Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 8/31/2017 - Dodgers Links - Alex Verdugo is Coming!

A four game losing streak typically isn't something to worry about; especially when you've got a 17 game lead over your next closest competitor. Still, I do feel a certain sense of dread... like, will another shoe drop? Then I remember some wise words from our elder statesman/poet laureate, Vin Scully:

"But in the history of the Brooklyn and LA Dodgers, nothing has ever come easy."

And then I calm down and realize that this is all part of the ride. Per Bill Plunkett on twitter:

Justin Turner: “It’s good for us. Going thru adversity, dealing with stuff we haven’t dealt with in awhile”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 Gil Hodges became the fourth Major Leaguer to hit four home runs in one game. It was against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. Overall, he went 5-for-6 with nine RBI's, five runs scored and 17 total bases. In 1959 Sandy Koufax set a new National League record when he fanned 18 Giants during a nine inning game at the LA Coliseum. It also tied the Major League mark for strike outs, and set a new Major League record with 31 total strike outs over two consecutive games (he struck out 13 Phillies his last time out). In 1985 the Dodgers got Bill Madlock from the Pirates for RJ Reynolds, Cecil Espy and Sid Bream. In 2006 the Dodgers received veteran Marlon Anderson from the Nationals for pitching prospect Jhonny Nunez. Anderson would have a stellar couple of months in Dodger Blue. He slashed .375/.431/.813/1.243 with seven homers, 15 RBI's and 12 runs scored. In 2009 the Dodgers received starting pitcher Jon Garland from the Diamondbacks for infield prospect Tony Abreu. Garland would get six starts -- going 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA.
• Happy Birthday, Duke Farrell, Ray Berres, Ira Hutchinson, Frank Robinson, Cleo James, Jack Perconte, Tom Candiotti, Mike Hartley, Hideo Nomo & Juan Nicasio!

Topps Now Card to Benefit Houston Flood Victims -- All Proceeds go to American Red Cross

It's times like this that allow every community -- even us Baseball card collecting fools -- to come together to help those in need. As you surely know, Houston and much of coastal Texas has been getting hammered by a hurricane that has caused residents to flee and lives to be lost. The ensuing floods are causing untold amounts of dread and destruction.

In a belief that "every little bit counts" Topps has decided to do something that we can all participate in. This morning they issued a 2017 Topps Now card featuring several Houston Astros players lining up for a moment of silence in honor of the flood victims before Tuesday evenings game, and all proceeds from its sale will go directly to the American Red Cross. Go here to check it out and order. They are listed at $9.99 each (or lower with a quantity purchase).

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Blog Kiosk: 8/30/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Over his last two outings, Rich Hill showed fans the two most extreme ways to lose a game. This past Wesdnesday, he was on the verge of either a perfect game or no-hitter, but came away with a loss instead when he yielded a walk-off homer to end the game. Then last night Rich Hill went to the other side of the losing spectrum when he got shelled in the very first inning -- giving up five runs on six hits. Per Steve Gilbert and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I was terrible," said Hill, who allowed six runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings and fell to 9-6. "Everybody did what we were supposed to do, and I was terrible."

Suddenly, we find ourselves with a little three game losing streak -- only the fourth time we've lost as many in-a-row all season long. As much as I want to start feeling dread I know that this team doesn't give in to those kind of trifle insecurities. They are doing fine. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It's baseball. It's going to happen," said Taylor, who celebrated his 27th birthday on Tuesday. "We're going to continue going about our business the way we have, come to the park looking to get a win tomorrow. I think we ran into good teams that have played us tough and we lost a couple of close games."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1918 the Dodgers and Giants play a 56-minute game at the Polo Grounds that saw New York beat Brooklyn, 1-0. In 1952 former Dodger infielder and future Hall of Famer Arky Vaughan dies in a fishing accident.  He and a friend drowned in a lake near Eagleville, CA when their boat capsized. In 1953 Roy Campanella tied a NL record for RBI's by a catcher during a season at 122. He did it by going 4-for-5 with five RBI's and three runs scored against the Cardinals. Campy would finish the year with a Major League best 142 RBI's for a catcher. In 2015 Cubs hurler Jake Arrieta no-hit the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. It is the 12th no-hitter ever thrown at Chavez Ravine.
• Happy Birthday, Bert Tooley, Kiki Cuyler, Tommy Dean & Roberto Hernández!

