2018 Topps Series 1 Baseball - Check Out All the Dodgers Base Cards

First, we had the FanFest. Now, we collectors can rejoice at the release of Topps' 2018 flagship Baseball card set.

As you certainly know, today marks the official release of Topps Series 1 Baseball, and I've got pics of all the Dodger base cards to share. I also have pics of the known short prints/variations. Check them out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Of note, there are an extraordinary number of horizontal Dodger cards (9 of 17 cards). Also, both Walker Buehler and Alex Verdugo are included in this base set.

Base

#2 Clayton Kershaw LL

#35 Logan Forsythe           #42 Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 1/31/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic vintage photo recently shared by Old Time Baseball Photos on twitter of the "Roy Campanella Night" exhibition game at the LA Coliseum between the Dodgers and Yankees in early May, 1959.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers signed future Hall of Famer Paul Waner to a free agent contract. In 1972 former Brooklyn Dodger players Rube Marquard (known mostly as a Giant) and Dave Bancroft (also mostly a Giant) were selected by an Hall of Fame Special Veterans Committee for enshrinement. In 2001 a certain article was published in the WSJ related to the most infamous pennant race in National League history. Written by Joshua Prager, he details how the Giants team stole catchers' signs during the 1951 pennant race -- overcoming a Dodgers 13.5 game lead. You can read the original article here. In 2003 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Wilson Alvarez. In 2005 the Dodgers signed pitcher Scott Erickson as a free agent. 
• Happy Birthday, Hank Aguirre, Ted Power, Stuffy Stewart & Jackie Robinson!

Blog Kiosk: 1/30/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Justin Turner hosted the third annual Justin Turner Golf Classic yesterday afternoon. Per Ryan Walton at True Blue LA:

“To see how much this event has grown in just three years has been amazing to us,” said Kourtney Turner. “Sponsors have been reaching out to us wanting to get involved after they heard what we’re doing in the community. They want to be a part of it and it’s incredible to us.” 

Monday was the first time in the three years that Turner himself has actually played in the event. The Dodger third baseman was anxiously awaiting his chance to play while he and his wife personally put together gift bags in their garage Sunday night.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2008 pitcher DJ Houton is sold to the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks (Japan Pacific). In 2017 the Dodgers traded Carlos Frias to the Indians for cash. 
• Happy Birthday, Davey Johnson, Red Smyth, Mal Mallette, Sandy Amoros, Charlie Neal & John Lindsey!

2018 Topps Series 1 Baseball - The Dodgers Silver Chrome Promo Pack Cards

This is an important week for Baseball card collectors. This coming Wednesday is the official release date for Topps' 2018 Series 1 flagship Baseball card brand, so you should expect a flurry of post about the set over the coming days. Go here to check out the entire checklist. As an incentive to visit a hobby store, a limited number of 2018 Topps Series 1 promotional Silver Chrome packs are available when you purchase a box at your local shop (only) -- so, this isn't available at Walmart or Target.

How it works is for every box (hobby & jumbo) that you purchase at your local card shop will get you a certain number of these packs. Each pack consist of four cards and features a 50-card base set on the vintage 1983 Topps Baseball card design. Each card also comes with a 35th anniversary stamping and an exclusive chain pattern background known as "mojo." There are also autographs available. Go here for this promo checklist.

Blog Kiosk: 1/29/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The crush of fans at the Dodgers FanFest on Saturday was overwhelming. So much so, it was almost impossible to traverse the outfield -- let alone the stadium concourse. Nevertheless, it seems that most folks had a great time. It has been announced that over 35,000 were in attendance. Wow! Stay tuned as I'll have my pics from the day up soon.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1961 one-time Dodger Max Carey, along with deadball era outfielder Billy Hamilton, are elected in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Carey played four seasons in Brooklyn, slashing .260/.346/.339/.685 with three homers and 81 RBI's, and managed the club from 1932-1933. He recorded a 146-161 record as the Dodgers skipper. In 1967 former Dodgers GM Branch Rickey, along with Pirates outfielder Lloyd Waner, are elected by the Veterans Committee into the Baseball Hall of Fame. BTW, Waner was a Dodger for a short time in 1944 -- having had 17 plate appearances in 15 games and slashing .286/.412/.286/.697. In 1988 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Kirk Gibson to a three-year $4.5MM contract.
• Happy Birthday, Henry Medicus, Bill Krieg, Ray Hayworth, Hank Edwards, Steve Sax, Jason Schmidt & Mike Bolsinger!

