Blog Kiosk: 4/6/2020 - Dodgers Links & News -- Some Odds and Ends

Check out this 1939 spring training AP press photo featuring three Dodgers' wearing Brooklyn pinstripes as they prepare for the upcoming season (eBay auction link - please ignore the watermark). I just love their socks and imagine that there's a whole lot of red in there. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Clearwaterm FLA. March 9th -- These three sentries are likely choices to patrol the outfield for the Brooklyn Dodgers this season. Left to right: Oscar "Ox" Eckhardt, up from the Missions of the Coast Leaguel; Freddie Lindstrom, former Chicago Cub; and John Cooney, who came from Indianapolis of the American Association. Cooney has been showing well in spring practice and Eckhardt hit .395 last season.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers raise their 1981 World Series banner at Dodger Stadium. In 1989 Orel Hershiser's consecutive scoreless innings streak ends when he give up a run in the first inning to the Reds during his first start of the new season. In 1996 Chan Ho Park becomes the first pitcher born in Korea to win a Major League game. He threw four inning of shutout relief to earn a 3-1 victory over the Cubs. In 2002 Japanese hurler Kazuhisa Ishii made his Major League debut against the Rockies at Dodger Stadium, and proceeded to throw 5.2 innings of scoreless ball to earn his first Major League win. In 2004 Dodger third baseman Adrian Beltre becomes the 36th player in history to hit 100 home runs before the age of 25. He hit it off of Antonio Osuna of the Padres.
• Happy Birthday, Red Smith, Tom Fitzsimmons, Ernie Lombardi, Dee Moore, Jim Romano, Don Elston & Phil Regan!

Blog Kiosk: 2/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Today marks the anniversary of the greatest Baseball contract holdout in history. Thirty-two days later Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale ended it. Featured above is a 1966 UPI Telephoto of the dynamic duo board a plane to begin their spring workouts. Per the descriptor:

Dodgers pitchers Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale wave goodbye as they board an airliner bound for Phoenix, Ariz. to join their teammates after a much celebrated and publicized 32-day holdout in which the pair asked for a million dollars combined salary over a three year period. They signed for a one year contract and and undisclosed salary.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 the great Koufax/Drysdale contract holdout commences. They are seeking a collective three year $1MM contract -- to be split evenly. In 2002 the Dodgers signed free agent Japanese starting pitcher Kaz Ishii after posting a $11.26 million bid to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows for the right to negotiate with him. He would eventually sign a four-year $12.3 million contract with the team.
• Happy Birthday, Al Humphrey, Orlando Alvarez & Trent Oeltjen!

Blog Kiosk: 11/7/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As I am wont to say, "Baseball will break your heart". Check out the above 1939 press photo showing the hard-luck case of Vito Tamulis (eBay auction link).

May 18, 1939 -- Vito Gets the Hard Luck Crown -- Vitautras C. Tamulis (right) today wore the Major League's hard luck baseball crown, the Brooklyn left-hander, shown with manager Leo Durocher (left) and Lynn Lary, pitched 11 innings (boxscore) of that 19 inning struggle at Chicago yesterday, allowing only four hits, but couldn't come up with a win. His whole career has been like that.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2016 the Dodgers traded catcher Carlos Ruiz to Seattle for Vidal Nuno III. Ruiz came to Los Angeles as a late-season addition for their playoff run -- a trade that sent popular backstop AJ Ellis to Philadelphia. Carlos Ruiz got into 14 games and slashed .278/.350/.333/.683.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Hatten, Dick Stuart, Rich Rodas & Orlando Mercado!

2019 Topps Update Series - All the Dodgers Base Cards

The final installment of Topps' 2019 flagship Baseball card set has just been released, and as always it includes most of the top rookie who impressed during the season -- this includes both Matt Beaty and Will Smith receiving their first cards from the brand. We also likely have our very last Russell Martin card in Dodger Blue from this set (assuming he doesn't stay in Los Angeles next season). Unfortunately, they don't feature Martin on the pitching mound -- clearly a lost opportunity. Go here for a complete checklist. Below are all of the Dodger cards that you can fin in this years Topps Update set.

