Blog Kiosk: 1/17/2019 - Dodgers Links - Autograph & VIP Experience FanFest Tickets On Sale Today!

Here's a special notice for Dodger FanFest attendees, the autograph and VIP experience tickets will go on sale this afternoon, online, at 1:00 PM. Go here. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear they'll be providing a preview of who will be signing or specifics about VIP events.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the Brooklyn Dodgers traded Andy Pafko to the Milwaukee Braves for Roy Hartsfield. In 1976 Dodger great Tommy Davis is released by the KC Royals, ending an 18-year MLB career. As a Dodger he played eight seasons; slashing .304/.338/.441/.779 with an 117 OPS+, 16.2 WAR, two batting crowns and two All-Star appearances.
• Happy Birthday, Tyler Houston, Scott Mullen, Harry Pattee & Don Zimmer!

2018 Topps Gallery - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Here is a last look at the Dodgers' found in packs of Topps 2018 Gallery brand. Featured below are most of the various inserts that are available. You can check out the base cards here.

Of note, the original drawings used to create these cards are randomly inserted into packs. So far, I've only seen the Joc Pederson drawing (see it below) and it can be purchased on eBay for $149.99 (link here).

Check out the Dodgers' inserts below.

Base Autographs

#9 Tim Locastro              #10 Alex Verdugo

2018 Topps Gallery - All the Dodgers Base Cards

This week saw the official release of Topps Gallery Baseball -- an online and Walmart exclusive card brand. It features a 200 card base set of what is described as hand-painted portraits. Check out all of the Dodger base cards below. Go here to check out a complete checklist. As I said, they can be found only on the store-shelves of your local Walmart. You can also order boxes direct from Topps here. At this time only the 7-pack value boxes are available - the 20 pack hobby boxes are sold out. BTW, poster sized versions of these cards are also available directly from Topps. Go here to check those out.

Base

#9 Tim Locastro            #10 Alex Verdugo

#18 Yasiel Puig                 #34 Chris Taylor

Blog Kiosk: 8/24/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Clayton Kershaw is one very serious ping pong player. Check out his getup, complete with an accessorized fanny pack, from last night's "Ping Pong 4 Purpose" charity event at Dodger Stadium. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

Athletes, actors and other celebrities spent the night playing Ping-Pong, eating, drinking and enjoying themselves all while helping kids in need. The Dream Center, just keep livin foundation and the International Justice Mission’s programs in the Dominican Republic were the three main beneficiaries of the event put on by Kershaw’s Challenge. 

“Every year, the beneficiaries keep getting better and better and the money raised gets more and more,” Clayton said. “The bottom line, we get to help a lot of kids and that’s pretty cool.”

Photo above of the Kershaw's and Bryan Cranston,via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 Vin Scully famously had fans at Dodger Stadium wish third base umpire Frank Secory a happy birthday during the game.  In 1975 Davey Lopes stole three bases against the Expos to extend his Major League record of consecutive steals to 38. Then in the 12th inning of this same game he is thrown out at second base by Gary Carter. Coincidentally, Carter had been the last catcher to throw Lopes out before starting his record streak -- on June 4th. In 2007 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher David Wells. In 2014 Joc Pederson became only the fourth player in the history of the PCL to have a 30-30 season, and the first to do it in 80 years, when he stole a base for the Albuquerque Isotopes (a Dodgers Triple-A affiliate). He would come up to Los Angeles later that September.
• Happy Birthday, John Brown, Kip Gross, Jeff Kubenka, Kevin Correia & Enrique "Kiké" Hernandez!

2018 Topps Clearly Authentic - All the Dodgers Cards

Last week saw the release of Topps Clearly Authentic Baseball, and it features just a handful of Dodgers'. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

As you know, this mid-range brand includes just one acetate (plastic) autographed card per box at a price point of about $40. Unfortunately, the Koufax card is available only through a redemption.

Base Clearly Authentic Autographs

• #CAA-WB Walker Buehler -- Redemption Card

#CAA-AV Alex Verdugo      #CAA-CT Chris Taylor

2018 Topps Stadium Club - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Here's a look at all the Dodgers' inserts found in packs of Topps Stadium Club. I should have pics of all the Base Variations soon.

