Welcome to the Blue, Tim Locastro!

This figures to be the very last call-up of the 2017 regular season. The Dodgers have just brought into the fold infielder/outfielder Tim Locastro from Triple-A Oklahoma City. He will wear #70. Per a Dodgers press release:

Locastro, 25, will make his first career appearance on a Major League roster in his fifth professional season after splitting time with Triple-A Oklahoma City and Double-A Tulsa this season. In 127 combined games with the OKC Dodgers and the Drillers this year, Locastro posted a .308/.383/.454 slashline with 31 doubles, four triples, 10 home runs, 40 RBI and 34 stolen bases. He has split time between the infield and the outfield this season, playing in a combined 47 games in center field, 46 games at second base, 31 games at shortstop, nine games in left field and two games in right field.

2017 Topps Triple Threads - The Dodger Rarities

Here is a last look at the Dodger cards found in packs of 2017 Topps Triple Threads. Below is a checklist and examples of the various scarce cards that can be found. Go here to check out all of my previous post on this set.

All-Star Patches (#/9)

• #ASP-CE Corey Seager
• #ASP-CK Clayton Kershaw
• #ASP-KJ Kenley Jansen

#ASP-CE Seager                   #ASP-CK Kershaw

Museum Worthy Jackie Robinson Memorabilia at Lelands

Imagine that your the first African-American to play on a Major League field -- the highest honor a ballplayer can ask for. Then imagine doing it at a time when racial discord and animus ruled the day. Layer on top of that a game where throwing at someones head was par for the course. Then mix that all together and you have recipe for violent confrontation.

This is what Jackie Robinson faced when he first donned Dodger Blue in Major League Baseball. He was cursed at, spiked at and thrown at. In fact, he got beaned nine times during his rookie campaign -- falling just one shy of the league lead -- and you know it wasn't because he leaned into them. Pitchers were throwing at his head, and that can cause some serious damage. So, how do you protect against that when the kind of batting helmets we see today did not exist?

Blog Kiosk: 9/29/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The most wonderful hazing ritual in sports continues unabated.

Yesterday afternoon, just prior to their leaving for the last regular season roadtrip, the Dodgers dressed up their rookies in hilarious Halloween-styled costumes. Check out all the 'rooks" above, along with a handful of veterans having a good laugh.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1951 Don Newcombe became the first African-American 20-game winner when he and the Dodgers defeated the Phillies, 5-0. In 1959 the Dodgers won game two to sweep a three-game playoff against the Milwaukee Braves to win the National League pennant. They had ended the regular season in a tie, 86-68. The victory came in the 12th inning when Carl Furillo knocked in Duke Snider with a single. In 1976 Tommy Lasorda is named the new manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He succeeds Walter "Smokey" Alston who compiled a 2040-1613 record during an 23-year career as the Dodgers manager. In 1979 Manny Mota set a Major League record with his 146th career pinch hit at Dodger Stadium against the Chicago Cubs. In 2000 Gary Sheffield tied the Dodgers franchise mark for home runs in a season at 43.  He hit it off of Padres pitcher Woody Williams in San Diego. 
• Happy Birthday, Dave Orr, Gus Weyhing, Hunkey Hines, Harry Lumley, Oris Hockett & Joe Thurston!

2017 Topps Triple Threads - The Dodgers Unity Cards

Here's a look at all the Dodgers unity inserts found in packs of 2017 Topps Triple Threads. Go here to check out all of my previous post on this set.

Single Jumbo Unity Relics

#SJR-AG Gonzalez             #SJR-CKE Kershaw

Who is this African-American Ballplayer in Dodger Blue?

Lelands currently has a huge auction filled with Baseball history. In fact, there are some fantastic Jackie Robinson memorabilia that I'll write about a little later. What I want to do today is point to an item that has me intrigued.

