Blog Kiosk: 11/29/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a brand new online exclusive card being made available through Topps. It is a holiday advent card set and up for sale is a Clayton Kershaw card (see it above on the right). It's a 20 card set with each card being made available on separate days. The Kershaw sale closes today. Go here for more information.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 the Dodgers trade two-time batting champ Tommy Davis and outfielder Derrell Griffith to the Mets for infielder Ron Hunt and outfielder 'Gentleman' Jim Hickman, who leaves New York as the franchise's all-time home run leader with 60. In 2010 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Juan Uribe to a three-year $21 million contract, He would soon become a fan favorite.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Orengo, Irv Noren, Brian Holton & Vin Scully!

Blog Kiosk: 11/27/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As I'm sure you've heard by now, the Dodgers will be hiring former Dodger farmhand and recent Angels Bench Coach Dino Ebel to be their 3rd base coach next season, per Bill Plunkett of the OC Register on twitter. He has a long history with the Dodgers, so his return is likely to be heralded. Per Craig Minami at True Blue LA:

He played and coached in the California League and then he began to just coach for the San Antonio Missions, the Dodger affiliate in the Texas League in 1996. 

Ebel started his minor-league managerial career for San Bernardino in 1997 and then managed the Dodger Rookie-League team in Great Falls in 1998. He would manage teams in the Northwest, California, South Atlantic and Southern Leagues for the next five seasons until he left the Dodger organization at the end of the 2004 season.

Featured above are two minor league cards of Dino. On the left is a 1991 ProCards and on the right is a 1993 Cal League card. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 Roy Campanella is the named the National League MVP for the second time in his career. He slashed .312/.395/.611/1.006 with 41 homer runs, a league leading 142 RBI's and recorded 7.1 WAR. In 1956 Don Newcombe was awarded the inaugural Cy Young Award, going 27-7 with a 3.06 ERA. A week prior he was given both the MVP and Rookie of the Year Awards; thereby becoming the first and only player to win all three major awards for a pitcher in one season.
• Happy Birthday, Jimmy Schmitz, Mike Scioscia & Jimmy Rollins!

2018 Topps Now - #RC10 - Walker Buehler All-Star Team Topps Trophy Card

As you may know, Walker Buehler was named to the Topps All-Star Rookie Team, and as such will have the heralded "Rookie Cup" emblem emblazoned on his Topps flagship card next season. You can see that "Rookie Cup" in the pic above. In celebration of this Topps has issued a 2018 Topps Now card of him. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Walker Buehler dazzled in 2018 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, posting an 8-5 record while having a 2.62 ERA. Buehler pitched an impressive 137.1 innings in his first full year and struck out 151 batters. Buehler was a key part of the success the Dodgers had in reaching the 2018 Postseason and winning their sixth consecutive NL West Division title.

2018 Topps Holiday Bowman - All the Dodgers Cards

In addition to the Topps Holiday cards being sold at Walmart (link here) Topps has also brought back their 2018 Bowman Holiday card. It is an local hobby shop exclusive giveaway that officially began on Friday, November 16th. At participating stores you would get a free pack of 2018 Topps Holiday Bowman Baseball cards with a purchase of $10 or more.

The Base set includes 100 cards and the card design is the same as it's 2018 Bowman brand -- with a Topps Holiday 2018 logo at the corner. Go here for a complete checklist.

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#TH-AV Verdugo            #TH-CK Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 11/20/2018 - Dodgers Links - Congrats, Adrián!

Congrats on a fantastic career!

As I'm sure you've heard by now, former Dodger phenom and future Hall of Famer Adrián Beltré has announced his retirement from the game. I have always loved this guy and will always consider him a Dodger. That said, when he enters the hallowed hall of Cooperstown in five years time he'll likely be wearing the cap from Texas, and I couldn't be prouder. He belongs there (no matter what hat he wears), and as much as I hate that he didn't spend more time in Dodger Blue I can't help but feel happy for his accomplishments. He was one of my all-time favorites, and this Dodger fan can do nothing but tip my cap to him.

BTW, you can watch Beltré's first hit and RBI, as called by Vin Scully, here. It was against Angels hurler Chuck Finley on June 24, 1998. Also, Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts put up a great piece this morning on Adrián that I thought worth check out. You can also read Beltré's retirement letter here, via a tweet from the Rangers.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2011 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Luis Cruz. He would have a career year in Dodger Blue; slashing .297/.322/.431/.753 with six homers and 40 RBI's in 2012. In 2014 the Dodgers acquired relievers Adam Liberatore and Joel Peralta from the Tampa Bay Rays for Greg Harris and Jose Dominguez. 
• Happy Birthday, Leon Cadore, Rube Ehrhardt, Jay Johnstone, Rick Monday, JD Drew & Alex Guerrero!

2018 Topps Holiday - All the Dodgers Cards

With the holidays practically here, it is now time to talk about some of the various sets being put out to celebrate the festivities. First, here's a look at the 2018 Topps Holiday Baseball card set -- a Walmart exclusive.

A limited edition 10 pack box is avialable that includes a 200 card base set with a snowflake graphic in the background. You are also guaranteed one hit (Autograph, Relic or Auto Relic card). Check out what the box looks like on the right. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

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#HMW9 Chris Taylor

#HMW30 Corey Seager