Topps Project 2020 -- Jackie Robinson by Oldmanalan -- #194

I've been buried of late, so I apologize for this very late post regarding the newest Project 2020 Topps card of Jackie Robinson. It was made available over the weekend, but is now closed to new orders. It was created by tastemaker/streetwear influencer Oldmanalan. As you may recall, his Sandy Koufax card came out in mid-April and sold 2,488 copies (link here). This Jackie Robinson card sold a total of 3,268 copies.

As you can see, Oldmanalan has taken the 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson card and replaced the original drawing used on the card with an actual color photograph. His head is tiled slightly, so Oldmanalan tilted the nameplate to match it -- no doubt to the consternation of those with OCD.

Blog Kiosk: 8/6/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Chris Taylor, Baby! Per Matthew Moreno at Dodger Blue:

“It was a huge play. Chris has done so much to help us win baseball games,” Robert said. “Even the play before, to cut it off and keep the guy at first base. Then come in and make a strong, accurate throw. He does so many things. The triple that he got.

“He’s just a manager’s dream. He’s always ready when called upon and he seems to impact the game any time he’s in there.”

As you know, he recorded an assist on the last out of last nights game to help the Dodgers defeat the Pads, 7-6 (boxscore). Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1908 St. Louis Cardinals hurler Johnny Lush throws a six-inning no-hitter to beat the Dodgers, 2-0. The game was halted due to rain, but still deemed an official game. In 1961 Maury Wills hit his first career home run when he hit a fourth inning solo homer off Cubs pitcher Jack Curtis to give the Dodgers a 5-1 lead. It only took 1,167 at-bats to hit his first dinger. (boxscore) In 1981, after a seven-week strike, a split-season format is approved by the players; such that the Yankees, A's, Phillies and Dodgers are declared the first-half champions of their respective divisions. They all would then qualify for the divisional series at the end of the season. In 2009 Andre Ethier hit his fifth walk-off hit of the season when he walloped a three-run home run against Braves closer Rafael Soriano to give the Dodgers a 5-4 victory. 
• Happy Birthday, Jake McGee, Clem Labine, Andy Messersmith & Ron Davis!

2020 Topps Now - Kershaw's First Start of 2020 #46 & Mookie's Card from Saturday #38

Clayton Kershaw was outstanding during his 2020 debut, and for his efforts garnered a 2020 Topps Now card to celebrate the day. As you know, he was sidelined during his planned Opening Day start a couple of weeks ago, so seeing him on the mound was great to watch. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“I’ve done a lot of different things,” Kershaw said. “Gotten a lot of help from the training staff, strengthening and conditioning staff, working out, doing different things arm care-wise. There’s a lot of things, just threw everything at it and see what came out. I think the biggest thing is being healthy and feeling really good and moving well and just thankful for the arm feeling so good as it did today.”

Blog Kiosk: 8/3/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

It was good to see Kershaw out there, and even better that he did well. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I think there’s a lot of things involved,” Kershaw said. “First time pitching in eight, nine months of a game that actually mattered. There’s some relief, some thankfulness for sure. Just grateful to be back out there again.”

he went 5.2 scoreless innings, with six strikeouts and no walks to win in his first outing of the season. 

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959 a second All-Star Game of the year is played at the LA Coliseum. Don Drysdale gave up a third inning two-run homer to Yogi Berra to lose the game, 5-3. In 1980 Duke Snider, along with Al Kaline and Chuck Klein, are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1997 Tommy Lasorda, along with Phil Neikro, Nellie Fox and Willie Wells, are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2013 the Dodgers set a franchise record when they won their 13th consecutive game on the road by defeating the Cubs, 3-0. 
• Happy Birthday, Gus Getz, Jim Gott, Sid Bream & Kevin Elster!

2020 Donruss Optic Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

Last week saw the release of Panini America's 2020 Optic Baseball card brand, and now I've got pics of most of the Dodger cards to share with you. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Hilariously, Mookie Betts has an insert card here called "Illusions" -- as if him being a Dodger might have been an illusion, if not for the 2020 season and his signing of the recent longterm contact.

Base

Diamond Kings

#3 Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 7/31/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - #FreeJoeKelly

I just had to make these. Featured here are a handful of Joe Kelly "pouty face" fantasy custom Baseball cards. Enjoy.

#FreeJoeKelly -- Via Alden Gonzalez at ESPN:

"I don't think anyone's too happy about it," Pollock said. "It's not our call; it's obviously the commissioner's call. But I don't think anyone's too happy about that. I just don't think it's very good feel on his end."
...
"There's a lot of guys that were upset about the severity of it," Roberts said, noting that Kelly never admitted to throwing at Bregman on purpose.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1983 Dodger skipper Walter Alston is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1984 Baseball as an Olympic demonstration sport begins its Olympic tournament at Dodger Stadium. In 2004 the Dodgers receive outfielder Steve Finley and backstop Brent Mayne from the Diamondbacks for Koyie Hill, Reggie Abercrombie and southpaw Bill Murphy. They also traded outfield speedster Dave Roberts to Boston for Henri Stanley. In 2006 the Dodgers traded shortstop César Izturis to the Cubs for future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux. In 2008 the Dodgers traded for Manny Ramirez from the Red Sox (including a three team trade with Pittsburgh) for Andy LaRoche and Bryan Morris (who goes to the Pirates). Pirates outfielder Jason Bay goes to Boston.
• Happy Birthday, Pembroke Finlayson!