Pages

Friday, July 31, 2020

2020 Donruss Optic Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

Last week saw the release of Panini America's 2020 Optic Baseball card brand, and now I've got pics of most of the Dodger cards to share with you. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Hilariously, Mookie Betts has an insert card here called "Illusions" -- as if him being a Dodger might have been an illusion, if not for the 2020 season and his signing of the recent longterm contact.

Base

Diamond Kings
#3 Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 7/31/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - #FreeJoeKelly


I just had to make these. Featured here are a handful of Joe Kelly "pouty face" fantasy custom Baseball cards. Enjoy.

#FreeJoeKelly -- Via Alden Gonzalez at ESPN:
"I don't think anyone's too happy about it," Pollock said. "It's not our call; it's obviously the commissioner's call. But I don't think anyone's too happy about that. I just don't think it's very good feel on his end."
...
"There's a lot of guys that were upset about the severity of it," Roberts said, noting that Kelly never admitted to throwing at Bregman on purpose.
Below are more links to check out:

Thursday, July 30, 2020

2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Sandy Koufax by King Saladeen -- #181


The newest Sandy Koufax Project 2020 card is now available, and it was created by Philadelphia artist Raheem “King Saladeen” Johnson.
"My inspiration comes from a place so deep within that the only way to express it is through art."

2020 Topps Now - Edwin Rios' Leadoff Two-Run Homer in Extras - #34


Edwin's heroics last night earned him a 2020 Topps Now card. It celebrates a first in the game -- no doubt a future Baseball trivia question that is sure to stump fans many years in the future.

Edwin Rios became the first ballplayer in the games history to hit a leadoff two-run home run

It was also the eventual game winner for the Dodgers -- sweeping the Trashtro's in a short two-game series.

Blog Kiosk: 7/30/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Sweep!


That sweep felt good!

Thank you, Edwin Rios! Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:
“It’s great,” Ríos said. “All the guys, they were pumped. Just ready at all times. Be ready for every opportunity I get and take advantage of them.”
Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

2020 Topps Finest Flashbacks -- All the Dodger Cards

A couple of weeks back Topps released their 2020 Topps Finest Flashbacks brand exclusively online. As you may know, this brand first came on the scene in the early 90's and it ushered in a refractor craze that continues to this day. This new set is an homage -- using the same design Topps used in their inaugural 1993 Baseball Finest set. Check out all the Dodgers available below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base 

#1 Walker Buehler               #4 Will Smith

Blog Kiosk: 7/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends


I just thought I'd share this photo that I saw on eBay. It's Don Drysdale (undated) leading a horse on a motorcycle. Below is what's written on the reverse:
Triumphant pitcher now can safely lead the costly jumper behind the bike, and thereby will save dozens of walking miles a week. Training process took about 15 minutes.
Photo above via an eBay listing. Below are more links to check out:

Monday, July 27, 2020

2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Jackie Robinson by Fucci -- #176


The ninth Jackie Robinson card from Topps Project 2020 set is now available and it was created by Finnish-Canadian artist, based in Toronto, Fucci. As you can see, it is filled with color -- seemingly in contract with each other -- while the portrait uses a blank face. Per Leah Collins at CBC.com:
He wants the viewer to feel like they're in the piece. To his thinking, if you can't see anyone's faces, then it's easier to imagine yourself in the picture. 
That way, we can all look at this portrait -- of one of the true heroes of the game -- and imagine ourselves being just like him.

Friday, July 24, 2020

2020 Topps Now -- MLB Opening Day Dodger Cards


The first Topps Now cards of the 2020 season are now available, and three of them are Dodger related. Card #1 features last nights league unifying peaceful protest that included ballplayers from the Yankees, Nationals, Giants and Dodgers -- kneeling respectfully (some of whom were clearly praying) before the flag. Go here to check it out and order.

2020 Leaf Trinity Multi-Sport -- Gavin Lux

A couple weeks back Leaf released their Trinity Multi-Sport card set and included in it is Gavin Lux. Check out his card below. As you can see, this is a non-licenced card set, so there are no team logos anywhere. Go here for a complete checklist of this set.

