New 2016 Topps Now Card is Available - Julio Urias' as Youngest Starter Ever - #609

Frankly... It's a bit depressing to see that this card will exist... Not that I have any disdain for the player portrayed on it... After all, Julio remains one of the more dynamic and highly-rated pitching prospects in the game today.

Rather, its the resultant end that gives me heartburn.  Last nights record start by Urias, as the youngest starting pitcher in Postseason MLB history, while certainly notable, left me with a taste of something bitter. 

Extraordinary Vintage Dodgers Drawings of Brooklyn "Bum" at Lelands Auctions

Lelands current auction is fantastic.  It's filled with a bunch of Dodgers-related memorabilia; including collectibles from the ever-impressive collection of Sal LaRocca (I'll write about some of those soon).  Featured items here, though, do not come from Sal, but who cares?  When artwork featuring Baseball's most lovable clown pop up I take a moment to take a look, and since you're here I figure you're interested in a peek too.  Shown here are two original drawings (one by Willard Mullin and another by NY Journal-American cartoonist Burris Jenkins) featuring the Brooklyn Dodgers "Bum".  

At top is a classic drawing by famed NY artist and Dodgers muse Willard Mullin.  As you may know, he is the original creator of the Dodgers "Bum" in 1937.  (Auction Link)  As you can see above, Mullin's creation is having a heated and animated argument with an umpire.  Best yet, the drawing is in color -- a rarity for collectors.

Below is an editorial cartoon by artist Burris Jenkins, and it features the Brooklyn "Bum" being strangled by the "Yankee Stadium Jinx".  (Auction Link)  As the auction description states, this drawing originally came out on the morning of October 8, 1956; which was on the day of Game 5 of the 1956 World Series between the Dodgers and Yankees.  Furthermore, on that day Yankee hurler Don Larson threw his "Perfect Game"; thereby confirming that the Dodgers were jinxed at the Bronx. 

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 10/20/2016 - Dodgers Links - Urias Shelled, Maeda Tonight

That didn't go quite as planned.

For the first three innings things didn't look so bad.  Urias had gotten through the first twelve batters with four strike outs, two walks a no hits.  Then, the wheels just kinda fell off.  Per Ken Gurnick and Carrie Muskat at MLB.com:

"I thought he had really good stuff," Roberts said of Urias. "Just that inning got away from us."

That dreaded fourth inning.  Zobrist started it off with a bunt single, then four batters later the Cubs stood tall with a 4-0 lead.  Ugh!  After that, everything else is a blur.  It was like a bad nightmare that wouldn't stop.  The would eventually Dodgers record four errors on the evening.  Fortunately, I think Dave Roberts has the right frame of mind going into today's game.  Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“It happens and obviously it’s more magnified in the postseason, but we haven’t had a game like that in a long time,” said Dave Roberts. “It wasn’t to be. So I think for us it’s one of those things you have to brush off and get ready to go tomorrow.”

The pic above of Julio Urias via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1988 the Dodgers defeated the A's in Game 5 of the World Series to win the championship at the Oakland Coliseum.  Orel Hershiser pitched a complete game, struck out nine and gave up four singles in the 5-2 victory.  He would also be named MVP of the series.  Mickey Hatcher hit a first inning two-run home run to start the offense for the Dodgers.