Blog Kiosk: 1/26/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This was probably one of the cooler events held by the Dodgers during this week-long Community Tour. Yesterday afternoon Yasiel Puig joined in solidarity with several pediatric cancer patients to have his head shaved. It happened at Dodger Stadium and included a pizza party for all those who attended. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I get excited to do this for the kids," said Puig. "These kids are fighting for their lives. I want to come here for the kids. I like children. Sometimes they have situations like these with cancer, spend a lot of time in the hospital, have a lot of surgeries. Maybe this makes them excited, and that's why I want to do something for the kids. And I like it." 

And the hospital likes Puig. 

"We're phenomenally grateful to the Dodgers' organization for this; it's a great team effort, and we feel very privileged to serve the families and communities that need our services," said Dr. Charles Simmons, professor and chairman of pediatrics at Cedars-Sinai. 

"The kids and their families are so resilient, and we are reminded all the time that it's not just about yourself and how you adapt, but the people around you. And the Dodgers give them a sense of self and part of a team effort. It's very impactful."

Photo at the very top via Puig on twitter. Group photo on the right via Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2017 the Dodgers signed super-stud free agent reliever Brandon Morrow.
• Happy Birthday, Jeff Branson, Kaiser Wilhelm, Johnny Frederick & Antonio Perez! 

Blog Kiosk: 1/25/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Both Kenley Jansen and Nomar Garciaparra joined the Dodgers Community Tour yesterday afternoon by hosting a skills clinic for RBI youth at GBG Training Academy in Inglewood. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"This reminds me of when I was younger, and I see guys like Andruw Jones and Randall Simon in my country give clinics," said Jansen, now 30 with two All-Star appearances and two National League Reliever of the Year Awards. 

"Just to give back to these kids and the community is an awesome thing," he said. "Reminds me how amazing it is to be with a Major Leaguer. Maybe a few of these kids can have their dream to be a Major Leaguer like me."

Photos above via the Dodgers Foundation on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 Giants skipper Bill Terry, when asked about the Dodgers prospects for the upcoming season, remarked, ""I haven't heard anything from them; are they still in the league?" This obviously caused all of Brooklyn to scream in outrage, and ultimately lead to the Dodgers' greatest revenge. With the Giants tied with the Cardinals and with just two games left to play in the season (both against Brooklyn), the Dodgers would sweep to deny them the pennant.
• Happy Birthday, Danny Richardson, Ray Schmandt, Ed Head & Ed Goodson!

Congrats, Jim Thome! You're a Hall of Famer!

I don't care what you say. Jim Thome is a Dodger Hall of Famer!

I jest, of course. After all, Thome spent a very short amount of time in Dodger Blue during the 2009 season -- having been traded to the team as a late-season pinch-hit threat for the playoff run. During that season he never got on the field, and only recorded four hits in 17 at-bats. In the playoffs he went 1-2 with a walk.

Regardless of his short stint in Blue I felt it necessary to make a bunch of Thome fantasy Dodgers Baseball cards in his honor. Check out all nine in this post.

Gil Hodges in "The Geisha Boy"

Steiner Sports, the famed retailer of sports memorabilia, is currently running their Winter Classic Auction, and it happens to include a very unusual item that is notable to both Dodger fans and fans of Jerry Lewis. Featured above is a 1958 Day Player Agreement between Dodgers first baseman Gil Hodges and Paramount Pictures (auction link here).

As you can see, the agreement is for his appearance in an Jerry Lewis 1958 comedy called "The Geisha Boy." Having never seen the flick and being the curious sort, I decided to do some research and share that here. Per IMBD, we find out what this movie is all about:

Gilbert Wooley (Jerry Lewis) is a second-rate magician who is sent to entertain the troops in the pacific. During his time in Japan he becomes attached to a little orphan boy.

