Wednesday, July 31, 2019

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


The next homestand starts on Monday against the Washington Nationals. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. I will update this should new and updated information become available. Here are some important links:
Please note that the Dodgers are embarking on a new culinary experience at the stadium. Fans can find the LA Feeds Blue Chef Series located in the right field plaza that will feature a special Chef Series pop-up concession stand. This homestand will feature foods from Park’s BBQ. More information is available at the bottom of this post.

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Thursday, August 1st at 7:10 PM
TV: MLBN (out-of-market only), SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish
Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Welcome to the Blue, Adam Kolarek!


We got a new reliever!

Unfortunately, he's not named Shane Greene (he went to Atlanta), Edwin Diaz, Will Smith or Felipe Vazquez. Instead, the Dodgers grabbed lefty bullpen arm Adam Kolarek from the Tampa Bay Rays. Per a Dodgers press release:
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that they have acquired left-handed pitcher Adam Kolarek from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for minor league outfielder Niko Hulsizer.

Welcome to the Blue, Jedd Gyorko!


The Dodgers made a trade this morning, but it's not one we had hoped for. It has been announced, via a tweet from Ken Rosenthal, that the Dodgers have picked up infielder Jedd Gyorko from the Cardinals. Who St. Louis got in return has not yet been announced. BTW, you can follow Jedd on twitter here: @JGyorko05. Per Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors:
Gyorko, 30, is playing on a $13MM salary this year ($5MM of which is still property of the Padres) and comes with a $13MM option ($1MM buyout) for next season. It’s not clear whether the Dodgers will be stepping into the full obligation.

2019 Topps 150 Years of Baseball - #66 - Jackie Robinson


The newest 2019 Topps 150 Years of Baseball cards made available this week includes a second card of Jackie Robinson in the set. As you'll recall, card #17 featured Jackie breaking the color barrier. This time, we have an "Artist Rendition" card, originally drawn by Graig Kreindler, of Jackie Robinson. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:
Jackie Robinson was the pioneer of diversity in Baseball and had a dominant, 10-year career, finished with a .311 batting average, 137 homers and 197 stolen bases.

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

Couple of Brooklyn Rarities and Ladies in Baseball Memorabilia at REA


Premier sports collectibles auction house REA has just opened up their 2019 Summer offering, so I thought I would take a little bit of time this afternoon to highlight some of my favorite items. As you may know, REA specializes in pre-war cards and vintage/antique memorabilia, and this auction does not disappoint in that area. In fact, there are plenty of Dodgers' T206, Old Judge and other Topps rarities available. Heck, there's also a ton of Jackie Robinson memorabilia/cards available too. None of those items, though provide a glimpse into the face of the gentleman who helped start it all. Featured above is a circa 1910 cabinet photograph of former team owner (the namesake of the stadium that would be the Dodgers home for more than 45 years) Charles Ebbets with his autograph. (Auction Link) Per the auction description:

Blog Kiosk: 7/31/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Tony Gonsolin was fire last night. He recorded his first career save by pitching four innings to close out the game -- allowing just three hits, one earned run and recording three strike outs. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
“It was all about his fastball command tonight,” said Roberts. “Saved the ‘pen and, just more importantly for Tony, just the confidence. For any pitcher, in this ballpark, it’s a leap of faith, and we showed the confidence and he didn’t let the conditions affect him.”
...
“Pounding fastball down, mixing changeup, using the slider,” said Martin. “Even the first game in Arizona, I thought he threw the ball well, got unlucky with some defense, we didn’t pick him up. Tonight, Coors Field, sometimes guys’ stuff doesn’t act the same. He was lights-out today. If you can do it here, you can do it anywhere.
No good deed goes unpunished. The musical chairs continue for the Dodgers. They have just called up righty reliever Dylan Floro, who's coming off the 10-day IL, and sent righty Tony Gonsolin to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Photo above via David Zalubowski/AP at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

2019 Panini Immaculate Collection Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

Last week saw the release of Panini Immaculate brand, and I've got pics of most of the Dodger cards to share below. Go here for complete checklist. As always, all Panini cards lack team logo's, so the cards tend to be aesthetically challenging -- even with the clean designs. Nevertheless, these are always nice looking cards, so collector don't seem to mind too much. If this company were ever able to get a MLB license I suspect they'd give Topps a run for their money.

