A Kershaw's Challenge Exclusive Baseball Card

Why am I only now finding out about this card?

It has just come to my attention that Clayton's nonprofit foundation, Kershaw's Challenge, has their own exclusive Topps Baseball card.

From what I understand, this card was never inserted into packs for collectors to find.  Instead, they were only available directly from the pitcher himself.  All a fan had to do was to personally write to him.  Check out pics of it above and below.

As you can see, it uses the exact same image and card design from Topps' 2016 flagship Baseball card set, but includes something different on the reverse.  It includes a write-up on his foundation and brief information about signed memorabilia available for sale that benefits his charity.

This card is neither rare or scarce, and they have been selling online over the past several months for just a few bucks apiece.

I am uncertain if these cards are still being sent out to fans.  If you want to try to get one though, I might suggest writing to Kershaw (addressed to Dodger Stadium) and making a request.  And it probably wouldn't hurt to drop a small donation in the envelope, as well. 

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Welcome to the Blue, Ryan Moseley!

Better late than never, I suppose.  As you know, the Dodgers traded relief pitcher Vidal Nuño to the Orioles last week in order to make room for recent free agent signee Franklin Gutierrez on the 40-man roster.  In return for Nuño the Dodgers received a 22-year old right-handed pitching prospect named Ryan Moseley.  He had originally been drafted by Baltimore in 2016 out of Texas Tech University in the 8th round.  You can follow Ryan on twitter here: @Ryan2Moseley.  Per John Sickels at Minor League Ball:

The native of Lubbock, Texas, had an erratic spring for the Red Raiders (Texas Tech), posting a 4.98 ERA in 56 innings, undone with command problems that resulted in a poor 32/37 K/BB ratio. He was more effective in pro ball, posting a 3.20 ERA in 20 innings for the Aberdeen Ironbirds in the New York-Penn League with a 18/9 K/BB, while saving four games in five attempts.

Moseley is a 6-3, 190 pounder, age 22. He works with a low-90s sinker (resulting in a 1.92 GO/AO in his debut) along with a slider and change-up. His secondary pitches looked better in the NY-P than they did in college, helping to result in a higher strikeout rate, but even with Aberdeen his walk rate was higher than ideal. He is best-suited for relief at higher levels, with development of his command determining his ultimate fate.

Blog Kiosk: 2/28/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Immediately following yesterdays spring game Dave Roberts, broadcaster Joe Davis and photographer Jon Soohoo flew back to Los Angeles to attend the LA Sports Awards at the Beverly Hilton. Roberts won the 2016 coach of the year award and Davis conducted a live interview with him on stage.

BTW, Julio Urias is scheduled to make his first spring start against the Rockies today.  They'll be playing in Scottsdale and Urias will pitch two innings as he prepares for the upcoming season.  In other news, Hyun-Jin Ryu is considering a position change, as evidenced by this Ruthian swing captured by Jon SooHoo (pic on the right).

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterday; including pics from Mondays game.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1966 the great Koufax/Drysdale contract holdout commences.  In 2002 the Dodgers signed free agent Japanese starting pitcher Kaz Ishii after posting a $11.26 million bid to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows for the right to negotiate with him. He would eventually sign a four-year $12.3 million contract with the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Al Humphrey, Orlando Alvarez & Trent Oeltjen!
  

2017 Topps Now - Road to Opening Day Team Set - Kenta Maeda

Last week I briefly mentioned the first Topps Now cards of the 2017 season.  It is part of a set called "Road to Opening Day" and each team in the league has their own 15-card set available.  Furthermore, there are two different sets -- a normal 15-card offering and the same 15-card set plus a mystery autograph card (either Maeda, Toles or Seager).  Go here or here to check them out and order.  They will be available for sale throughout spring training.

So far only one card in the set has been revealed.  It is of Kenta Maeda, and you can see it at the very top.

