Blog Kiosk: 7/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Happy Belated Birthday, Cody!

He turned 25-years old yesterday.

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

• This Day In Dodgers History: In 2003 the Dodgers sign free agent future Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson. The Dodgers are 49-44 at the time, but languish in third place in the NL West -- 7.5 games behind the Giants. Unfortunately, Rickey cannot change the Dodgers fortunes. He gets into only 30 games, batting .208 with one double, two home runs and five RBI's. In 1995 Dodger pitcher Ramon Martinez no-hits the Marlins at Dodger Stadium, 7-0 (boxscore). He was perfect for 7 1/3 innings before walking Tommy Gregg. It is the 22nd no-no in franchise history. You can watch the final out here.
• Happy Birthday, Tim Locastro, Ed Hug, Happy Smith, Max West, Gene Schott, Danny Walton, Pepe Frias, Darren Hall, Robin Ventura & Jose Hernandez!

2020 Topps Series 2 Baseball -- The Dodger Base Cards and Variations

Last week Topps released their second series of cards for their flagship Baseball card brand and I've got pics of all the Dodger base cards to share. Check them out below. I've also included all the known variations available. Go here for a complete checklist of the set.

Base

#381 Kyle Garlick           #416 Chris Taylor

2020 Topps Total - Wave 3 - Kershaw, Urias & Smith

The third wave of 2020 Topps Total cards have been released and there are three Dodgers available to chase -- Kershaw, Urias and Will Smith. Go here for a complete checklist. You can see all of my previous post on this set here. Check out the three Dodgers below.

Wave 3

#203 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 3/9/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Just some Dodgers' having some fun at Camelback Ranch, pics via @Dodgers on twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1943 the Brooklyn Dodgers received soon-to-be Hall of Fame centerfielder Lloyd "Little Poison" Waner and Al Glossop from the Phillies in exchange for veteran infielder Babe Dahlgren. Although, Waner did not join the club for the 1943 Baseball season. Instead, he asked to be placed on the voluntary retirement list and took a wartime job at the Douglas Aircraft plant in Oklahoma City. Lloyd would eventually join Brooklyn for the 1944 season (playing briefly with his brother Paul -- also a fellow Hall of Famer), but would eventually be released by mid-June -- He slashed .286/.412/.286/.697 in just 14 at-bats, primarily as a pinch hitter.
• Happy Birthday, Rube Yarrison, Arky Vaughan, Terry Mulholland, Koyie Hill, Daniel Hudson & Willy Aybar!

2020 Topps Heritage - All the Dodgers Base Cards

Here is a look at all the Dodger base cards found in packs of Topps 2020 Heritage Baseball card brand. There are 25 Dodger cards available -- including four "League Leaders" and two "Rookie Stars" cards. Go here for a complete checklist. I've also included pics of all the known variations (up until this point in time), as well, and checklist of all the Chrome, Mini and French parallel cards.

Base

#10 Jedd Gyorko                #14 Matt Beaty

#30 Justin Turner             #36 Kenley Jansen

Blog Kiosk: 2/21/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It was Photo Day at Camelback Ranch yesterday and fortunately Dodger Insider was kind enough to share a bunch of pics taken by Jon SooHoo. Featured here are David Price, Kiké Hernandez, Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger. Go here to check out more. Below are some notes about Spring Training, as provided by the Dodgers.

• The Dodgers had 62 players report to camp including 25 infielders/outfielders (10 non-roster invitees), five catchers (two non-roster invitees) and 32 pitchers (10 non-roster invitees).
• The former Vanderbilt Commodore Walker Buehler pitched in live action for the second time this Spring, tossing two simulated innings against teammates Corey Seager, Mookie Betts, Gavin Lux, Tyler White, Austin Barnes and Terrance Gore. Joining Buehler in throwing live bullpens today were Kenley Jansen, Joe Kelly, Caleb Ferguson, Jordan Sheffield and Victor González.
• The Los Angeles Sports Council will honor 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger as the Los Angeles co-Sportsman of the Year alongside American League MVP Mike Trout.
• On Thursday, May 7, 2020 at Dodger Stadium, Clayton and Ellen Kershaw will host their 8th Annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose benefiting their charity, Kershaw’s Challenge. Kershaw's Challenge was founded by Clayton and Ellen Kershaw in 2011 and has raised over 12 million dollars to support at-risk children and families around the globe.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 Tommy Lasorda is sold to the St. Louis Browns. He would then be returned to the Dodgers in late-March. In 1957 Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley traded minor league franchises with Phil Wrigley of the Cubs. Brooklyn traded the Ft. Worth club (Texas League) in return for the Los Angeles Angels (Pacific Coast League). In 1984 outfielder Dusty Baker is granted free agency. He played eight season in Los Angeles, slashing .281/.343/.437/.780 with 144 home runs and 586 RBI's. 
• Happy Birthday, Jack Billingham, Franklin Gutierrez, Ted Savage, Sam Fletcher & Norman Plitt!

