Thursday, May 31, 2018

2018 Topps Pro Debut - All the Dodgers Cards

Topps' minor league Baseball card brand Pro Debut officially hit store shelves this week, and I've got pics of every Dodger card available to look at below. Go here for a complete checklist.

This set is stacked with some of the best Dodger prospects currently in our system; including the recently called-up pitcher Dennis Santana. Other notables are Keibert Ruiz, Yadier Alvarez , DJ Peters and Mitchell White. Heck, all nine Dodgers' in the base set are all worth paying attention to.

Something notable is a fun mascot card featuring Tremor of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes - a Dodgers Single-A team.

Base

#9 Mitchell White                 #38 Ibandel Isabel

Blog Kiosk: 5/31/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Ross Stripling has risen to the occasion. Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:
“When a guy like Kershaw goes down, and Rich Hill, and Kenta gets hurt and Hyun- Jin (Ryu), it’s the next one up (mentality). It’s been great that they’ve trusted me to keep filling that role every five days. I just focus on what I’m doing, my scouting report, Rick Honeycutt prepares me, and just going out when they hand me the ball and get outs till they take the ball from me.”
The right-hander ended the month with a 1.20 ERA — fifth best in the Majors in May by a pitcher who tossed t least 25 innings. In 30 innings, he struck out 41 batters and walked four.
Not only has Matt Kemp surprised us all by leading the Dodger offense, but Ross Stripling has been ace-like. He went seven inning of four hit ball last night to record his third win of the season -- recording nine strike outs and allowing just one run.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1937 the Brooklyn Dodgers ended Carl Hubbell's consecutive-game winning streak at 24 (over two season) at the Polo Grounds by defeating the Giants, 10-3. In 1948 Tommy Lasorda, as a member of the Schenectady Blue Jays in the Phillies system, struck out 25 batters in a 15 inning game to defeat the Amsterdam Rugmakers.  Lasorda has said that he likely threw more than 300 pitches that day. In 1965 the Dodgers, for the first time in history, field an all switch-hitting infield in the second game of a doubleheader against the Reds.  The players were Wes Parker, Jim Lefebvre, Maury Wills and Jim Gilliam.  In 1968 Don Drysdale pitched his fifth consecutive shutout -- while on his way to breaking the scoreless innings streak. This is the game where a Giants batter was called out on a bases loaded hit-by-pitch since he was ruled to have not made an attempt to get out of the way of the pitch.
  • Happy BirthdayGeorge SmithKenny Lofton & Dave Roberts!

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Welcome to the Blue, Dennis Santana!


Originally signed as a 17-year old shortstop out of the Dominican Republic, Dennis Santana is now poised to make his Major League debut in a Dodger uniform as a pitcher soon. Per his own tweet, he was called at midnight and told to jump on a plane to Los Angeles. He's a big leaguer now! Per a Dodger press release:
The Los Angeles Dodgers today placed right-handed pitcher Kenta Maeda on the 10-day disabled list with a right hip strain and recalled right-handed pitcher Dennis Santana (#77) from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

2018 Topps Tier One - The Scarce Dodgers Cards

Here is a last look at some of the Dodgers' cards found in packs of Topps' 2018 Tier One Baseball card brand. Featured below is largely a checklist of various scarce inserts. Many of the cards listed below are "1 of 1's", so when possible I've included an example of the card.

One insert set of note is the below Signature Tools Autograph Relics, and as you can see it features a piece of a pen used by the player to sign autographs -- I kid you not!

I am still waiting for previously chewed gum relic cards. 

Signature Tools Autograph Relics (#/1)

  • #STAR-AV Alex Verdugo
  • #STAR-CK Clayton Kershaw
  • #STAR-MP Mike Piazz
  • #STAR-SK Sandy Koufax
#STAR-CK Clayton Kershaw     #STAR-MP Mike Piazza