Blog Kiosk: 8/29/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I just love this vintage International Newsreel photo of Hall of Famer Zach Wheat that I saw on eBay (link here). It's been well handled with all kinds of editor marks throughout; including his mug being framed for eventual inclusion into the paper. It dates to June 24, 1922 and it appears to feature a pic taken the day prior at the Polo Grounds. The descriptor on the reverse indicates that on that day Wheat recorded his 2,000th career hit.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1948 Jackie Robinson hit for the cycle against the Cardinals during the first game of a doubleheader. He completed the cycle in reverse -- hitting a homer in the 1st, a triple in the 3rd, a double in the 4th and a single in the 8th inning. The Dodgers won 12-7. In 1980 Dodgers coach Manny Mota is reactivated by the Dodgers to be a top pinch-hitter off the bench. He would go 3-for-7 with two RBI's. In 1987 the Dodgers traded Rick Honeycutt to the A's for young starter Tim Belcher. As you know, he would be an important cog to the eventual world champs in 1988.
• Happy Birthday, Elmer Stricklett, Jack Warner, Buck Marrow, Billy Cox, Reggie Williams, Henry Blanco & Chris Taylor!

Players Weekend Fantasy Dodger Cards

I just couldn't stop myself from making a bunch of fantasy Baseball cards of the Dodgers from Players Weekend. Check them all out here.

Blog Kiosk: 8/28/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It took Players Weekend for the Dodgers to finally lose a series. They last felt the sting during an early June set against the Nationals. That's 21 consecutive series' they have either tied or won. Per Joshua Thornton and Austin Laymance at MLB.com:

"I think that -- look at our club offensively -- I think that's where we're a little cold right now," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "It happens to every ballclub at some point in time in the season. You look at the guys throughout the lineup that aren't swinging the bat the way they're capable of or have been this year, it's all kind of happening at once. We'll get through it."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson meet to discuss plans for integrating Baseball. During the three hour meeting Rickey berates Robinson with a flurry of racial epithets to test his mettle. In 1952 the Brooklyn Dodgers set a National League record when they hit into a double play in their 23rd consecutive game. In 2002 Eric Gagne recorded his 45th save of the season, setting a franchise record and earning a bottle of Dom Perignon autographed by each Dodger teammate. In 2003 Eric Gagne recorded his 44th straight save to establish a new Major League record.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Yeager, Goody Rosen & Darren Lewis!

2017 Topps Now -- #518 -- Fastest Team to 90 Wins in Franchise History

Is it me, or does it seem like there's a Dodgers Topps Now card being issued almost daily?

Last night the Dodgers earned their 90th win of the season -- tops in the Major Leagues. For their herculean efforts so far this year Topps has issued a new 2017 Topps Now card this afternoon to celebrate the occasion. Go here to check it out and order. As you can see, both Curtis Granderson and Justin Turner are prominently seen on the front of the card. Per Adam Berry and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"They've got 90 wins for a reason. They've got some guys that are having career years. It's funny that we didn't see [Cody] Bellinger the whole time, but I don't think they really needed him. ... It always starts with pitching. They got good starting pitching this series, and I think that was the difference."-- Pirates shortstop Jody Mercer, on losing six of seven to the Dodgers this season

Blog Kiosk: 8/25/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Last night's win was the Dodgers 90th of the season. No Dodger club in their franchise has won 90 games this fast in their history. Per Adam Berry and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I like wins," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "I don't know where we were at last year, but it was toward the end of September with 90 wins. After last night's game, we showed again that we find a way to come back from a loss with a win."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1979 the Hollywood Stars vs. the Media game was played at Dodger Stadium, and actor Robin Williams stole the show. He ran the bases backwards and explained that running the bases clockwise was very common on the Planet Ork (his character in the tv show Mork & Mindy). Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider shared a couple of pics of Robin at this game here. In 2012 the Dodgers completed a blockbuster trade with the Red Sox to get Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford and Nick Punto. In 2016 the Dodgers traded AJ Ellis to the Phillies for Carlos Ruiz.
• Happy Birthday, Elmer Brown, Tom Catterson, Pea Ridge Day, George Cisar, Bob Millikin, Ralph Mauriello, Pablo Ozuna & Mike Rose!

