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: 5/11/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Great photo - Bad result. Pete Reiser was out at home. (eBay auction link) Below is what's written on the reverse:

Dusty Dodger Out At Home 

Boston, Mass... Pete Reiser, Dodgers' left fielder made at game try but is declared "out" at the plate in the third inning of the opening game at Braves Field here today. The putout was made on Connie Ryan's throw to Phil Masi. Pee Wee Reese had previously scored on Saunders' fumble. The Boston Braves were trailing the Brooklyn visitors at this stage of the game 2 to 0. (Dated 7.7.1946) (Photo via Myer Ostroff).

Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose this game, 3-2 (boxscore). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1963 Sandy Koufax no-hit the Giants at Dodger Stadium, 8-0 (boxscore). In fact, he had a perfect game going into the eighth, before walking the second batter of the inning. Overall, he recorded four strikeouts, two walks and faced only 28 batters - only one more than the minimum. This was also his second career no-hitter.
• Happy Birthday, Gene Hermanski, Bill Bean, Trent Hubbard & Red Patterson!

Blog Kiosk: 8/8/2019 - Dodgers Links - 'It's unbelievable'

All we do is win! Per Sarah Wexler at Yahoo Sports:

“It just seems like every day, there’s somebody different that you’re pouring Gatorade on,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “It’s really good to see. It’s great for our ballclub -- a testament to their desire, their will to play 27 outs.” 

“It’s unbelievable to be a part of a club where you know you’re never out of it,” said Dustin May, who kept the Dodgers in it with 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball in his second Major League start. “It’s a wonderful feeling.”

The Dodgers beat the Cardinals, 2-1 (boxscore), on their 10th walk-off of the season. This time, it was Russell Martin with the game-winning two-run single up the middle to win.

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 1903 Dodger pitcher Henry Schmidt is thrown out of the game when he angrily threw the Baseball out of the park (Trevor Bauer style). He did this because a run scored while his idiot infielders were arguing a close call. In 1954 Gil Hodges came up to bat in the eight inning three times. He started the inning by tripling, then hit a double his second time up, and finally flied out to center for the last out of the inning. Amazingly, 12 of the 13 runs scored that inning happened with two outs. In 1963 Frank Howard and Bill "Moose" Skowron of the Dodgers become only the second duo in baseball history to hit back-to-back pinch-hit home runs. In 2000 Dodger Stadium got a dose of homophobia. After being seen kissing, a female couple is removed from the stadium and told to never come back due to "lewd behavior". The Dodgers quickly realized what century they were in and profusely apologized -- contributing tickets to various LGBT groups and providing sensitivity training to its employees.
• Happy Birthday, Alanna Rizzo, Clise Dudley, Tot Pressnell & Frank Howard!

2019 National Sports Collectors Convention Promos & Redemptions - The Dodger Cards

Now that the National Sports Collectors Convention (NSCC) has concluded I figured it would be a good time to share pics of the handful of Dodgers' promo and redemption cards made available to collectors.

As you know, all the manufacturers provide 'wrapper redemption' packs to collectors who buy their products at the show. Unfortunately, only two of them issued cards that include a Dodger player -- Topps and Panini America. Below is a look at most of those cards -- not including any of the autographs (none of which have turn up yet). Furthermore, Panini America has not provided a complete checklist of both their silver and gold packs, so there may be other cards available that I am not aware of. Should anything new pop up I will be sure to update this post. In the meantime, check out the known cards below.

BTW, no Dodger players were given out as part of the NSCC VIP program. Attendees had an option of joining a VIP club that entitled members to exclusive VIP promotional cards and free autographs at the convention. Since the show was in Chicago a majority of these VIP promos were of Chicago-based athletes.

The first set I'll share is from Topps 'wrapper redemption' set. Go here for a complete checklist. Only sandy Koufax is available.

2019 Topps Bowman Chrome NSCC Wrapper Redemption

Base

#BNR-SK Sandy Koufax

Blog Kiosk: 8/2/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Will Smith! Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Everyone wants to be in that situation,” Smith said. “I’ve been in that quite a bit lately, and I’ve made the most of it. I’ve got confidence in that situation. It’s encouraging. You know you can do it. You’ve been there before.”
...
“I’m cautious to make this comparison,” Roberts prefaced with a grin, “but (Yasiel) Puig was like this when he came up. That’s the only time I’ll compare Will Smith and Yasiel Puig, but yeah, he’s coming up and that excitement — when he comes up, guys want to watch him.”

