2017 Panini Chronicles - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Earlier this week I shared pics of the 2017 Chronicles Dodgers' base cards. Now, here are the rest of the Dodger cards you can find in packs. Please note that the numbering that Panini provides (seen below) for their inserts are entirely inaccurate. They provide just a general listing.

Chronicles Autographs

• #2 Cody Bellinger -- Not Yet Seen -- May Be Redemption

#45 Corey Seager              #49 Joc Pederson

Blog Kiosk: 11/30/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday was quite a day for our retired poet laureate. Not only did Vin Scully turn the emerald age of 90, but he celebrated it by dedicating a brand new statue in Jackie Robinson's honor at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The statue was gifted by Alba and Thomas Tull’s Tull Family Foundation, who produced the film "42". Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I believe, in retrospect, he was the most courageous athlete I’ve ever met,” Scully said. 

Scully said he’ll never forget how kindly Robinson treated him from the first time he met him, and Scully always felt after that he could go up and talk to Robinson at any time, day or night. He added that Robinson never had a fear of failure, and he still marvels at the fact that Robinson stole home 19 times. 

“He will live forever,” Scully said.

On his own longevity, per Tom Hoffarth at the OC Register:

“I don’t believe I’ve ever had any profound wisdom to give to the world at any time,” he said with a laugh. “It’s just been wonderful and I’ve really enjoyed my life and all the blessings God has given, as well as the pain that comes with it. It all makes for your life, right?”

Photos above via the Rose Bowl on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1952, on a local NBC TV program called "Youth Wants to Know," Jackie Robinson charged that the New York Yankees management is racist for its failure to scout, sign and bring up a black players. George Weiss of the Yanks denied the allegations, saying that the team welcomed black ballplayers, "good enough to make the team." (The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 12/1/1952, p. 11)  Elston Howard would become New York's first black player in 1955. In 2010 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Juan Uribe to a three-year $21 Million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Tacks Latimer, Win Ballou, Gary Wayne, Clyde Sukeforth & Shane Victorino! 

The Ralph Branca Collection at Hunt Auctions

Ralph Branca is a name all Dodger fans know. He had spent much of his professional Baseball career in Brooklyn, having started as an 18-year old teenager in 1944 out of Mount Vernon, NY, and went on to witness some of the most important events in the clubs history. Heck, he was a part of much of it. So, when I first saw this group 42 items from the personal collection of Ralph Branca at Hunt Auctions I had to take note.  Featured here are a handful of items that recently sold through Hunt that I wanted to share.

Branca's last All-Star game appearance was in 1949, and shown above is an presentational box given to all National League All-Stars that year. (Auction Link) This item sold for $1,800.

These next two items are not only adorable, but also extremely unique. Heck, one of a kind.

Welcome to the Blue, Pat Venditte!

Spring is already guaranteed to be a strange one -- not because of any expected chatter about their missed opportunities in the World Series. Rather, this upcoming Spring Training figures on being weird because we apparently just signed an ambidextrous relief pitcher named Pat Venditte.

Dodgers signed switch-pitcher Pat Venditte to a minor-league deal, source confirms.

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) November 28, 2017

You heard that right.

Blog Kiosk: 11/29/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

What the heck is this?

Given that today is Vin Scully's 90th birthday I thought I would start off the morning with something I ran into on eBay recently. Above are commemorate Dodger Stadium and Vin Scully coins given away by 76 gas stations this year (much like the handful of pins they sent to fans the past couple years). This is the first I've heard of this promotion, so I am unsure if this is still going on, or is over. I guess I'll have to track down a 76 Station to find out. If you happen to know please pass that along.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 the Dodgers trade two-time batting champ Tommy Davis and outfielder Derrell Griffith to the Mets for infielder Ron Hunt and outfielder 'Gentleman' Jim Hickman, who leaves New York as the franchise's all-time home run leader with 60 round-trippers. 
• Happy Birthday, Joe Orengo, Irv Noren, Brian Holton & Vin Scully!

2017 Panini Chronicles - The Dodgers Base Cards

Panini America's newest Baseball card brand hit the stores last week. It is called 2017 Chronicles and it is basically a mashup of several different Panini product lines under one card brand. For instance, you can find Absolute, Prizm, Spectra and Donruss inserts in packs. There are Chronicle specific cards available, as well.

Featured below are the five different Dodgers' Chronicles base cards. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base

#22 Corey Seager                           #69 Clayton Kershaw

2017 Topps Now -- Postseason Dodgers Bonus Card #2 -- Kiké's Big Day

At long last, the 2017 Topps Now Dodgers Postseason set is complete.

