Blog Kiosk: 11/26/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Roy is "A-Okay".

Roy Campanella, popular Brooklyn Dodger catcher, winks and gives the "okay" sign to a group of admiring small fry after a physician said Campy's injured left hand isn't permanently damaged and he's fit for duty in the All-Star game in Cleveland.

Dated July 13, 1954, the above vintage press photo (available through eBay) features some very relieved Brooklyn fans with Roy Campanella. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1962 the Dodgers traded right-handed hurler Stan Williams to the Yankees for first baseman Bill Skowron. He would play just one season for Los Angeles -- slashing .203/.252/.287/.539 in 89 games. In 1965 Dodgers second baseman Jim Lefebvre is voted National League Rookie of the Year. In 2010 the Dodgers signed free agent righty Jon Garland to a one-year $5 million contract. Garland would start nine games, going 1-5 with an 4.33 ERA, then go on the disabled list with shoulder discomfort -- leading to shoulder surgery.
• Happy Birthday, Jim Canavan, Dan McFarlan, Bob Lee, Jeff Torborg, Jorge Orta & Jay Howell!

2019 Bowman Topps Holiday -- All the Dodger Cards

A couple of weeks back Topps released their 2019 Bowman Topps Holiday Baseball cards -- exclusively available at local participating hobby stores. There are five Dodgers' in the base set; including prospects Cristian Santana, Josiah Gray and Keibert Ruiz. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base

Veterans and Rookies

#TH-CB Cody Bellinger       #TH-MMU Max Muncy

2019 Topps Dynasty - The Dodgers Cards

Several weeks back Topps released their 2019 Topps Dynasty brand, and I finally have pics of many of the Dodgers available in it. Go here for a complete checklist. This is a high-end product -- costing about $300 for one single encapsulated autographed card per box. So, every pack should have a big hit in it.

For Dodger fans, this set is notable since it includes two former Dodgers in Blue -- Adrian Beltre and Rickey Henderson.

Autographed Patches

#Adrian Beltre
#DAB-ABE4

Blog Kiosk: 11/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Vin Scully Collection Coming to Auction in 2020

Holy Moly!

I had suspected, with the MLB All-Star Game scheduled for Dodger Stadium next season, that Hunt Auctions would have something special for collectors to chase. As you may know, Hunt has had an annual MLB All-Star Week auction and it usually includes some historically important memorabilia. For 2020, though they have truly gone above and beyond. According to an announcement this morning, they have secured select items from the personal collection of Dodger Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully -- easily the most iconic Dodger personality in its history.

There's no word yet on how many items will be available, but based on the pic in their email it appears he'll be parting with some items from a Dodgers Tour of Japan, his 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Series ring, the 1981 World Series trophy and some personal photographs.

Stay tuned I'll be sure to highlight everything once more information is available. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1972 Dodger first baseman Wes Parker won his sixth consecutive Gold Glove award. He would soon retire from the game, shortly after his 33rd birthday, and become a broadcaster for the Cincinnati Reds in 1973.
• Happy Birthday, Bert Cunningham, Gene Bailey, John Wells, Ben Wade, Tony Brewer, Octavio Dotel & Grant Dayton!

2019 Topps On-Demand Set #13 - Lenticular 3-D Cards - All the Dodgers'

Here's a new product that has me wishing I'd bought some packs. As you know, Topps has been releasing weekly online exclusive sets, dubbed "On-Demand" cards, for collectors to chase. Usually, they'll place modern ballplayers on vintage card designs - much like the fantasy cards I and a lot of collectors enjoy making. This particular set, though uses a card technology that Topps isn't exactly known for -- unless you want to count their 1968 test issue.

Featured here are all the Dodger cards found in Topps On-Demand Set #13 -- their Lenticular 3-D set. Go here for a complete checklist.

These cards are exactly like those old Sportflics cards from the late-80's -- using a printing process called "lenticular printing" that they referred to as a "Triple Action Magic Motion®" cards. A total of 100 ballplayers are in the base set, of which six are Dodgers.  Check them all out below. BTW, a total of 9,000 packs were sold and this translates into a print of 540 copies for each base card.

Base

#25 Clayton Kershaw

2019 Topps Now - All-Star Rookie Team - Will Smith

I am late again with this newest 2019 Topps Now Dodger card. Available for most of yesterday is an All-Star Rookie Team Cup card of Dodgers catching phenom Will Smith. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Will smith provided the Los Angeles Dodgers with pop from the catching position once he made his debut, routinely coming up with clutch hits. The rookie's impressive power and sold defense at the most demanding position in the League gave the Dodgers an edge.