Blog Kiosk: 12/7/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As painful this photo may be, I believe it's something that must be shared. Heck, I'd be surprised if this image has ever been widely seen. Featured above is an original Barney Stein photograph, currently at auction at RMY, that shows four Dodger employees dumping boxes full of unused 1951 World Series tickets into what looks like a furnace at Ebbets Field. (auction link)

As you may recall, this was the year Giants cheater Bobby Thompson walloped a walk-off home run off Ralph Branca to end the Dodgers hopes of a championship. Unfortunately, we don't know who the person's pictured are (if you know, please pass that along). We do know that the three chaps in work uniforms are Ebbets Field employees -- likely concessionaires, ticket takers, etc. Just take a gander at the chest of the fellow on the far right. It features Dodgers on his nameplate.

Below are more links to check out:

• This day in Dodgers History: In 2013 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever Brian Wilson. 
• Happy Birthday, Mike Baxter, Tom Lovett, Ryan Theriot & Yasiel Puig!

Blog Kiosk: 12/6/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just awesome!

Above is an original 1958 Spring Training photograph taken by the legendary Barney Stein currently on auction at RMY (auction link). As you can see, it features the entire team, and it is purported to be the very first team photo of the newly minted Los Angeles Dodgers. As you know, the club would play in LA for the first time that season.

I've personally placed a bid on this photograph, but have little hope I'll walk away with it. This auction just opened up and it already has six bids. I suspect it'll sell for far more than I am willing to pay. That said, there are a bunch of great vintage pics in the auction, so stay tuned as I highlight other favorites I run into.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 actor Gene Autry is awarded an American League Los Angeles franchise that would be known as the Angels -- borrowing. In 1973 the Dodgers traded Claude Osteen and Dave Culpepper to the Astros for outfielder Jim Wynn. Wynn would go on to have a stellar year the following season in Los Angeles. He slashed .271/.387/.497/.884 with 32 homers and 108 RBI's, and would come in at fifth place in MVP voting. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Jason Schmidt. In 2007 signed free agent outfielder Andruw Jones.  
• Happy Birthday, Tony Lazzeri, Tommy Brown & Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis!

2017 Topps Dynasty - The Dodgers Cards

Released a couple of weeks back, I am only know able to share some of the Dodger cards found in boxes of Topps 2017 Dynasty set. This is a high-end brand that will cost you about $300 for one box, and there is only one card in the box. So, this is very pricey. On the plus side, you are guaranteed an on-card autograph. Go here for a complete checklist.

For Dodger fans only the cards of Kenta Maeda and Mike Piazza are inserted into packs. Clayton Kersahw, Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger cards can only be found as a redemption.

Kenta Maeda

#AP-KM1 Kenta Maeda            #AP-KM2 Kenta Maeda

Blog Kiosk: 12/5/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Even ballplayers love chasing after autographs.

Featured above is a vintage, dated October 13, 1965, UPI press photo of Dodger outfielder "Sweet" Lou Johnson flagging down soon-to-be Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew for his John Hancock prior to game 6 of the World Series. (eBay auction link) Per the descriptor at the top:

Metropolitan Stadium: Autograph hunter is Dodger outfielder Lou Johnson's pregame role as he seeks signature of Twins slugger Harmon Killebrew here. Johnson had just entered the park and was en route to dressing room when he met Killebrew.

As you may know, the Dodgers would win this World Series the following day -- a game 7 match-up that saw Sandy Koufax throw a three-pitch shutout. BTW, Lou Johnson also hit a solo home run in the fourth inning of that game 7 to score the eventual winning run. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1973 the Dodgers traded outfielder Willie Davis to the Expos for relief pitcher Mike Marshall.  Dr. Marshall, as he is known, went on to win the NL Cy Young Award that next season.  He pitched in 106 games, finished 83 of them and recorded a league high 21 saves as a reliever. In 2011 the Dodgers signed free agent utilityman Jerry Hairston to a two-year $6 million contract. He would soon thereafter retire and join the Dodgers broadcast crew.
• Happy Birthday, Jamie McCourt, Gus Mancuso, Don Padgett, Steve Rachunok, Raleigh Aitchison, Billy Shindle & Ray Moss! 

2017 Panini Cyber Monday - The Dodgers Cards

As a part of Panini America's Cyber Monday promotion they issued Cyber Monday packs to case-breakers only. So, this was a very limited release to only those who open up a ton of material (specifically, 2017 Immaculate Baseball & 2017 Rookies & Stars Football brands).

There is a 50-card base set, as well as, relic and autograph cards in packs. Go here for more information. Unfortunately, a complete checklist has not yet been compiled, but I do know there is at least one Dodger player available. It is of Cody Bellinger, and I have pics of both his base and relic cards below. I suspect there is also an autographed version available, but it has yet to pop up anywhere.

Cyber Monday Base

#Cody Bellinger

#Cody Bellinger - Cyber Monday Materials

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Blog Kiosk: 12/4/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Weekend Odds and Ends

Justin Turner came out over the weekend to support the Chargers.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1940 the Brooklyn Dodgers traded John Pintar (minors), Gus Mancuso and $65,000 to the St. Louis Cardinals for soon-to-be All-Star catcher Mickey Owen. In 1941 the Dodgers traded Tony Giuliani and Van Lingle Mungo to the Minneapolis Minors of the American Association for pitcher Joe Hatten. In 1958 the Dodgers traded Gino Cimoli to the St. Louis Cardinals for former "Rookie of the Year" winner Wally Moon and Phil Paine. In 1979 the Dodgers signed outfield free agent Jay Johnstone to a two-year $300,000 contract.. In 1988 the Dodgers traded Juan Bell, Brian Holton and Ken Howell to the Baltimore Orioles for Eddie Murray. In 2002 the Dodgers traded  Mark Grudzielanek and Eric Karros to the Chicago Cubs for Chad Hermansen and Todd Hundley.
• Happy Birthday, Chuck Corgan!