Blog Kiosk: 9/15/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I missed this recent release from Topps yesterday. Featured here is a Topps 2020 Turn Back the Clock online exclusive card made available yesterday, and it celebrates Clayton Kershaw's complete game shutout ten-years ago. Per the description on the reverse:

September 14, 2010 -- In a game where the Dodgers only mustered one run, 22-year-old Clayton Kershaw gave the team a much needed dominant performance. The left-hander fired a complete-game shutout. allowing just four hits and leading the Dodgers to a tight, 1-0 victory over the division-rival Giants.

BTW, this Kershaw win was his first career shutout and complete game. Check out the boxscore here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 the second game of a doubleheader between the Dodgers and Cubs at Ebbets Field is postponed during the fifth inning due to a giant swarm of gnats attacking the field and players and the coming evening darkness. In 1978 the home attendance at Dodger Stadium of 47,188 fans marks the first time in Major League history that a team has drawn more the three million rooters during a season at home.
• Happy Birthday, Doc Bushong, Bud Clancy, Fritz Ostermueller, Charley Smith & Jim Barbieri!

Blog Kiosk: 8/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Look who got their awards last night -- Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger. Unfortunately, Cody has been struggling at the plate this season. Mookie, on the other hand, is heating up... big time! He celebrating yesterdays award ceremony by walloping three homers to tie a Major League record for three-homer games in a career at six (6) -- tying Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. 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: 8/11/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here is a fantastic 1956 Spring Training pic of 1955 World Series hero Sandy Amoros re-creating his series winning catch at Dodgertown in Vero Beach. As you can see, he is in front of the outfield berm at Holman Stadium - at centerfield. This photo recently sold at RMY Auctions at what I thought was a steal at $26.98.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 the Dodgers were no-ht by Vern Bickford of the Boston Braves, 7-0. He needed only 97 pitches to accomplish the feat. In 1951 the first color televised broadcast of a ballgame is aired on WCBS-TV. It featured a game at Ebbets Field between the Dodgers and the Boston Braves. Unfortunately, the Boys of Summer lose the contest, 8-1. In 1962 the Dodgers protest the Giants tactic of wetting down the basepaths in order to slow down speedster Maury Wills at Candlestick Park. The Dodgers would lose 5-4. Giants manager Alvin Dark would forever earn the nickname "The Swamp Fox." In 1969 Don Drysdale announced his retirement from the game. In 2015 every home team won their game -- making that a first in the live-ball era with a full slate of games.  
• Happy Birthday, Bobo Newsom, Luis Olmo, Dennis Lewallyn, Rex Hudson, Mike Huff & Bubba Crosby!

Blog Kiosk: 7/31/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - #FreeJoeKelly

I just had to make these. Featured here are a handful of Joe Kelly "pouty face" fantasy custom Baseball cards. Enjoy.

#FreeJoeKelly -- Via Alden Gonzalez at ESPN:

"I don't think anyone's too happy about it," Pollock said. "It's not our call; it's obviously the commissioner's call. But I don't think anyone's too happy about that. I just don't think it's very good feel on his end."
...
"There's a lot of guys that were upset about the severity of it," Roberts said, noting that Kelly never admitted to throwing at Bregman on purpose.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1983 Dodger skipper Walter Alston is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1984 Baseball as an Olympic demonstration sport begins its Olympic tournament at Dodger Stadium. In 2004 the Dodgers receive outfielder Steve Finley and backstop Brent Mayne from the Diamondbacks for Koyie Hill, Reggie Abercrombie and southpaw Bill Murphy. They also traded outfield speedster Dave Roberts to Boston for Henri Stanley. In 2006 the Dodgers traded shortstop César Izturis to the Cubs for future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux. In 2008 the Dodgers traded for Manny Ramirez from the Red Sox (including a three team trade with Pittsburgh) for Andy LaRoche and Bryan Morris (who goes to the Pirates). Pirates outfielder Jason Bay goes to Boston.
• Happy Birthday, Pembroke Finlayson! 

Blog Kiosk: 7/30/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Sweep!

That sweep felt good!

