2017 Topps Archives Snapshots - All the Dodgers Cards

Here is a Topps product release earlier this month that I just plain forgot about. Featured here are all of the Dodgers' cards found in packs of 2017 Topps Archives Snapshots. This is an online exclusive product. You can purchase boxes directly from Topps here. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base

#AS-CS Corey Seager           #AS-RC Ron Cey

Blog Kiosk: 10/31/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Game 6 is tonight. I'll see you there.

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

• Happy Birthday, Stephen McKeever, Hardie Henderson, Leo Dickerman, Fred McGriff, Oreste Marrero & Javy Guerra!

2017 Topps Now - World Series Edition - #841, #843, #849 & #850 - Game 5

I am again running late. Featured here are the newest Dodgers' Topps Now cards made available yesterday afternoon. They all relate to Sunday's thrilling, yet disappointing loss to the Astros in extra innings.

First up is a Cody Bellinger card highlighting his fifth inning three-run home run to give the Dodgers a short-lived 7-4 lead. Go here to check it out and order.

2017 Bowman High-Tek - All the Dodgers Cards

Last week Topps released their inaugural version of their High-Tek brand to Bowman -- focusing the brand on the rookie/prospect ballplayers so often found in Bowman card. Go here for a complete checklist. Below are all of the Dodger cards that can be found in packs. Thankfully, there are no redemption cards for any of the Dodgers'.

Base

#BHT-CB Cody Bellinger      #BHT-WC Willie Calhoun

Blog Kiosk: 10/30/2017 - Dodgers Links - World Series Weekend Odds and Ends

I'm scared.

Not because I'm afraid of the Dodgers losing (yes, that certainly is a possibility). Rather, I'm frightened by what this series is doing to me. I don't know if my body can stand this anymore.

Clearly, last night was the most thrilling game ever. There were ups and downs experienced by everybody, and I suspect the roller coaster that has been this series will not abate any time soon. What we have here is a good ol' fashioned shootout between the games two most potent offensive forces -- pitching be damned. As most folks have already said, this is turning into one of the greatest World Series' of all time.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 the Dodgers sell Ebbets Field to real estate developer Marvin Kratter. The sale includes an initial three-year lease for the team and is eventually extended two more years. This sale is the first clear signal that the franchise would be seeking a new home soon. In 1963 Sandy Koufax is named the National League MVP Award winner. 
• Happy Birthday, Bobby Bragan, Chet Kehn & Tom Brennan!

2017 Topps Now - World Series Edition - #833, #837, #838, #839 &840 - Game 4

I'm extremely late with this, so I apologize for that. Here is a post featuring the 2017 Topps Now cards released in relation to Saturday's Game 4 victory - tying the series up at two games apiece. First up is an Alex Wood card that celebrates his outstanding start. He went 5.2 innings to stymie the Astros and help the Dodgers hold on for a victory. Go here to check it out and order. At the time of this post there is still a couple of hours to order. Also, there are two different autograph/relic limited edition cards also available of Wood (as well as Cody Bellinger), but they are all sold out now. Per the description on the reverse of the Wood card:

Heading into Game 4 of the World Series down 2-1, the Dodgers needed a strong outing from starter Alex Wood, and Wood more than delivered. Wood threw 5.2 inning to start the game, becoming the first Dodgers pitcher in history to reach that mark in a World Series game.

"It Happened on Flatbush" - an Vintage Movie Poster at REA

Robert Edwards Auction is closing up on their current Fall offering this weekend, so I wanted to point to one particular item I ran into while thumbing through the catalog. Check out the above circa 1942 vintage movie poster put out by Twentieth Century Fox. It is for a film called, "It Happened on Flatbush" -- a Baseball comedy that is inspired by the 1941 Brooklyn Dodgers. (auction link)

I mention this because as I was doing a little bit of research I discovered that someone had uploaded it onto youtube, and I figured this is a perfect opportunity to let you all know about it (if you've haven't already seen the movie). Watch it at the very bottom, or go here (youtube link).

