Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Garvey, Worthy, Ferragamo and Reggie Smith

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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Blog Kiosk: 10/4/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

You hard working lucky duckies!

Thirty students got a big surprise earlier this week. They were presented with tickets to Game 1 of the NLDS this coming Friday, via the Dodgers, for demonstrating academic improvement and athletic excellence. Dodger alumnus Dennis Powell and Ken Landreaux were on-hand. Per Joshua Thornton at MLB.com:

"It's just great to see," Powell said. "It's also great to let them know that someone is watching them." 

The Dodgers will also provide transportation to and from Dodger Stadium. 

"This is exciting," senior Mario Robinson said. "We don't really get stuff like this at school. For me, to be nominated for something educational and people noticing me about everything I do helping out with Mr. Corley is just amazing."

With all the bad stuff happening around us I thought that something cheery was in order. Photo above via Jill Weisleder/Los Angeles Dodgers. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1955 the day Dodger fans have been waiting finally happened. On this day the Brooklyn Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the World Series to win a championship for the very first time in its franchise. In 1959 the Dodgers won the teams very first playoff game in Los Angeles when they defeated the Chicago White Sox, 3-1.  92,234 fans attended the game at the LA Coliseum, setting a new record for attendance for a World Series game. This win put them up two games to one in the series.  They would win the World Series in the sixth game four days later.  In 2006 the worst play in Dodgers playoff history happened (in my opinion) when two runners are thrown out at home plate on the same throw during Game 1 of the NLDS against the Mets.  You can relive the horror here.
• Happy Birthday, Rip Ripulski, John Duffie, Mike Sharperson, Dennis Cook, Adam Riggs, Tony Gwynn, Jr. & Stephen Fife!

2017 Topps Now - #688 & #689 - Dodgers League Leaders in Wins & Saves

With the regular season now concluded all that is left to do is to honor those who excelled above all others. This afternoon's 2017 Topps Now cards celebrate the league leaders in Baseball, and two Dodgers are included -- Clayton Kershaw and Kenley Jansen.

The card directly above shows the AL and NL league leaders in wins. Corey Kluberm Clayton Kershaw, Carlos Carrasco and Jason Vargas all ended the year with 18 wins. Go here to check it out and order.

Vote For Kershaw!

This blog officially endorses Clayton Kershaw as your best choice for card #1.

Once again Topps is reaching out to fans and collectors for their vote on who should be card #1 in next years flagship Baseball card set. As you know, being the first card in this brand is an honor indeed. Some of the greats to be placed into that position include Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays (twice), Ted Williams (3 times), Nolan Ryan (3 times) and Mike Trout (twice). You can go here to vote.

For Dodger fans I think it's important to note that only three Dodger players (Pafko, Robinson & Piazza) have had the honor of having their own card as #1, and it been over twenty years since that's happened. So, ain't it about time we see a Dodger there?

2017 Bowman Chrome - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

I had failed to previously mention that both Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge appear on the boxes of Topps 2017 Bowman Chrome cards. Check out an example on the right.

Below are all of the Dodgers insert cards found in packs. Unfortunately, there are a ton of redemption cards inserted instead of the actual autographed cards. Cody Bellinger and recently traded prospect Willie Calhoun are only available as an redemption.

Also, there are a couple of short printed Calhoun cards available that feature him holding the MVP trophy for the Arizona Fall League Falls Stars Game in 2016. That evening he went 3-for-3, with a two-run homer.

Chrome Prospect Autographs

#CPA-JSB Josh Sborz        #CPA-MW Mitchell White

Blog Kiosk: 10/3/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This is the best time of year.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Yankees hurler Bill Bevins was one out from no-hitting the Brooklyn Dodgers in Game 4 of the World Series before yielding a walk-off two-run double to pinch-hitter Cookie Lavagetto, 3-2. In 1951 Bobby Thompson of the NY Giants hit the most infamous home run in Dodgers/Baseball history.  He walloped a Ralph Branca pitch in the ninth inning at the Polo Grounds for a walk-off victory, 5-4, during the deciding game of a three-game series to decide who would go to the World Series.  The homer has since been dubbed the "shot heard ’round the world." You can watch it here, if you must. In 2005 manager Jim Tracy is fired by the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Henry Thielman, Phil Reardon, Chris Haughey, Darrin Fletcher & Brock Stewart!