Blog Kiosk: 11/27/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I would like to extend a hearty Blue Heaven congratulations to Dodgers hurler Alex Wood. Over the weekend he tied the knot in what looks like a gala affair. Check out what I mean in the photo above that was shared by Alex on Instagram.

On a side note, this recent marriage adds to my desire that the club should briefly rename the club the "Bridegrooms" for one game next year - just to celebrate not only the Dodgers past, but also the individual futures of our players.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 Roy Campanella is the named the National League MVP for the second time in his career. He slashed .312/.395/.611/1.006 with 41 homer runs, a league leading 142 RBI's and recorded 7.1 WAR. In 1956 Don Newcombe was awarded the inaugural Cy Young Award, going 27-7 with a 3.06 ERA. A week prior he was given both the MVP and Rookiw of the Year Awards; thereby becoming the first and only player to win all three major awards for a pitcher in one season.
• Happy Birthday, Jimmy Schmitz, Mike Scioscia & Jimmy Rollins!

2017 Topps Museum Collection - Dodgers' WBC, Momentous Material & Museum Memorabilia Cards

Here are more Dodgers' found in packs of 2017 Topps Museum. Featured here is the lone Dodger WBC card, the Momentous Material, and Museum Memorabilia cards. Go here to check out all of my past post on this set.

Primary Pieces WBC Quad Relics (Single-Player)

#WBCQR-AG Adrian Gonzalez - Team Mexico

2017 Topps MLB Stickers - All the Dodgers Stickers

Along with the Heritage Baseball card brand Topps also released their MLB Stickers to the collecting public.  Check out the sticker album featuring Mike Trout above.  Go here for a complete checklist.

There are nine Dodger players available and a Dodger logo team card shared with the Angels.  As always, there are no short prints, variations, inserts, relics or autographs.  This is just an honest product that doesn't try to bait you with any bells or whistles.  What you see is what you get.

#166 Dodgers Team Card           #212 Clayton Kershaw

2017 Topps Series 1 Baseball - All the Dodgers Base Cards

For fans like myself today is the official start of the 2017 Baseball season.  I say this because fans and Baseball card collectors alike can now go to their favorite store to get packs of Topps flagship set.  Officially released today is the 2017 Topps Series 1 Baseball set.  Go here for a complete checklist.

For this first series thirteen Dodger players are represented; including superstars Corey Seager and Clayton Kershaw.  The set also includes several players in Dodger uniforms who have since moved on to other teams -- Howie Kendrick, Carlos Ruiz, Josh Reddick and Jose De Leon.  Also, Chase Utley is available in Dodger Blue (he has yet to decide where he'll be playing this season).  Check them all out below.  I've included pics of both the front and reverse (with exception of the Chris Hatcher card).

As I'm sure you've noticed, for the first time since 1971 Topps does not include full career statistics for each player on the reverse.  But is does include social media information for each player (apparently, that's more important).

Base Cards

#5 Corey Seager

#50 Clayton Kershaw

2016 Topps Holiday Baseball Box - All the Dodgers Cards

I guess this special edition set is a clear sign that the holidays are finally upon us.

Featured here are all the Dodgers cards found in the Walmart exclusive 2016 Topps Baseball Holiday Box.  This unique box includes ten Holiday packs that feature a 200-card holiday themed set.  As you can see in the photos below, every base card includes snowflakes on the corners.  Go here for a complete checklist.

Unfortunately, I have yet to see any of the Dodger autographed cards, so a checklist is provided instead.  I'll update this post with pics once see them.

Base

#HMW26 Julio Urias                          #HMW74 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 11/18/2016 - Dodgers Links - Reddick, Seager, Vin Scully and Sandy Koufax

As noted below, 50 years ago today, in 1966, Sandy Koufax officially announced his retirement from Baseball.  Above is a photograph from the press conference, via @Dodgers_History on twitter.  During the press conference he was asked, why?

The Question is why?

I don't know if cortisone is good for you or not.

But... to take a shot before every other ballgame is more than I wanted to do ... and to walk around with a constant upset stomach because of the pills... and to be high half of the time during the ballgames because your taking pain killers... I don't want to have to do that.