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

The next homestand starts on Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand; including autograph guest. 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

Poutine Fries will be available for this homestand only against Brewers available at Field section 22 and 23 and Reserve section 32. It features golden fries topped off with beef gravy, cheese curds, garlic aioli and green onions. See it on the right.

This weekend marks the 9th annual ThinkCure! weekend. Throughout the weekend, the Los Angeles Dodgers and their fans can help support and raise awareness of City of Hope’s efforts to find new lifesaving treatments and cures for cancer patients. To date, ThinkCure! has raised more than $2 million to help support research grants, setting the stage for medical breakthroughs. You can make donations to ThinkCure! here.

This is also the first ever "Players Weekend." Both teams will be wearing special uniforms with unique nicknames on their backs and have the opportunity to wear and use uniquely colored cleats, bats and other equipment. Check out the Dodger duds below and on the right. Here is my story from a couple weeks back about this event. This coincides with the Little League World Series championship in Williamsport.

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Friday, August 25th at 7:10 PM

TV: SNLA Spanish, SportsNet LA

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

2017 Panini Immaculate Collection - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

After checking out the base cards here is a look at all of the Dodgers' inserts available in packs of 2017 Panini Immaculate Baseball. Please note that the checklist Panini provides is not entirely accurate. The card numbers they provide are not the actual card numbers they use on the cards. Most of the cards checklisted below use the inaccurate numbers provided by Panini.

On another note, there are a lot of former Dodgers available here; including Hanley Ramirez, Mike Piazza and Don Sutton. Also, legendary old-time Dodgers include Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Leo Durocher and Duke Snider.

Immaculate Signatures

• #6 Corey Seager -- Redemption Card

#11 Justin Turner

Blog Kiosk: 8/24/2017- Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

What's that old cliché? Baseball will break your heart.

No game typifies that saying more than last nights. Rich Hill took a perfect game into the ninth inning during a scoreless tie, saw it reduced to a nine inning no-hitter after Forsythe's error, and then took the loss when he surrendered a walk-off homer to Josh Harrison in the 10th inning on his 99th pitch of the evening. Wow! That's gotta hurt. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Sad for Rich,” manager Dave Roberts said on SportsNet LA. “It’s a game that we got beat, but I think that you look at opportunities that a player has, to have a chance at a no-hitter, he gave himself every opportunity. It’s more of feeling very excited for Rich, because he threw the ball so well tonight. But yeah, disappointed he didn’t get that no-hitter.”

Per Adam Berry and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"Today it is disappointing to make one bad pitch, but they played a great game, too," said Hill. "They pitched their tails off, and you can't discredit that." 

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 Vin Scully famously had fans at Dodger Stadium wish third base umpire Frank Secory a happy birthday during the game.  In 1975 Davey Lopes stole three bases against the Expose to extend his Major League record of consecutive steals to 38. Then in the 12th inning of this same game he is thrown out at second base by Gary Carter. Coincidentally, Carter had been the last catcher to throw Lopes out before starting his record streak -- on June 4th. In 2007 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher David Wells. In 2014 Joc Pederson became only the fourth player in the history of the PCL to have a 30-30 season, and the first to do it in 80 years, when he stole a base for the Albuquerque Isotopes (a Dodgers Triple-A affiliate). He would come up to Los Angeles later that September.
• Happy Birthday, John Brown, Kip Gross, Jeff Kubenka, Kevin Correia & Enrique "Kiké" Hernandez!

2017 Topps Now -- #510 -- Adrian Gonzalez's 2,000th Hit

(pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

Milestones like this is what Topps Now is all about.

Last night Adrian Gonzalez recorded his 2,000th hit of his career, and available today is a 2017 Topps Now card to commemorate the feat. He accomplished the milestone when he lead off the sixth inning with a double to the right field corner. Gonzalez would then later score the tying run of the game on Corey Seager's single later that inning. Go here to check the card out and order. Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It was only fitting for him to hit a double for 2,000, he's had a lot of doubles in his career," Roberts said. "The longevity for 2,000 hits, I can't fathom. It's quite a milestone. We have guys that can hit balls out of the ballpark, but to have that professional at-bat like Granderson also gives us, to run up pitch counts, take the walk, it's invaluable. The consistent quality of at-bat Adrian gives us when he's right is taxing on a starter."