Smith hit a game deciding grand slam in the sixth inning to lead the Dodgers towards an 8-2 (boxscore) victory over the Padres.

Photo above via Juan Ocampo/2019 LA Dodgers 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 1938 Dodgers President Larry MacPhail introduced the yellow baseball. It was used during the first game of a doubleheader at Ebbets Field against the Cardinals. The Dodgers won that game, 6-2. The yellow baseball would only be used three more times this season. In 1982 the United States Postal Service unveiled a new 20-cent stamp commemorating Jackie Robinson at a ceremony in Cooperstown, NY. Robinson becomes the first ballplayer to be depicted on the US postage stamp. Check it out on the right.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Hill, Jim Holmes, Bill Posedel, Mike Venafro, Matt Guerrier & Onelki García!

Blog Kiosk: 7/31/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Tony Gonsolin was fire last night. He recorded his first career save by pitching four innings to close out the game -- allowing just three hits, one earned run and recording three strike outs. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“It was all about his fastball command tonight,” said Roberts. “Saved the ‘pen and, just more importantly for Tony, just the confidence. For any pitcher, in this ballpark, it’s a leap of faith, and we showed the confidence and he didn’t let the conditions affect him.”
...
“Pounding fastball down, mixing changeup, using the slider,” said Martin. “Even the first game in Arizona, I thought he threw the ball well, got unlucky with some defense, we didn’t pick him up. Tonight, Coors Field, sometimes guys’ stuff doesn’t act the same. He was lights-out today. If you can do it here, you can do it anywhere.

No good deed goes unpunished. The musical chairs continue for the Dodgers. They have just called up righty reliever Dylan Floro, who's coming off the 10-day IL, and sent righty Tony Gonsolin to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Photo above via David Zalubowski/AP 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 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: 7/30/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's an up-close look at a Dodger stealing home. Featured above is a INP press photo, dated May 16, 1946, of Dodger great Pete Reiser (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

The Dodgers great base stealer Pete Reiser shows his style in this sequence of photos at Ebbets Field today. With Stan Rojak at bat, Reiser makes his dash for home. He leads the league in steals and stealing home has become his specialty.

BTW, this photograph was part of the famed George Michael Collection of vintage baseball sliding pics. 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, Vic Davalillo, Casey Stengel, Chuck Ward, Johnny Rizzo, Carl Doyle, Paul Minner & Ricky Horton!

Blog Kiosk: 7/17/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

That was a tough loss -- especially since we scratched and clawed to not only stay in the game, but to also eventually overtake the lead going into the ninth. Unfortunately, Jansen's woes continue. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Every game stings to lose, especially the way it started,” manager Dave Roberts told SportsNet LA’s Alanna Rizzo. “And for Walker to hold serve and keep us in the game and turn in a quality outing actually. … and the bullpen up until that last inning was very good, and offensively we did some things to keep clawing along, keep getting the game closer, to ultimately the Matt Beaty homer off their closer was a huge hit. So there’s a lot of good takeaways, but ultimately we didn’t win a game.”

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 1954 the Dodgers field the very first starting nine that consist of a majority of black ballplayers for the first time in Major League history. In 1974 Dodger starter Tommy John suffers an arm injury on the mound against the Expos that would eventually lead to a revolutionary new surgery that would be widely known as "Tommy John Surgery" -- to repair a torn ligament in the elbow by replacing it with a ligament taken from another part of the body. The surgery is performed by Dr. Frank Jobe. In 1976 Walter Alson wins his 2,000th game as a manager. His Dodgers defeat the Cubs in Los Angeles, 5-4. Alston would then leave the Dodgers at the end of this season -- finishing with a 2,040-1,613 lifetime mark as skipper.
• Happy Birthday, Eddie Brown!

Blog Kiosk: 8/7/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Wow! This is what I call an action photo.

Featured above is an International News press photo from May 23, 1938 featuring a dramatic play at the plate. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Something to "get up in the air" about -- Ival Goodman, right fielder for Cincinnati, is "Stopped" by the camera as he scored against the Brooklyn Dodgers. Catcher (Babe) Phelps of the Dodgers is waiting expectantly for Ernie Koy's throw. Note the alertness of umpire. The Reds won the game, 6-4.