Go here to watch a portion of the press conference on YouTube.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1949 Jackie Robinson is named the NL MVP.  He slashed .342/.432/.528/.960 while recording 203 hits, hitting 16 home runs, driving in 124 runners, swiping a league high 37 bases and striking out only 27 times.  In 1966 Sandy Koufax announced his retirement from the game after a twelve year Major League career due to increasing pain in his arthritic left elbow. 
• Happy Birthday, Wilkin Ruan, Gary Sheffield, Ron Coomer, Gene Mauch, Jack Coombs and Deacon McGuire!

Blog Kiosk: 10/27/2016 - Dodgers Links - Verdugo, Stewart, Seager, Jansen and Maeda

Check out this World Series action photo.  Per the descriptor:

Dodgers Andy Pafko makes a leaping one-handed catch off Gene Woodling's whistling bid for home run into the right field stands in the second inning of fifth Series game.

The run saving grab would help the Dodgers maintain a small lead in the early going, and prove to be an important catch as the Dodgers would eventually win the game in extra innings, 6-5.  I think the best part of this photo, though, are the hundreds of fans who are seen peering in eager anticipation.

I ran into this United Press Association press photo, taken by Tony Sande, on eBay.  Check out the auction here.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1890, the Brooklyn Bridegrooms (Dodgers), in their first season as a member of the National League, lost Game 6 of an World Series against the Louisville Colonels of the American Association, 9-8.  The loss shrank the Dodgers lead in the series to 3-2-1 -- Game 3 ended in a 7-7 tie due to darkness.  Game 7 will be played the next day.

2016 Topps Update Baseball - Team Franklin, Scouting Report and Fire Cards

Here is a look at some of the various Dodgers insert cards found in packs of 2016 Topps Update.  Featured below are the Team Franklin, Sporting Report autograph and Fire cards.  Go here to check out all of my post on this set.

Team Franklin

#TF-19 Josh Reddick

2016 Topps Update Baseball - The Dodgers Base Cards & Variations

Following up on my post sharing the Dodgers "first Pitch" insert cards found in packs of 2016 Topps Update, below are photos of all the Dodgers base cards in the set; including variations.  Go here for a complete checklist.  BTW, there may be more Dodger variations beyond the Thompson and Urias cards indicated below.  So, if more do pop up I'll update this post.

Of note, Austin Barnes, Bud Norris and Josh Reddick (not counting Topps Now) receive their very first cards in a Dodger uniform.  The base set also includes what is likely to be the last card of AJ Ellis in Dodger Blue -- at least until he decides to join the club later on in his career when he's coaching/managing. 

Base Set

#US9 Ross Stripling

#US21 Austin Barnes

Blog Kiosk: 10/14/2016 - Dodgers Links - WooHoo! Dodgers Win

Wow!

That game was epic.  Maybe the best ever.  And I'm not saying that 'cause the Dodgers won... Okay, maybe I'm far more enthusiastic about it 'cause my guys won, but really... Wasn't it the best ever!

• "One of the best games in history," said Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. (Link Here)
• "That's probably one of the craziest, if not the craziest, games I've ever been a part of in my career," Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer said. "Man, this is a tough one to be on the wrong side of."  (Link Here)
• "I'm like, wait a minute, am I dreaming right now?" Jansen said, exhausted on the floor of the visiting clubhouse. "It's an awesome feeling to know the best pitcher in the game has your back."  (Link Here) 
• “It was crazy,” Pederson, who finished this NLDS 5 for 15 with two walks, a double and the homer, said on the field after the game in a televised interview. “I’m kind of at a loss for words right now. Washington played great. They fought us to the end, but it just shows what kind of team we are. We stuck together, we believed in each other, we came back.”  (Link Here)
• “I came to [Roberts], you know, once Kenley went out there in the seventh,” Kershaw said. “I was just kind of doing the math. I don't think Kenley's ever done a six-out save, let alone a nine-out save. He threw 20 pitches in that seventh inning, and I just said, 'I'm going to go get loose, see how I feel and I'll let you know, but I might be able to do this.' That's kind of what happened.  (Link Here)
• “I thank God for being able to be at his side,” Urias said through an interpreter. “When I saw him come in the clubhouse and put on his spikes, I knew he was ready to go and I learned a lot about him at that moment. He’s about winning and all that goes through his mind is winning, winning, winning. I’m so glad that everything worked out.”  (Link Here)
• "This encapsulated our season, yeah," manager Dave Roberts said. "It takes 25 guys to win a game [and] that’s what we did [in Game 5]."  (Link Here)

