Welcome to the Blue, Yu Darvish!

This is the trade we've all been waiting for. Finally, after all the hollerin' and yellin' by the faithful, the Dodgers have made a trade for an impactful player -- a kind of player who we all hope and expect will take us to the promised land. The Dodgers have traded for ace starting pitcher Yu Darvish, and it didn't cost us our best prospects to get him. The Dodgers sent to Texas slugger Willie Calhoun, pitcher A.J. Alexy and second baseman prospect Brendon Davis. Per a Dodgers press release:

Darvish, who turns 31 on Aug. 16, has gone 52-39 with a 3.42 ERA in 122 career starts in five big league seasons with the Rangers from 2012-17, earning All-Star selections in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2017. Since making his MLB debut in 2012, Darvish leads the American League in opponents’ batting average (.218) and strikeouts per 9.0 innings (11.04), while ranking among the league’s best in ERA (7th), strikeouts (960, 7th) and WHIP (1.18, 10th).

Welcome to the Blue, Tony Cingrani!

The second trade of the afternoon was for another left-handed reliever. This time the Dodgers go to Cincy to add 28-year-old lefty Tony Cingrani for catching prospect Hendrik Clementina and former Dodger bench regular Scott Van Slyke. Per a Dodgers press release:

Cingrani, 28, has an 11-20 career record with 17 saves (all in 2016) and a 4.03 ERA in 164 games (30 starts) in six big league seasons with the Reds. Since his debut in 2012, he’s limited the opposition to a career batting average of .231, including a .219 average against left-handed hitters.

Welcome to the Blue, Tony Watson!

Wow!

Just when I thought the Dodgers would be standing put they go ahead and complete a flurry of trades just before the end of the non-waiver trade deadline.

As shocking as this news has been, I am far from dismayed. In fact, they ended up trading a bunch of prospect (none of whom are considered our best) and a former Dodger bench regular for three pitchers who aim to help the club during the final stretch.

First of all, the Dodgers received left-handed reliever Tony Watson from the Pittsburgh Pirates for right-handed pitching prospect Angel German and infield prospect Oneil Cruz. He began the season as the Pirates closer but was removed in June when he blew consecutive save opportunities.

2017 Topps Now -- #422 -- Kyle Farmer's 1st Career MLB Hit Earns Walk-Off Win

We're just experiencing the dream... Kyle Farmer is livin' it.

Last night's come-from-behind win over the Gnats is still impossible to believe. Was that real? Did we really steal that victory? Are we living a dream?

Last night Kyle Farmer strolled up to the plate and lined a ball over the first baseman and into the right field corner of Dodger Stadium. Corey Seager immediately came in to score, then Justin Turner hustled around the bases to barely evade a tag by Giants catcher Buster Posey to score the winning run. All the while, Kyle Farmer stood at second base watching the play unfold.

Welcome to the Blue, Luis Ysla!

While we all wait and wonder whether a "big" name is coming our way, the Dodgers decide to roll the dice and add another recently-DFA'd pitcher to their roster in hopes of finding a gem. On Saturday the Dodgers received left-handed reliever Luis Ysla from the Boston Red Sox for cash. Per a Dodgers press release:

Ysla, 25, appeared in 29 relief appearances with Boston’s Double-A Portland this season going 1-5 with one save and posted a 5.05 ERA (26 ER/46.1 IP). Over five minor league season with the Giants (2013-15) and the Red Sox (2015-17) organizations, Ysla has gone 16-23 with five saves and has posted a 3.85 ERA, while striking out 374 batters against 160 walks in 359.2 innings in 140 career games (44 starts). He was selected as the 2013 Rookie-Level Arizona League Post-Season All-Star, while also being honored as the 2014 Single-A South Atlantic League Mid- and Post-Season All-Star. The Carabobo, Venezuela native was originally signed by San Francisco as an international free agent on September 11, 2012.

Blog Kiosk: 7/31/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Am I the only one who wishes teams would stop doing this?

