Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Newcombe, Lopes, Reuss, Pederson, Johnstone, Verdugo and Bellinger

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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An Dodgers signing extravaganza is slated for this coming Saturday, December 3rd at The Day Family Classic Cards Auto Musem in Corona.  It'll features Don Newcombe, Davey Lopes, Jerry Reuss, Joc Pederson & Jay Johnstone signing autographs for fans (a pay event) and some great looking old cars to gawk at.  Go here for information.  The museum facebook page is here.  Below are some of the details:

2016 Panini Black Friday & Cyber Monday - All the Dodgers Cards

This past Thanksgiving weekend was not only a time for family and friends, but it's also our biggest shopping holiday of the year.  Stores, both brick & mortar and online advertise rock-bottom sales and incentives to drive crowds to spend.  Fortunately for the hobbyist, that ethic also extends to Baseball cards.

Panini America once again issued both Black Friday and Cyber Monday cards, and below are most of the Dodgers that are available.  Unfortunately, a complete checklist has not yet been provided by Panini (this is something that consistently irks me about all of their products), so what you see below is likely to be a work in progress.  If you happen to know of anything I don't list please let me know.

First of all, let's take a look at their Black Friday cards.  Go here for more information.  This was a promotion available at only participating hobby stores.  With a qualified purchase of particular products you would receive a promotional Black Friday pack of cards.  Below are the Dodger cards I am aware of.

2016 Panini Black Friday Cards

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#15 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 11/30/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I've got spring training on the mind.  So much so that I actively seek out spring Baseball photos featuring Dodger players to share on this blog.  Case in point, check out the above vintage press photo, dated March 31, 1940, featuring Reds Manager Bill McKechnie and Brooklyn Dodgers Manager Leo Durocher shaking hands prior to a spring exhibition game at Tampa. (eBay Auction Link)

No doubt this is a friendly match between two rivals in the National League.  Unfortunately, one team far exceeds the other in talent on the field.  The Cincinnati Reds had won the pennant the prior season, and was destined for championship glory in 1940.   They defeated the Detroit Tigers later that fall to capture their second crown in their history.

As for the Dodgers, they would finish twelve games back of the Reds in second place.  Always the bridesmaid never the bride, I suppose.  On another note, ain't that jacket worn by Durocher keen? 

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1952, on a local NBC TV program, Jackie Robinson charged that the New York Yankees management is racist for its failure to scout, sign and bring up a black players. George Weiss of the Yanks denied the allegations, saying that the team welcomed black ballplayers, "good enough to make the team." (The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 12/1/1952, p. 11)  Elston Howard would become New York's first black player in 1955.
• Happy Birthday, Clyde Sukeforth & Shane Victorino!

A Look at the Various Topps 2016 Vin Scully Autograph Cards

Today is Vin Scully's 89th birthday, so I figured I'd take a moment to look back at the handful of Vin Scully Baseball cards, all of them autographed, that were made this year.  Check them out above and below.

As you may know, if you wanted a Vin Scully card you were mostly out of luck.  For much of his career the only Scully memorabilia available were either team issued postcards or the various different records and Union 76 premiums.  Then in 2012 and 2013 Panini America made a few cards to satisfy a thirsty public.  Go here to see them and for a complete card checklist.

Then in 2016 Topps decided it was time to make their very first Vin Scully cards.  In August they announced a Vin Scully autograph in the 2016 Topps "The Mint" set (#G10A-VS Vin Scully, see above) -- available only with a redemption card.  A couple of months later, they released their second Scully card that would be found in Topps 2016 Five Star set (#FSA-VS Vin Scully, see below) -- also available only through a redemption card. 

After a month or two of waiting, collectors now have these cards in hand.  Check them out here in all their glory.

BTW, the "The Mint" card have been selling from between $400 to $700 on eBay.  The "Five Star" card has been selling for about the same price, maybe a bit less.

UPDATE:  There is now a third Vin Scully autographed card available from Topps this year.  It can only be found in 2016 Topps Transcendent.  Check out what it looks like below.

