Thank You, Brandon McCarthy & Scott Kazmir!

I made a few more fantasy Baseball cards of two recently traded Dodgers -- Brandon McCarthy and Scott Kazmir. Check them out above and below.

As you know, both starting pitchers signed significant contracts with the team, but they also both battled injuries while here. McCarthy was unable to stay healthy for a full season after signing his four year contract -- having thrown just 29 starts over three seasons in Los Angeles. Kazmir, on the other hand, signed a three year deal that saw him stay in the starting rotation during his first season in Blue -- recording 26 starts. Unfortunately, he would not pitch again for the team. The following season he suffered a hip injury that lead to a loss of velocity, and that lead to him not only losing a rotation spot but also forced him onto the disabled list. Kazmir would not pitch in 2017.

Regardless, once a Dodgers, always a Dodger.

Blog Kiosk: 12/29/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a great look at the Brooklyn Dodgers dugout at Ebbets Field just prior to a game. The undated photo, likely from the 1940's, recently sold at RMY Auctions at a very reasonable $45 (auction link).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2016 the Dodgers signed free agent minor league reliever Fabio Castillo. He made his Major League debut with the team last season -- pitching in two games, allowing two earned runs, three hits and a walk while striking out two in 1.1 innings. Castillo had been designated for assignment and is currently a free agent.
• Happy Birthday, Bruce Brubaker, Rod Nichols, Hank DeBerry & Devon White!

Blog Kiosk: 12/28/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

We really should be calling this team the 'Bridegrooms'.

Featured above is a pre-wedding pic shared by the gushing couple before their planned wedding next week. As you may know, Ryu Hyun-jin is marrying sports broadcaster Bae Ji-hyun on January 5th.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers traded for 6' 5" tall reliever Pat Zachry in exchange for utilityman Jorge Orta. In 1993 the Dodgers traded pitcher Isidro Márquez for utilityman Ron Coomer of the White Sox.
• Happy Birthday, Einar Díaz, Don Thompson & Austin Barnes! I'd also like to extend a special birthday shout-out to Bill "Spaceman" Lee.

Blog Kiosk: 12/26/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here are three Hall of Famers - all of which are joining the Dodgers for the first time - hanging out in Clearwater, FL during Spring Training, circa 1932. This pic recently sold at RMY Auction at $169. (auction link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Waite Hoyt, former star of the New York Yankees and who rounded out last season as a member of the Philadelphia Athletics, with Hack Wilson, heavy slugger of the National League who served last season with the Chicago Cubs, demonstrating to Max Carey, new pilot (manager) of the "Robins," how they expect to contribute to a large extent with their batting and pitching in bringing the National League Pennant to Brooklyn this season. The boys are rather modest and had nothing to say as to how they expect to fare in the World Series. But the pennant and the World's Series are both far off for the boys are just about shaking off the winter kinks at the Robins Spring Training camp at Clearwater, FLA.

Unfortunately, the addition of these three greats did little to change the Dodgers fortunes. They finished the season in third place -- nine games behind the Cubs. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 the Dodgers traded Johnny Frederick, Art Herring and cash to the Sacramento Senators of the PCL for outfielder Frenchy Bordagaray. Frenchy would play two seasons on Brooklyn, slashing .297/.332/.389/.721, before being traded to the Cardinals. He would then come back to the Dodgers in 1942 and play an additional four season. Also on this day Commissioner Judge Landis denied the Dodgers' claim to eventual back-to-back no-hit hurler Johnny Vander Meer. The club had signed Johnny in 1933 as an 18-year old, but quickly gave up on him. By the next year, though, he had turned things around. So, the Dodgers filed a grievance claiming he was their property, but Judge Landis disagreed; stating that they only showed renewed interest once he starting throwing better.
• Happy Birthday, Frank Hansford, Andy Rush & Bonnie Hollingsworth!

Welcome to the Blue, Henry Owens!