Base

#US8 Walker Buehler AS

#US25 Cody Bellinger AS       #US31 Joc Pederson HRD

2019 Topps Now - #970, #971 & #972 - Game 3 Victory

Game 4 of the 2019 NLDS is just in a few hours. In the meantime, here is a look at the three Dodgers' 2019 Topps Now cards that were made available today. First, check out the above Russell Martin card that celebrates his clutch go-ahead two run double in the sixth inning off Game 1 starter Patrick Corbin to give the Dodgers the lead for good. Per Adam McCalvy at MLB.com:

“I just remember in the back of my mind, we had a meeting and we went over Corbin,” Martin said. “And with two strikes and guys in scoring position he doesn't really throw many strikes. He's going to try and make you chase a little bit. And the more pitches I saw, the more I felt comfortable. I had some pretty easy takes, got back in the count, and then he just left a breaking ball a little bit up.”

Blog Kiosk: 8/7/2019 - Dodgers Links - Nine More Wins!

Let's hear it for the old guys! Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“What he’s done for our entire group, namely the young catchers, just the entire group of ball players, his insight, his experience — and now you talk about when he does get an opportunity to play, just his toughness, his compete and obviously the at-bat quality…he’s got some big hits for us this year, none bigger than the one tonight,” Roberts said.

Old guy Russell Martin was a major catalyst for the Dodgers last night. After trailing for most of the night, he came up with two-on and doubled to give the Dodgers a lead that they would not relinquish. His hit started a rally that would score seven runs in the sixth inning, and would provide starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu with his third career playoff win.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles 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 1936 the Dodgers fire their manager, Casey Stengel. He had a 208-251 record as Brooklyn's skipper over three season. In 1977, in Game 3 of the NLCS, the Dodgers score three runs in the top of the ninth inning to take a 6-5 lead over the Phillies. The Dodgers eventually win the series the next day to advance to the World Series. In 1978, in Game 4 of the NLCS, the Dodgers defeated the Phillies on a tenth-inning run scoring single by Bill Russell to win the NL pennant and earn the a right to face the Yankees in the World Series (boxscore). 
• Happy Birthday, Al Burch, Phil Lewis, Tony Malinosky, Phil Ortega, Rudy Law, Jim Bruske & Brickyard Kennedy!,

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.

2019 Topps Heritage High Number Mega Box - The Shiny Russell Martin Card

As you may know, Topps released an online exclusive 'Mega Box' for their 2019 Topps Heritage High Number brand last week, and it includes an exclusive insert set featuring a handful chromed-out Heritage base cards. It includes only one shiny Dodger card. It is of Russell Martin and you can see it below. Go here for a complete checklist. BTW, you can still order boxes here.

Base Heritage Chrome Exclusives

#THC-596 Russell Martin

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A Whole Slew of Dodger Custom Fantasy Baseball Cards Featuring Last Nights Celebrations

I just couldn't help myself.

I grabbed a bunch of photos found at the Dodger Insider blog, as well as, various post found on twitter. Here are 15 different fantasy cards celebrating last nights clinch game and the ensuing partying in the clubhouse thereafter.

Blog Kiosk: 9/11/2019 - Dodgers Links - Seven in a Row!

WooHoo! Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“The feeling never gets old,” (Russell) Martin said. “We’ve had a good record for a while, so we kind of felt like this moment would happen at some point. But the thing is, the group that we have, that’s what you think about. You think about the people that we have here. Celebrating this moment with good people is what matters, for me at least.”