Blog Kiosk: 1/24/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers Community Tour yesterday included a special visit by Yasiel Puig at a local McDonald's and Joc Pederson for a doggie 'Meet & Greet.' Per Michael Duerte at NBC Los Angeles:

Puig signed autographs for fans and employees, and posed for pictures throughout the hours that he was there, saying that he couldn't eat too much McDonald's on the day as he was preparing for Spring Training which takes place next month in Glendale, Arizona. 

"For spring training, I can't eat too much McDonald's today," Puig told the employees at the restaurant. "All of my team is at the stadium right now... Practice and be ready for spring training and make a good year and try to win the championship."

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Pic on the right via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1939 former Dodger Wee Willie Keeler (along with George Sisler and Eddie Collins) are elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Keeler famously said, "hit 'em where they ain't." In 1963 the Dodgers acquired Don Zimmer in a trade with the Reds for a minor leaguer.  This is Don's second stint with the team; having originally been signed by them as an amateur in 1949 and rising up their ranks. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever and soon-to-be legend Joe Beimel. In 2014 the Dodgers signed free agent utilityman Chone Figgins.
• Happy Birthday, Jim Lindsey, Neal Finn & Scott Kazmir!

Dodgers Diamond Anniversary Gets a Special Patch

The marriage between the City of Los Angeles and Dodgers will be 60 years strong this season, so naturally a commemorative patch is in order. This afternoon the team unveiled that patch. Check out an graphic of it above. Below is a look at the real thing on a Kenta Maeda jersey.

Blog Kiosk: 1/23/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The first leg of the Dodgers 2018 Community Tour yesterday included an afternoon with firefighters and first responders at Dodger Stadium. They took part in batting practice and had an opportunity to meet with a whole bunch of Dodgers'. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“We’ve been shoulder to shoulder with our citizens that have just endured an incredible situation, and it does wear on our personnel,” Millers said. “For the Dodgers organization just to give us a little time on the field where many of us have dreamt to be, it’s fantastic.” 

Wood said he knows how crazy the last couple months had to be for all the firefighters who were at Dodger Stadium on Monday, so he’s glad they got to have a day to just enjoy themselves. 

“You see the news with all the wildfires and everything,” Wood said. “I know it’s probably taken a pretty big toll on a lot of these guys and a lot of hours and work they’ve had to put in. To have a day just for them out here and to be a part of it, it’s pretty cool.”

Photo above via LA County FD on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1932 the Brooklyn Dodgers traded for future Hall of Famer Hack Wilson (during the tail end of his career) from the Cardinals for a minor leaguer and some cash. In 1962 Jackie Robinson, along with Bob Feller, are selected for the Baseball Hall of Fame in their first years of eligibility. 
• Happy Birthday, Joey Amalfitano (a Dodgers pitching coach) & Billy Mullen!

This Pic is Cooler than I Originally Thought

I am so annoyed with myself right now, and as I am wont to do these days, I blame it on the flu.

What happened is last week I ran across the above vintage 1955 press photo on eBay (link here) featuring an in-action pic of Tommy Lasorda. Knowing how rare something like this is to see (considering how short his playing career was) I focused on just that fact... But, as helpfully pointed out by Jon Weisman on twitter, it proved to be so much more interesting than that.

Blog Kiosk: 1/22/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Dodgers wedding #6 happened over the weekend. Congrats, Mr. & Mrs. Barnes!

Barnes, Pederson, Ryu, Wood, Stripling and Turner have gotten married this winter.

Photo above via Barnes on Instagram. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 seven ballplayers are declared free agents as a result of an Players Association's 1985 collusion lawsuit against the owners. Kirk Gibson is one of those players, and he would eventually sign with the Dodgers seven days later. The rest, as they say, is history. In 2007 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Pedro Báez as a 19-year old third baseman out of the Dominican Republic. He would eventually convert to a relief pitcher in 2013.
• Happy Birthday, Jay Hughes, Jeff Treadway, Chone Figgins, Wayne Kirby & Carlos Ruiz!

