2013 Topps Museum Baseball - Dodgers' Base Cards

Yesterday, Topps released their newest Baseball card set.  It is called Topps Museum and it is a very high-end set.  A box will run you about $200 and it includes only 4 packs of 5 cards.  Each pack will have either a relic or autographed card.  Featured below is the entire Dodger team in the base set.  I will show as many of the relic and insert cards over the next several days, so stay tuned.

#9 Jackie Robinson                            #11 Adrian Gonzalez

#15 Ryu Hyun-Jin                                       #31 Matt Kemp

#69 Sandy Koufax                          #71 Clayton Kershaw

#74 Duke Snider

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Blog Kiosk: 5/16/2013 - Matt Kemp Bobblehead Night Tomorrow in Ranch Cucamonga!

Juan Uribe - Man of Mystery.  Pic via Dodger Dugout.

• The Rancho Cucamonga Quakes are giving away Matt Kemp bobbleheads at this coming Fridays ballgame.

• It's official.  The Dodgers are now dumpster diving.  They have just signed Jonathan Sanchez to a minor league deal, via Austin Laymance at MLB.com.

"I'm sure it's got something to do with depth," manager Don Mattingly said before Wednesday's game against the Nationals. "With some of the issues we've had with injuries to a number of pitchers, it's a guy that's been a quality starter in the past. He's had a couple of years where he's struggled."

• Via Roberto Baly at VSIMH tells us that Hyun-Jin Ryu is now a pitchman for Hanmi Bank, and in his first marketing campaign he tells customers that the Bank will make you some bread.  Chef Ryu?
• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Did Zack Greinke's surgeon rescue this Dodger season?"
• "Lilly feels healthy after five-inning rehab outing"  Via Austin Laymance at MLB.com.
• Dodger fans have been coming out in a big way.  Via the DodgersPR on twitter:

(twitter link)

• Mike Petriello at MSTI tells us about "Ten Good Things About the 2013 Dodgers."
• "Tampa Bay Rays Fan Catches Home Run Ball With His Face," via Paul Sacca at Next Impulse Sports.
• Take a look at Phil Jackson's 13 championship rings, via Ryan Glasspiegel at Extra Mustard.
• Talkin' about next seasons schedule already?  I guess the Dodgers will be headed overseas to start the 2014 season, via Dan at MyKBO on twitter.

(twitter link)

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Geeorge Shuba's 1953 Brooklyn Dodger NL Championship Ring

I love seeing old championship rings like this.  They are subdued and understated, but also majestic in its simplicity.  Although it lacks the shine and glitter of modern rings, I can't help but enjoy these more.  I especially love that the ring above once belonged to former Dodger George Shuba and that it represents the 1953 National Champion Brooklyn Dodgers.

George Shuba, the man that Baseball history seems to have forgotten, played for the Dodgers for 7 season.  His career year was in 1952 when he hit .305 and OPS'd .859, while recording a WAR of 2.1.  That's not too shabby for a part time starter and professional pinch hitter.

The ring featured here is available through Clean Sweep Auctions with a starting bid of $4,000.  Unfortunately, it is not all original.  It was first sold as a part of Shuba's estate in 2006, and the buyer went ahead and had it resized, and upgraded the stones and diamonds.  This is a shame.  I'm sure the new owner thought it would enhance the ring, but to a collector and fan like me I find it sacrilegious.  Why mess around with something already perfect?  After all, I would think that a buyer would be more interested in the history behind the ring and not the value of the stones within it.

(Auction Link)

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Vintage Photos of Some Vintage Dodgers at Legendary Auctions

Yesterday, I pointed to some great Dodgers memorabilia available through Legendary Auctions.  Today, I focus on some photographs (original negatives) from the collection of George Burke/George Brace at Legendary that I think are worth a look.  As you may already know, Burke/Brace were famous Baseball photographers who just about photographed every Major League Baseball player to play the game for seven decades.  They were prolific. 

Well, it looks like Legendary Auctions has their entire collection, and they have been selling the original negatives to collectors.  Below is Dodger Hall of Famer Burleigh Grimes.

(Auction Link)

You know who this is.  Check out an extremely young Tommy Lasorda.

(Auction Link)

Here is an even younger looking Pee Wee Reese.

(Auction Link)

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Blog Kiosk: 5/15/2013 - An Early Peek at Adrian's Bobblhead and SI's Fortunate 50 List

On May 27th kids will be getting the above Fathead of Clayton Kershaw.  How cool is this?  It makes me want to be a kid again.  Pic via twitter @Dodgers.

• Zach Greinke is in the midst of an incredible recovery.  Via Ken Gurnick on twitter, he is pitching tonight for the Dodgers.

(twitter link)

• Ross Gasmer at Dodgers Nation tells us that the Dodgers are close to signing Jonathan Sanchez.
• Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times writes, "Do not read my lips: Kenley Jansen looks like Dodgers' new closer."

Mattingly said, “honestly, I prefer having roles where everybody knows where they’re at. But tonight I felt like Kenley was the best shot of getting that guy out.”

• Check out the below early preview pic of the Adrian Gonzalez bobblehead that will be given out on July 11th.  A video of the Dodgers unveiling it is at the far bottom.

• Since we are on the topic of Dodger bobbleheads I thought I would point to some new bobbles I ran into that are for sale through the Baseball Hall of Fame.  Go here to check out the Kemp, Kershaw and Retro bobbleheads.  Below are photos.

• Sports Illustrated has just come out with their Fortunate 50 list of top paid athletes, and the Dodgers have 4 representatives - Zack Greinke, Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford.  The Yankees topped the list for having the most players at 5, but I suspect the Dodgers will soon join them.  Clayton Kershaw is certain to be on this list by this time next year.  Below is a listing of the Top 10.

• The Art of Pitch Framing, via Ben Lindbergh at Grantland.
• Below is a video put together by the Dodgers unveiling the new Adrian Gonzalez bobblehead.

Video Link:

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: A Free Admission Card Show in Culver City!

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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If you are looking to go to a card show then this is your best bet.  Heck, admission is FREE!  Go here for more information.  It will take places on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Veterans Memorial Auditorium
4117 Overland Avenue
Culver City, California

This show promises to remind the older collectors out there what a card show used to be like.  Per a notice I received from the promoters:

Three long-time collectors have partnered to bring together a good, old-fashioned local card show in the Los Angeles area.  The collectors, Jason Miller, Anthony Nex, and Adam Warshaw, are lifelong hobbyists and veterans of the card clubs that used to dominate the collecting world before the Internet. They want to revive the card shows they loved and enjoyed as young collectors and share them with the rest of the collecting public, especially those who may not have ever experienced a real local card show.  The show features cards from all sports and non-sports subjects too, as well as memorabilia, and some of the top dealers from around the country.  Confirmed vendors include Mark Macrae, Scottsdale Baseball Cards, Love Of The Game Auctions, Marty’s Baseball Cards, Ryan Christoff, Beckett Grading Service (BGS), Paul Markoe, and many others.  The show atmosphere will be family-friendly and collegial.

Now this is what I'm talking about!

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Fred Lynn will also be signing autographs at the OC Dugout on Saturday.

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