BTW, the set could expand beyond the initial 15-card set.  Bonus cards will added depending upon the success of the team in 2017.  Below is a list of milestones that will expand this set:

• Dodgers place first in division at MLB All-Star Break
• Dodgers pitcher tosses no-hitter or perfect game at any point in regular or postseason
• Dodgers hitter hits for cycle at any point in regular or postseason

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A Collection of Claude Osteen Items at Lelands Auctions

As previously promised, here is a quick peek at some of the items from the Claude Osteen collection currently available at Lelands Auctions.

Claude Osteen was a workhorse of an starting pitcher for the Dodgers from 1965 to 1973.  In that span he recorded 147 wins against 126 losses, a 3.09 ERA, 100 complete games, 34 shutouts, a 3.15 FIP and a WHIP of 1.217.  In other words, he provided some needed innings and ace workmanship after the Dodgers struggled to compete following the retirement of Sandy Koufax in 1966.

Blog Kiosk: 2/27/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Friday was photo day for the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch - when media groups around the country come into town to capture the "Boys in Blue" on film (or bytes, if you will).  Above is Adrian Gonzalez with his emoji, taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017.  Go here to check out more pics he took on photo day; including practice on the field.

You can also check out pics by Jon SooHoo from Saturday (link here) and Sunday (link here), as well.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1932 the Brooklyn Dodgers signed future Hall of Fame pitcher Waite Hoyt to a free agent contract.
• Happy Birthday, Roy Hutson, Rube Melton, Carl Warwick, Henry Cruz, Willie Banks & Carlos Triunfel!

Ron Cey, Fleetwood Mac and a Lamp

You never know what you're going to find on eBay.  In fact, if you search long enough you'll no doubt see something weird.

The lamp in this post is a good example.  Featured is a circa 1982 working lamp made especially for the band Fleetwood Mac.  It features a penguin dressed up in Dodger Blue, and it has been signed on the lampshade by the Penguin himself, Ron Cey. (eBay Auction Link) 

Dodgers Memorabilia at Lelands Current Auction

Lelands current auction, dubbed the "Steel Curtain" auction due to large number of Pittsburgh Steelers jersey's available, includes several fantastic Dodger items.  I'll highlight a couple of them here and focus on a group of other stuff from the collection of former Dodger pitcher Claude Osteen later on. 

Blog Kiosk: 2/24/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers 2017 yearbook is now available, and it features both Dave Roberts and Corey Seager on the cover.  Go here to order online.  Also, limited quantities will be available at Camelback Ranch.

As for current spring activities, the Dodgers held their third full-squad workout yesterday.  Julio Urías, Adam Liberatore, Grant Dayton, Josh Sborz and Yaisel Sierra all threw their first live bullpens.  Scott Kazmir and Hyun-Jin Ryu are throwing live bullpens today.  BTW, Cactus League play begins tomorrow with the Dodgers playing the White Sox at Camelback Ranch -- starting at 1:05 PM and will be aired on SNLA.  Clayton Kershaw and Alex Wood are scheduled to pitch in the game. 

(Kenley Jansen, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017)

Go here to check out a bunch of pics taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo from yesterday.  Below are more links to check out:

• Thia Day in Dodger History:  In 1940 the Dodgers got soon-to-be fan favorite and Brooklyn mainstay Pee Wee Reese from the Red Sox for some players to be named later (none of whom amounted to much), $35k in cash and a rusty bus (just kidding).  In 2001 the Dodgers traded Devon White to the Brewers for Marquis Grissom. 
• Happy Birthday, Nancy Bea Hefley, Con Lucid, Fred Sington, Gary Moore, Eddie Murray & Miguel Rojas!
  