Welcome to the Blue, Jake Peter!

I blame the flu!

I know this trade occurred two weeks ago, so apologize for this late post. As you already know, the Dodgers completed a three-team trade that netted them a reliever named Scott Alexander and a utility player named Jake Peter. This post celebrates Jake's addition to the ballclub. Per a Dodger press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the completion of a three-team trade with the White Sox and the Royals, with the Dodgers receiving left-handed pitcher Scott Alexander and minor league infielder Jake Peter; the White Sox receiving left-handed pitcher Luis Avilán, right-handed pitcher Joakim Soria and cash considerations; and the Royals receiving infielder Erick Mejia and right-handed pitcher Trevor Oaks.

Blog Kiosk: 1/19/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Gorgeous!

Newest Dodger hurler Tom Koehler just got a new glove, via a pic on his twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1972 Sandy Koufax was elected in the Baseball Hall of Fame -- become the youngest player to ever to be enshrined. In 1983 the Dodgers traded popular third baseman Ron Cey to the Cubs for Vance Lovelace and a minor leaguer. 
• Happy Birthday, Dolly Stark & Shawn Tolleson!

Blog Kiosk: 1/18/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's another fantastic action photo of a play at the plate. Featured is an July 8, 1949 International News press photo (eBay auction link) of Roy Campanella tagging Giants pinch-hitter Joe Lafata. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

NO GIANT SCORE HERE---Brooklyn, New York.....Lafata, of Giants, is tagged out at home on Lockman's grounder in 9th frame of Giants-Dodgers game at Ebbets Field tonight. Hodges to Campanella for the out. Umpire Descoli calls the play.  The Dodgers beat the Giants 4 to 3.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2011 the Dodgers signed veteran free agent outfielder Gabe Kapler as a non-roster invitee.  Unfortunately, he didn't make the team and would subsequently be released at the end of March.  As you know, he would soon retire and make his mark in the Baseball front office.
• Happy Birthday, Zeke Wrigley, Eddie Moore, Len Koenecke, Billy Grabarkewitz, Brian Falkenborg & Mike Lieberthal!

Dodgers FanFest Details are Now Here

We finally have some details for the Dodgers sixth annual FanFest at Dodger Stadium. It is set for Saturday, January 27th, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. As always, a full slate of autograph guest and VIP experiences will be available for fans. Go here to check it all out. Admission is free.

I've attended the past five FanFest's and shared a bunch of photos from those days (these post also include numerous links to post from other bloggers).  Check out the below links to check them out.  Below that are details about the player autograph sessions.

• 2017 Fan Fest
• 2016 Fan Fest
• 2015 Fan Fest
• 2014 Fan Fest
• 2013 Fan Fest

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First of all, FanFest tickets are free. So, go here to get them. Also, you must download the MLB.com Ballpark app in order to get those free admission tickets digitally. Parking gates (A, C & E) will open at 9:30 AM and it will be free, as well. You will enter the event either through the left or right field plaza gates at 10:00 AM.

The LA Dodger Foundations (LADF) will host its fourth annual Yard Sale with one-of-a-kind Dodger items for budgets of all sizes; including jerseys, T-shirts and more. There will also be a Mystery Bag Fundraiser where fans can purchase an official Major League baseball autographed by a current or former Dodger.  All Proceeds benefit the programs and charitable giving of LADF.

FanFest autograph tickets officially go on sale on Monday, January 22 at 2:00 PM PST. You will need to go here (www.dodgers.com/fanfest) to get those tickets. This is also where you will go to get tickets for the various VIP Experiences; such as meet and greets, Q&A sessions, pitching lessons, batting lessons, tours, etc. Prices for autograph ticket vouchers has not been release yet. BTW, voucher cost $25.00 last year, so you should figure on them being around that much.