Base

#6 Gavin Lux

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

2020 Topps Road to Opening Day - All the Dodgers

Months back Topps released their "Road to Opening Day" set exclusively online. It included a 15-card base set and an opportunity to get one of three autographed cards (Lux, May or Smith). I now have pics of all 15 Dodger cards. Check them out below. Go here for a complete checklist. Additionally, since we've had a second "Spring Training" several additional "Waves" (additional cards) have been added over the past several weeks. I will share photos of those when pics become available. In the meantime, check out the Dodgers below.

Base

#OD-406 Mookie Betts       #OD-407 A.J. Pollock

2020 Topps Future Stars Club - Bellinger and May

For those who don't know, earlier this year Topps started a subscription service, much like Loot Crate, to cater to collectors. It is called the Future Stars Club and they began shipping out product in April.

So far four boxes have been created and in each subscription box is a limited five-card set. In the months of April and June a Dodger was a part of it -- Cody Bellinger and Dustin May. Check them both out below. Go here for a complete checklist. BTW, if you're interested in signing up for this it is too late. Subscriptions are currently closed. Also, this subscription service is not focused solely on Baseball -- it covers all sports. The July box includes UEFA Champions League (soccer) cards.

April 2020 Exclusive Set

#2 Cody Bellinger

2020 Topps Total - Wave 4 & 5 - All the Dodger Cards

I'm doing my best to catch up on a bunch of post related to new Dodger cards that have hit the market. Featured below are the Dodger cards found in Wave 4 and 5 of the 2020 Topps Total online exclusive set. Go here for a complete checklist.

Wave 4

#340 Joc Pederson

Blog Kiosk: 7/24/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends


Dodgers win. Baseball wins.

Game one of the shortened 2020 season began in earnest last night, and fortunately the Dodgers came out united and ready to mash. They banged out 12 hits -- including a four-for-five night from Kiké Hernandez (who is slowly but surely turning into "The Jet") -- to score eight runs to defeat the pumpkin's from up north, 8-1 (boxscore).

The Dodgers also joined numerous other players/teams in peacefully protesting for change. Via Alyson Footer at MLB.com:
“Everybody's here, we’re all on the same team. We're all here for change,” Betts said. “Even their team -- even the Giants -- I definitely tip my cap to the support. We have a great group of guys here, we're all supportive of each other. It definitely doesn't surprise me that [Bellinger] and [Muncy] were there with me.”
Photo above via MLBonFOX on twitter. 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!

Thursday, July 23, 2020

2020 Topps Now - #ST04 - Extending Mookie Betts


This is by far my favorite Topps Now card, and I'm sure you know why.

Yesterday, we had an unexpected flurry of news come our way that had every Dodger fan in the country on the edge of their seats. We first heard in the early morning that the Dodgers and Betts were nearing an agreement (via a tweet from Lou Merloni), then a rush of confirmations came in -- initially started by Joel Sherman, via twitter:
 And with that, the dreams of Red Sox Nation was thwarted. By mid afternoon an official announcement was made, and I swear I could hear folks celebrating in the distance.

Mookie Betts will be a Dodger for a long time... A very long time.

In honor of this massive signing Topps has issued a new 2020 Topps Now card to memorialize the event. Check it out above and below. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:
When the Dodgers acquired the 27-year-old Betts in a blockbuster trade back in February, they knew they had one year left on his contract before he could hit free agency. Wednesday's announcement ensured that they won't have to worry about that now or anytime soon. Mookie and the Dodgers agrees to a 12-year, $365-million-dollar contract extension that will keep him in Dodger blue through the 2032 season.

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

Blog Kiosk: 7/23/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Mooooookie!


Wow!

Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:
“I’m here to win some rings and bring rings back to L.A. -- that’s all I’m focused on,” Betts said after signing a landmark 12-year contract extension that runs through 2032. 
“This is what I’ve been working for my whole life. I know the Dodgers are going to be good for a long time. I love being here, everything about being here. The people here made me feel so comfortable. Everybody’s amazing. This organization is a well-oiled machine. I love it.”
I need a Mookie jersey. Photo on the right, via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 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!

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Blog Kiosk: 7/22/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Opening Day is around the corner.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 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 BirthdaySheldon LejeuneElmer KnetzerLindsay Brown & Kevin Pasley!

Monday, July 20, 2020

2020 Topps 52-Card Baseball Game - Kenny Mayne Set - Series 2 - All the Dodgers'

Kenny Mayne's (yes, the ESPN broadcaster) 52-Card Baseball Game that debut last year was so successful Topps decide to release a second series for the 2020 season. It includes five Dodger players -- two of which were a part of the 2019 set (Cody Bellinger & Clayton Kershaw). The new players are Mookie Betts, Walker Buehler and Gavin Lux. Unlike last year, there are no Dodgers available as a variation. Additionally, you can still still order these directly from Topps online. Go here to check that out and order. A complete checklist of the set can be found here.

Check out all the Dodger cards below.

Base

#Q Cody Bellinger       #J Clayton Kershaw

Thursday, July 16, 2020

2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Sandy Koufax by Keith Shore -- #162


This is the Keith Shore card from Topps Project 2020 set. Some might call it glorious. Others may lament that it's childish and sophomoric. I just look at it and can't help but smile...

Why, exactly? I dunno.

Yes, it looks amateurish. Tony Frye at Hero Habit called Shore's Project 2020 cards, "classic modern in that it is clearly digital but appears to be done on Windows 95." He also writes that, "his critics say that their children could do art just as well — we all know that’s not true, your kid’s horse drawing looks like a Rorschach test — while fans of his work enjoy the simple design, bright colors, and youthful qualities of each character he creates."

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

2020 Topps Now 'Turn Back the Clock' -- Eric Gagne's 130th Career Save


Today's 'Turn Back the Clock' card makes note of Eric Gagne setting a Dodger record for saves -- at 130. It occurred against the Dimaondbacks in Arizona and featured him striking out all four batters he faced -- Danny Bautista, Roberto Alomar, Steve Finley and Luis Gonzalez (boxscore). BTW, he passed Jeff Shaw on the Dodgers' All-Time list.

2020 Topps Series 2 -- All the Dodger Insert Cards

After a couple of weeks waffling around I finally have pics of most of the Dodger inserts found in packs of Topps flagship Series 2 cards. Check them out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Baseball Stars Autographs

#BSA-CK Clayton Kershaw         #BSA-GL Gavin Lux

Blog Kiosk: 7/15/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends


First, let me just add that net proceeds garnered from this will go directly to the LA Dodgers Foundation. Now, on to this exciting news. The Dodgers are offers "fan cutouts" in the Dugout Club or the new Pavilion Home Run Seats for $299 and in the Field Level or Loge Level locations for $149. On top of that, the cutout is yours at the end of this truncated season and it'll be authenticated by MLB. Go here for more information.
“The electrifying energy of Dodger Stadium is rooted in the passion of our fans. While we are saddened that they will not be part of the live experience, the personalized cutouts will bring a bit of color to the stadium during these challenging times,” said Nichol Whiteman, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation CEO. “Thanks to the generosity of our fans everywhere, this campaign will fund our critical work. Together we will help Angelenos when they need support the most.”
Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1960 play at Candlestick Park is halted for 24 minutes after Giants first baseman Willie McCovey hits a Don Drysdale pitch in the second inning to shallow left field that no one can see due to thick fog. McCovey is given a "invisible triple." In 2004 Eric Gagne records his 24th save of the season, helping defeat the Diamondbacks, 4-3. The save is his 130th as a Dodger -- breaking Jeff Shaw's record for most career saves in franchise history. In 2017 Cody Bellinger hit for a cycle against the Marlins at Marlins Park -- becoming the first Dodger rookie to have ever done so. You can watch highlights of the game here.
  • Happy BirthdayDan McGannBruce EdwardsJames Baldwin & Miguel Olivo!

