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Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Kiké Hernandez, Howie Kendrick and Rob Segedin (UPDATE: and Andrew Toles)

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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Kiké will be greeting and signing autographs for fans at a local Vons this coming Friday afternoon from 11:00 AM to Noon.
Vons
4520 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90027

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Both Rob Segedin and Howie Kendrick will be at Ultimate Pastime Sports to sign autographs for fans.  Go here for more information.
Ultimate Pastime Sports
1614 South Carlos Avenue, Suite K
Ontario, CA 91761

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Andrew Toles will be signing at Bobblemania in Monterey Park on Saturday, September 3rd from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. (Hat Tip: Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy)
BobbleMania
2334 South Atlantic Boulevard, Suite A
Monterey Park, CA 91754

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Blog Kiosk: 8/31/2016 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Newcombe, Kershaw and Last Nights Rain Delay


After waiting over 2.5 hours they finally postponed last night game due to rain, so both teams will face off against each other in a doubleheader today.  The first game will be at 12:10 PT with Ross Stripling pitching for the Dodgers and Tyler Anderson pitching for the Rockies.  The second game is slated to begin at 5:10 PT with Rich Hill pitching for the Dodgers and Jeff Hoffman pitching for the Rockies.  This is the Dodgers first twin-bill of the season.

In commemoration of last nights rain out I made the above two fantasy Baseball cards using the 2007 Topps Baseball card design and photos shared by the @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodger History:  In 1950 Gil Hodges became the fourth Major Leaguer to hit four home runs in a single game.  He also tied a Major League record for total bases in a game with 17.  In 1959 Sandy Koufax struck out 18 Giants batters to establish a new MLB record for strike outs in a nine-inning game.  In 2010 the Dodgers traded for pitcher Jon Garland.
  • Happy Birthday, Hideo Nomo and Tom Candiotti!

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

2016 Bowman Platinum Baseball - The Dodgers Base Cards

Last week saw the release of a recently retired Topps brand as a Walmart exclusive set.  Available at Walmart stores only are boxes of Topps 2016 Bowman Platinum, and it includes everything you have come to expect from the set.  It is filled with a ton of prospects and puts them on an attractive looking card for the more discerning collector.  Go here for a complete checklist.

There are 100 cards in the base set, and five different Dodgers can be found within it.  See them below.  I hope to have pics of the various inserts in a few days.

#26 Julio Urias                                    #40 Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 8/30/2016 Dodgers Links - Puig, Bellinger and Adrian Gonzalez


Before the start of the misery that was yesterdays ballgame, Dodgers slugging first baseman Adrian Gonzalez spent the early afternoon enjoying the beauty and majesty of Denver's Downtown Aquarium, as evidenced by a pic he tweeted out.

As for the game, let's just forget all about it.  After all, we wasted a good start by Kenta Maeda.  He went five innings and gave up two earned runs on four hits - leaving the Dodgers still contention to take the game.  The Rockies scoring at that point was as an result of a two-run homer by Nick Hundley.  Per Ken Gurnick and Ben Weinrib at MLB.com:
"Overall I thought I pitched pretty well," said Maeda. "That one pitch, a slider, was definitely a mistake pitch. I always want to pitch longer, but that one pitch led to the team losing. It was very regrettable."
Frankly, it was a five run seventh inning by Colorado ruined it all.
"It got away from us," said Roberts. "I liked the matchup with Grant and we got a scoreless inning there. And this park, if you keep it close, you have a chance, but it just didn't go our way tonight."
Heck, when you only score a single run in Coors Field you are not likely to win. With the 8-1 loss the Dodgers now hold a precarious 1.5 game lead over the Giants.  Below are more links to check out:
  • Today in Dodger History:  In 1952 former Dodger infielder Arky Vaughn dies in a fishing accident.  He drowned in a lake near Eagleville, CA when his boat capsized.  In 1953 Roy Campanella tied a NL record for RBI's by a catcher at 122.  He would finish the year with a Major League best 142 RBI's for a catcher.

Monday, August 29, 2016

2016 Panini Immaculate Baseball - Dodgers Relic Cards, Part II

Here is a last look at the Dodgers cards found in packs of 2016 Panini Immaculate Baseball.  Featured below are numerous relic cards that are available.  Go here to check out all of my previous post on this set.

