2017 Topps Series 2 - The Dodgers Variation Cards

There are four short-printed Dodger variation cards available in packs of 2017 Topps Series 2. Take a look at all of them below. I have paired each one with its normal base version. Notably, Jackie Robinson and Sandy Koufax have replaced Yasiel Puig and Kenta Maeda, respectively, on their cards. They are referred to as Legends Variations.

I also thought it was very accurate of Topps to make sure that the "LA" logo for the Koufax card reflects what the logo actually looked like during his playing days. As you can see, the "LA" is much skinnier than it is today -- much like how my waste-line has ballooned in size as the years have gone by.

Variations

#375 Jackie Robinson

Base                                      Variation

Reverse of Jackie Robinson Card

2017 Topps Now -- #270 -- Cody Bellinger Fastest to Reach 21 Homers

Cody Belling just keeps breaking records, and as long as he continues Topps will be sure to commemorate it. In fact, since he joined the Dodgers Topps has issued eight different 2017 Topps Now cards that include him -- which has got to be some kind of record in itself.

Well, now there are nine Topps Now cards.

Blog Kiosk: 6/20/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday was bonkers.

Not only did staff ace Clayton Kershaw give up an uncharacteristic four home runs, but the evening also saw a home run parade by both clubs that resulted in a total of eight homers in the game. Two of which were slugged by fast-rising rookie Cody Bellinger. In fact, his two home runs give him 21 on the year - giving him his fifth multihomer game so far and the National League lead in the category after only 51 games as a major leaguer. Per Joshua Thornton at MLB.com:

"It's crazy," said Bellinger, who made his big league debut on April 25. "A month and a half ago, if you told me what I was gonna do, I'd probably call you crazy."

Despite the poor showing on the mound, Kershaw recorded his 10th victory of the season and the Dodgers have now won ten out of the past eleven games. Photo above via Joc Pederson on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1958 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Willie Davis out of Roosevelt High School in Los Angeles. In 2000 the Dodgers traded infielder Jose Vizcaino to the Yankees for catcher Jim Leyritz. In 2008 the Dodgers are awarded the Award of Excellence star, which is placed in the Walk of Fame, for their significant contributions to the community by the Hollywood Historic Trust and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 Dodgers pitcher Jeff Weaver best his younger brother Jered Weaver at Angels Stadium, 6-4. They become the eighth set of siblings to have started against one another.
• Happy Birthday, Luis Alcaraz, Larry See, Paul Bako & Juan Castro!

Wiki Fun at the Giants Expense - Who's Your Daddy?

As a Dodger fan few things provide more joy than the schadenfreude at seeing the Giants do so poorly.

They are currently on pace to lose 100 games this season, and got absolutely shellacked by Rockies star third baseman Nolan Arenado yesterday afternoon. The kid was a one-bat wrecking-machine on Sunday. Not only did Nolan knock out his first "cycle" of his career at the plate, but he capped off the feat with a walk-off homer against Giants closer Mark Melancon to win the game.

And to add insult to injury, an enterprising fan decided to troll the Giants a bit on Wikipedia.

That person added the line,

"He is also the Father of the San Francisco Giants."

Doh!

Who's your daddy... Nolan's your daddy!

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2017 Topps Series 2 - The Dodgers Insert Cards Part 1

Here is a look at a handful of the Dodgers' insert cards found in packs of 2017 Topps Series 2. Below are the MLB All-Star Game Logo Patch Relic, the Topps Reverence Autographed Patch Relic, Independence Day Logo Patch Relic, In the Name Relic and Major League Material cards. Go here to check out all of my past post on this set.

MLB All-Star Game Logo Patch Relics

#ASL-SK Sandy Koufax

Blog Kiosk: 6/19/217 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kiké Hernández had quite a day yesterday. After having been a focus of a recent article (link here) about his father's winning battle against cancer, he went out and had a fantastic game on Father's Day. Kiké recorded two doubles, two walks and a game-saving catch in the eight inning to salvage the game. (Watch it here) Per Jeremy Vernon and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I was playing pretty shallow and Joey Votto is a good enough hitter that I didn't want him to shoot one the other way," said Hernandez. "The fans were talking a lot of trash, so if there was a ball hit anywhere near me, I had to catch it or throw him out at the plate. Off the bat I had a pretty good jump, but I didn't realize how shallow I was. I felt like I ran forever."

Photo above via SportsNet LA on twitter. BTW, to the right is a look at the Dodgers complete Father's Day uniform, via Kiké's twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1952 Carl Erskine throws a no-hitter against the Cubs in the Dodgers' 5-0 victory at Ebbets Field. The only Cub to get on base was the opposing pitcher via a walk. In 1973 Dodger outfielder Willie Davis collects his 2,000th career hit at Dodger Stadium with a two-run home run. In 1990 Dodgers catcher Gary Carter breaks a National League record for career games caught at 1‚862. He passes former Dodger Al Lopez who set the record in 1946. In 1991 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Juan Castro out of Los Mochis High School in Mexico. Castro is currently the Quality Assurance Coach for the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Swift, Larry Miller, Bob Aspromonte, Jerry Reuss, Butch Davis, Doug Mientkiewicz & Claudio Vargas!