2019 Topps Now -- #917 & #922 -- Franchise Record 106 Wins

This is likely the last Dodgers' 2019 Topps Now card of the regular season, and it highlights yesterday afternoons win over the Giants. As you surely know by now, that victory was the clubs 106th of the year - a new franchise record. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I’m going to take a moment to appreciate what we did as an organization,” said manager Dave Roberts. “When you’re talking about the regular season and all those great teams in Dodger history, it takes a lot to accomplish what we accomplished as a group.”

Blog Kiosk: 9/30/2019 - Dodgers Links - 106 Wins!

With the Dodgers weekend sweep of the Giants, they recorded a franchise best 106 wins for the season. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“All those great teams in Dodgers history, it takes a lot to accomplish all we’ve accomplished as a group and organization,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “Very proud of everyone, top to bottom. It’s something no one can take away from us.”

Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s special,” Seager said to SportsNet LA’s Alanna Rizzo. “The work’s not done. We’re going to try to go finish business.”

Photo above via Michael Urakami/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1951 the Dodgers defeated the Phillies on the last game of the season to force a three-game playoff for the National League pennant against the Giants. They win in the 14th inning -- after Jackie Robinson made a game saving catch then hit a home run the next inning to give the Dodgers a 9-8 victory. In 1953 Shotgun George Shuba becomes the first National League player (and third player overall) to have hit a pinch-hit home run in the World Series. Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose the game, 9-5, to the Yankees. In 1999 the Dodgers ruin the fun at Candlestick Park when they defeat the Giants, 9-4. This is the last game ever played at this bay area ballpark.
• Happy Birthday, Nap Rucker, Dick Cox, Johnny Allen, Frank Lamanske, Frank Skaff, Johnny Podres, John DeSilva, Jose Lima, Jamie Romak, Edward Paredes & Kenley Jansen!

Check out Some "Costume Travel Day" Custom Fantasy Baseball Cards

I just could't help myself. Check out a bunch of custom fantasy baseball cards I put together this afternoon.

2019 Futera Unique Onyx Prospects & Legends Baseball -- The Dodger Cards

Earlier this month Onyx and a company named Futura (who is totally new to me) released a card collaboration non-licensed Baseball card set that features both prospects and some living legends -- called 2019 Futera Unique Onyx Prospects & Legends Baseball. As is typical, there are no team logos anywhere. Go here for a complete checklist.

Only three Dodgers are available -- Gavin Lux, Keibert Ruiz and Mike Piazza. Unfortunately, not all of the individual cards have been revealed. The product is limited to only 75 cases (900 boxes or 3,600 packs). Nevertheless, I've got pics of some of the Dodger cards that are available.

Base Prospects & Legends

• #20 Gavin Lux -- Not Yet Seen

#30 Mike Piazza              #32 Keibert Ruiz

2019 Topps Heritage Minor League -- All the Dodger Cards

This week Topps released the Heritage Minor League Baseball card brand, and I've got pics of most of the Dodgers' that are available. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

Two of our biggest young stars are available here -- Gavin Lux and Dustin May. Additionally, if you think Will Smith is the 'cat's meow' then wait til you get a look at our other top catching prospect -- Keibert Ruiz. He's got ten different cards available in this set (more than any other Dodger), and is considered to have a much better bat than the the 'fresh prince of Chavez Ravine."

Base

#21 Mitchell White

Blog Kiosk: 9/27/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday was "Costume Travel Day" for the Dodgers. Heck, everyone who boarded the plane, including travelling staff, had to join in on the fun.

If I can find the time, I will make a bunch of fantasy baseball cards of them in costume.

On another note, the Dodgers, on the back of Kershaw's six innings of scoreless two-hit ball, defeated the Padres, 1-0, last night. This was his last outing of the season. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“You’re just building confidence,” said Kershaw. “No matter how long you play this game, you struggle and your confidence will go here and there at times. Today, just went in with the mindset to be super aggressive and keep going and don’t worry about all the stuff that’s happened. The results are better today, for sure. 

“If I had pitched bad today, it wouldn’t be the end of the world, but it wouldn’t have been fun going into the postseason knowing I had struggled. It’s definitely good to get some momentum and confidence going and realize the pitches I need to make are still in there. It was good, for sure.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 future Dodger Hall of Fame skipper Walter Alston played in his only Major League game. It was as an 24-year old first baseman for the Cardinals, and he got into the game as a late-inning substitution for Johnny Mize. He would commit an error on the field in two chances, and only get a single at-bat -- he struck out. In 1951 future basketball Hall of Famer Bill Sharman was on the bench for the Dodgers as a 25-year old prospect. On this day he would be thrown out of the game, along with 14 other teammates, for "bench-jockeying" after a close play at home. He would never get a chance to play a Major League game, and thus became the only player to be ejected from a game without ever appearing in one. In 1961 Sandy Koufax recorded seven strikeouts against the Phillies to set a new National League record for strikeouts in a season at 269. The mark was previously held by Giants hurler Christy Mathewson who set it in 1903 with 267 strikeouts. In 2000 the Team USA Baseball club, skippered by Tommy Lasorda, beat the Cuban ballclub to win the gold medal in the Olympics.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Visner, Doug Baird, Whit Wyatt, Len Matuszek, Jason Phillips, Vicente Padilla & Jon Garland!