Immaculate Initiations Jumbo 

  • #18 Corey Seager
  • #20 Yasiel Puig  
  • #36 Joc Pederson
#18 Corey Seager                        #36 Joc Pederson

Blog Kiosk: 8/29/2016 - Dodgers Links - Vin Scully Team Photo Day


It was team photo day for the Dodgers Friday afternoon, and as you can see in the pic above (via @Dodgers on twitter) they had a lot of fun with Vin Scully.  Per Courtney Schellin at ESPN:
What you're looking at is 88 Vin Scully masks on the Los Angeles Dodgers and one smiling Vin Scully in the flesh.

In honor of the broadcasting great, the team wore photo masks of Scully, who will retire this year after having announced for the Dodgers since their days in Brooklyn. That's 67 years in the booth for the franchise.
Go here to check out a bunch of pics taken during team photo day by Jon SooHoo and Juan Ocampo.  BTW, Saturday was the Hollywood Stars game, and you can check out some photos from Jon SooHoo here.  Below are more links to check out.
  • This Day in Dodger History:  In 1948 Jackie Robinson hits for the backward cycle when he homers in the first inning, triples in the fourth, doubles in the sixth, and completes the rare event with a single in the eighth.

Corey Seager's Franchise Record Home Run - 2016 Topps Now - #399


Once again, I missed out on another new Dodgers 2016 Topps Now Baseball card issue.  This past Sunday Topps announced that the releaseof the third Corey Seager Topps Now card of the year, and it celebrates his recent Dodgers franchise record for home runs by a shortstop.  You can check it out here.  Unfortunately, sale of the card is now closed.  A total of 1,084 copies were snapped up.

He hit the bomb against Jason Hammel of the Cubs on Saturday in the first inning.  It was a 401 foot blast to centerfield.  Per Jack Baer at MLB.com:
"I think it was a 1-0 slider. Not really looking to do that, just happened to happen," Seager said.

The homer is the latest development of yet another hot streak for the 22-year-old. Seager has hit safely in 17 of his last 18 games, a span in which he has batted .452 with 12 multihit games and 10 extra base hits.

Seager broke Glenn Wright's 86-year-old record of 22 homers in 1930, and with more than a month remaining in the season, he will have plenty of time to create some separation. However, don't expect that march for history to be on the phenom's mind.

"You're not really thinking about it during the games," Seager said. "It's one of those things you'll celebrate at the end of the year. Not really now, you're kind of just worried about winning."
Below is the reverse of the card.

UPDATE:  The print run for this card is 1,084 copies.

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Friday, August 26, 2016

Welcome Back to Los Angeles, David Ross!


As we say goodbye (at least for the time being) to one veteran catcher, we can say congrats to another veteran catcher who is currently on a low-key farewell tour.  David Ross, who was drafted by the Dodgers in 1998 and remained within the franchise for eight years (including 2+ seasons in Los Angeles), plays for the visiting Cubs and will be retiring after a fifteen year Major League career at the end of this season.

Welcome to the Dodgers, Shawn Zarraga!


Among all of the hoopla surrounding the Ellis for Ruiz trade one name kind of got lost in it all.  Shawn Zarraga, a nine year minor league veteran catcher, was called up from Oklahoma City to fill in as the backup catcher for the Dodgers.  His promotion, although likely just a brief cup-of-coffee, marked his debut in a Major League dugout.  Per a Dodger press release:
Zarraga, who is making his first-career appearance on a big-league roster, batted a combined .265 (30-for-113) with a .348 on-base percentage, seven doubles and 14 RBI in 41 games with the OKC Dodgers and Double-A Tulsa this season. In nine minor league seasons, the switch-hitting backstop hit .282 with a .371 on-base percentage, 84 doubles, 14 home runs and 199 RBI. The 27-year-old Aruba native was acquired by the Dodgers in a trade with the Brewers on December 17, 2014 and was originally selected by Milwaukee in the 44th round in 2007 First-Year Player Draft out of Trinity Christian Academy in Lake Worth, Florida.

Blog Kiosk: 8/26/2016 - Dodgers Links - Ruehle, Ethier, Puig, Seager and the Shocking Ellis Trade


It never felt so good to lose to the Giants.

