2018 Topps Now - #437 - Kershaw is Historically Legendary

From time to time Topps tells us something we didn't know. For instance, Clayton Kershaw's performance last night against the Padres provided both statistical and historical proof of Kershaw's greatness -- not that we ever needed to be convinced.

2018 Bowman Platinum - The Dodgers Base and Variation Cards

For the third year in a row Topps has released a Walmart exclusive card brand called 2018 Bowman Platinum. Go here for a complete checklist. Below are the Dodgers' base and photo variation cards. I hope to have pics of most of the insert cards to share soon.

Base

#23 Clayton Kershaw        #32 Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 7/10/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kershaw is back to his old ways. Last night he threw six two-hit scoreless innings, struck out five and allowed just one walk to record an 8-2 victory over the Padres. He also reached a career mark of over 2,000 innings pitched as a Dodger -- the 13th Dodger to do so and the first Dodger to achieve the milestone since Orel Hershiser in 1993. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It was a good day," said Kershaw, as he held 3-year-old daughter Cali in his arms. "Definitely a step in the right direction. They were patient, got my pitch count up there, but for the most part, made some good pitches when I needed to."

On another note, Kershaw also faced good friend and former battery-mate AJ Ellis last night for the first time ever.

"That was miserable," Kershaw said. "I've faced a lot of ex-teammates and friends in this game, but probably nobody with the history I have with A.J. We both decided it's probably the last time I have to do that." 

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the Dodgers collectively hit a home run in 24 consecutive ballgames. This homer was hit by Roy Campanella against Giants pitcher Sal "The Barber" Maglie. Unfortunately, that would be the only run Brooklyn scores. They would lose 6-1. In 1971 the Dodgers signed future Hall of Fame reliever Hoyt Wilhelm. He would retire about a year later at the age of 49. As a Dodger he got into 25 games, recorded four saves, a 1.047 WHIP and an 3.14 ERA. Not too bad for a guy in his middle-ages.
• Happy Birthday, Scott Alexander, Larry Burright & Bob Bailor!

2018 Topps Museum Collection - All the Dodgers Cards

Finally, here's a look at most of the Dodger cards found in packs of Topps 2018 Museum Baseball card set. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base:

#15 Clayton Kershaw          #16 Corey Seager

#17 Cody Bellinger             #49 Jackie Robinson

Blog Kiosk: 6/9/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As you surely know, Matt Kemp and Kenley Jansen have both been selected to be in the 2018 All-Star Game next week -- Kemp chosen through fan-balloting and Jansen via player-balloting. Max Muncy, this seasons surprise slugger, has also been selected as a Final Vote candidate. All you have to do is go here to vote for him.

BTW, I understand that the Dodgers and Yankees have formally teamed-up to rally their fans to send both Max Muncy and Giancarlo Stanton to the game. I am not sure what they plan to do to promote this historically uneasy alliance -- other than a weekend press release and some fancy graphics -- but I do wonder if the ghost of Brooklyn Dodgers past would have a problem with this. I jest, of course.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1996 Dodger catcher Mike Piazza is crowned the All-Star Game MVP. He lead the National League to a 6-0 victory by slugging a solo home run in the 2nd inning and a two-out RBI double in the 3rd inning. You can watch Piazza All-Star highlights and an postgame interview here.
• Happy Birthday, Turner Barber, Fred Johnston & Ray Thomas!

Dead & Company -- Dodger Stadium Concert Poster

As you all likely know, the newest incarnation of the Grateful Dead -- now known as Dead & Company -- played at Dodger Stadium, and I thought it would be fun to share the bands official concert poster from this show. Check it out above.

Clearly, the poster is not only an homage to the shows venue as a Baseball stadium -- using the 1975 Topps Baseball card design -- it also honors Dodger great Ron Cey. Check out what I mean by looking at Cey's 1975 Topps card on the right.

Do you see what I see?

They're practically carbon copies of one another. Heck, they even include Cey's triangle-designed batting glove.

UPDATE: BTW, the above poster was limited to 1,650 copies.

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