2020 Bowman Sterling -- All the Dodger Cards

Here is a look at all of the Dodgers found in packs of Topps 2020 Bowman Sterling brand. Go here for a complete checklist.

Many of the Dodgers top prospects are a part of this set; including Dustin May and Gavin Lux. It is also notable that Andy Pages, the ballplayers who had been traded to the Angels as part of the Joc Pederson trade that was cancelled, also has an autographed card available here.

As you know, this is a mid to high-end product that will cost you about $300 for a box of five packs. Each pack consist of six cards and you are guaranteed at least five autographs per box.

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#BSR-55 Brusdar Graterol         #BSR-63 Tony Gonsolin

2020 Topps Pro Debut -- All the Dodger Prospects

Do you love Dodger prospects? Well, if you do then this set is for you.

Featured below are all the Dodgers' found in packs of Topps 2020 Pro Debut Baseball card brand. It includes everyone from Andy Pages (subject of trade rumors to the Angels over the winter) to Diego Cartaya (a catcher believed to have the highest ceiling in our system). Best yet, it includes the very first card of late-blooming slugging outfielder Zach Reks -- a guy who could very well be next in line to follow Justin Turner, Chris Taylor and Max Muncy as a ballplayer who came out of nowhere.

Go here for a complete checklist. Check out all the Dodger cards below.

Base & Chrome

#PD-9 Andy Pages - Ogden Raptors

Normal Base                                     Chrome Card

2020 Bowman Baseball -- All the Dodger Insert Cards

Now that you've seen the Dodger base cards, check out most of their inserts below. As you would expect, this set includes numerous autographed cards of our best prospects -- Andy Pages, Kody Hoese, Josiah Gray and Gavin Lux. There is even a signed card from Jeter Downs -- a fellow traded to the Red Sox as part of the Mookie Betts deal. A complete checklist of this set can be found here.

Chrome Prospect Autographs

#CPA-AP Andy Pages          #CPA-JA Jacob Amaya

Blog Kiosk: 4/30/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Roy Campanella and Johnny Podres are all smiles.

The 1955 World Series didn't start out so great. The Dodgers lost the first two games on the road, but fought back to win Game 3 at Ebbets Field -- on the back of a complete game by Podres and the stellar bat of Campanella. Featured above is a brief look at the post game celebration from Game 3. Per a descriptor on the reverse (eBay auction link):

Roy Campanella, left, and Johnny Podres celebrate 8-3 victory over Yankees -- Catcher backed up pitcher's fine hurling with three big hits, including home run.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1935 the Dodgers signed 21-year old amateur free agent Rod Dedeaux. He would later go on to become the head baseball coach at the University of Southern California (USC) for 45 season -- winning 11 national titles and 28 conference championships. In 1940 Brooklyn tied a Major League record for consecutive wins to start a season at nine victories when Dodgers hurler Tex Carlton no-hit the Cincinnati Reds, 3-0. In 2014 the Dodgers won their 10,000th game in franchise history when they defeated the Twins, 6-4, behind the pitching of Zack Greinke.
• Happy Birthday, Paul Wachtel, Phil Garner, Jeff Reboulet & José Peraza!

2020 Bowman NEXT – Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects - Wave 1

One of Topps newest online exclusive sets is called Bowman NEXT and it features the games top-ranked prospects in limited edition 15-card sets released on a weekly basis. Cards from the "1st Wave" have just arrived on collectors doorsteps, as Topps is currently selling sets from their "4th Wave" (which doesn't include any Dodger younglings) online. Sets cost $40 and you receive a the 15-card set and one autographed card.

There are two Dodgers available here -- Jeter Downs and Josiah Gray. As you know, both players were recently acquired from the Reds, as part of the Yasiel Puig trade. Additionally, Jeter Downs was traded a few weeks back to Boston, as part of the Mookie Betts / David Price trade. Go here for a complete checklist. BTW, a total of 770 set were created.

Wave 1 Base

#Jeter Downs                     #Josiah Gray

Blog Kiosk: 2/10/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - So is the Deal Done Now?

