2018 Topps Now - Dodgers NLCS Champions - World Series Bound

As Vin used to say, "nothing has ever come easy for the Dodgers," and this series against the Brewers was certainly proof of that. The Dodgers had to battle and fight to became back-to-back National League pennant winners, and their final victory started with a gutsy performance by Walker Buehler in Game 7. Check out his Topps Now card celebrating his performance above and on the right. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

2018 Topps Five Star Baseball - All the Dodgers Cards

Topps newest high-end product, Five Star, hit stores this week, and below are pics of most of the Dodger cards. As you know, this is an all on-card autograph product. Boxes will run you about $120 and you'll get two cards in each box. For a set that includes only stars and top prospects, it's strange that Clayton Kershaw cannot be found anywhere in this years set. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base Autographs

#FSA-AV Alex Verdugo         #FSA-AW Alex Wood

Blog Kiosk: 10/19/2018 - Dodgers Links - Game 6 Today!

I thought this would be a fun little photo to share as we prepare for Game 6 of the NLCS tonight. Featured above is a 1962 ABC promotional photo for the Donna Reed Show, and as you can see it includes Don Drysdale peering creepily from behind. (eBay Auction Link)  This pic was for the episode "The Man in the Mask" that aired on May 31, 1962.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1981 Rick Monday made Dodger history by hitting a dramatic solo home run in the eighth inning of Game 5 of the NLCS to propel the Dodgers to a 2-1 victory over the Montreal Expos. Go here to watch a highlight of it. He hit a 3-1 fastball against Steve Rogers. Fernando Valenzuela allowed just three hits and one run in 8 2/3 innings. The win sent the team to the World Series against the Yankees. In 1988 the Dodgers took advantage of several Oakland errors/pass balls to defeat the A's, 4-3, in Game 5 of the World Series. The Dodgers now lead the series 3-1.
• Happy Birthday, Tom McCreery, Walt Miller, Sam Nahem, Tim Belcher, Michael Young, James McDonald & Travis Schlichting!

2018 Topps Now - #900, #901, #902 & #903 - Game 5 Victory

Last night's thrilling victory had many heroes, and Topps was sure to memorialize as many of them as possible in their Topps Now set. Featured here are four new base cards and the five autographed Kershaw cards that sold simultaneously. BTW, all of those Clayton autographed cards are sold out.

Above and below is the Kershaw card and it makes note (on the front) that this game was his eighth career postseason start where he has allowed one run and three hits or fewer. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Clayton Kershaw impressed yet again as he pitched seven innings on three hits in a 5-2 Game 5 victory at Dodger Stadium. The win gives the Dodgers a 3-2 series lead in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series. Kershaw has allowed a total of two earned runs in 26 innings pitched during his last four Postseason home games.

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Nomar and Kobe!

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: 10/18/2018 - Dodgers Links - Magnificent Kershaw

Historically great! Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“You could see the same look that you always see. There’s a determination. And when you get a champion like him that gets hit around a little bit, he’s going to respond. And that’s what he did today,” said manager Dave Roberts.

Clayton went seven strong innings, struck out nine, walked two and allowed just one run to cross the plate. It was also his eighth career postseason start where he has allowed just one run and three hits or fewer. Per Katie Sharp on twitter, no one else in the history of the game has done this more than five times. Additionally, this was his ninth career postseason start where he has gone more than six innings and allowed one run or fewer. This ranks him tied for seventh place on the all-time list, per Eric Stephen on twitter.

On another note, the other day I mentioned here that maybe the Dodgers needed to play with some desperation. Last night's approach to the game was exactly what I was writing about. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Long game last night, everyone’s feeling it, a little tired,” Muncy said. “They bring in Woodruff, who was throwing absolute missiles in there. So, it was a tough day for everyone. Then you start getting shadows creeping in. There wasn’t going to be any home runs today. We knew that. We had to just figure out how to get the bat on the ball and make things happen.”

Photo above via Josh Barber/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1977 Yankees outfielder Reggie Jackson broke LA's heart. He walloped three homers on three consecutive first-pitch at-bats against the Dodgers to win Game 6 and the World Series. If you must you can watch highlights here.
• Happy Birthday, Burt Shotton, Wally Millies, Roy Cullenbine, Andy Carey, Jerry Royster, Alan Mills & Alex Cora!