After the emotional roller coaster that we all felt following the announced trade of AJ Ellis no one would blame the Dodgers for being a little deflated for that evenings game. 

But a near no-hitter?

I don't think anyone expected to see that. 

Giants hurler Matt Moore, acquired less than a month ago from Tampa Bay, got on the mound and was brilliant.  He masterfully took advantage of an less than enthused clubhouse by weaving a series of off-speed pitches that kept the Dodger bats out of kilter.  Eight and two-thirds innings later, not one Dodger had a hit.  Then, Corey Seager came up and brought the entire stadium to their feet by blooping a single to right field to end any chance of a humiliating evening.  Per Ken Gurnick and Chris Haft at MLB.com:
"In some weird way, it does," said Roberts. "They really wanted to salvage the series. For us to potentially get no-hit, and for Corey to break it up, it salvages it for us in a strange way."
No kidding.  Dodgers fans everywhere were able to breathe a sigh of relief.  Best yet, Dodger fans, not typically known for being gracious to our neighbors up north, gave the Giants pitcher a standing ovation after being pulled from the game.  Of course, that didn't stop a handful of fools from basking in breaking up a no-no (check out this link to see what I mean).

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016Go here to check out more pics by Jon and Jill Weisleder from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodger History: In 1939 the Dodgers and Reds played in the first Major League game to be broadcast on television.  It was a doubleheader.  The Reds won game 1, 5-2, and the Dodgers won game 2, 6-1.  In 1947 Dodgers pitcher Dan Bankhead became the first African-American Major League pitcher when he got on the mound in relief against the Pirates.

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Cubs Series Starts Friday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!



The next homestand starts Friday evening against the Chicago Cubs. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

The Chicago Dog will be available for this homestand only against the Cubs at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features an all-beef hot dog on a poppy-seed bun, garnished with a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, green relish, spicy brown mustard, diced onions, sport peppers and celery salt.

The tenth 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, featuring Yasmani Grandal on the cover, will be available at Dodger Stadium.  (see it on the left).  The Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand.  They are distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. 

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Friday, August 26th at 7:10 PM
LHP Mike Montgomery vs. RHP Bud Norris
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Welcome to the Blue, Carlos Ruiz!


As much as I want to lament to loss of AJ Ellis, I do want to take this moment to welcome veteran catcher Carlos Ruiz to the Dodgers family.  As you may have heard, the front office just traded one veteran catcher for another.  AJ Ellis has been sent to Philadelphia for Carlos Ruiz.  Per a Dodgers press release:
The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired catcher Carlos Ruiz and cash considerations from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for catcher A.J. Ellis, minor league pitcher Tommy Bergjans and a player to be named later or cash considerations.

Charles M. Conlon Collection of Vintage Photo Negatives to Close this Weekend


Of all the auction listings I've seen over the years I can fairly say that this lot ranks as one of the best to ever become available.  Featured at Heritage Auctions (Auction Link Here) is the finest collection of vintage Baseball photographs (actually original glass plate negatives) to ever hit the market.  In fact, it is a treasure trove of Baseball history that is unmatched, and it would be a shame if it did not end up in the hands of an civic institution or museum.

2016 Panini Immaculate Baseball - Dodgers Relic Cards, Part I

Take a moment to check out a handful of the Dodger relic cards found in packs of 2016 Panini Immaculate Baseball.  Featured below are the Immaculate Swatches, Jersey Numbers, Immaculate Hats, Immaculate Standard at Bat Knob cards.  Go here to check out all of my previous post on this set.

Immaculate Swatches

#5 Leo Durocher                                #8 Pee Wee Reese

Blog Kiosk: 8/25/2016 - Dodgers Links - Sborz, Ryu and Rich Hill's Debut


That was one heck of a first game.