After much hand wringing, the trade initially reported last week is in its final stages and it's a bit different than what we were originally told. Sure, it's not exactly the lopsided transaction we heard about, but it's still an extremely good deal for the Dodgers. Not only do we get Betts and Price, but the "live-arm" reliever thought to be going to Boston is actually going to be a Dodger -- Brusdar Graterol. Below is the rundown, via Do-Hyoung Park at MLB.com:

DODGERS-TWINS TRADE
Dodgers get: RHP Brusdar Graterol, OF Luke Raley, 67th pick in 2020 Draft
Twins get: RHP Kenta Maeda, Minor Leaguer, cash 

RED SOX-DODGERS TRADE
Red Sox get: OF Alex Verdugo, SS Jeter Downs, C Connor Wong
Dodgers get: OF Mookie Betts, LHP David Price, cash

On another note, the reported trade between the Dodgers and Angels also fell apart. So for now, Joc Pederson and Ross Stripling are still Dodgers. I don't expect that to remain the case. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1916 veteran catcher Chief Meyers is waived by the Giants, but is claimed by both Brooklyn and the Boston Braves. They settle who gets him with a coin toss. The Dodgers win and Chief Meyers joins Brooklyn. In 1971 the Dodgers trade for pitcher Al Downing from the Brewers for Andy Kosco, Downing would spend seven years in LA -- going 46-37 with an 3.16 ERA, 3.45 FIP, 25 complete games and 12 shutouts. In 2009 the Dodgers signed free agent knuckleballer Charlie Haeger. 
• Happy Birthday, Kit McKenna, Cotton Tierney, Bob Logan, Randy Jackson, Jack Fimple, Hiroki Kuroda, César Izturis, Luis Cruz & Travis d'Arnaud!

2019 Bowman Heritage -- All the Dodger cards

The 2019 Bowman Heritage cards are finally arriving in collectors' mailboxes. Apparently, there was a several week delay due to the inability of some ballplayers to sign their cards on time. As you can see, this set pays homage to the 1953 Bowman Baseball card design -- which basically consist of a color photo, a white/off-white border and no other identifying marks on the front of the card. So, it's kind-of a boring looking set. Go here for a complete checklist.

Additionally, boxes of this brand were initially pre-sold to 2019-20 Topps 582 Montgomery Club members online, but should now be available at your local hobby shop. Check out all the Dodger cards below.

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Veterans / Rookies

#53VR-60 Clayton Kershaw    #53VR-101 Cody Bellinger

2019 Bowman Draft -- All the Dodger Cards

2019 Bowman Draft Baseball cards are now in stores and it's filled with some of the top up-'n-comin' Dodger prospects in the minors. Go here for a complete set checklist.

Overall, there are seven Dodgers' in the 200 card base set; including the very first Topps-produced cards of Brandon Lewis, Jack Little and Michael Busch. Notably, five of the seven Dodgers here are listed (according to MLB Prospect Watch) in their top-30 rankings. Check that listing out below:

#5 Jeter Downs
#7 Kody Hoese
#8 Michael Bucsh
#19 Jimmy Lewis
#23 Christian Santana

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Base                                Base Chrome

#BD-40 Brandon Lewis     #BDC40 Brandon Lewis

2019 Topps Heritage Minor League -- All the Dodger Cards

This week Topps released the Heritage Minor League Baseball card brand, and I've got pics of most of the Dodgers' that are available. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

Two of our biggest young stars are available here -- Gavin Lux and Dustin May. Additionally, if you think Will Smith is the 'cat's meow' then wait til you get a look at our other top catching prospect -- Keibert Ruiz. He's got ten different cards available in this set (more than any other Dodger), and is considered to have a much better bat than the the 'fresh prince of Chavez Ravine."