We all know about the numerous Negro League ballplayers who joined the Dodgers franchise during those early years of integration -- Jackie, Campy, Newk, Joe Black, Don Bankhead and the often forgotten John Wright. What we have here, though, are a couple of vintage photographs, dated to 1947, taken by legendary Dodger photographer Barney Stein of a ballplayer that no one seems to know. Check them out above and below. (Auction Link)

Blog Kiosk: 9/28/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

These guys had a great game yesterday. Austin Barnes, who is looking more and more like our catcher of the future, not only caught a great game but also pounded out three hits; including two doubles, to drive in two runs. Rich Hill is looking like his old self. He pitched seven shutout innings, struck out ten and walked only two batters to record his 12th win of the season. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“I think it all comes down to effort and comes down to the way you go about your business,” Hill said of keeping his feel. “It doesn’t matter when the game is or when the next outing is, for me it’s about keeping that effort consistent and that intensity consistent. When you’re doing that you’re giving yourself a chance.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 Orel Hershiser broke Don Drysdale's Major League record for consecutive scoreless innings pitched at 59.  He went ten scoreless innings against the Padres in San Diego, but unfortunately did not walk away with the victory. The Dodgers eventually in the 16th inning, 2-1.  In 1997 Mike Piazza set the Los Angeles Dodgers record for home runs at 40. He hit two homers against Rockies starter John Thomson in Colorado.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Fournier, Whitey Witt, Glen Moulder, Todd Worrell, Héctor Giménez & Jerry Sands!

2017 Topps Triple Threads - The Dodgers Triple Relic and Autographed Cards

Now that you've seen the base cards, here are some of the inserts. I thought I would start with the cards that gives this brand their name. Featured directly below are both the relics and autographed relics that include cleverly spelled out phrases. These cards have three relic pieces with cutouts that highlights a professional achievement or a nickname. Sometimes, though, they are kinda stupid.

For instance, they gave Julio Urias a card that spells out, "October Kid" -- even though the young lad has mixed and minimal experience in the postseason. Last year he came out of the pen in the NLDS to pitch two scoreless innings against the Nationals. Then later on he started against the Cubs, but got shelled.

On another note, all Corey Seager autographed cards come with a redemption. Also, one of the five different Julio Urias Autographed Triple Relic cards come as a redemption -- which is weird.

Autograph Triple Relics

• #TTAR-CS1 Corey Seager -- Redemption Card
• #TTAR-CS2 Corey Seager -- Redemption Card
• #TTAR-CS3 Corey Seager -- Redemption Card

#TTAR-CBE1 Cody Bellinger

#TTAR-CBE2 Bellinger                 #TTAR-CBE3 Bellinger

Video: Darvish Shares a Players Perspective of the Dodgers Clinching on YouTube

After nearly two months in Dodger Blue Yu Darvish has decided to finally publish his very first Dodgers video on YouTube. For those who don't know, starting this season Darvish opened a channel there, but hadn't been particularly active. While in Texas he put up only eleven videos -- mostly sharing his workout regimen as he prepared for the season. Now, he shares his very first Dodger video and it's awesome. It features his perspective of the Dodgers clinching the division title this past weekend. Go ahead and watch the entire ten minutes below.

BTW, be sure to watch the whole thing. At about the 8:30 mark Kiké Hernández gathers the crew together on the mound to provide some inspiration.

Video Link:
Hat Tip: Redditor u/killerpikachu33

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Blog Kiosk: 9/27/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This past month has certainly been a struggle. Nevertheless, we now find ourselves with the best record in the National League and an offense that appears to be waking back up. Best yet, our pitching seems to have turned a corner. Last night Alex Wood staked his claim to a playoff start when he went six innings against the Padres to record his 16th win of the season. Although, he recorded  only one strikeout (which is troubling) while allowing eight hits and only two earned runs. Certainly not the best outing, but I'll take it. Per Joshua Thornton at MLB.com:

"It's out of my control, but I expect to start," Wood said. "I've been pretty good all year. I think guys trust me with the ball in my hands, so we'll see what happens."
...
"He's definitely pitched well," Roberts said. "We're continuing to watch and find a way to win as many games as we can. We're still not prepared to make a decision (about playoff rotation)."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 future Dodgers Hall of Fame skipper Walter Alston played in his only Major League game. It was as an 24-year old first baseman for the Cardinals, and he got into the game as a late-inning substitution for Johnny Mize. He would commit an error on the field in two chances, and only get a single at-bat -- he struck out. In 1951 future basketball Hall of Famer Bill Sharman was on the bench for the Dodgers as a 25-year old prospect. On this day he would be thrown out of the game, along with 14 other teammates, for "bench-jockeying" after a close play at home. He would never get a chance to play a Major League game, and thus became the only player to be ejected from a game without ever appearing in one. In 1961 Sandy Koufax recorded seven strikeouts against the Phillies to set a new National League record for strikeouts in a season at 269. The mark was previously held by Giants hurler Christy Mathewson who set it in 1903 with 267 strikeouts. In 2000 the Team USA Baseball team, skippered by Tommy Lasorda, beat the overwhelming favorites Cubans ballclub to win the gold medal in the Olympics.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Visner, Doug Baird, Whit Wyatt, Len Matuszek, Jason Phillips, Vicente Padilla & Jon Garland!

