2020 Topps 'Turn Back the Clock' -- Sandy Koufax's 18 Strike Outs

The third 'Turn Back the Clock' Dodger card and second card featuring Sandy Koufax in the set is now available to order directly from Topps. Go here to check it out. Go here see an entire checklist of the set.

As you may know, Sandy Koufax whiffed 18 Cub batters on this day in 1962 to win 10-2 (boxscore). Per Gregory H. Wolf at SABR.com -- who penned a fantastic article about this game:

“Strikeouts are nice to have, particularly in a jam, and they are going to come to a pitcher who throws hard,” noted Koufax, “but I wouldn’t trade a 20-game season for all the strikeout records in the books.”

Blog Kiosk: 4/24/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I love the look on Duke Snider's face in this 1955 International News press photo taken by Frank Mastro (eBay auction link).

Duke in a Royal Fix with Fans
Brooklyn, NY ... A surprised Duke Snider scratches his head in the dugout at Ebbets Field tonight as he looks over the newspaper accounts of his statement. "Why all the fuss and furor?" he said. Last night the Duke lashed out at Brooklyn fans as a bunch of "Front Runners" who can't bear seeing the flock lose. His statement came after the Dodgers bowed in a twin session to the Redlegs. 8-26-1955.

Little did Brooklynites know that their "Bums" would soon be celebrating in the streets. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1962 Sandy Koufax fanned 18 Cubs at Wrigley Field during a 10-2 win -- tying a Major League record set by Bob Feller for strike outs in a game. In 1998 Mike Piazza tied a Major League record when he walloped his third grand slam of the month during a 12-4 victory over the Cubs.
• Happy Birthday, Harry Harper, Dixie Howell, Bill Singer, Pat Zachry, Bill Krueger & Mike Blowers!

2020 Onyx Vintage Baseball - Luis Rodriguez gets his First Baseball Card

Onyx Authenticated just released their first Baseball card set of the year and it includes several high-end Dodger prospects. In fact, it has one ballplayer who is slated to start at second base for the 'Big Club' once the season gets underway (Gavin Lux) and a youngster who was just signed his first professional contract with the Dodgers this past June (Luis Rodriguez). Go here to see a complete checklist.

BTW, this set includes the very first professional baseball card for Luis Rodriguez. As you may know, he was signed by the club in June 2019 during the international signing period, is 17-year old and is from Venezuela. He garnered a $2,667,500 deal and is regarded as a pure hitter. Per and MLB.com prospect report:

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 60 | Field: 60
Rodriguez is the best overall player from Venezuela in the class of 2019. He's a pure hitter and natural athlete with solid baseball instincts across the board. He is also known for his physically projectable body and easy actions on defense and at the plate. 

Rodriguez has sound approach in the batter's box and has shown the ability to use all fields with consistent and hard contact. There's a nice rhythm and balance to his swing and although he's primarily a line drive hitter now, there have been flashes of power and it could increase as he develops. He has impressed scouts by performing well against pitchers throwing 93 mph to 95 mph during workouts and showcases. 

Rodriguez is a quality defender in center field now and he makes all of the plays, but it's uncertain if that's where he will stay because he's not a plus runner. He developed his game in the youth leagues of Venezuela and has a high baseball IQ.

I'm excited to see how he develops. Check out all the Dodger cards below.

Base

#OVGL - Gavin Lux

Blog Kiosk: 4/23/2020 - Dodgers Links & news - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun UP press photo, dated 8/7/1952, of a pregame event for a former Dodger -- Leo Durocher. (eBay auction link)

Wreathed in Smiles... New York: Giant manager Leo Durocher (right) smiles as he bears the easy weight of a huge floral wreath presented to him at the polo grounds, Aug. 7, while Dodger pilot Chick Dressen looks on. Durocher, who holds a plaque given to him by the Section-5 Club, received honors and gifts in a give-away program, as New York met the Brooklyn squad in a night game, the third and last of their current series. Brooklyn won the contest, 7-5.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 Dodgers righty Ed Head threw a no-hitter against the Boston Braves, 5-0. He said after the game: “I knew I had it all the time – don’t ask me how, but I knew it.” (boxscore) It was his first appearance after returning from the military. In 1958 Dodger first baseman Gil Hodges hit his 300th career home run on the same day that Pee Wee Reese played his 2,000th career game. In 1999 Cardinals third baseman Fernando Tatis becomes the first player in MLB history to hit two grand slams in one inning when he did it against Chan Ho Park at Dodger Stadium, 12-2. You can watch it here.
• Happy Birthday, James Mulvey, Dolph Camilli, Bob O'Brien & Andruw Jones!

2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Jackie Robinson by Blake Jamieson

The third Jackie Robinson Project 2020 card is now up for grabs and it was created by New York based pop-portrait artist Blake Jamieson -- although he originates from the Bay Area and went to school at UC Davis. Go here to check out the card and order. A complete checklist of all the cards in the set can be found here.

Topps Living Set -- #306 -- Gavin Lux

The 15th Dodgers' Topps Living Set card is now available to order and it features rookie phenom Gavin Lux. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse.

Gavin Lux demonstrated an innate hitting ability throughout his Minor League career and showed enough energy and talent for the Los Angeles Dodgers at the end of 2019 that he earned a spot on the Postseason roster. Lux is primed to be an integral part of a loaded-Dodgers starting lineup in 2020.