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#21 Mitchell White

Blog Kiosk: 9/12/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

AJ Pollack had a big game, going 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in the sixth inning. Unfortunately, the rest of the guys seemed to be elsewhere. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I think we were focused,” Pollock said. “Maybe the energy was a little bit down, but we for the most part pushed pretty hard. We were just a little flat on offense.”
...
“I wouldn’t say anybody necessarily stayed up later than we usually do or anything,” Stripling said. “Certainly not an excuse by any means. I imagine it may not be a winning record for teams after they clinch, but it’s definitely not an excuse that we’ll use.”

The Dodgers lost to Baltimore, 7-3 (boxscore). Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA 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 1930 Dodger catcher Al Lopez hit the last Major League bounced home run. It was off Ray Kolp at Ebbets Field. Prior to the rule change any hit ball that bounced over the outfield walls was ruled a homer. Now, it'll be a ground-rule double. In 1963 the NY Mets hold a pregame ceremony in honor of Brooklyn favorite Duke Snider - "I look up into the stands, and it looks like Ebbets Field. The Mets are wonderful, but you can’t take the Dodger out of Brooklyn." In 2000 Dave Hanson broke former Dodger Johnny Frederick's record for pinch-hit home runs during a season when he hit his seventh pinch-homer of the year against Curt Schilling of the Diamondbacks. BTW, Johnny Frederick set his record of six pinch-homers on this exact same date in 1932.
• Happy Birthday, John Gochnaur, Masao Kida & Franquelis Osoria!

Blog Kiosk: 9/10/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends - It's Clinch Day!

I missed another Dodgers' 2019 Topps Now card. It was issued over the weekend to celebrate AJ Pollock's three-homer game on Friday night against the Giants. It has a print run of 181 cards. Below is what's written on the reverse:

AJ Pollock impressively hit three solo homeruns against the Giants, one of which traveled at least 420 feet. This was the second three homerun game by a Dodger's player this season but unfortunately this feat was not enough to pull through a win, the Giants won 5-4.

BTW, the Dodgers Magic Number now sits at one! Today could be the day they win the National League West Division. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1992 a report came out about a "security check" that revealed serious issues with two members of a buying group interested in purchasing the Giants and moving them to Florida. One of the investors mentioned was Vince Piazza -- father of recently called-up catcher Mike Piazza of the Dodgers. The deal falls apart, and MLB settles with the group for $6MM (which includes a letter of apology to Vince Piazza). In 1996 outfielder Brett Butler breaks his hand on a bunt attempt when he is hit by a pitch. The 39-year-old Butler, who battled back from cancer surgery, is out for the year after playing five games. In 2016 Rich Hill threw seven perfect innings against the Marlins, but is pulled by Dave Roberts because of concern over a previous blister problem (boxscore). He had thrown 89 pitches at this point. The Dodgers won, 5-0, but the relief staff ended up yielding two hits to negate the perfect game and possible no-hitter.
• Happy Birthday, High Pockets Kelly, Terry Wells, Danys Baez, Chad Hermansen & Nick Green!

Blog Kiosk: 8/30/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Ryu got rocked again. Per Jake Rill at MLB.com:

“I understand that it’s three in a row that he hasn’t thrown the way he’s thrown all year, but it’s something for us where it’s not too far off,” Roberts said. “I think, just seeing the way the baseball comes out of his hand, velocity’s still there, missing just off. I don’t think it’s a fatigue thing, just the way he looks and talking to him, he’s very strong. I don’t see that there’s a drop-off in stuff, I think the drop-off is just a little bit of that command.”

I hope you're right, Doc.

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 Dodger History: In 1918 the Dodgers and Giants play a 56-minute game at the Polo Grounds that saw New York beat Brooklyn, 1-0. In 1952 former Dodger infielder and future Hall of Famer Arky Vaughan dies in a fishing accident. He and a friend drowned in a lake near Eagleville, CA when their boat capsized. In 1953 Roy Campanella tied a NL record for RBI's by a catcher during a season at 122. He did it by going 4-for-5 with five RBI's and three runs scored against the Cardinals. Campy would finish the year with a Major League best 142 RBI's for a catcher. In 2015 Cubs hurler Jake Arrieta no-hit the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. It is the 12th no-hitter ever thrown at Chavez Ravine.
• Happy Birthday, Bert Tooley, Kiki Cuyler, Tommy Dean & Roberto Hernández!