Blog Kiosk: 5/30/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just another DL bound pitcher. As you certainly know, Kenta Maeda suffered a right hip strain during last nights loss to the Phillies, 6-1. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
"It's unexpected. Murphy's Law type of thing," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who said he anticipates Maeda being placed on the disabled list. "But our guys are resilient. We keep finding ways to win and battle." 
On the heels of Brock Stewart's four-inning spot start on Monday night, the Dodgers' bullpen had to pick up 7 1/3 innings from Maeda on Tuesday night. That's 12 1/3 bullpen innings in two days, a toll that could be felt for days to come, especially with a weekend series at Coors Field against the first-place Rockies. 
"I thought our 'pen did a good job trying to eat up 23 outs," said Roberts. "It's not ideal. It was really stressed today."
Photo above via Jill Weisleder/Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1946 Boston Braves outfielder Bama Rowell became the first player to hit the Bulova clock located above the right field scoreboard with a long drive at Ebbets Field. His wallop shattered the clock face, causing glass to fall on the field and onto Dodger outfielder Dixie Walker. The event is said to have been the inspiration for a similar incident found in the book The Natural that was written by Brooklyn author Bernard Malamud. BTW, Rowell's hit, recorded as a double, should have earned him a free watch from Bulova, but did not receive it until 41 years later, on Bama Rowell day in his hometown of  Citronelle, Alabama. In 1962 Maury Wills becomes the 7th player in history to hit home runs from each side of the plate during a single game. The feat was accomplished against the Mets during the first game of a doubleheader that afternoon.
  • Happy Birthday, Jesse WhitingAl MamauxEd Rakow & Manny Ramirez!

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

2018 Topps Tier One - Dodgers Autograph and Relic Cards

Topps' high-end Tier One Baseball card brand hit stores last week, and I've got pics of many of the Dodgers cards found in packs. Go here for a complete checklist. For the most part, the cards seen here are the more common cards available - if there is such a thing for a brand that includes two autographs and a relic per $100+ pack. You should see the Talent Autographs, Break Out Autographs, Prime Performer Autographs and the Tier One Relics.

Tier One Talent Autographs

#TTA-AV Alex Verdugo                #TTA-CS Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 5/29/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Here's another fantastic photo tweeted out by Baseball Cathedrals of the Ebbets Field facade featuring a "V for Victory" logo during WWII. As you may know, the "V for Victory" campaign started in the early 1940's in Belgium and quickly spread among allied countries throughout the decade. Per Victor de Laveleye, the man who started it all:
"The occupier, by seeing this sign, always the same, infinitely repeated, [would] understand that he is surrounded, encircled by an immense crowd of citizens eagerly awaiting his first moment of weakness, watching for his first failure."
Below are more links to check out:

Monday, May 28, 2018

Phillies Series Starts Monday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts Monday evening, on Memorial Day, against the Philadelphia Phillies. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

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Monday, May 28th at 5:10 PM
Brock Stewart vs Vince Velasquez
TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish
Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Padres Series Starts Friday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts on Friday against the San Diego Padres. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

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Friday, May 25th at 7:10 PM
Ross Stripling vs Clayton Richard
TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish
Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

2018 Bowman Mega Box Chrome Baseball - All the Dodgers Cards

For the second consecutive year Topps has released their Target-exclusive 2018 Bowman Mega Box Chrome Baseball boxes, and below are all of the unique Dodgers' cards found within packs. BTW, these boxes will cost you $14.99 and you will get seven packs -- five Bowman retail packs (exactly like the packs released in April) and two exclusive Mega Box Chrome Bowman packs.

You will notice that the base cards found in the Mega Box Chrome Bowman packs all feature a unique and exclusive Refractor design dubbed "mojo" by many in the hobby. Go here and here for information.

Base

#BCP19 Johan Mieses           #BCP22 Yadier Alvarez

A Unique Collection of Dodger Pins Sold at Hake's Auctions


It's a little known fact that I'm a Dodger pin collector. I wouldn't say that it's a main focus of my collecting habits, but I do like to pick something up on a whim from time to time. For the most part, I'm more of a looker than an active buyer. I guess you can say that I strike when a deal is too good to pass up, or when that rare mood comes along that begs me to buy something. So, when Hake's opened up a pin-centric auction featuring the collection of pin aficionado Paul Muchinsky I had to take a look. Now that this auction is over, I thought I would catalog some of the more unique offerings that were available. BTW, I didn't win any of these pins unfortunately.

On another note, several of these pins in this post appear to be fairly modern. At the same time, they are rarely ever seen in the hobby. I suspect there's a treasure trove of some of these hiding somewhere -- maybe within stored-away boxes of ex-employees or fans who don't realize their value in the hobby.