Rookie Patch Autographs

#25 Caleb Ferguson            #27 Dennis Santana

Blog Kiosk: 7/30/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Here's an up-close look at a Dodger stealing home. Featured above is a INP press photo, dated May 16, 1946, of Dodger great Pete Reiser (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:
The Dodgers great base stealer Pete Reiser shows his style in this sequence of photos at Ebbets Field today. With Stan Rojak at bat, Reiser makes his dash for home. He leads the league in steals and stealing home has become his specialty.
BTW, this photograph was part of the famed George Michael Collection of vintage baseball sliding pics. Below are more links to check out:

Monday, July 29, 2019

Welcome to the Blue, Kristopher Negrón!


Due to some recent injuries -- Chris Taylor, David Freese and Kiké Hernández -- the Dodgers suddenly found themselves lacking in the utility department. So, instead of looking within to find a solution they have reached out to the Mariners to make a deal. Over the weekend the Dodgers traded for utilityman Kristopher Negrón in exchange for minor league prospect Daniel Castro, an infielder. BTW, you can follow Negrón on twitter: @KNegs17. Per a Dodgers press release:
Negrón, 33, has appeared in nine games for the Mariners, batting .227 (5-for-22) with three runs and one RBI. Prior to having his contract selected on July 16, Negrón was batting .310 (95-for-306) with 12 homers and 61 RBI in 82 games for Triple-A Reno. He has played parts of six Major League seasons for the Cincinnati Reds, Arizona Diamondbacks and Mariners, recording a combined .216 batting average with seven homers and 25 RBI. The California native has played seven different positions in his Major League career, recording a .984 fielding percentage in 307 chances. He was originally selected by the Boston Red Sox in the seventh round (223rd overall) of the 2006 First Year Player Draft out Cosumnes River Junior College (Ca.).

Blog Kiosk: 7/29/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Check out some celebrating Dodgers' following their pennant clinching victory over the Phillies on September 23, 1952 (eBay auction link). Can you name them all?

Below are more links to check out:

Friday, July 26, 2019

2019 Topps On-Demand Sets - The Dodger Cards

It recently discovered that there are a bunch of Topps online exclusive cards that have been released through their 'On-Demand' program that I have failed to list here. So, I thought I'd take a moment this Friday afternoon to share pics of all the Dodger cards made available so far.

There have been 13 'On-Demand' sets released this year, and five of them feature Baseball players. The others focused on either Garbage Pail Kids', Star Wars, Soccer or WWE. Go here for a complete checklist. The 13th set, which is a lenticular 3D set like the old Sportsflics of the 80's, is currently available for sale through Topps (go here to order) and is not expected to be released until mid-October.

Check out all the Dodger 'On-Demand' cards below. There is a Walker Buehler autographed card available as part of set #10, but I have yet to find a pic of it.

2019 Topps On-Demand Set #1 - Black and White Baseball 

  • 2,000 packs sold
Base
#31 Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 7/26/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Check out this fantastic photograph that is currently available at Heritage Auctions (link here). It features Jackie Robinson, wearing a Montreal Royals uniform, shaking hands with the legendary Honus Wagner prior to the start of an exhibition/barnstorm game in October 1946. Heritage includes a link to a story about the game (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette -- "Around Town: Jackie Robinson quietly showed how to integrate one day here in '46"):
The 4 o'clock game pitted a team of major leaguers -- largely Pirates and Cincinnati Reds, second-division clubs -- against "Jackie Robinson's all-stars." The great Honus Wagner, then 72, managed the major leaguers, and a three-paragraph item at the bottom of the page the next day declared: "Robinson Stars As Team Wins." 
About 3,000 watched as "Robinson cracked out a single, double and triple and fielded flawlessly at shortstop . . .The Negro star, who starred with Montreal and is the property of the Brooklyn Dodgers, drew praise from his major-league opponents on his fine play."
BTW, Jackie's team included several teammates from Montreal -- Marvin Rackley, Al Campanis and John Wright (also a Negro Leaguer). Additionally, Larry Doby, Monte Irvin and Roy Campanella joined his "Jackie Robinson All-Stars" that winter. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1948 Leo Durocher, the traitorous manager who jumped ship to the hated NY Giants just ten days prior, shows up in ugly Halloween orange at Ebbets Field for the first time since stabbing Dodger fans in the back. He is not greeting warmly, but he has the last laugh. The Giants win 13-4In 1950 Dodgers outfielder Jim Russell becomes the first ballplayer in major league history to hit a home run from both sides of the plate during a game for the second time in a career. His record is eventually surpassed by Mickey Mantle in 1956 when he accomplished the feat for a third time. In 1991 Montreal starter Mark Gardner no-hit the Dodgers for nine innings, but eventually lost the game in the tenth. He allowed two singles and reliever Jeff Fassero gave up the winning hit to lose, 1-0.  Dodger pitchers Orel HershiserKevin Gross and Jay Howell combine for a two hit shutout. In 1995 the Dodgers signed free agent amateur pitcher Eric Gagne out of Seminole State College. In 2008 the Dodgers received third baseman Casey Blake from the Indians for Jon Meloan and Carlos Santana. 
  • Happy BirthdayJohn ButlerSam LeslieHoyt WilhelmGlenn MickensJody Reed & Brandon Morrow!