Base Autographs

#SCA-ABA Austin Barnes       #SCA-AW Alex Wood

2018 Topps Series 2 - Dodgers Inserts - Salute, Legends in the Making and MVP Medallion Relics

Now that you've seen the base cards, here is a look at some of the Dodgers' inserts you can find. Below are the Salute, Legends in the Making and MVP Medallion Relic cards.

Legends in the Making

#LITM-13 Clayton Kershaw

2018 Topps Series 2 - All the Dodgers Base Cards

The Series 2 part of Topps 2018 flagship Baseball card set is now in stores. Check out all of the Dodgers' base and variation cards below. Go here for a complete checklist.

There are at least seven different Dodger photo variation cards available; including two Seager cards and a Legends Variations for both Jackie Robinson and Sandy Koufax. It is also notable that Andre Ethier is included in the base set -- possibly his last Dodger card.

Base

#364 Dodgers - Combo Cards

#369 Chris Taylor               #466 Tim Locastro

Blog Kiosk: 5/3/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Can't anyone stay healthy. This is starting to get beyond frustrating.

As you know, Hyun-Jin Ryu left last nights game during the second inning after experiencing a left groin sprain. Weirdly, the strain occurred after he threw a 64 MPH curveball (per JP Hoornstra on twitter). BTW, he's going to have an MRI. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It doesn't feel good," Ryu said through an interpreter. "This seems to be worse than the ones in the past. Definitely very disappointed. I came into the season very healthy and had very good performances in the season. At this point, I'm very frustrated and very disappointed."

Pic on the right via Dodger Insider/Matt York/AP Photo. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Branch Rickey makes a trade that sends a signal to the Dodgers clubhouse - He will not waver in his commitment to breaking the color barrier and supporting Jackie Robinson. He trades Kirby Higbe, Dixie Howell, Cal McLish, Hank Behrman and Gene Mauch to Pittsburgh for Al Gionfriddo and $100,000. Higbe is the special target of this trade, as he openly disapproved of Robinson as a teammate. In 1986 Ron Cey hit his 300th and 301st career home runs. He did it as a Cub against the Giants.
• Happy Birthday, Dan Bankhead, Chris Cannizzaro, Davey Lopes & Darren Dreifort!

Blog Kiosk: 4/12/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just a fantastic photograph of the "Duke" from 1956. It is currently available at auction at RMY (link here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1962 Dodgers left-handed rookie Pete Richert made his major league debut by striking out the first six batters he faced -- tying records for strike outs in an inning (4 K's in the 3rd inning), successive strike outs by a pitcher in his major league debut, and consecutive strikeouts by a relief pitcher. BTW, he also won the game when the Dodgers mounted a comeback by scoring seven runs in the fifth inning.

"I had good stuff and somebody up there likes me," Richert said of his first big league game. "What I mean is that I always say a little prayer when I’m nervous and excited. And I was tonight as I started walking to the mound." 

• Happy Birthday, John Harkins, Mickey O'Neil, Walt Moryn, Vicente Romo, Paul LoDuca, Antonio Osuna & Justin Ruggiano!

Blog Kiosk: 12/21/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yasiel Puig's European vacation continues unabated. You can check out pics of him at the Roman Coliseum here.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1989 the Dodgers signed both veteran outfielder Hubie Brooks and reliever Mike Maddux as free agents.  In 2001 the Dodgers re-signed free agent starting pitcher Hideo Nomo - he had been traded by the Dodgers in 1998. 
• Happy Birthday, Buddy Carlyle, Howie Reed & Roger McDowell!

2017 Panini Elite Extra Edition - All the Dodgers Cards

2017 Panini Elite Extra Edition Baseball, released this past Wednesday, is their answer to Topps 2017 Bowman Draft brand released on the same day. It features a whole bunch of prospects; including the Dodgers first three draft picks from this year -- Jeren Kendall, Morgan Cooper and Connor Wong. Go here for a complete checklist.

Notably, this set also has cards of Jose Miguel Fernandez available in packs -- he was released by the club just three weeks ago.

