Blog Kiosk: 4/23/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic, circa 1950's, photograph taken by Barney Stein of the Brooklyn Dodgers "Sym-Phony" Band that is currently available at RMY Auctions.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 Dodgers righty Ed Head threw a no-hitter against the Boston Braves, 5-0. He said after the game: “I knew I had it all the time – don’t ask me how, but I knew it.” (boxscore) It was his first appearance after returning from the military. In 1958 Dodger first baseman Gil Hodges hit his 300th career home run on the same day that Pee Wee Reese played his 2,000th career game. In 1999 Cardinals third baseman Fernando Tatis becomes the first player in MLB history to hit two grand slams in one inning when he did it against Chan Ho Park at Dodger Stadium, 12-2. You can watch it here.
• Happy Birthday, James Mulvey, Dolph Camilli, Bob O'Brien & Andruw Jones!

2019 Topps Now - #107 & #120 - Kiké's Big Friday then Belli's Bigger Sunday

What a weekend for the Dodgers. Although they were unable to extend their winning streak by sweeping the Brewers, they were able to show that they are the alpha-males of the National League. On Friday evening, Kiké Hernandez walloped a game-winning three-run homer off of the usually unhittable Josh Hader to drive the Dodgers towards victory, 5-3. For his efforts he was given a 2019 Topps Now card that sold over the weekend and has a print run of 223 copies. Per the description on the reverse of the card.

Blog Kiosk: 4/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kershaw was great... Joc was outstanding... But its Belli who stole the show. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“He’s just playing incredible baseball,” Roberts said of Bellinger. “All the way, across the board — today with the bat, with the glove — he just impacts the game so many ways.”

Cody knocked in three runs -- on two singles and a solo homer -- to lead the Dodgers offense in their 6-5 (boxscore) victory over Milwaukee. He also made a game-saving catch to steal a home run from the equally impressive Christian Yelich.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1981 rookie Fernando Valenzuela hurled his third shutout in four starts to start the season -- defeating Houston, 1-0. Best yet, he was responsible for driving in the Dodgers lone run on a single in the fifth inning.
• Happy Birthday, Sandy Burke, Tom Long, Ray Benge, Lew Riggs, Jake Daniel, Jack Savage & Dee Gordon!

2019 Bowman Baseball - All the Dodgers Cards

Thirty years ago Topps brought back their Bowman brand from the dustbin of collecting history and quickly re-branded it as its premier prospect set. Every year collectors open up box and box chasing after the 'next-big-thing' and this year is sure to be no different.

Earlier this week 2019 Bowman hit store shelves and it's filled with several Dodger farmhands who could make waves in LA soon. In fact, it includes the very first Dodger card of recently acquired infielder (courtesy of the Puig/Kemp trade) Jeter Downs. Also, you can find the very first officially licensed cards of prized catcher Diego Cartaya (which is autographed), Christian Santana and James Outman. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base

#2 Cody Bellinger           #15 Clayton Kershaw

Base Paper Prospects    Base Chrome Prospects

#BP-80 Dustin May          #BCP-80 Dustin May

2019 Topps Heritage Chrome Mega Box - All the Dodgers Cards

I just realized that I skipped over a Walmart exclusive product put out by Topps. It was their Heritage Chrome Mega Box and it came out mid-March. Each $39.99 box included 15 regular Topps Heritage packs and one Chrome pack with three exclusive Chrome parallels enclosed. Go here for a complete checklist. Take a look at the Mega Box on the right. I am uncertain if these boxes can still be found in stores.

There are four Dodgers in the Chrome Exclusives and a Kershaw relic that uses a different photo than what's found in the regular Heritage packs.

Base Chrome Exclusives

#THC-34 Cody Bellinger        #THC-341 Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 4/19/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers decided to celebrate National High Five Day by defeating the Brewers for their fifth consecutive victory last night. Best yet, it all came about as a result of the clubs fifth straight quality start -- this time by Julio Urias, who went 6 innings of scoreless one-hit ball. He also struck out a career high nine batters. (boxscore) Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“When your fastball is working, when it’s being placed well, the batter has to think about three pitches to worry about,” said Urías, who also got five swinging strikes with his changeup. “When you throw it with conviction, things go well.”

Photo above via Joo SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1890 the Brooklyn Bridegrooms (Dodgers) play their very first game as a member of the National League. In 1938 Dodgers outfielder Ernie Koy hit a home run in his first major league at-bat. In 1956 Roy Campanella recorded his 1,000th career hit at New Jersey's Roosevelt Stadium - a tenth inning double. This was also the first ever MLB game played in New Jersey. The Dodgers would play several home games here just prior to moving to Los Angeles. In 1968 Met's hurler Nolan Ryan throws an Immaculate Inning (three strikes out on nine pitches in one inning) against the Dodgers in the third inning.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Greenwood, RJ Reynolds, Brett Mayne, Jose Cruz, Dennys Reyes, George Sherrill, Joe Beimel & Alberto Callaspo!