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!

Blog Kiosk: 3/16/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I love this pic that I ran into on eBay (auction link). Per the descriptor:

Yankee Stadium - Oct 3 -- Celebrate Winning Ways -- Tommy Davis, left fielder; Johnny Podres, winning pitcher; and Bill Skowron, first baseman, left to right, are shown in Dodger dressing room at New York Yankees Stadium today after Dodgers second straight win over the New York Yankees in the 1963 World Series. Davis contributed two triples and Skowron, a homer in the Dodgers 4-1 victory.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2010 Dodger Stadium hosted a memorial service for Willie Davis, who had passed away a week prior. Per an AP story at the Spokesman:

“I like to believe the president saw the news and felt a little sadness,” his daughter, Kim, said in an hour-long service, “as did the mailman, the man at the doughnut shop, the drug addict downtown, and the 45-year-old who remembers the lightning speed of the 3 Dog.”

...
“He was the only man I’ve ever seen who, when he hit a ball in the gap, the opposing team watched him run,” (Lou) Johnson said.
...
“He was one of the most likable Dodgers,” O’Malley said. “The fans liked him. Members of the press liked him and respected him. Management liked him. He was just a likable person. He was the best, and I’m going to miss him.”

• Happy Birthday, Patsy Donovan, Jake Flowers, Lloyd Waner, Hee-Seop Choi, Curtis Granderson. Brian Wilson & Brandon League!

More Dodger Goodies at Goldin Auctions

Last week I highlighted a couple of fantastic Jackie Robinson game-used items on auction at Goldin (link here), and wanted to take a little moment this afternoon to point-out a handful of other Dodger collectibles available there.

First of all, there's some great Dodgers artwork. Above is an Arthur Miller portrait of Jackie Robinson (Auction Link) that was painted last year.  To the right is another Arthur Miller piece. It features Sandy Koufax on a 1948 Leaf Baseball card design and was completed this year (Auction Link).

Blog Kiosk: 3/8/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Seaman Johnny Podres is seen above receiving the 1955 Babe Ruth Award for his exploits during the 1955 World Series. The above pic is currently on auction at Hunt Auctions (link here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 teammates Joe Medwick and Pee Wee Reese wear protective headgear during a spring exhibition game in Havana, Cuba. They placed plastic inserts -- dubbed a “Brooklyn Safety Cap” -- inside their hats. Both players had missed significant time the previous season due to head injuries; including a scare that sent Medwick to the hospital for fear of a cracked skull. You can see a patent design for the cap on the right, via Baseball Hall of Fame. Click pic to embiggen. In 2011 former Dodger Assistant General Manager Kim Ng is named by MLB as the Senior Vice-President of its baseball operations, making her the highest-ranking woman in the major leagues.
• Happy Birthday, Ollie O'Mara, Carl Furillo, Al Gionfriddo, Dick Teed, Marv Breeding, Willard Hunter,  Dick Allen & Juan Encarnacion!

2017 Topps Transcendent Collection - All the Dodgers Cards

Here is a look at all the Dodger cards found in one of the 87 briefcase sized boxes of 2017 Topps Transcendent Collection. As you know, this is a very expensive product that cost collectors about $25 grand a pop. For that you get a complete base set, a complete sketch card reproduction set, a complete 50 card Transcendent autographed set, one original sketch card or baseball, three additional autograph cards (including an Aaron Judge) and an invitation to an Hank Aaron event. Go here for a complete checklist.

Icons Base

#1 Jackie Robinson              #24 Clayton Kershaw

More Oddball to Add to the Collection - Podres and Furillo

Here is a look at even more items I recently added to my collection. I had previously acquired a nice-sized lot of vintage Brooklyn and LA Dodgers memorabilia, and have slowly been sharing its contents on this blog. So stay tuned, there are a few more items (along with this post) that I have yet to share.

Along with the 1956 Brooklyn Dodgers photo pack set I also received the above signed photo of Johnny Podres. As you will notice, it is signed on a photo from a 1956 photo pack. BTW, I actually have a partial 1957 photo pack set as well as numerous singles, but will refrain from sharing them until I complete a set.

The next item below is a total mystery to me. It was described as a scarce Carl Furillo photo premium with facsimile autograph. So, it was some sort of giveaway. Who gave it away and for what, I do not know. If you happen to know anything about this item please pass that knowledge along.

