2019 Topps Now -- Award Finalist Cards of Bellinger and Ryu

It is now awards season.

Over the weekend, two Dodgers were named as finalist for prestigious regular season honors, and Topps unsurprisingly created cards to celebrate it. Check them both out below.

On the heals of winning his first Gold Glove, Cody Bellinger has been named a finalist for the MVP Award. Go here to check it out and order. You have until the end of the week to get them. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Following a brilliant 2019 campaign, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger was nominated as a finalist for the National League MVP Award. Bellinger batted an impressive .305 with 47 home runs and 115 RBI.

Blog Kiosk: 11/5/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just another vintage Spring Training AP press photo to get you excited about the upcoming season. (eBay auction link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Vero Beach, Fla., Feb 27, 1963 -- Alston Likes What He Sees -- Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Walter Alston (left) is all smiles as pitcher Sandy Koufax gives assurances at spring training camp his left hand is in good shape. The Dodgers sagged in last year's pennant race when Koufax came up with an ailing finger. 

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 the Dodgers named former Brooklyn spitballer Burleigh Grimes as their manager. In 1940 former Dodger lawyer Wendell Willkie loses to third term American President Franklin D. Roosevelt in today's Presidential election. He would later on become VP and legal counsel for Brooklyn in the early 40's and would then be replaced by Walter O'Malley. In 2008 Dodgers pitcher Greg Maddux wins his 18th career Gold Glove. 
• Happy Birthday, Tommy Sheehan, Pryor McElveen & Ralph Birkofer!

2019 Topps Triple Threads - All the Dodger Insert Cards

Now that you've seen the 2019 Topps Triple Threads Dodgers' base cards, here's a look at most of the inserts that are available.

As always, the fun thing about this brand are the unusual, and often obtuse, phrases Topps creates with their triple relic cards. For instance, I'm not quite sure what they mean by the phrase "189 ABS, 20 HRS" for the Cody Bellinger card seen directly below. If you have some insight please pass it along. There is also a Joc Pederson autographed relic card that says, "Multi HR, Lid Lifter". As you may, know a Lid Lifter is a sports euphemism for the first game played. So, the Pederson card makes note of his two homer day during their 2019 Opening Day game against the Diamondbacks. BTW, there's another Pederson card that says, "Happy Birthday" -- obviously referencing another of his multi-homer days -- this time against the the Brewers on his birthday, April 21, 2019.

Triple Threads Relics

#TTR-CB Cody Bellinger

#TTR-WB Walker Buehler

Blog Kiosk: 11/4/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is a fantastic Sport Magazine press photo, dated to 1965, of Don Drysdale and Ron Fairly (eBay auction link).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 Maury Wills leaves the Dodgers while he is touring with the club in Japan, complaining that his injured right knee needs immediate treatment. He is then traded less than a month later to Pittsburgh for Bob Bailey and Gene Michael.
• Happy Birthday, Bill McCarren, Earl Mattingly, Eddie Basinski & Eric Karros!

A Hyun-Jin Ryu Baseball Card Checklist

With the season now officially over and the likelihood that hurler Hyun-Jin Ryu will not be remaining in Dodger Blue, I thought it would be fun to take a look at a bunch of Ryu's early Baseball cards. I begin by taking a peek at several World Baseball Classic cards issued for him in 2009 to his first year as a Dodger in 2013.

Surprisingly, there aren't a lot of Korean cards bearing his name. In fact, I could only find one Korean-based card (if I missed something please let me know). There are at least three American-based issues released prior to the Korean card. Why? I dunno.

Additionally, there are numerous limited inserts available that I could not find pics of. If you happen to have a photo please pass that along. Now, on to the cards. BTW, there were numerous Ryu cards available through Panini, but I have not yet seen one autographed card -- even though several are noted on checklists. I suspect they were never issued -- i.e. Panini's America's Pastime.

2009 Bowman Sterling

World Baseball Classic Relics

#BCR-HRR

Blog Kiosk: 10/31/2019 - Dodgers Links - Happy Halloween and Congrats Nats!

I would like to extend a big Blue Heaven congratulations to the Nationals for their World Series Championship. Out of curiosity, if Kershaw is a choker then what is Verlander? He's 0-6 in World Series games. I must confess that there's a little bit of joy in knowing that Bryce Harper will not be celebrating with that team. BTW, the Dodgers were the only team to win a postseason home game against the Nationals during these playoffs. I can't believe Fernando Rodney finally won a championship. Lastly, a congrats to former Dodgers Brian Dozier, Howie Kendrick, Javy Guerra and Dan Hudson on their new rings.

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

• This Day in Dodger History: In 2017 the Dodgers forced a Game 7 in their World Series matchup against the Houston Astros by defeating Houston and Justin Verlander, 3-1 (boxscore). Kenley Jansen pitched two innings of scoreless relief to earn the save.
• Happy Birthday, Stephen McKeever, Hardie Henderson, Leo Dickerman, Fred McGriff, Oreste Marrero & Javy Guerra!