Blog Kiosk: 9/26/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

100 wins never felt so good.

Last night the Dodgers, for the first time since 1974, won their 100th contest of the season -- reaching the mark for the seventh time in franchise history. Furthermore, for just the fourth time in their history they have recorded more than 300 doubles as a team, and are just seven double short of tying a club record. Per AJ Cassavell and Josh Thornton at MLB.com:

"It's quite an accomplishment," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said about 100 wins. "The guys have done some great things, the coaching, the training staff. It's been a great team effort and it's taken a lot of players to get to this point. We haven't accomplished our ultimate goal, but to step back and say we won 100 baseball games is quite a feat."

Better yet, the victory over the Padres saw Yu Darvish's best outing in Blue. He went seven innings, struck out nine San Diego batters, walked none, allowed just two hits and one earned run. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I think I’m in a really good position, physically and mentally,” Darvish said Monday through a translator.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1975 Burt Hooton set a Dodgers record for starters when he won his 12th consecutive game. In 1981 the Dodgers were no-hit by legendary fireballer Nolan Ryan of the Astros in Houston, 5-0. It would be the fifth no-no of his career. You can watch the last out of the game here.
• Happy Birthday, Bernie Neis & Brian Traxler!

2017 Topps Now - #652 - Kershaw Records 7th Season with 200 K's

Yesterday afternoon Clayton Kershaw provided one of a dozen different reason why he is already a Hall of Famer. Not only did he win his 18th game of the year, but he also recorded his 200th strikeout of the season for the seventh time in ten Major League seasons. That puts him in rarefied territory. Over the past 100+ years of the game only twelve pitchers have had that many 200+ strike out seasons, and of those twelve only Detroit's Mickey Lolich is not considered a Hall of Fame caliber player.

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

The next homestand starts on Monday against the San Diego Padres. 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 

The Nacho Tots will be available for this homestand only against Padres and will be available in Field section 10, Loge section 136 and Reserve section 31. It features golden fried tater tots with carne asada, nacho cheese, Pico de Gallo, and sour cream. See it on the right.

The Dodgers have launched the Extra Innings Lounge on the Top Deck. It is a great place to wait out traffic and enjoy City views postgame. The Lounge will be open from the seventh inning until one hour after the final out during the final six regular season home games, and serve beer, wine, soft drinks and coffee. The Lounge is located just outside the stadium gates on the Top Deck, and can be accessed through either the Top Deck seating area or by walking up the stairs from the Reserve Level. It is near a Dodger Stadium Express Metro Bus Stop and the Lot 11 Uber lot.

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Monday, September 25th at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Blog Kiosk: 9/25/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Weekend Odds and Ends

Yesterday's 99th win of the season was punctuated by another great performance by staff ace Clayton Kershaw. He went eight scoreless innings, struck out six and walked no one as he recorded his 18th victory. Best yet, his sixth 'K' of the afternoon was his 200th of the year -- marking the seventh time he has recorded that many strike outs over his entire career. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“You take pride in your consistency,” Kershaw said. “That’s something that I think is really important as a starter is to be out there for every fifth day for the whole season. I’ve missed time the last two years, which is something I don’t really like to do.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers won their first NL pennant in 21 years when they defeated the Braves in Boston, 6-0. In 1956 Dodgers hurler Sal Maglie no-hit the Phillies at Ebbets Field, 5-0. At 39 years old he became the oldest pitcher to throw one. You can listen to the last inning of Maglie's no-no (as called by Jerry Doggett with Vin Scully wrapping it up) here. In 1974 Dr. Frank Jobe does the first ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery on Dodgers pitcher Tommy John left elbow. The revolutionary procedure would soon be known as Tommy John Surgery.
• Happy Birthday, Dave Walsh!