Dave Roberts managed the gutsiest game of Baseball I've ever witnessed... Bar none!  And as a viewer, I am exhausted.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1965 Sandy Koufax, on just two days rest, masterfully pitched a 2-0 complete game shutout to defeat the Twins in Game 7 of the World Series to win their fourth championship.  He was named MVP of the series.
• Happy Birthday, Hugh Casey and Ivy Olson!  

Blog Kiosk: 10/4/2016 - Dodgers Links - Liberatore, Hershiser, Dodgers Wrestling and Kershaw

So... What are the Dodgers doing while they await their NLDS this coming weekend against the Nationals?

Watching some wrestling, of course.

Featured above are JP Howell, Justin Turner and Josh Reddick, along with WWE star Seth Rollins, at Monday Night RAW in the Staples Center.  As you can see, they gave Rollins his very own Dodgers jersey.  BTW, Reddick is also seen holding the Dodgers "Player of the Game" belt on his shoulder.  In fact, he would later on show off the belt to the wrestling fans in attendance, via a photo shared by Reddick on Instagram on the right.

Photo at the very top via Justin Turner on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1955 the unbelievable happened.  The Brooklyn Dodgers, behind the brilliant pitching of Johnny Podres, captured their very first World Championship in franchise history.  They defeated the hated NY Yankees in seven games.  In 1959 the Dodgers won the teams very first playoff game in Los Angeles when they defeated the Chicago White Sox, 3-1.  This win put them up two games to one in the series.  They would later on win the World Series in the sixth game four days later.  In 2006 the worst play in Dodgers playoff history happened (in my opinion) when two runners are thrown out at home plate on the same throw during Game 1 of the NLDS against the Mets.  You can relive the horror here.
• Happy Birthday, Mike Sharperson, Stephen Fife and Tony Gwynn Jr.!

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!

Dodgers 2016 Postseason 15-Card Topps Now Team Set

In honor of the Dodgers recent western division championship Topps has issued a limited edition 15-card postseason team set.  It is available for order until Thursday, October 6th at $49.99, and is limited in number based upon the number of orders received during that time period.  Go here to check it out and order.  At the very bottom is a checklist.

A special catch to the set is that the size will expand depending on how far they get in the playoffs.  Each set will receive one extra exclusive bonus card for each playoff series they win.  Hopefully, we'll see three more cards added to this set.

• Corey Seager (RC) (Card Number: LAD-1)
• Adrian Gonzalez (Card Number: LAD-2)
• Justin Turner (Card Number: LAD-3)
• Yasmani Grandal (Card Number: LAD-4)
• Joc Pederson (Card Number: LAD-5)
• Chase Utley (Card Number: LAD-6)
• Howie Kendrick (Card Number: LAD-7)
• Yasiel Puig (Card Number: LAD-8)
• Josh Reddick (Card Number: LAD-9)
• Clayton Kershaw (Card Number: LAD-10)
• Kenta Maeda (Card Number: LAD-11)
• Julio Urias (Card Number: LAD-12)
• Scott Kazmir (Card Number: LAD-13)
• Joe Blanton (Card Number: LAD-14)
• Kenley Jansen (Card Number: LAD-15)

UPDATE: The print run for this set of Dodgers cards is 383.

UPDATE II:  Below are pics of all the cards in this set; including the one bonuc card featuring Clayton Kershaw.  The bonus card is numbered BON-4.

Bonus Card #BON-4

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Blog Kiosk: 9/23/2016 - Dodgers Links - Utley, Vin Scully and Yasmani's Stellar Day

Guess who got to wear the Dodgers "Player of the Game" belt last night?

