2017 Topps Now -- #437 -- Cody Bellinger's 30th Home Run

This is the 16th 2017 Topps Now card to feature Cody Bellinger this season, and that doesn't include the two different autographed cards that have also been issued. As amazing as this seems to be it's no more amazing than the fact that Bellinger has now belted 30 home runs -- becoming only the second Dodger rookie to have done so (Piazza is the other) and just the 28th rookie ever in Major League Baseball to have hit as many. Heck, in the National League alone only ten batters (including Cody) have hit 30. So, he is definitely in some rarefied air. Per Jaylon Thompson at MLB.com:

"It is impressive and he is a baseball player," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "Cody does a lot of things defensively and in the batter's box. To be the 10th player is pretty phenomenal."

2017 Topps Chrome - All the Dodgers Base & Rookie Autograph Cards

New in stores is the super-shiny version of Topps flagship Baseball card set -- 2017 Topps Chrome Baseball. Below are all of the Dodger base and autographed base cards. Go here for a complete checklist.

Of note, we see Cody Bellinger in the Topps flagship set design for the very first time, and it's likely the exact card we'll see of him in the upcoming Topps Update set.

Base Cards

#14 Kenta Maeda            #25 Clayton Kershaw

#34 Andrew Toles

Blog Kiosk: 8/3/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The worst thing about Baseball is learning that you are going to lose. It's inevitable. The beauty of the game is that it teaches you to persevere, regardless. More often than not, this Dodger team has soldiered on to overcome all obstacles to win. Last night, they just couldn't get over that hump. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“They’re a scrappy bunch,” said Dodger manager Dave Roberts to SportsNetLA’s Alanna Rizzo. “They have some athletic ability and with (Freddie) Freeman in the middle of the order — he was on base three times tonight — we only put together six hits, couldn’t get a lot of baserunners and really couldn’t put things together tonight.”

Oh well, last nights loss to the Braves means it's time for a new winning streak. BTW, Cody Bellinger hit his 30th homer of the season -- becoming only the second Dodger and 28th rookie overall to have ever eclipsed the 30 home run mark. Mike Piazza hit 35 homers as a Dodger in 1993. The above pic via the Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959 the second All-Star Game of the year is played at the LA Coliseum. Don Drysdale gave up a third inning two-run homer to Yogi Berra to lose the game, 5-3. In 1980 Duke Snider, along with Al Kaline and Chuck Klein, are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1997 Tommy Lasorda, along with Phil Neikro, Nellie Fox and Willie Wells, are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2013 the Dodgers set a franchise record when they won their 13th consecutive game on the road by defeating the Cubs, 3-0.
• Happy Birthday, Gus Getz, Jim Gott, Sid Bream & Kevin Elster!

2017 Allen & Ginter - Dodgers' "What A Day" Insert Cards

I am finally getting around to the last subset found in 2017 Allen & Ginter that I've yet to share. Featured below are all six of the Dodgers' "What A Day" insert cards. Go here for all of my past post on this set.

What a Day!

#WAD-23 Kenta Maeda

Weekend Opportunities: Kenny Landreaux, a King and an Angel

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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Blog Kiosk: 8/2/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This team just wins, and it's ridiculous.

Since June 6th they are 40-6, and have won an MLB record 53 consecutive games when having any kind of lead in a game. Their starting pitchers have held other teams to two earned runs or less in 76 of their 106 games. Heck, they've reach 75 wins faster than any other Dodger team in franchise history. In other words, this team is becoming legendary.

And to add to the leagues misery, the Dodgers recent trade has already paid dividends. Lefty reliever Tony Watson got into last nights game, and immediately made an impact. With the game on the line he pitched a scoreless eighth to record his first hold as a Dodger. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Made it exciting, but got out of it,” Watson said. 

Watson allowed a lead-off single to Brandon Phillips but recorded the next three outs, including a pop-out to Freddie Freeman to end the inning and strand a runner at third base. 

“I wanted to see him face Freeman right there, and that’s the reason we got him,” Roberts said.

Photo above via the Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 Dodgers President Larry MacPhail introduced the yellow baseball. It was used during the first game of a doubleheader at Ebbets Field against the Cardinals. The Dodgers won that game, 6-2. The yellow baseball would only be used three more times this season. In 1982 the United States Postal Service unveiled a new 20-cent stamp commemorating Jackie Robinson at a ceremony in Cooperstown, NY.  Robinson becomes the first ballplayer to be depicted on the US postage stamp. Check it out on the right.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Hill, Jim Holmes, Bill Posedel, Mike Venafro, Matt Guerrier & Onelki García!