Check out the eBay auction for the pic here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1915 rookie Dodgers pitcher Ed Appleton committed a grievous error due to a bit of trickery by Cardinals manager Miller Huggins. In the seventh inning of a tied game Huggins, while coaching at third base, called for the ball from Appleton -- 'Let me see that ball'. Appleton obliged and tossed the ball, only to see Huggins step aside to allow ball to roll on the field. A Cardinal runner then scored a go-ahead run. The Dodgers protested, but time out hadn't been called, so the run counted. In 2003 Eric Gagne tied the single season record for consecutive saves to start the season at 38. It also marked the 46th consecutive regular-season save overall.
• Happy Birthday, Adonis Terry, Tom Drake, Rocky Bridges, José Domínguez& Jose De Leon!

Blog Kiosk: 8/3/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Last night's game wasn't a laugher -- it was a statement. The Dodgers scored 21 runs, breaking a stadium record, to defeat the Brewers, 21-5. This offensive explosion was highlighted by 18 hits and seven Dodger dingers (watch here); including a home run cycle (a solo homer, a 2-run homer, a 3-run homer & grand slam). Now, they will play the Astros in a World Series rematch that could also be a showcase for this upcoming October. Per Austin Laymance at MLB.com:

"We'll be ready," Roberts said. "We're excited to play those guys. It's good that there's some offensive energy going into the series."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959 the second All-Star Game of the year is played at the LA Coliseum. Don Drysdale gave up a third inning two-run homer to Yogi Berra to lose the game, 5-3. In 1980 Duke Snider, along with Al Kaline and Chuck Klein, are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1997 Tommy Lasorda, along with Phil Neikro, Nellie Fox and Willie Wells, are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2013 the Dodgers set a franchise record when they won their 13th consecutive game on the road by defeating the Cubs, 3-0.
• Happy Birthday, Gus Getz, Jim Gott, Sid Bream & Kevin Elster!

Blog Kiosk: 8/2/2018 - Dodgers Links - Dozier's Dynamic Debut

Wow! By the looks of it, we should've gotten Dozier a couple of years ago -- 'cause last night was a whirlwind of a debut. He went 3-for-4 with a single, double and a home run that resulted in a curtain call (watch it here). Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider: 

“I love the only 395 to center,” said Dozier, who’s used to it being 404 feet to center field at Minnesota’s Target Field. “That’s a good thing. I’m not used to that. It was cool.”

Of course, the night really belonged to Yasmani Grandal. He walloped two homers; including a walk-off two-run dinger in the 10th to win, 6-4.

“He’s been one of the hottest hitters in the National League for quite some time,” Roberts said.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 Dodgers President Larry MacPhail introduced the yellow baseball. It was used during the first game of a doubleheader at Ebbets Field against the Cardinals. The Dodgers won that game, 6-2. The yellow baseball would only be used three more times this season. In 1982 the United States Postal Service unveiled a new 20-cent stamp commemorating Jackie Robinson at a ceremony in Cooperstown, NY.  Robinson becomes the first ballplayer to be depicted on the US postage stamp. Check it out on the right.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Hill, Jim Holmes, Bill Posedel, Mike Venafro, Matt Guerrier & Onelki García!

Dodgers Promo's from the 2017 NSCC -- Beckett, Topps and Panini

The 38th annual National Sports Collectors Convention, dubbed "The National", closed its doors a week ago in Chicago, and it included its fair-share of promotional cards for folks to chase after. First of all, there was a VIP program attendees could join that provided each member exclusive promo cards just for going through the door. Notably, Leaf Trading cards VIP promo featured Vin Scully (you can see that here). Other promo's were available at individual booths -- either as wrapper redemption's, a sale incentive or just for free (if you ask). Below are most of the Dodger promos given out by Beckett, Topps and Panini America that I've been able to track down

First of all, Beckett ran a sort-of scavenger hunt at The National. They produced ten different promos fashioned after their magazine covers, and partnered up with nine different retailers at the show to give them away. Only one of the cards had a Dodger on it, and it happened to also include Aaron Judge as well. See it below. It was handed out by Blowout Cards at the convention. Go here for a complete Beckett promo checklist.