2020 Topps Baseball Flagship, Series 1 -- The Rest of the Dodger Cards

Here is a last look at the Dodger insert cards found in packs of Topps flagship Series 1 Baseball cards. This time we can see the Baseball Stars Autographs, Decades' Best, Postseason Performance, Topps Choice and the Medallion Manufactured Relics cards. Go here for a complete checklist.

Baseball Stars Autographs

• #BSA-CKE Clayton Kershaw -- Not Yet Seen

#BSA-DM Dustin May

2020 Topps Baseball Flagship, Series 1 -- More Dodger Insert Cards

Below are more Dodger inserts found in packs of Topps 2020 Series 1 flagship brand. Check out the Decade's Next, Major League Material Relics, Jumbo Jersey Sleeve relics, Decade of Dominance and Home Run Challenge Promo cards.

Decade's Next

#DN-10 Gavin Lux

2019 Topps 52-Card Kenny Mayne Baseball Game -- All the Dodger Cards

Before the end of 2019 Topps unveiled something different. Instead of a new card set for collectors to add to their binders, they decided to introduce us to a game based on a deck of playing cards that was developed by noted ESPN broadcaster Kenny Mayne -- Mr. dry humor himself. Go here to check it out and order. A complete checklist is available here. It cost $19.99 for a complete set, plus two bonus booster cards. Below is a note from Kenny Mayne about his game:

Remember back when you didn’t have electronics or smart phones and you invented games and played them for hours and hours with your uncle? Probably not. But then you never met my uncle Bud and didn’t live right where I did. 

 Too often these days we’re all a little guilty of being in the same room with friends and family and engaging only with a device we hold in our hands. This game is different. It’s a chance to connect with the people in our lives and the sport many of us love. 

It’s 52-Card Baseball. Uncle Bud and I just kind of made it up one day. We didn’t have electronics. We had one television. It was black and white. Man I’m old. The rules are pretty simple. You split a deck of cards in half. Then you flip them one by one. High card prevails. Prevails is probably the biggest word we’re going to use right here. We’re all for simple. It’s just you and your uncle or you and your friend (or you by yourself if you’re really bored). No electronics needed.

A total of six Dodgers are available in the main-base set of 52 cards. There are also an additional two booster cards available to chase after. See them all below.

Base Set

#Q Clayton Kershaw           #J Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 1/3/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out the above vintage spring training press photo, dated Mar 15, 1943, above (eBay auction link). Per the description on the reverse:

DODGER PITCHERS WARM UP.  West Point, N.Y.....Pitchers Freddy Fitzsimmons, Kirby Higbe, Curt Davis and Bob Chipman (l-r) are shown loosening up at their first spring training practice held indoors today, at the Army Field House on the West Point Military Reservation.

As you know, America was embroiled in WWII, so precautions were made to insure the safety of ballplayers and fans by having teams train in more inland locales. After all, nazi submarines were known to cruise the American east coast to sink all ships. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 the trade that sends outfielder Shawn Green from the Dodgers to the Diamondbacks and includes $8 million changing hands is approved by the Commissioner of baseball, Bud Selig. The trade would officially be consummated eight days later. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher Brett Tomko to a two year/$8.7 million contract.  
• Happy Birthday, Frenchy Bordagaray & Chris Van Cuyk!

Blog Kiosk: 12/27/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Campy and Yogi exchange notes in the March 30, 1956 Associates Press wirephoto shown above (eBay auction link). It says:

St. Petersburg, Fla., March 30th, Most Valuable Talk - The American League's Most Valuable Player Yankees' Yogi Berra, left, and the National League's most Most Valuable Player Brooklyn Dodgers' Roy Campanella meet before yesterday's game. Campanella has the injured finger showing out of his mitt. The injury has kept him out of some exhibition games.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1981 Fernando Valenzela is named the Southern California Athlete of the Year by the sports editors of the Southlands major newspapers. This caps off a fantastic season where he was an All-Star, wins the Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, Silver Slugger and a World Series ring for the Dodgers. He also won a Sporting News triple crown -- named the winner of the Major League Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year and Rookie Pitcher of the Year Awards.
• Happy Birthday, Ernie Krueger, Norm Larker, Gary Weiss, Jim Leyritz, Jason Repko & Dylan Floro!

