2018 Topps Now -- #543 & #544 -- Dozier and Grandal's Electric Night

It comes as no surprise that Brian Doziers magnificent first night as a Dodger on the field has earned him a Topps Now card. Check it out above and on the right. Go here to check it out and order. Per the description on the reverse:

Brian Dozier made his debut for the Dodgers after getting traded from the Twins and has made an immediate impact. Dozier went 3-for-4, which included the back end of back-to-back home runs with Yasmani Grandal in the fifth, a single to start a two-run rally in the seventh and a double in the eighth.

2018 Topps Chrome - All the Dodgers Cards

Officially in stores this week is Topps 2018 Chrome Baseball card brand, and as always I've got pics of most of the Dodgers' cards found within packs. Go here for a complete checklist.

These cards are basically very shiny versions of Topps flagship set. Although, there appears to be unique photos used for the base cards of Justin Turner, Kenley Jansen, Chris Taylor and Kenta Maeda. Also, I am aware of only two Dodger variation cards, so if more pop up I'll be sure to update this post.

Base

#36 Justin Turner                  #39 Alex Wood

#71 Walker Buehler

Blog Kiosk: 8/2/2018 - Dodgers Links - Dozier's Dynamic Debut

Wow! By the looks of it, we should've gotten Dozier a couple of years ago -- 'cause last night was a whirlwind of a debut. He went 3-for-4 with a single, double and a home run that resulted in a curtain call (watch it here). Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider: 

“I love the only 395 to center,” said Dozier, who’s used to it being 404 feet to center field at Minnesota’s Target Field. “That’s a good thing. I’m not used to that. It was cool.”

Of course, the night really belonged to Yasmani Grandal. He walloped two homers; including a walk-off two-run dinger in the 10th to win, 6-4.

“He’s been one of the hottest hitters in the National League for quite some time,” Roberts said.

Photo of Dozier above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 Dodgers President Larry MacPhail introduced the yellow baseball. It was used during the first game of a doubleheader at Ebbets Field against the Cardinals. The Dodgers won that game, 6-2. The yellow baseball would only be used three more times this season. In 1982 the United States Postal Service unveiled a new 20-cent stamp commemorating Jackie Robinson at a ceremony in Cooperstown, NY.  Robinson becomes the first ballplayer to be depicted on the US postage stamp. Check it out on the right.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Hill, Jim Holmes, Bill Posedel, Mike Venafro, Matt Guerrier & Onelki García!

Some Dodger Heirlooms at Love of the Game Auction

Here's a look at some premium Dodgers-related memorabilia that are currently available at Love of the Game Auctions -- the most notable item being the 1959 Gold Glove Award that was given to first baseman Gil Hodges (seen on right). (Auction Link) Apparently, this is the first time this item has ever appeared on auction.

The oddest and most unique item is the below vintage board game produced by Kamm Games Inc. in 1947. (Auction Link) It is called "Casey on the Mound" and it featured Dodgers star righty Hugh Casey.

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Yasiel Puig! -- UPDATE: Max Muncy, Too!

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: 8/1/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Brian Dozier is now in the house. Per Bill Shaikin at the LA Times:

The first call Tuesday afternoon came from Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations. Players have 72 hours to report to a new team, but Friedman asked Dozier if he would consider hustling to Los Angeles for a game that would start in six hours. 

“Absolutely,” Dozier said. “I don’t like days off. No days off.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1906 Brooklyn hurler Harry McIntire lost his no-hit bid in the 10th inning  when he yielded a single to Pirates second baseman Claude Ritchey. He and the Dodgers would then lose the game in the 13 inning due to an unearned run, 1-0. In 1924 Dazzy Vance struck out seven consecutive Cub batters to set a major league record. The Brooklyn Robins would win the game, 4-0. In 1957 Gil Hodges hit not only his 13th grand slam of his career to set a new National League record, but it also proved to be the last grand slam in the history of the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 2015 Clayton Kershaw battled Mike Trout, marking the first time that reigning MVPs had faced each other. Trout would go 0-for-3 against Kersh; including a first inning strike out, as the Dodgers defeat the Angels, 3-1.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Shaute, Howard Freigau, Myron White, Dave Anderson& Brian Bohanon!