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The 1956 Brooklyn Dodgers Photo Pack

Here is another new addition to my collection. Featured here is the complete twelve picture set of the 1955/56 Brooklyn Dodgers Photo Pack. Measuring 5" x 7", blank backed and printed on white glossy paper stock, these photos were sold at Ebbets Field concession stands (possibly by mail order, as well). They appear to have been manufactured by an outfit called Jay Publishing (some collectors disagree with this) and were originally sold in a paper envelope with the words "Twelve WORLD CHAMPION Dodgers PHOTOS" printed in blue.

2017 Diamond Kings - The Dodgers Autograph Cards

Now that you've seen the base cards, here are the autograph Dodger cards available in packs of Panini's 2017 Diamond Kings.  Please note that you should ignore the card#'s below.  Panini does a very poor job providing accurate card#'s in their published checklist.

DK Signatures

#6 Julio Urias                  #34 Corey Seager

Pop-Up Museum Tour with Maury Wills at FanFest

I had only one event at the 2017 Dodgers FanFest scheduled for myself.  I had missed out on getting any autographs online, so I decided to do the next best thing.  I scheduled a guided tour with Dodgers legend Maury Wills at the Dodgers "Pop-Up Museum", and it proved to be the highlight of my afternoon.

Before I get started I thought I would make note of a couple trophies (seen above) currently being displayed in the club level of the stadium - near the elevators.  I had seen these as our tour group was heading up to the museum.  At the above right are two Baseball Organization of the Year Awards (1981 & 1997) that were presented to the Dodgers by Topps - the trading card company. These are obviously pertinent to this blog.

Also, go to this link if you are interested in visiting the museum yourself.  It will run only until early March, so you need to get out there soon. 

Blog Kiosk: 9/30/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw, Reddick, Toles, Puig and Vin Scully

Before the start of yesterdays game a nice little moment happened between a young fan and Yasiel Puig.  As you can see in the pic above, the Dodger fan held up a sign offering to do push-ups in exchange for a bat.  Obviously, Puig couldn't help but take the bait.  So, he negotiated an exchange.  For 50 push-ups he would get one of his bats.  You can go here to watch the kid complete the task -- all the while, Puig provided all the encouragement he could muster.

BTW, the Dodgers defeated the Padres, 9-4, to remain just a couple games behind the Nationals for home field advantage during the upcoming NLDS.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out a more pics of yesterdays game taken by Jon SooHoo.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1923 Ebbets Field in Brooklyn held Zach Wheat Day in honor of the retiring Hall of Fame outfielder.  In 1956 Don Newcombe won his 27th game of the season.  He defeated the Pirates, 8-6, at Forbes Field.  In 1999 the Dodgers Giants play the very last Baseball game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.  The Dodgers defeated the Gnats, 9-4.
• Happy Birthday. Johnny Podres, José Lima, Kenley Jansen and Nap Rucker!

Blog Kiosk: 2/4/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Now here are some championship arms.  Featured in the Associated Press press photo above, as found on eBay, are the pitchers of the eventual 1955 World Series Champion Brooklyn Dodgers.  Per the descriptor attached to the reverse:

"DODGER PITCHERS.  Don Newcombe, Billy Loes, Karl Spooner, Don Bessent, Clem Labine and Johnny Podres, left to right, are expected to be the pitchers throwing for the Dodgers in the World Series which gets underway Sept. 28. They're shown off to the side of a work out of the team at Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, N.Y., Sept. 26.  Newcombe is expected to open for the Dodgers, seeking their first World Series title."

The only hurlers missing from the photo are Carl Erskine, Ed Roebuck and Roger Craig.  Below are more links to check out:

• The newest issue of Dodger Insider magazine will feature Dave Roberts on the cover.  Check it out on the right.  Via Jon Weisman, it will be free!:

There’s a big change coming in 2016 for the Dodgers’ official magazine.

Starting in April, Dodger Insider magazine will be distributed for free at the autogates at every Dodger Stadium regular-season game.

• Next week the MLB Network will premier a special show featuring former Dodger Dusty Baker; titled "Dusty: A Baseball Journey."  Hosted by Bob Costas, it will air on Tuesday, February 9 at 9:00 p.m. ET. The one-hour program will focus on his childhood and path through Baseball.  You can watch a clip of it here.
• The 2016 Dodgers yearbook will feature Clayton Kershaw on the cover.  See it on the left.  Via Jon Weisman:

In June, Clayton Kershaw will celebrate his 10th anniversary in the Dodger organization. In turn, the Dodgers are celebrating Kershaw in the 2016 Yearbook.

Publishing at the start of March — in time for the opening game of Spring Training — and available at both Dodger Stadium and Camelback Ranch, the 2016 Yearbook will feature a special 27-page section reminiscing over the divine decade of Kershaw’s life as a Dodger.

