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: 4/11/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic slide by 'Pistol' Pete Reiser against the Cardinals, 9/13/1946. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Action that had the Dodger fans gripping frantically at the edges of their seats is caught by the camera as the Dodgers' Reiser slides into the home plate to score one of the Dodgers' four runs in the first inning of the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Ebbets Field today. Reiser scored from second on Stevens single. Slaughter heaved to Del Rice at the plate but Reiser beat the throw.

The above photo, taken by Herb Scharfman, is currently available on eBay, here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959 Don Drysdale hits his second Opening Day home run to become the first pitcher with two career homers on Opening Day. Unfortunately, Don's homer would be the only run the Dodgers score this day as they lose to the Cubs, 6-1. In 2000 the Dodgers and Giants play the inaugural game at San Francisco's Pac Bell Park. Dodger shortstop Kevin Elster celebrates the occasion by hitting three home runs to help defeat the Giants, 12-8. In 2013 Zack Greinke breaks his left collarbone as a result of a melee on the field. Greinke had plunked Padres outfielder Carlos Quentin, so he charged the mound. Zack would miss several weeks due to the injury.
• Happy Birthday, Pop Corkhill, Al Nixon, Roy Gordinier & Kenta Maeda!

Blog Kiosk: 12/13/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers held their annual Children's Holiday Party at Dodger Stadium yesterday, and as you can see fun was had by all. Featured above is Cody Bellinger getting pelted by a group of cheerful youngsters.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 the Dodgers tried to do the unthinkable. They announced a trade that would send legendary second baseman Jackie Robinson to the hated NY Giants for pitcher Dick Littlefield and $35,000. It would be voided the next day. Jackie then announce his retirement from the game a few weeks later. In 2001 the Dodgers received Cesar Izturis and Paul Quantril in a trade with Toronto for Chad Ricketts and Luke Prokopec. In 2003 the Dodgers traded Kevin Brown to the Yankees for Brandon Weeden,Yhency Brazoban and Jeff Weaver. In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent veteran catcher Sandy Alomar. Also, they traded troubled outfielder Milton Bradley and Antonio Perez to the A's for future fan-favorite Andre Ethier.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Landrum, Steve Wilson, Nate Oliver, Ricky Nolasco, George Shuba, Carl Erskine & Billy Loes! 

Congrats, Drillers! Here's Some Fantasy Custom Baseball Cards in Celebration

In celebration of the Tulsa Drillers -- the Dodgers Double-A club -- league championship victory over the weekend I made a bunch of fantasy cards featuring some of the players. Check them out above and below.

Blog Kiosk: 6/21/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday's 4-0 loss at the hands of the Cubs marked our first series loss since mid-May -- a string of nine straight. Fortunately, I don't feel so bad about it. For whatever reason, I can't help but think that nothing but sunny skies are in front of us. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"We're going to be somewhere in October," said Roberts. "I can't speak to the opponent, but we're going to be somewhere."
...
"It was a fun series. Two good clubs, very evenly matched. The series could have gone either way. You're not going to win every series, but going into New York, we feel pretty good about ourselves."

Photo above of Chris Taylor via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. He had left the game early due to a hamstring issue. Per a Gurnick story:

"It wasn't a pull or anything, but after that play, there were a couple instances where it kind of grabbed. I don't expect to miss any playing days. If everything goes as planned, I think I should be in there."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1998 the Dodgers replaced their manager, Bill Russell, with coach Glenn Hoffmann. Tommy Lasorda also becomes the GM. In 2016 the Dodgers signed Dean Kremer -- the first ever Israeli to sign a contract with a major league club. He had just been drafted in the 14th round of the 2016 MLB June Amateur Draft.
• Happy Birthday, Randy Moore, Jackie Collum & Rick Sutcliffe!

Blog Kiosk: 9/8/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I think it's always best to accentuate the positive. Per Joshua Thornton at MLB.com:

"The back end of the game, one real highlight was obviously Walker Buehler," Roberts said. "And to see him break in like that, just the presence, the command of all his pitches. It just looked right. It was exciting for us."

Walker pitched two scoreless innings; striking out two and allowing one hit on 26 pitches.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1955 the Brooklyn Dodgers clinched the pennant when they defeated the Milwaukee Braves, 10-2. As you know, they would go on to win the World Series later that season. In 1957 the Dodgers and Giants would play for the last time against one another while still New York based clubs. Unfortunately, the Jints beat the Bums, 3-2.
• Happy Birthday, Val Picinich & Don Aase!

Welcome to the Blue, Drew Jackson & Aneurys Zabala!

Wheelin' and Dealin' is the name of the game.

I sometimes get the impression that the Dodger front office just likes doing deals.  Any deal, really.  As long as they believe they've done well they'll sign off on anything.  Case in point, check out this trade announced last night.  The Dodgers sent rising pitching prospect Chase De Jong to the Mariners for two prospects: 23-year old shortstop Drew Jackson and 20-year old right-handed pitcher Aneurys Zabala.  Per a Dodger press release: