Blog Kiosk: 5/31/2017 - Dodgers Links - Six Game Winning Streak and First Place

It feels like a brand new day, eh?

After weeks of toiling the Dodgers finally find themselves on top of the heap. Per Scott Chasen and Alaina Getzenberg at MLB.com:

"Are we really [in first]?" Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, when asked about the division race. "We're winning baseball games right now, but I think the intent right now is to focus on the day and not worry about the standings. ... We've done a pretty good job of that."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1937 the Brooklyn Dodgers ended Carl Hubbell's consecutive-game winning streak at 24 (over two season) at the Polo Grounds by defeating the Giants, 10-3. In 1948 Tommy Lasorda, as a member of the Schenectady Blue Jays in the Phillies system, struck out 25 batters in a 15 inning game to defeat the Amsterdam Rugmakers.  Lasorda has said in the past that he likely threw more than 300 pitches that day. In 1965 the Dodgers, for the first time in history, field an all switch-hitting infield in the second game of a doubleheader against the Reds.  The players were Wes Parker, Jim Lefebvre, Maury Wills and Jim Gilliam.  In 1968 Don Drysdale pitched his fifth consecutive shutout -- while on his way to breaking the scoreless innings streak. This is the game where a Giants batter was called out on a bases loaded hit-by-pitch since he was ruled to have not made an attempt to get out of the way of the pitch.
• Happy Birthday, George Smith, Kenny Lofton & Dave Roberts!
  

2017 Topps Now - #198 - MLB Players Honor Veterans on Memorial Day - Kershaw

In commemoration of this weekends Memorial Day weekend activities Topps has issued a 2017 Topps Now card for fans to add to their collections. It featured six ballplayers on both the front and back; including Clayton Kershaw (on the reverse). Go here to check it out and order.

Proceeds from the sale of the card will be donated to various Military and Veteran charities though MLB Charities.

UPDATE: The print run for this card is 539 copies.

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Blog Kiosk: 5/30/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Rich Hill was dominant against the Cardinals yesterday afternoon. He went five strong innings, allowing just two hits, two walks and one earned run. Best yet, the Dodgers bullpen recorded four straight scoreless innings to help the Dodger win their fifth consecutive game. Per Scott Chasen and Joe Harris at MLB.com:

"Those guys did a heck of a job tonight with the bullpen," Hill said. "It's a reason why they're the best in baseball, so it's a lot of fun to see."

Per Rowan Kaver at Dodger Insider:

“I feel much more comfortable where I am now, getting my hand out of my glove, getting timing down,” Hill said. “It’s huge. You could see it today, it was much more crisp and clean and the ball was coming out much more efficiently.”

Pic above via SportsNet LA on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 Boston Braves outfielder Bama Rowell became the first player to hit the Bulova clock located above the right field scoreboard with a long drive at Ebbets Field.  His wallop shattered the clock face, causing glass to fall on the field and onto Dodger outfielder Dixie Walker. The event is said to have been the inspiration for a similar incident found in the book The Natural that was written by Brooklyn author Bernard Malamud. In 1962 Maury Wills becomes the 7th player in history to hit home runs from each side of the plate during a single game.  The feat was accomplished against the Mets during the first game of a doubleheader that afternoon.
• Happy Birthday, Jesse Whiting, Al Mamaux, Ed Rakow & Manny Ramirez!
  

2017 Topps Now - #194 - Cody Bellinger - Fastest in Club History to Reach 10 Career HR's

A few weeks ago Cody Bellinger become the first Dodger player in the modern era (since 1900) to hit five home runs in his first 11 career games in the major leagues. Now, this past Sunday Cody is the fastest Dodger ever to have walloped 10 home runs at the start of their career -- at 31 games.

This feat breaks Yasiel Puig's record setting mark of 44 games in 2013.

