Blog Kiosk: 5/15/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This is what I call, "leap frog".

Above is a International News press photo, dated May 23, 1957, featuring a funny looking leap by Brooklyn Dodger infielder Charlie Neal. (eBay auction link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

"ONE DOWN, ONE TO GO----Brooklyn, New York... Elston Howard of the Yanks is shown as he was forced out at second base by Neal in the 4th inn. of tonight'd annual Mayors Trophy game between thr Dodgers and the Yanks. Neal flipped to Hodges at first to get Martin for the DP.  Yanks came out on top 10-7". 

So, what is the Mayors Trophy game and why are the Dodgers playing the American League Yankees during the middle of the season? Well... the Mayors Trophy was an exhibition match between two of the three NY clubs (Yankees, Giants and Dodgers) in benefit of sandlot baseball in New York City -- with proceeds going to the city's Amateur Baseball Federation. In 1957 there was a home run derby before the game in front of 30,000 fans. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 the Dodgers purchase starting pitcher Sal "the Barber" Maglie from the Indians. In 1998 the Dodgers trade beloved cathcer Mike Piazza (along with Todd Zeile) to the Marlins for Gary Sheffield, Bobby Bonilla, Charles Johnson, and Jim Eisenreich.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Corcoran, Jimmy Wasdell, Al McBean, Bill North & Josh Beckett!
  

A Couple of Notable Dodger Pieces at Heritage's Current Auction

I'm very late with this preview. Featured here are a couple of unique Dodger memorabilia pieces currently available at Heritage's current sports auction.

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If I had a man-cave this would be on top of my list of gets.

2017 Topps Bunt - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

After sharing pics of all the Dodger base cards found in packs of 2017 Topps Bunt yesterday, here is a look at most of the inserts that are available. Unfortunately, I have yet to see either the Seager or Maeda autograph cards. From my understanding, all autographed cards are case hits in this product, so they are extremely hard to come by.

Autographs

• #AU-CSE Corey Seager
• #AU-KM Kenta Maeda

Infinite

#I-CK Clayton Kershaw             #I-KM Kenta Maeda

Blog Kiosk: 5/12/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Forgive all of the watermarks seen in the image above. Normally I wouldn't share a pic with so much in the way, but its subject is so awesome (and even timely) I just couldn't help it. Featured above is a Dodgers' call to prayer. Dated to 9/26/1946, this Acme press photograph shows a local Brooklyn pastor praying for victory. (eBay auction link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Rev. Benney S.C. Benson, Pastor of Brooklyn's Dutch Reformed Church, prays for the second day from the steps of Borough Hall for a Dodger victory in the National League pennant race. Rev. Benson, who received the grateful thanks of Dodger manager Leo Durocher, plans to go to Ebbets Field and give a second prayer before game time.

I figured much of the Dodger faithful were participating in their own form of prayer during last nights game. After falling behind the Rockies by ten runs the Dodgers scraped, clawed and hustled their way back in it. By the ninth inning they loaded the bases with none out and the tying run at the plate. Unfortunately, their luck (or divine intervention) ran out. A double play, more or less, ended the Dodgers chances as they fell to Colorado by the score of 10-7. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Dodgers hurler Carl Erskine throws his second career no-hitter -- becoming the eighth Dodger to do so in their history. He blanked the New York Giants, 3-0, at Ebbets Field.
• Happy Birthday, Lave Cross, Dutch Henry, Rafael Bournigal & Adam Liberatore!
  

2017 Topps Bunt - All the Dodgers Base Cards

One of Topps more affordable Baseball card brands is now in stores. Featured here are all of the Dodger base cards found in packs of 2017 Topps Bunt. Go here for a complete checklist.

As you may know, this product is an companion physical (IRL) version of their online digital trading card app called Topps Bunt. Boxes will cost you about $30 and you get 36 packs of seven individual cards. In other words, the packs are priced like we are still in the early nineties. Among all the cards and inserts found are various "Bunt Code" cards allowing app players to unlock a ten-card digital packs. BTW, autographed insert cards are considered case hits, so they are extremely difficult to find. So you don't buy this set for the "hits" -- you buy it for the base.

Base Cards

#1 Clayton Kershaw                 #29 Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 5/11/2017 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Toles, Bellinger and Kenta Maeda

Kenta Maeda was fantastic last night. He took a three-hit shutout into the ninth inning before yielding a two-run jack. Thankfully, he looks to be on the mend, and all of those troubles he faced at the start of the year appear to be in his rear view mirror. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“I think the reason why I didn’t do well was because I relied too much on the four-seamer and it was mostly elevated so hitters took advantage of that,” Maeda said on what the biggest difference has been.

Dave Roberts said it’s a pretty simple explanation as to how Maeda has made the turnaround.

“I think the cut fastball is part of it, but I still think the fundamentals of having fastball command, throwing his secondary pitches whenever he’s needed to get back into the count — all of that stuff,” Roberts said. “And being efficient and putting the baseball on the ground.”

The Dodgers have now won five-in-a-row and are 8-2 over the past ten games. 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 1963 Sandy Koufax threw his second no-hitter of his career. He bested Juan Marichal and the Giants, 8-0, and even took a perfect game into the eighth inning.
• Happy Birthday, Gene Hermanski, Trent Hubbard, Bill Bean & Red Patterson!