Blog Kiosk: 11/28/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation has just opened up a new program called, "Dodgers Foundation Blue Circle." A donation will support their mission to create opportunities for children in need through programs that focus on engaging kids in sports, helping kids stay active, and promoting academic success. On top of that, you can get some cool giveaways depending on the level of your donation. Go here for more information.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 Burt Shotten is fired as manager of the Dodgers.  Chuck Dressen, who was managing the Oakland Oaks of the PCL, is named as his replacement. In 1969 second baseman Ted Sizemore is named the NL Rookie of the Year. He became the seventh Dodger to win the award. In 1970 starting pitcher Rick Sutcliffe is named the NL Rookie of the Year. He received 20 of 24 first-place votes.
• Happy Birthday, Billy Gasparino, Jose Parra, Ken Howell, Frank O'Rourke & Pedro Astacio!

2017 Bowman Holiday -- All the Dodgers Cards

Here is a look at the Bowman version of Topps' "Holiday" Baseball card products that are now available. This particular brand is exclusively available at local sports card hobby shops around the country and it focuses, as Bowman is wont to do, on up 'n comin' youngsters in the farm. Go here for a complete checklist.

Starting this past November 17th participating shops, while supplies last, gave away free packs of these Bowman "Holiday" cards with the purchase of $10 or more. I am unsure if any of these packs are still available anywhere.

Base Prospects

#TH-AS Andrew Sopko         #TH-AV Alex Verdugo

2017 Topps Holiday - All the Dodgers Cards

The holidays are officially here, and so are Topps' winter season holiday exclusive retail packs. First up is their flagship "Holiday" set that is exclusively available at Walmart. The base "Holiday" set consist of 200 cards and they all come with a snowflake background to celebrate the season. Go here for a complete checklist.

There are eight Dodgers' in the base set, and all of them, with the exception of Cody Bellinger, feature a carbon copy of the flagship version of their card. The Bellinger "Holiday" card, on the other hand, uses a brand new/different photo than they've used before. Furthermore, there are autographed cards of both Bellinger and Corey Seager available, but they can be found only as a redemption.

Base Snowflakes

#HMW48 Yasiel Puig        #HMW75 Clayton Kershaw

2017 Topps Now - Cody Bellinger 2017 NL ROY Award Poster

I know I'm a bit late with this post, so apologize for that. Fortunately, I'm not so late that you couldn't place an order if you wanted to. Featured here is an 11" x 17" poster sized Baseball card of Cody Bellinger, and it celebrates the recent announcement of his winning the "Rookie of the Year" award a couple weeks ago. Go here to check it out and order. At just $19.99 it's affordable, but I wouldn't count it as being potentially rare or limited. I suspect that at least a couple of thousand will be produced -- which would kill scarcity. Nevertheless, I think it would look really great if you can get him to autograph it.

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2017 Leaf Metal Draft Baseball - All the Dodgers Cards

The always prospect heavy Leaf Metal Draft Baseball brand is back from Leaf, and it includes three Dodger youngsters to chase after. First, they include an autographed Cody Bellinger card. Unfortunately, it is only available as a redemption. You will also find autographed cards of Jeren Kendall, the clubs 2017 1st round draft pick, and Edwin Rios. Rios is a 23-year old late-coming slugger who seems likely to be LA bound at some point next season. In 2017 he slashed a collective .309/.362/.533/.895 with 24 homers and 91 RBI's at both Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base Autographs

• #BA-CB1 Cody Bellinger -- Redemption Card

#BA-ER1 Edwin Rios          #BA-JK1 Jeren Kendall

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Blog Kiosk: 11/27/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I would like to extend a hearty Blue Heaven congratulations to Dodgers hurler Alex Wood. Over the weekend he tied the knot in what looks like a gala affair. Check out what I mean in the photo above that was shared by Alex on Instagram.

On a side note, this recent marriage adds to my desire that the club should briefly rename the club the "Bridegrooms" for one game next year - just to celebrate not only the Dodgers past, but also the individual futures of our players.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 Roy Campanella is the named the National League MVP for the second time in his career. He slashed .312/.395/.611/1.006 with 41 homer runs, a league leading 142 RBI's and recorded 7.1 WAR. In 1956 Don Newcombe was awarded the inaugural Cy Young Award, going 27-7 with a 3.06 ERA. A week prior he was given both the MVP and Rookiw of the Year Awards; thereby becoming the first and only player to win all three major awards for a pitcher in one season.
• Happy Birthday, Jimmy Schmitz, Mike Scioscia & Jimmy Rollins!