Blog Kiosk: 5/24/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


I think we're all feelin' it. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
After taking the rubber game of the series, the Dodgers are 3 1/2 games behind the first-place Rockies, their smallest deficit since April 10, and have won six of their last seven games. 
"You can see the energy in the clubhouse," said closer Kenley Jansen, who picked up his 10th save and fourth in the last five days. "Everybody's like, we're going to get out of this. Things are finally starting to go our way."
Photo above of Maeda via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1947 Carl Furillo hit a three-run pinch-hit first inning home run against the Phillies at Ebbets Field. The early pinch-hit at-bat only occurred because Philly manager Ben Chapman (yeah, that guy) chose to use his right-handed starting pitcher for Brooklyn's first two batters only -- Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson. Then substituted in a lefty for the next three batters. In 1973 the Dodgers and Mets play a 19-inning marathon at Dodger Stadium that takes a then-club record five hours and 42 minutes to complete. The Dodgers lost, 7-3. Outfielder Willie Davis would collect six hits -- tying a NL record. In 2000 sixteen Dodger players and coaches are suspended (a total of 60 games for players and 24 games for coaches) for a fighting incident at Wrigley Field that resulted in numerous players jumping in the stands on May 16th.
  • Happy Birthday, Wilmer FontBilly OttersonFred JacklitschJoe OeschgerGus FelixClancy SmyresEllie RodriguezCarlos HernandezJason GrabowskiJae Weong Seo,  Brad Penny & Andrew Toles!

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Puig and Wood!

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: 5/23/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


There was never anything to worry about. This team is better than their record suggest. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
The victory pulled the fourth-place Dodgers to within 4 1/2 games of the first-place Rockies, their smallest deficit in the National League West since April 23. The Dodgers have won five of their last six games. 
"The series sweep in D.C. was huge for our confidence, and now we know we're a good team," Taylor said, referring to the weekend sweep of the Nationals. "We're going to turn things around eventually, and now we can go out there and play free and easy, the way we're capable of playing."
Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1944 the Dodgers and Giants play the first night time game in metro New York since 1941 at the Polo Grounds due to the easing of wartime restrictions. Brooklyn defeated Bill Voiselle and the Giants, 3-2In 1981 Ron Cey hit his 200th career home run. It was against the Reds in Cincinnati. In 2002 Shawn Green hit four home runs in one game against the Brewers in Milwaukee, and set a major league record for total bases at 19. Overall, Green went 6-for-6 with a single, double, six runs scored and seven RBI's. Watch highlights of his day here.
  • Happy Birthday, Zach WheatAugie GalanClyde King & Ramon Ortiz!

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Writing to a Distraught Fan - O'Malley's Correspondence About Trade Rumors


After what was no doubt the most frustrating year in Dodger history, fans unsurprisingly lashed out following the 1951 Brooklyn Dodger season. They complained at the dinner table, they whined to their neighbors and ultimately they wrote about their deepest concerns to the Dodgers themselves. After all, you must be heard when your team gives up a 13 game cushion to lose the pennant. And to make matters worse, they lost it on the last day of the season.

Featured above is a response to one of those irate letters to the club. It is written and signed by from Walter O'Malley to Dodger fan Robert Gray, and it is current available on auction at Hunt Auctions. In it O'Malley writes:
Dr. Mr. Gray, 
Please do not be disturbed about rumors of a trade in the papers. We have no intention of breaking up our fine team, which we regard as the best in the league, and we will make no deal unless it is a one-sided deal in our favor. 
I do hope that we can give faithful fans like yourself something to cheer about next year.
It's good to know that reporters have always wantonly thrown around baseless trade rumors.

As you know, this was the year Bobby Thompson hit his "shot heard 'round the world" that elevated the Giants over the Dodgers for the pennant. So, I imagine a rabble-rousing press corps in New York took the opportunity that winter to suggest that the Dodgers were ready to cut-bait after such a disappointing season.

Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. the team would instead stay the course and eventually win their only championship in the Brooklyn borough four years later.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Welcome to the Blue, Erik & Tyler Goeddel!


It's taken me far too long to put this post up. Over the weekend I had read about a recent Dodger acquisition, reliever Erik Goeddel, but wanted to wait for pics of him in Dodger Blue to show up. That, for whatever reason, has yet to happen. So, I don't have a fantasy Baseball card of him in "Blue" to share with you. Instead, you'll get a Dodger fantasy card with Goeddel wearing Mariner dark blue and green. Per a Dodger press release:
Goeddel, 29, was claimed off of waivers yesterday from the Mariners and in five games out of the bullpen with Seattle, he went 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA (1 ER/7.1 IP) while striking out nine. Prior to his promotion, Goeddel was 1-0 with four saves with 10 strikeouts in nine relief appearances for Triple-A Tacoma this season. Goeddel signed a minor league contract with the Mariners on March 20 after beginning the 2018 campaign with the Rangers, who he signed with on Dec. 19, 2017.

