to the Hall of Fame. In 2002 84-year old broadcaster Ernie Harwell announced that this season would be his last as the Tiger's play-by-play man. As you may know, Harwell is the only announcer to have been traded for a ballplayer. Branch Rickey, in 1948, needed a substitute for an ailing Red Barber, so he traded catcher Cliff Dapper to the Atlanta Crackers of the Southern Association for his services. Ernie would broadcast in Brooklyn for two years.
• Happy Birthday, Al Hollingsworth, Andy Pafko, Cesar Cedeno & Xavier Paul!

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

Check out who's on the cover of the most recent issue of Baseball America -- stud catching prospect Keibert Ruiz

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1984 Don Drysdale was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame; along with Luis Aparicio and Harmon Killebrew. It was Drysdale's tenth year on the ballot. In 2006 the Dodgers hire Hall of Famer Eddie Murray to be their hitting coach. He would remain a Dodger til June 2007. In 2017 the Dodgers signed closer Kenley Jansen to a five-year $80 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Ed MacGamwell, Gary Rath, Marty Hermann, Johnny Peacock & Adam Kennedy! 

2018 Bowman’s Best - All the Dodgers Cards

Just before the Christmas holiday Topps released their 2018 Bowman’s Best brand, and I've got pics of most of the Dodgers' cards below. Go here for a complete checklist.

There are a ton of Dodger rookies available; including Walker Buehler and Keibert Ruiz, and likely the last card of Brian Dozier as a Dodger. Check them all out below.

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#2 Walker Buehler                #8 Cody Bellinger

2018 Topps Holiday - All the Dodgers Cards

With the holidays practically here, it is now time to talk about some of the various sets being put out to celebrate the festivities. First, here's a look at the 2018 Topps Holiday Baseball card set -- a Walmart exclusive.

A limited edition 10 pack box is avialable that includes a 200 card base set with a snowflake graphic in the background. You are also guaranteed one hit (Autograph, Relic or Auto Relic card). Check out what the box looks like on the right. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

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#HMW9 Chris Taylor

#HMW30 Corey Seager

2018 Topps Update - The Dodgers Base Cards

Here is a look at all of the Dodgers' base and variation cards found in Topps Update. This brand was officially released today -- ahead of the 2018 World Series. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

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#US8 Manny Machado

#US21 Kenley Jansen AS                      #US151 Matt Kemp

Some Custom Fantasy Dodger Cards of their NLDS Celebration

I just couldn't help myself. Yesterday evening I decided to grab some pics from Dodger Insider and make a bunch of fantasy custom baseball cards. My favorites are the champagne/beer laden pics at the very bottom. Although, the above Kemp/Maeda split card, reminiscent of the dual cards in 1983 Fleer, has me patting myself on the back.

Blog Kiosk: 8/31/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

We just got beat! Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"They had a three-run homer. We had a solo home run. That was the difference in the game," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "We punched more than we have lately. Robbie Ray is a guy that does punch guys. He made pitches when he needed to. They beat us. We got beat." 

Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“Sometimes you have to tip your cap in this game,” said Dodger second baseman Brian Dozier, who was 1-for-4 with a strikeout. “I haven’t faced (Arizona starter) Robbie Ray in a long time. He had good stuff tonight.”

Tonight's battle features Hyun-Jin Ryu versus Zack Greinke. We really need this one.

Photo of a contemplative Walker Buehler via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 Gil Hodges became the fourth Major Leaguer to hit four home runs in one game. It was against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. Overall, he went 5-for-6 with nine RBI's, five runs scored and 17 total bases. In 1959 Sandy Koufax set a new National League record when he fanned 18 Giants during a nine inning game at the LA Coliseum. It also tied the Major League mark for strike outs, and set a new Major League record with 31 total strike outs over two consecutive games (he struck out 13 Phillies his last time out). In 1985 the Dodgers got Bill Madlock from the Pirates for RJ Reynolds, Cecil Espy and Sid Bream. In 2006 the Dodgers received veteran Marlon Anderson from the Nationals for pitching prospect Jhonny Nunez. Anderson would have a stellar couple of months in Dodger Blue. He slashed .375/.431/.813/1.243 with seven homers, 15 RBI's and 12 runs scored. In 2009 the Dodgers received starting pitcher Jon Garland from the Diamondbacks for infield prospect Tony Abreu. Garland would get six starts -- going 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA.
• Happy Birthday, Duke Farrell, Ray Berres, Ira Hutchinson, Frank Robinson, Cleo James, Jack Perconte, Tom Candiotti, Mike Hartley, Hideo Nomo & Juan Nicasio!

