2018 Topps Holiday Bowman - All the Dodgers Cards

In addition to the Topps Holiday cards being sold at Walmart (link here) Topps has also brought back their 2018 Bowman Holiday card. It is an local hobby shop exclusive giveaway that officially began on Friday, November 16th. At participating stores you would get a free pack of 2018 Topps Holiday Bowman Baseball cards with a purchase of $10 or more.

The Base set includes 100 cards and the card design is the same as it's 2018 Bowman brand -- with a Topps Holiday 2018 logo at the corner. Go here for a complete checklist.

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#TH-AV Verdugo            #TH-CK Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 11/20/2018 - Dodgers Links - Congrats, Adrián!

Congrats on a fantastic career!

As I'm sure you've heard by now, former Dodger phenom and future Hall of Famer Adrián Beltré has announced his retirement from the game. I have always loved this guy and will always consider him a Dodger. That said, when he enters the hallowed hall of Cooperstown in five years time he'll likely be wearing the cap from Texas, and I couldn't be prouder. He belongs there (no matter what hat he wears), and as much as I hate that he didn't spend more time in Dodger Blue I can't help but feel happy for his accomplishments. He was one of my all-time favorites, and this Dodger fan can do nothing but tip my cap to him.

BTW, you can watch Beltré's first hit and RBI, as called by Vin Scully, here. It was against Angels hurler Chuck Finley on June 24, 1998. Also, Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts put up a great piece this morning on Adrián that I thought worth check out. You can also read Beltré's retirement letter here, via a tweet from the Rangers.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2011 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Luis Cruz. He would have a career year in Dodger Blue; slashing .297/.322/.431/.753 with six homers and 40 RBI's in 2012. In 2014 the Dodgers acquired relievers Adam Liberatore and Joel Peralta from the Tampa Bay Rays for Greg Harris and Jose Dominguez. 
• Happy Birthday, Leon Cadore, Rube Ehrhardt, Jay Johnstone, Rick Monday, JD Drew & Alex Guerrero!

2018 Topps Holiday - All the Dodgers Cards

With the holidays practically here, it is now time to talk about some of the various sets being put out to celebrate the festivities. First, here's a look at the 2018 Topps Holiday Baseball card set -- a Walmart exclusive.

A limited edition 10 pack box is avialable that includes a 200 card base set with a snowflake graphic in the background. You are also guaranteed one hit (Autograph, Relic or Auto Relic card). Check out what the box looks like on the right. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

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#HMW9 Chris Taylor

#HMW30 Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 11/19/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

With surgery looming, Kenley Jansen spent part of this past weekend at 14th annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway at Dodger Stadium. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"This shows you how great this organization is, and it's awesome to be a part of it," Jansen said. "We're putting smiles on people's faces and helping them enjoy their holidays."

Kenley is slated to have heart surgery next week, November 26th. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“It’s health first and make sure everything is good,” Jansen said. “I want to be back healthy and perform here again and try and help the Dodgers win ballgames.”

Photo above via Kenley Jansen on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1992 Dodgers first baseman Eric Karros is named the National League Rookie of the Year. He slashed .257/.304/.426/.730 with 20 home runs and 88 RBI's. In 1993 the Dodgers made one of the worse trades in their history. They sent starting pitcher and future Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez to the Expos for infielder Delino DeShields. In 2015 the Dodgers signed free agent utilityman Charlie Culberson. He would go on to play a significant part in two pennant winning Dodger clubs. 
• Happy Birthday, Eddie Morgan & Roy Campanella!

2018 Topps Gallery - All the Dodgers Base Cards

This week saw the official release of Topps Gallery Baseball -- an online and Walmart exclusive card brand. It features a 200 card base set of what is described as hand-painted portraits. Check out all of the Dodger base cards below. Go here to check out a complete checklist. As I said, they can be found only on the store-shelves of your local Walmart. You can also order boxes direct from Topps here. At this time only the 7-pack value boxes are available - the 20 pack hobby boxes are sold out. BTW, poster sized versions of these cards are also available directly from Topps. Go here to check those out.

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#9 Tim Locastro            #10 Alex Verdugo

#18 Yasiel Puig                 #34 Chris Taylor

Blog Kiosk: 11/16/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I can't wait for spring.

Featured above is a 1942 Spring Training pic during a Dodgers trip to Havana, Cuba. You can see shortstop Pee Wee Reese comically stepping over some bats at La Tropical Stadium. Photo found at CubanBéisbol.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1961 the expansion New York Mets unveiled a circular logo that includes the team colors of the two teams who skipped town just a few years before -- it has Dodger Blue and Giants orange. In 1966 Sandy Koufax missed out on winning his second MVP award by ten votes to Pirates outfielder Roberto Clemente. As you know, this would be Koufax's last major league season. 
• Happy Birthday, Joe Strauss, Glenn Burke & Julio Lugo!