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As you may know, the 1941 team is considered by many to be one of the best to have ever played and not win a championship. In fact, noted sabermetric guru Bill James referred to the club as, "The Greatest Teams That Never Was."

Blog Kiosk: 10/27/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

For those who don'e already know, tonight's Game 3 of the World Series in Houston will start at 5:20 PM PT this evening. In fact, all future games in the series has had the start times adjusted to begin at that same time.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1890, the Brooklyn Bridegrooms (Dodgers), in their first season as a member of the National League, lost Game 6 of an World Series against the Louisville Colonels of the American Association, 9-8.  The loss shrank the Dodgers lead in the series to 3-2-1 -- Game 3 ended in a 7-7 tie due to darkness.  Game 7 will be played the next day.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Mulvey, Al Scheer, Ed Albosta, Hector Valle, Jason Johnson & Onan Masaoka!

2017 Topps Now - World Series Edition - #820, #821, #825, #826 & #829 - Game 2 Cards

After last nights game the Dodgers are saying all the right things. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"If you thought it was going to go 4-0, you're crazy," Puig said. "These are the two best teams in American baseball. That's what you get." 

Jansen agreed. 

"No, we're not frustrated," he said. "Nobody tells us it's going to be easy. The Houston Astros, the best team in the American League, we got to flat-out earn it. We'll go to their place and battle."

Wise words from two very important Dodger cogs. Following that, here are today's crop of Dodgers' 2017 Topps Now cards highlighting the Dodgers Game 2 loss. Although we are all clearly disappointed, we must all reflect on the fact that last nights multiple comeback efforts is proof that this team does not know how to quit. We just need to persevere, and I have faith that this team can do just that.

2017 Topps Update Series - The Dodgers All-Star Cards

Here's a final look at some of the Dodger cards found in packs of 2017 Topps Update. Below we get a glimpse at the All-Star Game cards featuring the Dodgers. Please note that all the Seager and Bellinger autograph cards come with a redemption.

All-Star Stitches Relics

#ASR-AW Alex Wood                   #ASR-CB Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 100/26/2017 - Dodgers Links - Nobody Said it was Going to be Easy

Although we didn't come away with a victory last night, I am more certain than ever that THIS TEAM does not know how to give up. These guys battle -- always -- even after falling behind three times they still found the gumption to fight back. Sure, things didn't work out as planned, but that's okay. If there's one thing this game teaches it's perseverance, and THIS TEAM has got that. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I'm going to get my shot at them. When I get my shot, I'm going to help my team win," Jansen said after the Astros beat the Dodgers on Wednesday night in Game 2 of the World Series presented by YouTube TV, 7-6, in what is shaping up to be a true Fall Classic. "I'll be back for Game 3. The team will give me a shot again, my guys will pick me up again."

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 Walter O'Malley became the ninth president and chief stockholder in the Dodgers franchise.  Following the death of team owner John L. Smith (who owned one-quarter of the club) O'Malley navigated a deal where he bought Branch Rickey's share of the club and essentially became a trustee over the Smith family portion to take over majority control.
• Happy Birthday, Doc Newton, Tommy Griffith, Ed Vande Berg, Mark Sweeney & Daniel Coulombe!

2017 Topps Now - #813, #814, #815, #816 & #818 - Dodgers Game 1 Victory

I don't know what I'm going to do. The avid collector in me wants everything playoff and World Series related in my collection, but I've been extremely hesitant about ordering Topps Now cards.

I did get my first Topps Now cards recently (called the Postseason Playoff set) and decided against my best judgement to get the World Series Matchup set, so should I buy them all now? I sure do love the timeliness of them - the fact that each one points to a specific play or event during the Series. Does that mean I should also get the cards highlighting the Astros players too? I'm confused and I need to make a decision soon 'cause the first batch of 2017 World Series Topps Now cards are available, and they look great.

BTW, both Clayton Kershaw and Chris Taylow have autograph and/or game-used base relic Topps Now cards available. Unfortunately, they are already sold out. Pic of these are at the very bottom.

Here is the first of the bunch and it highlights last night's opening ceremony. Go here to check it out and order.