Blog Kiosk: 2/23/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Training and preparation continues apace at Camelback Ranch for the Dodgers.  There are a total of 63 ballplayers now in camp; including 31 pitchers and 32 position players.  Kenta Maeda, Sergio Romo, Luis Avilan, Josh Fields, Pedro Baez, Brock Stewart and Chase De Jong all threw their first live bullpens of the spring yesterday.  Clayton Kershaw, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Steve Geltz, Josh Ravin, Jacob Rhame, Fabio Castillo, Madison Younginer and Patrick Schuster threw regular bullpen sessions

BTW, tomorrow the Dodgers will hold their annual Photo Day in the morning.  Players will be posing for Dodger team photographer Jon SooHoo, SNLA, MLB Photos, MLB.com, Topps, Getty Images, Associated Press, USA Today and LA Times.  This is where many of photos used for Baseball cards released later this year come from.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterday.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1960 the demolition of Ebbets Field in Brooklyn begins.  In 2009 the Dodgers signed free agent first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz to a minor league contract.
• Happy Birthday, Grant Thatcher, Phil Haugstad, John Shelby, Bobby Bonilla & Luke Prokopec!
  

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: A Couple Kings on Friday

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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LA Kings centerman Nick Dowd and goalie Jeff Zatkoff will be signing free autographs at a Staples store in Burbank on Friday, February 24th from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM.    Go here for information. 

STAPLES - Burbank
2080 Empire Ave.
Burbank, CA. 91504

*Appearance Will Last 60 Minutes. One Autographed Item And One Photo Per Person. No Exceptions, Please. Please Note That We Can Typically Accommodate 150 Fans During A 60 Minute Appearance. The First 150 Fans In Line Will Be Wristbanded. We Will Make Every Effort To Accommodate More Fans If Time Permits, But Please Be Advised That Only Fans With Wristbands Are Guaranteed Autographs.

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A Whit Wyatt Vintage Pin -- The Dodger Headhunter

I came across something at Hake's current auction that was entirely foreign to me.  Featured above is a 1" diameter, circa 1940's, Brooklyn Dodgers pin of right-handed hurler Whit Wyatt.  (Auction Link) As you can see, it includes bold colors not typically seen in pins from this period.  Additionally, as I was writing this post it came to my attention that I had not yet shared a group of vintage Dodger pins from this era in my collection.  So, I'll work on doing that soon.  In the meantime, I thought it'd be fun to take a brief look at this long-forgotten Dodger arm.

Blog Kiosk: 2/22/2017 - Dodgers Links - Buehler, Turner, AGon, Romo and Seager

The Dodgers held their first full-squad workout yesterday, and I think it's safe to say that everyone in Blue is excited.  Per Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA:

“It’s one of the most exciting days of the year, getting a chance to get the whole club together, see all the guys after the off-season even though I’ve been staying in touch with most of them,” said the de facto clubhouse leader. “Just kind of shoot the s**t a little bit and catch up, see what’s going on. Other than the whole physicals and testing and that part of it, this is a pretty fun day for us.”

The photo above of Justin Turner via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterday.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  First, I just want to mention that today in 1980 was the "Miracle on Ice" -- when a ragtag group of American college kids defeated the USSR in hockey during the Winter Olympics.  In 2009 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Orlando Hudson to a one-year $3.4 million contract.  In 2014 the Dodgers signed Cuban infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena to a five-year $25 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Silch, Clarence Mitchell, Bill Hall, Roy Spencer, Bob Wilson & Steve Colyer!
  

Blog Kiosk: 2/21/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Clayton faced batters for the first time this Spring as he got on the mound on Monday to throw live batting practice to Dodger hitters.  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"This day is always not the most fun. It's about as low-adrenaline as you can, and you have to try to be competitive," he said. "Overall, it went OK, and I got it out of the way and can pitch in a real game now. You've got to get your work in. It's necessary. You can't go bullpens into a game, you need to face hitters before a game. It's the same progression since I've been here."

BTW, On Saturday Kershaw was named this seasons Opening Day starter for the seventh straight year.  This honor ties a Dodger franchise record held by both Don Drysdale and Don Sutton. 

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017.  Go here to check out more fantastic pics taken by Jon from Monday.  You can also check out pics from Sunday (here), Saturday (here), and Friday (here).  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1957 Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley trades minor league franchises with Phil Wrigley of the Cubs.  Brooklyn trades the Ft. Worth club (Texas League) in return for the Los Angeles Angels (Pacific Coast League).
• Happy Birthday, Ted Savage, Sam Fletcher & Norman Plitt!
  