Blog Kiosk: 5/22/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


The kid was good. Not only that, he showed his mettle. Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
Even more than for firing a two-hitter for seven innings, Buehler earned peer respect for taking a 108 mph liner off the ribs and staying in the game to nearly overshadow a 2-1 loss to the Rockies that snapped the Dodgers' win streak at four.
"After taking that line drive off the ribs, I think he showed, not only myself but all the guys, what he's made of," said Chase Utley.
When "Dad" approves you know you're doing right.

On another note, last night was the kind of game the Dodgers need to start winning.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1949 Don Newcombe makes his first major league start, firing a five-hit shutout in a 3-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. He would go 17-8 with 19 complete games, five shut outs and an 3.17 ERA, and win both the Rookie of the Year award and the Cy Young. In 1987 the Dodgers traded the enigmatic reliever Tom Niedenfuer to the Orioles for John Shelby and Brad Havens. Shelby would go on to have a very impactful season for the World Series Champion Dodgers the next season.
  • Happy Birthday, Bill LohrmanTommy John!

Monday, May 21, 2018

Blog Kiosk: 5/21/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


The result from this past week is why you should never give up on the Dodgers. One week ago they were eight games back of the Diamondbacks. Now they are only five games behind following a weekend sweep of the Nationals. On top of that, Arizona is slumping badly. They are 1-10 over the past 11 games. Heck, if not for the poor showing against the Reds and Marlins -- both of whom are not considered contenders this season -- we'd be within spitting distance of first place.

Clearly, the Dodgers are far from done. Per Ben Standig at MLB.com:
"They've been busting their tails, and it just hasn't shown fruits, but now it's paying off," manager Dave Roberts said. "It's a byproduct of those at-bats, guys sticking together. It was a big series. It was good for the guys to win three here."
Photo above via Amanda Bowen/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Rockies Series Starts on Monday - Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts on Monday against the Colorado Rockies. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

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Monday, May 21st at 7:10 PM
TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish
Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Friday, May 18, 2018

Blog Kiosk: 5/18/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


I want to believe things are turning around.

Last night the Dodgers convincingly routed the Marlins, 7-0. Kenta Maeda was fantastic as he threw eight shutout innings; allowing only two hits and striking out eight. Best yet, Justin Turner lead the offense with three hits; including two doubles, to drive in five runs. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:
“I felt good the last couple days,” Turner said to SportsNet LA’s Alanna Rizzo. “My timing’s right, seeing the ball good.”
...
On Kenta: “Just outstanding,” Turner said of Maeda’s performance. “That was fun to watch. Hopefully, build some momentum going up to D.C.”
It's discouraging that they could only win one of seven games against two of the worst teams in Baseball -- Reds and Marlins -- but that's where we are. We're a club that has looked lost all season long, and one can only hope that as players return from the DL they find a way to right the ship. As much as I see, read and hear that the Dodger season is doomed I know that deep down inside that they still have a chance -- albeit a quickly diminishing opportunity.

Photo above via Manny Fernandez/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodger HistoryIn 1929 the Brooklyn Dodgers out-slugged the Phillies, 20-16. Hilariously, Dodger hurler Ray Moss allowed ten earned runs and still recorded his first win of the season. In 1931 Dodger outfielder Babe Herman hits for the cycle against the Reds at Ebbets Field.
  • Happy Birthday, Bob ClarkCy BargerDon Lund & Eric Young!

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Jerry Reuss

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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Former Dodger hurler Jerry Reuss is scheduled to sign autographs for fans on Saturday, May 19th  from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Harry's Dugout in Montebello. Go here for more information. This is a pay per autograph event.
Harry's Dugout
1435 North Montebello Boulevard
Montebello, CA, 90640
(310)606-1548

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 5/17/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


There's nothing better than a talking horse to distract you from the season. Featured above is Mr. Ed, his straight-talking co-star Alan Young and the great Sandy Koufax at Dodger Stadium in 1963.

As you know, the Dodgers were special guest of the show that year in an episode called,  "Leo Durocher Meets Mister Ed". You can check out highlights from that episode here.