2017 Topps Now - #642 & #643 - Clinching & Bellinger's Record Blast

Cody Bellinger has been a revelation this season. He didn't make the Dodgers out of spring training, but soon got the call 21 games into the year. Quickly, he would make his presence known in LA.

During his fifth game in Dodger Blue he socked his first two home runs. By game 40 he had twelve dingers and was slugging a healthy .544. When game 60 came around it was obvious that Bellinger was a rookie unlike anything we'd ever seen. He had recorded 24 homers by this time, with 56 RBI's and a OPS of .998. Last night, on his 124th game, he rocketed his 39th home run of the season to break and set a new National League rookie record for homers.

A Couple Oddball Jackie Robinson Things to Hang on a Wall

As you all surely know, Baseball collectors are not immune to impulse buying. In fact, I think it's fair to say that a lot of collections are built on those unplanned purchases. I know as a kid I did it often, and now as an adult it appears that I have not grown out of it.

A few weeks back I won an auction, and it was entirely unexpected. Check out my winnings above and below.

What happened was that I had placed a very early opening bid, and assumed it would receive several other bids soon thereafter. Obviously, that didn't happen. Instead, I proved to be the only bidder at $10.

So, what did I win?

2017 Topps Triple Threads - The Dodgers Base Cards

This past Wednesday saw the release of one of Topps most popular sets --  2017 Triple Threads. Below are the six Dodgers found in the base set. Go here to see a checklist. I hope to have pics of most of the Dodgers inserts next week. So, stay tuned.

Base Cards

#16 Clayton Kershaw            #17 Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 9/22/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I am hoping desperately that there isn't an "ESPN Curse" 'cause I don't think I can handle that. As you can see, Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner and Yasiel Puig are featured on the cover of this coming months issue of ESPN The Magazine MLB - Playoffs Issue. BTW, the Cleveland Indians are also on the cover (I assume in newsstands on the east coast). Per a story inside via Tim Keown; "You Win Some, You Lose Some: Two dramatic streaks will define the Dodgers' 2017 season -- unless they can pull off something even more memorable in October."

It's jarring to watch a team that considered winning a byproduct of its existence profess a joyless pride in a minimal level of competitiveness. Twice a day, Roberts talks about signs of life as if assessing the vitals of a comatose patient. The Dodgers had the best 50-game streak in 105 years and the franchise's longest losing streak in 73. Same team, same season. On the day his team broke the losing streak, Roberts said, "A lot can change in three weeks. We've lived it."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Duke Snider hit his 39th and 40th homers of the season to tie a National League record for hitting at least 40 home runs in five consecutive seasons. His second homer also proved to be the last home run to ever be hit at Ebbets Field. In 1954 Dodgers pitcher Karl Spooner, in his Major League debut, shutout the Giants, 3-0, at Ebbets Field. He fanned 15 Gnats and allowed only three hits. In 1976 Don Sutton, for the first and only time in his career, won his 20th game of the season when he defeated the Giants, 3-1. In 1986 Fernando Valenzuela became the first Mexican ballplayer to win twenty games in a season when he defeated the Astros, 9-2.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Joyce, Doc Marshall, Tommy Lasorda, Sweet Lou Johnson, Doug Camilli, Jim Fairey, Jeffrey Leonard, Dave Sax & Mark Guthrie!

Giants Series Starts Friday - Autographs, 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

The Brunch At The Park will be available for this homestand only against Giants available Field section 22 and 23 and Loge section 136. It features Kings Hawaiian bun dipped in French toast batter stuffed with Farmer John’s breakfast sausage, fresh berries, maple syrup and powdered sugar. See it on the right.

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Friday, September 22nd at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

2017 Topps Gold Label - All the Dodgers Cards

This week saw the release of two Topps Baseball card sets -- Triple Threads and Gold Label. Below we take a look at all of the Dodgers' Gold Label cards. Go here for a complete check list.

