2018 Topps Heritage High Number - The Dodgers Base Cards

Here is a look at all the Dodgers' base cards found in packs of Topps 2018 Heritage High Number brand. Unfortunately, this product does not include the more notable recent Dodger acquisitions.

There's no Machado. There's no Dozier. There's no Freese.

Instead, we get Cingrani and a player recently traded away -- Logan Forsythe.

There is, on the other hand, numerous Matt Kemp cards available (base, variations, etc.). So, it's got that going for it. Go here to see a complete checklist. I'll have pics of most of the inserts tomorrow, and those cards are far more interesting than the Dodger base cards.

Base

#520 Tony Cingrani              #621 Ross Stripling

Blog Kiosk: 8/1/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Brian Dozier is now in the house. Per Bill Shaikin at the LA Times:

The first call Tuesday afternoon came from Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations. Players have 72 hours to report to a new team, but Friedman asked Dozier if he would consider hustling to Los Angeles for a game that would start in six hours. 

“Absolutely,” Dozier said. “I don’t like days off. No days off.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1906 Brooklyn hurler Harry McIntire lost his no-hit bid in the 10th inning  when he yielded a single to Pirates second baseman Claude Ritchey. He and the Dodgers would then lose the game in the 13 inning due to an unearned run, 1-0. In 1924 Dazzy Vance struck out seven consecutive Cub batters to set a major league record. The Brooklyn Robins would win the game, 4-0. In 1957 Gil Hodges hit not only his 13th grand slam of his career to set a new National League record, but it also proved to be the last grand slam in the history of the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 2015 Clayton Kershaw battled Mike Trout, marking the first time that reigning MVPs had faced each other. Trout would go 0-for-3 against Kersh; including a first inning strike out, as the Dodgers defeat the Angels, 3-1.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Shaute, Howard Freigau, Myron White, Dave Anderson& Brian Bohanon! 

Blog Kiosk: 7/30/2018 - Dodgers Links - Buy a #KCancer T-Shirt!

Over the weekend the Dodgers were witness to some lunacy. The hometown teams announcers complained about the Dodgers' pregame batting practice attire (see pic above via Sara Morton/MLB.com at Dodger Insider). Per Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

Joe Simpson: But if I were a Dodgers fan, I’d be embarrassed. And I don’t know how Major League Baseball allows such attire when the gates are open and the fans are watching. Chase Utley, I have nothing but respect for him, his whole career, thinking he’s a great player and I thought he always played the game the right way. That was an embarrassment what he had on today during practice.

So, he's angry that some of the players wore #KCancer t-shirts? Are you kidding me? BTW, you can purchase your own t's here. The sale of this t-shirt will benefit  San Juan Children’s Hospital and the Jason Motte Foundation. 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 2014 the Dodgers received infielder Darwin Barney from the Cubs for Jonathan Martinez and cash. 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, Casey Stengel, Chuck Ward, Johnny Rizzo, Carl Doyle, Paul Minner & Ricky Horton!

2018 Topps Big League Baseball - All the Dodgers Cards

Topps newest attempt to create an affordable Baseball card brand geared to towards young collectors is here. It is called 2018 Big League Baseball, and 19 Dodgers' are available in the 400 card base set. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

Notably, there are two base variations available -- Corey Seager and Kenley Jansen -- and they are featured wearing 2017 Players Weekend uniforms.

Below is a look at most of the Dodger cards found in packs.

Base

#15 Cody Bellinger                   #36 Yasiel Puig

Blog Kiosk: 5/15/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is one of what must have been numerous different conceptual drawings put together by architects for the O'Malley's. The drawing above, recently shared by MLB Cathedrals on twitter, is dated 1957 and was created by a local father and son duo of Stiles and Robert Clements.

Stiles Clements is famous for his art deco and streamline moderne styles in Los Angeles. He designed the El Capitan Theater Building, the Mayan Theater, Adamson House in Malibu, Samson Uniroyal Tire Factory (present day Citadel Outlets mall), the Wiltern Theatre and Jefferson High School. His son, Robert, had designed more than 110 buildings on Wilshire Boulevard alone.

