2011 Topps Lineage Sneak Peek

Topps just unveiled some sneak peek photos of some cards from a set expected to be available in August. It is called Topps Lineage, and, if I'm not mistaken, is an inaugural brand for the company. From the looks of some of the samples it appears to be a set that borrows the card designs of various vintage Topps sets. I guess this is a "super-Heritage" set since it takes from many different years instead of focusing on the vintage card design of just one year- like the Topps Heritage brand.

Anyway, one Dodger is represented in the sneak peek, and we shouldn't be surprised who it is. Below is the Sandy Koufax card. Go here, on their facebook page, to see more.

UPDATE: Beckett has more on the set right here. The set actually ties in many different oddball Topps designs from the past 60 years.

Collection: 1979 Albuquerque Dukes

Here is a brief trip down memory lane. The 1979 Albuquerque Dukes were a great team that provided a small glimpse into the future of the Dodgers. They finished 1st in the overall standings, and featured many future Dodgers who would play integral parts of 2 championship teams.

There was Mickey Hatcher who lead the league in hitting with a .371 average, and was third with a OPS of .971. Pedro Guerrero provided the power as he belted 22 home runs and 103 RBI's. Mike Scioscia was the primary backstop, handling pitchers like Dave Stewart and Bobby Castillo, while hitting a robust .336.
Featured in this post is the complete 1979 Albuquerque Dukes team set made by TCMA.
Here is what the reverse of the cards look like.

Blog Kiosk: 4/5/2011

• Tommy Lasorda tells another great story about Steve Sax on his blog.
  
• Tom Hoffarth interviews Bobby Valentine.
  
• Vin Scully is My Homeboy has some great pics from the Dodgers newest Dreamfield at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center.
• New Mexico Fan has the 2011 Albuquerque Isotopes Opening Day roster.
  
• Children's Hospital Los Angeles launches an interactive guide featuring local LA sports stars, via Kings website. There will be 4 parts with Pau Gasol being the first star to be featured. See it here. James Loney is the Dodger who is represented. I'll certainly pass it along once it goes live. Here is the schedule:

  · “Where’s Pau Now?” featuring Pau Gasol: April 1 – May 5, 2011
  · “Look for Luc” featuring Luc Robitaille: May 7 – June 10, 2011
  · “Locate Landon” featuring Landon Donovan: June 12 – July 16, 2011
  · “Find James First” featuring James Loney: July 18 – August 20, 2011

  
• Check out what I think is the coolest #5 type card collection item so far, right here.
  
• As a follow-up to my April Fools Joke on Friday, here is a version of the Rebecca Black song that is actually really good. I guess you can't go wrong with Colbert and Fallon.

Video Link:

eBay: 1963 World Series Hat

Gone are the days when gentleman wore this style of straw hat to the game. Here is a 1963 World Series hat that featured the Dodgers versus the Yankees on eBay. As you know, the Dodgers swept the most hated team in the world in 4 games.

(eBay Auction Link)

A Formal Joint Statement on Recent Fan Violence

Before I post the joint press release from the Dodgers, Giants and their respective Mayors and police chiefs I wanted to remind folks that a special fund has been set up for Bryan Stow. He is currently in a medically induced coma after being attacked in the Dodgers parking lot. Also, go here for info on the suspects- and how you can help. UPDATE: via Vin Scully is My Homeboy, we find out that his family has a blog in support of Bryan- see it here.

Donations for Bryan: Go to at any bank listed at www.CUSWIRL.com or Common Wealth Credit Union and donate to account number #118881 at Common Wealth Credit Union.

Below is the press release:

The following statement was issued today by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee, SFPD Interim Chief Jeff Godown, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, San Francisco Giants Managing Partner Bill Neukom and Los Angeles Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt in regard to the assault that occurred after Thursday’s Opening Day game at Dodger Stadium:

“This attack is unconscionable behavior that will not be tolerated in either of our ballparks or in either of our cities. Once apprehended, the attackers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Public safety is the top priority for all of us and even one act of random violence is unacceptable.

Baseball is a family sport that has unified our country after times of crisis and tragedy. This senseless act of violence has no place in our society and certainly not in our national pastime.

The Giant/Dodger rivalry is one of the most storied in all of sports, dating back to when the teams played across town in New York City before their moves to California. This is a great rivalry between teams competing on the field of play. That’s where it must stay.

We call on our respective citizens to stand together in honor of that rivalry as you have done throughout the years. Root hard for your teams, and do so with civility and common decency.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim Bryan Stow and his family. The best thing that we as a community of baseball fans can do to support Bryan and his family is to rise above this outrageous act and exercise good sportsmanship and mutual respect for each other.”

eBay: Dodger Smokes

Back in the 50's, smoking was not considered the health hazard we know it to be today. Players smoked and often lent their image to sell packs nationwide. Tobacco billboards were at every Baseball stadium. And, as we see in the photos, teams donated packs to serviceman through the VA.

Here is an eBay auction of a rare unopened pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes provided compliments of the Dodgers. This 50 year old vintage memorabilia item sold for $28.00.

(eBay Auction Link)