2020 Negro Leagues Legends Baseball Card Set - Jackie and Campy

Here is something completely new. Featured is a Negro League Baseball card set that uses images created by noted Baseball artist Graig Kreindler. In fact, the original portraits can be seen at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) as part of its Centennial Celebration until July 31, 2020. You can purchase a complete set here, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, and the Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in Milwaukee. Retail price is $59.95 and it is limited to 5,000 sets total. Below is a look at future Dodgers, Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella. Unfortunately, ballplayers like Don Newcombe or Joe Black are not a part of the set. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

Base

#10 Jackie Robinson - 1945 Kansas City Monarchs (road)

2020 Topps Tier One - The Dodger Cards

Last week saw the release of Topps 2020 Tier One Baseball card brand. This premium product will cost you about $150 for a box of three cards, and you are guaranteed that two of them will be autographed. Go here for a complete checklist.

There are plenty of Dodger youngsters available to chase after -- Dustin May, Gavin Lux and Will Smith. Veterans available include Max Muncy and Clayton Kershaw. BTW, there are a whole bunch of "1 of 1" cards in this brand, but unfortuantely I have not yet seen one Dodger rarity yet.

Break Out Autographs

#BOA-DM Dustin May        #BOA-DMA Dustin May

Blog Kiosk: 5/13/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's an undated photograph, likely from the mid to late 60's, featuring Dodger Hall of Famers Roy Campanella and Jackie Robinson perusing through Jackie's book Baseball Has Done It (eBay auction link).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 the famous 'embrace that shook the baseball world' occurred at Crosley Field in Cincinnati. The Dodgers, facing the Reds for the first time this season at their home stadium, witness a barrage of racial slurs directed at Jackie Robinson. Team captain Pee Wee Reese, seeing this, engages with Jackie on the field and then put his arm around his shoulder, a gesture that stuns and silences the crowd (or so the story goes). In 1952 Vin Scully experienced something unbelievable. As a youth he dreamed of being a broadcaster. A classmate named Larry Miggins shared a similar dream with him, but he wanted to play Major League Baseball. So on this day Miggins, now a outfielder with the Cardinals, was at-bat with Vin Scully calling the game for the Dodgers in Brooklyn, and proceeded to hit his first career home run in front of his close friend (boxscore). Tom Verducci at Sports Illustrated wrote a bit about it here.

“Incredible, isn’t it?” Scully says. “I mean, really, absolutely incredible. And probably the toughest home run call that I ever had to call because I was a part of it. He hit the home run against Preacher Roe, I’m pretty sure. And I had to fight back tears. I called ‘home run,’ and then I just sat there with this big lump in my throat watching him run around the bases. I mean, how could that possibly happen?”

• Happy Birthday, Jimmy Archer, Carden Gillenwater, Don LeJohn, Bobby Valentine, Johnny Roseboro and John Ely!

2020 Topps 'Turn Back the Clock' -- Campy's 40 RBI in 30 Games

1953 could not have started any better for Roy. After enduring a year filled with injuries, Campanella began the new season with a single to left field off of Pittsburgh hurler Murry Dickson and just never stopped hitting.

During that Opening Day game he went 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI. Over his first ten games he slashed .368/.442/.684/1.126 with three homers and 17 RBI. At twenty games Campanella exploded -- going .372/.437/.769/1.206 with nine home runs and 33 RBI. In thirty games he established a new Major League record by recording his 40th RBI in thirty games -- a mark that would not be eclipsed until Tino Martinez did it with the Yankees in 1997. BTW, he slashed .333/.420/.711/1.130 with twelve home runs and 44 RBI during those thirty games -- no doubt, Herculean type of numbers.

2020 Topps Definitive Collection - All the Dodger Cards

A couple of weeks back Topps released their super-premium brand, 2020 Topps Definitive Collection. For the price of about $1500 (holy smokes) you can get a single pack of eight cards -- six of which are autographed. Go here for a complete checklist.

As always, this set features clean and crisp background designs -- always in white with numerous colored parallels available. Also, all autographs are on-card (with exception of the cut signatures).

Below is a look at most of the Dodger cards available. I make special note of a Joc Pederson relic card with a game-used jersey piece attached.

Definitive Rookie Autographs

#DRA-DM Dustin May         #DRA-DMA Dustin May

Blog Kiosk: 4/30/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Roy Campanella and Johnny Podres are all smiles.