After nearly a month of waiting (Rich Hill's trade to the Dodgers happened on August 1st) the 36-year old left-hander finally got onto the mound as a Dodger starter... And boy, did he impress.  Per Jack Baer and Chris Haft at MLB.com:
"Everything felt solid. Mentally, I felt great, body feels good," Hill said. "Something that I've emphasized throughout the entire season in Oakland and carried over here into L.A. is just stay within the moment, a pitch-to-pitch approach and really just making sure you execute each pitch."
Overall, Hill threw six shutout innings by weaving in a loopy and deceptive curve with a fastball that caught most batters by surprise to best the Giants, 1-0.  He struck out only three hitter but walked none on 81 total pitches.  As for the offense, that came on a solo shot by Justin Turner in the fourth inning off of Johnny Cueto.
"It's a cat-and-mouse game every time. He's one of my favorite guys to face. I know how competitive he is. I was with him with the Reds. You're always guessing whether he'll go quick or slow or with the hesitation. Every time we face each other, he does something to make me laugh and he laughs back at me. I always look forward to it."
Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game by Jon and Juan Ocampo.  Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1964 Sandy Koufax recorded his 50th career victory.  He beat the Reds, 7-2.  In 2012 the Dodgers completed a blockbuster trade with the Red Sox to get Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford and Nick Punto.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

2016 Panini Immaculate Baseball - The Dodgers Autographed Cards

Following up on the base cards I shared yesterday, here are all of the Dodgers autographed cards that are available (with exception of the three auto'd cards in the base set) in 2016 Panini Immaculate Baseball. 

Unfortunately, it appears that Corey Seager's autographed cards are only available through a redemption - with the exception of one card.  That one card uses a sticker autograph.  His other cards are all signed on-card.

Diamond Inscriptions

  • #DI-CS Corey Seager - redemption
  • #DI-JC Joc Pederson  
  • #DI-AG Adrian Gonzalez
#DI-JC Joc Pederson                       #DI-AG Adrian Gonzalez

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Corey Seager at Frank & Son on Saturday

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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As many of you already know, Corey Seager will be at Frank & Son signing autographs for fans.  Go here for information.  From what I understand, all "In-Person" autograph tickets are now SOLD OUT, so you can't order tickets for a live signature with Seager.  There are, on the other hand, still "Absentee" tickets available for purchase.  This means that you can still get an autograph, but not by having to attend the signing event. 
Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 San Jose Avenue
City of Industry, CA 91748

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Blog Kiosk: 8/24/2016 - Dodgers Links - Buehler, Jackie Robinson Highway and Another Dodgers Victory


So much awesome last night.

The Dodgers extended their lead in the NL West to two games last night by defeating the Giants, 9-5.  Per Ken Gurnick and Chris Haft at MLB.com:
"It was a big team offensive effort," said (Adrian) Gonzalez. "We just had good at-bats throughout the middle of the lineup tonight. We struggled early in the year, but now we're doing our part."
And even though Kenta Maeda was far from his best, having uncharacteristically thrown two wild pitches and walking four in five innings, he did out duel an obviously flustered Madison Bumgarner.  The Dodgers knocked out nine hits against MadBum to score five during his five innings pitched.  Kenta's outing was highlighted by a key strike out that ended his evening in the fifth inning.
"For him to punch out Pence in the fifth, that was a fun sequence," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "That was a spot right there, I wanted him to get Pence. I felt that was his hitter."
Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016Go here to check out more pics taken by Jon and Jill Weisleder from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers Baseball:  In 1941 the Dodger "SymPhony" band makes it debut at Ebbets Field.  In 1957 the Dodgers tied a Major League record by using eight pitchers in one game during an 13-3 loss against the Milwaukee Braves.  In 1960 Vin Scully famously had fans at Dodger Stadium wish third base umpire Frank Secory a happy birthday during the game.  In 1975 Davey Lopes stole a Major League record 38th consecutive base.  The streak also ended when he was caught stealing later on in the same game.
  • Happy Birthday, Enrique "Kiké" Hernandez!

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

A 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Series Charger Plate with Team Photo


Call me uncouth and uncultured 'cause before a couple days ago I had no idea what a "charger plate" was.  A quick search tells me that it is basically an decorative plate placed underneath actual usable plates during an formal dinner - which strike me as the same difference between virtual and physical Baseball cards.  In other words, chargers are useless and have no real purpose.

Unless, of course, we are looking at the above "charger plate" that is currently at auction at Inside the Park Collectibles (Auction Link Here).