BTW, Dodger Stadium was designed by New York based architect and civil engineer, Emil Praeger. Below are more links to check out

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 the Dodgers purchase starting pitcher Sal "the Barber" Maglie from the Indians. 
• Happy Birthday, Alex Verdugo, Jack Corcoran, Jimmy Wasdell, Al McBean, Bill North & Josh Beckett!

Blog Kiosk: 5/14/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

(Lasorda & Gibson, via Jon SooHoo)

At the least the Dodgers couldn't lose the Alumni/Old-Timers Game this weekend. Featured above is the 1988 World Champion Dodgers in attendance at this past Saturdays game. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s been a rush for me, because I think back so fondly about 1988,” (Ricky) Horton said. “It was such a special thing. You realize and remember it’s not about what you did, but about the people you did it with. This kind of deal reminds you, and you just jump right back into the relationships with Jay Howell and Orel Hershiser and John Tutor and guys I spent … every day with, doing something that was pretty darn cool. I’m very thankful the Dodgers included me in this. The Dodgers are such a classy organization and they’re doing it right.”

Photo above and on the right via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1968 Don Drysdale shutout the Cubs at Dodgers Stadium, 1-0. This victory was the first of six straight shutouts thrown by Drysdale that would eventually lead to him setting a consecutive scoreless streak at 58 2/3 innings. On a side note, on this day Walter Johnson sees his consecutive scoreless streak come to an end at 55 2/3 innings in 1913. This was the record Drysdale broke 55 years later. In 2011 hard-luck pitcher Chad Billingsley and the Dodgers lose a tough one to the Diamondbacks when they give up just one run on one hit to lose, 1-0. This is the first time the club has lost when giving up only one hit since 1914.
• Happy Birthday, Tony Smith, Johnny Babich & Chink Zachary!

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Jon Weisman Book Signing and Q&A -- Forsythe, Barnes, Hernandez and Russell Early Next Week

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

---------------------------

Blog Kiosk: 5/2/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Wake up! Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It doesn't matter what month it is," said Kershaw. "If you're 10 games out, you better start playing well."

Photo above via Joe Cortez at Dodger Insider/MLB.com. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1928 Giants manager John McGraw does the unusual. In that afternoons game against the Dodgers he calls for an intentional walk with the bases loaded and two outs to drive in a run in the ninth inning to make the score 2-1. Giants starter Larry Benton then struck out the next batter, Harry Riconda, to get the victory. In 1975 the Dodgers traded Geoff Zahn and Eddie Solomon to the Cubs for starting pitcher Burt Hooton. In 1995 Hideo Nomo made his first major league start. He would pitch five innings of one-hit ball against the Giants in a no-decision. The Dodgers would eventually lose the game in the 15th inning, 4-3. 
• Happy Birthday, Larry Cheney!

Welcome to the Blue, Breyvic Valera!

As you certainly know by now, Logan Forsythe was put on the 10-day DL, so the Dodgers called up infielder Breyvic Valera (#33) from Triple-A Oklahoma City over the weekend. Since then he has appeared in two games with the club as a pinch hitter -- walking once and lining out to right field. Per a Dodgers press release:

Valera, 26, has appeared in seven games with the OKC Dodgers this season and has gone 6-for-19 (.316) with six runs, two doubles and six RBI along with a .417 on-base percentage. Valera, who is set to make his Dodger debut, was acquired by Los Angeles on April 1 in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Blog Kiosk: 4/16/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Weekend Odds and Ends

April 15th is one of the best days in Baseball. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It gives us a chance to get out of our little bubble and get a little perspective,” manager Dave Roberts said before the Dodgers’ 7–2 win, which snapped a three-game skid and marked their first victory against the Diamondbacks this year. “I know that word (perspective) is thrown around a lot, but yeah, when you talk about Jackie Robinson and being a Dodger, it’s a little, ‘Man, things aren’t that bad.’ For us, for me personally, you need that sometimes.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1975 newly signed free agent and soon-to-be Hall of fame pitcher Juan Marichal made his last appearance in a game when he started for the Dodgers against the Reds. He would throw 2.1 innings and give up four runs. He would retire soon afterwards. In 1983 former Dodger Steve Garvey appeared in his 1,118th consecutive game to break the National League record. He broke the record as a Padre, but played 1,107 of those games in Dodger Blue.
• Happy Birthday, Ned Colleti, Paul Waner, Babe Phelps, Sergio Robles & Paco Rodríguez!