The 1955 World Series didn't start out so great. The Dodgers lost the first two games on the road, but fought back to win Game 3 at Ebbets Field -- on the back of a complete game by Podres and the stellar bat of Campanella. Featured above is a brief look at the post game celebration from Game 3. Per a descriptor on the reverse (eBay auction link):

Roy Campanella, left, and Johnny Podres celebrate 8-3 victory over Yankees -- Catcher backed up pitcher's fine hurling with three big hits, including home run.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1935 the Dodgers signed 21-year old amateur free agent Rod Dedeaux. He would later go on to become the head baseball coach at the University of Southern California (USC) for 45 season -- winning 11 national titles and 28 conference championships. In 1940 Brooklyn tied a Major League record for consecutive wins to start a season at nine victories when Dodgers hurler Tex Carlton no-hit the Cincinnati Reds, 3-0. In 2014 the Dodgers won their 10,000th game in franchise history when they defeated the Twins, 6-4, behind the pitching of Zack Greinke.
• Happy Birthday, Paul Wachtel, Phil Garner, Jeff Reboulet & José Peraza!

Blog Kiosk: 4/29/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

This is the best photo I've seen all year, via former Dodger GM Fred Claire on twitter. From L-R: Ron Roenicke, Mike Scioscia, Vin Scully, Fred Claire and Mickey Hatcher.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 closer Eric Gagne is suspended for two games and fined -- even though he was on the disabled list. He had been ejected on April 6th for heckling home plate umpire Bill Hohn. Per league rules, any player on the DL may not take part in any activity during the game. In 2011 Casey Blake is placed on the DL with a staph infection in his left elbow. He would have surgery and be out of commission for a month.
• Happy Birthday, Pat Deisel & Ron Washington! 

2020 Topps Transcendent Collection - Hall of Fame Edition - All the Dodgers

A $20,000 box of cards was just released by Topps. It's their Transcendent Collection brand and it is the Hall of Fame edition and is limited to only 50 boxes.

Each box consist of a 50 card Hall of Fame base set, a 50 card Hall of Famers Original Art Sketch, 41 autographed cards and a invitation to a unique VIP Experience with a not-yet-to-be-determined Hall of Fame player. Go here for a complete checklist. Below are most of the Dodger cards I could find.

Base Hall of Fame Icons (#/50)

#25 Sandy Koufax           #29 Jackie Robinson

Blog Kiosk: 1/31/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

On Wednesday evening the LA Kings held a special ceremony to honor Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi, along with the seven other folks who passed away, prior to start of their home game against the Tampa Bay Lightening. As you can see above, Staples Center decided to black-out all of the Lakers banners and retired numbers, except for the two Kobe Bryant retired numbers. I thought it was a very classy move by the stadium.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers signed future Hall of Famer Paul Waner to a free agent contract. In 1972 former Brooklyn Dodger players Rube Marquard (known mostly as a Giant) and Dave Bancroft (also mostly a Giant) were selected by an Hall of Fame Special Veterans Committee for enshrinement. In 2001 an article was published in the WSJ related to the most infamous pennant race in National League history. Written by Joshua Prager, he details how the Giants team stole catchers' signs during the 1951 pennant race to help them overcome a Dodgers 13.5 game lead in the National League. You can read the original article here. In 2003 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Wilson Alvarez. In 2005 the Dodgers signed pitcher Scott Erickson as a free agent. 
• Happy Birthday, Hank Aguirre, Ted Power, Stuffy Stewart & Jackie Robinson!

Blog Kiosk: 1/15/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I wonder what is on Campanella's mind in the photo above.

Watches Old Teammate -- Vero Beach, FLA: Probably recalling the no-hit games of 1952 and 1956 when they were batter-mates, Roy Campanella watches pitcher Carl Erskine warm up during a training session here. Campanella is now a special coach with the Los Angeles Dodgers. 3/4/59.

Photo above available on auction on eBay. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 the Dodgers extend their lease at Ebbets Field for another three years -- as a fallback in case Los Angeles is unable to secure land for a new stadium. They would leave Brooklyn a year later. In 2002 the Dodgers traded outfielder Gary Sheffield to the Braves for Brian Jordan, Odalis Perez and Andrew Brown. In 2009 the Dodgers nightmare is over. They released outfielder Andruw Jones.
• Happy Birthday, Dr. Mike Marshall, William Brennan & Delino DeShields!