The above photo via an eBay listing, here. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1947 then Pirates slugger Hank Greenberg reached out to Jackie Robinson during a game at Forbes Field. While standing on first base he asked Jackie if he was hurt during a collision with him earlier in the game and then says, "Stick in there. You're doing fine. Keep your chin up." Knowing that Greenberg knew first hand the difficulties he had been facing, due to his own Jewish heritage, Jackie named him his "diamond hero." In 1978 Dodger slugger Lee Lacy hit his third consecutive home run as a pinch-hitter -- becoming the first player to have ever done so.
  • Happy Birthday, Al MaysRube VickersElmer SteeleHarry Riconda & Dick Smith!

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

The Orel Hershiser 1990 Upper Deck Painting


I can't believe my luck.

I just took possession of what might be not only my favorite, but arguably best Dodger item in my collection. Featured above is the original Vernon Wells Sr. painting of Orel Hershiser that was used to create his 1990 Upper Deck team checklist card.

Over the years I've slowly become a baseball card painting/art collector -- not that I know anything about the subject.

What I do know is that art is about not only about what you like, but what moves you. And it doesn't hurt if it happens to be pleasing enough to look at every day.

Clearly, having baseball card art on the wall satisfy's all of those things.

Overall, this is my fourth card painting in my collection.

Blog Kiosk: 5/16/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


I just can't get enough of these vintage action photos -- even if it doesn't show the most desired result. Featured above is a 1955 United Press pic, dated June 1st, of Jackie Robinson being tagged out at the plate. Per the descriptor on the reverse:
Jackie Robinson of the Dodgers is tagged out at home by Milwaukee Catcher Del Crandall in the second inning of the night game at Ebbets Field June 1st. Robinson tried to score on Junior Gilliam's short fly to second baseman Hank Aaron, who threw to Crandall. Umpire is Dusty Boggess.
I don't think you can be too angry about being beat by a great play from future Hall of Famer Hank Aaron. BTW, this pic is on auction at Memory Lane (link here). Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1970 a fourteen year old fan named Alan Fish was struck by a batted baseball at Dodger Stadium and would unfortunately die four days later. This marked the first fatality of a fan from a batted ball in a Major League game. Tom Hoffarth provides more detail about the terrible incident hereIn 2000 was the infamous fight at Wrigley Field that started when Dodgers catcher Chad Kreuter, sitting in the Wrigley exposed bullpen, was hit in the back of the head and had his hat stolen by a unruly fan. Several players and coaches jumped into the stands during the ensuing melee. 
  • Happy BirthdayWatty ClarkRube WalkerRick RhodenMitch Webster & Eugenio Vélez!

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Blog Kiosk: 5/15/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Here is one of what must have been numerous different conceptual drawings put together by architects for the O'Malley's. The drawing above, recently shared by MLB Cathedrals on twitter, is dated 1957 and was created by a local father and son duo of Stiles and Robert Clements.

Stiles Clements is famous for his art deco and streamline moderne styles in Los Angeles. He designed the El Capitan Theater Building, the Mayan Theater, Adamson House in Malibu, Samson Uniroyal Tire Factory (present day Citadel Outlets mall), the Wiltern Theatre and Jefferson High School. His son, Robert, had designed more than 110 buildings on Wilshire Boulevard alone.

BTW, Dodger Stadium was designed by New York based architect and civil engineer, Emil Praeger. Below are more links to check out

Monday, May 14, 2018

2018 Topps Now - #208 - Mother's Day Card with Yasiel Puig


If the Dodgers aren't playing well enough to earn their own 2018 Topps Now cards then I guess you gotta settle for one of these.

Featured is the newest 2018 Topps Now card to include a Dodger. Instead of a card highlighting some remarkable feat (like a combined no-hitter) we instead get a look at Yasiel Puig in Mother's Day pink. Go here to check it out and order.

One thing of note, the photo used for Puig is not from yesterdays game. There was no special Mother's Day "Pink" jerseys for ballplayers to wear.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Friday, May 11, 2018