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: 8/29/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Casey Sadler recorded his first save of his career last night. Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“This was a lot of fun,” said Sadler. “In a word, indescribable. Emotional. I thought Kenley would slam the door. But in the ‘pen, you always have to be ready. This is the first time I’ve ever pitched back-to-back-to-back days. You want to be in those situations where it’s game-changing. When the phone call came, I got up and did what I wanted to do. What makes a championship team is that you pick up the next guy.”

Casey ain't wrong. When a teammate struggles others have to pick up the slack. Last night that's exactly what happened -- from Hernandez's overall play to a bullpen that just find a way to get it done on most days.

Photo above via Raymond Gorospe/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 1948 Jackie Robinson hit for the cycle against the Cardinals during the first game of a doubleheader. He completed it in reverse -- hitting a homer in the 1st, a triple in the 3rd, a double in the 4th and a single in the 8th inning. The Dodgers won 12-7. In 1980 Dodgers coach Manny Mota is reactivated by the Dodgers to be their top pinch-hitter off the bench. He would go 3-for-7 with two RBI's. In 1987 the Dodgers traded Rick Honeycutt to the A's for young starting pitcher Tim Belcher. As you know, Belcher would be an important cog to the eventual world championship in 1988.
• Happy Birthday, Elmer Stricklett, Jack Warner, Buck Marrow, Billy Cox, Reggie Williams, Henry Blanco & Chris Taylor!

Blog Kiosk: 8/19/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers are obviously trying to prepare rookie hurler Dustin May for some relief pitching -- just in time for the playoffs. Unfortunately, his first attempt yesterday did not go so well. He struggled after coming into the game in the sixth inning with the Dodgers leading 3-1. He would go on to allow three hits; including a grand slam to Rafael Ortega. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I would contribute it mostly to a lack of command,” May said. “A little amped up, a little excited, but you’ve still got to go out and execute. I didn’t execute very well today, for really any pitch. There’s really only room for improvement from here.”
...
“As far as the role, this is something new we didn’t expect to just be seamless,” Roberts said. “Give him an opportunity to learn and get his feet wet. … My faith, my confidence in Dustin hasn’t wavered.”

Photo above via Adam Hagy/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 1983 the Dodgers traded for Rangers starting pitcher Rick Honeycutt. As you know, he would go on to have a long career with the franchise. 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. In 2015 the Dodgers traded for "DAD" Chase Utley from the Phillies in exchange for John Richy and Darnell Sweeney. In 2017 the Dodgers received veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson from the Mets for pitcher Jacob Rhame. He would slash just .161/.288/.366/.654 in 36 games for the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Tex Carleton, Lance Cormier, Josh Fields, Chris Capuano and Ron Roenicke!

Blog Kiosk: 8/6/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

"Help is on the way."

While some complained that the Dodgers didn't do enough to grab a reliever before the trade deadline, others realized that there's Major League-ready talent in the minors itching to show their worth. We recently witnessed the potential of Dustin May, and last night we got a good look at another. Tony Gonsolin made his second career start yesterday and proceeded to blank the Cardinals for six innings. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

In a seemingly never-ending line of standout Dodger rookies, Gonsolin has stood out for his precision. 

“I think Tony walked his first guy tonight in his three outings,” said Justin Turner, who recorded two hits and knocked in a run. “That’s something we talked about around the clubhouse — he makes guys earn it.”

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 1908 St. Louis Cardinals hurler Johnny Lush throws a six-inning no-hitter to beat the Dodgers, 2-0. The game was halted due to rain, but still deemed an official game. In 1961 Muary Wills hit his first career home run when he hit a fourth inning solo homer off Cubs pitcher Jack Curtis to give the Dodgers a 5-1 lead. It only took 1,167 at-bats to hit his first dinger. (boxscore) In 1981, after a seven-week strike, a split-season format is approved by the players; such that the Yankees, A's, Phillies and Dodgers are declared the first-half champions of their respective divisions. They all would then qualify for the divisional series at the end of the season. In 2009 Andre Ethier hit his fifth walk-off hit of the season when he walloped a three-run home run against Braves closer Rafael Soriano to give the Dodgers a 5-4 victory.
• Happy Birthday, Clem Labine, Andy Messersmith & Ron Davis!