To honor this accomplishment Topps has issued a 2017 Topps Now card, and they made a limited number of certified autographed variations cards available. Unfortunately, all of those autographed cards are now sold out as of this posting. Go here to check out and order the normal base card. It'll be available until Tuesday morning. On the reverse it reads:

Welcome to the Blue, Mike Freeman & Chris Heston

When you see an opportunity, you seize it.

I don't think any team in the league epitomizes this ethic more than the Dodgers front office. When an opening occurs they always seem to dig down deep to fill that hole. After all, you never know if you'll find a diamond in the rough.

Case in point, the Dodgers just claimed two veteran ballplayers from the Seattle Mariners system -- lefty-batting infielder Mike Freeman and right-handed pitcher Chris Heston. Both of whom will be optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

If you've got a good memory then you may know these two names. Both players have bounced around for awhile and have played against the Dodgers at one time or another.

Cubs Series Starts Friday, Today - Homestand Series Information

Back by popular demand, here is some info on the upcoming homestand against the Chicago Cubs that starts tonight, Friday, May 26th. Unfortunately, the Dodgers no longer provide the same kind of detail they had in the past, so the below information does not include, for the most part, first pitch, pregame ceremony, Military Hero of the Game, and other interesting stuff. Below are some important links:

• 2017 Broadcast Schedule
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Viva Los Dodgers Schedule

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Friday, May 26th at 7:10 PM
RHP JAke Arrieta vs. LHP Alex Wood
SNLA & SNLA Spanish / AM 570 (Eng.), KTNQ 1020 AM (Span.)

Blog Kiosk: 5/26/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Could this be a regular thing?

Last Night the Dodgers tried something a little different. Kenta Meda started the contest by giving up three runs in the first inning, but quickly settled down to finish the night with only three runs scored on seven hits, two walks and four strike outs in five innings. Then Hyun-Jin Ryu, in long-relief for the first time, completed the game by throwing a four inning save. He allowed just two hits, walked one and struck out two to earn the first save of his major league career. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It worked tonight, and I'd like to think the more he does it, the more he can kind of get comfortable with the role," Roberts said, praising Ryu's unselfishness for accepting the assignment. "Again, this is not something that we plan on being permanent. It's just to make sure we build his pitch count up and get him consistent innings and tonight it was a win for all of us."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 the Dodger got back Tommy Lasorda. After having been drafted by Brooklyn in 1948 he bounced around from the Phillies to the Browns to the A's and then to the Yankees before returning home. He would remain with the franchise for the remainder of his Baseball career. In 1970 the Dodgers knocked out 20 hit against the hated Giants at Candlestick Park during their 19-3 victory. This is the all-time highest runs scored total against our rival. In 1971 Maury Wills recorded his 2,000th career hit at Dodger Stadium against Gaylord Perry and the Giants. It was a run-scoring single in the fifth inning. Unfortunately, the Dodgers lost the game, 6-4.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Cronin & Rob Murphy!
  

2017 Topps Pro Debut - The Dodgers Insert Cards

Here are most of the Dodger insert cards found in packs of Topps 2017 Pro Debut Baseball card set.

Pennant Patches

#PP-CB Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 5/25/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just because these two guys crack me up.

Both Kike Hernández and Ken Jeong ham it up for Dodger cameraman Jon SooHoo. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game from Jon.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 Casey Stengel showed why he is a legend. The winter before he was traded by the Dodgers to the Pirates. In this afternoons game between these two clubs at Ebbets Field Casey got up to the plate in the 7th inning and gave local Brooklyn fans the bird - by that I mean he got to the plate, took off his hat, and perched on his head was a sparrow who dutifully flew away. Needless to say, it was amazing. To the right is a 1971 pic of him re-creating the gag for an Old-Timers Game in LA. In 1979 seven Dodgers' hit a home run during their 17-6 victory over the Reds - tying a club record. In 2014 Josh Beckett throws a no-hitter against the Phillies in Philadelphia.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Judge, Joey Eischen & Sean Maloney!
  