#TCA-VS Vin Scully

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2016 Topps Archives 65th Anniversary Edition - All the Dodgers Cards

Following up on that Target exclusive Holiday Baseball card box, here is Walmart's version featuring a brand new set.  Featured here is Topps 2016 Archives 65th Anniversary Edition cards.  This was released only at Walmart stores on November 23rd.  Go here for a complete checklist.

As you can see, these cards feature reprints of the rookie cards for 65 ballplayers both playing and retired.  So, the front of the base cards are nothing new.  The reverse, on the other hand, all feature card backs reminiscent of the 1975 Topps Baseball card set.

There are six Dodgers in the base set, as well as, four different variations available.  Unfortunately, I have not yet seen the variation cards for Kenta Maeda or Sandy Koufax.  I will add those once they pop up.

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#A65-CK Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 11/29/2016 - Dodgers Links - Bellinger, Candelario, Younginer and Vin Scully's Birthday

Spring training is in full swing in the vintage photo above, originally taken by legendary Dodger photographer Barney Stein in 1953. (eBay auction link here)  As you can see, a large group of players are in the midst of some calisthenics.  On a side note, this reminds me of that famous Life Magazine cover from 1948 featuring just as many Dodger rookies (see that on the right).

Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Brian Holton and Vin Scully!
• This is horrible.  Via BBC News, "Brazil's Chapecoense football team in Colombia plane crash."  My deepest condolences to family, friends and fans of all those who have perished.  I still remember when former LA Kings forward Pavol Demitra and most of his entire hockey team from Lokomotiv died in a 2011 plane crash in Russia.  It was a bit gut-wrenching.

Welcome to the Blue, Henry Ramos!

This is just one of those depth signings the Dodgers are wont to do.  And why not, right?  It worked well for us this past season, and I think it's fair to say that if not for the foresight of the front office to pack the minors with a bunch of maybes we probably wouldn't have made the playoffs.  That's not to say that this newest addition to the Dodgers farm is destined to have the same impact as an Andrew Toles, but this kid certainly has a lot of promise.

Per a tweet by Chris Cotillo of SBNation, we find out that the Dodgers have signed minor league free agent Henry Ramos:

Dodgers sign OF Henry Ramos to minor-league deal, source tells SBN.

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) November 28, 2016

Exact details of the signing are scarce at the moment, so stay tuned for that.  In the meantime, here is what we know about him.

2016 Topps High Tek - The Dodgers Insert Cards

Now that you've seen the base cards, here are the Dodger inserts available in packs of 2016 Topps High Tek.  Go here to check out all of my previous post on this set.

High Tek Autographs

• #HT-CSE Corey Seager -- Redemption Card
• #HT-SK Sandy Koufax  -- Not Yet Seen

#HT-CK Clayton Kershaw                     #HT-FM Frankie Montas

Blog Kiosk: 11/28/2016 - Dodgers Links - Dodgers Debt, King on Castro and Vin Scully

Check out this fantastic photo of the famous Dodgers infield, dated to spring training 1979.  It includes Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell, and Ron Cey.  The photograph was taken by famed photographer Alex Traube, and is a part of an limited print-run of just five copies.  (eBay auction link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1950 Burt Shotten is fired as manager of the Dodgers.  Chuck Dressen, who was managing the Oakland Oaks of the PCL, is named as his replacement.  In 1969 second baseman Ted Sizemore is named the NL Rookie of the Year.  In 1970 starting pitcher Rick Sutcliffe is named the NL Rookie of the Year.
• Happy Birthday, Ken Howell, Frank O'Rourke & Pedro Astacio!

2016 Topps High Tek - The Dodgers Base Cards

Topps 2016 High Tek Baseball card set came out this past Wednesday, and it includes
six different Dodger players.  Go here for a complete checklist.

Like in years past this set features acetate (plastic) and foil cards with numerous different background patters to chase after.  At this point a complete list of the different backgrounds is not entirely known yet.    From I understand, though, there should be at least 14 different designs available and at least nine different parallels.  For a player collector this set will be a challenge to complete.  Below, I've included two pics for each player.

