Blog Kiosk: 11/13/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I still believe that we'll get to witness something like this. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Los Angeles Dodgers star southpaw pitcher Sandy Koufax hoist a champagne toast in dressing room here 10/6, after the Dodgers won the 4th World Series game in a row to give them the title. The Dodgers handed New York its first 4-game shutout in 28 trips to the classic.

UPI photo photo came from an eBay listing, dated 10/6/1963. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1974 Steve Garvey was named the National League MVP -- receiving 13 of 22 first-place votes. Lou Brock was the runner-up. In 2003 Eric Gagne becomes the ninth reliever to be named a Cy Young winner. He recorded 55 consecutive saves this season. In 2014 Clayton Kershaw becomes the first pitcher to win the National League MVP award since Bob Gibson of the Cardinals in 1968. He received 18 of 30 first place votes.
• Happy Birthday, Andrew Friedman, Moose Clabaugh, Alex Kampouris, Steve Lembo, Steve Bilko, Wes Parker, Tony Abreu & Carlos Frias!

2019 Topps Clear Travel Promo Set - All the Dodger Cards

Here is a brand new 2019 Topps promotional set I am just finding out about. It is called '2019 Topps Clear Travel' and it was given away at select ballparks and airports. For those who don't know, Clear offers biometric identification services that can be used for travel and sports events. Per Cardboard Connection:

Based on what we heard from readers, the packs were earned by using the CLEAR Lane mobile ticket option at stadiums. Topps indicated that they are also found at airports. Participating teams include the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers.

There are three Dodgers available in the 100 card base set -- Clayton kershaw, Corey Seager and Justin Turner. Check them all out below.

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#CP-14 Clayton Kershaw

2019 Topps 150 Years of Baseball -- #110 -- Historic Moments: Sandy Koufax 15K World Series Game

The eleventh Dodgers' "150 Years of Baseball" online exclusive card also happens to be Sandy Koufax's third in the series. Check it out above and below. His first card featured his 1965 perfect game and his second focused on this 1965 World Series exploits. This time around they celebrate his 15 strikeout performance during Game 1 of the 1963 World Series. Go here to check it out and order. Per the description on the reverse:

Sandy Koufax set the tone in the 1963 World Series with a record-setting 15 strikeouts against the New York Yankees in Game 1. The gaudy punchout total marked the most by a starting pitcher in World Series history and led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-2 win.

Blog Kiosk: 11/12/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Both Gavin Lux, Fernando Valenzuela and others were on-hand to greet veterans for some batting practice at Dodger Stadium on Veterans Day, yesterday. Per Daniel Starkand at Dodger Blue:

Phillip Chaidez, a U.S. Air Force veteran that served in Iraq and currently lives in East Los Angeles, was among those in attendance with his family. “It’s really cool,” Chaidez told DodgerBlue.com. 

“I usually don’t like to get stuff for veterans, but this was different because it was something my kids could enjoy so that was the main reason we’re here and really excited to enjoy this day. Think about it, the World Series was down here, this is awesome. My son was able to get some batting advice from a Hall of Famer, doesn’t get any better than that. We’re very appreciative.”

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. 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 outfielder 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!

2019 Topps Holiday Baseball Mega Box -- All the Dodger Cards

Available now at many local Walmart's is Topps annual Holiday Mega Boxes featuring limited edition holiday-themed parallel cards. As you can see below, these cards use the basic flagship card design, but adds a whole lot of winter flare to spice it up.

There are a total of 200 base cards and ten Dodgers can be found there. See them all below. Go here for a complete checklist. My favorite inserts are the Holiday relic pieces that include Santa hat relic pieces.

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#HW9 Alex Verdugo      #HW25 Joc Pederson

Blog Kiosk: 11/7/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As I am wont to say, "Baseball will break your heart". Check out the above 1939 press photo showing the hard-luck case of Vito Tamulis (eBay auction link).

May 18, 1939 -- Vito Gets the Hard Luck Crown -- Vitautras C. Tamulis (right) today wore the Major League's hard luck baseball crown, the Brooklyn left-hander, shown with manager Leo Durocher (left) and Lynn Lary, pitched 11 innings (boxscore) of that 19 inning struggle at Chicago yesterday, allowing only four hits, but couldn't come up with a win. His whole career has been like that.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2016 the Dodgers traded catcher Carlos Ruiz to Seattle for Vidal Nuno III. Ruiz came to Los Angeles as a late-season addition for their playoff run -- a trade that sent popular backstop AJ Ellis to Philadelphia. Carlos Ruiz got into 14 games and slashed .278/.350/.333/.683.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Hatten, Dick Stuart, Rich Rodas & Orlando Mercado!