2017 Panini Immaculate Collection - The Dodgers Base Cards

Panini's 2017 Immaculate Collection Baseball packs are now in stores. Below are the six Dodger base cards in the set. Go here for a complete checklist.

#25 Jackie Robinson               #26 Leo Durocher

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Joe Davis, Yasiel Puig and Vladimir Guerrero

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: 8/23/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out who's on the cover of the newest issue of Sports Illustrated -- Justin Turner and Yasiel Puig. Best yet, according to Alanna Rizzo on twitter, the photo used was taken by Dodgers photographer Jon SooHoo - a first for him on this magazine. Congrats!

In other news, Adrian Gonzalez recorded his 2,000th hit of his career last night when he doubled in to the right field corner in the sixth inning. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It's cool, one of those milestones that just means I have a lot to be grateful for and thankful for," Gonzalez said. "That was really cool, special, seeing the guys in the dugout, the Dodgers fans in the stands. I know there's a lot of people back home smiling as well, especially my wife and my kids and my parents and my brother. It's a cool feeling."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1958 Gil Hodges hit his 14th career grand slam. It set a new National League record for grand slams in a career. BTW, Don Drysdale also walloped two solo homers himself during the game. In 1989 Tommy Lasorda had Expos mascot Youppi! ejected from a game in Montreal during the 11th inning. The mascot was causing too much noise by jumping on top of the Dodger dugout roof during the 22-inning game. You can watch Youppi! get tossed here. BTW, the Dodgers defeated the Expose, 1-0, on an home run by Rick Dempsey in the 22nd inning.
• Happy Birthday, Red Downs, Phil Page, Lonny Frey, Dale Mitchell & Casey Blake!

2017 Topps Now -- #506 -- Curtis Granderson's Grand Slam

Curtis Granderson is the newest Dodger hero to earn a 2017 Topps Now card. Go here to check it out and order. As you know, he came up with the bases loaded in the seventh inning to put the Dodgers ahead of the Pirates, 5-3. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"That's what he does. He puts together big at-bats and gets big hits," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Granderson. "We've seen that from the other side from him. Back-to-back days, a couple of big homers for us, and obviously for us, the grand slam was huge."

2017 Topps New Era Exclusive Caps and Cards - All the Dodgers

Much like last year, Topps has teamed up with New Era to produce a limited edition card set for fans and collectors. Additionally, they have joined them to create co-branded caps that feature design elements from both the 1987 Topps and 2017 Topps Chrome Baseball card sets. Check them out directly above and below.

Although it is not entirely clear to me, from what I understand the limited edition cards are only available at stadiums across the country. Per a Blowout Buzz:

As part of the promotion, there will be a 32-card set that found only at MLB ballparks when purchasing select Topps and New Era products. That begins on Aug. 1. They’ll get one eight-card pack with the purchase of a cap and team set.

2017 Topps Walmart Online Exclusives - The Clayton Kershaw Card

Here's a new Clayton Kershaw card for the player collectors out there. Featured is a retail exclusive insert only available if you order certain products directly from Walmart's website. According to Beckett, with the purchase of either a blaster box of  2017 Topps Stadium Club or 2017 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball will get you a free five-card Walmart exclusive online set. Go here or here to check out the Walmart website. In addition to Kershaw, the other players in the set are Buster Posey, Carlos Correa, Kris Bryant and Miguel Cabrera

Walmart Online Exclusives

#WM-2 Clayton Kershaw

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Blog Kiosk: 8/22/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

We were witness to a strange and yet fantastic ritual before yesterday's game. Justin Turner, as the eclipse was in full swing, got down on his knees, performed an ancient hand gesture consisting of interlocking middle fingers to form a "w" for winning, and then yelled to get the attention of the bright red sun god in the sky. His bright orange hair immediately burst into flames. Then, like a flash, JT returned to his normal self. I kid you not!