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#HT-CK Clayton Kershaw

Dodger Ties to the Irish Independence Movement and Great Irish Tenor John McCormack

I keep running into fascinating Dodgers ephemera at Lelands most recently closed auction, and as long as that continues I'll be sure to share what I find.  Featured here is a vintage leaflet/program detailing various upcoming events at Ebbets Field for the latter months of the 1919 year.  It did not sell at Lelands recent auction.  (Auction Link)

As you will recall, 1919 has a spacial place in Baseball history -- and not for the right reason.  This was the year of the infamous Black Sox scandal -- when a clearly superior Chicago White Sox team lead by Shoeless Joe Jackson and Eddie Collins surprisingly lost to the Edd Roush and the Cincinnati Reds in what we now know was a fixed match.  Eight ballplayers; including the great Shoeless Joe, would subsequently be banned from the game a couple years later.

As for the Dodgers, they were bad... Really, bad.  They finished the season in 5th place (69-71) and a full 27 games behind the Reds.  The season had an inauspicious start when they traded away one of their most productive and popular players, first baseman Jake Daubert, to the Reds before spring.  He would eventually help lead the World Series bound Reds to a championship. 

Blog Kiosk: 11/25/2016 - Dodgers Links - Cash, Sheffield and Ralph Branca

Here's a fantastic International News press photo, dated April 3, 1950, Ralph Branca while warming up on the mound during spring training at Vero Beach.  Pic above via eBay (link here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1972 first baseman Wes Parker won his sixth straight Gold Glove Award.  He would retire at the end of this season.
• Happy Birthday, Octavio Dotel, Gene Bailey, Ben Wade &  Grant Dayton!

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Blue Friday Sale and Dodger Autographs

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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On another note, the Dodgers will be hosting a Blue Friday sale at Dodger Stadium this coming Friday, November 25th.  Go here for more information.

From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Top of the Park store in Dodger Stadium they will offer a day of merchandise sales, player autographs, fun photo ops and more!  Below is the currently announced schedule of autograph signers:

Dennis Powell
10:00am - 12:00pm

Al Ferrara
2:00pm-2:00pm

Billy Ashley
2:00pm - 4:00pm

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Blog Kiosk: 11/23/2016 - Dodgers Links - Bellinger, Vin Scully, RIP Ralph Branca

Clearly, in the photo above, Vin Scully is at a complete loss for words.  He, no doubt, understands the gravity of the honor that is being bestowed on him, and takes very seriously the solemn recognition it represents.  I am sure, as he stood next to the President awaiting the official presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he is truly realizing the impact his little job as "an old broadcaster" has had on not only Baseball fans in Southern California but to Americans throughout the country.

(Vin Scully, pic via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers)

Congratulations, Mr. Scully.  It has been my honor to have grown up watching and listening to you spin your tales of life and Baseball.  Your dignity, humility and class, I dare say, is something that is often lacking in today's world.  You will truly be missed behind the mic, and this most recent honor is more than deserved.

You can go here to watch the entire ceremony -- it gets started at about the 46 minute mark.  You should also check out a bunch of fantastic photos taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo here.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1960 outfielder Frank Howard is named the NL Rookie of the Year.  In 1962 Maury Wills is named the NL Most Valuable Player award winner.  During this season he broke Ty Cobb's stolen base record with 104 swipes. 
• Happy Birthday, Ross Stripling, Jesse Petty, Justin Turner, José González and Jimmy Sheckard!

2017 Dodgers Home Promotional Schedule - Blue Friday Sale!

The Dodgers have officially released their 2017 home promotional schedule, and it includes ten bobbleheads, a chips and salsa dish, kids replica Corey Seager bat, a kids trash can, and eight Great Dodger Moments collectible coins. On Jackie Robinson Day fans will receive a Jackie Robinson replica statue -- which means the long promised statue that was supposed to be put at the stadium this past season will finally be going up.

Of special note, on May 3rd against the Giants, the Dodger will honor Vin Scully on the field and fans will receive an yet unannounced commemorative item.    Go here to check it all out. 

Unfortunately, none of the ten bobblehead subjects or eight Great Dodger Moments coins have been unveiled.