Last night Dodgers magic continued unabated. This time around though, newest Dodger Kyle Farmer played hero when he recorded his very first Major League hit in the 11th inning to drive in two runs; including the game winner. As teams are wont to do, the entire club immediately encircled their prey on the field and proceeded to strip him of his clothes. It was hilarious to watch, and I fretted the whole time. Nevertheless, I get the impression Farmer didn't mind. Heck, maybe he knew this day was his destiny. Per Chris Haft and Joshua Thornton at MLB.com:

"I told him, joking, in like the seventh or eighth inning," said Enrique Hernandez, "I was like 'Dude this game has Kyle Farmer written all over it. You're going to win this game.' And [Farmer] looked at me and said, 'I know.'"

Photo above via Hernandez on twitter. Pic on the right with Kyle Farmer showing off his game ball and lineup card via the Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1983 Dodger skipper Walter Alston is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1984 Baseball as an Olympic demonstration sport begins its Olympic tournament at Dodger Stadium. In 2004 the Dodgers receive outfielder Steve Finley and backstop Brent Mayne from the Diamondbacks for Koyie Hill, Reggie Abercrombie and southpaw Bill Murphy. They also traded outfield speedster Dave Roberts to Boston for Henri Stanley. In 2006 the Dodgers traded shortstop César Izturis to the Cubs for future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux. In 2008 the Dodgers traded for Manny Ramirez from the Red Sox (including a three team trade with Pittsburgh) for Andy LaRoche and Bryan Morris (who go to the pirates). Pirates outfielder Jason Bay goes to Boston.
• Happy Birthday, Pembroke Finlayson & Vic Davalillo!

Welcome to the Blue, Kyle Farmer!

It's funny how one little non-announcement/confirmed call-up can cause minds to reel and rumors to spread. Yesterday afternoon, word quickly spread that 26-year old Kyle Farmer -- a catching prospect at Triple-A Oklahoma City --  would be called up to the Dodgers.

Suddenly, fans and media alike went into a frenzy.

Does this mean a trade is coming? Is Austin Barnes being moved to get one of those oft-spoken about frontline starting pitchers that are supposedly on the market? Heck, folks were ruing the possible loss of outfield prospect Alex Verdugo -- assuming he was being traded since he was not in yesterdays lineup.

Instead, none of these things happened. Kyle Farmer was brought up to Los Angeles to provide more depth on the bench. Dodger reliever Grant Dayton was put on the DL due to neck discomfort.

So, who is Kyle Farmer?

Welcome to the Blue, Luke Farrell!

While we wait for potential trade news involving a top pitcher and some prospects, the Dodgers decided to pull the trigger on a smaller deal that brings us the son of a current major league manager. It has just been announced that the Dodgers have received 26-year old right-handed starting pitcher Luke Farrell from the Kansas City Royals for cold hard cash. How much cash? We can only speculate.

Luke Farrell is the son of Boston Red Sox skipper John Farrell. He attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and was drafted by the Royals in the 6th round in 2013. You can follow Luke on twitter here: @elFarrell52, and on Instagram here: @luke_farrell52.

As for his skills on the diamond, I'll get to that a bit later. What I would rather tell you is that few men his age have gone through the trials and tribulations of life like Luke has. At the age of eighteen a tumor was found in his skull and he had to undergo a harrowing surgery that was life threatening. Per Pete Grathoff at KansasCity.com:

Blog Kiosk: 7/28/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Last night was the fifth annual Kershaw's Ping Pong 4 Purpose charity event at Dodger Stadium and by all accounts it was a blast. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“You’re not only coming here supporting a teammate for a good cause, but you’re coming to have fun and meet a lot of cool people,” said Kiké Hernández. “It’s a pretty special event.”

As part of the evening, the Kershaw's presented the Kershaw’s Challenge Impact Award to Magic Johns for his work with the Magic Johnson Foundation. The pic above features that presentation, via Magic Johnson on twitter. BTW, the winners of the ping pong tournament were a couple of fellows named Mike Singer and Michael Weisberg. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1991 Montreal Expos hurler Dennis Martinez throws a perfect game against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. This is the first no-hitter by an opposing pitcher in Dodger Stadium's history. 
• Happy Birthday, Freddie Fitzsimmons!

