2020 Topps Now - Lux's Multi-Homer Evening - #232

Is this the turning point to Gavin's season?

Lux has had a poor start to 2020 -- first, not making the teams roster and batting below the Mendoza Line when he finally came up to Los Angeles. But last night he put up the kind an results that can lead to something good.

Prior to yesterdays game he was slashing a woeful .148/.258/.222/.480 in just eight games played. Now, after last nights three hit effort he is slashing a much improved .219/.324/.469/.793 while also walloping his first two homers of the season. And those two home runs were the difference in the Dodgers 10-9 extra inning victory over the Diamondbacks. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB,com:

Roberts said Lux is playing “much more like himself, much more free and easy.”

Hopefully, him settling down will lead to the kind of streak we saw him record in the minors just one year ago -- slashing an impressive .347/.421/.607/1.028 in the high minors.

2020 Topps Now - Dodgers Set Home Run Record - #183

You knew this card was coming.

On Sunday the Dodgers set a new National League record for home runs as a team for the month of August, so Topps issued a new Topps Now card to celebrate the achievement. Check it out above and below. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s just a byproduct of swinging at good pitches,” manager Dave Roberts said after his team’s 7–2 win and another series victory. “I don’t know how well the ball’s carrying compared to the last couple years, but it’s amazing to see the talent we have in our lineup, really.”

2020 Topps Now -- Mookie, Kershaw and More

I am playing catch-up with some recently released Topps Now cards. First, there are two Dodger cards available right now, following their sweep of the Giants yesterday. After that, three additional cards had been released by Topps over the past week -- that I failed to write about -- so I'll share those at the bottom of this post.

First, Mookie Betts recorded his 1,000th career hit during the first game of yesterdays doubleheader. Check out the Topps Now card created by Topps above and below. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse of the card.

The historic moments keep coming fot eh first-year Dodgers outfielder. Thursday evening saw Betts notch his 1,000th career hit in the midst of his seventh year in the Majors. Mookie singled in the sixth inning off Giants reliever Andrew Suarez during Los Angeles' 7-0 victory. The 27 year-old has collected five straight season of 150-plus hits.

Blog Kiosk: 8/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends!

As you surely know by now, Vin Scully has consigned a whole bunch of his personal memorabilia to Hunt Auctions, and frankly it's overwhelming. There's a ton of stuff, and bids are starting to reach lofty heights -- after being open for just a day or two.

I have yet to go through the entire catalog, but so far I think the cream of the crop might be his 1955 World Series ring. That's right folks! His championship ring is on the block and right now it sits at $13,750.00 -- with the possibly it'll reach six figured before it's all said and done. Wow! See the ring on the right. Go here to check out the entire auction, and do a search for Vin Scully

BTW, next week I plan on writing and sharing a bunch of his stuff on this blog, so stay tuned for that. I suspect next week will be Vin Scully week here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1942 the oft-injured outfielder Pete Reiser enters the hospital with a torn thigh ligament. In 1945 Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson meet to discuss plans for integrating Baseball. During the three hour meeting Rickey berates Robinson with a flurry of racial epithets to test his mettle and willingness to 'turn the other cheek.' Also on this day, 17-year old Brooklyn shortstop Tommy Brown becomes the youngest person to steal home in Major League history. In 1952 the Brooklyn Dodgers set a National League record when they hit into a double play in their 23rd consecutive game. In 2002 Eric Gagne recorded his 45th save of the season, setting a franchise record and earning a bottle of Dom Perignon autographed by his Dodger teammates. 
• Happy Birthday, Ryan Madson, Joe Yeager, Goody Rosen & Darren Lewis!

Blog Kiosk: 8/21/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Just another Dodger victory.