2017 Topps Diamond Icons - All the Dodgers Cards

Last week saw the released of a brand new Topps product called Diamond Icons. As the name suggest, it is a super-premium high-end card set that will cost you $1,500 for a single box of ten cards. Nine of those ten cards are guaranteed to be autographed on-card. Needless to say, I doubt I'll ever open any of these. Go here to see a complete checklist.

Since this brand promises only on-card autographs there are several Dodgers' who are only available through a redemption card. This includes all Cody Bellinger, and some of the Kershaw and Seager cards. Below are most of the Dodgers you can find in packs.

Autographs

• #AU-CBE Cody Bellinger -- redemption card

#AU-CK Clayton Kershaw       #AU-CSE Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 10/25/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

What a game. What a win.

Kershaw was brilliant as he went seven strong innings, striking out eleven and walking none with just 83 pitches. In fact, he is just the second pitcher in World Series history to have recorded 11 K's with no walks -- the other pitcher to have done so was Don Newcombe. The bullpen extended their playoff scoreless streak to 25 consecutive innings. Chris Taylor opened the Dodger offense with a leadoff homer that seemed to shock the Astros pitcher (he shocks us too, Dallas). Most importantly, the man with fantastic orange locks, Justin Turner, continued his clutch hitting. He lead the way as he walloped a two-run dinger in the sixth inning to give the Dodgers a lead that they would not relinquish. Per Eric Stephen at True Blue LA:

“He really took a great swing,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Gosh, JT has had so many big hits for us this year.”

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1981 in Game 5 of the World Series the Dodgers won their third straight game against the Yankees to take 3-2 series lead.  Pedro Guerrero and Steve Yeager hit back-to-back homers, and Jerry Reuss pitched a 2-1 complete game for the victory.
• Happy Birthday, Mickey Hughes, Jack Doyle, Weldon Henley, Russ Meyer, Pete Mikkelsen, Tito Landrum, Mike Harkey & Pedro Martinez!

Dodger Roster for the 2017 World Series

(graphic via SportsNet LA on twitter)

At long last we have the Dodgers roster for the World Series, and it includes a small surprise. Both Kyle Farmer and Curtis Granderson are off the 2017 World Series roster. So, who will replace them?

As you know, Corey Seager is expected to be back on the field, so he will be one of the new faces in the Dodger dugout. The other player will likely come as a surprise. Dodgers pitcher Brandon McCarthy, who has pitched only six inning since late-July, will join the Dodgers as a reliever. Per JP Hoornstra at the OC Register:

The 6-foot-7 right-hander has been restricted to simulated games and bullpen sessions since the regular season ended, but could become a useful multi-inning option in a best-of-seven series. 

McCarthy, 34, went 6-4 with a 3.98 earned-run average during the regular season. He began the year in the Dodgers’ rotation and posted a 3.84 ERA in 16 starts. But the veteran was never fully healthy, whether it was a right knee injury that caused him to miss a start in July, or a recurring finger blister that caused him to miss all of August and most of September.

2017 Topps Update Series - Dodgers Inserts: MVP, Postseason, World Series and Salute Cards

Take a look at even more Dodgers' inserts found in packs of 2017 Topps Update. Featured here are the MVP Award Winners, Commemorative Medallion, an Own the Name Relics checklist, Postseason Celebration, Stored World Series and Salute Dodgers' cards.

MVP Award Winners

#MVP-4 Clayton Kershaw          #MVP-6 Sandy Koufax

Blog Kiosk: 10/24/2017 - Dodgers Links - It's World Series Day!

Congrats!

On the eve of the 2017 World Series Sporting News announced that Cody Bellinger is the recipient of the Sporting News' 2017 Rookie of the Year award. As you may know, SN has been giving out this award since 1946. Per Jason Foster at the Sporting News:

Bellinger, 22, who didn't reach the majors until late April, wasn't even guaranteed a full-time job upon his call-up. At the time, the Dodgers were awaiting the return of injured players such as Joc Pederson, Franklin Gutierrez and Logan Forsythe, and manager Dave Roberts said Bellinger probably wouldn't be with the team for the long haul even if he performed well. 