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!

Blog Kiosk: 12/19/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

What the heck?

Check out the above undated (likely 1950's) vintage photograph featuring the Dodgers pitching staff being directed by backstop Roy Campanella (eBay link). What Campy is doing exactly, I do not know. He's got his hands cupped over his ears, like he's expecting a loud sound.

As for the pitchers in the photo, I can clearly see Don Newcombe (third on the left), and according the a notation on the back Ralph Branca is there too. Unfortunately, I can't quite place Branca. I think he might be just to the right of Newcombe. I also think Johnny Podres is the second person to the left of Newcombe.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal to a three year/$39 million contract and Nomar Garciaparra to a one year/$6 million contract. In 2014 the Dodgers received veteran shortstop Jimmy Rollins from the Phillies in exchange for minor league pitchers Tom Windle and Zach Eflin. 
• Happy Birthday, Lou Koupal, Gordie Windhorn, Tom Wilson, Welcome Gaston, Wally Gilbert, Rex Barney, Geoff Zahn & Mike Fetters!

Blog Kiosk: 12/13/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Just three Brooklyn Dodgers' having some fun as they prepare for the 1952 season in Vero Beach (eBay auction link).

Vero Beach, Fla., March 5 -- On the Ball -- Three Brooklyn Dodger batters who accounted for a total of 103 home runs last season set their sights for the 1952 season during Brooklyn training camp session here yesterday. Left to right: Andy Pafko, former Chicago Cubs outfielder who had 30 homers in 1951; first baseman Gil Hodges, who led the Dodgers with 40; and catcher Roy Campanella, who clouted 33 homers.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 the Dodgers tried to do the unthinkable. They announced a trade that would send legendary second baseman Jackie Robinson to the hated NY Giants for pitcher Dick Littlefield and $35,000. It would be voided the next day. Jackie then announce his retirement from the game a few weeks later -- opting instead to start his second career as an executive with Chock Full O'Nuts. In 2001 the Dodgers received Cesar Izturis and Paul Quantril in a trade with Toronto for Chad Ricketts and Luke Prokopec. In 2003 the Dodgers traded Kevin Brown to the Yankees for Brandon Weeden,Yhency Brazoban and Jeff Weaver. In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent veteran catcher Sandy Alomar. Also, they traded troubled outfielder Milton Bradley and Antonio Perez to the A's for future fan-favorite and Dodger legend Andre Ethier.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Landrum, Steve Wilson, Nate Oliver, Ricky Nolasco, George Shuba, Carl Erskine & Billy Loes! 

2019 Flawless Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

A few weeks back Panini America released their Flawless Baseball card brand, and I've gathered up a bunch of Dodger cards to share here. As you may know, this is Panini's hieh-end Baseball card set -- costing $1,250 for one box of ten cards. Each box consist of seven autographs, two relic cards and a diamond insert card. Go here for a complete checklist.

It is notable that Panini has issued another Vin Scully autographed card. It is the third Vin Scully card issued by Panini this year - the others coming from their Diamond Kings and National treasures brands. Two examples of this card have recently sold for $380 to $450.

Base Gems

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#14 Cody Bellinger

REA has a Bunch of Dodger Collectibles

Robert Edwards Auctions current 2019 Fall Auction is just days away from closing, so I figured I should take a moment to point out some of my favorite Dodgers memorabilia in it.

At the very top is a Roy Campanella worn warm-up Dodgers jacket, dated to the 1953 season -- the year he won his second MVP award (Auction Link). It was originally attained at a 1986 charity auction held by the Dodgers 65 Roses Club. For those who don't know, this charity focuses on cystic fibrosis.

Blog Kiosk: 11/27/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's an AP wirephoto featuring the great Roy Campanella (eBay listing).

February 9, 1972 -- 'Campy' Comments -- Roy Campanella reflects on a photo of himself as a Brooklyn Dodger Thursday, at New York's Gallaghers restaurant where he volunteered to serve as sports chairman for the Highway Safety Foundation. Commenting on the naming of black athletes Josh Gibson, a catcher, and Walter "Buck" Leonard, a first baseman, to the Baseball Hall of Fame, Campanella said, "They were two of the greatest players I ever played with."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger 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 Rookie 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!