Base

#23 Jeren Kendall

#62 Morgan Cooper           #81 Tim Locastro

Blog Kiosk: 12/4/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Weekend Odds and Ends

Justin Turner came out over the weekend to support the Chargers.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1940 the Brooklyn Dodgers traded John Pintar (minors), Gus Mancuso and $65,000 to the St. Louis Cardinals for soon-to-be All-Star catcher Mickey Owen. In 1941 the Dodgers traded Tony Giuliani and Van Lingle Mungo to the Minneapolis Minors of the American Association for pitcher Joe Hatten. In 1958 the Dodgers traded Gino Cimoli to the St. Louis Cardinals for former "Rookie of the Year" winner Wally Moon and Phil Paine. In 1979 the Dodgers signed outfield free agent Jay Johnstone to a two-year $300,000 contract.. In 1988 the Dodgers traded Juan Bell, Brian Holton and Ken Howell to the Baltimore Orioles for Eddie Murray. In 2002 the Dodgers traded  Mark Grudzielanek and Eric Karros to the Chicago Cubs for Chad Hermansen and Todd Hundley.
• Happy Birthday, Chuck Corgan!

Welcome to the Blue, Tim Locastro!

This figures to be the very last call-up of the 2017 regular season. The Dodgers have just brought into the fold infielder/outfielder Tim Locastro from Triple-A Oklahoma City. He will wear #70. Per a Dodgers press release:

Locastro, 25, will make his first career appearance on a Major League roster in his fifth professional season after splitting time with Triple-A Oklahoma City and Double-A Tulsa this season. In 127 combined games with the OKC Dodgers and the Drillers this year, Locastro posted a .308/.383/.454 slashline with 31 doubles, four triples, 10 home runs, 40 RBI and 34 stolen bases. He has split time between the infield and the outfield this season, playing in a combined 47 games in center field, 46 games at second base, 31 games at shortstop, nine games in left field and two games in right field.

Blog Kiosk: 8/18/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

One of the premier auction houses in the world is getting into the Baseball business. Christies is currently running their "Golden Age of Baseball" auction at it includes a whole bunch of fantastic Dodger photographs; including the above 1961 spring photo of Dodger aces Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax. (auction link)

There is also the below pic of the 1925 Brooklyn Dodgers during spring training. (auction link) At center are Hall of Famers Wilbert Robinson, Zach Wheat and Sazzy Vance.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959 former Dodger GM Branch Rickey is named President of the newly formed Continental League.  The new third Major League never plays a game, though.  Instead, it became a catalyst for the addition of eight more teams to the American and National Leagues over the next decade.  In 1995 the Dodgers traded for Brett Butler.  This would be his second stint with the team.
• Happy Birthday, Burleigh Grimes, William Marriott, Jim Peterson, Bob Kennedy, Paul Popovich, Don Crow & Yimi Garcia!

Blog Kiosk: 7/14/2017 - Dodgers Links - Vin Scully Narrated "Lincoln Portrait" Last Night

It is apparently Vin Scully Week in Las Angeles. After accepting the ICON Award at the ESPYs the other day, he ventured up to the Hollywood Bowl last night to narrate “Lincoln Portrait” by Aaron Copland, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel. He will reprise the performance this coming Tuesday, July 18th. Go here to watch Vin's narration from last night.

Photo above via the Hollywood Bowl on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

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

Blog Kiosk: 6/23/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This series against the Mets was ridiculous. The Dodgers set a new franchise record when they collectively hit 15 homers during the four-game set. The last of which scored the game winning run to help the Dodgers sweep the Mets. It was hit by Joc Pederson on the very first pitch of the seventh inning. I think it's safe to say, after a crushing collision in the outfield a month ago, that he is on the mend. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“I think he’s getting there, and the one gauge for me is seeing his plate discipline,” said Dodger manager Dave Roberts. “And over the last 10 games he’s not offering at everything moving forward. So when balls are out of the strike zone he’s doing a good job taking. And he’s getting on base at an incredible rate right now. The next piece is when he gets balls in the strike zone to do what he did tonight.”

Photo above via Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Juan and Jon SooHoo from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1930 the Dodgers recorded twelve consecutive hits in the sixth inning during their game against the Pirates at Forbes Field. In 1956 Dodgers shortstop Don Zimmer is hit in the face with a pitch thrown by Reds hurler Hal Jeffcoat, breaking his cheekbone. In 1958 the Dodgers traded Don Newcombe to the Reds for Steve Bilko, Johnny Klippstein and players to be named later. The Dodgers also released longtime catcher Rube Walker. He would become a Dodgers minor league manager the next season, and is principally remembered for being the pitching coach for the 1969 World Champion "Amazin'" Mets. In 1973 the much-ballyhooed infield of Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell and Ron Cey begin their 8 ½ years together as they are all inserted into the starting lineup in the second game of a doubleheader at Cincinnati for the first time.  In 1976 they traded reliever Dr. Mike Marshall to the Braves for Lee Lacy and Elias Sosa.  
• Happy Birthday, Jerry Nops, Dick Egan, Karl Spooner, Tom Haller, Dave Goltz & Mark Hendrickson!