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Ron Cey and Derrel Thomas

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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The Hollywood Park Casino is hosting a Dodgers watch party tonight, Wednesday, May 24th, and Ron Cey will be there to meet and greet fans. Go here for more information.

7:00pm 10:00pm
Hollywood Park Casino
3883 West Century Boulevard
Inglewood, CA, 90303
(310)330-2800

2017 Topps Now - #179 - Clayton Kershaw and Logan Forsythe

Last nights thrilling extra inning affair earned another 2017 Topps Now card for Dodger fans, and for once it doesn't highlight the heroics of Cody Bellinger. Instead, it allows us to bask in the wonder of Clayton Kershaw phenomenal start against the Cardinals and Logan Forsythe's seemingly improbable hit after flailing miserably all night long. (Topps Now link here) As you know, collectors and fans have until tomorrow afternoon to place an order for this card. Per Ken Gurnick and Jenifer Langosch at MLB.com:

"Once it happens, after that fourth one (strike out), I was like, 'OK, well something needs to change,'" said Forsythe. "But that was even the case after the first one. I was like, 'All right, make an adjustment.' Sometimes it takes a little bit or a couple more at bats to find it. Luckily, I was able to get the barrel and make a play."

2017 Topps Pro Debut - All the Dodgers Base Cards

If you're interested in taking a look at some of the top prospects within the game then Topps Pro Debut Baseball brand is your set. This product is basically Topps flagship card set for the minor leagues, and it officially hits stores today. Featured here are all of the Dodger base cards in the set. Go here for a complete checklist.

As a testament to how productive our farm system has been this set includes ten Dodger youngsters in a base set of 200 players -- 5% of the total cards in the base set.

All of the top prospects are here -- Verdugo, Alvalrez, White and even Bellinger. A name not seen is Julio Urias, but you can easily forgive Topps for believing that his minor league days were over (obviously, they erred in that assumption). Another big prospect missing is Walker Buehler, but I suspect he had yet thrown a pitch (post-Tommy John surgery) when the checklist was put together. So, I'll give Topps a pass for now for not including him.

Base

#6 Andrew Sopko             #42 Yadier Alvarez

Blog Kiosk: 5/24/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This was a hard crash, and hopefully Joc Pederson, who got the worst of it, won't suffer any long-term effects. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"Luckily, nothing too bad," said Pederson. "Hopefully it comes back better tomorrow and I keep working on it from there. It was just a tough ball in the middle of the gap. Part of playing the outfield, sometimes it happens."

As you can see in the series of photos this was quite a trainwreck, and both Puig and Pederson are fortunate to have been able to walk away from it. Only Puig remained in the game.

BTW, the Dodgers defeated the Cards, 2-1, on a run-scoring double off the bat of Logan Forsythe. On a side note, former Dodger closer Jonathon Broxton gave up the winning hit. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“It’s why its awesome to have Logan back,” said Clayton Kershaw, who went nine innings before four relievers held the Cardinals scoreless through the next three innings. “He had a rough night before that. Same guy at the plate. Doesn’t change. Grinds through another at-bat and puts a great swing on a ball and wins us the game his first game back. Just a testament to him and the way he approaches the game.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Carl Furillo hit a three-run pinch-hit first inning home run against the Phillies at Ebbets Field. The early pinch-hit at-bat only occurred because Philly manager Ben Chapman (yeah, that guy) chose to use his right-handed starting pitcher for Brooklyn's first two batters only -- Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson. Then substituted in a lefty for the next three batters. In 1973 the Dodgers and Mets play a 19-inning marathon at Dodger Stadium that takes a then-club record five hours and 42 minutes to complete. The Dodgers lost, 7-3. Outfielder Willie Davis would collect six hits -- tying a NL record. In 2000 sixteen Dodger players and coaches are suspended (a total of 60 games for players and 24 games for coaches) for a fighting incident at Wrigley Field that resulted in numerous players jumping in the stands on May 16th.
• Happy Birthday, Billy Otterson, Fred Jacklitsch, Joe Oeschger, Gus Felix, Clancy Smyres, Ellie Rodriguez, Carlos Hernandez, Jason Grabowski, Jae Weong Seo,  Brad Penny & Andrew Toles!
  