Blog Kiosk: 11/22/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Kenley Jansen has been spending this winter back home in Curaçao -- hangin' with the kids. Photo above via Jansen on twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1954 the Pittsburgh Pirates took future Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente in the Rule 5 Draft from the Brooklyn Dodgers. As the story goes, the Dodgers had no room for the bonus baby signee on the team roster, so tried to hide him in the minors -- hoping nobody would notice him. Alas, former Dodger GM Branch Rickey spotted him and took Roberto out from under us. In 1977 the Dodgers signed the very first free agent in their history. It is former AL saves leader Terry Forster, who signed a five-year $850,000 contract ($150,000 per season + $100,000 signing bonus). In 1982 Dodger second baseman Steve Sax is named the NL Rookie of the Year.  He is the fourth consecutive Dodger to win the award. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Juan Pierre to a five year $44 million contract. In 2016 President Barack Obama awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to broadcaster Vin Scully. You can watch the presentation of the award to Vin here.
• Happy Birthday, Ricky Wright & Ricky Ledée!

2017 Topps Gallery - All the Dodgers Cards

Topps Gallery Baseball card brand is back, and it's an Walmart exclusive product. Below are all of the Dodger cards that can be found. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base

#26 Yu Darvish                #53 Kenta Maeda

#62 Yasmani Grandal          #100 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 11/21/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

With Black Friday just around the corner I, like much of America, will be spending some time online finding some deals. In order to entice collectors to visit and order from Topps on Black Friday weekend they are offering a special shopping bonus.

The first 1,000 orders for each day over the shopping weekend will receive one of four limited edition Topps Now cards. Blowout Buzz has some details:

The promos will be player-specific to certain days — Aaron Judge (Friday), Mike Trout (Saturday), Carlos Correa (Sunday) and Cody Bellinger (Monday) — and one card will be included with the first 1,000 orders on Topps.com each day. 

There was no posted minimum purchase to receive a card as part of the promotion.

Below are more links to check out:

• This day in Dodgers History: In 1952 Dodgers hurler Joe Black is named the Rookie of the Year. He received 19 of 24 first place votes. 
• Happy Birthday, Simmy Murch, Freddie Lindstrom, Paul Richards, Dick Schofield, Matt West, Andy High & Tripp Cromer!

2017 Topps Luminaries - All the Dodgers Cards

A couple weeks ago Topps released a brand new card product called "Luminaries". It is a super-premium set that features no base cards, and includes only a single encapsulated on-card autographed card in each box for about $200. Go here for a complete checklist.

There are a bunch of different Corey Seager cards available to chase after. Check out most of them below.

Hit Kings Autographs

#HK-CS Corey Seager                #HK-CSE Corey Seager

Hit Kings Autograph Relics

#HKR-CS Corey Seager

2017 Topps High-Tek - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Now that you've seen the 2017 Topps High-Tek Dodgers' base cards, here are the rest of 'em. FEatured below are all of the Dodgers' inserts you can find. Unfortunately, all Bellinger and Seager autographed cards come with a redemption. Also, there appears to be only one Dodgers base card "Clubhouse Image Variation" available and it is of Corey Seager. If any more pop up I will be sure to update this post.

Clubhouse Image Variations

#HT-CS Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 11/20/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It was rivalry weekend here is Southern California. USC faced off against the UCLA on the gridiron and Joc Pederson was on-hand to root for the Trojans. In fact, he lead the team out of the tunnel onto the field. BTW, although Pederson did not go to USC his father did. So, he has a family connection to the university.

Photo above of Joc with Lynn Swann via USC Athletics on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2011 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Luis Cruz. In 2014 the Dodgers acquired relievers Adam Liberatore and Joel Peralta from the Tampa Bay Rays for Greg Harris and Jose Dominguez.
• Happy Birthday, Leon Cadore, Rube Ehrhardt, Jay Johnstone, Rick Monday, JD Drew & Alex Guerrero!

2017 Topps Archives Signature Series Postseason Edition - The Dodgers Cards

Following on the heals of Topps Archives Signature Series buyback cards release earlier this month is the "Postseason" edition of Archives Signature Series. It includes ballplayers who have played a significant part in postseason play. Go here for more information.

According to the supplied checklist there are eight players who once wore Dodger Blue that are available. So far, I've been able to track down signed Archives cards of seven of those eight Dodgers - the only missing piece being Rickey Henderson.

Below is just a sampling of known Dodger cards that are available in packs. There are no doubt more out there, so below is far from a complete checklist.