Blog Kiosk: 7/15/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

AJ Pollock is doing everything he can to make sure we haven't forgotten him. Since coming back from the IL on Friday he has gone 6-for-14 with two home runs with six RBI's. On Saturday he said, via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“It’s only two games, but I like where I’m at,” Pollock said. “Physically, feel great, my legs feel really good and I’m in a good place health-wise. Hopefully I can have different results than my first go-round. It’s fun to get back. It’s a great group to be part of.”

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 1960 play at Candlestick Park is halted for 24 minutes after Giants first baseman Willie McCovey hits a Don Drysdale pitch in the second inning to shallow left field that no one can see due to thick fog. McCovey is given a "invisible triple." In 2004 Eric Gagne records his 24th save of the season, helping defeat the Diamondbacks, 4-3. The save is his 130th as a Dodger -- breaking Jeff Shaw's record for most career saves in franchise history. In 2017 Cody Bellinger hit for a cycle against the Marlins at Marlins Park -- becoming the first Dodger rookie to have ever done so. You can watch highlights of the game here.
• Happy Birthday, Dan McGann, Bruce Edwards, James Baldwin & Miguel Olivo!

2019 Topps Total - Wave 3 - All the Dodger Cards - Muncy, Urias and Garcia

The third wave of 2019 Topps Total cards are now available and this time there are only three Dodgers available in this printing. They are Max Muncy, Julio Urias and Yimi Garcia. Go here for a complete checklist. A total of 5,547 packs were sold and this translates into a individual card print-run of approximately 555 cards.

BTW, the Yimi Garcia card is his first regular issue-styled offering since the 2015 Strata set (please correct me if I'm wrong). This isn't all that surprising since he's a reliever. These position players oftentimes only get a card during their rookie campaigns -- unless, of course, your a high-level closer. He does, on the other hand, have an 2018 Topps Now card that tells us that he was one of four pitchers to throw a combined no-hitter on May 4, 2018. You can check out that card here.

Base - Wave 3

#208 Max Muncy

2019 Topps Series 2 Flagship Set - All the Dodger Base Cards and Variations

Series 2 is now out in stores, and it includes 11 new Dodger base cards to add to this season flagship set. There are some big names here, like Cody Bellinger, Walker Buehler and Cy Young favorite Hyun-Jin Ryu. On top of that, I believe the Pedro Baez card is his very first flagship base card - please correct me if I'm wrong. Go here for a complete checklist.

BTW, I've included pics of the five six currently known short-printed photo variations that are available --  the most notable being the Bellinger sliding like Superman card.

Base

#364 Kenta Maeda

2019 Panini Leather & Lumber - All the Dodger Cards

A couple weeks ago Panini reintroduced a brand, originally created by Donruss in the 90's, called Leather & Lumber. It features numerous die-cut parallels and plenty of relics to fill your fancy. It also has a checklist that isn't entirely complete. There are triple relic cards available that are were not in their original checklist -- along with a single relic insert set that doesn't appear to exist. Nevertheless, there are a lot of fun looking cards, and if not for the missing team logos this set would rank high as one of my favorites this year. Go here for the published checklist.

You can see most of the Dodger cards below.

Base Set

Gloves

#37 Clayton Kershaw             #44 Walker Buehler

Blog Kiosk: 6/4/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Walker Buehler was brilliant last night during the Dodgers 3-1 victory over the Diamondbacks, but I wanted to take a moment to highlight Kenley Jansen. With his 18th save of the season, he is just 14 saves away from reaching 300 in his career.

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 1964 Sandy Koufax threw his third no-hitter of his career. He blanked the Phillies at Connie Mack Stadium, 3-0. Overall, he recorded 12 strike outs and allowed just one walk. In 1968 Don Drysdale threw his sixth consecutive shutout of the season, extending his scoreless streak to 54 innings, when he defeated the Pirates, 5-0. This is also the day Robert Kennedy made note of Drysdale's efforts in a speech at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles after winning the CA primary. You can watch that portion of the speech here. Soon thereafter, he would be assassinated. In 1972 the Dodgers retired Roy Campanella's number - #39. In 1998 the Dodgers traded Hideo Nomo to the Mets for Dave Mlicki and Greg McMichael. In 1990 Dodgers ace Ramón Martínez struck out 18 Atlanta batters to defeat the Braves, 2-0. His effort tied a club record for strike outs in a game with Sandy Koufax, and was one short of the Major League record.
• Happy Birthday, Lee Magee, George Watkins & Rick Wilkins!