 But sometimes you've just got to be so good that they can't ignore you.

Bellinger did indeed stick around for the long haul, quickly surged to the top of the National League's rookie class, made the All-Star team and ultimately left everyone else in a homer-filed wake. When the dust settled on Oct. 1, Bellinger led the Dodgers in home runs (39; a team rookie record), RBIs (97) and slugging percentage (.581; also a team rookie record). 

Graphic above via the Sporting News. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1963 Sandy Koufax is named the unanimous winner of the Cy Young. In 1972 Dodgers great and Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson died of an heart attack at the age of 53 at his home in North Stamford, CT. In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in Game 4 of the World Series, 8-7, to tie the series up at two games apiece.   In 1986 Dodgers shortstop Bill Russell announced his retirement from the game after an 18-year Major League career. 
• Happy Birthday, Charlie Jones, Eddie Stack, Harry Smythe, Ralph Onis, FP Santangelo, Wilton Guerrero & Rafael Furcal!

UPDATED! - World Series Series Starts on Tuesday - Food, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The World Series starts on Tuesday against the Houston Astros. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming best-of-seven playoff series. 

Please note that temperatures are expected to be 100 degrees come game time in Los Angeles, so be prepared.

Here are some important links:

• 2017 Broadcast Schedule
• Postseason Information

(WS Patch, pic via JP Hoornstra)

Pregame coverage can see seen on Facebook Live starting 90 minutes before each game with Dodger Insider, SportsNet LA’s Leadoff LA and Access SportsNet Dodgers. Postgame Access SportsNet Dodgers will also be streamed on Facebook Live, as will Dodgers Insider shows during workout days. 

Fox Sports will televise the World Series, and Joe Buck will be calling the play-by-play alongside analyst John Smoltz. They will also be joined by reporters Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci. 

The umpires for this World Series will be veteran John Hirschbeck (crew chief), Chris Guccione, Sam Holbrook, Marvin Hudson, Tony Randazzo, Larry Vanover and "Cowboy" Joe West.

At the moment stadium and pregame information is still a bit sparse, so I will update this post when more information is released.

UPDATE: There has been a recent change regarding game start times. Now, Game 3 and all following games will start at  8:20pm (ET) [7:20pm (CT)/5:20pm (PT)]

2017 Topps Update Series - Dodgers Inserts: All-Rookie, Heroes, Untouchables and 1987

Now that you've seen the base cards, here are some of the Dodgers' inserts that can be found in packs of 2017 Topps Update. You will find the 1987 Topps throwback cards, a Dodgers' Cut Signature checklist, Heroes of Autumn, Topps All-Rookie Cup and Untouchables cards.

BTW, it appears that neither Cody Bellinger or Corey Seager have autograph cards inserted into packs. There are only redemptions available. Also, the Topps All-Rookie Cup cards are lame. They include a reprint of the Fernando Valenzuela's 1982 card, but fail to include a "Rookie Cup" logo. I understand the original card didn't have one either, but if you're going to include him this kind of set then you need to make the effort to actually have the "Cup" in there. Heck, having that card reprinted with the "Cup" would make it a very unique issue. Instead, Topps has failed us all.

1987 Topps Baseball - Rookies and Trades

#US87-34 Cody Bellinger         #US87-39 Corey Seager

2017 Topps Now - World Series Matchup Cards - Dodgers vs. Astros

Today, it has been announced that a ten-card 2017 Topps Now World Series Matchup card set is now available for order. As the name suggest, each card compares the starters for the main top ten positions, and it offers bonus cards should the person highlighted earn the World Series MVP, has a 3 homer game or throws a complete game. So, you can pick and choose which one you want (and maybe get some bonus cards), or you can purchase a full-ten card bundle for $59.99 (go here to order). BTW, each card can be purchased individually for $9.99, and is discounted heavily should you buy a larger lot of the cards.