Last nights win was brought to you by Clayton Kershaw. He went seven strong innings, struck out a season high eleven batters and allowed just one run to lead the Dodgers in their 6-1 (boxscore) victory over the Mariners. On top of that, Clayton now has the second most strikeouts in Dodger franchise history -- leaping over Don Drysdale's mark of 2,486. Kershaw's 2,493 strikeouts is just 203 short of Don Sutton's record as a Dodger. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Obviously very cool,” Kershaw said. “Just to be a Dodger long enough to accomplish something like that is pretty special.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1970 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder Jerry Royster out of Sacramento High School. He would be traded five years later to Atlanta as part of a package for Dusty Baker, and go on to have a ten-year career with the Braves. In 1975 the Cubs pitching brothers of Rick and Paul Reuschel combine to shutout the Dodgers, 7-0. This is the first time brothers have collaborated on a shutout. In 1990 the Dodgers lost a tough one. Against the Phillies they allowed nine runs to score in the ninth inning to lose the game, 12-11. You can watch highlights of this shameful game here. Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts wrote about it today, here. In 2005 the Marlins suspended a bat boy for six games after the 11-year old kid accepted a challenge from Dodger pitcher Brad Penny. He dared the preteen to drink a gallon of milk in an hour without throwing up for $500. The sixth grader drank the milk, but hurled. The Milk Processor Education Program (a lobbying group) offered to pay off the dare and cover his lost wages if he promises to dutifully drink three glasses of milk every day. In 2015 the Dodgers are no-hit by Astro's hurler Mike Fiers, 3-0 (boxscore). 
• Happy Birthday, Woody Williams, Shawn Hillegas, John Wetteland, Craig Counsell, Ismael Valdéz & Jesse Chavez!

2020 Topps Chrome -- All the Dodger Cards

A couple of weeks back Topps released their Topps Chrome brand of Baseball cards, and I now have pics of all the Dodgers available in packs. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

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#13 Max Muncy            #77 Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 8/19/2020 - Dodgers Links & news - Some Odds and Ends

Seven in-a-row, Baby!

Last night Tony Gonsolin not only extended his scoreless innings streak (14.2), he also helped the Dodgers win their seventh consecutive game. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I think I’m just feeling a lot more comfortable up here,” Gonsolin said. “I’m trying to go out there and take advantage of every opportunity that I get.”

Photo above via Tony Gonsolin on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1983 the Dodgers traded for Rangers starting pitcher Rick Honeycutt. As you know, he would go on to have a long career with the franchise. In 1990 Jose Offerman became the first Dodger in franchise history to hit a home run in his very first Major League plate appearance. In 2008 the Dodgers traded for Greg Maddux (for a second time) to help the team during their playoff run. In 2015 the Dodgers traded for "DAD" Chase Utley from the Phillies in exchange for John Richy and Darnell Sweeney. In 2017 the Dodgers received veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson from the Mets for pitcher Jacob Rhame. He would slash just .161/.288/.366/.654 in 36 games for the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Tex Carleton, Lance Cormier, Josh Fields, Chris Capuano and Ron Roenicke! 

Blog Kiosk: 8/18/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - The Brothers Seager

As you surely know by now, the Seagers -- Corey and Kyle -- played against each other for the first time in their career last night. Better yet, they both homered in the game -- becoming the first brothers to do so for opposing teams in the same game since 2001. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“It was hard almost to stay focused with him out there, you want to go talk to him,” said Corey. “And he’s a talker, he wanted me to go over there. You try to be in the moment as much as possible. You’re still trying to win a game. But when you got around him, it was hard to not see your brother in the opponent. Really enjoyed it, one of those things we’ll remember for a long time.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959 former Dodger GM Branch Rickey is named President of the newly formed Continental League. The new third Major League never plays a game, though. Instead, it became a catalyst for the addition of eight more teams to the American and National Leagues over the next decade. In 1977 Dodger Hall of Famer Don Sutton threw his fifth career one-hitter. It was against the hated Giants at Dodger Stadium, 7-0 (boxscore). Sutton recorded seven strikeouts and issued four walks -- on the way to his 11th victory of the season. BTW, he had a no-hitter going into the eighth inning. In 1995 the Dodgers traded for Brett Butler. This would be his second stint with the team.
• Happy Birthday, Burleigh Grimes, William Marriott, Jim Peterson, Bob Kennedy, Paul Popovich, Don Crow & Yimi Garcia! 