2018 Topps Gypsy Queen - All the Dodgers Base Cards

New in stores today is Topps 2018 Gypsy Queen Baseball card brand. Named after a late 19th century tobacco set, Gypsy Queen offers vintage looking designs and a guaranteed two autographs per hobby box. Below are all of the Dodgers' base cards in the set. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base

#76 Chris Taylor               #112 Logan Forsythe

2018 Topps Series 1 Baseball - Check Out All the Dodgers Base Cards

First, we had the FanFest. Now, we collectors can rejoice at the release of Topps' 2018 flagship Baseball card set.

As you certainly know, today marks the official release of Topps Series 1 Baseball, and I've got pics of all the Dodger base cards to share. I also have pics of the known short prints/variations. Check them out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Of note, there are an extraordinary number of horizontal Dodger cards (9 of 17 cards). Also, both Walker Buehler and Alex Verdugo are included in this base set.

Base

#2 Clayton Kershaw LL

#35 Logan Forsythe           #42 Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 1/30/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Justin Turner hosted the third annual Justin Turner Golf Classic yesterday afternoon. Per Ryan Walton at True Blue LA:

“To see how much this event has grown in just three years has been amazing to us,” said Kourtney Turner. “Sponsors have been reaching out to us wanting to get involved after they heard what we’re doing in the community. They want to be a part of it and it’s incredible to us.” 

Monday was the first time in the three years that Turner himself has actually played in the event. The Dodger third baseman was anxiously awaiting his chance to play while he and his wife personally put together gift bags in their garage Sunday night.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2008 pitcher DJ Houton is sold to the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks (Japan Pacific). In 2017 the Dodgers traded Carlos Frias to the Indians for cash. 
• Happy Birthday, Davey Johnson, Red Smyth, Mal Mallette, Sandy Amoros, Charlie Neal & John Lindsey!

Blog Kiosk: 11/7/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

"They're Signed with the Navy"

In wartime all must serve -- even ballplayers. Featured here are two Brooklyn Dodgers who have joined the Armed Forces. Check out Hugh Casey and Pee Wee Reese in the midst of putting on their Navy Baseball uniform. Per the description on the reverse:

They wear different uniforms now but Hugh Casey, (left), and Pee Wee Reese, former Brooklyn Dodgers' pitcher and shortstop respectively, are still playing ball -- but now, it's for Uncle Sam. They're batting 'em out at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk and are the nucleus of one of the best service team in the country.

Dated September 12, 1943, this vintage US Navy press photo from ACME was on auction at RMY, but did not sell. Check out the listing here. Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Joe Hatten, Dick Stuart, Rich Rodas & Orlando Mercado!

2017 Topps Now - World Series Edition - #833, #837, #838, #839 &840 - Game 4

I'm extremely late with this, so I apologize for that. Here is a post featuring the 2017 Topps Now cards released in relation to Saturday's Game 4 victory - tying the series up at two games apiece. First up is an Alex Wood card that celebrates his outstanding start. He went 5.2 innings to stymie the Astros and help the Dodgers hold on for a victory. Go here to check it out and order. At the time of this post there is still a couple of hours to order. Also, there are two different autograph/relic limited edition cards also available of Wood (as well as Cody Bellinger), but they are all sold out now. Per the description on the reverse of the Wood card:

Heading into Game 4 of the World Series down 2-1, the Dodgers needed a strong outing from starter Alex Wood, and Wood more than delivered. Wood threw 5.2 inning to start the game, becoming the first Dodgers pitcher in history to reach that mark in a World Series game.

Blog Kiosk: 10/24/2017 - Dodgers Links - It's World Series Day!

Congrats!