Thank you, Edwin Rios! Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s great,” Ríos said. “All the guys, they were pumped. Just ready at all times. Be ready for every opportunity I get and take advantage of them.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2004 the Dodgers received Brad Penny, Hee Seop Choi and Bill Murphy from the Marlins for Paul Lo Duca, Guillermo Mota and Juan Encarnacion. In 2015 as part of a 3-team trade the Braves sent Bronson Arroyo, Luis Avilan, Jim Johnson, Jose Peraza and Alex Wood to the Dodgers; the Dodgers sent Zachary Bird, Hector Olivera and Paco Rodriguez to the Braves; the Dodgers also sent Victor Araujo, Jeff Brigham and Kevin Guzman to the Marlins; and the Marlins sent Mat Latos and Mike Morse to the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Vic Davalillo, Casey Stengel, Chuck Ward, Johnny Rizzo, Carl Doyle, Paul Minner & Ricky Horton!

Blog Kiosk: 6/25/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Featured is 1951 ACME press telephoto showing a bunch of fanatic Dodger fans lining up for tickets (eBay auction link). Below is what's written on the reverse:

10/1 - Brooklyn, NY, Brooklyn's Ebbets Field is besieged by determined baseball fans, who line up early to get tickets for the crucial National League playoff opener between the Dodgers and Giants.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1968 Giants rookie Bobby Bonds hit a grand slam against Dodger righty John Purdin in his third at-bat of his first major league game -- becoming only the second player to have ever done so. In 1984 infielder Bill Russell played his 1,953rd game to become the LA Dodgers' all-time leader in games played. He would finish his career in Blue with a total of 2,181 games played -- second best all time in Dodger history. Hall of Famer Zack Wheat best him with 2,322 games played as a Dodger.
• Happy Birthday, Barney White, Don Demeter, Alejandro Peña, Aaron Sele & Paul Maholm!

2020 Topps Total - Wave 1 - Kelly, Taylor & Pollock

Topps Total has returned and the first "wave" of cards has just arrived on collectors doorsteps. As you'll recall, they brought back the brand last season as an online exclusive set sold in segments of nine - 100 card lots over the entire season. Go here for a complete checklist. Below are the three Dodgers available so far -- Joe Kelly, Chris Taylor and AJ Pollack.

Wave 1

#28 Joe Kelly

Blog Kiosk: 4/17/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's another vintage photo of Babe Ruth as a Dodger coach, circa 1938. (eBay auction link) Unfortunately, it is unmarked on the reverse, so we don't know where the pic comes from.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 Casey Stengel made his managerial debut as the Dodgers skipper as Brooklyn defeated the Boston Braves, 8-7. In 1947 Jackie Robinson recorded his first major league hit -- a bunt single down the third base line off of Boston Braves hurler Glenn Elliott. In 1955 Roberto Clemente, who started out as a Dodger prospect, singles off of Dodger pitcher Johnny Podres for his first major league hit. In 1956 future Hall of Famer Don Drysdale pitched in his very first game. He threw one inning of hitless relief in the ninth inning of a losing game. In 1994 the Dodgers belted 19 runs against the hapless Pirates to tie a club record for most runs in a game. In 2013 Clayton Kershaw struck out his 1,000th batter of his career -- the victim was Padres first baseman Yonder Alonso.
• Happy Birthday, Ad Yale, Jake Daubert, Stan Andrews, Marquis Grissom & Gary Bennett!

Blog Kiosk: 4/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic vintage photo featuring Brooklyn's Ebbets Field, along with a trolley car in the foreground. Photo via BaseballHistoryNut on twitter.

below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1931 47-year-old Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) hurler Jack Quinn becomes the oldest pitcher to start an Opening Day game. He would toss six innings, but give up six earned runs to lose to the Boston Braves, 7-4. In 1964 Sandy Koufax threw a six-hit shutout, his ninth complete game without allowing a walk, to defeat the Cardinals, 4-0. This was also his only career Opening Day start. In 1993 Cardinal reliever Lee Smith set the National League record for career saves at 358 when he blanked the Dodgers in the 15th inning to secure a victory, 2-1.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Radtke, Greg Maddux, Mike Trombley, Brad Ausmus & Carlos Perez!