Blog Kiosk: 5/23/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Last Night Yasiel Puig hosted a Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament at Dodger Stadium in benefit of his Wild Horse Foundation -- an nonprofit dedicated to helping underprivileged children and families in the Dominican Republic. Per Chad Thornburg at MLB.com:

"I wanted to do this event for the kids, because when I was a little bit younger, 8 or 9 years old, I know how hard it is [to get] the stuff -- baseball, bat, glove -- to go play baseball," Puig said. "I'd be asking my friends, 'Hey, can I use your glove?' I want to give to the kids baseball supplies and school supplies, too. ... [Making] life more easy for the families and the kids."

Photo above via Steve Garvey on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1944 the Dodgers and Giants play the first night-time game in metro New York since 1941 at the Polo Grounds due to the easing of wartime restrictions. Brooklyn defeated Bill Voiselle and the Giants, 3-2. In 1981 Ron Cey hit his 200th career home run. It was against the Reds in Cincinnati. In 1995 the Dodgers traded Henry Rodriguez and Jeff Treadway to Montreal for Joey Eischen and Roberto Kelly. In 2002 Shawn Green hit four home runs in one game against the Brewers in Milwaukee, and set a major league record for total bases at 19. Overall, Green went 6-for-6 with a single, double, six runs scored and seven RBI's.
• Happy Birthday, Zach Wheat, Augie Galan, Clyde King & Ramon Ortiz!
  

2017 Bowman Inception - The Dodgers Insert Cards

Now that you've seen the base card here is a look at most of the Dodgers' inserts that are available in packs of Topps 2017 Bowman Inception.

Base Rookie Autographs

#107 Jose De Leon 

Emerging Star Autographs

• #BSA-JU Julio Urias - redemption card

#BSA-CS Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 5/22/2017 - Dodgers Links- Some Odds and Ends

Brandon McCarthy rebounded nicely yesterday afternoon after having given up six earned runs during his last start in San Francisco. Against the Marlins he went six innings, allowed just three hits, one earned run, a walk and struck out five. Heck, he hadn't allowed a base runner until two outs into the fifth inning. Per Austin Laymance and Will Laws at MLB.com:

"I liked his aggressiveness. He filled up the strike zone and was getting ahead of hitters with the fastball, the breaking ball," Roberts said. "He was relentless today."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics from Sunday's game from Jon and Juan Ocampo. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1949 Don Newcombe makes his first major league start, firing a five-hit shutout in a 3-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. He would go 17-8 with 19 complete games, five shut outs and an 3.17 ERA, and win both the Rookie of the Year award and the Cy Young.
• Happy Birthday, Tommy John!

2017 Bowman Inception - All the Dodgers Base Cards

Topps newest Baseball card set has just hit stores. Below are all of the Dodgers base cards found in packs of 2017 Bowman Inception. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base Set

#10 Clayton Kershaw             #42 Julio Urias

2017 Dodgers Sports Crate - May Edition - Kershaw and Grandal

I've always watched with envy at all the fans and collectors out there who could find a goodie crate that exactly fit their interest.

Sure, I love comic book adventure flicks, but I'm not much of a collector of that genre. I've seen zombie crates (who doesn't love zombies), but I don't have much use for weaponry. The few Baseball-centered crates I've seen always seemed like too much of a gamble. After all, I'd hate to get something Giants related.

So, when I first heard of Sports Crate and their Dodger-specific crates I knew I had to get it. Dutifully, I signed up, bought a full seasons worth and waited... and waited... and waited.

