2016 Topps Bunt - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Here is a look at most of the Dodgers insert cards found in packs of 2016 Topps Bunt.  As you will notice I have yet to see any of the Dodgers autograph cards at this time.  In fact, I have yet to see autographed cards of any player for sale on eBay - which is rather strange.  Even though the product just came out on Wednesday you would expect to see a bunch of autographed cards on the market by now.  Of course, the existence of digital autograph cards does make it difficult to find the real things on the online marketplace.

On a side note, I can't for the life of me understand why folks are paying what they are for a digital version of a signed Baseball card.  They aren't actually real, and as far as I know they can't be exchanged for a real autograph.  So, what's the deal with that?

I dunno.  Maybe I'm just too old and too set in my ways to understand the draw of these digital (virtual) cards.

Autographs

• #PA-AGZ Adrian Gonzalez
• #PA-CK Clayton Kershaw
• #PA-CSE Corey Seager
• #PA-KM Kenta Maeda

Future of the Franchise

#FF-1 Kenta Maeda                               #FF-9 Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 8/19/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This is something you don't see everyday.  Featured above is a vintage 1939 International News press photo of Dodgers third baseman Cookie Lavagetto tagging out Reds outfielder Wally Berger, and emblazoned across the top are the words, "Thrown Out!"  It is quite a rarity to see words like that in a press photo.

BTW, the pic above was once part of the George Michael Collection of sliding press photographs.  It is currently available for sale through eBay (Auction Link Here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1983 the Dodgers traded for Rangers starting pitcher Rick Honeycutt.  In 1990 Jose Offerman became the first Dodger in franchise history to hit a home run in his very first Major League plate appearance.  In 2008 the Dodgers traded for Greg Maddux (for a second time) to help the team during their playoff run.  It would be several more weeks before the Dodgers finalize and publicly announce their plans to move to Los Angeles.
• Happy Birthday, Chris Capuano and Ron Roenicke!

Vintage Newsletter - Dodgers Line Drives - 6/15/1948, Vol. 10, No. 2

Here is another issue of an Dodgers newsletter from yesteryear.  This time it from the 1948 season, and is dated to June 15th.  Click on any pic to embiggen.  Below is a brief listing of interesting stories within:

• Of note, it mentions the first no-hitter thrown by a Dodger (either in the Majors or Minors) that year.  It was thrown by Jim Lamay of the Idaho Falls Russets in the Pioneer League against the Pocatello Cardinals, 6-0.  Lamay pitched four seasons of minor leagues, but never advanced above the Class C level.  
• The newsletter also makes note of fast rising minor league prospect Duke Snider.  He had gotten a cup-of-coffee the prior season, and began the year with Brooklyn before being sent back to Montreal for some additional seasoning.  He had slashed just .158/.256/.395/.651 in 43 plate appearances for the Dodgers.  The newsletter mentions that Duke debuted with Montreal during a doubleheader and proceeded to hit home runs in each game.
• There is an introduction of a Dodgers Broadcaster named Bob Edge.  He had began doing play-by-play for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 for CBS.  I am uncertain how long he remained with the club.  
• Another story tells fans of an brand new Dodgers initiative to scout the country for new Baseball talent, via a contest through men's magazine Argosy.  I should note that future Dodgers hurler Billy Loes was chosen in September 1948 as the "Recuit-of-the-year" in this contest.  The 18-year old was immediately signed to a contract, and would eventually play on Ebbets Field two years later.
• On the last page there is a fantastic facsimile autograph sheet featuring the Dodgers.

A big thanks to Dodgers collector Doug for passing this newsletter along.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/18/2016 - Dodgers Links - De Leon's Immaculate Inning, AJ on Vinny and Adrian Gonzalez

What he said!

Joc Pederson tweeted the above photo after the Dodgers, with the help of Adrian Gonzalez, defeated the Phillies, 7-2.  He added the following caption,

"@Adrian_ElTitan put the team on his back"

Last night AGon hit a three-run homer in the third to give the Dodgers a lead.  Then, for good measure, he blasted a two-run home run in the seventh as insurance.  Joc Pederson, for his part, went three for four on the evening.  Per Todd Zolecki and Evan Webeck at MLB.com: 

"Everybody's made some great adjustments," Gonzalez said. "For the most part, I feel like [Joc Pederson has] made some great adjustments, [Howie Kendrick has] made great adjustments. The guys who were already swinging it well have continued swinging well. When you've got one through eight swinging it great and taking great at-bats, it makes it really tough on the opposing pitcher."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger 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.

Panini Promo's from 2016 National Sports Collectors Convention - The Dodgers Cards

It's been almost two weeks since the National Sports Collectors Convention closed its doors.  Since that time I've shared pics of the promotional cards given out by Topps and Beckett (link here).  Now, I take a look at some of the Panini promos that were handed out. 

Unfortunately, a complete checklist of silver wrapper redemption and VIP gold wrapper cards have not been made available, so there are likely to be more cards out there that I am not aware of.  Please let me know if you run across something that is not listed below.

Panini America VIP Promo Set

Panini gave out a limited edition 6-card set to all attendees who were a part of the conventions VIP attendee program, and Kenta Maeda is included.  The set also includes Jared Goff, Carson Wentz, Buddy Hield, Brandon Ingram and Trevor Story.  These cards were placed within promo bags and handed out to collectors when they arrived at the convention.

#Kenta Maeda

Utley's Triumphant Return to Philadelphia - 2016 Topps Now Card - #362

To the surprise of no one Topps has issued a 2016 Topps Now card to commemorate Chase Utley's unbelievable game in Philadelphia.  As you know, Chase walloped two home runs against his former team - a solo homer in the fifth and a grand slam in the seventh inning.  His five RBI's on the evening also marks a game where he returned to the place he called home for thirteen Major League seasons.  As you will recall, he was traded to Los Angeles at about this time last year and had yet to return since leaving.  Per Evan Webeck at MLB.com:

The day Utley was dealt -- nearly a year ago to the day -- the Phillies held him out of the lineup as they finalized his move to Los Angeles. There were moving pieces, and the trade didn't get announced until about an hour after the last out of Utley's last game in Philadelphia. He tipped his cap to the fans afterward, but he was robbed of a proper farewell.

"I didn't really have an opportunity to say goodbye," Utley said. "Everything kind of happened pretty quickly last year. If I were to write up a script it would have gone a bit differently."

I think last night's game was a perfect scene to go along with a script of his illustrious career.

Go here to check the card out and order.

UPDATE:  The print run for this card is 4,221. 

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