Blog Kiosk: 4/2/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Dated to Opening Day, April 17, 1934, here's a AP press photo featuring Dodger manager Casey Stengel shaking hands with Boston Braves skipper Bill McKechnie (eBay auction link).

BTW, the Brooklyn Dodgers won that afternoons contest, 8-7, on the back of homers by outfielders Danny Taylor and Hack Wilson and a complete game by Van Lingle Mungo.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1972 47-year old Dodger great Gil Hodges dies of an heart attack. In 2008 Dodgers coach Larry Bowa is ejected from the game for not staying within the boundaries of the coaching box. He is given a three-game suspension for "inappropriate and aggressive conduct," in which he had to be restrained by manager Joe Torre and bench coach Bob Schaefer. As background, Mike Coolbaugh, first base coach for the Double-A Tulsa Drillers, was killed the year prior from a batted ball that struck him in the temple while coaching. You can watch the ejection here.
• Happy Birthday, Hughie "Ee-Yah" Jennings, Don Sutton, Reggie Smith & Mike Kekich!

Blog Kiosk: 2/7/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a great vintage action photograph taken by AP one June day. It features Pee Wee Reese attempting to snag a poorly thrown ball (eBay auction link)

Dodger Steamroll Temporarily Halted -- Tommy Glaviano (12), Cardinals' erstwhile right fielder, legs it pellmell into second for successful steal on bad throw to Dodgers' shortstop Pee Wee Reese in 5th inning of St. Louis-Brooklyn game at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn June 7. Ball (lower center) got away from the Dodger captain and rolled out into short center field. Glaviano took third and later scored on Cards' shortstop Stan Rojek's single. Scorer credited Glaviano with steal and charges Dodgers' catcher Roy Campanella with an error on his throw. All this went for nought as Dodgers won 2-1 to make a sweep of 3-game series over cards. 6/7/1951.

The photo was also part of the George Michael Collection of vintage press photos of ballplayers sliding. For those who don't know, George Michael was the host of a nationally syndicated weekend sports show before the days of cable TV and the internet. It was how I, and many other sports fans, received our weekly sports news. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1958 the Dodgers officially became the Los Angeles Dodgers, Inc. In 2006 the Dodgers signed Japanese pitcher Takashi Saito to a free agent minor league contract. Saito made the Opening Day roster and would quickly become a fan favorite. That first season he would record 24 saves with an 2.07 ERA, 1.87 FIP and come in 8th place in Cy Young voting.
• Happy Birthday, Tom Daly, Mel Almada, Cy Moore, Art Jones, Johnny Werhas & Burt "Happy" Hooton!

2019 Topps Update Series - All the Dodgers Base Cards

The final installment of Topps' 2019 flagship Baseball card set has just been released, and as always it includes most of the top rookie who impressed during the season -- this includes both Matt Beaty and Will Smith receiving their first cards from the brand. We also likely have our very last Russell Martin card in Dodger Blue from this set (assuming he doesn't stay in Los Angeles next season). Unfortunately, they don't feature Martin on the pitching mound -- clearly a lost opportunity. Go here for a complete checklist. Below are all of the Dodger cards that you can fin in this years Topps Update set.

Base

#US8 Walker Buehler AS

#US25 Cody Bellinger AS       #US31 Joc Pederson HRD

Blog Kiosk: 9/30/2019 - Dodgers Links - 106 Wins!

With the Dodgers weekend sweep of the Giants, they recorded a franchise best 106 wins for the season. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“All those great teams in Dodgers history, it takes a lot to accomplish all we’ve accomplished as a group and organization,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “Very proud of everyone, top to bottom. It’s something no one can take away from us.”

Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s special,” Seager said to SportsNet LA’s Alanna Rizzo. “The work’s not done. We’re going to try to go finish business.”