Yasmani Grandal was a beast.  No... He was a monster... A big Blue switch-hitting behemoth bent on carrying the club the best way he could.  Grandal took out his mighty bat and launched not one, but two home runs (from each side of the plate) to lead the surging and obviously confident Dodgers to a 7-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies.  Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“Now that we’re good and healthy and ready to go, we’ve got to turn it up,” Grandal said. “We have, what, nine games left? Let’s get this thing over. Let’s close this. Let’s win the division and keep on playing.”

In other news, comic book legend Stan Lee was at the game to throw out the first pitch.  The photo on the right, tweeted by the Dodgers, features Stan with Josh Reddick

Photo at the very top via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1901 the Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) set the franchise record for runs scored in a game at 25 against the Cincinnati Reds.  In 1947 the Dodgers held Jackie Robinson Day at Ebbets Field during his rookie season.  Jackie was noticeably moved when his teammates stood besides him at home plate.  In 1962 Maury Wills stole his 96th and 97th bases of the season to break Ty Cobb's Major League record for steals.  In 1978 Lee Lacy hit a pinch-hit home run on the first pitch of his at-bat in the seventh inning -- just moments before Dodgers thirdbase coach Preston Gomez came up to Lacy, shook his hand and whispered, "hit this one over the wall for Junior."  Dodgers coach Junior Gilliam was in the hospital fighting for his life from a brain hemorrhage.  He would pass away a couple of weeks later.
• Happy Birthday, Matt Kemp!

Blog Kiosk: 9/8/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kazmir, Reddick, Seager, Garlick and Yasiel Puig

After falling back as far as eight games in late June, I am in awe of what the Dodgers have accomplished.  They were seemingly in disarray.  The Dodgers had everything imaginable thrown their way; including a record number of injuries and clubhouse turmoil surrounding an enigmatic star.  Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed and a plan, no doubt hatched before the start of the season, was allowed to flourish.  Depth has been a key to this season, and along with an improving offense (the teams batting was never as bad as early indicators showed) they now find themselves with a five game lead with just 23 games to go. 

It certainly is good to be a Dodger fan right now, eh?

As for last nights game, it was doubly nice to see Yasiel Puig contribute.  He provided much of the offense needed to pull off the teams teams fifth consecutive win.  Puig hit a sacrifice fly in the first inning to help the Dodgers take the lead, and added an insurance run in the sixth inning by homering off Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robin Ray.  Per Jack Baer and Steve Gilbert at MLB.com:

"Yasiel … he can do so many great things, but I think the situational at-bat early in the game helped his confidence," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "When you can start him and have [Josh] Reddick and [Andrew] Toles, we've got some depth."

Photo at the very top via Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Juan and Jon SooHoo from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1955 the Brooklyn Dodgers clinched the pennant; assuring a trip to the World Series.  As you know, they went on to defeat the Yankees that Fall to become champions for the first time in franchise history.  In 1957 the Dodgers and Giants face each other for the last time at the Polo Grounds in New York.  In 1967 the Mets honored Brooklyn Dodger pitcher Sandy Koufax at their stadium. 

Blog Kiosk: 9/4/2016 - Dodgers Links - De Leon, Kershaw, Puig, Bellinger and Josh Reddick

It's great to see Josh Reddick turn on the heat.  Last night he recorded his first three hit game for the Dodgers - knocking out two singles and his first home run in Blue.  Per AJ Cassavell and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"Took long enough," Reddick said of his home run. "I finally got it out of the way. Just to contribute, that's something I've wanted to do for a month now. I hope I'll be able to do it the rest of the year."

Reddick is on a little four game hitting streak.  Over that period he has recorded seven hits in thirteen at-bats, but only one extra base hit (yesterdays home run).  During his first 23 games as a Dodger he was slashing a woeful .139/.200/.152/.352, with just eleven hits in 79 at-bats.  Although we certainly have yet to see the best Reddick has to offer you've got to like that he's starting to perform.  Via Rich Hill when speaking about Reddick's evening:

"That was awesome. Get used to seeing it here. It's exciting."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1924 the Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) sweep their fourth consecutive doubleheader on four consecutive days.  I kid you not!  In 1966 the Dodgers become the first team in Major League history to draw two million fans both at home and on the road.  In 1969 Willie Davis' 31 consecutive game hitting streak streak ends at the hands of Padres. 