Blog Kiosk: 8/16/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Ryu was good. Really, really good! Per Doug Padilla at MLB.com:

After nearly 3 1/2 months in recovery mode from a left groin strain, Dodgers starter Hyun-Jin Ryu looked as sharp as he was before he was injured, if not better, delivering six scoreless innings. The left-hander gave up three hits, and two of those came in the fifth. Ryu struck out six and let only two baserunners reach second base. None made it to third. 

"It was huge," (Dave) Roberts said. "I've said it before, that you win with starting pitching. Our starters have been lights out, they really have. And to get [Ryu] back, the way he's throwing the baseball, that's a huge boost for our club."

Unfortunately, Ryu's effort wasn't quite enough, as the bullpen again failed to hold the lead. Then, walk-off magic happened in the 12th, courtesy of Brian Dozier, to break the losing streak.

"Last I checked, the majority of winning streaks always come after a loss, right?" Dozier said. "That's the thing with baseball, it flips just like that. Hopefully we can reel off a few in a row."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 Giants third baseman Hank Thompson hit two inside-the-park home runs off Dodger pitchers Don Bankhead and Carl Erskine at the Polo Grounds. Brooklyn got pummeled 16-7. In 1964 Cardinals great Curt Flood recorded eight consecutive hits against the Dodgers during a doubleheader in Los Angeles; including four hits against Sandy Koufax. Unfortunately, Koufax injured his elbow while on the basepaths and would not pitch again this season. In 1988 the Dodgers traded fan favorite Pedro Guerrero to the Cardinals for starting pitcher John Tudor. This move would prove to be an impactful one. In nine starts Tudor would solidify the rotation by going 4-3 with an 2.41 ERA and 3.36 FIP.
• Happy Birthday, Hub Northen, Billy Rhiel, Roger Cedeno & Yu Darvish!

Blog Kiosk: 8/14/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kershaw was his regular fantastic self last night -- going eight innings of four hit ball with nine strikeouts, no walks and one earned run. The bullpen, unfortunately imploded and could not hold the lead. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“We’re going to have to count on these guys, and Scotty’s been great all year,” Kershaw said. “Kenley has big shoes to fill. We know that these guys are a very talented group — guys that we trust, guys that have had our backs all season. Come the ninth inning tomorrow, whoever it may be, we have good faith that they can get the outs we need.”
...
“It’s another loss, which is no fun, but Arizona and Colorado we’re all right there. Nothing’s changed,” Kershaw said. “Obviously we’d like to win games when Arizona loses, when Colorado loses. But for now we just have to keep plugging away. I know it sounds cliché but it’s just going to come down to the last 40 games, and thankfully nobody’s pulled away yet.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 the Dodgers and Cubs play a doubleheader that last a total of only two hours and seventeen minutes. In the opener, the Cubs blanked Brooklyn 2-0, in one hour and ten minutes, and in the nightcap, it takes the Dodgers one hour and seven minutes to shut out Chicago, 1-0. In 1980 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent pitcher Tom Niedenfuer out of Washington State University. In a couple of years he would be a mainstay in the Dodgers bullpen -- recording 64 saves as a Dodger. 
• Happy Birthday, Magic Johnson, Frank McCourt, Mark Loretta, Scott Stewart, McKay Christensen & Juan Pierre!

Blog Kiosk: 8/6/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Thank you, Andre!

You can watch the pregame video honoring Ethier, here. Watch the fun little pregame Q&A between Andre and Jason Bateman, here. Andre then spoke with the Dodgers broadcast booth during the game, here. Per Alden Gonzalez at ESPN:

"It's flattering and humbling to have all this fuss for a guy who was just another player in a long line of great Dodgers," Ethier said, his two sons, Dreson and Retton, seated to his right. "It meant a lot to me to play in L.A. for 12 years and play in front of these fans."
...
"If I could do one more thing," Ethier said, "it would be to play one more game with Matt."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1981, after a seven-week strike, a split-season format is approved; such that the Yankees, A's, Phillies and Dodgers are declared the first-half champions of their respective divisions. They all would then qualify for the divisional series at the end of the season.
• Happy Birthday, Clem Labine, Andy Messersmith & Ron Davis!

