Welcome to the Blue, Ryan Madson!

Will this be the move that saves our bullpen?

As you know, earlier this week the Dodgers claimed Nationals reliever Ryan  "Mad Dog" Madson and had until today to work out a trade. That trade has now been completed, via a tweet by Ken Rosenthal, The player we sent to DC is minor league righty Andrew Istler. Per a Dodger press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired right-handed pitcher Ryan Madson (#50) in a trade with the Washington Nationals in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Andrew Istler.  

Madson, 38, has made 49 relief appearances with Washington this year, going 2-5 with four saves and a 5.28 ERA (26 ER/44.1 IP). The Long Beach native has been a member of two World Series championship clubs (2008 & 2015) in 13 Major League seasons with the Phillies (2003-2011), Royals (2015), A’s (2016-2017) and Nationals (2017-2018), posting a 61-48 record with 91 saves and a 3.45 ERA in 731 games (18 starts).

2018 Topps Fire - All the Dodgers Cards

For the second consecutive year Topps has released Topps Fire as an exclusive Target stores brand, and they just hit their shelves this week. As you know, these cards are based on the designs of noted graphic artist Tyson Beck. There are both 20-pack boxes (promising one autograph per box) a seven-pack blaster boxes and jumbo/fat packs available at Target. Go here for a complete checklist. Below is a listing of all the Dodgers cards.

Base

#11 Alex Verdugo                #49 Duke Snider

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Steve Yeager and Alex Wood

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: 8/31/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

We just got beat! Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"They had a three-run homer. We had a solo home run. That was the difference in the game," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. "We punched more than we have lately. Robbie Ray is a guy that does punch guys. He made pitches when he needed to. They beat us. We got beat." 

Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“Sometimes you have to tip your cap in this game,” said Dodger second baseman Brian Dozier, who was 1-for-4 with a strikeout. “I haven’t faced (Arizona starter) Robbie Ray in a long time. He had good stuff tonight.”

Tonight's battle features Hyun-Jin Ryu versus Zack Greinke. We really need this one.

Photo of a contemplative Walker Buehler via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 Gil Hodges became the fourth Major Leaguer to hit four home runs in one game. It was against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. Overall, he went 5-for-6 with nine RBI's, five runs scored and 17 total bases. In 1959 Sandy Koufax set a new National League record when he fanned 18 Giants during a nine inning game at the LA Coliseum. It also tied the Major League mark for strike outs, and set a new Major League record with 31 total strike outs over two consecutive games (he struck out 13 Phillies his last time out). In 1985 the Dodgers got Bill Madlock from the Pirates for RJ Reynolds, Cecil Espy and Sid Bream. In 2006 the Dodgers received veteran Marlon Anderson from the Nationals for pitching prospect Jhonny Nunez. Anderson would have a stellar couple of months in Dodger Blue. He slashed .375/.431/.813/1.243 with seven homers, 15 RBI's and 12 runs scored. In 2009 the Dodgers received starting pitcher Jon Garland from the Diamondbacks for infield prospect Tony Abreu. Garland would get six starts -- going 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA.
• Happy Birthday, Duke Farrell, Ray Berres, Ira Hutchinson, Frank Robinson, Cleo James, Jack Perconte, Tom Candiotti, Mike Hartley, Hideo Nomo & Juan Nicasio!

2018 Panini Chronicles - All the Dodgers Cards

Officially hitting stores last week, here is a look at nearly all of the Dodger cards found in packs of Panini's 2018 Chronicles set. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

As always, Panini does not hold a MLB license, so no team logos are found anywhere. Heck, the iconic red uniform numbers on the Dodger uniforms are nowhere to be found, as well. I suspect it is considered a unique aspect of the Dodger brand. Additionally, many of the inserts below do not include accurate card numbers since Panini does not provide a completely accurate checklist, and I'm a bit too lazy to do their job.

On another note, this set is filled with cards of Cody Bellinger, Walker Buehler, Alex Verdugo and Kyle Farmer.

Base Chronicles

#12 Walker Buehler

#21 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 8/30/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I'll take a two-game sweep any day. Last night the Dodgers continued their good play by completing a short series sweep of the Rangers, 3-1, to extend their winning streak to five games. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"You're at the point in the year where you need to win the games you're supposed to win," said Wood. "It's really nice for us to string five together like we have, especially with us about to play a club we've struggled against in Arizona. Those five games came at the right time and we're pretty excited to go home and see these D-backs again. We saw them so much in such a short span and it was when we weren't playing so well."