Blog Kiosk: 8/20/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The elation on their faces is palpable.

Featured above is an October 2, 1963 AP press photo of Sandy Koufax with old friend Carl Erskine within the Yankee Stadium clubhouse following Game 1 of the World Series (eBay auction link). As you know, Sandy recorded a six-hit complete game to defeat the Bronx Bombers, 5-2 (boxscore). He struck out an unbelievable 15 batters and walked only three. BTW, the Dodgers ended up sweeping the Yankees to take the crown.

UPDATE: Jon Weisman of Dodger Thoughts passes along some info I had failed to realize. Per a tweet from him:

The significance of Erskine being in that pic with Koufax is that Koufax broke the World Series strikeout record that Erskine set 10 years earlier to the day. And Erskine was there to see it. #brothersinarms https://t.co/iRWOPm8hgi

— Jon Weisman (@jonweisman) August 20, 2019

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 seventeen year old Dodger shortstop Tommy Brown became the youngest player in Major League history to hit a home run. He hit it off of Pirates hurler Preacher Roe in the seventh inning, and it would be the only run the Dodgers would score in a losing effort, 11-1. In 1978 Steve Garvey and Don Sutton have a scuffle in the clubhouse before their game against the Mets at Shea Stadium. Sutton had been critical of Garvey in a Washington Post story (here's a followup story) -- saying that he was more interested in his off-field persona than his play, and that Reggie Smith was the teams real MVP.

"All you hear about on our team is Steve Garvey the All-American boy. But Reggie Smith was the real MVP. We all know it . . . (Smith) has carried us the last two years. He is not a facade. He does not have the Madison Avenue image."

• Happy Birthday, Frank Bonner, Ed McLane, Bill Crouch, Al Lopez, Fred Norman, Lance Rautzhan, Kal Daniels, Jamie Hoffman & Blake DeWitt!

Blog Kiosk: 5/20/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Hyun-Jin Ryu is pitching every bit like the 'Monster' he was billed to be when he first came from Korea to become a Dodger in 2013. He is currently riding a 31 scoreless consecutive innings streak after throwing seven innings of five-hit ball to win his sixth game of the year against the Reds, 8-3. Overall, he is sporting league leading statistics in ERA (1.52), Whip (0.742) and strikeout to walk ratio (14.75). That last stat is particularly impressive. In 59 innings pitched this season he has walked only four.... FOUR! Per Jeff Wallner at MLB.com:

“He’s locked in right now with everything, his entire pitch mix,” said Roberts. “It’s fun to watch a player in a zone like that. I felt like he was in complete control.”

Photo above via Ryan Meyer/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 1979 Don Sutton becomes the Dodgers franchise leader in wins at 210 when he goes eight innings, struck out six, walked none and allowed three runs to defeat Tom Seaver and the Reds, 6-4. 
• Happy Birthday, Joe Harris, Bert Delmas, Harry Taylor, Ken Boyer, Bob Giallombardo, Jim Lyttle, Ralph Bryant, David Wells, Ramón Hernández, Wilson Valdez & Jayson Werth!

Blog Kiosk: 5/16/2019 - Dodgers Links - Maeda Does it All

Masterful.

Kenta Maeda struck out 12 Padres (a team season high), walked none and scattered three hits to stifle San Diego and record his fifth win of the season. Best yet, he provided all the offense the Dodgers would need. With two on he hit an 'excuse me' bloop single that drove in the pair in the second inning. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s hard to imagine him being any better, really, especially when you just saw a team less than 10 days ago,” said manager Dave Roberts. “To go out there, play that cat-and-mouse game, execute the fastball like he did tonight, the slider down below, the split-change…it was really, really fun to watch.”

...
“You see what happens when you put the ball in play,” Verdugo said. “Good things happen.” 

