2017 Diamond Kings - The Dodgers Insert Cards

Here is a last look at some of the Dodgers' cards found within packs of Panini America's 2017 Diamond Kings Baseball set.  Featured below are all the non-autographed insert cards that are available.  Go here to check out all of my past post on this set.

Aurora Set

#3 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 4/7/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Beloved comedian and great friend of the Dodgers, Don Rickles, passed away yesterday at the age of 90.  In his honor I made the above two fantasy Baseball cards of him.  Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I’ve lost and the world has lost a very dear friend,” Lasorda said in a statement. “I remember the many times he came into our locker room and had our players in stitches before a big game.”

You can watch Don Rickles insult the Dodgers in a great bit from a 1986 television show called "Rickles... On the Loose" here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1969 Dodger reliever Bill Singer is the first major leaguer to officially be credited with a new fangled stat called the save.  It was on Opening Day in Cincinnati, and Singer pitched three scoreless innings to maintain a 3-2 victory over the Reds.  In 1977, on Opening Day, Don Sutton was directed to throw a gopher ball on the first pitch of the game to the Giants lead-off hitter Gary Thomasson.  That ball would then be given to the home plate umpire to be sent to Cooperstown.  As you might expect, the Giant batter instead hit the pitch for a home run.  He claims he had no idea about the plan (yhea, right!).  

"They told him that the first ball he threw would be sent to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown," Lasorda said. "Well, the first ball he threw was hit by Gary Thomasson halfway up the bleachers. I said to him, ‘They wanted to send the ball to Cooperstown; they didn'’t want someone to hit it there.’" 

This is the same game Frank Sinatra kept his promise to Tommy Lasorda by performing the national anthem at Dodger Stadium.  In 1979 the Dodgers traded pitcher Rick Rhoden to the Pirates for pitcher Jerry Reuss.

• Happy Birthday, Bobby Mitchell, Brett Tomko, Ronnie Belliard & Adrian Beltre!
  

2017 Topps Tribute Baseball - The Dodgers Insert Cards

Featured below are all of the Dodger insert cards found in packs of 2017 Topps Tribute.  Go here to check out all of my past post on this set. Unfortunately, there are a ton of redemption cards in this checklist.

Tribute Autographs

• #TA-JU Julio Urias -- redemption card

#TA-CSE Corey Seager               #TA-FV Fernando Valenzuela

Blog Kiosk: 4/6/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yasiel Puig contributed in a big way last night when he walloped his first home run of the season.  It came about in the fourth inning against Trevor Cahill, and added a bit of cushion to a Dodgers lead. You can watch him chat about his homer with Alanna Rizzo here. Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

“My teammates are doing a great job,” Puig said. “They are all in the right [lineup] position and they have all been doing their job. They are in the position that is right for them. Now it’s my turn.”

The Dodgers defeated San Diego, 3-1. Photo at the very top via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers 2017 @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers raise their 1981 World Series banner at Dodger Stadium. In 2004 Dodger third baseman Adrian Beltre becomes the 36th player in hostory to hit 100 home runs before the age of 25.
• Happy Birthday, Red Smith, Tom Fitzsimmons, Ernie Lombardi, Dee Moore, Jim Romano, Don Elston & Phil Regan!
  

2017 Topps Gypsy Queen - The Dodgers Insert Cards

Here is a last look at Dodgers' cards found in packs of 2017 Gypsy Queen.  Below are all of the Dodger insert cards. Notably, the "Laces Around the League" inserts include MLB certified game-used baseball relic pieces. Go here to check out all of my past post on this set.

Gypsy Queen Autographs 

•  #GQA-JU Julio Urias -- redemption card

#GQA-CSE Corey Seager        #GQA-JDL Jose De Leon

Blog Kiosk: 4/5/2017 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw's Change, Joe's Welcome and Pedro's on the Mend

Corey Seager was presented with the Silver Slugger Award prior to last nights game.  I'm sure it'll be one of many he'll receive in the future.

As for the game, the Dodgers' troubles against lefties continues.  Last night they got blanked by Padres left-hander Clayton Richards.  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"Last year, we didn't hit lefties," said manager Dave Roberts, whose club was 22-24 against left-handed starters in 2016. "This year, I think we have a completely different mindset."

Unfortunately, that mindset didn't deliver. 

Photo at the very top via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1913 25,000 fans watched the Dodgers play their first game at their new home, Ebbets Field.  It was an exhibition match that saw Brooklyn defeat the Yankees, 3-2.  Superbas (Dodgers) outfielder Casey Stengel (the future famed Yankees manager) hit the first home run at the stadium -- an inside-the-park homer in the fifth inning. 
• Happy Birthday, Héctor Olivera & Greg Smith!