Finally, it arrived at my work this afternoon, and I will now share its entire contents below. First, here is the Topps produced 2017 Sports Crate exclusive card of Clayton Kershaw. As you can see on its reverse, this card will be one of five in a Dodger team set. (click any pic to embiggen)

Now let's get to opening the rest of the crate.

Blog Kiosk: 5/19/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It was nice to see several former Dodgers back in town. AJ Ellis, Dee Gordon former manager Don Mattingly. Photos above all via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 Tim Leary threw his second shutout of the season against the Montreal Expos.  He had been winless in his past five starts. Leary would go on to be an important cog in the World Series championship team. He would be the #2 man in the rotation - going 17-11 with an 2.91 ERA, nine complete games and six shutouts. In 2015 the Dodgers officially signed Cuban defector Héctor Olivera to a six year/$62.5 million contract (including a $28 million signing bonus). He would then be traded a couple of months later to the Braves in a three team trade that netted the Dodgers Alex Wood and a bunch of other players not worth mentioning.
• Happy Birthday, Dutch Schliebner, Jim Hickman, Earl Naylor & Bill Antonello!
  

Vintage Dodger Photos at Heritage Auctions

Heritage is closing up their vintage Sports Photography Auction this weekend, but before that happens I wanted to point out a couple of unique photos.

Check out those legs.

Featured is a May 5,1938 ACME press photo that doesn't provide the typical perspective we expect when thinking of a sports photo. Instead, what we see are the legs of Brooklyn Dodger first base coach Babe Ruth. (auction link) Best yet, the descriptor on the reverse is worth checking out:

Blog Kiosk: 5/18/2017 - Dodgers Links - Sele, Buehler and Clayton Kershaw

Kershaw is the ace in more ways than one. Not only did he stop a Dodger losing streak by defeated our biggest rival, but he did it while paying no attention to a bench-clearing that would have distracted a lesser player. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"Just a lot of talk, so I was just going to keep on playing, if it's the same to everyone else," said Kershaw, who allowed three hits over seven scoreless innings.
...
"That's pretty much what you want to see from your starter," said Grandal, whose two-run double in the first inning on a pitch nearly in the dirt helped set off Cueto's suspicions. "He concentrates on the goal. Today, that was winning the game. That tells you he's in the zone and not worried about too many things."

Photo above via SportsNet LA on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1929 the Brooklyn Dodgers out-slugged the Phillies, 20-16. Hilariously, Dodger hurler Ray Moss allowed ten earned runs and still recorded his first win of the season. In 1931 Dodger outfielder Babe Herman hits for the cycle against the Reds at Ebbets Field.
• Happy Birthday, Bob Clark, Cy Barger, Don Lund & Eric Young!
  

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Taylor, Turner, Pederson, Romo and Newk!

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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Five current and former Dodgers will be at Frank & Son on Saturday, May 20th to sign autographs for fans. This is a pay event. Check out the below flyers. Go here or here for information.

Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 San Jose Avenue
City of Industry, CA 91748

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Blog Kiosk: 5/17/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Last night was another tough loss for the Dodgers. On a night that saw returning pitcher Rich Hill go five strong innings with six hits allowed, one walk and one earned run, the Dodgers are unable to muster enough offense. At least it was a close one, though. The Dodgers lost 2-1. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“The ball came out of my hand well — not 100 percent the way I wanted to — but the one mistake to Brandon on a curveball that kind of hung,” Hill told SportsNet LA’s Alanna Rizzo. “But overall everything came out the way I wanted to and the finger felt good. No issues there.”

Pic above via the Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 slugger Hank Greenberg reached out to Jackie Robinson during a game at Forbes Field. While standing on first base he asked Jackie if he was hurt during a collision with him earlier in the game and then says, "Stick in there. You're doing fine. Keep your chin up." Knowing that Greenberg knew first hand the difficulties he had been facing, due to his own Jewish heritage, Jackie named him his "diamond hero." In 1978 Lee Lacy hit his third consecutive home run as a pinch-hitter -- becoming the first player to have ever done so.
• Happy Birthday, Al Mays, Rube Vickers, Elmer Steele, Harry Riconda & Dick Smith!
  

