Check Out the Dodger Dog Vending Machine Created by American Restoration

Last week, I gave notice regarding an upcoming episode of American Restoration that would feature Rick Dale transforming a 1950's era Coca Cola cooler into a Dodger themed Dodger Dog vendor machine.  Well, that show ran this past Tuesday, and it was fun to watch.  Considering the evenings Dodger/Yankees game had been postponed that night, it was nice to get my Dodger fix for the day. 

Well, as a follow up I received some great pics from the show.  So, check them out.

As you can see, Tommy Lasorda was there to inspect it.  Ron Cey and Paul LoDuca also came out to give their approval. 

I must say, that thing looks cool.  If you want to see it in person all you have to do is head down to the San Manuel Casino in San Bernardino.  I've been told it's there.  If you missed the episode when it ran you can view it online right here.  You will have to sign in through your cable provider.

BTW, in the photo below the gentleman in the suit is Steven Reyes Steve Lengel, the Executive Director of Operations for San Manuel Casino, and the guy in the red polo shirt is Joe Perez of Farmer John.  All photos are Courtesy of Leftfield.

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2013 Topps Baseball Series 2 - Check out the Dodgers' Base Cards

Series 2 of the 2013 Topps flagship set is now out, and I've collected images of most of the Dodgers' cards in the set.  To see the images I've shared so far, go here.  Yesterday, I shared the short printed Dodger variation cards.  Below are the Dodger base cards to the set.  There are only 6 subjects.  BTW, there doesn't appear to be Yasiel Puig card in this set at all.  I imagine, he came into the league way too late in the production process to be included.  Oh well!  I guess we'll have to wait for the Update set.

#487 Hanley Ramirez

#519 Zack Greinke                                #594 Carl Crawford

#615 Mark Ellis

#645 Luis Cruz

#661 Hyun-Jin Ryu RC

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Blog Kiosk: 6/20/2013 - Dodger Links - A Vin Scully Evening (bobblehead & his tweets)

Here's an early peek at the Vin Scully bobblehead that will be given out on July 25th.  So young and dashing, wouldn't you say?

• ICYMI, I put together a bunch of the best Vin Scully tweets from last nights game, here.
• Sax at Sons of Steve Garvey shares the story behind how they got the "All Hail Vin" photo last week.
• Brian Costa at the Wall Street Journal tells us how "Scully Was Nearly a Yankee: A Move That Could Have Altered the Course of Baseball History".

But nearly half a century ago, he faced a decision that could have dramatically altered the course of his career. Like so many marquee players that would elect free agency in the decades that followed, Scully had to decide: Should I sign with the Yankees?

• I also shared an interview with Aaron Roberts, the Dodger fan rep in the MLB FanCave, about the day Yasiel Puig came to visit.  Check that out here.
• Night Owl Cards writes, "Dodgers and Yankees don't mix".
• Keeping in mind that a vast majority of trade rumors are just bunk, Ross Gamer at Dodgers Nation passes along a rumor about a potential deal for Andre Ethier.
• Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts writes, "Bill James on the 1981 Dodgers".
• Jerry Crasnick at ESPN writes, "Yasiel Puig truly an amazing talent: It's been quite a ride so far for Dodgers' 22-year-old rookie Cuban sensation".
• David Davis at SB Nations writes about the lost 1988 World Series Gibson home run ball.
• Orel at Sons of Steve Garvey tells us about Fernando's most recent pitch job.
• Manny Ramirez has just been released by his Taiwanese ballclub.  Not due to poor play - he had MVP style numbers - but due to homesickness.  Via CSNNE.com.  Of course, there's a chance that another opportunity arose from somewhere else.
• Here is a great video of the Kings saying "Thank You".

Video Link:

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A Twitter Roundup of Vin Scully's "Vin Cast"

As I'm sure you recall, late last season Vin Scully first indicated that he knew, or at least heard about, twitter.  It was during an early August game against the Cubs when he took to the airwaves and diligently got AJ Ellis trending nationally.  If you don't remember that then watch the video here.

