2016 Topps Triple Threads - The Dodger Triple Threads Relics

Here is a look at the handful of Dodgers 2016 Triple Threads Relic cards available in the set.  As you know, this brand is known for its often unusual "wordplay" cards that denote something remarkable or strange about the player.  Case in point, check out the Adrian Gonzalez "Trifecta" card directly below.  Although I'm not entirely sure, I believe this card is meant to reflect that Adrian was the team leader in runs scored, RBI's and home runs during the 2015 season.  What the "On & Off" card means... I do not know.  Fortunately, the Clayton Kershaw relic cards are not as confusing.  Go here to check out all of my previous post on this set.

Triple Threads Relics

#TTR-AG1 Adrian Gonzalez                  #TTR-AG2 Adrian Gonzalez

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Tommy Davis, Darrel Thomas, Bill Russell, Kenny Landreaux, Jay Johnstone and some Rams

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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Tommy Davis, Darrel Thomas, Bill Russell and Kenny Landreaux will be signing autographs at the Southern California Fair in Perris, CA on Wednesday (tonight), October 5th from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the The Press-Enterprise Stage.

Also, former Rams Vince Ferragamo, Reggie Doss, Ron Brown and LeRoy Irvin will be signing for fans on Thursday, October 6th from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the The Press-Enterprise Stage. 

Blog Kiosk: 10/5/2016 - Dodgers Links - Seager, Grandal, Dayton and the Dodgers Playoff Roster

Last night the Dodgers held a late afternoon workout in front of the chattering group of scribes, and revealed for all their roster for the upcoming playoff series against the Nationals.  ICYMI, here are the players who will be representing the team in Washington DC on Friday:

Catchers (3): Austin Barnes, Yasmani Grandal, Carlos Ruiz; Infielders (5): Adrían González, Chase Utley, Corey Seager, Justin Turner, Charlie Culberson; Infielder-Outfielder (1): Howie Kendrick; Outfielders (5): Yasiel Puig, Joc Pederson, Josh Reddick, Andrew Toles, Andre Ethier; Starting Pitchers (3): Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill, Kenta Maeda; Swingmen (2): Ross Stripling, Julio Urías; Relief Pitchers (6): Kenley Jansen, Joe Blanton, Pedro Báez, Grant Dayton, Luis Avilan, Josh Fields.

As you can see, there are some notable names missing.  Kiké Hernandez, Rob Segedin, Alex Wood, Brock Stewart and J.P. Howell are not listed.  Although, Stewart, Howell, Wood and Stewart will still travel with the team as possible replacements should an injury arise.  On the exclusion of Howell from the playoff roster Dave Roberts adds, via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider:

“That was a tough one,” Roberts said. “J.P.’s gonna travel with us, but he’s a guy that for me is one of the glue guys for our team this year. He’s had a lot of success in his career in the postseason, and for him to understand the decision, support it, but still have the opportunity in another series or possibly in this series by way of injury … those are the tough ones, because you know he’s here for the right reasons.”

Photo above via David Vassegh on twitter features the team huddling-up on the pitchers mound for a little meeting.  BTW, Jon SooHoo shares a bunch of fantastic older pics of several Dodger players from the 2004 team who will be active during this years playoffs; including a great photo of Adrian Beltre with Dave Roberts as seen on the right.  Go here to check them out.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1947 Dodger outfielder Al Gionfriddo robbed Joe Dimaggio of an extra base hit and several RBI's when he made a leaping grab near the left field bullpen during Game 6 of the World Series.  Go here to watch a highlight reel of the play.  In 1980 the Dodgers came back to defeat the Astros, 4-3, to sweep a season-ending, three-game series and force a one-game playoff with the Astros for the National League Western Division title.  Ron Cey had hit a two-run stunner in the 8th inning to help win the game.  Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose that one-game playoff, 7-1, the next day.
• Happy Birthday, Tracy Woodson!

Another Topps Vin Scully Baseball Card is Coming to the Market - Will Be Very Expensive

This is exciting.  Although, it's a bit disappointing that only a lucky few will be able to have one.

Topps announced today, via the release of a checklist, that Vin Scully will be getting his second Topps card of the year.  Randomly inserted into packs will be an 2016 Five Star autographed Baseball card of Vin Scully.  Unfortunately, none of the actual cards appear to have been placed into packs.  Instead, a redemption card will be available.

In fact, with its official released-date slated for tomorrow one Vin Scully redemption card is already for sale on eBay. Go here to check out the auction.  To the right is a pic of that redemption card.

There's no telling what this card will eventually sell for, but if Scully's 2016 "The Mint" autographed card is any bellwether then it'll be for a fortune.  As you know, Topps issued their very first Vin Scully card earlier this year with their inaugural release of the 2016 "The Mint" Baseball card set.  Like with the Five Star release, this card was also only available through an redemption, and as far as I can tell none of them have yet to be delivered to collectors.  Over the past several months this card has sold online for as low as $500 to over $1,000.

All of this does beg the question, why hasn't Topps released a normal, and likely far more affordable, Vin Scully base card?

I was hoping a Topps Now card would be made for his last broadcast, but that has since come to pass.  With the regular season over and only a handful of card sets still remaining before everyone transitions to next years sets, I'm afraid there won't be a commemorative card available that will be affordable enough for everyone to have... And that's a shame.

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2016 Topps Triple Threads - The Dodgers Scarcities

Featured below is a running checklist (and some pics) of the scarce Dodgers cards found in packs of 2016 Triple Threads; including the All-Star and Deca cards.  I hope to have pics of most of the various Triple Threads relic and relic autographs soon.

All-Star Patches (#/9)

• #TTASP-AG Adrian Gonzalez
• #TTASP-CK Clayton Kershaw
• #TTASP-JOP Joc Pederson
• #TTASP-YG Yasmani Grandal
• #TTASP-ZG Zack Greinke

#TTASP-JOP Joc Pederson     #TTASP-AG Adrian Gonzalez

Blog Kiosk: 10/4/2016 - Dodgers Links - Liberatore, Hershiser, Dodgers Wrestling and Kershaw

So... What are the Dodgers doing while they await their NLDS this coming weekend against the Nationals?

Watching some wrestling, of course.

Featured above are JP Howell, Justin Turner and Josh Reddick, along with WWE star Seth Rollins, at Monday Night RAW in the Staples Center.  As you can see, they gave Rollins his very own Dodgers jersey.  BTW, Reddick is also seen holding the Dodgers "Player of the Game" belt on his shoulder.  In fact, he would later on show off the belt to the wrestling fans in attendance, via a photo shared by Reddick on Instagram on the right.

Photo at the very top via Justin Turner on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1955 the unbelievable happened.  The Brooklyn Dodgers, behind the brilliant pitching of Johnny Podres, captured their very first World Championship in franchise history.  They defeated the hated NY Yankees in seven games.  In 1959 the Dodgers won the teams very first playoff game in Los Angeles when they defeated the Chicago White Sox, 3-1.  This win put them up two games to one in the series.  They would later on win the World Series in the sixth game four days later.  In 2006 the worst play in Dodgers playoff history happened (in my opinion) when two runners are thrown out at home plate on the same throw during Game 1 of the NLDS against the Mets.  You can relive the horror here.
• Happy Birthday, Mike Sharperson, Stephen Fife and Tony Gwynn Jr.!