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

2017 Topps Series 1 Baseball - Then & Now, Five Tool and 1987 Topps Inserts

Here is a look at a handful of the Dodger insert cards found in packs of 2017 Topps Series 1.  Featured below are the 1987 Topps and the companion autographs, the Bowman Then & Now, Five Tool and Rediscover Topps cards.

1987 Topps Baseball

#87-9 Sandy Koufax

#87-39 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 2/2/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Let's hope we see something like this in October.  Shown above are outfielder Willie Davis and third baseman John Kennedy in the midst of celebrating the Dodgers 1965 National League pennant, dated 10/2/1965 (eBay Auction Link).  They had just defeated the Milwaukee Braves, and clinched the title over the hated Giants.  As you know, they would go on to win the franchise's fourth World Championship.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1964 a Hall of Fame Special Veterans Committee elected former Dodgers Burleigh Grimes, Heinie Manush and John Montgomery Ward into the Hall. 
• Happy Birthday, John Tudor, Scott Erickson & Chin-lung Hu!
  

2017 Topps Silver Pack 1987 Chrome Promos - All the Dodgers Card

Do you need an incentive to purchase packs of 2017 Topps Baseball?

I sure don't.  In fact, I'm planning on heading to a local retailer to find a blaster box to enjoy this evening.

Others might need that push, though.  So, Topps has put together an incentive program for collectors that is only available at your local participating trading card hobby store.  It is known as the "Silver Pack" promos, and for every complete box of cards you will receive one (1) five-card "Silver Pack".   You'll receive two (2) packs should you purchase a jumbo box instead. 

Within the packs are chrome versions of current and retired greats on a 1987 Topps Baseball card design.  Go here for a complete checklist.  There are 50 cards in this promo set and 21 different autographed cards.  Only four Dodger players are in the base set and there are two autographed Dodger cards.  BTW, the Topps flagship set also includes a 1987 Topps throwback insert set, but they use different photos on the cards then what you see here. 

#87-CK Clayton Kershaw

2017 Topps Series 1 Baseball - All the Dodgers Base Cards

For fans like myself today is the official start of the 2017 Baseball season.  I say this because fans and Baseball card collectors alike can now go to their favorite store to get packs of Topps flagship set.  Officially released today is the 2017 Topps Series 1 Baseball set.  Go here for a complete checklist.

For this first series thirteen Dodger players are represented; including superstars Corey Seager and Clayton Kershaw.  The set also includes several players in Dodger uniforms who have since moved on to other teams -- Howie Kendrick, Carlos Ruiz, Josh Reddick and Jose De Leon.  Also, Chase Utley is available in Dodger Blue (he has yet to decide where he'll be playing this season).  Check them all out below.  I've included pics of both the front and reverse (with exception of the Chris Hatcher card).

As I'm sure you've noticed, for the first time since 1971 Topps does not include full career statistics for each player on the reverse.  But is does include social media information for each player (apparently, that's more important).

Base Cards

#5 Corey Seager

#50 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 2/1/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Don Newcombe was a beast in 1955.  He finished the Dodgers only championship season in Brooklyn by going 20-5 with 17 complete games, 143 strike outs and a league leading 1.113 WHIP.  This, of course, would just be a precursor to what would happen the following year.  In 1956 Newcombe would take home both the Cy Young and MVP awards -- a first in Baseball.  Featured above is a 1955 AP wirephoto, dated Jully 11th, that shows Don's complete windup (auction link).  Per the descriptor:

Batter's Eye View of Big Don Newcombe -- Don Newcombe, big Brooklyn righthander and a member of the National League All-Star team, throws a fast one past a sequence camera in Polo Grounds yesterday before Dodgers-Giants game.  Newcombe has 14 and 1 record on the mound this year.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1919 the Dodgers traded Jake Daubert to the Reds for outfielder Tommy Griffith.  In 1959 ever-popular Brooklyn Dodgers outfilder Zach Wheat is unanimously elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee.  In 1976 East Lansing police arrest Dodgers reliever Mike Marshall for disobeying the orders set by the Michigan State University police prohibiting him from taking batting practice. MSU feared he would hit balls too far and injure students on an adjacent tennis court. Marshall protests that it is against his rights as an MSU instructor and files a lawsuit against the school.
• Happy Birthday, Chuck Churn, Elian Herrera, Justin Sellers & Brett Anderson!