2017 Topps Series 2 -- Dodgers First Pitch Cards -- Jabbawockeez

Today marks official release of 2017 Topps Series 2 Baseball cards -- their sequel to the flagship set released before the start of the season. To celebrate I though I would first focus on the ever-popular "First Pitch" cards featuring famous folks on the mound. Go here to check out my posts on all the various "First Pitch" cards released by Topps over the years.

As you can see, Dodger Stadium returns as a field that garners multiple cards in the set. The Series 1 version only yielded one Dodger card. This time around there are three Dodger cards to chase after. Check them all out below. Click on any pic to embiggen.

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First Pitch

#FP-26 Josh Duhamel

2017 Topps Series 1 -- Keegan-Michael Key Dodger Stadium First Pitch Card

Since Topps Series 1 is now officially in stores collectors finally have a chance to check out the popular Topps "First Pitch" cards.   Over the past three years Dodger Stadium has been a frequent backdrop.  After all, Hollywood is in our backyard.  Unfortunately, this time around only one Dodger guest is a part of the 2017 Series 1 set.  Featured below is the "First Pitch" card for actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key.

Before I show you that though, I though I would share a video from last nights Tonight Show that featured an interview with Judd Apatow.  He is card #3 in this set, and spent some time chatting about it with Jimmy Fallon.  You can watch that here. (Hat Tip: Blowout Buzz)

Now check out Keegan-Michael Key's card below.  I've also added a video that includes a pregame interview with Key and his actual first pitch.

First Pitch

#FP-7 Keegan-Michael Key

2016 Topps Update - The Dodgers First Pitch Cards - Keith Urban, Aubrey Plaza & JoJo Fletcher

Topps 2016 Update to their flagship Baseball card set is just now starting to hit store shelves, and like in years past it features the popular "First Pitch" cards as one of its better inserts -- at least in my opinion.  After all, what fan doesn't enjoy watching (and possible making fun of) the multitude of stars who try to show off their Baseball prowess.  So, it's only natural that a real Baseball card be made available in their honor.

BTW, my favorite "First Pitch" card is probably the one they made to celebrate 50 Cent's fantastically horrible first pitch at CitiField a couple years ago.  Check out that card here.  Also, you can watch 50 Cent and his terrible aim here.

Like in years past, Dodger Stadium always seems to be featured more often than any other stadium -- for probably obvious reasons.  So, seeing Dodger Stadium represented in three of the ten cards in the set is of no surprise.  Check them all out below.  I also include a video of their respective throws.

On a side note, this years Update set includes "First Pitch Ticket Stub Relic" cards, as well.  Which is strange considering Dodger Stadium no longer prints out actual ticket stubs anymore -- at least not for season ticket holders.  Anyway, at this early juncture I have yet to see any of these, so I include only a directly checklist below.  I will update this post once photos start showing up.

First Pitch Ticket Stub Relics

• #FPR-AP Aubrey Plaza
• #FPR-JF JoJo Fletcher
• #FPR-KU Keith Urban 

#FPR-AP Aubrey Plaza                   #FPR-KU Keith Urban

#FPR-JF JoJo Fletcher

Below are the "First Pitch" cards for Keith Urban, Aubrey Plaza and JoJo Fletcher.  I thought I would note, at least from what I recall, that Keith Urban did not actually throw out the first pitch on May 9th, 2016.  Instead, he said the words we all think when the game is about to start.

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First Pitch

#FP-5 Keith Urban

2016 Topps Chrome - The Rest of the Dodgers Cards

Here is a last look at the Dodgers cards found in packs of 2016 Topps Chrome Baseball packs.  Below are all of the insert and autograph cards that are available.  Go here to check out all of my past post on this set.

Rookie Autographs

#RA-CS Corey Seager                     #RA-FM Frankie Montas

2016 Topps Series 2 Baseball - The Dodgers First Pitch Cards - Cotto, Thompson and Lamar

Officially released today is Topps 2016 Series 2 flagship Baseball card set.  I hope to have pics of all the Dodgers cards soon.  So stay tuned.  See a complete checklist here.  In the meantime, check out the three "First Pitch" cards from Dodger Stadium. 

Since 2015 Topps has honored numerous illustrious ballpark guest with their own Topps Baseball card.  Past stars include Jessica Alba, Kelsey Grammer and Jeff Bridges.  This time we have a card for a boxer, a musician and an actor from one of the greatest movie franchises of all time.  Check them out below.  I have also included a video of their pitches.

First Pitch

#FP-11  Miguel Cotto

During a late August series against the Padres boxer Miguel Cotto came out to greet fans at Viva Los Dodgers then threw out the first pitch before the game.  The afternoon was also Hispanic Heritage Night at the stadium.

Blog Kiosk: 6/10/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Four Dodger rookies stare out into the stands at Ebbets Field in the vintage United Press photo shown above.  Dated April 16, 1956, it reads on the reserve:

"ROOKIES AT EBBETS FIELD.  New York: Gathered for the last day of Dodger workouts, April 16th, before the official opening game of the season against the Philadelphia Phillies on April 17th are four rookies a good look at Ebbets Field.  They are, left to right: Charlie Thompson; Don Drysdale; Gino Cimoli; and Charlie Neal.  Neal has earned himself a starting position as second baseman in the opener."