Blog Kiosk: 12/22/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It looks like Maury Wills is about to steal a base with Ernie Banks holding him on.

Featured above is a vintage, circa 1960's, Kodachrome 35mm Slide Transparency of in-game action between the Dodgers and Cubs.  (Auction Link Here)  Unfortunately, it is not dated but we do know it was taken at Wrigley Field, and by the looks of it Maury is about to steal one of the 29 bases he stole in Chicago throughout his career.  The photo was taken by noted Chicago area freelance photographer Lee Balterman.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 2001 the Dodgers traded a couple of minor leaguers for outfielder and future manager Dave Roberts. 
• Happy Birthday, Buster Burrell, Tex Erwin, Al Ferrara, Steve Garvey & Ken Landreaux!

Blog Kiosk: 10/24/2016 - Dodgers Links - It Wasn't Meant to Be

The Dodgers got beat.  There's no way around it.  They got beat by the better team.  A team that did all the little things to win; including a surprise bunt single (just like Vic Davalillo for the Dodgers in 1977) in Game 4 that ended up being a huge spark for their offense.

The Dodgers, on the other hand, were just not themselves in this series.  They committed seven errors in the six games; having only committed 80 errors all season long.  Worse yet, they recorded six of those errors in the last three games they played -- all loses.  Per a transcript of the Dave Roberts' press conference after the game:

Yeah, it's a little bit of a sour taste. Obviously, if we play a clean three games in 4, 5, 6 there could have been a different outcome. And very uncharacteristic of our guys. When you make plays and pitch counts change and the next hitter that's coming up, the outs, everything changes.

So, yeah, when you look back these last three games, to not play our best baseball, there's a little sour taste.

I am constantly reminded that Baseball is as much about losing as it is about winning.  The game is meant to break your heart, and it's ultimate enduring lesson is the value of perseverance.   You must never give up, and always try again.  So it is with a hearty and optimistic growl that I yelp, "wait 'til next year!"

Photo above of Clayton Kershaw and Joc Pederson via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers.  Go here to check out a few more photos from Saturday's game by Jon.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1972 barrier breaker, 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 1986 Dodgers shortstop Bill Russell announced his retirement from the game after an 18-year Major League career. 
• Happy Birthday, Rafael Furcal!

Blog Kiosk: 7/22/2016 - Dodgers Links - Justin Turner is a Beast

All hail Justin Turner!

He was a one man wrecking crew yesterday afternoon.  Justin was responsible for five of the Dodgers six runs on the day by hitting two homers against Washington ace Stephen Strasburg.

I think it's fair to say that JT is out of his early season slump.  He began the year slashing .235/.335/.343/.678 with three home runs and 16 RBI's in the first 50 games.  Via Bill Ladson and Alex Putterman at MLB.com:

"I've felt healthy all year. I don't know what was going on those first two months," Turner said. "I feel good, feel comfortable, and am obviously getting better results."

Since July 1st, over a span of the past 16 games, Turner has been slashing .323/.394/.677/1.072 with six homers and 16 RBI's.  That's definitely much better results.  Via Alex Putterman at MLB.com:

"It's a simple mindset, but execution and mechanically it's tougher to do," (Dave) Roberts said. "But he committed some time in June to get out front and elevate to the pull side, and then you've seen the slug."

The Dodgers defeated the Nationals, 6-3, and now sit four games behind the Giants in NL West and maintains a one game lead over the Marlins in the Wild-Card race.  The 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 1966 Mets left fielder learns he is a new dad when the Dodger Stadium scoreboard relays the message, "Congratulations, Ron Swoboda. Your new son is born tomorrow morning". Cecilia Swoboda gave birth to Chipper, the couple's first child, at 1:05 a.m. eastern standard time, making it the next day on the East Coast. In 1970 Tom Haller hit the very first pinch hit grand slam in Dodgers franchise history.  It was in the seventh inning against Claude Raymond of the Expos, and it sparked an eight-run rally that eventually saw the Dodgers defeat Montreal, 12-10.  In 2005 Yhency Brazoban breaks the clubs rookie record for saves established in 1980 by Steve Howe with 18.