Original Nicholas Volpe Drawing of Claude Osteen

As a lad I remember sitting in the car with my folks and making note of every Union 76 station.  When one came into view I'd yelp out, "do we need gas?  Let's get some gas."  I'm sure I got to be quite annoying, but a young Dodger fan has got to do what he's got to do.  After all, I needed that new Dodger giveaway to add to my growing collection. 

As you know, the 80's (the principal time of my youth) was filled with Dodger memorabilia from that gas station.  They offered a series of pins during the later half of the decade and a highly attractive player portrait set created by noted artist Nicholas Volpe.  (You can see scans of my complete 1982 Volpe Dodgers Portrait set here.)

As I got older I found out that Volpe created similar sets for the Dodgers in the 60's, so I naturally sought them out too.  One of those portraits, from 1969, is the subject of this post.  Featured above is an original drawing by Nicholas Volpe of former Dodger pitcher Claude Osteen from the 1969 set, and it is currently available for sale on eBay. (eBay Auction Link) 

The drawing measures 10"x13" (slightly larger than the portraits given away by Union 76) and comes directly from the personal collection of Claude Osteen.  Strikingly, this years set includes a splash of purplish pastel hues in the background -- the kind of flare missing from his drawing produced in the 80's.  I have no idea if the $550 asking price is reasonable, but I do know that original drawings by Volpe from these sets do not come around very often.

Below are scans of the Osteen portrait given out in 1969 by Union 76.  You can go here to see scans of the entire set.

 Claude Osteen

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Blog Kiosk: 2/17/2017 - Dodgers Links - Spring is Here

Spring training is officially underway.  There are 32 pitchers and six catchers currently in camp.  Additionally, several position players; including Justin Turner, Corey Seager and Joc Pederson, have also arrived ahead of their Tuesday reporting date.  In other news, Yasiel Puig is also at Camelback Ranch and he brought a little friend, per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

Yasiel Puig has arrived in Dodgers camp, bringing with him a baseball bat wrapped in barbed wire, housed in a wood box with "The Walking Dead" stamped on the outside. Spring training now has begun.

I suppose Puig is hoping to unleash his inner beast -- just like Negan.

Photo above of Dave Roberts first team meeting of Spring, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017.  Go here to check out more great pics from Jon SooHoo of the Dodgers first workout yesterday.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Ed Brandt, Ike Boone, Rod Dedeaux (also the longtime USC Baseball manager), Ed Chandler & Roger Craig!
  

A Couple Vintage Dodger Pennants at Inside the Park Collectibles

As I've said before, I'm not much of a pennant collector, but when something catches my eye I can't help but share it.  Case in point, check out the two vintage Brooklyn Dodger pennants currently offered at auction at Inside the Place Collectibles.

Above is a fantastic 1955 World Series pennant that stretches 28.5 inches long and features the facades of both Ebbets Field and Yankee Stadium.  (Auction Link)  As you know, this represents the only championship series the team from Brooklyn won, and as you can imagine is highly sought after by collectors.  As of this posting it is already at $550.00.

Another great pennant is below.  It features the Brooklyn Dodger "Bum" reaching high for a long fly at Ebbets Field.  (Auction Link)  Issuance date is unknown.

This auction closes this weekend.

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Blog Kiosk: 2/16/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Featured in the above United Press Photo is one of the earliest indicators that the Dodgers would be moving out west.  (eBay Auction Link)  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

"It May Happen" -- Officials from the city of Los Angeles arrived at the Brooklyn Dodgers training camp here March 6th (1947) to confer with Dodger officials on the possibility of the team moving from Flatbush to the West Coast city.  Left to right are: Kenneth Hahn, of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors; Los Angeles Mayor Norris Paulson; Dodger slugging star Duke Snider; and Dodger President Walter O'Malley.