The Dodgers have made another move. They have claimed prospect left-handed pitcher Henry Owens from the Arizona Diamondbacks -- who had failed to protect him on their 40-man roster. Owens, originally from Edison High School in Huntington Beach, had been drafted by and played six years within the Boston Red Sox organization. Then, he was placed on outright waivers in early December and immediately claimed by Arizona. Now, he is a Dodger.

2017 Bowman Chrome Mini - All the Dodgers Cards

Last week Topps released a complete factory set of 2017 Bowman Chrome Mini cards, and it includes cardboard of many of the top rookies and prospects in the Dodgers system. Go here for a complete checklist.

None of the Dodger cards found here are new us. We've seen both the designs and photo selections available in either their Bowman or Bowman Chrome sets released earlier this season. The only thing unique about this product is that they are miniaturized versions of those cards. Check out all of the Dodger cards below.

Base -- 2017 Bowman Rookies

#55 Rob Segedin

Blog Kiosk: 12/22/2017- Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic 1955 Sporting News press photo taken by Don Wingfield prior to a World Series game between the Dodgers and Yankees. It recently sold at RMY Auction at $225 (auction link here). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Yogi Berra shows Jackie Robinson how he had tagged the Dodgers third sacker in the opening game. Berra still wouldn't admit that Bill Summers, the umpire at the time, was right. Robinson seems to be enjoying Berra's explanation of the play.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2001 the Dodgers traded a couple of minor leaguers for outfielder, spark plug, Boston World Series hero and future Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. 
• Happy Birthday, Jack Jenkins, Buster Burrell, Tex Erwin, Al Ferrara, Steve Garvey & Ken Landreaux!

2017 Bowman’s Best - All the Dodgers Cards

Topps 2017 Bowman's Best Baseball brand came out this week, and I've got pics of most of the Dodger cards found in packs below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Unfortunately, all Cody Bellinger autographed cards come only as a redemption.

Base

#7 Clayton Kershaw             #10 Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 12/21/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yasiel Puig's European vacation continues unabated. You can check out pics of him at the Roman Coliseum here.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1989 the Dodgers signed both veteran outfielder Hubie Brooks and reliever Mike Maddux as free agents.  In 2001 the Dodgers re-signed free agent starting pitcher Hideo Nomo - he had been traded by the Dodgers in 1998. 
• Happy Birthday, Buddy Carlyle, Howie Reed & Roger McDowell!

Thank You, Charlie Culberson!

You gotta love an unsung ballplayer like Charlie Culberson. Most of us -- no, all of us -- didn't expect him to have an impact on the Dodgers when we first signed the minor league free agent castaway in late-2015. Thankfully, he showed us that we were wrong to doubt him. Sure, he wasn't a superstar or even a starter, but he was effective when put into games. Heck, he even helped win a few; including a league championship series.

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: LA Kings Signings Today - Dought, Muzzin and MacDermid

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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I apologize for this late notice.

With the holidays around the corner you shouldn't really expect any athlete player signing opportunities, but there are two events happening today that should catch the attention of LA Kings fans.

Blog Kiosk: 12/20/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Yasiel Puig #SantaPuig truck made a surprise visit to the Evergreen Recreation Center in East LA yesterday afternoon to hand out toys and gifts to local families. As yo can see, smiles were seen all-around.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1976 the Dodgers traded Ted Sizemore to the Phillies for catcher Johnny Oats and a minor leaguer. In 1989 the Dodgers traded Mike Marshall and Alejandro Peña to the Mets for infielder Juan Samuel.  In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Kenny Lofton.
• Happy Birthday, Branch Rickey, Harry Stovey, Bob Hall, Butch Henline, Fred Merkle & Snooks Dowd!

Welcome Back to LA, Matt Kemp! (For However Long You Stay)

I always though we'd see Matt Kemp in Dodger Blue again.

I just didn't think it would happen this quickly.

