Blog Kiosk: 1/18/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's another fantastic action photo of a play at the plate. Featured is an July 8, 1949 International News press photo (eBay auction link) of Roy Campanella tagging Giants pinch-hitter Joe Lafata. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

NO GIANT SCORE HERE---Brooklyn, New York.....Lafata, of Giants, is tagged out at home on Lockman's grounder in 9th frame of Giants-Dodgers game at Ebbets Field tonight. Hodges to Campanella for the out. Umpire Descoli calls the play.  The Dodgers beat the Giants 4 to 3.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2011 the Dodgers signed veteran free agent outfielder Gabe Kapler as a non-roster invitee.  Unfortunately, he didn't make the team and would subsequently be released at the end of March.  As you know, he would soon retire and make his mark in the Baseball front office.
• Happy Birthday, Zeke Wrigley, Eddie Moore, Len Koenecke, Billy Grabarkewitz, Brian Falkenborg & Mike Lieberthal!

Dodgers FanFest Details are Now Here

We finally have some details for the Dodgers sixth annual FanFest at Dodger Stadium. It is set for Saturday, January 27th, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. As always, a full slate of autograph guest and VIP experiences will be available for fans. Go here to check it all out. Admission is free.

I've attended the past five FanFest's and shared a bunch of photos from those days (these post also include numerous links to post from other bloggers).  Check out the below links to check them out.  Below that are details about the player autograph sessions.

• 2017 Fan Fest
• 2016 Fan Fest
• 2015 Fan Fest
• 2014 Fan Fest
• 2013 Fan Fest

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First of all, FanFest tickets are free. So, go here to get them. Also, you must download the MLB.com Ballpark app in order to get those free admission tickets digitally. Parking gates (A, C & E) will open at 9:30 AM and it will be free, as well. You will enter the event either through the left or right field plaza gates at 10:00 AM.

The LA Dodger Foundations (LADF) will host its fourth annual Yard Sale with one-of-a-kind Dodger items for budgets of all sizes; including jerseys, T-shirts and more. There will also be a Mystery Bag Fundraiser where fans can purchase an official Major League baseball autographed by a current or former Dodger.  All Proceeds benefit the programs and charitable giving of LADF.

FanFest autograph tickets officially go on sale on Monday, January 22 at 2:00 PM PST. You will need to go here (www.dodgers.com/fanfest) to get those tickets. This is also where you will go to get tickets for the various VIP Experiences; such as meet and greets, Q&A sessions, pitching lessons, batting lessons, tours, etc. Prices for autograph ticket vouchers has not been release yet. BTW, voucher cost $25.00 last year, so you should figure on them being around that much.

Also, the Dodgers are setting up a free autograph session for kids (14 years old or younger) at the Jr. Dodger Autograph tent in Lot G of the parking lot. Autographs are not guaranteed and players will not be named in advance. An autograph card will be provided to each child to present to the signers. No personal items will be signed at this activation.

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Blog Kiosk: 1/17/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

You do not often see a vintage action photo featured Tommy Lasorda as a player, so when you do it's worthy of sharing. Featured above is a June 1955 press photo that was formerly a part of "The George Michael Collection". Per the descriptor on the reverse (eBay auction link):

Cards Wally Moon safe at home on passed ball. Dodgers Pitcher Tommy Lasorda spoke on the play left the game. Umpire Augie Donatelli. Cards won 1st game 9-4, Dodgers 2nd 10-6.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the Brooklyn Dodgers traded Andy Pafko to the Milwaukee Braves for Roy Hartsfield. 
• Happy Birthday, Tyler Houston, Scott Mullen, Harry Pattee & Don Zimmer!

My Picks for the 10 Best Dodgers' Cards of 2017

With the new year upon us I figured it is now time to share my picks for the ten best Dodgers' cards of 2017. Obviously, this list is purely subjective, so please don't get mad if I left off your favorite. Although, I would love to know which cards I should have included. BTW, this is the sixth consecutive year I've put this list together.  Below are links for those previous posts:

• 2012
• 2013
• 2014
• 2015
• 2016 

As always, I've tried stayed away from the glitzy and super-rare relic and autographed cards, and stuck to the more common and easily achievable base and insert cards found in packs. There are some exceptions, of course, including some online exclusive cards and promos.

Now, on to the cards!

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#10

I thought the best way to start this list would be to include the Topps Now card that celebrates the opening of the 2017 World Series between the Dodgers and Astros. Best yet, this card features the Blue Angels flyover at Dodger Stadium and the Dodgers' lined up along the third base line on the reverse. Awesome!

BTW, this card has a print run of 1,062 copies.

2017 Topps Now - #813

Blog Kiosk: 1/16/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Dodger Alumni Dennis Powell and Derrel Thomas participated in the 33rd annual Kingdom Day Parade in Los Angeles yesterday. They were joined by players and coaches from the Los Angeles Dodgers (RBI) Reviving Baseball In Inner Cities baseball and softball youth development program.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 the Brooklyn Dodgers signed future Hall of Famer Freddie Lindstrom. This would be his final season in Major League ball. As a Dodger he got into only 26 games, slashing .264/.297/.302/.599.
• Happy Birthday, Ferdie Schupp, Bob Ramazzotti & Rod Miller!

He Can Pitch!

Over the past decade I've shared this particular item within my collection numerous times. Considering todays national holiday, I thought it would be appropriate to share it again. This time, though, I finally have some background information.

Featured above is a circa 1948 ink blotter, measuring 3 1/2" x 6 1/4", that was created by an committee appointed by then Cincinnati mayor Albert Cash. Originally, it was a poster project to promote racial and religious understanding.