Also, the Dodgers are setting up a free autograph session for kids (14 years old or younger) at the Jr. Dodger Autograph tent in Lot G of the parking lot. Autographs are not guaranteed and players will not be named in advance. An autograph card will be provided to each child to present to the signers. No personal items will be signed at this activation.

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Blog Kiosk: 1/17/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

You do not often see a vintage action photo featured Tommy Lasorda as a player, so when you do it's worthy of sharing. Featured above is a June 1955 press photo that was formerly a part of "The George Michael Collection". Per the descriptor on the reverse (eBay auction link):

Cards Wally Moon safe at home on passed ball. Dodgers Pitcher Tommy Lasorda spoke on the play left the game. Umpire Augie Donatelli. Cards won 1st game 9-4, Dodgers 2nd 10-6.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the Brooklyn Dodgers traded Andy Pafko to the Milwaukee Braves for Roy Hartsfield. 
• Happy Birthday, Tyler Houston, Scott Mullen, Harry Pattee & Don Zimmer!

My Picks for the 10 Best Dodgers' Cards of 2017

With the new year upon us I figured it is now time to share my picks for the ten best Dodgers' cards of 2017. Obviously, this list is purely subjective, so please don't get mad if I left off your favorite. Although, I would love to know which cards I should have included. BTW, this is the sixth consecutive year I've put this list together.  Below are links for those previous posts:

• 2012
• 2013
• 2014
• 2015
• 2016 

As always, I've tried stayed away from the glitzy and super-rare relic and autographed cards, and stuck to the more common and easily achievable base and insert cards found in packs. There are some exceptions, of course, including some online exclusive cards and promos.

Now, on to the cards!

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#10

I thought the best way to start this list would be to include the Topps Now card that celebrates the opening of the 2017 World Series between the Dodgers and Astros. Best yet, this card features the Blue Angels flyover at Dodger Stadium and the Dodgers' lined up along the third base line on the reverse. Awesome!

BTW, this card has a print run of 1,062 copies.

2017 Topps Now - #813

Blog Kiosk: 1/16/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Dodger Alumni Dennis Powell and Derrel Thomas participated in the 33rd annual Kingdom Day Parade in Los Angeles yesterday. They were joined by players and coaches from the Los Angeles Dodgers (RBI) Reviving Baseball In Inner Cities baseball and softball youth development program.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 the Brooklyn Dodgers signed future Hall of Famer Freddie Lindstrom. This would be his final season in Major League ball. As a Dodger he got into only 26 games, slashing .264/.297/.302/.599.
• Happy Birthday, Ferdie Schupp, Bob Ramazzotti & Rod Miller!

He Can Pitch!

Over the past decade I've shared this particular item within my collection numerous times. Considering todays national holiday, I thought it would be appropriate to share it again. This time, though, I finally have some background information.

Featured above is a circa 1948 ink blotter, measuring 3 1/2" x 6 1/4", that was created by an committee appointed by then Cincinnati mayor Albert Cash. Originally, it was a poster project to promote racial and religious understanding.

Blog Kiosk: 1/15/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

-MLK, Jr.

On this #MLKDay, @nlbmprez reflects on baseball's impact on the civil rights movement pic.twitter.com/yGkqS3zwJa

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 15, 2018

Photo above via the Negro League Museum on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 the Dodgers extend their lease at Ebbets Field for another three years -- as a fallback in case Los Angeles is unable to secure land for a new stadium. They would leave Brooklyn a year later. In 2002 the Dodgers traded outfielder Gary Sheffield to the Braves for Brian Jordan, Odalis Perez and Andrew Brown. In 2009 the Dodgers nightmare is over. They released outfielder Andruw Jones.
• Happy Birthday, Dr. Mike Marshall, William Brennan & Delino DeShields!

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Buehler & Rios

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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Dodger prospects Walker Buehler and Edwin Rios will be signing autographs at Bobblemania on Sunday. Go here for more information.

Bobblemania Collectibles
2332 S Atlantic Blvd
Monterey Park, CA 91754

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Blog Kiosk: 1/10/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

You lucky-ducky!

