2016 Topps Strata Baseball - All the Dodgers Cards

This week saw the release of Topps 2016 Strata Baseball card set set.  This is a high-end product that promises one autograph and one game-used relic per box.  Furthermore, every game-used relic card includes a MLB Authenticated logo hologram so that you know it is real.  Given the recent past regarding fake jersey sales to card manufacturers this feature adds a sense of certainty that the big bucks spent on cards like this is not for naught.  Go here for a complete checklist.

Unfortunately, most of the Dodgers cards available in the set are available only through a redemption card.  This includes Sandy Koufax, Clayton Kershaw and Kenta Maeda.  I have yet to see any of the Corey Seager cards online (redemption or otherwise). Hilariously, the only two cards I can show you right now are no longer on the Dodgers: Frankie Montas and Zach Lee.

Strata Autographs

#SA-FM Frankie Montas

#SA-ZL Zach Lee

Blog Kiosk: 8/12/2016 - Dodgers Links - Ping Pong 4 Purpose

Last night Dodger Stadium hosted the 4th Annual "Ping Pong 4 Purpose" charity event in benefit of Kershaw's Challenge.  Dodger players, other celebrities and even fans came out for a good cause and for a friendly tournament of ping pong. 

As you can see, host Clayton Kershaw was seen sporting a fantastically ridiculous outfit for the event.  Unfortunately, you can't see the best part of his ensemble in the photo above.  As you can see in the photo on the right, Kershaw wore the most awesome set of socks... er, leg warmers?

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  You can also go to Kershaw's Challenge on twitter (@KershsChallenge) to check out more pics from last night.  Go here to make a donation to Kershaw's Challenge.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1982 Steve Sax tied the Dodgers rookie record for stolen bases in a season at 40.  He would finish the season with 49 stolen bases.  In 1984 both Don Drysdale and Pee Wee Reese are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.  In 1996 Ramon Martinez regestered his 100th career victory.  He defeated the Cincinnati Reds, 6-5.
• Happy Birthday, Julio Urias!  He is now 20 years old.
  

Pirates Series Starts on Friday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.   Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

The Pittsburgh “Primanti” Dog will be available for this homestand only against the Pirates at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features an all-beef hot dog topped with French fries, provolone cheese, coleslaw and tomatoes.

The ninth 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, featuring Howie Kendrick 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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Friday, August 12th at 7:10 PM
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Vintage Dodgers Newsletter - Line Drives from the Dodgers - 1947, Vol. 9, #2

Here is an other look at an issue of "Line Drive from the Dodgers".  This time we take a peek at the June 1947 newsletter that takes the time to introduce several new faces to the fans.  As you may know, this is the season that features the debut of Jackie Robinson in the Major Leagues.  Per the headline story as seen at the very top:

Even when basepaths were soggy during the Spring and it was more hazardous than usual to try to take that extra base, Pete Reise, Jackie Robinson and other fleet-footed runners in the Dodgers cast gave enemy catchers and outfielders the jitters.  The Dodgers were always ready to run, to test the other fellow's arm.

Here is the Shotton figures it: "We got caught a few times on the bases," he said, "But we put the fear into the other fellow.  Now he knows we're a running team, and he'll have to hurry every throw.  It'll start to pay off for us now if we keep on running, for they'll make bad throws and we'll outrun that ball more often than not."

Blog Kiosk: 8/11/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Members of the LA Sparks came out to Dodger Stadium yesterday afternoon.  Kristi Tolliver and Jantel Lavender threw out an ceremonial first pitch, and as a group said those immortal words; "It's Time for Dodgers Baseball." 

Unfortunately, the ladies didn't provide the Dodgers much luck.  The Dodgers lost to the Phillies, 6-2, and fall one game back of the Giants in the NL West.

Photos above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more more pics by Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1951 the very first ballgame broadcast in color happened on WCBS-TV for a game between the Dodgers against the Braves at Ebbets Field.  In 1969 Don Drysdale announced his retirement from the game.  In 2015 every home team won their game, making that a first in the live ball era with a full slate of games.

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Karros, Cey, Kazmir, Turner and the LA Kings

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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It is Dodger Day at the "ampm" on Glendale Boulevard today (like, right now), August 10, 2016, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.  Per a press release I received:

Dodger partner ampm will play host to a Dodger Day tomorrow with Dodger legends Ron Cey and Eric Karros at a Los Angeles-area ampm store.  Fans can win autographed baseballs and Cey and Karros will be on hand for a meet and greet with customers. Customers will be treated to a round of Dodger Dogs courtesy of the Dodgers. Cey and Karros will show customers how they prefer to enjoy their Dodger Dog with toppings from the condiment bar. A Q&A session with Cey and Karros will then take place followed by photos and trivia with fans.