Yasiel Puig, on the other hand, used his newfound powers attained by following in JT's footsteps to help the Dodgers to victory last night. In the 12th inning of a tied game Puig came up and slugged a go-ahead home run for the Dodgers. Per Adam Berry and Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I was just trying to put the ball in play," Puig said. "I was waiting on the fastball, that's his best pitch and the one I struggle with. But I put a good swing on it."

Photo above via Justin Turner on twitter and the pic of Puig via his twitter. BTW, these two jokesters also recreated yesterday's solar eclipse, and it's hilarious. Check that out at the very bottom of this post. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1948 the Dodgers recorded a triple steal in the fifth inning of their game against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field.  Jackie Robinson stole home, Gene Hermanski took third and Pee Wee Reese swiped second base.  In 1965 Giants hurler Juan Marichal attacked Johnny Roseboro with his bat while at the plate. He had been buzzing Dodger batters all day, so Roseboro decided to throw a baseball back to his pitcher while at the same time making sure it barely missed Marichal's face. Quickly, benches cleared and a brawl commenced. See the pic on the right to see what I mean. In 2000 Eric Karros becomes the first Dodger in franchise history to hit two home runs in one inning.  It was against the Expos.
• Happy Birthday, Ned Hanlon, Al Bashang, Jeff Weaver, Randy Wolf & David Huff!

Uncle Robbie's Letter to Scoops at Christie's Auction

The often venerated Christie's auction house is currently running their "Golden Age of Baseball" auction, and it includes numerous historical artifacts; including this fantastic vintage original letter featured here.

Dated February 9th, 1930, Dodger manager Wilbert "Uncle Robbie" Robinson writes to friend and ex-Dodger Max Carey. (auction link)

As you may know, future Hall of Famer Max Carey had just retired from the game after having spent 17 years with the Pirates and the past four seasons in Brooklyn. So now he was looking towards life after playing, and naturally wanted to stay in the game. After all, he was a captain and a leader throughout his time as a player, and many believed he would eventually make a fine manager.

Welcome to the Blue, Jordan Jankowski!

Even with the Dodgers cruising, there is no rest. The front office continues to make moves, and it won't necessarily have any bearing on this season. They know better than most that in order to continue their competitive advantage -- building the deepest team in the league -- they must look at development as a year-round thing. Even with the playoffs looming there's no better time than now to be thinking about next season. The Dodgers, sensing an opportunity, grabbed recently waived right-handed relief pitcher Jordan Jankowski from the Houston Astros. He is 28-years old and was immediately sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City. You can follow Jordan on twitter here: @JJ_Jankowski33. BTW, Jordan can't sing. Go here to check out what I mean. Per a Dodgers press release:

Jankowski has gone 24-16 with a 3.46 ERA in 233 games (28 starts) in six minor league seasons in the Houston organization, striking out 509 in 421.0 innings and limiting opponents to a .228 batting average. He made his Major League debut on May 24 against the Tigers and allowed six runs in 4.1 innings in three big league games with the Astros this year before being designated for assignment on Monday.

Welcome to the Blue, Curtis Granderson!

This recent move came out of nowhere. I had thought, like many others, that the Dodgers were done with their shopping. Instead, they prove once again that you should never take a nap on this team. Not only can they score runs in bunches, but the front office is always looking for ways to improve the ballclub and will make a move at any time. Case in point, following Friday evenings game against the Tigers the Dodgers traded for one-time Detroit star and current Mets outfielder Curtis Granderson in exchange for pitching prospect Jacob Rhame. You can follow Granderson here on twitter: @cgrand3. Per a Dodgers press release:

Granderson, 36, has a .254 career batting average with 312 home runs and 853 RBI in 1,760 games in 14 Major League seasons with the Tigers (2004-09), Yankees (2010-13) and Mets (2014-17). The three-time All-Star (2009, ’11, ’12) and 2011 Silver Slugger also won the 2016 Roberto Clemente Award for his community work. Defensively, Granderson has appeared 1,246 games in center field, 445 games in right field and 59 games in left field during the course of his career. He’s also played in 51 postseason games, tied for the 14th most among active players.