Welcome back, Matt Kemp!

As you all know, the ballplayer once heralded as our franchise outfielder has returned to Los Angeles. How long he'll be here is still up in the air. All we do know is that this trade cleared some bad debt off the books -- by trading a package of albatross contracts for Matt Kemp's giant whale of a bad contract.

In other words, this deal really had nothing to do with Baseball. Instead, it was a trade of financial instruments.

2017 Topps Transcendent Collection - All the Dodgers Cards

Here is a look at all the Dodger cards found in one of the 87 briefcase sized boxes of 2017 Topps Transcendent Collection. As you know, this is a very expensive product that cost collectors about $25 grand a pop. For that you get a complete base set, a complete sketch card reproduction set, a complete 50 card Transcendent autographed set, one original sketch card or baseball, three additional autograph cards (including an Aaron Judge) and an invitation to an Hank Aaron event. Go here for a complete checklist.

Icons Base

#1 Jackie Robinson              #24 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 12/19/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Wow! This is fantastic.

Above is a look at Ebbets Field on the day of the very first ballgame played at the stadium. Dated April 5, 1913, it shows a preseason exhibition between Brooklyn and their hated rivals, the New York Yankees. Pitching on the mound is Yankee hurler Ray Caldwell. Per Michael Claire at Cut4:

With 25,000 in attendance and 7,000 others watching "the game from the bluffs that loom above the field," Charles Ebbets had to turn away an additional 10,000 fans who wanted to catch the game. Though fans may have wished the park was a little larger, at least they didn't have to put up with the smell of rotting fish. 

How is that relevant, you wonder? Because the "grasslets" on the new field were fertilized with fish chum, during the offseason it gave off "one of the most aggressive odors known to science." Fortunately that had dissipated long before the stadium's opening. 

BTW, the Dodgers took an early 2-0 lead when Jake Daubert hit a homer and a youthful Casey Stengel hit one inside-the-park. The Yankees would then tie it up in the ninth. Fortunately, the Dodgers won the game during their half of the inning to win it in walk-off style, 3-2.

Photo above via Old-Time Baseball Photos on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal to a three year/$39 million contract and Nomar Garciaparra to a one year/$6 million contract.  In 2014 the Dodgers received veteran shortstop Jimmy Rollins from the Phillies in exchange for mionor league pitchers Tom Windle and Zach Eflin.  
• Happy Birthday, Lou Koupal, Gordie Windhorn, Tom Wilson, Welcome Gaston, Wally Gilbert, Rex Barney, Geoff Zahn & Mike Fetters!

Welcome to the Blue, Tom Koehler!

Before we got word of the blockbuster trade that sent several high-priced veterans to Atlanta was announced, we found out on Friday that the Dodgers had added another arm to their bullpen. The Dodgers made their very first offseason move following the Winter Meetings by signing free agent pitcher Tom Koehler to a one-year deal (not yet confirmed and awaiting a physical exam). Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

Koehler, 31, was non-tendered by Toronto, which acquired him from Miami in August. Koehler was 0-2 with a 2.65 ERA in 15 games (14 in relief) with the Blue Jays after going 1-5 with a 7.92 ERA in 12 starts with the Marlins. As a converted starter, Koehler would fit the multi-inning reliever role the Dodgers rely on with most of their starting pitchers lasting barely five innings per game. 

"As teams are trying to maximize roster spots, I think it's going to become more common," general manager Farhan Zaidi said of the multi-inning reliever during this week's Winter Meetings.

Thank You, Adrian Gonzalez!

I still remember that day in 2012 when the entire Baseball world heard the shocking news that the Dodgers now had Adrian Gonzalez in their lineup. As you may recall, the franchise was in turmoil then. Team owner Frank McCourt had effectively been ousted just three months prior, and few people knew exactly what the new bosses had in mind.

