2018 Topps Triple Threads - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Here is a look at most of the Dodgers inserts available in packs of 2018 Triple Threads. Go here to check out the Dodgers base cards.

On a side note, it always seems like I learn something new when I see the Triple Threads Relics. As you know, these cards include three game-used uniform relic pieces framed to say some phrase unique to the player.

For instance, Clayton Kershaw has a card that includes the phrase, "12-0 1.70 ERA". This is meant to reflect a remarkable streak he had during the 2017 season where he went 16 consecutive games - from May 6th to September 1st - and went 12-0 with a 1.70 ERA.

A second Kershaw card, though had me totally confused. What the heck is a Lid-Lifter? Until this past week, I had never heard of this phrase, and the description on the reverse of the card didn't help me out. It says:

Clayton made his franchise-record eighth Opening Day start in 2018. He suffered his first loss despite allowing just one run, but went 2-for-2 at the plate.

Huh?

Fortunately, a quick Wiktionary search unearthed an answer. A Lid-Lifter is sports slang for the first game played. Hence, the Opening Day reference seen above.

I'd love to know how this idiom came to be. If you happen to know please pass that knowledge along.

Triple Threads Relic

#TTR-CKRS1 Clayton Kershaw      #TTR-CKRS2 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 11/12/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

A contingent of three Dodgers - Chris Taylor, Kike Hernandez & Kenta Maeda - are in the Japan All-Star Series, and they appear to be having a great time. Per Alyson Footer at MLB.com:

"The fans have been amazing so far," Hernandez said to the crowd. "Japan has always been a place that I have wanted to come visit. I get to experience this amazing culture that you have here. Playing at the Tokyo Dome has been great."

Per Kenta Maeda:

"It's been a little while since I've pitched in that stadium (Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium)," Maeda said. "I want to show all my fans in Japan something that they would enjoy. I'll do my best to get as many hitters out as I can and have a good performance."

Pic above via Kike Hernandez on Instagram. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1986 the Dodgers officially released longtime shortstop Bill Russell -- in order to facilitate his recent retirement from the game. He had an 18-year career with Los Angeles and ranked second in franchise history for games played (behind Brooklyn Dodger Zack Wheat). In 2014 Clayton Kershaw is the unanimous winner of the National League Cy Young Award. It is his third Cy Young. He went 21-3 with an 1.77 ERA, 1.81 FIP, six complete games and two shutouts. He will be named the MVP the next day.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Ryan, Red Evans & Greg Gagne!

2018 Topps Triple Threads - The Dodgers Base Cards

One of the hobbies favorite brands hit store shelves this week. It is Topps Triple Threads and featured below are the six Dodger base cards found in packs. Go here for a complete check list. I should have pics of many of the inserts next week.

Base

#6 Manny Machado           #16 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 11/9/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

If I were Leo I wouldn't want that guy angry at me.

Featured above is a promotional photo showing legendary Dodger manager Leo Durocher with Herman Munster (Fred Gwynne), dated April 4, 1965. (eBay link) As you may know, they filmed an episode of The Munsters where Herman came out for a Baseball tryout. Watch a snippet of the episode here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1998 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Devon White. He would play two season in Los Angeles before being traded to the Brewers for Marquis Grissom in 2001. As a Dodger he slashed .267/.330/.402/.732. In 2001 the Dodgers received left-handed starting pitcher Omar Daal from the Phillies for Eric Junge and Jesus Cordero. Thirty-year old Daal would go on to have a decent year for the Dodgers. He went 11-9 with an 3.90 ERA in 161.1 innings, 105 strikeouts, 54 walks and a 1.3 WAR.
• Happy Birthday, Zach Neal, Judge McCredie, Harvey Hendrick, Johnny Gooch & Dick Whitman!

2018 Topps Archives Snapshots - All the Dodgers Cards

For the third year in a row Topps has released their online exclusive 2018 Topps Archives Snapshots brand, and they hit collectors mailboxes last week. Below are pics of all the Dodgers cards found in boxes. Go here for a complete checklist. BTW, boxes can still be purchased online direct from Topps. A box will cost $25 and you get eleven cards; including one autograph. Go here to check that out.

Base  

#AS-AV Alex Verdugo         #AS-CH Charlie Hough

Blog Kiosk: 11/8/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Awesome! Japan clearly has better mascots than we do. Pic above via NotSWCT on twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1990 Darryl Strawberry signed a five-year $22.25 million free agent contract to play for his hometown Dodgers. This was huge news back in the day. Unfortunately, he would not fare well in Dodger Blue. 
• Happy Birthday, John Farrow, Tony Cuccinello, Eric Anthony, Henry Rodríguez, Víctor Álvarez, Darwin Barney, José Offerman, Nick Punto and Yasmani Grandal!