Blog Kiosk: 8/17/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

We are in the midst of experiencing a Dodgers' catching renaissance. First, we saw Will Smith wow the fans. Now, it's Keibert Ruiz's turn. In his first career at-bat yesterday afternoon he smashed a home run. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It was very exciting,” Ruiz said after the Dodgers’ 8–3 win that swept the series in Anaheim. “First time being in the big leagues, I just was focused on getting a fastball and making contact. Happy to be here with all these guys and keep learning.”

You can also watch him speak with the press after the game, via SportsNet LA on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers and Cubs played a 17 inning game that was temporarily halted at a tie, 1-1, because of darkness (this was before Wrigley Field had lights). The next day they begin where they left off. The Dodgers would eventually win on a sacrifice fly by Dusty Baker in the 21st inning. In 1992 Dodgers hurler Kevin Gross no-hit the Giants at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. Watch the last out of the game, as called by Vin Scully, here. Per a NY Times article:

"The later it got, the more the adrenaline started pumping," Gross said. "It was just a blur when that last out was made."

• Happy Birthday, George Harper, Doug McWeeny, Joe Bradshaw, Boog Powell, Brad Wellman, Jeff Fischer & Kyle Farmer!

2020 Topps Now -- Mookie Betts Ties MLB Record - #102

You knew this card was coming.

Featured here is Mookie's 2020 Topps Now card celebrating his record tying feat last night. As you know, he hit three crushing home runs against the burgeoning Padres to tie a Major League record for three-homer games in a career at six (6) -- joining Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa. With it still being so early in his career, Betts will no doubt break this record soon. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“Of course. I’m human,” said Betts. “But I work so hard, man, I work so hard to be successful. To see success, it’s a sigh of relief. But I’m hungry to be successful and I have that in my back pocket. I have to learn new pitchers, that will be the hardest part, but I’ll work my butt off to be the best I can be.”

Blog Kiosk: 8/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Look who got their awards last night -- Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger. Unfortunately, Cody has been struggling at the plate this season. Mookie, on the other hand, is heating up... big time! He celebrating yesterdays award ceremony by walloping three homers to tie a Major League record for three-homer games in a career at six (6) -- tying Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 the Dodgers and Cubs play a doubleheader that last a total of only two hours and seventeen minutes. In the opener, the Cubs blanked Brooklyn 2-0, in one hour and ten minutes, and in the nightcap it takes the Dodgers one hour and seven minutes to shut out Chicago, 1-0. In 1980 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent pitcher Tom Niedenfuer out of Washington State University. In a couple of years he would be a mainstay in the Dodgers bullpen -- recording 64 saves as a Dodger.  
• Happy Birthday, Magic Johnson, Frank McCourt, Mark Loretta, Scott Stewart, McKay Christensen & Juan Pierre!

2020 Absolute Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

Here are most of the Dodgers' found in packs of Panini's Absolute Baseball brand. Go here for a complete checklist.

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#28 Mookie Betts

2020 Topps Now - Kershaw's First Start of 2020 #46 & Mookie's Card from Saturday #38

Clayton Kershaw was outstanding during his 2020 debut, and for his efforts garnered a 2020 Topps Now card to celebrate the day. As you know, he was sidelined during his planned Opening Day start a couple of weeks ago, so seeing him on the mound was great to watch. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“I’ve done a lot of different things,” Kershaw said. “Gotten a lot of help from the training staff, strengthening and conditioning staff, working out, doing different things arm care-wise. There’s a lot of things, just threw everything at it and see what came out. I think the biggest thing is being healthy and feeling really good and moving well and just thankful for the arm feeling so good as it did today.”

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.

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Diamond Kings

#3 Cody Bellinger

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.

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#1 Walker Buehler               #4 Will Smith

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 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.

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

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 History: In 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 Birthday, Tommy McCarthy, Joe Wall, Joe Schultz, Preston Ward, Norihiro Nakamura & Scott Van Slyke!

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:

A source described extension talks between Mookie Betts and the #Dodgers as "quite real." @LouMerloni reported that the sides were close on a deal of at least 10 years.

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 22, 2020

 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.

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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, 12-0. In 1962 Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. You can listen to his induction speech here. In 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 Ford, Paul Chervinko, Pee Wee Reese, Don Drysdale, Nomar Garciaparra, Larry Barnes & Hung-Chih Kuo!