(Schedule above, via Dodger Insider)

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On another note, the Dodgers will be hosting a Blue Friday sale at Dodger Stadium this coming Friday, November 25th.  Go here for more information.

From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Top of the Park store in Dodger Stadium they will offer a day of merchandise sales, player autographs, fun photo ops and more!  Below is the currently announced schedule of autograph signers:

Dennis Powell

10:00am - 12:00pm

Al Ferrara
2:00pm-2:00pm

Billy Ashley
2:00pm - 4:00pm

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Vin Scully's Big Day -- Presidential Medal of Freedom Fantasy Baseball Cards

I just couldn't help myself. 

While watching this afternoon's Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony, I opened up my photoshop and started making some fantasy Baseball cards to commemorate the occasion.  Fortunately, there were plenty of pics on twitter to choose from -- just do a hashtag search #MedalOfFreedom to check some out.

A Brooklyn Dodgers "Bum" Gold-Tooth Stanford Pottery Coin Bank

Although I had highlighted this piece in the past, I thought it was worth taking another look -- especially since Inside the Park Collectibles provides a bunch of detailed photos to look at.  Featured here is an late 40's - early 50's Stanford Pottery figurine coin bank that shows a gold-toothed, cigar smoking "Bum".  In fact, this piece is commonly known to collectors as the "gold-toothed" mascot coin bank of the Brooklyn Dodgers.  Emblazoned on his chest is the word "Bum" -- an obvious reference to the anti-hero/mascot conceived by editorial cartoonist Willard Mullin. (Auction Link Here)

Blog Kiosk: 11/22/2016 - Dodgers Links - Vin Scully Goes to DC

As you certainly know, this afternoon is the White House ceremony for the presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in Washington DC, and Vin Scully is one of just a handful of folks to be honored.  The festivities begin at 11:55 PT, so I think it would be well worth your time to spend your lunch with Vin, the other honorees and the President.  Here is a link to watch a livestream of it all:  Whitehouse.gov.

The other recipients are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Ellen DeGeneres, Robert De Niro, Tom Hanks, Lorne Michaels, Robert Redford, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Elouise Cobell, Richard Garwin, Bill and Melinda Gates, Frank Gehry, Margaret H. Hamilton, Grace Hopper, Maya Lin, Newt Minow, Eduardo Padrón and Cicely Tyson.

Photo above is of Vin Scully arriving in DC yesterday for todays ceremony, via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• I think it's important for me to note that you shouldn't get too worked up about the abundance of rumors being thrown around.  Most of what you're seeing and hearing is just clickbait; i.e bored reporters and writers trying to make something out of nothing, and hoping to get paid ad dollars in the process.  

Rest assured, the Dodgers front office has or will soon speak with every agent that represents a free agent... Every one of them... And they are likely to speak with every team in the league to explore trades.  At the end of the day, none of this stuff is really news -- it's just a regular course of their business. 

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1954 the Pittsburgh Pirates took future Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente in the Rule 5 Draft from the Brooklyn Dodgers.  In 1982 Dodger second baseman Steve Sax is named the NL Rookie of the Year.  He is the fourth consecutive Dodger to win the award.
• Happy Birthday, Ricky Ledée!

2016 Topps Holiday Baseball Box - All the Dodgers Cards

I guess this special edition set is a clear sign that the holidays are finally upon us.

Featured here are all the Dodgers cards found in the Walmart exclusive 2016 Topps Baseball Holiday Box.  This unique box includes ten Holiday packs that feature a 200-card holiday themed set.  As you can see in the photos below, every base card includes snowflakes on the corners.  Go here for a complete checklist.

Unfortunately, I have yet to see any of the Dodger autographed cards, so a checklist is provided instead.  I'll update this post with pics once see them.

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#HMW26 Julio Urias                          #HMW74 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 11/21/2016 - Dodgers Links - Gretzky, Scully, Agon and Kershaw's New Baby!

This past Saturday was Adrian Gonzalez's 2nd Annual Bat4Hope Celebrity Softball Game in benefit of PADRES Contra El Cancer at Dodger Stadium.  As you can see, Joc Pederson joined him, along with Austin Barnes.  Go here to learn more about PADRES Contra El Cancer .

