2016 Topps Update Baseball - The Dodgers 500 HR Futures, Own the Name and All-Star Cards

Here is a last look at the Dodgers cards found in packs of 2016 Topps Update.  Featured below are the 500 HR Futures Club, All-Star Cards and "Own the Name" cards.  Go here to check out all of my past blog post on this set.

Of note, I find it a bit presumptuous to include both Adrian Gonzalez and Joc Pederson in a list of future 500 home run hitters.  With 308 career homers at 34 years of age it is highly unlikely Adrian Gonzalez will reach the 500 mark.  Additionally, Joc Pederson has averaged 25 home runs a season, so he'd have to continue hitting at that pace for twenty years. 

500 HR Futures Club

#500-9 Adrian Gonzalez                          #500-19 Joc Pederson

Blog Kiosk: 1/25/2016 - Dodgers Links - Press Conference, Quakes New Logo and an Mysterious Vintage Cap

Here is one last item from the current Lelands Auction that I thought was worth mentioning.  Featured above is a vintage photograph of the empty stalls within the Dodgers clubhouse.  As you can see, Roy Campanella's uniform is prominently displayed among throngs of Dodger flannels on wire hangers.  Check out the auction here.

Initially, I assumed that this photo was taken in the Brooklyn Dodgers clubhouse -- pre-1958.  But now, I'm not so sure. I say this because of a certain ball-cap above Campy's jersey.  Do you see it?

That's a "LA" hat with the "L" crossed with the "A" just like the current Dodgers logo, but the color scheme is all wrong.  The "L" is a dark color (unsure which considering this is an B&W pic) and the "A" is clearly white.  Heck, it almost looks like the caps the old Los Angeles Angels of the PCL wore before the Dodgers came to town, but again the color scheme is wrong.  Those hats, if I remember correctly, had a white "L" and a red "A". 

So, what the heck is that hat?  Were did it come from?  And, was this photo actually taken in the Dodgers clubhouse in the Coliseum?  Best yet, is this photo from Roy Campanella Day at the Coliseum -- when 93,000 fans jammed the stadium in 1958?

I dunno, and I don't know if we'll ever find out.  Unfortunately, the photograph itself has no relevant markings on the reverse to let us know.  If you happen to have any insight please pass that along.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1981 in Game 5 of the World Series the Dodgers won their thrid straight game against the Yankees to take 3-2 series lead.  Pedro Guerrero and Steve YEager hit back-to-back homers, and Jerry Reuss pitched a 2-1 complete game for the victory.
• Happy Birthday, Pedro Martinez!

A Couple Vintage Dodgers Collectibles at Lelands Auctions -- The Sym-Phony Band and an Wrigley Flag

With our teams unceremonious exit from the 2016 postseason, I thought it would be fun to take one last look at the current Lelands Auction for some more vintage Dodgers memorabilia.  After all, there is no better way to get over the hump of another disappointing Baseball season then by seeking out the past for some guidance, and this auction is filled with stuff that could assist us.  For instance, last week I dived into this auction and shared pics of a couple of great vintage editorial cartoons featuring the Brooklyn Dodgers "Bum" (link here) -- which seems fairly apt considering how things ended for us.

2016 Topps Gold Label - All the Dodgers Cards

Last week Topps released an old Baseball card brand that existed in the hobby in the late-90's and early naughts.  It is called 2016 Topps Gold Label, and it features an 100-card base set that includes three different versions of each base card.  Go here to check out a complete checklist.

The Dodgers have seven players in the base set and eight different on-card autographed cards.  Unfortunately, four of the autograph subjects are only available through a redemption card.

BTW, this set was last produced in 2002 -- a time period when I was still out of the hobby but on the verge of returning with gusto.  So this is a brand that I have very little knowledge of.

#18 Kenta Maeda

Class 1                                   Class 2                               Class 3

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: 10/22/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends -- Game 6

Game 6 is now.  Above is today;s starting lineup.

Graphic above via SportsNet LA on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1965 the Dodgers released Wall Moon, whose famed "Moon Shots" over the short left field wire fence at the Coliseum helped propel Los Angeles towards a championship in 1959.