The famous Dodger "Bum" as performed by legendary clown Emmett Kelly is seen in the background.  Per a story at Walter O'Malley.com:

Also in attendance were John Gibson, President of the City Council; Samuel Leask, City Administration Officer; John Leach, Los Angeles County Chief Administrative Officer; and Milton Arthur, Chairman of the County Recreation Commission. It was an opportunity for Los Angeles to put its best foot forward and explain its genuine hope of pursuing the Dodgers and bring Major League Baseball to the West Coast, while gauging O’Malley’s interest. During their visit and throughout that spring, Emmett Kelly, the world-famous clown, entertained everyone and his antics were well-received by the fans.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1989 Orel Hershiser becomes the first player in major league history to sign a contract that calls for a $3 million annual salary.  He signed a three-year $7.9 million contract that will pay him $3,166,667 in 1991.  How quaint, eh?
• Happy Birthday, Herbie Moran, Ángel Peña, Ramón Troncoso & Clint Robinson!
  

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: A Busy LA Kings Weekend

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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LA Kings defensemen Alec Martinez and Derek Forbort will be signing free autographs for fans today, Wednesday, February 15th from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Staples store in Torrance.  Go here for information.

Blog Kiosk: 2/15/2017 - Dodger Links - Pitchers and Catchers Report Day!

With today being the official start of Dodger Spring Baseball I figured the above Associated Press photo, dated February 27, 1949, would be appropriate to share.  Featured are a group of Brooklyn Dodgers at Penn Station in New York as they head on their way towards Vero Beach, Florida.  (eBay Auction Link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Members of the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Manager of the bluc's farm system, Branch Rickey, Jr. (at right, front row), leave Pennsylvania Station, New York, Deb. 27, enroute to Vero Beach, Fla., to open spring training on March 1.  From left (front) are: Coach Jake Pitler, Roy Campanella, Buddy Hicks, Rex Barney, and Rickey, Jr.  In back (left to right) are: Jackie Robinson, Gil Hodges and Gene Hermanski.

Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Charlie Irwin, George Earnshaw, Joe Moeller, Ron Cey, Rick Auerbach, Russell Martin & Russ Mitchell!
  

2017 Dodger Spring Training Info and Complete Roster

Last week the Dodgers just released their entire 2017 Spring Training roster, so I thought I would pass that along (see at very bottom).  This should be a helpful guide for those of you attending games at Camelback Ranch.  After all, it just isn't reasonable for you to know everybody's number.  BTW, this list will likely adjust/change as Spring Training moves along.  I'll do my best to update this.  Below are some pertinent dates to keep in mind:

• February 15 - Pitchers and Catchers Report 
• February 16 - Pitchers and Catchers 1st Workout
• February 20 - Position Players Report 
• February 21 - First Full-Squad Workout 
• February 24 - Dodgers Photo Day (media related) 
• March 6 - All Minor League Players 1st Workout

Here are the typical batting and field practice schedules for home games.

Blog Kiosk: 2/14/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is a fantastic look at Tommy Lasorda's Dodger office, likely taken in the late 70's.  Directly behind him is his Frank Sinatra wall, and directly to his right are a group of 1977 Topps Dodger cards on a plaque.  Via Arash Markazi at ESPN in a story about Tommy's Dodger Stadium office:

"This is my life," Lasorda said as he stretched his arms out and looked around. "It's all right here in this room. It's all my friends and family. It's like a museum."

Photo above via @Cut4 on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Candy LaChance, Tim Jordan, Abe Kruger, Len Gabrielson & Takashi Saito!
  

Welcome Back to the Blue, Franklin Gutierrez!

This was something I didn't expect.  According to Manolo Hernandez on twitter, veteran outfielder and one-time Dodger prospect Franklin Gutierrez will be signing a one-year free agent contract with Los Angeles.  As you may know, Franklin had originally signed with the Dodgers as an international free agent out of Venezuela in 2000, then quickly became the teams top prospect, and was eventually traded to Cleveland in 2004 to get Milton Bradley. 

OF Franklin Gutiérrez is returning to his roots as he’s agreed to a deal with the @Dodgers: a very solid source to @beisbolporgotas.

— manolo hernandez d. (@beisbolporgotas) February 11, 2017

Welcome Back to the Blue, Chase Utley!