The Oddest Oddball in My Odd Collection

How weird is my Dodger collection?

It's so weird it includes two empty envelopes.

Of course, they aren't your run-of-the-mill envelope that you can purchase at your local stationary store. Instead, these are old and yellowing, and were originally used by the Montreal Royals ballclub in the 50's -- the Dodgers top minor league affiliate at the time.

Although, that in itself doesn't really warrant a blog post on its own. After all, these envelopes are kinda boring... until you notice a peculiar postmark on one of them (as seen below).

More Oddball to Add to the Collection - Podres and Furillo

Here is a look at even more items I recently added to my collection. I had previously acquired a nice-sized lot of vintage Brooklyn and LA Dodgers memorabilia, and have slowly been sharing its contents on this blog. So stay tuned, there are a few more items (along with this post) that I have yet to share.

Along with the 1956 Brooklyn Dodgers photo pack set I also received the above signed photo of Johnny Podres. As you will notice, it is signed on a photo from a 1956 photo pack. BTW, I actually have a partial 1957 photo pack set as well as numerous singles, but will refrain from sharing them until I complete a set.

The next item below is a total mystery to me. It was described as a scarce Carl Furillo photo premium with facsimile autograph. So, it was some sort of giveaway. Who gave it away and for what, I do not know. If you happen to know anything about this item please pass that knowledge along.

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Blog Kiosk: 5/16/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

(pic above via Dodger Insider on twitter)

That was a tough hard-luck loss last night, but at least a mighty contingent of rabid Dodger fans, known as Pantone 294, once again took over an opposing stadium. They marched, they cheered and they even unfurled a giant Dodgers flag during the game.

Photo at the very top via Amanda McCarthy on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1970 a fourteen year old fan named Alan Fish was struck by a batted baseball at Dodger Stadium and would die four days later.  This marked the first fatality of a fan from a batted ball in a Major League game, and it happened off the stick of Manny Mota.  Tom Hoffarth provides more detail about the incident here.  In 2000 was the infamous fight at Wrigley Field that started when Dodgers catcher Chad Kreuter, sitting in the Wrigley exposed bullpen, was hit in the back of the head and had his hat stolen by a unruly fan.  Several players and coaches jumped into the stands during the ensuing melee.
• Happy Birthday, Watty Clark, Rube Walker, Rick Rhoden, Mitch Webster & Eugenio Vélez!

Blog Kiosk: 5/15/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This is what I call, "leap frog".

Above is a International News press photo, dated May 23, 1957, featuring a funny looking leap by Brooklyn Dodger infielder Charlie Neal. (eBay auction link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

"ONE DOWN, ONE TO GO----Brooklyn, New York... Elston Howard of the Yanks is shown as he was forced out at second base by Neal in the 4th inn. of tonight'd annual Mayors Trophy game between thr Dodgers and the Yanks. Neal flipped to Hodges at first to get Martin for the DP.  Yanks came out on top 10-7". 

So, what is the Mayors Trophy game and why are the Dodgers playing the American League Yankees during the middle of the season? Well... the Mayors Trophy was an exhibition match between two of the three NY clubs (Yankees, Giants and Dodgers) in benefit of sandlot baseball in New York City -- with proceeds going to the city's Amateur Baseball Federation. In 1957 there was a home run derby before the game in front of 30,000 fans. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 the Dodgers purchase starting pitcher Sal "the Barber" Maglie from the Indians. In 1998 the Dodgers trade beloved cathcer Mike Piazza (along with Todd Zeile) to the Marlins for Gary Sheffield, Bobby Bonilla, Charles Johnson, and Jim Eisenreich.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Corcoran, Jimmy Wasdell, Al McBean, Bill North & Josh Beckett!
  