Per Eddie Matz at ESPN:

"You got to tip the hat to the front office and the job that they do every year creating so much depth," Justin Turner told Spectrum SportsNet LA after Tuesday's victory. "You look at the guys around this room, I think every single guy had their finger on winning this division for the seventh straight year. So many good players [with] one goal in mind -- that's to win the World Series."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Also, you can watch a little bit of the postgame celebration here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959 the Dodgers defeated reliever Elroy Face and the Pirates, 5-4; thereby, ending Face's consecutive win streak at 22. He finished the season going 18-1 (as a reliever, mind you) with a 2.70 ERA, 2.60 FIP and a 3.2 WAR. In 1983 RJ Reynolds squeezed home Pedro Guerrero in the ninth for an improbable walk-off victory against the Atlanta Braves. The Dodgers scored four runs in the ninth to win. Tommy Lasorda called his decision to call for the squeeze the most "daring" of his career. Watch video highlights/footage of the ninth inning, here. In 1998 Kevin Malone is named the Dodgers GM, replacing Tommy Lasorda. 
• Happy Birthday, Con Daily, Frank Kitson & Eddie Miksis!

Blog Kiosk: 9/9/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

We struggled against the Giants this weekend, but still saw our 'Magic Number' fall to two when they won on Sunday, 5-0 (boxscore). Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“On the pitching side, the story was Kenta,” (Dave) Roberts said. “Kenta was really good today. The slider, the fastball, just kind of on the attack all day long. To log four innings put us in a really good spot to win a baseball game.”
...
“With two strikes, he wasn’t relying on the slider as much,” (Russell) Martin said. “In division, the guys have many at-bats against him. They kind of know, they’ve seen the slider, guys tend to sit on it.” 

The slider was still on point, though, getting six swinging strikes and three called strikes.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/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 1948 Dodger righty Rex Barney throws a no-no against the Giants (boxscore) 2-0. He struck out four batters and walked only two, as he had to endure a one-hour rain delay, as well as showers in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings to finish his gem. In 1965 Sandy Koufax threw a perfect game and his fourth career no-hitter to defeat the Cubs, (boxscore) 1-0. He struck out 14 Chicago batters and faced the minimum 27 batters. You can listen to the last inning here.
• Happy Birthday, Ernie Burch, Waite Hoyt, Charlie Perkins, Todd Zeile, Robinson Checo, Félix Rodríguez, Kaz Ishii, Todd Coffey & Edwin Jackson!

Blog Kiosk: 9/4/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Never count out the old guys.

The story of the season has been the rise of the kids. From Buehler to Bellinger, it is the youngsters who have driven the Dodger bus all season. That said, we've got some wily veterans who don't want you to forget that they've got some heroics left in them too. Last night it was the geezers -- Russell Martin and David Freese -- who got it done. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“I think we’re going to go to Denny’s after this and get on the 55 and older menu, order some Grand Slams,” Turner joked. “No, but it was a good night. Big swing by Russell, two strikes and gives us a lead. And before we even get done giving him high-fives, Freezer gives us a little cushion.”

The Dodgers defeated the Rockies, 5-3, last night. The 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 1924 the Brooklyn Robins/Dodgers won both ends of a doubleheader against the Boston Braves -- sweeping their fourth doubleheader in four consecutive days. From September 1st to 4th they beat the Phillies twice and the Braves six times. In 1966 the Dodgers become the first team to draw two million fans at home and on the road when they defeated the Reds at Crosley Fields in front of 18,670 patrons, 8-6. In 1969 Willis Davis' Dodger hitting streak comes to an end at 31 consecutive games -- setting a franchise record. It came at the hands of the Padres in San Diego. Dodger Historian Mark Langill wrote a fantastic story about Willie Davis and this record here.
• Happy Birthday, Elmer Horton, George Pfister, Doyle Alexander, Mike Piazza & Brian Myrow!

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!

2019 Topps Now - #759 - Reliever Russell Martin

Never in my wildest dreams did I expect that Russell Martin would get his very own Topps Now card highlighting his remarkable prowess on the mound... but here we are. Featured here is the lone Dodger to make the cut today -- Russell Martin -- and as you know he pitched his fourth scoreless inning of the year last night. Best yet, his efforts marked an important milestone. According to the preview card he became the first position player since 1961 to have pitched in a combined shutout victory. Although, I'm not entirely sure Topps has the right date here. According to Stats By STATS on twitter,

Excluding two-way players, the @Dodgers' Russell Martin is the first position player to pitch in a shutout win for his team since 10/03/1917, when Hall of Famer George Kelly pitched 5.0 shutout innings in the Giants' last game of the season (his only career pitching appearance).