2017 Topps Transcendent Collection - The Monty Sheldon Painted Dodgers Baseballs

On Friday I briefly introduced Topps 2017 Transcendent Collection brand by showing off the Corey Seager hand-drawn baseball created by sports artist Mayumi Seto (link here). As you know, this super premium set -- of which there are only 87 boxes/cases in existence -- includes one original artist drawn card or baseball. Of the artistic Baseballs four feature a Dodger, and three of those four were created by friend of Blue Heaven blog, Monty Sheldon.

Over the weekend, Monty was kind enough to send along pics of the three Dodgers' painted baseballs for everyone to enjoy. Check them out below -- Clayton Kershaw, Cody Bellinger and Yu Darvish. He was also kind enough to share a group pic of a bunch of the baseballs he painted for this set. You can see that at the very bottom of this post.

Authentic MLB Baseball Sketch (#/1)

#Clayton Kershaw                         #Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 12/18/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Weekend Odds and Ends

(Via tweet from AGon)

Do you know what happens when you spend all weekend shopping and don't bother lifting a finger to check out any news?

Something big happens, like a blockbuster trade, that you don't discover until a couple days later.

That's what I experienced this morning. I dutifully got up and prepared for work, headed to the office and finally decided to check out my news feed -- something I chosen to ignore all weekend long. To my utter surprise, I discovered that old-friend Matt Kemp is back in LA. (For how long? I dunno.) And just as shockingly, the Dodgers shipped high-priced talent Adrian Gonzalez, Brandon McCarthy, Scott Kazmir, along with utilityman Charlie Culberson and some cash to the Braves in return.

Wow! Stay tuned as I think about some "thank you" and "welcome" post with fantasy Baseball cards.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2009 the Dodgers traded outfielder Juan Pierre to the White Sox for pitchers John Ely and Jon Link. In 2014 the Dodgers traded Tim Federowicz and Matt Kemp to San Diego for Zach Eflin, Yasmani Grandal and Joe Wieland. 
• Happy Birthday, Dave Oldfield, Hub Knolls, Jimmy Pattison, Bill Skowron, Gino Cimoli, Zoilo Versalles, Lance Carter & Micah Johnson!

2017 Topps Transcendent Collection - The Corey Seager Sketch Ball

The highest of the high-end Baseball card brands was officially released today, and I decided to take a little bit of time to see if any of the Dodger cards had made it onto eBay yet. Considering a factory price tag of about $25,000 a box (of which only 87 exist) I figured this would be the only way I'd ever see them. As I was cruising around the online marketplace I saw something that I immediately knew I had to highlight.

Blog Kiosk: 12/15/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday the Dodgers held their annual Children's Holiday Party at Dodger Stadium, and both Joc Pederson and Austin Barnes were on-hand to take in the festivities... And to play dodgeball. Per Rowan Kanver at Dodger Insider:

A day full of games and gifts also included pictures with Santa Clause, dodgeball and sledding. 

“It kind of brings you back to your childhood for sure, playing dodgeball, sled races, playing in the snow,” Barnes said. “It’s a good time.”

Please tell me that the ball headed for Joc was a direct hit.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1968 Dodgers GM Al Campanis traded his own son, Jim Campanis, to the KC Royals.  In 1987 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Mike Davis to a contract.  He would eventually become a hero for taking a walk and stealing a base ahead of Kirk Gibson's walk-off Game 1 World Series homer.  In 2004 the Dodgers signed free agent second baseman Jeff Kent to a three year $21 million contract.  In 2009 the Dodgers trade Juan Pierre to the White Sox for two players to be named later - John Ely and Jon Link. 
• Happy Birthday, George Hemming, Robert Ellis, Nick Buss, Aaron Miles & Doug Rau! 

Welcome to the Blue, Angelo Mora!