There are 100 base cards in a set that includes both current and retired ballplayers. Furthermore, each player (all 100 of them) have three different "classes" available of them. So, in actuality, all 100 players in the set have three different base cards, and this translates into a 300 card base set. As you can see below, each different class of card  uses a different background photo. Also, each class is scarcer than the other -- Class 1 being the most common. Take a look at all the Dodger cards available in the set below.

Base

#19 Cody Bellinger

#31 Corey Seager

I'm Now a Topps Now Collector -- Dodgers 2017 Players Weekend Set

For Players Weekend a few weeks back Topps issued a special five-card set to commemorate the occasion. Yasiel Puig, Corey Seager, Kenley Jansen, Chase Utley and Justin Turner were chosen to be featured in the set. Having yet to add a Topps Now card to my collection I decided I would finally dive in and place an order. Yesterday afternoon it arrived. Check out the entire Players Weekend Dodgers Topps Now set below. BTW, this set has a print of 345 copies.

On a side note, it's nice that Seager is a part of the set, but it would've been best to include someone who actually put something fun on the back of his uniform... Like, Chase Utley... The "Silver Fox."

#PW-66 Yasiel "Wild Horse" Puig

Blog Kiosk: 9/21/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As we continue to be concerned about the current state of the team, I think it's important to recognize that so many of our ballplayers have close ties to the areas that are currently facing difficult times. A devastating earthquake and a series of destructive storms have pummeled Mexico City, the Southeastern United States, and the Caribbean (especially the island of Puerto Rico). We, like the Dodgers, should keep all of them in our thoughts.

Photo above of Yasiel Puig via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 Cardinals starter Paul "Daffy" Dean ho-hit the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field, 3-0. In 1952 the Boston Braves play their last home game in Boston in a game against Brooklyn. Of the 8,822 fans on-hand most are rooting for the Dodgers. The Braves would move to Milwaukee the next season. In 1997 Mike Piazza becomes the first Dodger, and the first player in 25 years, to hit a home run out of Dodger Stadium. He whacked it off Rockies pitcher Frank Castillo over the Left Field Pavilion, and it is said to have traveled 478 feet. Willie Stargell was the last player to do it before Piazza. You can watch the monstrous homer here.
• Happy Birthday, Frank McManus, Max Butcher & Manuel Barrios!

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: A Dodger, Two Lakers and a Ram

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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Turner's Doppelganger - Some Fun Fantasy Cards

Like most of you, I was introduced to a fellow on social media who bore a striking resemblance to a certain red-headed infielder on the Dodgers -- Justin Turner. The Dodger Blue wearing fan was seen all around Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park, within the stadium and with numerous Dodger players -- enjoying selfie and selfie. After all, when you look like the older retired version of a very popular current Dodger player you're gonna have a good time.

Meet Tampa Bay resident James Worley and check out his style. The fellow sports lustrous red hair with a long beard to match, and a stout body that looks like what I imagine an aging and retired Justin Turner might look like decades from now.

BTW, you can follow Worley on twitter here: @RedTurnTwo. He shares a bunch of great pics with both players and fans alike.

Obviously, with Turner's doppelganger being the proverbial "toast of the social media town" I had to take a few moments to make some fantasy Baseball cards of him. Check them out above and below. I've even included a card that features both Worley and Turner in a selfie (below).

Blog Kiosk: 9/20/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yu Darvish was very good last night. He went 5.1 innings, giving up one unearned run, four hits and a walk. He also struck out seven phillies. Per Ken Gurnick and Ben Harris at MLB.com:

"I think I'm in a pretty good place," Darvish said. "I think I'm where I need to be at this time of the season."

Unfortunately, one pitcher is not where he needs to be. Pedro Baez came in to hold the lead, but proceeded to yield four runs to lose the game. Per Andy McCullough at the LA Times:

“It hasn’t been a good stretch,” Baez said. “I’m grateful that they keep giving me the opportunity.”

Photo of Yu Darvish above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1907 the Dodgers are no-hit by Pirates rookie Nick Maddox, 2-1. In 1959 the Dodgers and Giants play the last ballgame ever at San Francisco's Seals Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Giants 8-2. The Giants would play at Candlestick Park the next season. In 1993 pinch-hitting machine Dave Hansen collected his 18th pinch-hit of the season to set a new franchise record. In 2011 Clayton Kershaw becomes the first Dodger twenty game winner since Ramon Martinez in 1990. He defeats the Giants 2-1.  BTW, DodgerFilms was there and shared a video that you can watch here.
• Happy Birthday, Nelson Greene, Vic Lombardi & Chuck Dressen!