Nevertheless, this is a cool card. Go here to check it out and order.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/28/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Now we know why the Dodgers didn't bother trading for a high-end reliever. We already have a guy who could do the job.

Last night Russell Martin entered the game as a reliever for the fourth time this season, and once again he pitched flawlessly. His four innings of work has yielded only two hits, while the righty catcher has struck out two. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“It’s pretty good. He’s got some spin rate. You guys should check his numbers,” Buehler said of the Dodger catcher.

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 1942 the oft-injured outfielder Pete Reiser enters the hospital with a torn thigh ligament. In 1945 Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson meet to discuss plans for integrating Baseball. During the three hour meeting Rickey berates Robinson with a flurry of racial epithets to test his mettle and willingness to 'turn the other cheek.' Also on this day, 17-year old Brooklyn shortstop Tommy Brown becomes the youngest person to steal home in Major League history.  In 1952 the Brooklyn Dodgers set a National League record when they hit into a double play in their 23rd consecutive game. In 2002 Eric Gagne recorded his 45th save of the season, setting a franchise record and earning a bottle of Dom Perignon autographed by his Dodger teammates. 
• Happy Birthday, Ryan Madson, Joe Yeager, Goody Rosen & Darren Lewis!

Blog Kiosk: 8/26/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

There's obviously room for improvement as the Dodgers lose the Yankees series. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“They definitely mirror our club,” said manager Dave Roberts. “It’s a fun team to compete against and they got the best of us this series. I think we match up well.”
...
“I don’t think this series changed my thought that these are two very good ballclubs,” said Roberts, "but we both have a lot of work to do if there is a potential [World Series] matchup.”

This was a great match-up, and I wouldn't be surprised if we face each other again.

Photo above via Juan Ocampo/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 Baseball: In 1939 a Major League game is broadcast for the first time on television, and it features a game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds at Ebbets Field. It is telecast on W2XBS and it includes a doubleheader -- which the teams split (Game 1 - Lost 5-2; Game 2 - Won 6-1). Additionally, a special ceremony is held between games to honor Alexander Cartwright with a Hawaiian-themed celebration to mark the centennial anniversary of baseball. In 1947 righty Dan Bankhead became the first African-American to pitch in Major League Baseball, and it did not go well (boxscore). He pitched 3.1 innings in relief -- yielding ten hits and eight runs. On the flip side, Dan did hit a home run in his first Major League at-bat. Notably, Bankhead also threw an inside fastball that hit Pirate outfielder Wally Westlake that some in the stadium feared would lead to a riot -- it didn't. Westlake said the following about that (per Baseball Happenings):

“It was like the fans held their breath waiting for the reaction,” the now 94-year-old Westlake wrote in a 2008 letter. “He was just another dude trying to get me out and I was trying to whack his butt.” 

...
“I think I disappointed the rednecks,” he said. 

• Happy Birthday, Frank Allen, Jesse Barnes, Elmer Klumpp, Gene Moore, Alex Trevino, Chad Kreuter & Daniel Corcino!

Blog Kiosk: 8/21/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Several milestones were reached last night. First, Cody Bellinger became the first Dodger to have 100 RBI since Adrian Gonzalez in 2014. Best yet, he accomplished the feat while in the midst of having his pants fall down. Then he scored his 100th run of the season two innings later. More importantly, Clayton Kershaw recorded his 166th career win to best Dodger Hall of Fame lefty Sandy Koufax. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“What Sandy means to this organization and what he means to me personally, it’s an incredible thing, something I never thought would happen,” Kershaw said. “It’s not the most important thing in the world, but it’s something to look back on when all is said and done. It’s an honor, for me, to be mentioned in the same sentence as Sandy, I’ve said that many times. What he was able to accomplish in his career, and would have gone a lot longer if he played today because he could have gotten healthy.”