With the Winter Meetings officially over there is only one development related to a new addition to the Dodgers to tell you about. This morning, as a part of the Triple-A portion of the Rule 5 Draft, the Dodgers picked up Dominican infielder Angelo Mora from the Baltimore Orioles. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

The versatile 24-year-old infielder hit .291/.334/.435 between Double-A and Triple-A in Philadelphia’s organization last year, spending the majority of the season with Double-A Reading, where he hit .295/.348/.470 with 19 doubles, three triples and nine home runs in 322 plate appearances. 

Mora played all over the place in Double-A last year, logging innings at second base, shortstop, third base, left field and right field. At Triple-A, he only played the infield. The majority of his time was spent as a middle infielder in 2017. 

The switch-hitter batted .287/.330/.409 in 298 plate appearances as a lefty against right-handed pitching and batted .303/.344/.496 in 128 plate appearances as a righty against left-handed pitching.

Blog Kiosk: 102/14/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is another fantastic vintage press photo of an old-tyme Dodger that can be found at RMY Auctions (link here). Featured are (from L-R) Cuban outfield star Pedro Formental, Dick Sisler and Dodgers Game 7 hero of the 1955 World Series Sandy Amorós. They are all decked out in the full uniform of the Habana Club of the Cuban Winter Leagues, circa 1953.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1954 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Sandy Koufax to a contract - a $6,000 salary and $14,000 bonus.  This made Sandy a "bonus baby" (having a bonus over $4,000) and required the Dodgers to keep him on the Major League roster for two years.  As a result, the Dodgers would option Tommy Lasorda to the Montreal Royals.  In 1990 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Brett Butler to a four-year $13 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Deacon Van Buren, John Anderson, Charlie Hargreaves, Chris Heisey & Bill Buckner! 

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Tommy Lasorda, Reggie Jackson and a Couple of Lakers

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: 12/13/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday afternoon, Yu Darvish tweeted the above photo and added the words,

"who has better throwing partner than me?"

Apparently, Darvish and Clayton Kershaw are working out together in Texas -- which is not too surprising considering they both keep their offseason homes there.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 the Dodgers tried to do the unthinkable.  They announced a trade that would send legendary second baseman Jackie Robinson to the hated NY Giants for pitcher Dick Littlefield and $35,000. It would be voided the next day. Jackie would then announce his retirement from the game a few weeks later. In 2001 the Dodgers received Cesar Izturis and Paul Quantril in a trade with Toronto for Chad Ricketts and Luke Prokopec. In 2003 the Dodgers traded Kevin Brown to the Yankees for Brandon Weeden,Yhency Brazoban and Jeff Weaver. In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent veteran catcher Sandy Alomar. Also, they traded troubled outfielder Milton Bradley and Antonio Perez to the A's for Andre Ethier on the same day.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Landrum, Steve Wilson, Nate Oliver, Ricky Nolasco, George Shuba, Carl Erskine & Billy Loes! 

2017 Sportscrate - Final Figurine has Arrived - Joc Pederson

The last of goodies from the 2017 Sportscrate subscription arrived a few weeks back, so I figured I should finally take a moment to put it up. Featured here is the Joc Pederson figurine that was suppose to come in the September edition of Sportscrate.

As you may know, Sportscrate offered a first-of-its-kind team-specific monthly subscription crate service this past season, and fell a bit behind when it came to some of the exclusive items in the crate. Specifically, they went back to the drawing board on the final two player-figurines -- claiming that subscriber feedback lead to changes in physical attributes and better joint articulation.