2018 Topps Now -- #551 -- 21-Run Outburst Sets Multiple Records

You just knew last night's offensive explosion would garner a Topps Now card. Unfortunately, it only features Justin Turner, Manny Machado and Cody Bellinger -- who had just launched a grand slam -- on the front. If you ask me, a team photo would have been just fine since contributions were had from everyone. Per Austin Laymance at MLB.com:

"There's no letdowns one through nine [in the batting order], which makes an offensive team really good," said Dozier, who was acquired from the Twins earlier this week. "Lots of guys who can do a lot of different things. It's not just 'sit back and hit with power' and that kind of thing. It's running the bases right and speed mixed with power."

2018 Topps Now -- #543 & #544 -- Dozier and Grandal's Electric Night

It comes as no surprise that Brian Doziers magnificent first night as a Dodger on the field has earned him a Topps Now card. Check it out above and on the right. Go here to check it out and order. Per the description on the reverse:

Brian Dozier made his debut for the Dodgers after getting traded from the Twins and has made an immediate impact. Dozier went 3-for-4, which included the back end of back-to-back home runs with Yasmani Grandal in the fifth, a single to start a two-run rally in the seventh and a double in the eighth.

Blog Kiosk: 8/2/2018 - Dodgers Links - Dozier's Dynamic Debut

Wow! By the looks of it, we should've gotten Dozier a couple of years ago -- 'cause last night was a whirlwind of a debut. He went 3-for-4 with a single, double and a home run that resulted in a curtain call (watch it here). Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider: 

“I love the only 395 to center,” said Dozier, who’s used to it being 404 feet to center field at Minnesota’s Target Field. “That’s a good thing. I’m not used to that. It was cool.”

Of course, the night really belonged to Yasmani Grandal. He walloped two homers; including a walk-off two-run dinger in the 10th to win, 6-4.

“He’s been one of the hottest hitters in the National League for quite some time,” Roberts said.

Photo of Dozier above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 Dodgers President Larry MacPhail introduced the yellow baseball. It was used during the first game of a doubleheader at Ebbets Field against the Cardinals. The Dodgers won that game, 6-2. The yellow baseball would only be used three more times this season. In 1982 the United States Postal Service unveiled a new 20-cent stamp commemorating Jackie Robinson at a ceremony in Cooperstown, NY.  Robinson becomes the first ballplayer to be depicted on the US postage stamp. Check it out on the right.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Hill, Jim Holmes, Bill Posedel, Mike Venafro, Matt Guerrier & Onelki García!

Blog Kiosk: 8/1/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Brian Dozier is now in the house. Per Bill Shaikin at the LA Times:

The first call Tuesday afternoon came from Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations. Players have 72 hours to report to a new team, but Friedman asked Dozier if he would consider hustling to Los Angeles for a game that would start in six hours. 

“Absolutely,” Dozier said. “I don’t like days off. No days off.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1906 Brooklyn hurler Harry McIntire lost his no-hit bid in the 10th inning  when he yielded a single to Pirates second baseman Claude Ritchey. He and the Dodgers would then lose the game in the 13 inning due to an unearned run, 1-0. In 1924 Dazzy Vance struck out seven consecutive Cub batters to set a major league record. The Brooklyn Robins would win the game, 4-0. In 1957 Gil Hodges hit not only his 13th grand slam of his career to set a new National League record, but it also proved to be the last grand slam in the history of the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 2015 Clayton Kershaw battled Mike Trout, marking the first time that reigning MVPs had faced each other. Trout would go 0-for-3 against Kersh; including a first inning strike out, as the Dodgers defeat the Angels, 3-1.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Shaute, Howard Freigau, Myron White, Dave Anderson& Brian Bohanon! 

Welcome to the Blue, Brian Dozier!

Here's a deadline deal no one expected.

At long last the Dodgers have gotten the infielder many fans had wished for a couple of years back. Unfortunately, he doesn't quite have the stock value he had back then. Today, he's an under-performing player who has a track record that suggest he could turn things around. Announced this afternoon is a trade that sends our second baseman Logan "Logie Bear" Forsythe, minor leaguers Luke Raley and Devin Smeltzer to the Twins for second baseman Brian Dozier.

