Blog Kiosk: 9/6/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

We're dropping the ball. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I didn't think we played good defense behind Hyun-Jin and I thought the way he threw the baseball was better than the linescore," said manager Dave Roberts. "When you're facing a guy like Wheeler, you've got to play good baseball. We just didn't give ourselves a chance today. 

"There were plays we usually make, you could just look around the diamond. Whether it's added pitches or a run that scores that shouldn't or whatever. For us, at this point in time, we've got to play better baseball. This was one of those games where we just didn't execute defensively."

Dammit! This just can't happen anymore!

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1943 the Dodgers signed 19-year old amateur free agent Gil Hodges out of  St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, IN. In 1950 Don Newcombe started both ends of a doubleheader against the Phillies at Shibe Park. In Game 1 he threw a complete game three-hit shutout. In Game 2 he left the game behind by two runs in the seventh inning. The Dodgers would eventually win that game on a three-run single in the ninth inning by Gil Hodges. In 1953 Giants manager and Dodger-traitor Leo Durocher is heard yelling "stick it in his ear" before pitcher Ruben Gomez struck Dodger outfielder Carl Furillo on the wrist with a pitch. As Furillo took first base he suddenly sprinted to the dugout to get at Durocher. In the subsequent melee Furillo fractures a finger -- ending his season. In 1976 catcher Steve Yeager is injured in the on-deck circle when a jagged end of Bill Russell's broken bat struck him in the throat. It pierced his esophagus, necessitating surgery. Soon thereafter, Dodger trainer Bill Buhler invented a device that hung down from a catchers mask to protect a players throat. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela threw his seventh shutout as a rookie -- tying a National League record. In 1996 the ever-popular Brett Butler defied the odds to return to the field for the first time after being diagnosed with cancer of the tonsils, having surgery and intensive radiation therapy earlier in the year.
• Happy Birthday, Oyster Burns, Pete Gilbert, George Hildebrand & Del Bissonette!

2018 Topps Now - #686 - Justin Turner is Player of the Month

Once again I'm a bit late in announcing this newest Dodgers' Topps Now card. Shown is the Player of the Month card for August featuring Justin Turner -- and some guy from Boston. As much as this honor for good play is appreciated, I suspect being named the Dodgers' nominee for the 2018 Roberto Clemente Award on the same day is more important to him. Per a Dodger press release:

"Being nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award is not something that I take lightly, and I'm extremely proud and honored to be included among this special group of nominees from around the league," said Dodger third baseman Justin Turner. "My wife Kourtney and I realize how blessed we are to have this platform, and are determined to use it to give back to the community and fans that have been so supportive of us."

2018 Topps Diamond Icons - All the Dodgers Cards

The super high-end Topps Diamond Icons brand is now in stores. Available at roughly $1,500 a box for one pack of ten cards, this product is not for the squeamish. Each ten card pack includes seven on-card autographs and a couple of relics. Go here for a complete checklist.

Below is a listing of all the Dodgers' that are available. For the most part, Clayton Kershaw is found throughout the checklist.

Base Autographs (#/25)

• #AC-SK Sandy Koufax -- Redemption Card

#AC-CKE Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 9/5/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It was nice to see Austin Barnes hit a home run last night. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

Barnes became the sixth Dodger catcher since 1908 and the first since Russell Martin in 2008 to hit a home run, steal a base and knock in three runs in the same game. His teammates took it from there, as the Dodgers matched their largest deficit overcome in a win this season. 

“It’s been obviously a frustrating little funk I’ve been in — not really little — but it was nice to contribute,” Barnes said. “To finally put a good AB together and get us back in the game, it felt good, for sure.”

They handily routed the Mets, 11-4, to stay .5 games behind Colorado. This coming weekend they'll be facing the Rockies in another must-win series.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1908 Brooklyn Superbas/Dodgers hurler Nap Rucker threw a no-hitter against the Boston Doves/Braves. He struck out 14 and walked none en route to a 6-0 victory. In 1955 Don Newcombe hit his seventh home run of the season to establish a National League record for home runs by a pitcher in a season. It was a three-run jack in the fourth inning to give the Dodgers a 4-1 lead. Newk would eventually throw a complete game to win his 20th game of the season, 11-4. 
• Happy Birthday, Jimmy Knowles, Ed Stein, Jul Kustus, Merv Shea, Buddy Hassett, Wayne Belardi, Candy Maldonado, Rod Barajas, Randy Choate & Zack Walters!

Blog Kiosk: 9/4/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Sometimes, you can't win them all.

Last night the Dodgers fell short against the Mets, 4-2, but they sure did come close to coming-from-behind to win again. With a man on and two runs behind in the ninth inning, weekend hero Matt Kemp came up to bat as a pinch hitter representing the tying run. Unfortunately, magic didn't strike thrice. He would ground into a double play. Per Ken Gunick at MLB.com:

"I thought Kemp was going to do it again," Bellinger said.

Photo above of Cody Bellinger via Jill Weisleder/Los Angeles Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1924 the Brooklyn Robins/Dodgers won both ends of a doubleheader against the Boston Braves -- sweeping their fourth doubleheader in four consecutive days. From September 1st to 4th they beat the Phillies twice and the Braves six times. In 1966 the Dodgers become the first team to draw two million fans at home and on the road when they defeated the Reds at Crosley Fields in front of 18,670 patrons, 8-6. In 1969 Willis Davis' Dodger hitting streak comes to an end at 31 consecutive games -- setting a franchise record. It came at the hands of the Padres in San Diego. 
• Happy Birthday, Elmer Horton, George Pfister, Doyle Alexander, Mike Piazza& Brian Myrow!

2018 Topps Now - #672 & #677 - Matt Kemp's Walk-Off Weekend

Matt Kemp had a busy Labor Day Weekend, but unfortunately, I failed to make note of a couple of 2018 Topps Now cards issued in his honor.

As you know, Kemp was the big hero over the weekend when he pummeled Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley with an eighth inning three-run homer on Saturday and then a walk-off two-run double off the centerfield wall on Sunday.