Clearly, this weekend is the most important series of the season.

Photo above of Kenley Jansen and Manny Machado in the Dodger dugout via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1918 the Dodgers and Giants play a 56-minute game at the Polo Grounds that saw New York beat Brooklyn, 1-0. In 1952 former Dodger infielder and future Hall of Famer Arky Vaughan dies in a fishing accident.  He and a friend drowned in a lake near Eagleville, CA when their boat capsized. In 1953 Roy Campanella tied a NL record for RBI's by a catcher during a season at 122. He did it by going 4-for-5 with five RBI's and three runs scored against the Cardinals. Campy would finish the year with a Major League best 142 RBI's for a catcher. In 2015 Cubs hurler Jake Arrieta no-hit the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. It is the 12th no-hitter ever thrown at Chavez Ravine.
• Happy Birthday, Bert Tooley, Kiki Cuyler, Tommy Dean & Roberto Hernández!

Diamondback Series Starts Thursday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Thursday against the Arizona Diamonbacks. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2018 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

With the Dodgers and D-backs separated by just one game in the standings, the team is running an ‘LA Determined’ sale during its Labor Day Weekend series against Arizona, offering significant savings for all four games (Thursday-Sunday) and tickets starting at just $5 for Thursday’s series opener. More information on the sale can be found at Dodgers.com/LADetermined.

• Thursday, August 30: Savings up to 84% - tickets starting at $5
• Friday, August 31: Savings up to 52% off - tickets starting at $15
• Saturday, September 1: Savings up to 19% off - tickets starting at $25
• Sunday, September 2: Savings up to 58% off - tickets starting at $10

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Thursday, August 30th at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

2018 Topps Archives - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

I am finally getting around to posting up pics of most of the Dodgers' insert cards found in packs of 2018 Topps Archives. Check them out below.

1980s Topps Coins

#C-23 Cody Bellinger

Topps Living Set - #73 - Cody Bellinger

The fifth Dodgers' Topps Living Set card will be issued this week and it is of 2017 National League Rookie of the Year winner Cody Bellinger.

Based on the classic 1953 Topps Baseball card design, this new never-ending card-brand began in earnest this season and is expected to continually grow forever. It's Topps cross-generational set that feature original drawings by noted sports artist Mayumi Seto and will include only one card for every player (both past and present)/per team.

Blog Kiosk: 8/29/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers aren't playing around anymore. Last nights victory over the Rangers, 8-4, marks their fourth straight win since falling 4.5 games behind the Diamondbacks. Now, they sit only a game back with 30 games to go. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"Can't win ballgames by just hitting home runs," said Machado, who has nine RBIs in the last three games. "We're preaching about passing the baton to the next guy, just taking what the pitchers give us. Today, we did a good job with that, stick to the plan and we did our job."

Photo above of Alex Wood and Austin Barnes via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1948 Jackie Robinson hit for the cycle against the Cardinals during the first game of a doubleheader. He completed the cycle in reverse -- hitting a homer in the 1st, a triple in the 3rd, a double in the 4th and a single in the 8th inning. The Dodgers won 12-7. In 1980 Dodgers coach Manny Mota is reactivated by the Dodgers to be their top pinch-hitter off the bench. He would go 3-for-7 with two RBI's. In 1987 the Dodgers traded Rick Honeycutt to the A's for young starter Tim Belcher. As you know, he would be an important cog to the eventual world champs in 1988.
• Happy Birthday, Elmer Stricklett, Jack Warner, Buck Marrow, Billy Cox, Reggie Williams, Henry Blanco & Chris Taylor!

Blog Kiosk: 8/28/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Having been out of town the past few days, I was unable to post up this newest Dodgers' 2018 Topps Now card earned on Saturday. As you know, the Dodgers and Padres were locked in extra innings when Justin Turner knocked a 'Texas Leaguer' towards the right field line that scored the winning run in walk-off style, 5-4.

