Blog Kiosk: 4/16/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Durocher was quite the character. Above is a February 28, 1961 UPI press photo of an agitated Leo. (eBay auction link)

Leo's Back!!
Vero Beach, Florida... Durocher angrily aims glove at photographers after being sent to the showers by ump Jim Duncan in practice game at the LA Dodgers spring training camp.

Below re more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 the Boston Red Sox give tryouts to three Negro League ballplayers at Fenway Park -- Sam Jethroe, Jackie Robinson, and Marvin Williams. None are signed by the club. Their loss became our gain. In 1975 newly signed free agent and soon-to-be Hall of fame pitcher Juan Marichal made his last appearance in a game when he started for the Dodgers against the Reds. He would throw 2.1 innings and give up four runs. He would retire soon afterwards. In 1983 former Dodger Steve Garvey appeared in his 1,118th consecutive game to break the National League record. He broke the record as a Padre, but played 1,107 of those games in Dodger Blue.
• Happy Birthday, Ned Colleti, Paul Waner, Babe Phelps, Sergio Robles & Paco Rodríguez!

2020 Topps Tribute -- All the Dodgers Cards

Topps Tribute is now out and I've got pics of most of the Dodger cards to share. Check them out below. Go here to see a checklist.

Base

#6 Clayton Kershaw              #29 Hyun-Jin Ryu

Jackie Robinson Day Online Exclusive Cards from Topps - Turn Back the Clock & Project 2020

It comes as no surprise that Topps has issued a couple of online exclusive cards featuring Jackie Robinson on this day -- Jackie Robinson Day. First, take a look at the 'Turn Back the Clock' card at the very top. Go here to check it out and order. It celebrates Jackie breaking the color barrier. Per the description on the reverse:

April 15, 1947 -- On a day that will be remembered forever in Baseball history - Jackie Robinson, took his position at first base for Brooklyn and broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. The 28--year-old, who had a sterling 1946 season with the Dodgers affiliate in Montreal, reached on an error and scored in the bottom of the seventh inning, helping Brooklyn to the 5-3 win over Boston.

Blog Kiosk: 4/15/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

It is Jackie Robinson Day. Featured above is a March 4, 1946 AP press photo of Jackie inspecting some bats. He is wearing a Montreal Royals uniform. (eBay auction link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1909, Opening Day, the Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) were no-hit by Red Ames of the Giants at the Polo Grounds for nine innings, but eventually prevailed to defeat the crosstown rival in the 13th inning, 3-0. On a side note, the Giants outfield recorded no putouts and the Superbas winning pitcher was Kaiser Wilhelm. In 1915 the Brooklyn Robins are no-hit by future Hall of Famer Rube Marquard of the Giants at the Polo Grounds, 2-0.  In 1947 Jackie Robinson makes his Major League debut at Ebbets Field. He would go 0-for-3, but would also score the go ahead run in the seventh inning after reaching base on an error during a sacrifice bunt. The Dodgers won the game 5-3. In 1958 the Dodgers and Giants play their first major league game on the West Coast. Unfortunately, Ruben Gomez of the Giants blanked the Dodgers at Seals Stadium in San Francisco, 8-0.
• Happy Birthday, Hub Collins, Jack Sheehan, Ted Sizemore, Willie Davis, Jeremy Burnitz & Milton Bradley!

2020 Topps Now 'Turn Back the Clock' -- Sandy Koufax Opening Day Start

This season saw the birth of a brand new Topps Now online exclusive set that barrows its design and concept from the 1987 Topps Baseball card set -- the Turn Back the Clock subset. As you may know, this subset takes a look back at anniversaries and milestones in Baseball. Go here for a complete checklist.

Blog Kiosk: 4/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic vintage photo featuring Brooklyn's Ebbets Field, along with a trolley car in the foreground. Photo via BaseballHistoryNut on twitter.

below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1931 47-year-old Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) hurler Jack Quinn becomes the oldest pitcher to start an Opening Day game. He would toss six innings, but give up six earned runs to lose to the Boston Braves, 7-4. In 1964 Sandy Koufax threw a six-hit shutout, his ninth complete game without allowing a walk, to defeat the Cardinals, 4-0. This was also his only career Opening Day start. In 1993 Cardinal reliever Lee Smith set the National League record for career saves at 358 when he blanked the Dodgers in the 15th inning to secure a victory, 2-1.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Radtke, Greg Maddux, Mike Trombley, Brad Ausmus & Carlos Perez!