On a side note, I really hate that they made Andruw Jones Dodgers' cards. He was terrible for us and I'd rather forget about his short stay in Los Angeles. Furthermore, I gotta get that Jesse Orozco 1988 Topps card. He played such a huge role for the team - not only as a reliever, but as the man who basically help lit the fire under Kirk Gibson during Spring Training that season.

#Andruw Jones

Blog Kiosk: 11/17/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Sing and be merry was the theme in this original December 17, 1974 Sporting News press photo of Don Sutton with some young fans at the Dodgers annual Christmas party. (eBay link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Don Sutton and Santa Claus lead youngsters in a singing of Christmas carols at the Dodgers' annual party for children on Tuesday at the Stadium Club. More than 200 youngsters were in attendance and Dodger players in attendance included Sutton, Ron Cey, Al Downing, Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes and Steve Yeager.

Those kids in the photo are likely at or near their 50's today. Does anyone recognize themselves? Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1913 Wilbert "Uncle Robbie" Robinson is named the new Brooklyn Dodgers skipper. He would compile a 1375-1341 (.506) record in Brooklyn during his 18-year Hall of Fame career.
• Happy Birthday, Sam Post, Lew McCarty, George Stallings & Brad Havens!

2017 Topps High-Tek - The Dodgers Base Cards

Newly released this week is Topps 2017 High-Tek Baseball packs, and featured below are all six Dodgers' base cards. Go here to see a complete checklist.

As you know, this set has numerous base background pattern variations available for each player. From what I can tell, there are 16 different patterns and each player has eight different background pattern variations to chase after.

Base

#HT-CK Clayton Kershaw        #HT-CBE Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 11/16/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is another original Willard Mullin drawing I ran into while pursuing the Heritage Auction catalog. (auction link) It dates to the 1956 season and prominently features mascots for the Dodgers, Giants, Braves and Reds.

The famed Brooklyn Dodger "Bum" is seen strutting his stuff while wearing a Sal Maglie button on his lapel. At the same time the NY Giants mascot is on the bottom right screaming "Sic Transit Gloria Fifty-One." In other words, our ol' foe is lamenting the prestige lost since their glorious 1951 season that saw Bobby Thomson hit a walk-off homer to win the pennant. After all, as the cartoon says, many of the players on that Giants team have now moved on -- Maglie to the Dodgers, Thomson to the Braves and starting pitcher Larry Jansen to the Reds.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 Sandy Koufax missed out on winning his second MVP award by ten votes to Pirates outfielder Roberto Clemente.  As you know, this would be Koufax's last major league season. 
• Happy Birthday, Joe Strauss, Glenn Burke & Julio Lugo!

2017 Panini National Treasures - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

At long last here are the Dodgers non-base cards found in packs of 2017 Panini National Treasures. Go here for a complete checklist.

All-Decade Relics

#5 Mike Piazza

2017 Topps Now - Cody Bellinger Wins the NL Rookie of the Year Award

Above is the 2017 Topps Now commemorative card celebrating Cody Bellinger's unanimous selection as the 2017 National League Rookie of the Year. Go here to check it out and order. You still have a few hours before they close its sale. As you can see, the reverse of the card includes only his 2017 statistics.

Blog Kiosk: 11/15/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out the 1991 Dodgers in the photo above. It was shared by Dodgers photograph Jon SooHoo on his blog yesterday, and it features a travelling contingent of Dodger players in Mexico for an exhibition series during Spring Training. In light of recent news that the Dodgers and Padres would be playing a series of games in Monterrey, Mexico next season, this photo is very timely.

As you may recall, the Dodgers headed south in 1991 to play a couple of exhibition games against the local club, Industriales de Monterrey, and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Notably, the game against the Brewers marks one of the last starts Fernando Valenzuela threw in Dodgers Blue, and he was magnificent that day. He went five innings, allowed only two hits, gave up one run, and even drove in a run on a single. Best yet, 27,000 of his countrymen came out to cheer, scream and whistle their appreciation for the Mexican born pitcher. Per Bill Plascke at the LA Times:

It was only an exhibition. But to those who understand Valenzuela's search for shreds of Fernandomania, it was much more. 

"We knew Fernando's importance to his country before we came down here, but to see it, to feel, to hear it . . . it was an extraordinary moment," said Peter O'Malley, the Dodger owner who had a front row seat at Estadia Monterrey. "This is one of the most exciting experiences I've had since I've been with the ballclub."