Some might argue that Adrian Gonzalez, Clayton Kershaw or Justin Turner are the Dodgers' leader in the clubhouse.  Given this recent signing, Chase Utley clearly is that person.  Per Peter Gammons on his blog:

It was clearly peer driven, respect from teammates, young and old, that even with the acquisition of Logan Forsythe—which was universally applauded by the Dodger players—the players lobbied Friedman and Zaidi for the return of Utley and his impact on what at times seemed to be a disjointed culture. And the powers that be listened, especially since Utley made it clear that the Dodgers were the team for whom he wanted to play.

Blog Kiosk: 2/13/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

We are days away from the official start of Spring Training.  This coming Wednesday Dodger pitchers and catcher must report to Camelback Ranch.

BTW, I thought I would also put up a fantastic aerial pic of the Coliseum that was taken during the Dodgers very first home game there in 1958.  A crowd of 78,682 attended.

Pic at the very top via @Dodgers on twitter.  The pic on the right is via Cut4 on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Ernie Rudolph, Eddie Pye & Nathan Eovaldi!

Some Dodgers Memorabilia at Heritage Auction

Here is another vintage sports auction from Heritage Auctions, and it includes several fantastic Dodger memorabilia items.  My favorite might be the above 1957 Brooklyn game-used road jersey of Pee Wee Reese.  (Auction Link)  This is from the Dodgers last year at Ebbets Field.

Blog Kiosk: 2/10/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This will soon be a daily activity at Camelback Ranch.  Featured above is a vintage UPI press photo of veteran reliever Roger Craig (yes, the former Giants manager) getting some work inside a batting cage at Vero Beach, dated February 23, 1961 (eBay Auction Link).  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Roger Craig of the Los Angeles Dodgers lays down a bunt during batting practice at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla.  Keeping a watchful eye on the batters is Leo Durocher, standing behind the batting cage.

Can you already imagine the sight, sounds and smell of the game?  I can, and I couldn't be more happier.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, John L. Smith, Kit McKenna, Randy Jackson, Jack Fimple, Hiroki Kuroda, Cesar Izturis & Luis Cruz!
  

Blog Kiosk: 2/9/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The rosters for the various WBC teams were announced yesterday, and eleven Dodgers' will a part of all the fun.  Five players will be a part of Team Mexico:  Adrián González, Vidal Nuno, prospect Alex Verdugo, yet-to-be-officially-signed Sergio Romo and Julio Urias.  Kiké Hernandez will play for Puerto Rico, Rob Segedin and prospect Drew Maggi will represent Italy, non-roster invitee Ike Davis and prospect Dean Kremer will play for Israel and Kenley Jansen will join the Netherlands.  Furthermore, both Urias and Jansen are part of the designated pitcher pool; which makes them inactive for the first round.  On a side note, former Dodger closer Eric Gagné will play for Canada and recently traded pitcher Jose De Leon will join Puerto Rico.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017 @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Wally Hood, Buzz Boyle, Harvey Green, Erv Palica, Jim Campanis & Dioner Navarro!
  

Highlights from Joe Davis' AMA on Reddit

Dodger broadcaster Joe Davis spent this afternoon with the good folks at the Dodgers Reddit.  As you may know, he participated in an "AMA" (Ask Me Anything) session with fans.  Go here to check it all out.  Below are snippets of some of my favorite exchanges.

"Hi, everybody, and a very pleasant good afternoon to you, wherever you may be."

Since a large number of fans have never actually heard Joe speak the question below is very pertinent.

