Walter Alston Memorabilia from his Estate will be at SCP Auctions

After a hugely successful auction that featured collectibles from the estate of Don Drysdale, SCP now lets us know about their next auction.  They will be hosting memorabilia from the career of Hall of Fame Dodger manager Walter Alston.  Per SCP:

A single at-bat, which resulted in a strikeout, comprised the playing career of the late Walter Alston. But four World Series titles, seven National League pennants, and 2,040 regular-season triumphs later – all realized in a managerial capacity at the helm of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers – cobbled his path to Cooperstown.

A native Ohioan, Alston earned the nickname “Smokey” in high school because of his blazing fastball. He attended Miami of Ohio University where he lettered in baseball and basketball before signing with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1935. In 1940, when it became apparent he wasn't in the Cardinals’ future plans as a player, Alston was given the opportunity to play and manage in their farm system. He was released by St. Louis in 1944, but was spotted by the keen eye of former Cardinals General Manager and then-Brooklyn President Branch Rickey who signed him to play and manage in the Dodgers minor league system. Following the ‘53 season, Brooklyn Skipper Charlie Dressen insisted on a multi-year contract to continue as Dodgers’ skipper. Brooklyn Owner Walter O'Malley balked at the demand and to everyone's surprise chose the little known Alston to pilot the club.

2016 Topps Tier One - The Dodgers Prime Performers and Tier One Insert Cards

Here is look at even more Dodgers cards found in packs of 2016 Topps Tier One Baseball.  Last week I shared pics of the Breakout, Clear One and Dual autographed cards.  This week we take a look at the Prime Performers and several of the other Tier One inserts that are available.  Later on this week I'll have a handful of photos of the scarcities.

Prime Performers Autographs

#PP-AGN Adrian Gonzalez        #PP-FVA Fernando Valenzuela

Blog Kiosk: 6/13/2016 - Dodgers Links - Draft Signings, Positive Rehab Results and Julio Urias

Julio Urias was very good on Sunday.  He began the afternoon by attacking Giants hitters with a mid-90's fastball and an effective curveball.  Then, more offspeed pitches came into play.  Through the first five innings he had given up just two hits, struck out six, walked one batter and given up no runs.  Unfortunately, an errant pitch by Urias in the sixth inning was deposited in the right field seats by Brandon Belt to give the Giants enough runs to win the game.  Via Mark Chiarelli at MLB.com:

"It was just a slider that stayed there," Urias said through an interpreter. "Like I've said before, I can miss once, but the second time, I can't miss."

Belt was the last batter Urias faced, which manager Dave Roberts said was the plan regardless of the outcome. Los Angeles has kept Urias on a strict pitch count as he develops stamina in the Majors, and he departed having thrown 86 pitches. Roberts noted that Urias had struck out Belt twice prior to the home run.

"I wanted him to get through Belt," Roberts said. "It wasn't a terrible pitch. It got a little too much of the plate."

AJ Ellis adds more, via Doug Padilla at ESPN:

“Sunday Night Baseball, biggest rival, pennant race starting to take form,” catcher A.J. Ellis said afterward. “For him to step in and throw the ball the way he did for 5 1/3 was phenomenal. The mix, the ability to finish guys with his fastball -- a lot of life on the ball today.”

The Dodgers were defeated 2-1, and are now five games back of the Giants.  Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to see more pics by Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1973 the infield of Garvey, Lopes, Russell and Cey play for the very first time together on the infield.  Then, ten days later they were inserted into the starting lineup for the first time and remained there for the next 8 1/2 years.  In 1998 the first triple play at Dodger Stadium is completed.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Bergen!