The 1956 Brooklyn Dodgers Photo Pack

Here is another new addition to my collection. Featured here is the complete twelve picture set of the 1955/56 Brooklyn Dodgers Photo Pack. Measuring 5" x 7", blank backed and printed on white glossy paper stock, these photos were sold at Ebbets Field concession stands (possibly by mail order, as well). They appear to have been manufactured by an outfit called Jay Publishing (some collectors disagree with this) and were originally sold in a paper envelope with the words "Twelve WORLD CHAMPION Dodgers PHOTOS" printed in blue.

2017 Topps Now - #129 - Bellinger & Barnes - Single to Tie in 9th and Walk Off Double in 10th

Well looky here. We have another 2017 Topps Now Dodgers' card and it too features high-flying rookie Cody Bellinger.

As you know, the Dodgers won a crazy one last night. Not only did Julio Urias pitch a gem (hitless for the first six innings), but the Dodgers had to come from behind to win it. And as you know, whenever a team wins it on a walk-off Topps has to commemorate the occasion with a Topps Now card. Featured here is a card #129 that celebrates not only Bellinger's game-tying single in the 9th inning, but it also pays homage to Austin Barnes game-winning walk-off double to win the game in the 10th. (ToppsNow link here)

Blog Kiosk: 5/10/2017 - Dodgers Links - Justin Marks, Wood, Urias and Austin Barnes

Austin Barnes was more than happy to take a celebration on-field bath after last nights game. As you surely know, Barnes came off the bench in the 10th inning of a 3-3 tie to drive in pinch-runner Ross Stripling for the wining run. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“You have to be ready to hit right away,” Barnes said in that situation. “Giving away strikes, taking at-bats like you would if you were starting, it’s a little tough. It’s one AB, so being ready to hit everything in the strike zone is kind of important.”

On another note, Julio Urias was a beast. He had a no-hitter going into the seventh inning, but left the game soon thereafter with a no-decision. Overall, he recorded five strike outs, issued two walks, gave up only a double to McCutchen on 95 pitches. Per Ken Gurnick and Steve Dilbeck at MLB.com:

"Very efficient," said Pirates manager Clint Hurdle of Urias. "He kept his fastball velocity up all night. His changeup is a very effective pitch, and he threw it on both sides of the plate. Impressive."

The photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1955 Don Newcombe threw a complete game shutout against the Cubs while facing the minimum of 27 batters. He allowed just one hit, to second baseman Gene Baker, who would subsequently be caught stealing. In 1966 the Dodgers sent 1955 World Series hero Johnny Podres to the Tigers as part of an conditional deal. In 1968 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Ken Boyer. At the age of 37 the aging All-Star would slash .271/.317/.403/.720 with 60 hits, six home runs and 41 RBI's that season. In 1996 Tommy Lasorda managed his 3,000th major league game. It was against the Cardinals, and the Dodgers defeated them in twelve innings, 3-2. In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Óscar Robles. He would go on to have a good season in Blue; slashing .272/.332/.368/.700 with 99 hits, five homers and 34 RBI's.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Davidson, Jim Hickman & John Cummings!
  

Vintage Dodgers' Memorabilia for the Collection - Happy Felton and the 1955 Dodgers

Here are a couple more items from an auction lot I won several weeks ago featuring vintage Dodgers memorabilia. Last week I mentioned a LA Dodger pennant that was in the lot that celebrates the "First Annual Dodger Dinner." Now, I share a couple of other premiums that focus on the Brooklyn Dodgers.

You may not know who the portly fellow above is, but I assure you Brooklyn fans do.

Blog Kiosk: 5/9/2017 - Dodgers Links - Bellinger, Wood and a Vin Scully Signing

What a fantastic photo of Alex Wood pitching under a blood red sky.

Last night Alex was fantastic in his five innings of scoreless work. He allowed only two hits while striking out eleven batters on 88 total pitches. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I felt good tonight, had all three [pitches] going and was on the same page with Yas [catcher Yasmani Grandal]," he said. "Obviously helped we had a lot of runs. When you get leads like that, you have to smell blood in the water. Just happy the result was there and hope to continue to be consistent and get ready for the next one."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics bu Jon from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1983 Ron Cey returned to Dodger Stadium for the first time since being traded to the Chicago during the offseason. Cey went 3-for-4 with three singles and a run scored but his Cubs lost, 4-3.
• Happy Birthday, Alex Farmer & Aaron Harang!
  

Blog Kiosk: 5/8/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kenley Jansen had an eventful Saturday evening. Not only did he enter the game with a four-run lead in the eighth inning, striking out a Padre with the bases loaded, but he also had a chance at an at-bat the next half inning. As you can see in the pic above, the tall right-hander got some wood on the pitch. Unfortunately, the result was just a ground out to the shortstop.

BTW, Jansen has only one career hit to his name, and he recorded that in 2010 -- his rookie season. It was off of Phillies pitcher Kyle Kendrick in the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium, and he was inserted in as a pinch hitter for reliever Ramon Troncoso. His single lead to a run scoring a few batters later.

The photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon from Saturday's game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Giants and Dodgers play an Army-Navy Relief exhibition game that raises over $60,000. Brooklyn edged out their rivals, 7-6, on a Dolph Camilli homer run. As the story goes, in 1947 St. Louis Cardinals owner Sam Breason (who denied this) stopped a team protest during their first meeting with Jackie Robinson and the Dodgers. In 1973 Willie Stargell hit an Andy Messersmith pitch out of Dodger Stadium. It was the second time he has accomplished the feat at the stadium and only the second time it had ever happened. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela throws his seventh straight victory to open the season, shutting out the Mets by a score of 1-0 at Shea Stadium.
• Happy Birthday, Dan Brouthers & Adrian Gonzalez!