• Via Jonathan Mayo at MLB.com, "Pitching prospects with best combo of tools: Nats' Giolito, Dodgers' Urias obvious leaders; Rockies' Hoffman surprising company."

Urias, No. 4 on the Top 100 and the top lefty on the list, understandably comes in second with a score of 240. He doesn't have the 80 or 70 on his report card like Giolito, but he is consistently plus across the board. Urias' 65 fastball may sit in the low 90s, but he can reach back for more, and it plays up because he commands it to both sides of the plate. Both his big breaking ball and his fading changeup are 60s -- that also allows his fastball to play up. Urias throws all pitches for strikes, thus the 55 grade on his control (it wouldn't surprise anyone if that ended up a 60).

• defgav at Baseball Card Breakdown shares several custom made Baseball cards; including a Ron Cey card that he got signed.
• Harold Uhlman at Think Blue LA writes a fantastic report on recent Dodgers Special Assistant Raul Ibanez.

Ibanez is one of those players that most likely should have been consumed by the game. Apparently with little chance of making it to MLB and even less chance of a lengthy career, he defied all the odds. He simply wouldn’t be defeated by a five ounce ball and a 34 inch bat.

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Blog Kiosk: 10/13/2015 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Kasten and Thoughts on the Utley Suspension

Last night's game was a tough one to watch.  We took an early lead in the 2nd inning only to see it disappear minutes later.  Brett Anderson, who's been hit or miss all season long, was not on his game.  Via Anthony DiComo and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I thought he looked good the first inning," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said of Anderson. "Ball was coming out of his hand pretty good early. Obviously the second was not as good; threw the ball up more. And the third, you were kind of just hoping there that he has a chance to kind of find a groove and give you some innings right through there, but obviously it kind of ended. We couldn't get out of that inning."

Fortunately, the Dodger bats shows a little bit of life; albeit too late to really matter.  Hopefully, they can look at it as an foundation to build upon for tonight's game.

Photo above of Andre Ethier getting high-fives in the dugout via Jon SooHoo on twitter.  Check out more photos from Jon of yesterday's game here.  Below are more links to check out:

• Guess who's starting Game 4...

Dodgers announce Clayton Kershaw will start Game 4. Third straight season

— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) October 12, 2015

• No doubt related to the Chase Utley situation, Dodger President Stan Kasten is seen having a rather heated discussion with MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred prior to last night's game, via a pic shared by Bill Plunkett on twitter.

Asked Stan what he was discussing w/ Commish. Said they disagreed about movie they had both seen #joking #thetwitter pic.twitter.com/RMbJZioQsH

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) October 12, 2015

• Clayton threw in his two cents.  Via Mark Fishman at Yardbarker, "Clayton Kershaw: MLB 'bullied' into Chase Utley suspension."
  

  "Either change the rule or let it happen," Kershaw said. "I don't think you can be on the fence. I feel like MLB got maybe a little bit bullied into suspending him. Never happened before. I've seen slides a lot worse."

• Now Lasorda responds.  Via Christian Red at the Daily News, "Tommy Lasorda wants rule change in wake of Chase Utley-Ruben Tejada play."
  

   "You know what I've been saying? They give catchers protection, right? What about those middle infielders? What kind of protection do you want to give them?" Lasorda said outside the Lotte New York Palace in midtown, where the Dodgers are staying.
  
  Told that he had been around baseball long enough to have probably seen plays similar to the one Utley was involved with, Lasorda chuckled.
  
  "Not with a broken leg," he said. 

• Via Tom Bartsch at Sports Collectors Digest, "A Tale of a One-of-a-Kind Brooklyn Dodgers Championship Signed Poster."
  

  “The story that went with the poster is that it was made with cardboard and a laundry marker right in the locker room,” Rooney said. “I’ve always imagined that it was the first thing that group of players signed as the official World Champs.”
  
  The makeshift article was no doubt made in a hurry, in the midst of the Dodgers’ celebration. The words “Brooklyn Dodgers World Champs” are spelled out in large dark letters, no doubt made with a marker. Individual autographs are all in pencil.
  
  In the excitement, however, three players never put their “John Hancock” on the piece, including Dodger hurler Johnny Podres, whose Game 7, 2-0 shutout clinched the Fall Classic, earning him the Series MVP Award.