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Welcome to the Blue, Tyler White!


The Dodgers made a trade, but it was not for a reliever -- although, he has come out of the pen before. As you likely know by now, the Dodgers picked up first baseman Tyler White from the Houston Astros, and hopefully we didn't trade a future star in return (like Yordan Álvarez). Per a Dodger Press release:
The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced that they have acquired infielder Tyler White from the Houston Astros in exchange for right-handed pitcher Andre Scrubb.

A Gorgeous Fazzino Painted Baseball of Sandy Koufax


Fantastic!

As you know, there are very few things I love more than Dodger-related artwork. Over the years I've written about and shared numerous pieces that I've found online and in my own collection. Unfortunately, this item I'm featuring is not something you can find on my bookshelf. Instead, you can go to eBay and make a bid (bid link) -- it's likely to be way out of my reach anyway.

An Early Peek at the 2020 Topps Baseball Card Design


Are you ready for 2020?

Featured above is an early look at the 2020 Topps flagship baseball card design, and I'm not sure if I like it. Go here to check it out at Topps website. It once again includes full-bleed photos -- unfortunately, flagship cards with a border appear to be a thing of the past -- and an unusual placement of the players name and position. As you can see, it is sideways -- perpendicular to the placement of the photograph.

This is an odd choice by Topps. Heck, I'm certain this is the first time they've ever done this to the flagship set (please correct me if I'm wrong) (UPDATE: Woops, I forgot about the 1999 Topps set). Only once At no time over the past 60+ years have they ever forced collectors to tweak their neck in order to read the name of the player -- I'm obviously being overly dramatic. Still, it's a little unsettling.

Nevertheless, it's the design we've got, so I'd better learn to love it. BTW, Alex Markle at Chavez Ravining shares his opinion about the design, and I think it's worth a look. Check it out here.

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

Blog Kiosk: 7/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


No one likes getting beat, but the last two losses to the Angels doesn't have me distressed. They were both great games to watch. Oftentimes games don't turn out the way you'd hoped. But in Baseball, as we all know, it's the ability to persevere and climb above all the failure and disappointment that determines whether you move on towards the playoffs. Last night it was a comedy of errors and bad calls that did us in. Nevertheless, we move on to play another day. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
“Dan’s been around a long time, and [umpires] are busting their tails every night to get it right,” said Roberts. “When you see balls off the plate that can flip counts and can change innings and certainly at-bats, yeah, it gets frustrating at times when you’re the hitter. But those calls didn’t cost us the game. 
“The results speak to those guys played better. They scored more than we did, pitched better, hit better, yeah, they played better.”
Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1956 Brooklyn outfielder Carl Furillo becomes the first Dodger to hit a home run at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City -- a onetime home field for 15 games from 1956 to 1967. Unfortunately, the Dodgers lost this game to Cincinnati, 2-1. In 1978 the Lodi Dodgers, LA's Single-A minor league club, record two triple plays against the Fresno Giants. This is the first time since 1904 that a professional ballclub has recorded two triple plays in one game. In 2006 the Dodgers received starting pitcher Elmer Dessens from the Royals for Odalis Perez and a couple minor leaguers. In 2012 Hanley Ramirez plays his first game as a Dodger, after having beeen traded my the Marlins, and goes 2-for-4 at the plate with a walk, run and RBI (boxscore).
  • Happy BirthdayDoc ReislingMarv RackleyLarry SherryDave PattersonGarey Ingram & Guillermo Mota!