Well, this evening Vin Scully, in lieu of broadcasting the Dodgers/Yankees game in New York, took over the Dodgers twitter account, and he did not disappoint.  If you missed it, have no fear.  I decided to catalog the best of them below for you to enjoy below.  Check it out.

Hi everybody and a pleasant Wednesday evening to you, wherever you may be. -#VinScully
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 19, 2013

No game would be the same without his signature greeting.

I broadcast the Yankee/ Dodger World Series in '53, '55, '56, '63 and '81. No way I could have imagined tweeting a game. -#VinScully
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 19, 2013

The world sure is changing Vin, ain't it?

Ebbets Field is gone. Old Yankee Stadium is gone & I haven't been to the new one. New York is basically a city of memories for me #VinScully
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 19, 2013

It's Time For Dodger Baseball!

2013 Topps Series 2 is in Stores - Check out the Dodgers Short Printed Variations - Kershaw, Kemp, Adrian & Ryu

The second helpings to the Topps flagship Baseball card set, Series 2, has just been officially released.  So, head down to your local hobby shop to check them out.

I'll have pics of every Dodger card in the set soon, so stay tuned.

For now, I thought I would focus on highlighting the handful of short printed Dodger variation cards that are randomly inserted into packs.  Out of the 25 different variations in the set, 4 of them are Dodgers.  At this time, it is unknown exactly how rare these cards are, but (as of this posting) I'll give a rundown on what they've recently sold for.  Keep in mind, it is still too early to really determine rarity.

UPDATE: Check out other 2013Topps Series 2 cards here.

22 Clayton Kershaw

There are quite a few Kershaw "signing autographs" variation cards on eBay already, so it doesn't appear to be very limited.  Only one closed sale exist, but it was done at a "Buy It Now" trade, so we don't know what it actually traded for.  We do know that the auction started at $99.99, so it likely sold around that price level.  Like I said above, with the large number of these cards already on eBay I suspect that sale will be a far outlier - meaning, way over priced.  6 of the Kershaw variations are on eBay with the highest value being $5.00.

228 Adrian Gonzalez

Above is a variation card of Adrian Gonzalez "signing autographs".  This is a very common theme for many of the different variation cards in the set.  Based upon current listings on eBay, this may be very rare.  There are no registered sales, and only one card can be found for sale.  It has one bid at $19.99.

I think the best thing about the above Kershaw and Adrian variation cards are the fans in the background.  How great would it be to realize you know the person in that photo.  Heck, maybe it's you!

242 Matt Kemp

Matt Kemp also has a variation card in the Series 2 set.  We'll call this "cool sunglasses".  Only 1 card has sold on eBay, and it sold for $48.00 under heavy bidding.  Currently, 6 cards are on auction - 1 has a bid of $0.99, and a "Buy It Now" sale sits at $11.99.  This may be a relatively common short print.

The final Dodger variation card is of Hyun-Jin Ryu - also sporting "cool sunglasses".  There has been 1 sale at $56.00 with heavy bidding, and 6 cards are currently available for sale.  So far, bidding ranges from $7.51 to $15.00.  There is a "Buy It Now" listed at $9.99 right now.  This card doesn't appear to be very rare.

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Wills, Castillo and some Angels

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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This coming Sunday a couple of former Dodgers will be visiting T-Mobile stores in the Southland for a meet and greet with fans.  At the Los Feliz store, Maury Wills will come out on Sunday, June 23rd from Noon to 1:00 PM.  323-666-3488

T-Mobile
2919 Los Feliz Blvd. Suite E1
Los Angeles CA 90039

Hat Tip: True to the Blue

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Then, Bobby Castillo will arrive at a T-Mobile in Panorama City for a signing on Sunday, June 23rd from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  818-895-8799

T-Mobile
Panorama Mall
8401 Van Nuys Blvd.
Panorama City, CA 91402

Hat Tip: True to the Blue

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Hank Conger, Mark Trumbo & J.B. Shuck will be signing autographs at the OC Dugout on Saturday, June 22nd from 10:00 PM to Noon.  This is a pay event.  Go here to purchase tickets. 

The OC Dugout
1238 S. Beach Blvd., Ste. K
Anaheim, California 92804
(714) 527-6319

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