On the eve of the 2017 World Series Sporting News announced that Cody Bellinger is the recipient of the Sporting News' 2017 Rookie of the Year award. As you may know, SN has been giving out this award since 1946. Per Jason Foster at the Sporting News:

Bellinger, 22, who didn't reach the majors until late April, wasn't even guaranteed a full-time job upon his call-up. At the time, the Dodgers were awaiting the return of injured players such as Joc Pederson, Franklin Gutierrez and Logan Forsythe, and manager Dave Roberts said Bellinger probably wouldn't be with the team for the long haul even if he performed well. 

 But sometimes you've just got to be so good that they can't ignore you.

Bellinger did indeed stick around for the long haul, quickly surged to the top of the National League's rookie class, made the All-Star team and ultimately left everyone else in a homer-filed wake. When the dust settled on Oct. 1, Bellinger led the Dodgers in home runs (39; a team rookie record), RBIs (97) and slugging percentage (.581; also a team rookie record). 

Graphic above via the Sporting News. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1963 Sandy Koufax is named the unanimous winner of the Cy Young. In 1972 Dodgers great and Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson died of an heart attack at the age of 53 at his home in North Stamford, CT. In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in Game 4 of the World Series, 8-7, to tie the series up at two games apiece.   In 1986 Dodgers shortstop Bill Russell announced his retirement from the game after an 18-year Major League career. 
• Happy Birthday, Charlie Jones, Eddie Stack, Harry Smythe, Ralph Onis, FP Santangelo, Wilton Guerrero & Rafael Furcal!

2017 Topps Now - World Series Matchup Cards - Dodgers vs. Astros

Today, it has been announced that a ten-card 2017 Topps Now World Series Matchup card set is now available for order. As the name suggest, each card compares the starters for the main top ten positions, and it offers bonus cards should the person highlighted earn the World Series MVP, has a 3 homer game or throws a complete game. So, you can pick and choose which one you want (and maybe get some bonus cards), or you can purchase a full-ten card bundle for $59.99 (go here to order). BTW, each card can be purchased individually for $9.99, and is discounted heavily should you buy a larger lot of the cards.

From what I can tell, the player or position favored in the matchup appears on the front of the card. Only three positions do not have the Dodgers favored, with the shortstop position left blank for the Dodgers (due to Seager's uncertainty at the time of this announcement). Below is a look at all ten cards.

Starting Pitching:

This card pits Kershaw, Darvish, Wood and Hill versus Keuchel, Verlander, McCullers and Morton. Go here to check it out and order.

Fantasy Dodger Cards Galore - Game 3 Highlights

Here is my second batch of NLDS fantasy Baseball cards. This time I feature pics grabbed from all over the 'net from the Dodgers Game 3 victory on Monday. Go here to check out my fantasy cards from Game 1 & 2.

My favorite is the 1973 Topps card showing Yasiel Puig saluting Cody Bellinger. You can see that at the very bottom.

Fantasy Dodger Cards Featuring Pics from Game 1 & 2

This series thus far ain't no fantasy, but the cards you see here are.

Dodger Insider shared a whole bunch of great photos from both Games 1 & 2 over the weekend, so I felt compelled to jump onto photoshop to make a bunch of fantasy Baseball cards. Check them all out below. This first crop are Game 2. Game 1 fantasy cards are at the bottom.

Blog Kiosk: 9/26/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

100 wins never felt so good.

Last night the Dodgers, for the first time since 1974, won their 100th contest of the season -- reaching the mark for the seventh time in franchise history. Furthermore, for just the fourth time in their history they have recorded more than 300 doubles as a team, and are just seven double short of tying a club record. Per AJ Cassavell and Josh Thornton at MLB.com:

"It's quite an accomplishment," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said about 100 wins. "The guys have done some great things, the coaching, the training staff. It's been a great team effort and it's taken a lot of players to get to this point. We haven't accomplished our ultimate goal, but to step back and say we won 100 baseball games is quite a feat."

Better yet, the victory over the Padres saw Yu Darvish's best outing in Blue. He went seven innings, struck out nine San Diego batters, walked none, allowed just two hits and one earned run. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I think I’m in a really good position, physically and mentally,” Darvish said Monday through a translator.

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

• 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.
• Happy Birthday, Bernie Neis & Brian Traxler!