Giants Series Starts Friday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Friday against the San Francisco Giants. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

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

For this homestand against the Giants only the Dodgers have made the Chowder Tots that includes Tater tots with creamy San Francisco style Clam Chowder. See it on the right. It can be found at Field sections 8, Loge section 136 and Reserve section 32.

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Friday. July 28th at 7:10 PM
LHP Matt Moore vs. LHP Alex Wood

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020, KMPC 1540

Memorabilia from Former Brooklyn Dodger Cookie Lavagetto at Steiner Auctions

Steiner Sports is currently running an auction that includes various items from the estate of former Dodgers infielder Harry "Cookie" Lavagetto. There's a bunch of stuff from his coaching days, but there are also some goodies from his time in Brooklyn. One of which is featured above. (auction link)

What you see is a business card that was made for Lavagetto by his teammates/peers - no doubt honoring him for his play in the field and leadership in the clubhouse.

2017 Topps Now -- #401 -- Justin Turner's Walk-Off Single

Justin "The Animal" Turner played hero last night when he grounded a seeing-eye-single through the left side of the infield to propel the Dodgers towards victory. It was the fifth Dodger win in a row and 71st victory this season -- best in the Majors.

Weekend Opportunities: A Joc Pederson Meet & Greet

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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Unfortunately, this is the only event I am aware of this weekend. On Saturday, July 29th Joc Pederson will be at the Nordstrom Del Amo to meet with fans for a photograph opportunity. No autographs will be allowed. Check out the flyer below for more information.

Nordstrom Del Amo
21500 Hawthorne Boulevard
Torrance, CA 90503

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 7/27/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I've seen numerous captions to photos similar to the one above; including "Hail Orange Jesus", but I prefer using "The Orange Justinian".

Now, hear me out. It's like mixing Orange Julius (one of my favorite all-time mall drinks) with the Byzantine emperor Justinian the Great (known for trying to revive and unite an aging empire and setting up a basis of laws still relevant today).

Okay, so that's a stretch and a bit dumb. But, do you know what isn't dumb? Hear these words from the man who has been an important leader for the club, via Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“We just don’t go away,” Turner said, drenched in Gatorade. “It doesn’t matter how big a hole we get in.”

Those are definitely the words that we of the Dodgers Empire can live by.

Photo above of Yasiel Puig giving Justin Turner an Orange shower is via Jon Soohoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon and Jill Weisleder from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1918 Robins (Dodgers) starter Harry Heitman, in his major league debut, gave up four consecutive hits (all of whom eventually scored) and is then pulled for a reliever. He would never pitch in the majors again -- effectively ending his career with a career ERA of infinity.
• Happy Birthday, Charlie Robinson, Jack Doscher, Zach Taylor, Jim Faulkner, Leo Durocher, Bill Sayles, Tom Goodwin & Shea Hillenbrand!

2017 Allen & Ginter - The Dodgers Relic, Autograph and Box Loader Cards

Here are the various Dodgers' relic and autograph cards found in 2017 Allen & Ginter. I've also included a little peek at some of the Box-Loaders that are available. Go here to check out all of my past post on this set. I've got one more subset to share, so stay tuned for that.

Framed Mini Baseball Autographs

• #MA-CSE Corey Seager -- redemption card
• #MA-JU Julio Urias -- redemption card
• #MA-SK Sandy Koufax -- redemption card
• #MA-KMA Kenta Maeda -- redemption card

#MA-AT Andrew Toles         #MA-CKE Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 7/26/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

All I can say about Chris Taylor is that he had remained on the waiver wire in my fantasy Baseball league all year long -- even with his exploits becoming harder to ignore. After all, his production is practically impossible to believe. Nevertheless, I had a hole and I figured he could filled it. So, I picked him up and suddenly my team is on a roll -- just like the Dodgers. Per Rhett Bollinger and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"He's an exciting player, he does a lot of things that help a championship team," Roberts said of Taylor. "We don't know what this young man's ceiling is. He keeps getting big hits, and he's making great defensive plays to save runs. He's a winning player."