Featured is a 1950 ACME press photo taken during the filming of the Jackie Robinson Story that is currently on auction at Memory Lane (auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Jackie Robinson, Brooklyn Dodgers' second baseman, offers batting tips to young Heath Taylor. The Dodgers opened training yesterday in Vero Beach, Fla.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1984 Don Drysdale is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame; along with Luis Aparicio and Harmon Killebrew. In 2017 the Dodgers signed closer Kenley Jansen to a five-year $80 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Ed MacGamwell, Gary Rath, Marty Hermann, Johnny Peacock & Adam Kennedy! 

2017 Import Dragon - Cody Bellinger "ROY" Figurine

This is for the figurine collectors out there.

I just realized that a third Dodger' had been added to Import Dragon's stable of six inch player figurines for the 2017 season. It is of Cody Bellinger and it celebrates his recent selection as the National League's Rookie of the Year. Check it out above. Its packaging is below. Also, you can purchase this figurine through Clark Toys (link here), Toy's R Us and MLB.com (link here).

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2017 Leaf Valiant - All the Dodgers Cards

Leaf's prospect heavy brand, Valiant, is back after a short hiatus. It last appeared on store shelves in 2014. The set features only autographed cards, and only three Dodger prospects (one of whom has already made it big) are available. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

Of note, Cody Bellinger has a card available. Unfortunately, it comes as a redemption.

BTW, a box will sell for under $100, and that includes one pack of five autographed cards. Also, one of those autographs will be graded and encapsulated by BGS.

Base Autographs

• #BA-CB1 Cody Bellinger -- Redemption Card

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

Blog Kiosk: 1/9/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Congrats, Ryu!

He and Bae Ji-hyun tied the knot this past weekend in a private ceremony in Seoul. Photo above via Dan Kurtz on twitter. Per the Korean Herald:

“The year 2018 will have a bigger meaning than any other year,” they said. “We’ll be warm companions for each other, a husband and a wife who always think positive, and two people who will give their best for each other.”

Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Ray French, John Hall, Stan Javier, Harley Payne, George Crable, Ivan de Jesus, Ferrell Anderson& Otis Nixon!

Welcome to the Blue, Scott Alexander!

I think it's becoming clear that any deals done this off-season will be of the variety we saw a few days ago. In other words, we shouldn't expect any blockbusters. Instead, the Dodgers front office will seek to make measured improvements at positions that can be upgraded.

As you surely know by now, the Dodgers consummated a three-team trade last week that saw them get two players for the price of three. Below is a quick rundown of what went down:

Dodgers get: LHP Scott Alexander and INF Jake Peter
Royals get: RHP Trevor Oaks (from the Dodgers) and INF Erick Mejia (from the Dodgers)
White Sox get: LHP Luis Avilan (from the Dodgers), RHP Joakim Soria and cash

2017 Panini Flawless - All the Dodgers Cards

Panini's Flawless Baseball cards came out just before Christmas, but I am only know able to post up pics I've been able to find all over the 'net. As you know, Flawless is a super-premium card brand that will cost you about $1,400 for a single box of ten cards. In that pack you are guaranteed six autographs, two memorabilia cards and two gem cards (a real embedded precious jewel). Go here for a complete checklist. Please note that the numbering, as has been the case with Panini's publicized checklist, is inaccurate (with the base set as an exception).

Check out all of the Dodgers cards below. BTW, all base cards have an embedded gem in the card.

Base 

#9 Jackie Robinson              #20 Clayton Kershaw

#25 Corey Seager             #39 Mike Piazza

Blog Kiosk: 1/8/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I love the above action photo of Dodgers legend Jim Gilliam sliding on homeplate. It is an International News Photo dated to a May 7, 1957 game against the Cincinnati Reds. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Gilliam scores as Ed Bailey sadly walks away.

Short and sweet, eh? Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose this game, 9-2. Below are more links to check out.

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Jackie Robinson is awarded the prestigious Spingarn Medal by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People for his strong support of civil rights initiatives. Martin Luther King Jr. was given the honor the prior year.
• Happy Birthday, Chauncey Fisher, Brian Johnson & Derek Thompson!