A 2016 Topps Now Card for Chris Taylor's Grand Slam Effort - #252

Rookie infielder Chris Taylor had a legendary night at the plate.  In fact, it was so great he ended up putting himself in the Dodgers record books.  In a three for five night, Taylor recorded a double, triple and a grand slam.  Furthermore, his homer was the first time in Los Angeles Dodgers history, and fourth time in franchise history, that a Dodger recorded his first Major League home run as a grand slam.  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"Mentally, it's big to have a game like this, especially early in my season as far as the big leagues," he said. "The biggest thing is for my confidence and to help me relax and play free like I did at Triple-A."

In honor of his fantastic evening Topps is making a 2016 Topps Now card that you can now order.  Go here to check it out.

UPDATE:  The print run for this card is 260.

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Blog Kiosk: 7/16/2016 - Dodgers Links - Ethier, Thompson and Chris Taylor's Big Night

Chris Taylor had a heck of a game last night.  The young infielder went 3 for 5 with a double, triple, grand slam, for his first career home run and six RBI's.  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

Taylor became the first Los Angeles Dodger, and only the fourth in franchise history, whose first Major League home run was a grand slam. The others are Chico Fernandez (1956), Irv Palica (1950) and Preston Ward (1948).

"That's pretty cool, that's awesome," Taylor said.

In eight inning of the game Chris came up to the plate with an opportunity to record an elusive cycle.  He was just a single short.  The last time a Dodger had done it was Orlando Hudson in 2009 against the Giants in the home opener.  Having proven his muscle with the bat Taylor attempted to sneak a bunt single past the deep infield on the left side.  Unfortunately, he just missed getting it past a sprawling pitcher, who eventually threw him out.

"I thought it was a good time," said Taylor. "They had the third baseman back and it's always been part of my game, regardless of the hits. In that situation again, I'd try it again. Unfortunately I didn't have good angle and the pitcher made a nice play."

The photos above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out a bunch of more pics by Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1948 Brooklyn released their manager, Leo Durocher, so that he may become the skipper for the Giants.  Burt Shotten would take over the managerial sport for Brooklyn.