Blog Kiosk: 8/21/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kenta Maeda and Tigers ace Justin Verlander were locked in a pitching duel Sunday afternoon - both of whom had no-hitters going into the 6th inning. Then the Dodgers stuck first when newly acquired outfielder Curtis Granderson hit his first homer as a Dodger to break up Verlander's no-no. Soon thereafter, Maeda lost his when he coughed up four runs during his half of the 6th inning. Per Jason Beck and Catherine Slonksnis at MLB.com:

(Pic via @Dodgers on twitter)

"Well, it's good to go ahead and try to put us in a situation, at that point, to break up the no-hitter, to give us the lead," Granderson said. "But to not get enough to help this team win tonight, I'm a little dissatisfied because you want to put yourself in a situation where we could earn the sweep here."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1970 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder Jerry Royster out of Sacramento High School. He would be traded five years later to Atlanta as part of a package for Dusty Baker, and go on to have a ten-year career with the Braves. In 1975 the Cubs pitching brothers of Rick and Paul Reuschel combine to shutout the Dodgers, 7-0.
• Happy Birthday, Woody Williams, Shawn Hillegas, John Wetteland, Craig Counsell, Ismael Valdéz & Jesse Chavez!

2017 Dodgers Sports Crate - July Edition - Corey Seager!

This is my favorite Sports Crate Dodgers box so far -- not because if features phenom shortstop Corey Seager. Rather, it's filled with stuff I can actually use... even, need. Of course, this all mitigated by the fact that this July edition of Sports Crate is almost a month too late. As you may know, they've been having fulfillment issues, so this box that should have been delivered during the last week of July didn't hit my doorstep until yesterday. Fortunately for them, I've starting to really dig the crates, and I now find myself waiting impatiently every month.

Anyway, let's take a look at this crate. Featured at the very top is the 2017 Topps Sports Crate card of Corey Seager. This is the third Dodger card so far in the set -- Clayton Kershaw and Yasmani Grandal are the others.

At right and below is a Dodger themed car sunshade -- complete with sports crate bag to hold it in. As you can see, I've already put it to good use.

Better Late Than Never -- 2017 Topps Now -- #484 -- Dodgers to 50 Wins over .500

For whatever reason I totally missed this Dodgers 2017 Topps Now card from earlier this week. So, I figured I should highlight it now -- even though it's too late to order. The card above makes note of the Dodgers reaching 50 wins over .500 since the 2004 Cardinals. Go here to check it out.

Blog Kiosk: 8/18/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

One of the premier auction houses in the world is getting into the Baseball business. Christies is currently running their "Golden Age of Baseball" auction at it includes a whole bunch of fantastic Dodger photographs; including the above 1961 spring photo of Dodger aces Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax. (auction link)

There is also the below pic of the 1925 Brooklyn Dodgers during spring training. (auction link) At center are Hall of Famers Wilbert Robinson, Zach Wheat and Sazzy Vance.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959 former Dodger GM Branch Rickey is named President of the newly formed Continental League.  The new third Major League never plays a game, though.  Instead, it became a catalyst for the addition of eight more teams to the American and National Leagues over the next decade.  In 1995 the Dodgers traded for Brett Butler.  This would be his second stint with the team.
• Happy Birthday, Burleigh Grimes, William Marriott, Jim Peterson, Bob Kennedy, Paul Popovich, Don Crow & Yimi Garcia!

2017 Topps Now -- #490 -- Yasiel Puig's Walk-Off

Here's another in a long line of Dodgers' 2017 Topps Now Walk-Off Baseball cards. This time it features Yasiel Puig -- who whacked a game-winning two-run double to left-center to win last nights game, 5-4. Go here to check it out and order.

2017 Topps Clearly Authentic - All the Dodgers Cards

The newest Topps Baseball card product has just hit stores. It is called Topps Clearly Authentic and it features cards made of acetate, instead of cardboard. As you may know, this means the cards are transparent. (I know it's hard to tell in the pics, but I promise you they are see-through) Go here for a complete checklist. There is no base set to chase after -- every card available is autographed (on-card).

Below are all of the Dodger cards available. Only the Julio Urias card comes with a redemption card. The obviously key card here is the 1955 Topps Sandy Koufax reprint autographed card. You can see that at the very bottom.

Autographs

• #CAAU-JU Julio Urias -- redemption card

#CAAU-AT Andrew Toles