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics from the tournament by Jon.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1952 Dodgers hurler Joe Black is named the Rookie of the Year.  In 1956 Don Newcombe won both the NL MVP and the Cy Young Award (the first ever awarded).  
• Happy Birthday, Andy High and Tripp Cromer!

2016 Panini Prime Cuts Baseball - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Here is a listing of all the Dodgers insert cards found in packs of 2016 Panini Prime Cuts Baseball.  Unfortunately, I do not have photos for all of them, and will add them as they come up.  Furthermore, ignore the numbering indicated below.  For whatever stupid reason Panini does not provide accurate details about how they number these cards in the checklist they provide to the hobby.  Why?  I dunno.  It's just one of many things that is starting to annoy me about them.

Biography Relics

#16 Don Drysdale                                #19 Adrian Beltre

Blog Kiosk: 11/18/2016 - Dodgers Links - Reddick, Seager, Vin Scully and Sandy Koufax

As noted below, 50 years ago today, in 1966, Sandy Koufax officially announced his retirement from Baseball.  Above is a photograph from the press conference, via @Dodgers_History on twitter.  During the press conference he was asked, why?

The Question is why?

I don't know if cortisone is good for you or not.

But... to take a shot before every other ballgame is more than I wanted to do ... and to walk around with a constant upset stomach because of the pills... and to be high half of the time during the ballgames because your taking pain killers... I don't want to have to do that.

Go here to watch a portion of the press conference on YouTube.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1949 Jackie Robinson is named the NL MVP.  He slashed .342/.432/.528/.960 while recording 203 hits, hitting 16 home runs, driving in 124 runners, swiping a league high 37 bases and striking out only 27 times.  In 1966 Sandy Koufax announced his retirement from the game after a twelve year Major League career due to increasing pain in his arthritic left elbow. 
• Happy Birthday, Wilkin Ruan, Gary Sheffield, Ron Coomer, Gene Mauch, Jack Coombs and Deacon McGuire!

2016 Panini Prime Cuts Baseball - The Dodgers Base Cards

Here is a look at most of the Dodgers' base cards found in packs of 2016 Panini Prime Cut Baseball.  As you may know, this is a premium product that will cost you about $200 for a box of five cards -- all of which are hits (an autograph, relic or both).  Go here for a complete checklist.

As always, this set has no team logos since Panini America does not have a MLB license.  So, all of the photos with the players in uniform are airbrushed -- which at times can look really weird.

Check out the Dodgers' players below.   I will have pics of the inserts cards (most of them) tomorrow.

Prime Cut Rookie Autographs

RC Autographs I

#4 Ross Stripling

Blog Kiosk: 11/17/2016 - Dodgers Links - Tsao, Seager and Clayton Kershaw

Are you as eager for the start of Spring Training as I am?

The merciless doldrums of winter has finally set in, and all I can do to assuage my boredom is troll the web for reminders of spring.  Hence, the playful vintage press photo from the United Press, dated March 5, 1956 from Vero Beach, Florida, that you see above.  It features three Williams' in Brooklyn Dodger Blue.  Best of all, the middle Williams appears to be totally unaware of a little prank being played on him.  Photo originally found on eBay (Auction Link).  Per the write-up on the reverse:

"ANYBODY CALL FOR "WILLIAMS?" Vero Beach, Fla: Three gents who have the same last name --Williams-- at the Dodger training camp form a unique trio...and they are not related.  They are: (left to right) outfielder Dick Williams; catcher Don Williams; and pitcher Stan Williams.  Dick and Stan form "W" with their fingers over Don's head.".

Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Sam Post, Lew McCarty, George Stallings & Brad Havens!

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Tommy Davis, Trayce Thompson, Charlie Culberson and Some Rams

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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“Oh my gosh, no” -- Hear Vin Scully's Response to the Presidential Medal of Freedom

I can't stop smiling.  This is the greatest thing ever.

