2015 Topps Series 1 Baseball - The Dodger First Pitch Cards and Videos

Nobody does "first pitches" better than the Dodgers.  Not only is Hollywood right next door, but our west coast quirkiness allow our stars to do things a bit differently.  As evidenced by the three Dodger "First Pitch" cards found in packs of 2015 Topps Baseball Series 1, our notables will bowl, kick and throw the first pitch to start the game.

Below are pics of each Dodger card and a video featuring the actual "First Pitch" being made.  Click on any photo to embiggen.

First Pitch

#FP-01 Jeff Bridges

Video Link:

#FP-08 Jermaine Jones

Video Link:

#FP-13 Suzy

Video Link:

UPDATE:  I thought I would add pics of the 15 cards in the Series 1 "First Pitch" set.  See it below.  Click on the pic to embiggen.

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2015 Topps Series 1 Baseball Cards - The Jackie Robinson Story

I want this.  I need this.  I gotta have this.

Featured here is a 10-card insert set found in 2015 Topps Series 1 that focuses on the life and career of Jackie Robinson, and they can be found exclusively in retail packs at Target stores.  Check them all out below. 

BTW, there is also a Babe Ruth 10-card insert set that is available, but it unfortunately does not feature a card of Ruth in a Dodger uniform.  Boo!

The Jackie Robinson Story (Target Retail exclusive)

#JR-1 Two-Sport College Star                  #JR-2 Serving his country

#JR-3 .387 with Kansas City             #JR-4 Robinson Signs with the Dodgers

#JR-5 Robinson Travels North            #JR-6 Breaking the MLB Color Barrier

#JR-7 NL MVP in 1949                        #JR-8 World Series Title in 1955

#JR-9 Call to The Hall                       #JR-10 Number 42 Retired across MLB

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Raiderfest IV at Frank & Sons

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 Saturday is Raiderfest at Frank & Sons and a whole bunch of former players will be in attendance.  Check out the flyers below.  Go here or here for more information.

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Blog Kiosk: 2/5/2015 - Dodger Links - Grandal, Peralta and Barnes

Sometimes it's best to just get out of the way.

As evidenced in the vintage 1950 AP press photo above, Dodger third baseman Billy Cox came charging hard for a pop fly down the line, but stumbled to the ground when it became obvious he wouldn't get there in time.  Fortunately, the sure-handed Pee Wee Reese was there to make the grab and record the out against Andy Seminick of the Phillies.  Photo found on eBay.  Check out the auction here.

Below are some more links to check out:

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Yasmani Grandal – ‘I’m very thankful to be a Dodger.’"
• Via J.P. Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "Dodgers pitcher Joel Peralta had a customs nightmare at Miami International Airport."  The reason Peralta did not attend FanFest because he was detained for six hours by a Miami customs official due to having a wrong visa.
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "The Dodgers’ first true catcher-second baseman could be Austin Barnes."

“I think it’s your hands working,” he said. “It’s mostly your hands. Obviously, the throwing’s a little different. The footwork, you have to get used to. I think one of the biggest challenges of transferring from infield to catcher is blocking the balls, but receiving is something that I think works together with infield and catching.

“I prepare for both. I don’t ever throw one out the window. I think it’s good to have those doors open.”

• Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times, "Dodgers' pursuit of Cuban phenom Yoan Moncada will be telling."

The Moncada pursuit will be telling. If the Dodgers are still willing to spend big to revamp their system and set themselves up for the future, they have to go hard for him. But if they truly believe the major overhaul is done and they can back off the big-money purchases that helped bring fan belief back to a battered franchise, then they’ll take a pass.

• Then Jesse Sanchez at MLB.com interviews "Moncada: 'My goal is to sign with a team soon'"

"My goal is to sign with a team soon, start training with them, and make it to the Major Leagues as fast as I can with whichever team that might be," Moncada said in Spanish to MLB.com in his first interview since arriving in the United States in late November. "I know I'm going to do the best I can for as long as I can in this sport."

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