Chris Taylor's two doubles and three RBI's spearheaded a Dodger victory last night -- their 70th of the season. Pic above of Christ Taylor via the Dodgers on fans.mlb.com. Go here to check out pics by Jon SooHoo and Juan Ocampo from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 Dodgers outfielder Jim Russell becomes the first ballplayer in major league history to hit a home run from both sides of the plate in a game in two different games. His record is eventually surpassed by Mickey Mantle in 1956. In 1990 super-utilityman Mike Sharperson become the first player in Dodger history to start every infield position in the same season. In 1991 Montreal starter Mark Gardner no-hit the Dodgers for nine innings, but eventually lost the game in the tenth inning. He allowed two singles and reliever Jeff Fassero gave up the winning hit to lose, 1-0.  Dodger pitchers Orel Hershiser, Kevin Gross and Jay Howell combine for a two hit shutout. In 1995 the Dodgers signed free agent amateur pitcher Eric Gagne out of Seminole State College. In 2008 the Dodgers received third baseman Casey Blake from the Indians for Jon Meloan and Carlos Santana.
• Happy Birthday, John Butler, Sam Leslie, Hoyt Wilhelm, Glenn Mickens, Jody Reed & Brandon Morrow!

2017 Topps Now -- #390 -- Bellinger's Clutch 8th Inning Homer

Here is the newest Cody Bellinger 2017 Topps Now card, and it celebrates last night's eighth inning heroics. As you surely know, he belted a deciding three-run home run to propel the Dodgers to victory. Per Rhett Bollinger and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"We saw it early. There's no panic. He hits right-handed pitching, left-handed pitching. He doesn't scare off in the moment." -- Roberts, on Bellinger

Welcome to the Blue, Edward Paredes!

Who doesn't love a Baseball Lifer?

These are the guys who toil day in and day out playing the game they love for little pay -- oftentimes, well past the generally accepted prime for a ballplayer. Nevertheless, they grind it out and they never relent -- which is why Edward Paredes story is so compelling. He has all the hallmarks of todays Dodgers -- you keep working and fighting til the very end.

Blog Kiosk: 7/25/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This team is ridiculous. After falling behind in the late innings of last nights game the Dodgers barreled back to steal another win. Unsurprisingly, it was Cody Bellinger who provided the knock out punch with a three-run homer in the eighth inning. Per Rhett Bollinger and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"When we're behind, we don't quit, we find a way to win and play to the last out," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "As long as there's outs on the board, we believe we can win. It was a team win."

I'm starting to believe... Like, really believe...

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Brooklyn outfielder Carl Furillo becomes the first Dodger to hit a home run at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City. Unfortunately, the Dodgers lost to Cincinnati, 2-1. In 2006 the Dodgers received starting pitcher Elmer Dessens from the Royals for Odalis Perez and a couple minor leaguers.
• Happy Birthday, Doc Reisling, Marv Rackley, Larry Sherry, Dave Patterson, Garey Ingram & Guillermo Mota!

2017 Topps Now -- #388 -- Logan Forsythe's Walk-Off Single on Sunday

Last nights extra innings heroics earns Logan Forsythe his second 2017 Topps Now card of the season -- his first featured him paired with Clayton Kershaw. In fact, that first Topps Now card from late-May is very similar to this new Topps Now card. In late-May, he delivered a 13 inning walk-off double to help defeat the Cardinals. This new Topps card celebrates a 10th inning walk-off single by Forsythe to help defeat the Braves. Go here to check it out and order. Per the description on the reverse:

Norman Rockwell's Original Study for "Tough Call" on Auction - His Greatest Work that Features the Dodgers

When I first saw this auction listing I was excited. Then I realized I'm no millionaire, so the best thing I can do is briefly write about it here. Featured is an original Norman Rockwell study that eventually lead to the creation of his greatest (in my opinion) work of art. It dates to 1948 and it is the precursor to Rockwell's painting named Tough Call. The original artwork permanently resides at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. (Auction Link)

I'll let the auction description tell you all about it.