Both photos above via Jon SooHoo/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 1970 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder Jerry Royster out of Sacramento High School. He would be traded five years later to Atlanta as part of a package for Dusty Baker, and go on to have a ten-year career with the Braves. In 1975 the Cubs pitching brothers of Rick and Paul Reuschel combine to shutout the Dodgers, 7-0. This is the first time brothers have collaborated on a shutout. In 1990 the Dodgers lost a tough one. Against the Phillies they allowed nine runs to score in the ninth inning to lose the game, 12-11. You can watch highlights of this shameful game here. In 2005 the Marlins suspended a bat boy for six games after the 11-year old kid accepted a challenge from Dodger pitcher Brad Penny. He dared the preteen to drink a gallon of milk in an hour without throwing up for $500. The sixth grader drank the milk, but hurled. The Milk Processor Education Program (a lobbying group) offered to pay off the dare and cover his lost wages if he promises to dutifully drink three glasses of milk every day. In 2015 the Dodgers are no-hit by Astro's hurler Mike Fiers, 3-0 (boxscore). 
• Happy Birthday, Woody Williams, Shawn Hillegas, John Wetteland, Craig Counsell, Ismael Valdéz & Jesse Chavez!

2019 Topps Heritage High Number -- All the Dodger Cards

Last week Topps released their 2019 Topps Heritage High Number brand, and I've got pics of most of the Dodger cards to share below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Several players receive a Dodger card for the very first time (please correct me if I'm wrong). Reliever Scott Alexander, who has been with the club for two seasons, finally gets his own card. Strangely, Drew Jackson, who hasn't been high on the Dodgers prospect radar, also gets a card. Finally, Connor Joe, who was plucked by the Reds as a Rule 5 pick this season, traded to the Giants and then returned to the Dodgers weeks later, also gets a Dodger card.

Base

#522 A.J. Pollock                #528 Joe Kelly

Blog Kiosk: 8/12/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun fact: If not for Hyun-Jin Ryu's terrible June 28th start in Colorado, he would currently be sporting an 1.04 ERA. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“It’s an absolute display of the art of pitching,” Turner said of Ryu’s latest masterpiece. “He can pitch to all four quadrants, his command has been great all year. Vintage Ryu. Changing speeds, keeping guys off-balance. He’s like Houdini when he gets in trouble; he finds a way out of it.”

...
“It’s definitely unbelievable,” Ryu said of his ERA. “Like I’ve said many times, I don’t think this is all because of myself. There are many people around me, especially my teammates, that have helped me reach that number. My goal is to do what I do and finish the season strong.”

Ryu pitched sevens innings of scoreless ball to win the game -- recording four strikeouts, one walk and allowing only five hits.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/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 1984 both Don Drysdale and Pee Wee Reese are inducted in into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Other inductees include Harmon Killebrew, Rick Ferrell and Luis Aparicio. In 1995 the Dodgers defeated the Pirates, 11-10, due to an obscure baseball rule. In the 11th inning with men on 2nd and 3rd, Dodger pinch-hitter Mitch Webster swings at a pitch in the dirt. Pittsburgh catcher Angelo Encarnacion casually picked up the ball using his mask. This is a violation of the rules. A fielder may not use his mask to touch a thrown ball. Tommy Lasorda appealed to the umpires and they agreed that the runners shall advance two bases -- driving in the walk-off winning run. Encarnacion is given an error.
• Happy Birthday, DJ Houlton & Julio Urias!

2019 Topps Now -- #648 -- Russell Martin's Walk-Off

Old man, Russell Martin, was last night's hero.

In the ninth inning he came to the plate with two men on and the Dodgers trailing St. Louis, 1-0, and proceeded to slap a ground ball seeing-eye single through the middle of the infield. Both runners scored and everyone in the stadium celebrated -- except for those wearing red, of course.

To commemorate the Dodgers 10th walk-off of the season Topps has issued a new 2019 Topps Now card for collectors to chase. Go here to check it out and order. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“A lot of walk-offs have come from young guys,” Martin said after his game-winning hit swept the Cardinals for the Dodgers’ fifth straight victory and 77th win overall this season. “Let the old guys get hot, too, you know?”

...
“This team and how we’ve been playing is contagious,” Martin said. “We just always feel like we’re going to win.”

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