Photo via an eBay auction (Auction Link Here).  BTW, the 2016 Draft continues today, and the Dodgers have eight picks to announce.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 John Shelby's hitting streak is stopped at 24 games.  He batted .360 (32-for-89) with two home runs and 12 RBI during the streak that lasted from May 14-June 9.  His endeavors propelled the Dodgers into first place - where they stayed the remainder of the season.  In 2012 Dodgers outfielder Bobby Abreu surpassed Mickey Mantle on the all time hit list at 2,416. 
• It is with great sadness that I report that the great Gordie Howe has passed away.  Mr. Hockey was 88.  Here's a great video on Howe's career (link here).

2016 Topps Baseball Cards are Here - Check Out the Dodger Stadium First Pitch Cards

What a glorious week.

Not only did the Dodgers usher in the new season with their 4th annual FanFest this past weekend but this week also notes the arrival of the first Baseball cards for the new season.  Arriving a couple of days early at retail stores near you are boxes of Topps 2016 Baseball cards.

Woo Hoo!

I hope to have pics of all the Dodgers cards soon.  So stay tuned.  See a complete checklist here.

In the meantime, I've got photos of the popular "First Pitch" Dodger Stadium cards below.  There are two available within the twenty card set: Johnny Knoxville and Steve Aoki.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

First Pitch

#FP-10

Topps First Pitch Cards of Jessica Alba and Elle Fanning

One of my favorite inserts from this season is Topps "First Pitch" set, so imagine my delight when some new cards came to light.  Check out the Jessica Alba and Elle Fanning cards below.

I ran into these cards while perusing eBay and I'm now scratching my head wondering where the heck they came from.  I now for a fact they have yet to be included into Topps flagship sets, but based on their existence it seems likely they'll be in the upcoming "Update" set coming out next month.

For the moment, the Alba and Fanning cards are available only as 5"x7" jumbo cards and are limited in number, so they must have come directly from Topps online.  Over the past year Topps has been selling limited edition 5x7 cards to collectors.  Oftentimes, they are larger size versions of cards already found in packs, but sometimes they offer entirely new and unique sets.

With regards to the "First Pitch" set they recreated the 25 card set found in Topps Series 1 & 2 in 5x7 form, and have them for sale right now (check them out here).  As you know, first pitches featured at Dodger Stadium in Series 1 & 2 include Jeff Bridges, Jermaine Jones, Suzy, Kelsey Grammer and Melissa McCarthy, but no Alba or Fanning.  So, what gives?

Are these cards a part of that set Topps is currently selling, or was there a second set of cards Topps created that is no longer listed on their website?  Since the checklist provided at Topps doesn't include either of these actors I hesitate to assume they are a part of that set.  If you happen to know where these come from please let me know.

In the meantime, take a gander at these ladies throwing the ball.

2015 Topps Series 2 Baseball - The Dodgers' First Pitch Cards - Grammer & McCarthy

I really like these "First Pitch" cards put out by Topps in their flagship Baseball card packs, and especially love that the Dodgers are featured in so many of them.

Admittedly, though, I think the Giants (ugh!) might have beaten us out for the quality of guest in this series.  There are cards for Marvel comic mastermind Stan Lee and Grateful Dead percussinist Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart in Giants uniforms.

Officially released today is Topps 2015 Series 2 Baseball cards and featured below are the "First Pitch" cards of a couple of Hollywood stars who are included.  As you might recall, the Series 1 edition included three Dodger cards.  Check out those cards here; including a Jeff Bridges card.

Below are pics of each Dodger card and a video featuring the actual "First Pitch" being made.  Click on any photo to embiggen.

First Pitch

#FP-16 Kelsey Grammer

Kelsey Grammer came out to Dodger Stadium in early August with co-star Martin Lawrence.  Unfortunately, only Grammer is on this card.  They were promoting a new show on FX called 'Partners' where they play Chicago lawyers, and unlikely partners in the law firm. 

Video Link:
 

#FP-19 Melissa McCarthy

Funny woman Melissa McCarthy came out to Dodger Stadium to promoter her movie 'Tammy" on June 6th last season, and as you can see below she hurled a fairly good pitch.  Sure, it might've bounced, but at least it was on target.  BTW, she also announced "Time for Dodger baseball" with her husband Ben Falcone.

Video Link:

UPDATE:  I thought I would add pics of the 10 cards in the Series 2 "First Pitch" set.  See it below.  Click on the pic to embiggen.

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2015 Topps Series 1 Baseball - The Dodger First Pitch Cards and Videos

Nobody does "first pitches" better than the Dodgers.  Not only is Hollywood right next door, but our west coast quirkiness allow our stars to do things a bit differently.  As evidenced by the three Dodger "First Pitch" cards found in packs of 2015 Topps Baseball Series 1, our notables will bowl, kick and throw the first pitch to start the game.

Below are pics of each Dodger card and a video featuring the actual "First Pitch" being made.  Click on any photo to embiggen.

First Pitch

#FP-01 Jeff Bridges

Video Link:

#FP-08 Jermaine Jones

Video Link:

#FP-13 Suzy

Video Link:

UPDATE:  I thought I would add pics of the 15 cards in the Series 1 "First Pitch" set.  See it below.  Click on the pic to embiggen.

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