The offered creation is the study for a painting that appeared upon the April 23, 1949 cover of The Saturday Evening Post, a work that now resides in the permanent collection of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Arguably the most famous of all baseball-related Rockwells, the painting is officially entitled, "Tough Call," but is known alternately as both "Game Called Because of Rain, Bottom of the Sixth" and "The Three Umpires."

2017 Allen & Ginter - The Dodgers RIP Cards and Mini Exclusives

Here's a look at not only the Dodgers' RIP cards found in packs of 2017 Allen & Ginter, but also a peek at all of the Dodgers' Mini Exclusive cards found only within the RIP cards. Go here to check out all of my past post on this set.

As you know, RIP cards hold a hidden surprise. You can find an Artist Originals (1/1), Mini Metal (#/3) or Mini Wood (1/1) cards. Also inserted are Mini Exclusives that add more cards to the 350 card set base -- for a total of 400 cards (the last 50 of which are the below short-printed mini's). Of those extra 50 cards five of them are Dodger players. You can see all of them below. I've also included a checklist for the four Dodgers' Artist's Originals drawings that are available, and share a pic of the Clayton Kershaw card drawn by noted artist Brian Kong.

Mini Exclusives (found only in RIP cards)

#375 Julio Urias                   #381 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 7/24/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Weekend Odds and Ends

Sunday was not the best day. First Clayton Kershaw left the game early due to back tightness issues. Then, Kenley Jansen blew his first save of the season when he yielded a three run home run that tied the game. Fortunately, this Dodger team doesn't give up. They fight... And they claw... And they never surrender. So, they eventually rallied in the 10th inning and won the game on a walk-off single by Logan Forsythe. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s been a good series for us, to battle back from two losses to start,” Forsythe said. “To see the depth of our bench, to see the bullpen come in and do a good job and for us to grind out at-bats and have quality at-bats and get a split in that series I think was good to see.”

On a side note: Unlike many, I am not worried that the season will be lost due to the recent injury to Kershaw. Instead, I see this as just another hill that these Dodgers are eager to climb. There is no barrier too high, no roadblock too perilous, and no injury too great that will sway their belief that this season is theirs.

The above photo of Yasiel Puig dousing Logan Forsythe via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics bu Jon from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1931 Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) outfielder Babe Herman hit for the cycle against the the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1939 the Brooklyn Dodgers selected Dixie Walker off waivers from the Detroit Tigers. He would go on to play nine season in Brooklyn; slashing .311/.386/.441/.827 for the Dodgers. In 1967 former Dodgers President Branch Rickey is posthumously inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1986 the Dodgers signed 17-year old amateur free agent infielder José Offerman out of San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. In 1993 Mets outfielder Vince Coleman tossed a M-80 firecracker from his car as he was leaving the Dodger Stadium parking area. It is reported that three people are injured; including an 11-year old boy and a two-year old girl. Coleman eventually pleads guilty to one misdemeanor count of unlawful possession of an explosive device and is sentenced to 200 hours of community service. The incident, along with many others, leads the Mets to announced a month later that he would never play for the team again.
• Happy Birthday, Tommy McCarthy, Joe Wall, Joe Schultz, Preston Ward, Norihiro Nakamura & Scott Van Slyke!

Twins Series Starts Monday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Monday against the Minnesota Twins. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2017 Broadcast Schedule
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 

For this homestand against the Twins only the Dodgers have made the Bacon Cheddar Onion Rings that includes golden rings with smoked bacon, tomatoes, green onions, cheddar cheese and sour cream. See it on the right. It can be found at all Elysian Park Grills Field section 22, 23 and Reserve section 31.

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Monday, July 24th at 7:10 p.m.

RHP Bartolo Colón vs LHP Hyun Jin-Ryu

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020, KMPC 1540

2017 Donruss Optic Baseball - All the Dodgers Cards

New in stores is Panini America's 2017 Donruss Optic Baseball card brand, and it includes plenty of subsets and inserts that are very recognizable to an old fart like myself. There are Diamond Kings cards, but they don't include actual drawings like what we saw in the 80's. Rated Rookies is back and Cody Bellinger is our rep in the set. There are even Dominator, Elite and The Rookies inserts to chase after. Go here for a complete checklist.