Blog Kiosk: 12/12/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

With both Spring Training on the horizon and the Winter Meetings currently ongoing in Orlando, I thought this vintage, dated March 2, 1946, International News press photo of several old-tyme Dodgers at Daytona Beach would be perfect. (eBay auction link) Per descriptor attached to the reverse:

PITY POOR DODGERS IN BLEAK FLORIDA.  Daytona Beach, Fla.......It's all right for the fortunate people up North.  They can warm be shoveling snow.  But the poor Brooklyn Dodgers, who are spring training down in Daytona Beach have to light a fire to get the chill out of their bones.  Billy Herman is playing fireman here to get a blaze going for Vic Lombardi, Hal Gregg and Lew Riggs.  Cold weather caused postponement of practice called for yesterday."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers traded for soon to be Hall of Famer Arky Vaughan from the Pirates in exchange for Pete Coscarart, Luke Hamlin, Babe Phelps and Jimmy Wasdell. In 1998 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher Kevin Brown to a seven year $105 million contract -- thus becoming the first $100 million man in Baseball. In 2012 the Dodgers received Skip Schumaker in a trade with the Cardinals -- sending Jake Lemmerman to St. Louis in return.
• Happy Birthday, Buzzie Bavasi, Peter O'Malley, Phenomenal Smith, Derrell Griffith & Orlando Hudson! 

Blog Kiosk: 12/11/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's another vintage photograph taken by legendary Dodgers photographer Barney Stein, circa 1949, of the Dodgers Ebbets Field "Sym-Phony Band" that is currently at auction at RMY (link here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1987 the Dodgers and its rookie GM, Fred Claire, pulled off a trade that would play a significant part in their upcoming 1988 World Series run. They traded starter Bob Welch and Matt Young to the A's and Jack Savage to the Mats for relievers Jesse Orosco, Jay Howell and infielder Alfredo Griffin. Eric Stephen at True Blue LA put together an excellent synopsis of the events that lead to this trade (link here). In 2014 the Dodgers traded Dee Gordon, Dan Haren and Miguel Rojas to the Marlins for Austin Barnes, Chris Hatcher, Andrew Heaney and Enrique Hernandez.
• Happy Birthday, Frank Bell, Gene Wright, Joe Riggert, Ray Phelps, Greg Shanahan, Thomas Howard & Joe Blanton!

2017 Panini Elite Extra Edition - All the Dodgers Cards

2017 Panini Elite Extra Edition Baseball, released this past Wednesday, is their answer to Topps 2017 Bowman Draft brand released on the same day. It features a whole bunch of prospects; including the Dodgers first three draft picks from this year -- Jeren Kendall, Morgan Cooper and Connor Wong. Go here for a complete checklist.

Notably, this set also has cards of Jose Miguel Fernandez available in packs -- he was released by the club just three weeks ago.

Base

#23 Jeren Kendall

#62 Morgan Cooper           #81 Tim Locastro

Blog Kiosk: 12/8/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

A clearly concerned Don Newcombe looks on as Phillies third-baseman Willie Jones receives emergency treatment after being hit in the head by a fastball during a spring training game in Clearwater, FL. The vintage UPI press photo is from March 27, 1956, and is currently at auction on eBay.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 the Dodgers made a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates that netted them Billy Cox, Gene Mauch and Preacher Rowe for Hal Gregg, Vic Lombardi and Dixie Walker. As you know, Jackie Robinson playing for Brooklyn precipitated this trade when Dixie Walker made it known to the front office that he did not want to play with him. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent outfield Luis Gonzalez to a one-year contract.
• Happy Birthday, Eddie Dent, Alan Foster, Jolbert Cabrera & Reed Johnson!

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: A Clipper and a King at the LA Auto Show

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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There will be several athletes meeting with fans at the LA Auto Show this weekend at the LA Convention Center. Go here for a listing of Events & Appearances at the show.

2017 Bowman Draft - All the Dodgers Cards

Topps newest set to hit store shelves is their 2017 Bowman Draft brand. As always, these cards include some of the very first cards of kids drafted in 2017. Of the seven Dodgers in the base set three were drafted just this past summer -- Morgan Cooper (2nd rd), Connor Wong (3rd rd) and James Marinan (4th rd). Go here for a complete checklist. Below are all of the Dodgers' cards.

Base & Base Chrome

Normal Base                        Base Chrome
#BD-30 Morgan Cooper      #BDC-30 Morgan Cooper