Blog Kiosk: 9/19/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Chase Utley remains a very popular person in Philly.

Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2000 a Dodger fan, in addition to other court-ordered restrictions, pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of causing a disturbance at a sporting event, and has been banned from attending home games in Los Angeles for 18 months. The irate patron during a May 30th game threw coffee in the face of a Mets fan who was cheering a grand slam hit by New York's catcher Todd Pratt. In 2014 Clayton Kershaw won his 20th game of the season for the second time in his career. He is the first Dodger pitcher to win 20 game twice since Claude Osteen in 1969 and 1972.
• Happy Birthday, Sadie McMahon, Jack Ryan, Red Barkley, Duke Snider, Joe Ferguson, Scott Baker & Charlie Haeger!

2017 Topps Heritage High Number - The Dodgers Cards

Now that you've seen the base cards, here are the rest of the Dodgers'. Featured below are all of the Dodger inserts, relics and autographed cards found in packs of 2017 Heritage High Number.

Of note, there is a Corey Seager Clubhouse Collection Autographed Relic card available that is not listed on Topps official checklist for this set. I've added a pic below.

Real One Autographs

#ROA-AT Toles                 #ROA-CB Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 9/18/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I want to send out a hearty congratulations to the Dodgers Rookie-Level minor club, the Odgen Raptors, for their first ever Pioneer League Championship victory yesterday. Per William Boor at MLB.com; "Uceta helps lift Ogden to first Pioneer League title."

Mitchell Hanson, who had been just 2-for-10 in the postseason, put the Raptors on the board early with a two-run double in the top of the first. Hanson's hit got the offense rolling and the Raptors broke the game open with runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings via RBI hits from Brayan Morales, Connor Heady, Luis Paz and Romer Cuadrado. With the offense rolling, it was up to Edwin Uceta and the rest of the Raptors' pitchers to keep the Voyagers' offense in check and that's exactly what happened.

Per Michael Leboff & Andrew Battifarano at MiLB.com:

"We said very little in between games, the players dominated the dialogue," Raptors manager Mark Kertenian said. "They just got ready to get back to work and that's very characteristic of this group."

...
"They were fired up," Kertenian said. "They're happy for each other and they're enjoying each other. These guys understand that they are part of a good baseball team. They cared for each other and challenged each other, everybody feels very involved right now and they're expressing that."

Photo above of the team travelling home after winning via the Raptors on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2006 the Dodgers came back from a four run deficit with four consecutive home runs by Jeff Kent, JD Drew, Russell Martin and Marlon Anderson to tie the game against the Padres at 9-9. They would then win the game in the tenth inning when Nomar Garciaparra hit a two-run homer to come from behind again to win, 11-10. You can watch highlights of all five round-trippers here.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Tepsic, Dick Dietz, David Sells & Ken Brett!

2017 Topps Now -- #613 -- Bellinger Ties NL Rookie Homer Record

After sitting on the bench for eleven days due to a sprained ankle in mid-August, Cody Bellinger is back to his homer hitting ways. Last night he walloped his 38th home run of the year to tie a National League mark for homers by a rookie. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

Roberts said Bellinger now has his legs back under him "literally and figuratively," although Bellinger said he doesn't believe he wasn't himself as soon as he was activated. 

"He's taking really good swings, moving well, in the batter's box he's staying inside the strike zone," said Roberts. "For him, it's not about left-handers or right-handers. To have him in the order to slug or take a walk to keep the line moving, he's a big part of our offense."

No doubt he'll be the record holder soon. To commemorate this newest achievement a new Topps Now card has been issued. Go here to check it out and order. Per the description on the reserve:

2017 Topps Heritage High Number - Dodgers Base, Variation and Parallel Cards

Topps 2017 Heritage High Numbers Baseball was released earlier this week, and below is a look at all the Dodger cards in the base set. Go here for a complete checklist. This set includes Cody Bellinger's first Heritage card.

Base Set

#507 Brandon McCarthy

#528 Logan Forsythe