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Blog Kiosk: 7/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends


Happy Belated Birthday, Cody!

He turned 25-years old yesterday.

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

2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Jackie Robinson by Matt Taylor -- #156


The eighth Jackie Robinson Project 2020 card is now available and it was created by Brighton, UK artist Matt Taylor. He is known for his use of bright and bold colors. Per Print Magazine:
When you find a palette that works for you, you do tend to drift back to it. A large portion of the pieces I’ve done have hot pink, an orange, a teal. Something I always try to steer away from 100 percent black where possible. If it absolutely needs it then I will, but generally, I try to find a really deep blue, or a dark brown, or a dark purple rather than having a straight black. I find it can unbalance an image quite easily if you don’t use it correctly, or if you don’t spread it across the image.

Friday, July 10, 2020

Blog Kiosk: 7/10/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends


They say he's locked and loaded for the season.

I recently participated in a roto-league draft and made sure to get Corey Seager. This is his first season back, after a disastrous 2018, so I am expecting big things from him.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1953 the Dodgers collectively hit a home run in 24 consecutive ballgames. This day's homer was hit by Roy Campanella against Giants pitcher Sal "The Barber" Maglie. Unfortunately, that would be the only run Brooklyn scores. They would lose 6-1. In 1971 the Dodgers signed future Hall of Fame reliever Hoyt Wilhelm. He would retire a year later at the age of 49. As a Dodger he got into 25 games, recorded four saves, a 1.047 WHIP and an 3.14 ERA. Not too bad for a guy in his middle-ages.
  • Happy Birthday, Scott AlexanderLarry Burright & Bob Bailor!

Thursday, July 09, 2020

Blog Kiosk: 7/9/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends


That was a lot of fun.

last night the Dodgers played a little three-inning intrasquad game at Dodger Stadium and it was glorious. I miss these guys. You can watch the game here.

Photo above of Justin Turner via the Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History: In 1996 Dodger catcher Mike Piazza is crowned the All-Star Game MVP. He lead the National League to a 6-0 victory by slugging a solo home run in the 2nd inning and a two-out RBI double in the 3rd inning. You can watch Piazza All-Star highlights and an postgame interview hereIn 2011 Juan Uribe broke up a potential no-no with two outs in the ninth inning against the Padres by walloping a double. Then the Dodgers proceeded to win the game, 1-0 (boxscore), on a walk-off single by Dioner Navarro
  • Happy BirthdayTurner BarberFred Johnston & Ray Thomas!

Wednesday, July 08, 2020

2019 Leaf Valiant Baseball -- All the Dodger Prospects

I don't know why Leaf does this. Once again they release a new card set (just last week), but claim it is a 2019 product. Why? I dunno. Nevertheless, here's a gander at the Dodgers' included in this prospect set. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base Autographs

#BA-GL1 Gavin Lux        #BA-JL1 Jimmy Lewis

2020 Negro Leagues Legends Baseball Card Set - Jackie and Campy

Here is something completely new. Featured is a Negro League Baseball card set that uses images created by noted Baseball artist Graig Kreindler. In fact, the original portraits can be seen at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) as part of its Centennial Celebration until July 31, 2020. You can purchase a complete set here, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, and the Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in Milwaukee. Retail price is $59.95 and it is limited to 5,000 sets total. Below is a look at future Dodgers, Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella. Unfortunately, ballplayers like Don Newcombe or Joe Black are not a part of the set. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

Base

#10 Jackie Robinson - 1945 Kansas City Monarchs (road)

2020 Topps On-Demand #9 - Dynamic Duals - All the Dodgers'

Here's a look at the Dodger cards found in Topps 2020 On-Demand set #9 called Dynamic Duals. A total of 950 base sets were sold online. Go here to check out a complete checklist. Below are all of the Dodgers'.