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

2019 Topps Total - Wave 4 - All the Dodger Cards

The fourth wave of the 2019 Topps Total set is now in collector hands, and there are three Dodgers available to chase after. They are reliever Joe Kelly, catcher Russell Martin and Justin Turner. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Overall, a total of 4,387 packs were sold, and this translates into an average print run of about 439 of each card. This is the lowest print run so far. On another note, I believe this is the first Russell Martin Dodger card since his return to the franchise this past winter.

Base - Wave 4

#347 Joe Kelly

Blog Kiosk: 7/24/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


That was a thrilling game... And sure, we didn't come out on top this time, but you gotta admit that there is no better way for a game to end. Some people like their walk-offs -- I'll take a game-ending play at the plate anytime. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
“To be honest, it wasn’t really close,” said Bellinger. “Calhoun threw the ball real hard and accurate. I was out by a lot.” 
Hernandez said he knew he hit the ball hard enough that Calhoun might have difficulty fielding it cleanly. 
“I knew he might misplay it, and in a way he did, but the ball got to him so quick, he had a chance to set his feet and make a strong throw,” said Hernandez. “As a defender, you’re expecting the guy to go. Your job is to make a good, low throw. It takes perfect throws for our guys to get thrown out. Sometimes you’ve got to tip your cap to the opposition.”
Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019. Go here to check out more pics from yesterday's game. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1931 Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) outfielder Babe Herman hit for the cycle against the the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1939 the Brooklyn Dodgers selected Dixie Walker off waivers from the Detroit Tigers. He would go on to play nine season in Brooklyn -- slashing .311/.386/.441/.827 for the Dodgers. In 1967 Dodgers President Branch Rickey is posthumously inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1993 Mets outfielder Vince Coleman tossed a M-80 firecracker from his car as he was leaving the Dodger Stadium parking area. It is reported that three people are injured; including an 11-year old boy and a two-year old girl. Coleman eventually pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of unlawful possession of an explosive device and is sentenced to 200 hours of community service. The incident, along with many others, leads the Mets to announced a month later that he would never play for the team again. 
  • Happy BirthdayTommy McCarthyJoe WallJoe SchultzPreston WardNorihiro Nakamura & Scott Van Slyke!

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

2019 Topps Archives Signature Series "Active Player Edition" - The Dodger Cards


A couple of weeks back Topps released their "Active Player Edition" of the 2019 Topps Archives Signature Series cards, and I'm only now able to share some pics of the Dodgers' found in boxes. As you likely know, this brand features buyback autographs of some of the games best current stars. For the Dodgers this includes Chris Taylor, Clayton Kershaw and Max Muncy. BTW, Adrian Beltre is also on the checklist, but I have yet to find any cards of him as a Dodger that have been signed. I suspect, though that they exist and are probably low-numbered scarcities. Go here for a complete checklist.

#Adrian Beltre

  • No Dodger cards found yet.

#Chris Taylor

2018 Gypsy Queen          2017 Topps Heritage

Blog Kiosk: 7/23/2019 - Dodgers Links - Stadium Upgrades


Holy Moly! The upcoming changes at Dodger Stadium look awesome. It'll be a $100 Million renovation that will include a new center field plaza -- two acres of food concession stands, beer garden/sports bars, a children’s play area, the relocated Jackie Robinson statue and a permanent home for the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” plaques.. Per Arash Markazi at the LA Times:
“We’re finally going to have a front door with this entertainment plaza we’re building below and beyond the pavilions,” said Stan Kasten, Dodgers president and chief executive. “It’s going to act like a two-acre tailgating area pre- and postgame.”
“This is all meant to be a celebration of the Dodgers and Dodgers history and provide fans with the kind of amenities that you see at new ballparks without changing our postcard view,” (Janet Marie) Smith said. “We relish the beauty of this place and want to preserve that. I know when fans hear we’re renovating the pavilions the first thing they ask is what’s going to happen to the wooden benches. The answer is they’re staying in place. None of those things that fans love will change. We’re just improving the experience.”
Click on any pic to embiggen. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers historyIn 1939 the Dodgers once again used yellow-colored baseballs during a game at Ebbets Field. This time it was against the Cardinals, and Brooklyn lost the game, 12-0In 1962 Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. You can listen to his induction speech hereIn 1974 Steve Garvey, who was a write-in candidate, had a single, double and an RBI during the All-Star Game in Pittsburgh. He would be named the MVP of the game. In 1975 Willie Crawford and Lee Lacy hit pinch-hit home runs in the ninth inning in a loss against the Cardinals, 5-4. The homers tied a Major League record for pinch-hit homers in the same inning.
  • Happy Birthday, Hod FordPaul ChervinkoPee Wee ReeseDon DrysdaleNomar GarciaparraLarry Barnes & Hung-Chih Kuo!