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: RaiderFest this Weekend

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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Blog Kiosk: 2/8/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is an up-close look at the famous right field wall at Ebbets Field.  The AP wirephoto is dated to August 22, 1955 and features Dodger outfielder Carl Furillo (eBay Auction Link).  Per the caption:

Outfielder Carl Furillo demonstrates in Brooklyn Dodgers workout today why he is master of the right field wall in Ebbets Field.  In this sequence camera series Carl reaches up for ball, starts to turn in mid-air and is prepared to throw as he comes down.  In the last picture the ball is enroute to second base to cut down any ambitious hitter who wants to stretch a single.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1916 National League owners voted down a proposal by Dodgers owner Charles Ebbets that would impose a limit of 2,000 seat that club can sell for 25 cents.  In 1933 the Dodgers traded their soon-to-be Hall of Fame pitcher Dazzy Vance to the Cardinals for a couple of scrubs.  In 1982 the Dodgers traded longtime second baseman Davey Lopes to the A's for a minor leaguer.  This trade broke up the longest-playing infield in major league history.  In 1995 the Dodgers signed Japanese free agent pitcher Hideo Nomo.
• Happy Birthday, Bruce Caldwell, Bert Haas, Charlie Householder & Joe Black!
  

2017 Topps Series 1 Baseball - The Rest of the Dodger Insert Cards

Here is a final look at Dodger cards found within packs of 2017 Topps Series 1 Baseball. Below are the Cut Signature, In the Name Relics, Jackie Robinson Day, Jackie Robinson Manufactured Logo Patches, MLB All-Star Team Medallion Relics, MLB Spring Training Manufactured Logo Patch Relics, MLB Awards and Silver Slugger Awards Dodger cards.

Only one of the Dodger "Cut Signatures" has been unearthed thus far.  It is of Jackie Robinson, and it's available on eBay.  Go here to check it out (eBay auction link).

Cut Signatures Relics (#/1)

• #CS-DS Duke Snider
• #CS-JR Jackie Robinson
• #CS-PWR Pee Wee Reese

#CS-JR Jackie Robinson

Blog Kiosk: 2/7/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Who could forget that weekend last season when several thousand Dodger fans arrived at Yankee Stadium to overtake a demonstrably demure New York fanbase.  Angelenos had come to scream, holler and chant for the men in Blue.  Then they made their presence known to a shocked Baseball public by performing a Dodgers "roll call" during the game -- to the consternation of Yankees' bleacher-creatures.

Of course, this act of invasion is nothing new to Dodger fans.  As proof check out the above ACME telephoto press pic of a group of boisterous Brooklyn fans invading Philadelphia's Shibe Park on the last day of the 1949 season.  (eBay Auction Link)

The Dodgers were sitting one game above the Cards for the pennant, and needed a victory to lock it up.  Naturally, their legions of fans came to support their team.  The Dodgers wouldn't make it easy, though.  They had to win the game in the tenth inning to capture the 1949 pennant.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1958 the Dodgers officially became the Los Angeles Dodgers, Inc.  In 2006 the Dodgers signed Japanese pitcher Takashi Saito to a free agent contract.
• Happy Birthday, Tom Daly, Cy Moore, Art Jones, Johnny Werhas & Burt "Happy" Hooton!
  

Welcome to the Blue, Sergio Romo!

I've been told that they now have a contract in place, pending a physical.  As you likely know, over the weekend news spread throughout the web that former Giants closer, free agent reliever and southern California native Sergio Romo was coming to Los Angeles.  Soon thereafter, those rumors got squashed.  Now, we've got a deal again.  So, I'm gonna go out on a limb and officially welcome the bearded right-hander to the Dodgers.  You can follow Sergio on twitter here: @SergioRomo54.

According to reports, it is a one-year deal at $3 million plus incentives, and is still pending a physical.  This is strikingly lower than what he earned last season - $9 million.  In fact, you wouldn't be wrong in thinking that he took a discount to be a Dodger.  Most folks figured he'd make at least double the amount the Dodgers are giving him. I suppose that growing up in a Dodger-centric household has a lot to do with this.

2017 Topps Series 1 Baseball - More Dodger Insert Cards

Here is a look at even more Dodger insert cards available in packs of 2017 Topps Series 1.  Below are the Major League Material Relics, Postseason Performance, Reverence Autograph and Salute Dodger cards.  Go here to check out all of my past post on this set.

Major League Material Relics

#MLM-AG Adrian Gonzalez

#MLM-HJR Hyun-Jin Ryu                 #MLM-YP Yasiel Puig