A couple of weeks later, with the regular season looming, Fernando Valenzuela would be released by the Dodgers. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1962 Dodger Hall of Famer Don Drysdale is named the NL Cy Young Award winner.  He went 25-9 with an 2.83 ERA, 19 complete games and 232 strike outs.  In 1988 Dodgers outfielder and legend Kirk Gibson was named the NL MVP.  
• Happy Birthday, Pat Ragan, Jay Partridge, Mickey Livingston, Jack Smith & Pedro Borbón!

A $1 Million Jackie Robinson Jersey

I'm astounded by the recent sale values of vintage memorabilia. A Babe Ruth game jersey can sell for millions. The original rules for basketball written by James Naismith himself sold for over $4 million a few years ago. The owner of the Montreal Royals and Brooklyn Dodgers first-year contracts of Jack Robinson are expecting millions when it finally comes to bid. Above is another million dollar Robinson item that is currently available at Heritage. (auction link) Featured is Jackie Robinson's rookie jersey from the 1947 season. It is already valued at $1,250,000 with nine total bids and just five days to go.  Best yet, it comes with a letter of provenance from Mrs. Rachel Robinson:

2017 Topps Now - Puig and the Entire Dodgers Team Earn Wilson Defense Awards

Here is another group of Topps Nows cards released over this past weekend that I failed to post about. Featured are cards celebrating awards won by Yasiel Puig and the entire Dodgers team.

The card directly above honors Yasiel's much deserved 2017 Wilson Defensive Player of the Year award in Right Field. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

While committing just one error all year, Puig’s combination of range and arm strength made him a regular in the Dodger lineup regardless of how he was hitting during the season (though he also set career highs in home runs and RBI in 2017). 

He led all National League right fielders in ultimate zone rating (UZR — 12.1) and tied Jason Heyward for the most defensive runs saved (DRS) at the position in the NL (18). He also led all NL right fielders in FanGraphs’ defensive runs above average stat, which measures a player’s defensive value relative to league average.

Blog Kiosk: 11/14/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic photo tweeted out by Alex Cheremeteff‏. Dated to 5/29/1953, it features several old-tyme Dodgers ushering in a new season for the Uptown Little League at Kennard Field, Pittsburgh. On the top row are (from L-R) Roy Campanella, Gair Allie, Jackie Robinson, Joe Black, Carlos Bernier, Sam Narron, and Ronald Gray holding shoes on left. Photo was taken by Pittsburgh photographer Charles “Teenie” Harris during his 40-year career with the Pittsburgh Courier. I also ran into another photo of Harris' from this day located in the archives of the Carnegie Museum of Art that you can check out on the right.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1979 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher David Goltz to a six-year $3MM contract. The former eight-year Twins veteran went 9-19 with a 4.25 ERA in three season with the team before being release in 1982.
• Happy Birthday, Harry Howell, Red Sheridan, Jim Brewer & Tim Hamulak!

Original Sandy Koufax - Nicholas Volpe 1964 Painting

I was really hoping this painting would fly under the radar.

Featured above is an original Nicholas Volpe painting of Sandy Koufax that was used to create his 1964 Union Oil player portrait. (auction link) As you may know, the Dodgers marketing partnership with Union Oil in the 1960's brought about numerous giveaways that were available at local gas stations throughout the Southland. One of the more popular of which were 8 1/2" x 11" player portraits.

These little works of art were created by Nicholas Volpe - a well regarded portrait artist who received a lifetime commission from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to create Oscar portraits.

You can check out the actual player portrait given out by Union Oil on the right. Also, this Koufax portrait was also used by Maruzen Oil in Japan for a limited edition promotion related to the Dodgers 'Tour of Japan' in 1966. You can see that here.

As I indicated above, I was hoping this painting would get overlooked at the Goldin Auction. With only a week or so left til the auctions close I decided to place a bid in hopes of adding it my my wall. At the time, there were no bids on the painting, so I figured there may a chance it gets overlooked by Koufax collectors. Unfortunately, a flurry of bids came in late, and it ended up selling for a little more than what I was willing to pay. It closed at $491 (including buyer premium). In retrospect, that price might be low.

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2017 Topps Now - Bellinger is a NL Rookie of the Year Finalist

This newest Topps Now card of Cody Bellinger is superfluous. After all, we all know he's going to win the award - to be announced this evening. So, what's the point of a "finalist" card if it's reasonably assured he'll come away the victor?

Sales, baby!

It's all about the dollars and cents.

Available right now (for at least a few more hours) is the above card. Go here to check it out. As you may know, the official winner will be announced on the MLB Network this afternoon at 3:00 PM PST. Soon thereafter you should expect a Cody Bellinger "ROY" card to be available from Topps Now.

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