Monday, July 22, 2019

Angels Series Starts Tuesday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts on Tuesday against the California Angels -- Freeway Series! Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:
Please note that the Dodgers are embarking on a new culinary experience at the stadium. Fans can find the LA Feeds Blue Chef Series located in the right field plaza that will feature a special Chef Series pop-up concession stand. This homestand will feature foods from Border Grill + Socalo. More information is available at the bottom of this post.
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Tuesday, July 23rd at 7:10 PM
Kenta Maeda vs Felix Pena
TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish
Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

2019 Topps Allen & Ginter - All the Dodger Insert Cards

Here's a look at nearly all of the Dodger insert cards found in packs of Allen & Ginter. One of the newest inserts available include "Have Ball, Will Travel Token Relic" cards that has an original/vintage mass transit token from the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit System embedded within it. Go here to check out the Dodger base cards.

Baseball Framed Mini Autographs

#MA-MMU Max Muncy

Blog Kiosk: 7/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Thank you, Fernando! Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:
“It’s very special. It’s a great honor, because the Dodgers have the history of tremendous ballplayers for many years. To be part of this, it’s a great honor,” Valenzuela said. “When the Dodgers mentioned I was going to be in with these two great ballplayers … that means a lot. Steve Garvey, he was my first baseman when I came up as a rookie. He supported me. He helped me a lot for my first couple years. To now be part of the same group, to be selected for this honor, is tremendous.”
Photo abvoe via Jon SooHoo at Dodger Insider 2019. Go here to check out more pics from Saturday's ceremony. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1966 DodgerVision at Dodger Stadium relays a message to Mets outfielder Ron Swoboda during the game. It says, "Congratulations, Ron Swoboda. Your new son is born tomorrow morning". Cecilia Swoboda gave birth to Chipper, the couple's first child, at 1:05 a.m. EST, making it the next day on the West Coast. In 2005 Yhency Brazoban breaks Steve Howe's Dodger rookie record for saves when he works a perfect inning against the Mets to record his 18th save. He would finish with 21 saves during the season.
  • Happy Birthday, Sheldon LejeuneElmer KnetzerLindsay BrownKevin Pasley!

Friday, July 19, 2019

2019 Topps Diamond Icons - All the Dodger Cards

Last week saw the release of a super-high-end card brand called 2019 Topps Diamond Icons. For the price of $1000 you receive one box containing ten cards -- nine of which will be autographed including two with a relic piece) and one relic card. Go here for a complete checklist. Below is a look at the Dodger cards that are available.

Autographs

  • #AC-CKE Clayton Kershaw -- Redemption Card
#AC-SK Sandy Koufax

2019 Donruss Optic Baseball - All the Dodger Insert Cards

Now that you've seen all of the Dodger base cards, here is a look at the inserts found in packs of Panini's 2019 Donruss Optic brand.

Rated Rookie Signatures

#13 Dennis Santana              #46 Caleb Ferguson

Blog Kiosk: 7/19/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Check out Pee Wee Reese's acrobatic throw to first. Unfortunately, the runners break-up attempt worked.
Some Snappy Work at Second
Chicago - Marvin Rickert of Cubs slides into 2nd too late in the 5th inning as Brooklyn Dodger Pee Wee Reese leaps high into the air to throw to first in an unsuccessful attempt to double Ed Waitkus in the June 8 game between the Cubs and Dodgers at Wrigley Field. Cubs won, 2-0. (6-9-1946) (boxscore)
Acme press photo above found on eBay (eBay Link). Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1977 Don Sutton took home All-Star Game MVP honors when the NL defeated the AL 7-5 at Yankee Stadium. As the starting pitcher, Sutton threw three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit, one walk and struck out four. Fellow teammate Steve Garvey hit a third inning solo home run. In 1993 outfielder Raul Mondesi made his Major League debut and recorded a single in his very first at-bat. In 2015 Zack Greinke extends his scoreless innings streak to 43 2/3 by pitching eight shutout innings against the Nationals (boxscore)
  • Happy BirthdayBill HartErve BeckBen GeraghtyLuis Avilan & Rachel Robinson

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Todd Hollandsworth, Alanna Rizzo and Alex Verdugo

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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