Photo above 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 1951 the Dodgers defeated the Phillies on the last game of the season to force a three-game playoff for the National League pennant against the Giants. They win in the 14th inning -- after Jackie Robinson made a game saving catch then hit a home run the next inning to give the Dodgers a 9-8 victory. In 1953 Shotgun George Shuba becomes the first National League player (and third player overall) to have hit a pinch-hit home run in the World Series. Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose the game, 9-5, to the Yankees. In 1999 the Dodgers ruin the fun at Candlestick Park when they defeat the Giants, 9-4. This is the last game ever played at this bay area ballpark.
• Happy Birthday, Nap Rucker, Dick Cox, Johnny Allen, Frank Lamanske, Frank Skaff, Johnny Podres, John DeSilva, Jose Lima, Jamie Romak, Edward Paredes & Kenley Jansen!

Check out Some "Costume Travel Day" Custom Fantasy Baseball Cards

I just could't help myself. Check out a bunch of custom fantasy baseball cards I put together this afternoon.

Blog Kiosk: 9/26/2019 - Dodgers Links - 300 Saves!

Congrats, Kenley!

Last night Kenley Jansen recorded his 300th career save -- all as a Dodger. I know the past couple of years has been a long hard slog for the closer, so reaching this milestone I think will prove important to his mindset. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“I know the second half hasn’t gone well at all,” Jansen said. “Just a lot of noise, let’s say it like that. I just have to show myself being here for my teammates. I never lost the confidence in myself. The numbers don’t look good when I go back-to-back, Doc and I talked about it today. It’s something I need to prove. Scientists are not right all the time and I want to prove them wrong.”

Photo above via Raymond Gorospe/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from last nights game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1975 Burt Hooton set a Dodgers record for starters when he won his 12th consecutive game. In 1981 the Dodgers were no-hit by legendary fireballer Nolan Ryan of the Astros in Houston, 5-0. It would be the fifth no-no of his career. You can watch the last out of the game here. In 1997 Mike Piazza hit a change-up against former Dodger hurler Darren Holmes that went 496 feet to left-centerfield -- hitting a billboard between the scoreboard and the Rockpile at Coors Field. It is deemed the longest homer ever hit at the Colorado stadium. You can watch the blast here. BTW, the Dodgers defeated the Rockies, 10-4. Per a Denver Post story:

“It was mammoth, man,” pitcher Darren Holmes said. “It was a big bomb.”

• Happy Birthday, Bernie Neis & Brian Traxler!

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: 8/23/2019 -- 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

2019 Topps Total - Wave 4 - All the Dodger Cards

The fourth wave of the 2019 Topps Total set is now in collector hands, and there are three Dodgers available to chase after. They are reliever Joe Kelly, catcher Russell Martin and Justin Turner. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Overall, a total of 4,387 packs were sold, and this translates into an average print run of about 439 of each card. This is the lowest print run so far. On another note, I believe this is the first Russell Martin Dodger card since his return to the franchise this past winter.

Base - Wave 4

#347 Joe Kelly

Blog Kiosk: 6/26/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This team is on a roll! They won their 55th game of the season (best in the Majors), and they did with some timely hitting and six scoreless bullpen innings. Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“Doesn’t matter who’s out there,” said Turner. “We have a lot of good baseball players who play the game the right way. We have a very deep lineup, we’re tough to pitch to and our starters have been off the charts and the bullpen’s been throwing really good lately, we’re leading baseball in defensive runs saved. We’re checking off all the boxes, we’re not just showing up, everybody is working to get better and that’s the recipe for getting good results.”

Photo above via Norm Hall/Stringer 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 1944 the Dodgers, Giants and Yankees play an exhibit charity game in front of 50,000 fans for the war bond movement dubbed the Tri-Cornered Baseball Game. The Dodgers won the contest: Dodgers 5, Yankees 1, Giants 0. Check out what I wrote about it here. Nathalie Alonso at MLB.com wrote a story about it that came out today. Check it out here. In 1999 Dodgers catcher Todd Hundley hit a three-run game-winning home run off of Giants closer Robb Nen in the ninth inning to spark a come-from-behind victory at Candelstick Park, 7-6. 
• Happy Birthday, Jean-Pierre Roy, Henry Schmidt, Rodney Myers & Babe Herman!