Blog Kiosk: 2/6/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is Jackie Robinson covering third base during a spring training match against the Yankees.  Dated 3/19/1955, rookie second baseman Bobby Richardson slides in safely. (eBay Auction Link)  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Miami, Fla... Yankee second baseman Bob Richardson pushes up a lot of sod as he slides safely into third on Hunter's hit to left field.  Dodgerman Jackie Robinson playing third base seems to be urging the ball to come in faster.  Toss from left field was too late, however.  The Yankees tallied 6 runs in this second inning rally.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day In Dodger 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.
• Happy Birthday, Andy Sommerville, Rube Ward, Red Downey & Glenn Wright!

Blog Kiosk: 1/5/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Safe!

What a fantastic slide by Dodger second baseman and leadoff man Jim Gilliam.  As you can see in the above International News press photo dated September 16, 1954, Gilliam darted beneath a high throw to Reds catcher Andy Seminick to score a run.  (eBay Auction Link)

This game started out great.  The Dodgers were 4.5 games behind the Giants with just nine games left to play before the World Series.  So, the Dodgers needed to hustle if they wanted to find themselves playing in the Fall Classic.  Unfortunately, like this game, the Dodgers would fall far too short of that goal.  Gilliam's score in the first inning would give the team an early lead, but the Reds persevered to win the game, 9-3. 

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1998 it is announced that Dodgers hurler Don Sutton will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.  It was his fifth time on the ballot.
• Happy Birthday, Bob Caruthers, Dutch Jordan, Charlie Hough & Bill Dahlen!
  

Blog Kiosk: 1/4/2016 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Ryu, O'Malley and Adrian Gonzalez

Spring training in New York.

During WWII it was thought unwise to hold spring camp anywhere near the eastern coast.  After all, German U-boats where known to hug the American coastline in an attempt at disrupting supply lines to the European front.  So, the Dodgers spent several March's in Bear Mountain, NY.

Featured above is an International News press photo, dated March 20, 1945, of seven members of the Brooklyn Dodger pitching staff showing off their follow-through at the preseason facility.  (eBay Auction Link)  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

DODGERS PITCHING STAFF.  Bear Mountains, N.Y.....Photographed at the Dodgers spring training camp at Bear Mountains, is team's pitching staff.  (l. to r.) Joe Belmaier, Vic Lombardi (only southpaw in the camp of pitchers), Hal Gregg, Curt Davis, Fred Wells, Otho Nitcholos, and Ben Chapman.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1957 the Dodgers, Walter O'Malley, purchased a 44-passenger twin engine airplane for $775,000.  They would be the first team to own their own plane.  In 1977 the Dodgers received catcher Johnny Oats from the Phillies in exchange for infielder Ted Sizemore.  In 2001 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever Giovanni Carrara.  In 2006 the Dodgers received Tim Hamulack and Jae Weong Seo from the Mets in exchange for Duaner Sanchez and Steve Schmoll.
• Happy Birthday, Tommy Corcoran, Bart Shirley, Charlie Manuel & Ted Lilly!

Blog Kiosk: 12/29/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's an fantastic photograph of Dodger legend Jackie Robinson with the 1950 NL Rookie of the Year, Sam Jethroe, of the Boston Braves.  Pic above via Vintage Baseball on twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Hank DeBerry & Devon White!

Blog Kiosk: 12/21/2016 - Dodgers Links - Alvarez, De Leon, and Sandy Koufax

This old man looked like he could still pitch.

Featured above is a look at a circa 1970's original color transparency of a greyer Sandy Koufax playing catch at Vero Beach.  (Auction Link Here)  As you know, he was retired by this time, so he was likely visiting folks at Dodgertown.  I am unsure if this is from one of his spring trips to school the youngsters or from some other event.  Nevertheless, he sure does look like he could have gotten on the mound to play some ball.  Best yet, his black stirrups are fantastic.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1989 the Dodgers signed both Hubie Brooks and Mike Maddux as free agents.  In 2001 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Hideo Nomo - he had been traded by the Dodgers in 1998. 
• Happy Birthday, Howie Reed & Roger McDowell!