2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Jackie Robinson by Blake Jamieson

The third Jackie Robinson Project 2020 card is now up for grabs and it was created by New York based pop-portrait artist Blake Jamieson -- although he originates from the Bay Area and went to school at UC Davis. Go here to check out the card and order. A complete checklist of all the cards in the set can be found here.

Topps Living Set -- #306 -- Gavin Lux

The 15th Dodgers' Topps Living Set card is now available to order and it features rookie phenom Gavin Lux. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse.

Gavin Lux demonstrated an innate hitting ability throughout his Minor League career and showed enough energy and talent for the Los Angeles Dodgers at the end of 2019 that he earned a spot on the Postseason roster. Lux is primed to be an integral part of a loaded-Dodgers starting lineup in 2020.

Blog Kiosk: 4/22/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

This past Saturday marked the 74th anniversary of the historic handshake between Jackie Robinson and Youngstown, Ohio native George Shuba. As you may know, on April 18, 1946 Jackie hit his first homer as a member of the Montreal Royals, and George was at the plate to greet him with a smile and a handshake -- a first during integrated Baseball. Today, a statue is being created to memorialize the happening, and it will be publicly unveiled in Youngstown on April 18, 2021 -- its 75th anniversary. Per robinsonshuba.org:

“While we’re still in the early stages of developing the statue, our progress on these models is very exciting,” said Marc Mellon, the world-class Connecticut-based sculptor crafting the statue. “In the upcoming months I’ll be working on the George Shuba figure. When both figures are completed later this summer, we will first cast them in plaster, refine the surfaces, and then cast them in bronze.” 

The 1946 handshake at home plate after a Robinson home run in his debut professional game has been hailed as the “handshake of the century,” as it marked the racial integration of pro ball, which helped accelerate the breakdown of racial barriers in other areas of American life.
...
“When George Shuba stepped up to shake Jackie Robinson’s hand at home plate, at a time when racism was rampant in our country, he taught America an important lesson and made Youngstown very proud. The statue marking this moment will be a huge source of pride in Youngstown for generations to come.”

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 John Kennedy becomes the first African-American to play for the Phillies, making Philadephia the last National League teal to integrate (not a huge surprise, really). He would pinch run during their 5-1 loss to the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field. In 1981 rookie Fernando Valenzuela hurled his third shutout in four starts to start the season -- defeating Houston, 1-0. Best yet, he was responsible for driving in the Dodgers lone run with a single in the fifth inning off of then-Astro Don Sutton.
• Happy Birthday, Sandy Burke, Tom Long, Ray Benge, Lew Riggs, Jake Daniel, Jack Savage & Dee Gordon!

2020 Topps Total - Wave 1 - Kelly, Taylor & Pollock

Topps Total has returned and the first "wave" of cards has just arrived on collectors doorsteps. As you'll recall, they brought back the brand last season as an online exclusive set sold in segments of nine - 100 card lots over the entire season. Go here for a complete checklist. Below are the three Dodgers available so far -- Joe Kelly, Chris Taylor and AJ Pollack.

Wave 1

#28 Joe Kelly

Blog Kiosk: 4/20/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic AP press photo featuring Pistol Pete's follow-through at the plate -- dated 9/20/1941 (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Brooklyn, NY -- Pete Reiser, hard-hitting young center-fielder for the Brooklyn Dodgers, who will be in there swinging for his team during World Series play, if they win the National League flag. 

The Leo Durocher managed Dodgers did win the pennant (with a 100-54 record), but lost to the Bronx Bombers in October. Below are more links to checkout:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1995 Peter O'Malley donates the Brooklyn Dodgers' 1955 World Championship banner to the borough in which it was won, saying, "The flag belongs in Brooklyn." In 1999 the Dodgers surpass the 100 million mark in attendance at Dodger Stadium. In 2011 it is announced that MLB will be taking over the operations of the Dodgers due to concerns over the finances of team owner Frank McCourt. 
• Happy Birthday, Don Mattingly, Germany Smith, Pat Hannivan, Dave Bancroft, Hal Peck, Tom Hutton, Todd Hollandsworth & Ian Thomas! 

Goldin Auction has some of Lasorda's Trophies

Now you can own a couple of Tommy Lasorda's prized trophies.

Featured is a 1988 Dodgers' World Series trophy -- described as a "12-inch tall scale model replica of the Commissioner’s Trophy created by the Balfour was presented to Dodgers Hall of Fame manager Tom Lasorda."

So, does that mean this isn't the actual real trophy Tommy received, or is this a copy that players/managers can order to give away as mementos? I dunno. What I do know is that I would love to have it sitting on my mantel.

It is currently available on auction through Goldin Auctions and has a current opening offering bid of $10,000 (Auction Link). So far, no bids.

The second item is just incredible. It is Lasorda's Hall of Fame plaque presented to him for his induction into Cooperstown in 1997. (Auction Link) This is the real deal and a one-of-a-kind memorabilia piece. BTW, if you want to watch Tommy's Hall of Fame speech go here. This too has an opening offering bid of $10,000.

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