Below are all of the Dodger cards found in packs. As you likely know, Panini operates without a Major League license (they do have a MLBPAA license), so there are no team logos anywhere -- which is a major drawback to this set. It's awefully weird looking seeing a Dodger cap without the Dodger logo on it.

Diamond Kings

#14 Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 7/21/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I guess you can't win them all.

Last night the Dodgers eleven game winning streak was snapped by the Braves and it just doesn't feel right. Heck, the Dodgers haven't lost at home in almost a month, and they haven't lost to a National League team since the early part of June. Per Austin Laymance and Joshua Thornton at MLB.com:

"It's a weird feeling," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "It's different. Even to that last out, I thought we were going to find a way to win the game. But I guess we have got to start another one tomorrow."

Photo above of Kenley Jansen, Don Newcombe and Matt Kemp via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Go here to check out more pics by Jon and Jill Weisleder from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Dodgers shortstop Pee Wee Reese recorded his 2,000th career hit. Also, fellow teammate Junior Gilliam set a Major League record by handling twelve assist at second base. 
• Happy Birthday, Wally Clement, Claude Corbitt & Earl Mossor!

2017 Import Dragon Figurines -- Corey Seager Variant

Check this out figurine collectors.

As you know Import Dragon recently took over for McFarlane as the official maker of MLB figurines, and they just released their crop of 2017 statues. Both Corey Seager and Clayton Kershaw are available. Check those out in my previous post here.

I just discovered that there is a limited edition Corey Seager variant figurine available, as well. Check it out above and below. It is limited to 1,000 copies and features Seager in a Dodger road grey uniform. His base figurines shows him in home whites.

Blog Kiosk: 7/20/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers don't need no stinkin' rain delay!

With a 9-1 lead at the top of the eighth inning the game got delayed as a massive downpour suddenly overtook Chicago. It was as if someone turned on the shower as some unsuspecting drunk slept it off in the tub. Nevertheless, it was likely a welcome respite -- especially for ice cream loving rookie Cody Bellinger (as evidenced in the photo on the right). He decided to enjoy a cone and a cup-o'-noodles in the clubhouse before the game got called in the Dodgers favor.

The win extends their winning streak to 11 games. Per Ken Gurnick and Fabian Ardaya at MLB.com:

"The confidence we have in our group that we're going to win a game, is real," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "The talent in the room, the confidence we have, is real. Now it's go out and do it. You can talk about it, but you have to go out and do it and, so, we're doing it."

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Bellinger photo on right also via the @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1906 Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) pitcher Mal Eason no-hit the Cardinals in St. Louis, 2-0. In 1925 future Hall of Famer and Brooklyn Dodger pitcher Dazzy Vance struck out 17 Cubs to defeat Chicago 4-3 in 10 innings. In 1970 Dodger hurler Bill Singer no hit the Phillies at Dodger Stadium, 5-0. Singer struck out ten, walked none and committed two errors on the field.
• Happy Birthday, Heinie Manush, Claude Crocker & Charles Johnson!

Braves Series Starts Thursday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Thursday against the Atlanta Braves. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

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

A new item has been added to the menu at Dodger Stadium. It is called the Think Blue Burrito and it includes pulled pork, black beans, Spanish rice, Pico de Gallo, and avocado crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. See it on the right. You can find it on the Reserve level, Section 32.

Also, for this homestand against the Braves only the Dodgers have made the Chicken Waffle Sammy that includes a Belgian waffle with spicy crispy chicken, candied bacon and maple syrup. See it on the left. It can be found on the Field Level, Section 8 and the Reserve Level, Section 14.

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Thursday, July 20th at 7:10 PM

RHP Mike Foltynewicz vs. RHP Brandon McCarthy

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Thursday's game starts at 7:10 PM. Auto gates open at 4:40 PM, and stadium gates open at 5:10 PM.

The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive Great Dodger Moments Coin #5 featuring the 1984 Olympics. See it on the right.

