2016 Topps Series 2 - The Dodgers Base and Variation Cards

Take a look at all the Dodgers base cards found in packs of 2016 Topps Series 2 below.  A complete checklist of the set can be found here.

Of special note are the three variation cards that exist.  Carl Crawford, Brett Anderson and Scott Van Slyke have cards showing them wearing Jackie Robinson Day (#42) jersey's. The photos for all three of them are from the 2015 season.

#377 Scott Kazmir

#423 Carl Crawford                                 #429 Kenta Maeda

Welcome to the Blue, Yordan Alvarez!

Just before facing a two-year ban on signing international amateurs above a $300k bonus, the Dodgers decided to plunk down a couple million dollars to nab 18-year old Cuban outfielder Yordan Alvarez.  Yesterday was the very last day of the 2015-2016 international signing period.  Per Ben Badler at Baseball America:

The Dodgers signed Yordan Alvarez, an 18-year-old who played first base in Cuba but has also showcased in left field. The deal, first reported by MLB.com, is for $2 million, which means the Dodgers will pay $4 million total since they have to pay a 100 percent overage tax for exceeding their bonus pool.

Since Alvarez didn’t play much in Cuba’s Serie Nacional, my looks at him while he was in Cuba were limited to just a handful of at-bats. Alvarez had a long, lean build in Cuba, but those who have seen him more recently said he has gotten stronger and filled out to 6-foot-5, 220 pounds.

Blog Kiosk: 6/16/2016 - Dodgers Links - Maeda Recovering, Billingsley Ailing and Clayton Kershaw

Although far from perfect, Clayton Kershaw was still good enough to earn a Dodgers victory.  (Of course, a less than perfect Kersahw is still better than 95% of pitchers in the league)  He struck out eleven DBacks and walked only one in the 3-2 win.  Via Ken Gurnick and Jake Rill at MLB.com:

"Clayton saw we needed to win the series and came with the usual intensity and intent," manager Dave Roberts said. "Clayton was Clayton. For us to get that win was not only good for him, but for us."

Fortunately, a bit of luck came our way during this game.  With the Dodgers leading 3-1 and Kershaw on the mound, Paul Goldschmidt hit a deep liner to left field that barely missed going over the fence by inches.  Instead of tying the game with a two-run jack, Goldy was only able to bring Arizona within one run of tying the game.  (Watch the play here)

BTW, the Dodgers three runs all come on a homer by Scott Van Slyke against lefty Patrick Corbin.  (Watch it here)

"Looking for something in I could pull, and he gave it to me," Van Slyke said. "Big league pitchers are good, and you come back and, like, wow, you got to adjust yourself. I know I can hit any lefty if I'm focused and have my swing down."

Photo at the top via Jon SooHoo on the Dodgers twitter.  Go here to check out more pics from Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History:In 1958 Don Newcombe is traded by the Dodgers to Cincinnati.  In 1963 rookie Nick Willhite became the first pitcher in LA Dodgers history to throw a shutout in his Major League debut.  He defeated the Cubs, 2-0.  It would be 29 years before another rookie would do the same - Pedro Astacio.
• Happy Birthday, Jonathan Broxton!

Brewers Series Starts on Thursday - Autograph Guest, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers.   Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand; including a couple of veteran Dodgers' coming out to sign for fans on Sunday at Viva Los Dodgers.

The Milwaukee County Stadium Dog will be available for this homestand only against the Brewers at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features a quarter-pound, all-beef hot dog topped with fried cheese curds and county stadium secret sauce.

The sixth 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, featuring Corey Seager on the cover, will be available at Dodger Stadium.  (see it on the left).  The Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand.  They are distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. 

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Thursday, June 16th at 7:10 PM
RHP Junior Guerra vs. LHP Scott Kazmir
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

2016 Topps Series 2 Baseball - The Dodgers First Pitch Cards - Cotto, Thompson and Lamar

Officially released today is Topps 2016 Series 2 flagship Baseball card set.  I hope to have pics of all the Dodgers cards soon.  So stay tuned.  See a complete checklist here.  In the meantime, check out the three "First Pitch" cards from Dodger Stadium. 

Since 2015 Topps has honored numerous illustrious ballpark guest with their own Topps Baseball card.  Past stars include Jessica Alba, Kelsey Grammer and Jeff Bridges.  This time we have a card for a boxer, a musician and an actor from one of the greatest movie franchises of all time.  Check them out below.  I have also included a video of their pitches.

First Pitch

#FP-11  Miguel Cotto

During a late August series against the Padres boxer Miguel Cotto came out to greet fans at Viva Los Dodgers then threw out the first pitch before the game.  The afternoon was also Hispanic Heritage Night at the stadium.

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Manny Mota at Hollywood & Highland

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Dodger legend, Manny Mota, will be meeting and signing autographs for fans at the Grand Opening of the Dodgers Clubhouse Store at Hollywood & Highland on Saturday, June 18th.  Go here for information.  Store is located on Level 3 next to Hot Topic.

Dodgers Clubhouse Store
Hollywood & Highland
6801 HOLLYWOOD BLVD
HOLLYWOOD, CA 90028

I should note that the Hollywood & Highland event page says that Mota will be signing from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, but the below tweet from the Dodgers says it's from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  I have no idea which is the correct time.  All I can say is that I think it's best to get there early.

Per a tweet by the Dodgers:

Meet Manny Mota from 2-4pm on Saturday at the grand opening of the #Dodgers Clubhouse store @HandHCenter. @NewEraCap pic.twitter.com/QbGyeLVnAi

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 14, 2016

UPDATE: Kike Hernandez will be in Long Beach on Saturday.  Go here for information.

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