Beckett

Beckett Cover Promos

#4 Aaron Judge / Cody Bellinger (on reverse)

Check Out This New Vin Scully Card - From the 2017 National Sports Collectors Convention

This past weekend was the 38th annual National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago, and as collectors know it's an event that features numerous promos and giveaways. Fans flock to the booths run by Topps, Panini and Upper Deck in order to open up limited edition packs filled with exclusive cards, relics and autographs. Collectors also signed up for a special VIP passes that not only provided free autographs, but also a handful of promo cards to take home. One of those promo's is shown here.

Blog Kiosk: 8/8/2016 - Dodgers Links - Honeycutt, Segedin and AGon!

Much like the Olympics in Rio, one record after another was set or surpassed this weekend at Dodger Stadium.  First, on Saturday rookie infielder Corey Seager hit his 31st double of the season; thereby setting a new Los Angeles Dodgers record for doubles by rookie.  He jumped over former Dodger first baseman Eric Karros, who established the record in 1992 during his Rookie of the Year season.  Per Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA:

“It’s cool. The long history of the Dodgers it’s just cool to get in the books no matter how it is. It’s exciting for sure,” Seager said.

Then on Sunday Adrian Gonzalez become the 140th ballplayer in Major League history to hit 300 hoe runs.  Per Jack Baer at MLB.com:

"I've seen a lot of those homers with me and against me -- 300, that's a big number," manager Dave Roberts said. "He's a guy that is very underrated right now in his career and the stability that he brings to a club. To get that big hit for us, for us to get the extra insurance, but also for him personally, I think that he doesn't really thrive and care much about individual accomplishments, but that's a big number and a lot to be said for his career."

Far more surprising was the performance of longtime minor leaguer Rob Segedin.  After toiling for six years within the Yankees minor league system he finally got into his very first Major League game on Sunday, and he did not disappoint.  Segedin went two for three with a double and set a club record for with four RBI's during a Major League debut.  Per Jack Baer and Quinn Roberts at MLB.com:

"It was great to see him drive in a few runs, a couple big, huge hits," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "When you imagine a debut, 50,000 people, big hits and contributing to a huge win, players going crazy for him, it's something that he'll obviously remember. A non-roster invitee this spring and had a great year in Triple-A, he earned that opportunity and took advantage of it today."

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

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1957 Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley officially announced that the team would be moving to Los Angeles.  In 2000 Dodgers starting pitcher Darren Dreifort hit two home runs in a single game.  Infamously, on this same day a female couple was asked to to leave Dodger Stadium after being seen kissing.  They were told to never "set foot back on the premises" for "lewd behavior".  My, have times changed.

Blog Kiosk: 8/4/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

That was truly forgettable.  Last nights game was a laugher, and unfortunately it was the fans in Blue who went to bed unhappy.

Maybe it was the Coors Field air, or the general lack of experience the Dodgers threw on the mound that did us in.  After all, it's hard to expect the best when we basically put in a couple young (and still learning arms) to pitch to a suddenly red-hot Rockies club in Colorado.  They had to know the balls would be jumping out of the park, and probably hoped we'd do similar damage to the opposition.  That came to pass, though.  Per Ken Gurnick and Thomas Harding at MLB.com:

"Those guys the last couple of days threw the ball well," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said about Colorado's starting pitchers. "You've got to tip your hat to Jon Gray yesterday and this kid today, they threw well and kept us at bay."

And our starting pitcher, Brock Stewart, couldn't figure out how to pitch in the high altitude.

"Before the game in the bullpen, everything was working, and I got in the game and everything stayed flat," said Stewart. "Just an off night, for sure."

That's an understatement.  The Dodgers got walloped by the Rockies, 12-2.  They remain just two games behind the Giants in the division race and continue to hold a two game lead in the wild-card race.  Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1941 Brooklyn Dodger Mickey Owens becomes the first catcher to record three foul popups in one frame.  In 1948 Ernie Harwell, a Hall of Fame broadcaster for mostly the Tigers, called his first Major League game.  He briefly took over for a sick Red Barber in Brooklyn's broadcast booth.