Blog Kiosk: 8/19/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This is something you don't see everyday.  Featured above is a vintage 1939 International News press photo of Dodgers third baseman Cookie Lavagetto tagging out Reds outfielder Wally Berger, and emblazoned across the top are the words, "Thrown Out!"  It is quite a rarity to see words like that in a press photo.

BTW, the pic above was once part of the George Michael Collection of sliding press photographs.  It is currently available for sale through eBay (Auction Link Here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1983 the Dodgers traded for Rangers starting pitcher Rick Honeycutt.  In 1990 Jose Offerman became the first Dodger in franchise history to hit a home run in his very first Major League plate appearance.  In 2008 the Dodgers traded for Greg Maddux (for a second time) to help the team during their playoff run.  It would be several more weeks before the Dodgers finalize and publicly announce their plans to move to Los Angeles.
• Happy Birthday, Chris Capuano and Ron Roenicke!

Josh Reddick Dodgers Debut 2016 Topps Now Card - #310

Josh Reddick wore Dodger Blue last night for the first time.  Naturally, Topps saw fit to create a 2016 Topps Now card to memorialize the occasion.  This is Reddick's very first official card as a member of the team.  Go here to check it out and order.

Unfortunately, his debut didn't go exactly as planned.  He went 0 for 4 while batting cleanup in a losing effort against the Rockies, 7-3.  On the other hand, he did make a fantastic diving catch in the seventh inning off the bat of Charlie Blackmon.  You can watch that catch here.

On another note, I'm always curious how ballplayers (or any professional athlete) handle hearing their name bandied about in the rumor-mill, so when I read Reddick's solution I new he'd be a great fit for the team.  He recently told a gaggle of reports what he did to not be distracted, via a tweet by Bill Plunkett:

Josh Reddick said he watched Family Guy episodes on his iPad to tune out trade deadline rumors. #Dodgers.

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 2, 2016

UPDATE:  Print run for this card is 256.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/3/2016 - Dodgers Links - Robinson Highway, Puig Problems and Brandon McCarthy

Brandon McCarthy came out to make his sixth start since coming back from Tommy John Surgery last night and didn't seem right.  Maybe it was the high altitude that did him in.  Or maybe it was the 38 minute rain delay in the middle of the first inning with him on the mound that did it.  I dunno.  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"Never felt like that on a mound before," said McCarthy, whose first four starts were sharp, followed by one bad inning in a four-inning start, then Tuesday's three-run outing. "Coming back, there's a lot of ups and downs, but when the feeling was off, I was able to get through it. Tonight, just the opposite. There were just some horrific, bad pitches in there. I just felt very weird."

McCarthy needed 85 pitches to get through three innings.  He gave up three hits, walked five, struck out only two and allowed three earned runs.  You can listen to Dave Roberts talk about the outing here.  BTW, reliever Jesse Chavez did not impress in his first outing as a Dodger.  He came in to pitch the sixth inning and gave up three runs.  If not for an inning ending double play with the bases loaded it would have been much worse.

Fortunately, the slumping Giants couldn't get past the moribund Philadelphia Phillies.  They lost to keep the Dodgers two games behind in the division race.

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

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1959 the second All-Star Game of the season is played at the LA Memorial Coliseum.  The AL defeated the NL, 5-3, on a third inning two-run homer by Yogi Berra off Don Drysdale.  In 2013 the Dodgers set a franchise record by winning their 13th consecutive victory.

2016 Topps Now - #302 - Trade Deadline Frenzy with Reddick and Hill

I'm not quite sure if I should include this card as a part of the Dodgers checklist.  Sure, two of the players featured (Rich Hill and Josh Reddick on the reverse) are now members of the "Boys in Blue," but neither of them are wearing "Blue" in the pics.  Still, I couldn't help but think that this card denotes an important event for the team, and will certainly be a major factor over the next few months. 

Featured here is 2016 Topps Now card, #302, that focuses on the six biggest names to change teams prior to yesterdays trade deadline.  On the front are Carlos Beltran, Jay Bruce and Jonathan Lucroy (as seen above), and on the reverse are Josh Reddick, Matt Moore and Rich Hill (as seen below).  Go here to check it out and order.

UPDATE:  Print run for this card is 297.

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