2019 Panini National Treasures - The Dodger Cards

A couple of weeks back Panini America released their 2019 National Treasures brand. As you know, this is a high-end product that will cost you about $500 to $600 for one box of eight cards -- all of which has either an autograph or game-used relic piece embedded within it. Go here for a complete checklist. Unfortunately, I have yet to see every Dodger card available, so there are numerous omissions below. Also, as always this product has no team logos, so there's a bunch of airbrushing on the cards.

Rookie Material Signatures

#6 Dennis Santana                         #42 Caleb Ferguson

Blog Kiosk: 10/1/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is another fantastic press photo, originally from the George Michael Collection, featuring a close play at the plate, dated 9/16/1951 (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Chicago: Dodger catcher Roy Campanella puts the ball on Ransom Jackson as the Cub infielder tries to score from third on Chuck Connors' fourth inning grounder to first baseman Gil Hodges who fumbled the ball, but Jackie Robinson grabbed it and threw Jackson out. Brooklyn won 6-1.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 the very first playoff series to determine a league champion is played between the Dodgers and Cardinals. Today is Game 1 of a three game set and is played in St. Louis. Unfortunately, Brooklyn would lose Game 1, 4-2, and lose the series a couple of days later at home, 8-4. In 1974 Dodger reliever Dr. Mike Marshall set a Major League mark when he made his 106th appearance of the season. In 1993 Mike Piazza set a Dodgers new record for RBI's in a season for a rookie when he plated his 107th run during an 8-5 victory over the Astros.
• Happy Birthday, Duster Mails, Jim Russell, Fred Kipp & Roberto Kelly!

Blog Kiosk: 9/23/2019 - Dodgers Links - Babe Ryuth!

Hyun-Jin Ryu his his first career homer yesterday, and the inevitable happened. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“There were chants from the dugout -- Babe Ryuth,” said Roberts. “It got our dugout going and the fans going. But just the way he threw the ball today, it was back to the old Hyun-Jin. His entire mix was good. We needed this from him.”

Photo above via Carrie Giordano/Los Angeles 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 (not Dodger news) Giants infielder Fred Merkle failed to touch second base as the apparent winning run crossed home plate. The miscue results in the game being declared a tie, and forces a one-game tie-breaker that the Giants lose. The play is forever known as "Merkle's Boner." Here's a little ditty about the play that I thought worth checking out. In 1942 34-year old Dodger hurler Larry French pitched a brilliant one-hitter to defeat the Phillies, 6-0, and record his 197th win of his career. Soon thereafter, he would join the US Navy and retire as a Captain in 1969. On this same day Dodger President Larry MacPhail announced that he would quit his job with the club to re-enter the Army. In 1947 the Brooklyn Dodgers celebrate Jackie Robinson Day at Ebbets Field. In 1962 Maury Wills records his 97th steal of the season to eclipse the major league single-season record of 96 steals by Ty Cobb in 1915. In 1983 Dodger closer Steve Howe is suspended by the league for refusing to take a urinalysis test, and is therefore made ineligible for postseason play. In 2000 1955 World Series hero Carl Erskine performed the national anthem on his harmonica prior to the start of this evenings game. He witnessed Kevin Brown throw a two-hit complete game to defeat the Padres, 2-1.
• Happy Birthday, Bob Higgins, Matt Kemp & Jedd Gyorko!

2019 Topps 150 Years of Baseball - #75 - Roy Campanella Artist Rendition

The eighth Dodger card found in the 2019 Topps "150 Years of Baseball" set is now available for online ordering. It is of catching great Roy Campanella and it's an Artist Rendition card originally drawn by noted sports artist Graig Kreindler. Go here to check it out and order. Below is a listing of all previously issued 2019 Topps 150 Years of Baseball Dodger cards:

• #2 -- Sandy Koufax -- Perfect Game -- 2415 Print Run (link here)
• #17 -- Jackie Robinson -- Breaking Color Barrier -- 1,231 Print Run (link here)
• #42 -- Mike Piazza -- 1993 Rookie Campaign -- 817 Print Run (link here)
• #45 -- Duke Snider -- Artist Rendition -- 992 Print Run (link here)
• #55 -- Eric Gagne -- 84 Consecutive Saves -- 725 Print Run (link here)
• #66 -- Jackie Robinson -- Artist Rendition -- 1,333 Print Run (link here)
• #71 -- Sandy Koufax -- 1965 World Series -- 855 Print Run (link here)

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