Blog Kiosk: 7/8/2016 - Dodgers Links - Seager, Maddux and Hyun-Jin Ryu

After months of waiting the Korean "Monster" finally got back onto the Dodgers mound.  In late May, nearly 14 months ago, Ryu underwent surgery on his left shoulder to repair a torn labrum.  Since that time he's worked tirelessly to get back to Los Angeles, and I think it's fair to say that the Dodgers are pleased.  Regardless of the lackluster results they received last night. Per Sarah Wexler at Dodgers Digest:

“Getting him back out there was a victory in itself,” Dave Roberts said. “I think the bigger answer will be how he feels tomorrow and the next day going forward. But to see Ryu take the mound tonight was great.” 

Ryu could only go 4 2/3 innings; having given up eight hits, six earned runs, two walks and four strike outs on 89 total pitches thrown.  Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

But the Dodgers were realistic and not expecting total domination, just a baseline from which to move forward. They got that, seeing Ryu work through an opponent with a fastball that ranged from 89-92 mph, and offspeed pitches that sometimes dipped into the upper 60s.

"That's how he was before, pitching in all spectrums of velocity when he was so dominate for us in 2013, 2014," said catcher A.J. Ellis, who was pleased to see his old battery-mate make a return to the mound. "He knows how to pitch. He's such an amazing athlete out there on the mound, he has such an amazing feel and great body control. He adds and subtracts really well. I'm just really excited to see him out there today."

Dodgers lost to the Padres, 6-0, and are now 6.5 games behind the Giants.  They are also effectively ties with the Mets for the Wild Card spot.  Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1949 Giants infielder Hank Thompson faced Dodgers pitcher Don Newcombe at the plate; marking the first time a black batter hit against a black pitcher in Major League history.  In 1980 the All-Star Game is played at Dodger Stadium.  The National League wins for the ninth consecutive time.
• Happy Birthday, Ferdinand Abell (one of the original founders of the Dodgers)!
  

Blog Kiosk: 7/7/2016 - Dodgers Links - McCarthy, Scully and Chase Utley

Yesterdays game had it all.  There was an opening inning homer by Justin Turner to give the Dodgers an early lead.  The opposition mounted a vigorous comeback that included several big hits from former Angel Mark Trumbo.  Although starting pitching was lackluster for both team, they ended up combining for a total of 36 strike outs on the day.  BTW, nine innings was not enough to decide the game.  They had to go to extras.  All the while, Chase Utley, an aging 37-year old shortstop, thought to be already over the hill, hammered out six hits throughout the day.  A feat last accomplished by Shawn Green in 2002.  Per Jack Baer and Brittany Ghiroli at MLB.com:

"Just found some open ground out there," Utley said. "Overall it was a good game. Obviously, we're disappointed with the outcome, but we battled. Our relievers did a great job keeping us in the game. Had a lot of guys on base, a few big hits, could have used a couple more."

Via Jack Baer at MLB.com:

"Chase has been great," manager Dave Roberts said. "He finds a way to compete, put the barrel on the ball, and he found some outfield grass today. He's just a pro. The way he conducts his at-bats, I think he got three two-strike hits. Just used the whole field today."

Unfortunately, the exploits of Mr. Greybeard was not enough.  In 14 innings the Orioles outlasted the Dodgers and won, 6-4.  Go here to watch Dave Roberts talk about the game with Alanna Rizzo.

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

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1959 Don Drysdale pitches a perfect three innings during the All-Star game in Pittsburgh.  In 2004 Kazuhisa Ishii tosses a one-hitter against the Diamondbacks to defeat Arizona 11-0.
• Happy Birthday, Jeff Shaw, Glenn Hoffmann and Brandon McCarthy!

Blog Kiosk: 7/1/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kenta Maeda killed it yesterday.  In six innings of work he scattered three hits and gave up the Brewers lone run of the day to lead the Dodgers to a victory over Milwaukee, 8-1.  Per Ken Gurnick and Adam McCalvy at MLB.com:

"Kenta had his breaking ball working, he threw good changeups," said manager Dave Roberts. "For him to give us six innings [was] huge for the 'pen."

No doubt he was aware what he needed to do.  Via Doug Padilla at ESPN:

“It hurts to lose Kershaw,” Maeda said afterward through an interpreter. “But my job is to throw as many innings as possible regardless and help the team win.”

BTW, Corey Seager continues to rake.  He slammed his 17th home run of the season (a two-run shot), walked and singled to extend his hitting streak to thirteen games.  Watch him chat about his day with Alanna Rizzo here.