Blog Kiosk: 5/14/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


(Lasorda & Gibson, via Jon SooHoo)
At the least the Dodgers couldn't lose the Alumni/Old-Timers Game this weekend. Featured above is the 1988 World Champion Dodgers in attendance at this past Saturdays game. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:
“It’s been a rush for me, because I think back so fondly about 1988,” (Ricky) Horton said. “It was such a special thing. You realize and remember it’s not about what you did, but about the people you did it with. This kind of deal reminds you, and you just jump right back into the relationships with Jay Howell and Orel Hershiser and John Tutor and guys I spent … every day with, doing something that was pretty darn cool. I’m very thankful the Dodgers included me in this. The Dodgers are such a classy organization and they’re doing it right.”
Photo above and on the right via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1968 Don Drysdale shutout the Cubs at Dodgers Stadium, 1-0. This victory was the first of six straight shutouts thrown by Drysdale that would eventually lead to him setting a consecutive scoreless streak at 58 2/3 innings. On a side note, on this day Walter Johnson sees his consecutive scoreless streak come to an end at 55 2/3 innings in 1913. This was the record Drysdale broke 55 years later. In 2011 hard-luck pitcher Chad Billingsley and the Dodgers lose a tough one to the Diamondbacks when they give up just one run on one hit to lose, 1-0. This is the first time the club has lost when giving up only one hit since 1914.
  • Happy Birthday, Tony SmithJohnny BabichChink Zachary!

Thursday, May 10, 2018

2018 Topps Now - Dodgers 'Road to Opening Day' Set

What now feels like a long time ago, during spring training I ordered the 2018 Topps Now Dodgers' "Road to Opening Day" 15-card set. I figured, "what the heck. Right?" I've started to grow more comfortable with the exclusive online card sale concept, and besides these cards look cool; especially when you consider they will only be using pics from this spring. So, I won't have to suffer through a stack of cards using photos I've seen a hundred times before.

Now that we're nearly a quarter into the season the set has finally arrived, and I've prepared scans of each one to share here. Check them all out below. Click on any pic to embiggen.

BTW, the print run for this set is 528 sets.

#OD-408 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 5/10/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Sometimes you need just need a little bit of help from the Baseball gods.

Three of the Dodgers first four runs scored last night came from some unlikely plays: two wild pitches and a hit-by-pitch. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
"We were gifted some runs," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "It wasn't ideal, but we'll take it. There was really no rhythm and it was kind of funky. But I thought the energy was really consistent. We're fighting. We realize the situation we've put ourselves in, that an urgency has got to be there."
...
"Sometimes," said Jansen, "you've just got to be lucky."
Pic above of Taylor getting hit via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodger HistoryIn 1955 Don Newcombe threw a complete game shutout against the Cubs while facing the minimum of 27 batters, 3-0. He allowed just one hit, to second baseman Gene Baker, who would subsequently be caught stealing. In 1966 the Dodgers sent 1955 World Series hero Johnny Podres to the Tigers as part of an conditional deal. In 1968 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Ken Boyer. At the age of 37 the aging All-Star would slash .271/.317/.403/.720 with 60 hits, six home runs and 41 RBI's that season. In 1996 Tommy Lasorda managed his 3,000th major league game. It was against the Cardinals, and the Dodgers defeated them in twelve innings, 3-2
  • Happy Birthday, Bill DavidsonJim Hickman & John Cummings!

Wednesday, May 09, 2018

Reds Series Starts on Thursday - Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts on Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

It is Alumni Weekend at Dodger Stadium and the club will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the 1988 World Series championship. This coming Saturday is the Alumi/"Old-Timers" Game, and throughout the weekend numerous former Dodgers' will be greeting fans. In fact, starting on Friday (and through til Sunday), fans can enjoy pregame autograph and photo opportunities with Alumni at Dodger Stadium entrances on the Left Field Plaza, Right Field Plaza, Club Level, Stadium Club and Left Field Reserve.

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Thursday, May 10th at 7:10 PM
TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish
Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Three Laker Legends -- Worthy, Scott and Thompson

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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Lakers legends James Worthy, Byron Scott and Mychal Thompson are scheduled to sign autographs at the Sports Authentics store at the Puente Hills Mall on Saturday, May 12 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Go here for more information.
Sports Authentics - Puente Hills Mall
1600 South Azusa Avenue
Rowland Heights, CA, 91748
(909)590-3713

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* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 5/9/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


The old-timers are already starting to gather for Alumni Weekend.

Photo above via Dennis Powell on twitter. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 the infamous photo between Phillies manager Ben Chapman and Jackie Robinson is taken before the start of that afternoons game in Philadelphia. As you know, Chapman spearheaded a vicious verbal assault on Robinson during their previous series in Brooklyn. In 1983 Ron Cey returned to Dodger Stadium for the first time since being traded to the Chicago during the offseason. Cey went 3-for-4 with three singles and a run scored but his Cubs lost, 4-3.
  • Happy Birthday, Alex Farmer & Aaron Harang!