Via a tweet from the Dodgers, watch and listen to White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest call Vin Scully with the news of him being selected as an 2016 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

Gotta love #VIN. Here's @WhiteHouse @PressSec calling Vin Scully to let him know he's a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. pic.twitter.com/uvoks5tAR1

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 16, 2016

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Three Dodgers Make Topps 2016 MLB All-Star Rookie Team - Get 2016 Topps Now Cards

As part of a tradition that has existed for numerous decades Topps has named their 2016 MLB All-Star Rookie Team, and it includes three Dodgers' players -- Corey Seager, Julio Urias and Kenta Maeda.  No doubt this is a testament to a flourishing minor league system.  Per a Topps release:

The Topps All-Star Rookie Team began in 1959. The winners also receive a gold “cup” on their official Topps baseball card in the 2017 set, which has been a tradition for many years.
...

The Topps MLB All-Star Rookie Team – nicknamed the Topps Rookie Cup – is awarded to one player for each position, a right-hander starter, a left-handed starter, and a relief pitcher.

Vin Scully will Receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom Next Week

Wow!

There is no greater honor for a citizen, a civilian, if you will, in the United States than to receive the President Medal of Freedom.  So, it is with great joy and admiration that I announce that Vin Scully, the grand orator and wordsmith, will receive the honor this coming Tuesday.  Per a Dodger press release:

Today, President Barack Obama named 21 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom which included Hall of Famer Vin Scully who this year completed his 67th and final season in the broadcast booth for the Dodgers. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. The awards will be presented at the White House on November 22.

President Obama said, “The Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just our nation’s highest civilian honor – it’s a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better. From scientists, philanthropists, and public servants to activists, athletes, and artists, these 21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way.”

Scully will join the following individuals in being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elouise Cobell (posthumous), Ellen DeGeneres, Robert De Niro, Richard Garwin, Bill and Melinda Gates, Frank Gehry, Margaret H. Hamilton, Tom Hanks, Grace Hopper (posthumous), Michael Jordan, Maya Lin, Lorne Michaels, Newt Minow, Eduardo Padrón, Robert Redford, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen and Cicely Tyson.

In commemoration I made the above fantasy Baseball card using the 1990 Fleer design.  Unfortunately, I am not entirely certain who originally took the photo I used in it, so I apologize for that.  As time permits, I may make a few more fantasy card of Vin, so stay tuned.

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Blog Kiosk: 11/16/2016 - Dodgers Links - Congrats, Skip! Dave Roberts is Manager of the Year!

Check out this fantastic panoramic photograph of the 1916 Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) that is currently available at Hunt Auctions (link here).  It features the entire club, with exception of the kid with the bullhorn on the far right, in those fantastic checkered Brooklyn uniforms. 

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  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, Julio Lugo!

Corey Seager NL Rookie of the Year Award Winner - 2016 Topps Now Cards - #OS-16

To the surprise of no one, Corey Seager was named the unanimous winner of the National League "Rookie of the Year" Award winner last night.  In honor of that Topps is making available an Topps Now card to commemorate the honor.  Go here to check it out and order.

Additionally, Topps has created six different (and massively overpriced) game-used relic cards that come from Game 2 of the NLDS against the Washington Nationals.  As you will recall, he walloped a first inning solo home run during the game.  You can check those out at the very bottom of this post.

Blog Kiosk: 11/15/2016 - Dodgers Links - Demolition, Puig, Agon and Corey Seager

A couple weeks back I shared some unique photos featuring the progress of the demolition of a ballpark called Washington Park II -- the former home of the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1898-1912 (link here).  These date to 1926 and were taken by a local photographer for the Brooklyn Edison Company.  As you may know, Con Edison of New York (no doubt an offspring of the Brooklyn Edison Company) currently sits on the land this stadium once stood.

Now, I've run into even more photos of the demolition and this time we get a close-up look at the grandstands that once housed thousands of hollering fans.  They are available through eBay (links here, here, here, here, here and here).  Click on any pic to embiggen.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1962 Dodger Hall of Famer Don Drysdale is named the NL Cy Young Award winner.  He went 25-9 with an 2.83 ERA, 19 complete games and 232 strike outs.  In 1988 Dodgers outfielder and legend Kirk Gibson was named the NL MVP.  BTW, he is the first MVP to not have been selected for the All-Star Game in the same season.