Featured is an 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers plate that was originally given out to ballplayers and selected employees of the team in celebration of their recent World Series Championship.  It measures 12" in diameter and is considered scarce.  Below is a close up look at the team photo.

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* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

AGon's Big Day and Toles & Segedin's Homer Barrage - 2016 Topps Now - #383 & #384


Just as I suspected.

Not only does Topps commemorate Adrian Gonzalez's three homer day with a 2016 Topps Now card, they also make note of Toles and Segedin's back-to-back dingers in today's offering.  Featured above are two Topps Now cards featuring Dodger players that are now available for sale through Topps online.

Check out and order AGon's card here.  You can go here to check out and order the Toles/Segedin card here.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

Of special note, Rob Segedin's first career home run was not the most exciting part of his day yesterday.  Per Cody Pace at MLB.com:
Segedin, who spent the first six innings in the field before being removed in a double switch, hoped he wasn't going to get a phone call, because Monday was his wife's due date.

"Once I got taken out of the game, I just came in and checked and made sure that she didn't go into labor while I was playing," Segedin said. "Once I heard from her, I was kind of relaxing knowing that I can probably get back in time just in case anything does happen."
Upon disembarking the Dodgers charter plane from Cincinnati he headed straight to the the hospital to meet his wife.  He shared a photo of himself and his wife with the home run ball on Instagram (see that here). 

UPDATE:  The print run for the Adrian Gonzalez card is 298.  The print run for the Toles/Segedin card is 330.

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* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

2016 Panini Immaculate Baseball - The Dodgers Base Cards

Last week Panini America released their high-end 2016 Immaculate Baseball card set.  Go here for a complete checklist.  Below are the Dodger base cards; including the "Rookie Autograph Patch" cards numbered in sequence with the base set.

Base

#7 Gil Hodges                                       #11 Leo Durocher

Blog Kiosk: 8/23/2016 - Dodgers Links - Trevor Oaks, Scott Kazmir and Adrian Gonzalez


I suspect yesterdays exploits at the plate will result in at least one Topps Now card being issued for the Dodgers... Maybe, two.  After all, when you steamroll over an opposition then there will no doubt be plenty of highlights worthy of special recognition. 

Case in point, Adrian Gonzalez (seen high-tening AJ Ellis above) had a career kind of day.  Not only did he start off the Dodger offense by walloping an three-run home run in the first inning, but he also continued to mash the ball all afternoon.  He finished up going 3 for 6 with three home runs and eight RBI's. 

Then in the fifth inning a couple of rookies hit back-to-back first-career home runs.  This unique feat accomplished by Andrew Toles and Rob Segedin had only occurred three other times over the past thirty years.  Per Cody Pace at MLB.com:
"I mean, when I saw he hit his, I looked up on the board and I saw that it was his first, so I was excited for him because I knew, especially because it landed in the net that he was going to get the ball back," Segedin said. "It was a big hit at the time, too. What I was able to do, the next pitch, it was pretty cool."
Later on in the same inning Corey Seager hit his 22nd home run of the year - matching a Dodgers franchise record for homers by a shortstop.  Per Mark Sheldon and Cody Pace at MLB.com:
"There was a lot of good things," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "Obviously, Adrian had a career day and Chase [Utley], Corey [Seager], guys were on base all game and to see that these guys didn't let up and continue to put together at-bats, run the bases, hit some balls out of the ballpark, very excited for our offense."
BTW, the Dodgers defeated the Reds, 18-9, and extend their lead to a full game over the Giants.  Photo at the very top via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodger History:  In 1958 Gil Hodges hit his 14th career grand slam.  It had set a new NL record for grand slams in a career.  In 1989 Tommy Lasorda had Expos mascot Youppi! ejected from a game in Montreal.  The mascot was causing too much noise by jumping on top of the dugout roof during the 22-inning game.  You can watch Youppi! get tossed here. BTW, the Dodgers defeated the Expose, 1-0, on an home run by Rick Dempsey in the 22nd inning.
  • Happy Birthday, Casey Blake!

Monday, August 22, 2016

Welcome to the Blue, Dan Johnson!