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

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1948 Roy Campanella made his Major League debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers.  He caught Ralph Branca and hit a double and two singles.  In 2011 Dee Gordon completed a stolen base cycle.  During the seventh inning he reached base on a force out, stole second, then stole third, and finally swiped home with Casey Blake at the plate.  Gordon is the 40th Major Leaguer to accomplish this in the same frame.

Blog Kiosk: 9/23/2015 - Dodger Links - RIP, Yogi Berra

RIP, Yogi Berra.

He was an incredible opponent and an even better person.  Roundly beloved by just about everyone, Yogi Berra will be sorely missed.  For sure, his "Yogism's" will live on forever in folklore - told by one generation to another for the next thousand years or more.

In honor of him I dug up the above press photo from the 1951 All-Star Game.  It originally comes from eBay.  As you can see, Yogi is sliding home as the ball sails past the bewildered Dodger legend Roy Campanella.

You should also check out Mark Langill's story at Dodger Insider about the famous steal of home by Jackie Robinson on Berra during the 1955 World Series, here.  Below are more links to check out:

• Dodger writer Howard Cole shares his fantastic story.  Via Howard Cole at CNN iReport, "A 25-year Transplant Survivor Shares His Story, and His Gratitude for the Gift of Life."
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Dodgers hopeful for return to full health." 

"I definitely would like to play with a full boat, a full complement of players healthy with some type of rhythm and swinging the bat well," (Mattingly) said. "Unfortunately, we've got a few guys banged up, and we're not a lot different than a lot of other teams. We're heading toward 180, 190 games including Spring Training. That's a lot of baseball, and everybody is a little banged up right now."

• This is good news.  Via Vincent Samperio at Dodgers Nation, "Justin Turner Calls MRI Results The ‘Best Case’

After sitting out two games, the 30-year-old underwent an MRI and discussed the results. The MRI showed tendinitis and a bone bruise in his knee. Based on that, Turner believes he will be back in the starting lineup in a couple days. He was happy with what the examination showed. “This was pretty much the best case we could’ve had,” he said. “But, there’s not really a whole lot medicine-wise to speed it up. So, it’s kind of a good-case, bad-case thing.” 

• I would prefer they not use him in Colorado - if it can be helped.  After all, I see no reason to risk anything now.  Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen expects to be available to pitch at Coors Field."

Jansen's history of health scares in Colorado could be a problem considering he is far and away their most effective reliever and the Dodgers are hoping to clinch the NL West title there this weekend to make next week's four-game series in San Francisco an afterthought. Jansen said he will be ready if called upon at Coors.

"I'm good to go," Jansen said. "It's not an issue for me there any more."

• ICYMI:  The Dodgers have added Adam Liberatore to the active roster.  Per a Dodger press release:

Liberatore has gone 2-2 with a 4.15 ERA in 35 games with the Dodgers this year, last appearing on July 20 at Atlanta. After making his big league debut on April 17, Liberatore opened his career with nine consecutive scoreless appearances and, overall, he has limited opposing hitters to a .222 batting average with 26 strikeouts in 26.0 innings in the Majors this year. He did not allow a run in his last five appearances with Oklahoma City, last pitching in a postseason game against Round Rock on Sept. 11, and went 0-1 with three saves and a 3.74 ERA in 19 Triple-A games.

• I thought I would pass this link on.  For a bunch of great memorabilia photographs from the recent National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago go to the Sports Antique website, here.  There are hundred of great pics to go through.
• Here is something fun.  Check out a custom made Lego build of Dodger Stadium available for sale at Stadium Brick.com, here.  It consist of over 2,500 bricks.  

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2015 Panini America & Topps National Convention Promos - The Dodger Cards

With the National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago having concluded last weekend I figured it would be a good time to take a look at some of the Dodger cards available through various wrapper redemption and VIP card giveaways at both Panini America and Topps.  Check them all out below.  BTW, this might not be a complete listing.

Below I take a look at the Panini cards that are available.  Unfortunately, a complete checklist isn't available, but Cardboard Connection does it's best to catalog everything they know about.  Here is a checklist for the wrapper redemption cards, and here is a checklist for the VIP Party cards.

Panini VIP Promo Set

Panini gave a limited 6-card set to all attendees who were a part of the conventions VIP program.  The set includes Kris Bryant, Marcus Mariota, Jahlil Okafor, Karl Anthony Towns, Jameis Winston and Joc Pederson.

#2 Joc Pederson