A Couple of Notable Dodger Pieces at Heritage's Current Auction

I'm very late with this preview. Featured here are a couple of unique Dodger memorabilia pieces currently available at Heritage's current sports auction.

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If I had a man-cave this would be on top of my list of gets.

2017 Topps Bunt - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

After sharing pics of all the Dodger base cards found in packs of 2017 Topps Bunt yesterday, here is a look at most of the inserts that are available. Unfortunately, I have yet to see either the Seager or Maeda autograph cards. From my understanding, all autographed cards are case hits in this product, so they are extremely hard to come by.

Autographs

• #AU-CSE Corey Seager
• #AU-KM Kenta Maeda

Infinite

#I-CK Clayton Kershaw             #I-KM Kenta Maeda

Blog Kiosk: 5/12/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Forgive all of the watermarks seen in the image above. Normally I wouldn't share a pic with so much in the way, but its subject is so awesome (and even timely) I just couldn't help it. Featured above is a Dodgers' call to prayer. Dated to 9/26/1946, this Acme press photograph shows a local Brooklyn pastor praying for victory. (eBay auction link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Rev. Benney S.C. Benson, Pastor of Brooklyn's Dutch Reformed Church, prays for the second day from the steps of Borough Hall for a Dodger victory in the National League pennant race. Rev. Benson, who received the grateful thanks of Dodger manager Leo Durocher, plans to go to Ebbets Field and give a second prayer before game time.

I figured much of the Dodger faithful were participating in their own form of prayer during last nights game. After falling behind the Rockies by ten runs the Dodgers scraped, clawed and hustled their way back in it. By the ninth inning they loaded the bases with none out and the tying run at the plate. Unfortunately, their luck (or divine intervention) ran out. A double play, more or less, ended the Dodgers chances as they fell to Colorado by the score of 10-7. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Dodgers hurler Carl Erskine throws his second career no-hitter -- becoming the eighth Dodger to do so in their history. He blanked the New York Giants, 3-0, at Ebbets Field.
• Happy Birthday, Lave Cross, Dutch Henry, Rafael Bournigal & Adam Liberatore!
  

2017 Topps Bunt - All the Dodgers Base Cards

One of Topps more affordable Baseball card brands is now in stores. Featured here are all of the Dodger base cards found in packs of 2017 Topps Bunt. Go here for a complete checklist.

As you may know, this product is an companion physical (IRL) version of their online digital trading card app called Topps Bunt. Boxes will cost you about $30 and you get 36 packs of seven individual cards. In other words, the packs are priced like we are still in the early nineties. Among all the cards and inserts found are various "Bunt Code" cards allowing app players to unlock a ten-card digital packs. BTW, autographed insert cards are considered case hits, so they are extremely difficult to find. So you don't buy this set for the "hits" -- you buy it for the base.

Base Cards

#1 Clayton Kershaw                 #29 Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 5/11/2017 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Toles, Bellinger and Kenta Maeda

Kenta Maeda was fantastic last night. He took a three-hit shutout into the ninth inning before yielding a two-run jack. Thankfully, he looks to be on the mend, and all of those troubles he faced at the start of the year appear to be in his rear view mirror. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“I think the reason why I didn’t do well was because I relied too much on the four-seamer and it was mostly elevated so hitters took advantage of that,” Maeda said on what the biggest difference has been.

Dave Roberts said it’s a pretty simple explanation as to how Maeda has made the turnaround.

“I think the cut fastball is part of it, but I still think the fundamentals of having fastball command, throwing his secondary pitches whenever he’s needed to get back into the count — all of that stuff,” Roberts said. “And being efficient and putting the baseball on the ground.”

The Dodgers have now won five-in-a-row and are 8-2 over the past ten games. Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1963 Sandy Koufax threw his second no-hitter of his career. He bested Juan Marichal and the Giants, 8-0, and even took a perfect game into the eighth inning.
• Happy Birthday, Gene Hermanski, Trent Hubbard, Bill Bean & Red Patterson!