The Dodgers have just made an under-the-radar signing this afternoon.  Per a press release from the independent league ballclub St. Paul Saints, the Dodgers have purchased the contract of former Cardinals first baseman, ten-year major league veteran and recently converted pitcher Dan Johnson:
Dan Johnson has worked hard to reinvent himself this season as a knuckleball pitcher.  The former Major League hitter has made great strides this season, in a short amount of time, as a pitcher with the St. Paul Saints.  He will now get the chance to get back to the Major League’s as a hurler.  His contract was purchased by the Los Angeles Dodgers organization and he is headed to Double-A Tulsa.

The 37-year-old Johnson has been an incredible two-way player for the Saints.  On the mound he was 4-3 with a 4.50 ERA in seven starts.  In 40.0 innings he has walked 20 and struck out 27 while opponents are hitting just .231 against him.  Over three straight starts from July 28-August 13 Johnson allowed just one run over 18.2 innings pitched.

Giants Series Starts Tuesday - Dodgers Autographs, Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!


The next homestand starts Tuesday evening against the San Francisco Giants. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

The Castro Dog will be available for this homestand only against the Gints at the Extreme Loaded Dog concession areas located on the field, loge and reserve levels. It features an all-beef hot dog wrapped in bacon and seared with pickled carrots, pickled jalapeños and pickled red onions and garnished with fresh cilantro.

The tenth 2016 issue of the new Dodger Insider magazine, featuring Yasmani Grandal on the cover, will be available at Dodger Stadium.  (see it on the left).  The Dodgers merged their previously separate Playbill and Dodger Insider magazines into one publication (at least 80 pages per issue) with a new edition available each homestand.  They are distributed at auto gates (one per vehicle) and via Fan Services for those who use alternate transportation. 

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Tuesday, August 23rd at 7:10 PM
LHP Madison Bumgarner vs. RHP Kenta Maeda
SNLA / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

2016 Topps The Mint - All the Dodgers Cards

Last week Topps unveiled a new Baseball card brand called "The Mint," and as the name suggest it is a super high-end product for collectors with money to burn.  The pricey cards will cost collectors roughly $800 a box for only five cards - all of which are autographed (on-card).  Go here for a complete checklist.

Unfortunately, most of the Dodger cards that are available can only be found as a redemption card - Kenta Maeda and Sandy Koufax are the lone exceptions.  Nevertheless, it is notable that there is a Vin Scully autographed card inserted into these packs.  An example of what the Scully redemption card looks like is on the right.  I suspect this card will prove to be the most sought after card in the set.  One of these cards has recently sold on eBay at $1,999.99 (auction link here).  Other notable cards include game-used batting glove relics from both AJ Ellis and Chase Utley.

Gem 10 Autographs

  • #G10A-VS Vin Scully - redemption card
UPDATE:  Here is is:
#G10A-VS Vin Scully


Arrivals Autographs

  • #AA-CS Corey Seager - redemption card
  • #AA-JU Julio Urias - redemption card 
  • #AA-KM Kenta Maeda
#AA-KM Kenta Maeda

Blog Kiosk: 8/22/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


This past Saturday Fernando Valenzuela joined the LA Dodgers Foundation in Inglewood as part of a RBI Dodger Day event.  Hundreds of kids came out to enjoy an afternoon of Baseball, a carnival and gifts.   Per a Dodgers press release:
"This is our first year participating in the Dodgers RBI Program," said City of Inglewood Director of Parks, Recreation and Library Services Sabrina Barnes. "I am looking forward to a long and lasting relationship as we work together to uplift our youth and revive baseball in inner cities. Go Dodgers!"

This event will serve as the culmination to the inaugural Dodgers RBI season in Inglewood launched this summer for more than 300 players. Darby Park will be the home to the 45th and 46th Dodger Dreamfields. LADF will break ground later this year.
Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodger History:  In 1948 the Dodgers recorded a triple steal in the fifth inning of their game against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field.  Jackie Robinson stole home, Gene Hermanski took third and Pee Wee Reese swiped second base.  In 1965 was the infamous game between the Dodgers and Giants; where Juan Marichal attacks Johnny Roseboro with his bat.  In 2000 Eric Karros becomes the first Dodger in franchise history to hit two home runs in one inning.  It was against the Expos.
  • Happy Birthday: Ned Hanlon, Randy Wolf and Jeff Weaver!