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1970 a fourteen year old fan named Alan Fish was struck by a batted baseball at Dodger Stadium and would unfortunately die four days later. This marked the first fatality of a fan from a batted ball in a Major League game. In 2000 was the infamous fight at Wrigley Field that started when Dodgers catcher Chad Kreuter, sitting in the Wrigley exposed bullpen, was hit in the back of the head and had his hat stolen by a unruly fan. Several players and coaches jumped into the stands during the ensuing melee. 
• Happy Birthday, Watty Clark, Rube Walker, Rick Rhoden, Mitch Webster & Eugenio Vélez!

Blog Kiosk: 5/7/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Buehler is now just rolling along. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

Buehler was electric at times on Monday, striking out eight Braves in seven innings (none after the fourth), relying primarily on fastballs (topping out at 98.8 mph) and retiring 11 straight at one point. He made 100 pitches, 75 of them four-seam fastballs, with only three sliders. 

“For me, it was fastball command,” said manager Dave Roberts. “Getting ahead with the fastball, as he did all night. That’s a very good lineup over there. There’s slug in there, there’s on-base, they don’t punch. And Walker navigated it very well.”

He is now 4-0 with a hyper-inflated 4.95 ERA and a more reasonable 3.64 FIP.  Photo above via Josh Barber/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 1940 the Brooklyn Dodgers become the first National League team to fly when they travel by air to Chicago from St. Louis. In 1959, the Roy Campanella benefit game, dubbed "Roy Campanella Night," against the Yankees is played at the Coliseum in front of 93,103 fans -- the largest crowd to have ever attended a ballgame. It is estimated that 15,000 other fans were turned away at the turnstiles due to the sellout. In 1970 first baseman Wes Parker hits for the cycle against the Mets at Shea Stadium. He completed the task by hitting a triple in the 10th inning to help defeat New York, 7-4. In 2009 Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez is suspended 50-games for a PED violation. 
• Happy Birthday, Mickey Doolin, Tom Zachary, Al Epperly, Dick Williams & James Loney!

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 Bowman Baseball - All the Dodgers Cards

Thirty years ago Topps brought back their Bowman brand from the dustbin of collecting history and quickly re-branded it as its premier prospect set. Every year collectors open up box and box chasing after the 'next-big-thing' and this year is sure to be no different.

Earlier this week 2019 Bowman hit store shelves and it's filled with several Dodger farmhands who could make waves in LA soon. In fact, it includes the very first Dodger card of recently acquired infielder (courtesy of the Puig/Kemp trade) Jeter Downs. Also, you can find the very first officially licensed cards of prized catcher Diego Cartaya (which is autographed), Christian Santana and James Outman. Go here for a complete checklist.

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#2 Cody Bellinger           #15 Clayton Kershaw

Base Paper Prospects    Base Chrome Prospects

#BP-80 Dustin May          #BCP-80 Dustin May

Blog Kiosk: 3/21/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic vintage pic taken by famed Baseball photographer Charles Conlon of the Brookyn Dodgers outfield, circa 1932-33. Featured are Johnny Frederick, Lefty O'Doul and Hack Wilson. It is currently available at Love of the Game Auctions.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1966 the Dodgers and Astros are the first Major League teams to play on artificial grass when they face each other for a spring training game in the Astrodome.
• Happy Birthday, Mysterious Walker, Bill Lamar, Jim Hughes, Tommy Davis & Carlos Monasterios!

Blog Kiosk: 3/15/19 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yasiel Puig faced the Dodgers and Hyun-Jin Ryu for the first time yesterday afternoon. In his first at-bat he singled to right off Ryu. He then grounded out his next two at-bats.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 the Dodgers opened their spring camp at Bear Mountain State Park in upstate New York due to wartime travel restrictions. There were real worries that German U-boats would attack the eastern coast of America During WWII. This is the third straight year the Dodgers would practice here. In 1975 the Dodgers signed 37-year old former Giants and future Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Marichal to a free agent contract. He would retire from the game a little over a month later on April 17th. 
• Happy Birthday, Doc Casey, Ralph Miller, Rosy Ryan, Lou Fette, Dick Scott, Mickey Hatcher & Trayce Thompson!