From what I can tell, the player or position favored in the matchup appears on the front of the card. Only three positions do not have the Dodgers favored, with the shortstop position left blank for the Dodgers (due to Seager's uncertainty at the time of this announcement). Below is a look at all ten cards.

Starting Pitching:

This card pits Kershaw, Darvish, Wood and Hill versus Keuchel, Verlander, McCullers and Morton. Go here to check it out and order.

More Dodgers Fantasy Cards -- Clubhouse Celebration

As I had promised previously, here are even more Dodgers' fantasy Baseball cards featuring the "Boys in Blue" celebrating after their Game 5 victory over the Cubs. As you will notice, I used only card designs from 1988 - for obvious reason.

I think I might make some more, so stay tuned.

Blog Kiosk: 10/23/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Are you ready for some World Series Baseball!

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 Dodger President Branch Rickey announced that the team has signed two black players, shortstop Jackie Robinson and pitcher John "Needle Nose" Wright, to play with Brooklyn's Triple A team in Montreal. In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in Game 3 of the World Series, 5-4. Fernando Valenzuela threw a nine-hit complete game. In 1998 Davey Johnson becomes manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. 
• Happy Birthday, Lave Winham, Rube Bressler, Lee Grissom, Billy Sullivan, Solly Drake & Jim Bunning!

2017 Topps Now - #792, #793, #794, #795 & #796 - Bring On the World Series

You knew this was coming.

Following last night's overwhelming NLCS victory comes a plethora of Topps Now cards to celebrate the occasion. There are five different 2017 Topps Now cards and seven different autograph/game-used base relic cards of Kiké Hernandez available. Unfortunately, all of the Kiké auto/relic cards are all now sold out. A complete listing is at the very bottom. Below is a look at the five cards that honor last night's win.

First up is a card that makes note of Cody Bellinger's first inning double to drive in the Dodgers first run of the game in the first inning. Go here to check it out and order. See the reverse of the card on the right.

These Cards are Fantasy - Our World Series Berth Is Not

It's raining champagne!

Here are come fantasy Baseball cards featuring pics grabbed from last night's Game 5.

Stay tuned, I'm planning on making a bunch more; including some more celebratory cards using only card designs from 1988.

2017 Topps Update Series - The Dodgers Base & Variation Cards

The first order of business before I share a bunch of recently made Dodgers' fantasy Baseball cards is to point to some real cardboard gold that has recently hit the marketplace. A couple of days ago Topps released their end-of-the-year flagship 2017 Topps Update brand and it includes a boatload of Cody Bellinger cards to chase after. There are four different base cards found of him and an additional three more cards are available as short prints - making it a total of seven different Bellinger base cards available to collect. Go here for a complete checklist.

This set also includes a Yu Darvish in Dodger Blue card as a short print, but fails to include either Tony Watson or Tony Cingrani (both of whom were traded to the Dodgers on the same day as Darvish).

Check out all the Dodgers base and variation cards below.

Base

#US38 Cody Bellinger AS            #US50 Cody Bellinger RC

Blog Kiosk: 10/20/2017 - Dodgers Links - World Series Bound!

Wow!

That was as dominating a win as you'll ever see. From the get go, the Dodgers attacked, and all the Cubs could do was crawl into their dens and contemplate the upcoming hibernation season.

We are going to World Series, baby! WooHoo!

Above is a fantastic pic of the Scully's celebrating the Dodgers win, via Cat Scully on twitter. I also thought the photo on the right, as shared by Justin Turner himself on twitter, deserves some praise. That's a great shot.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 the Dodgers defeated the A's in Game 5 of the World Series to win the championship at the Oakland Coliseum.  Orel Hershiser pitched a complete game, struck out nine and gave up four singles in the 5-2 victory.  He would also be named MVP of the series.  Mickey Hatcher hit a first inning two-run home run to start the offense for the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday:  John Russell, Jigger Statz, Jack Franklin, Pat McGlothin, Juan Marichal & Rudy Seanez!

Fantasy Baseball Cards from Game 4

Even with the loss nothing can stop the fantasy baseball card machine. Featured here are some fantasy cards featuring pics from Game 4 from 'round the 'net.