Base

#10 Gavin Lux / Dustin May

Blog Kiosk: 7/8/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends


I've been absolutely swamped lately, so I apologize for the lack of recent post.

Check out the always cheery Joc Pederson showing his love for the game, via a tweet from the Dodgers.

We're so close to watching Baseball -- I can almost taste it. In fact, the Dodgers are holding an intrasquad game this afternoon, at 6:40 PM, that will be streamed live on the Dodgers’ Twitter and Facebook with commentary from Alanna Rizzo and Nomar Garciaparra. It’s expected to last 3 innings.

Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1901 the Brooklyn Superbas defeat the St. Louis Cardinals, 7-5, as a result of a questionable call by the umpire. This act infuriates Cardinals fans, to the point of rushing umpire Hank O'Day and giving him a split lip. He has to be rescued by the police. In 1907 Cubs manager Frank Chance, after being pelted with pop bottles, hurls a bottle back at the crowd that cut's a boy's leg. This resulted in a mob that forces Chance to leave the park in an armored car witha police escort after the Cubs defeat the Dodgers, 5-0 (boxscore). In 1949 Giants infielder Hank Thompson faced Dodgers pitcher Don Newcombe at the plate -- marking the first time a black batter hit against a black pitcher in Major League history (boxscore). Thompson would hit a pop fly to third in his first at-bat, and go 0-for-2 with a walk overall In 1980 the All-Star Game is played at Dodger Stadium. The National League wins, 4-2 (boxscore), for the ninth consecutive time.
  • Happy Birthday, George HunterRowdy ElliottTex WilsonGeorge FallonCharlie GilbertGeorge CulverLerrin LaGrowMike RamseyDanny Ardoin & Ferdinand Abell (one of the original founders of the Dodgers)!

Monday, July 06, 2020

2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Sandy Koufax by Ermsy -- #145


This Koufax card is wild.

The eighth Sandy Koufax Project 2020 card is now available and it was created by Paris based graffiti artist and graphic designer Ermsy. His work often re-imagines and deconstructs pop imagery and cartoon characters. Per Zio at The Hundreds:
“I love pop culture,” Ermsy explains, “and I love exploring it.” His graphic exploration of pop culture uses popular cartoons in the same way that graffiti writers use letters. “Using well-known characters provides me with a base point, a frame to work within,” he explains. “With graffiti, the idea is to pick some letters from the alphabet, then go crazy with them or do whatever you want. Everybody starts with the same base point, and that’s graffiti. My starting point is to use characters in my artwork.” From there, Ermsy transports the characters from their familiar cartoon universes and into his own topsy-turvy and smoke-filled world.

Wednesday, July 01, 2020

2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Jackie Robinson by Tyson Beck -- #140


The seventh Jackie Robinson Project 2020 card is now available. It was created by Australian graphic design artist Tyson Beck -- well regarded for his work with the NBA.

As you'll recall, his Sandy Koufax card debut a month back and sold a total of 21,535 card (Wow!). I wonder if this card will do as well. You can see the Koufax card on the left.

Topps Living Set -- #326 -- Dustin May


It has been over two month since a Dodger has been available through the Topps Living Baseball card project. In April they created a card for rookie phenom Gavin Lux. This time we get a look at their other rookie stud that has come up through the system -- Dustin May. Check it out above and below. As you know, he is one of several young pitchers the Dodger expect will play a huge part in the franchises future.

Go here to check order it. It is available for the next week. Below is what's written on the reverse.
After thriving at the upper levels of the minors, Dustin May earned a call up to the Dodgers and impressed in 14 appearance. The lanky right-hander fired 34.2 innings pitched and struck out 32 batter with a 3.63 ERA, earning a shot to become a regular in the starting rotation.

2020 Topps Clearly Authentic - All the Dodger Cards

Last week Topps released their 2020 Clearly Authentic brand of on-card signed acetate (plastic) Baseball cards, and I've got pics of all the Dodgers to share here. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base Autographs

#CCA-GL Gavin Lux