It is Olympics Night at Dodger Stadium.  Folks who ordered a special ticket package will get an exclusive Olympics Night cap.  See that on the left.  If not already sold out go here for information.

2017 Topps Now -- #369 -- 30 Wins In Last 34 Games, Best Since 1977

With Clayton Kershaw on the mound last night it's no surprise the club set a new mark. Over the past 34 games they have won 30 contest -- best since the 1977 Royals. In fact, they are the first National League team to do it since the 1936 Giants. Best yet, the Dodgers have won 14 straight games when Kershaw has started -- the best streak of his career.

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Chris Taylor, Fernando Valenzuela and some Angels

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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2017 Allen & Ginter - All the Dodgers Base Cards

Allen & Ginter is finally here. The ever popular vintage throwback set officially hits stores today, and it includes a design that is a bit different from past sets. While still using pastel colored backgrounds Topps decided to put a players portrait within an oval frame that is very reminiscent of both the early 20th-century Rose Company postcards and PM1 Ornate Frame pins.

Below are all of the Dodger base cards in the set. Go here to check out a complete checklist. As always, each base card has it's own parallel mini version available. There are also metal and cloth mini cards available of only a limited number of players in the set. A Dodgers' checklist and an example of those cards are seen at the very bottom of this post. BTW, there is unfortunately no Cody Bellinger base cards available, but there is an autographed card that can only be found as a redemption card.

Base

#5 Adrian Gonzalez               #62 Joc Pederson

Blog Kiosk: 7/19/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It's amazing that Clayton Kershaw can struggle and still throw seven scoreless innings to win a game. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I was a little rusty tonight," said Kershaw, who hadn't pitched since a July 9 complete-game win over the Royals in the final game before the All-Star break. "The fastball command wasn't great, it got a little better as the game went. Nine days off definitely is not something I'm used to. I'm thankful to get out of that unscathed, and glad we won."

Kershaw now has 15 wins and the Dodgers are riding high with a ten game winning streak. Photo above via ESPN on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1977 Don Sutton took home All-Star Game MVP honors when the NL defeats the AL 7-5 at Yankee Stadium. As the starting pitcher, Sutton pitched three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit, one walk and striking out four. Fellow teammate Steve Garvey hit a third inning solo home run. In 1993 outfielder Raul Mondesi made his Major League debut and recorded a single in his very first at-bat. 
• Happy Birthday, Bill Hart, Erve Beck, Ben Geraghty, Luis Avilan & Rachel Robinson! 

2017 Topps Stadium Club - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Now that you've seen the base cards, here are all of the Dodgers inserts available in packs of 2017 Topps Stadium Club. Go here to check out all of my past post on this set.

Unfortunately, several Dodger autographed cards are available only through a redemption; including Corey Seager, Julio Urias and Sandy Koufax. Strangely, the aforementioned signers do appear to have auto'd Base Chrome Autographed cards available in packs -- they are all sticker autographs. If I am not mistaken, all the normal base autographed card are signed on-card; whereas the Chrome autographs include sticker autographs.

Instavision

#I-CK Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 7/18/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic Real Photo Postcard (RPPC) of the 1943 Monterrey Industriales of the Mexican League featuring future Dodger backstop and Hall of Famer Roy Campanella (on the far left). To the right is a closer look at the 21-year old catcher. It is currently on auction at RMY Auctions, and I suspect it will sell for a bunch. The auction listing states that this is the earliest known Campanella cardboard collectible.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1939 the Dodgers receive shortstop Pee Wee Reese from the Red Sox in exchange for $35,000, three minor leaguers and a player to be named later. It is later discovered that a poor scouting report filled out by then current Boston shortstop Joe Cronin purposefully downplayed Reese's abilities for fear of losing his job. In 1949 Jackie Robinson testified in front of the House Committee on Un-American Activities to express his disagreement with actor Paul Robeson's assertion that African-Americans would not fight a war against Russia due to America's history of racial animus. In 1957 Gil Hodges hit his 12th career grand slam to tie a National League record held by both Rogers Hornsby and Ralph Kiner.
• Happy Birthday, Johnny Hopp!