• This is kinda funny.  Via jbox at Gaslamp Ball, "will.i.am gives lyrical "finger" to the Padres on The Game's new album."
• I guess it's official.  Via ESPN, "Chewing tobacco to be banned in MLB parks under new California law."
• WTF.  Come on people!  Via ESPN, "Police looking for those involved in fight that critically injured fan."  Orel at Sons of Steve Garvey grabs even more details here.

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Original Brooklyn Dodger Portraits by Susan Rini

I knew I recognized these from somewhere.

The other day I ran into these gouache on cardboard paintings at an Clean Sweep auction and couldn't help but think that they looked familiar.  Then it hit me.

These are some of the original drawings for those postcard and cachet sets made in the 1980's to early 1990's.  Collectors especially liked to have them autographed by these old timers - much like the Perez Steele postcards from the same time period.  Check out what a couple of the Rini postcards look like on the right. 

As I dug around a bit I found out they were created by artist Suan Rini as a part of a commission for Historic Limited Editions.  Check out the auction here.  They did not sell.

Featured original paintings include Rex Barney, Joe Black, Ralph Branca, Roger Craig, Carl Erskine, Al Gionfriddo, Gene Hermanski, Spider Jorgensen, Clyde King (2 diff.), Billy Loes, Podres/Throneberry, George Shuba and Chris Van Cuyk. 

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2015 Topps Series 2 Baseball - Highlight of the Year, Stepping Up and Own the Name Cards

I hope you're not getting sick of Topps 2015 Series 2 Baseball packs 'cause I've got even more Dodger inserts cards to gaze at.  Go here to check out all of my previous post on this set. Below are the Highlight of the Year, Stepping Up and Own the Name cards.

Highlight of the Year

#H-40 Jackie Robinson

#H-46 Sandy Koufax

2015 Topps Series 2 Baseball - The Career High, First Home Run and Heart of the Order Insert Cards

Here are even more Dodger insert cards found in packs of Topps 2015 Series 2 Baseball packs.  Go here to check out all of my previous post on this set.  Below are the Career High, First Home Run (which includes Clayton Kershaw and former Dodger Matt Kemp) and the Heart of the Order cards.

On a side note, I am amazed at how frequently we see Johnny Podres autographed cards in new Topps set.  He had passed away over seven years ago.  Podres must have signed thousands of those stickers for Topps.

Career High Relics

#CHR-AG Adrian Gonzalez

#CHR-YP Yasiel Puig

Blog Kiosk: 6/1/2015 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is a 1963 UPI telephoto of Dodger starting pitchers Johnny Podres and Sandy Koufax that I found on eBay.  Per the caption:

Yanlee Stadium:  Johnny Podres (L), Dodgers' starting pitcher, gets some good advice from Sandy Koufax before the second World Series game here 10/3.  Sandy knows his way around the Yankee batting order.  He set a new Series record by striking out 15 as the Dodgers won the opener, 5-2.

Below are some more links to check out:

• ICYMI:  Paco Rodriguez was placed on the 15-day DL with an elbow strain.  Matt West was called up from AAA.  Per Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

Paco Rodriguez has had trouble finishing pitches, manager Don Mattingly told reporters this morning, so he has been placed on the disabled list and is heading to Los Angeles for examination on his left elbow.

• Jon Weisman also provides a peek at the June issue of Dodger Insider Magazine, here.  Check it out on the right.  Joc Pederson is on the cover.
• Via Jim Callis at MLB.com, "Dodgers' class of '68 tops list of 10 best Drafts."

"He actually showed me how to draft," Campanis told MLB.com's Ken Gurnick in a 1988 story for Baseball America. "He explained the difference between drafting the best athlete or going for need. He showed us how to rank players on a scale of 100 based on fundamental skills. He took a neophyte and taught me how to approach a draft, and I think this helped us."

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Data show A.J. Ellis is the best pitch-caller in baseball."

“It’s about manipulating a hitter’s body sometimes based on how they’re reacting to certain pitches,” Ellis said.

The Dodgers have known for years that Ellis is a skilled pitch-caller. He prepares his own scouting reports based on video work and works with pitching coach Rick Honeycutt throughout the game to adjust the plan of attack.

“I just love a guy who takes a lot of pride in what he does,” Honeycutt said. “When you get the uniformity we’ve had the last four years or so, I think you have to give him some of the credit for that.”

• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA writes about first baseman prospect Cody Bellinger: "Dodgers may have AGon’s replacement in their grasp."
• Check out Clayton Kershaw on The Dan Patrick Show below.  (Hat Tip: Eric Stephen at True Blue LA):

Video Link:

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2015 Topps Series 1 - Baseball - In the Name, Postseason Performance and Spring Fever Cards

This is a final look at Dodger cards found within packs of 2015 Topps Series 1 Baseball.  Featured below are the scarce In The Name, Postseason Performance, Strata and Spring Fever cards.  Go here for all of my past post on this set.

