Blog Kiosk: 2/8/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is an up-close look at the famous right field wall at Ebbets Field.  The AP wirephoto is dated to August 22, 1955 and features Dodger outfielder Carl Furillo (eBay Auction Link).  Per the caption:

Outfielder Carl Furillo demonstrates in Brooklyn Dodgers workout today why he is master of the right field wall in Ebbets Field.  In this sequence camera series Carl reaches up for ball, starts to turn in mid-air and is prepared to throw as he comes down.  In the last picture the ball is enroute to second base to cut down any ambitious hitter who wants to stretch a single.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1916 National League owners voted down a proposal by Dodgers owner Charles Ebbets that would impose a limit of 2,000 seat that club can sell for 25 cents.  In 1933 the Dodgers traded their soon-to-be Hall of Fame pitcher Dazzy Vance to the Cardinals for a couple of scrubs.  In 1982 the Dodgers traded longtime second baseman Davey Lopes to the A's for a minor leaguer.  This trade broke up the longest-playing infield in major league history.  In 1995 the Dodgers signed Japanese free agent pitcher Hideo Nomo.
• Happy Birthday, Bruce Caldwell, Bert Haas, Charlie Householder & Joe Black!
  

2017 Topps Series 1 Baseball - The Rest of the Dodger Insert Cards

Here is a final look at Dodger cards found within packs of 2017 Topps Series 1 Baseball. Below are the Cut Signature, In the Name Relics, Jackie Robinson Day, Jackie Robinson Manufactured Logo Patches, MLB All-Star Team Medallion Relics, MLB Spring Training Manufactured Logo Patch Relics, MLB Awards and Silver Slugger Awards Dodger cards.

Only one of the Dodger "Cut Signatures" has been unearthed thus far.  It is of Jackie Robinson, and it's available on eBay.  Go here to check it out (eBay auction link).

Cut Signatures Relics (#/1)

• #CS-DS Duke Snider
• #CS-JR Jackie Robinson
• #CS-PWR Pee Wee Reese

#CS-JR Jackie Robinson

Blog Kiosk: 2/7/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Who could forget that weekend last season when several thousand Dodger fans arrived at Yankee Stadium to overtake a demonstrably demure New York fanbase.  Angelenos had come to scream, holler and chant for the men in Blue.  Then they made their presence known to a shocked Baseball public by performing a Dodgers "roll call" during the game -- to the consternation of Yankees' bleacher-creatures.

Of course, this act of invasion is nothing new to Dodger fans.  As proof check out the above ACME telephoto press pic of a group of boisterous Brooklyn fans invading Philadelphia's Shibe Park on the last day of the 1949 season.  (eBay Auction Link)

The Dodgers were sitting one game above the Cards for the pennant, and needed a victory to lock it up.  Naturally, their legions of fans came to support their team.  The Dodgers wouldn't make it easy, though.  They had to win the game in the tenth inning to capture the 1949 pennant.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1958 the Dodgers officially became the Los Angeles Dodgers, Inc.  In 2006 the Dodgers signed Japanese pitcher Takashi Saito to a free agent contract.
• Happy Birthday, Tom Daly, Cy Moore, Art Jones, Johnny Werhas & Burt "Happy" Hooton!
  

Welcome to the Blue, Sergio Romo!

I've been told that they now have a contract in place, pending a physical.  As you likely know, over the weekend news spread throughout the web that former Giants closer, free agent reliever and southern California native Sergio Romo was coming to Los Angeles.  Soon thereafter, those rumors got squashed.  Now, we've got a deal again.  So, I'm gonna go out on a limb and officially welcome the bearded right-hander to the Dodgers.  You can follow Sergio on twitter here: @SergioRomo54.

According to reports, it is a one-year deal at $3 million plus incentives, and is still pending a physical.  This is strikingly lower than what he earned last season - $9 million.  In fact, you wouldn't be wrong in thinking that he took a discount to be a Dodger.  Most folks figured he'd make at least double the amount the Dodgers are giving him. I suppose that growing up in a Dodger-centric household has a lot to do with this.

2017 Topps Series 1 Baseball - More Dodger Insert Cards

Here is a look at even more Dodger insert cards available in packs of 2017 Topps Series 1.  Below are the Major League Material Relics, Postseason Performance, Reverence Autograph and Salute Dodger cards.  Go here to check out all of my past post on this set.

Major League Material Relics

#MLM-AG Adrian Gonzalez

#MLM-HJR Hyun-Jin Ryu                 #MLM-YP Yasiel Puig

Blog Kiosk: 2/6/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is Jackie Robinson covering third base during a spring training match against the Yankees.  Dated 3/19/1955, rookie second baseman Bobby Richardson slides in safely. (eBay Auction Link)  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Miami, Fla... Yankee second baseman Bob Richardson pushes up a lot of sod as he slides safely into third on Hunter's hit to left field.  Dodgerman Jackie Robinson playing third base seems to be urging the ball to come in faster.  Toss from left field was too late, however.  The Yankees tallied 6 runs in this second inning rally.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day In Dodger History:  In 2014 the Dodgers signed a free agent minor league contract with third baseman Justin Turner.  He had just been released by the Mets, and was only given an invitation to spring training by the Dodgers.  To the surprise of many, Turner would have a breakout season.
• Happy Birthday, Andy Sommerville, Rube Ward, Red Downey & Glenn Wright!