The Postseason Performance cards look fantastic.  I think it has something to do with the use of the playoff logo and the simple white background.  Unfortunately, I don't have an example of one of the Strata Signature cards to share since all the Dodger players require a redemption card. 

In the Name Relics (#/1)

#INT-CKE Clayton Kershaw                           #INT-DG Dee Gordon

2015 Topps Series 1 - Dodgers - Birth Year, Career High and First Home Run Cards

Here's a look at some of the Dodger insert cards within 2015 Topps Series 1.  Featured below are the Birth Year Coin and Stamp, Career High and First Home Run insert, relic, autograph and medallion cards.

Of note, there are cards of Paul Konerko and Mike Piazza in Dodger Blue.  WooHoo!

Birth Year Coin and Stamp

#CS-12 Sandy Koufax

#CS-14 Yasiel Puig

2014 Topps Supreme Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

Last week Topps released their newest high-end Baseball card set.  It is called Supreme Baseball and every card in the set is autographed.  A box will cost you about $60 to $80 each and you get just one pack with two autographed cards in it.  Go here for a complete checklist.

Unfortunately, most of the Dodger autographed cards are available only through a redemption card.  A complete checklist is available below.

There are four Dodgers in the Base Autographed set.  They are Alexander Guerrero, Erisbel Arruebarrena, Johnny Podres and Yasiel Puig.  The Guerrero (#SA-AG) and Puig (#SA-YP) have redemption cards.  They are serial numbered to only 50 copies and have numerous parallels available.  The parallel checklist is as follows: Green #/45, Sepia #/35, Purple #/25, Blue #/20, Orange #/15, Red #/10, Black #/5, Supreme 1/1, Printing Plates 1/1.

Autographs Set

#SA-EA Erisbel Arruebarrena                   #SA-JPO Johnny Podres

UPDATE: Here is the Puig Autograph card in it's original redemption holder on the left and the Guerrero card on the right.

Yasiel Puig (#SA-YP)                      Guerrero (#SA-AG)

The Autographed Patch Relic cards below are numbered to 25 copies with the following parallels: Platinum Patch #/5, Supreme Patch 1/1.

Autographed Patch Relics 

#APR-AG Adrian Gonzalez

Remaining Redemption Dodger checklist:

• Dual Autographs Set - #DA-AG Guerrero & Arruebarrena (#/25)
• Dual Autographs Set - #DA-PK Puig & Kershaw (#/25)
• Dual Autographs Set - #DA-PT Trout & Puig (#/25)
• Dual Autographed Jumbo Patch Relic Book - #DAPR-PT Trout & Puig (#/10)
• Triple Autographs - #TA-HTP Harper, Trout & Puig (#/10)

UPDATE:  Here is the Kershaw/Puig Dual Autograph card in it's original redemption holder below.  Also the Triple Autograph card with Puig,Trout and Harper is below that.

#DA-PK Puig & Kershaw (#/25)

#TA-HTP Harper, Trout & Puig (#/10)

The Simply Supreme Autographed cards are serial numbered to 50 copies with the following parallels: Green #/45, Sepia #/35, Purple #/25, Blue #/20, Orange #/15, Red #/10, Black #/5, Supreme 1/1, Printing Plates 1/1.  The Clayton Kershaw card (#SSU-CK) is only available through a redemption card.  Below are the Snider and Arruebarrena Simply Supreme Autographed cards.

Simply Supreme Autographs

#SSU-DS Duke Snider               #SSU-EA Erisbel Arruebarrena

UDPATE:  Here is the Kershaw Simply Supreme Autograph card in it's original redemption holder below.

Clayton Kershaw (#SSU-CK)

The Supreme Styling Die-Cut Autographed cards are serial numbered to 50 copies with the following parallels: Green #/45, Sepia #/35, Purple #/25, Blue #/20, Orange #/15, Red #/10, Black #/5, Supreme 1/1, Printing Plates 1/1.  The Clayton Kershaw card (#SS-CK) is only available through a redemption card.  Below are the Koufax and Arruebarrena Simply Supreme Autographed cards.

Supreme Styling Die-Cut Autographs

#SS-EA Erisbel Arruebarrena               #SS-SKO Sandy Koufax

UDPATE:  Here is the Kershaw Supreme Styling Die-Cut Autograph card in it's original redemption holder below.

Clayton Kershaw (#SS-CK)

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