Even more amazing is that the blooper came on the first pitch after a lengthy game-delay from a stadium wide black out. You can watch the blackout as it happens here. Also, here's a fun post by Eric Stephen at SB Nation about the blackout: "Six moments from the power outage at Dodger Stadium." BTW, the Topps Now card sold 246 copies.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson meet to discuss plans for integrating Baseball. During the three hour meeting Rickey berates Robinson with a flurry of racial epithets to test his mettle and willingness to 'turn the other cheek.' In 1952 the Brooklyn Dodgers set a National League record when they hit into a double play in their 23rd consecutive game. In 2002 Eric Gagne recorded his 45th save of the season, setting a franchise record and earning a bottle of Dom Perignon autographed by each Dodger teammate. In 2003 Eric Gagne recorded his 44th straight save to establish a new Major League record.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Yeager, Goody Rosen & Darren Lewis!

Blog Kiosk: 8/24/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Clayton Kershaw is one very serious ping pong player. Check out his getup, complete with an accessorized fanny pack, from last night's "Ping Pong 4 Purpose" charity event at Dodger Stadium. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

Athletes, actors and other celebrities spent the night playing Ping-Pong, eating, drinking and enjoying themselves all while helping kids in need. The Dream Center, just keep livin foundation and the International Justice Mission’s programs in the Dominican Republic were the three main beneficiaries of the event put on by Kershaw’s Challenge. 

“Every year, the beneficiaries keep getting better and better and the money raised gets more and more,” Clayton said. “The bottom line, we get to help a lot of kids and that’s pretty cool.”

Photo above of the Kershaw's and Bryan Cranston,via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 Vin Scully famously had fans at Dodger Stadium wish third base umpire Frank Secory a happy birthday during the game.  In 1975 Davey Lopes stole three bases against the Expos to extend his Major League record of consecutive steals to 38. Then in the 12th inning of this same game he is thrown out at second base by Gary Carter. Coincidentally, Carter had been the last catcher to throw Lopes out before starting his record streak -- on June 4th. In 2007 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher David Wells. In 2014 Joc Pederson became only the fourth player in the history of the PCL to have a 30-30 season, and the first to do it in 80 years, when he stole a base for the Albuquerque Isotopes (a Dodgers Triple-A affiliate). He would come up to Los Angeles later that September.
• Happy Birthday, John Brown, Kip Gross, Jeff Kubenka, Kevin Correia & Enrique "Kiké" Hernandez!

Padres Series Starts Friday - Player's Weekend - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Friday against the San Diego Padres. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2018 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Viva Los Dodgers Schedule
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

This weekend is the second annual 'Players Weekend' throughout the Major Leagues. All teams will be wearing special uniforms with unique nicknames on their backs and have the opportunity to wear and use uniquely colored cleats, bats and other equipment. Each player will also have the opportunity to recognize someone who was instrumental in his personal development, or a baseball player who inspired him, on a jersey patch on his right sleeve (see that patch on the right). Check out the Dodger duds for this weekend below. Anthony Castovince at MLB.com provides more detail about this event here. This unique happening coincides with the Little League World Series championship in Williamsport, PA. Go here for the 2018 list of Dodgers' nicknames, via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.

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Friday, August 24th at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

2018 Topps Now - #630 - Buehler & Flaherty Youngest Duo to Strikeout Nine in LA

Do you know what's worse than losing?

Having a Topps Now card issued that not only features your player, but also makes note that your team lost.

That's what we have here. Featured is the Dodgers' newest 2018 Topps Now card and it celebrates the fantastic pitching performances by yesterday's rookies starters -- Jack Flaherty and Walker Buehler. They both stifled the opposition. Flaherty struck out ten, had a no-no through five innings and allowed just one hit -- a Joc Pederson homer in the sixth. Buehler struck out nine Card's, allowed only three hits and gave up no runs. Unfortunately, Walker's efforts was not enough. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Walker did everything he could do,” Roberts said. “You could see the emotion there in the seventh inning. He emptied the tank.”

Blog Kiosk: 8/23/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Buehler was fantastic last night, and I don't think it's hyperbole to say that he's on his way towards becoming an ace. Kenley Jansen, on the otherhand, hasn't been right since coming back from heart issues experienced in Colorado. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"Life sometimes is a fairy tale," he said. "Everything was going well. Just got stopped with A-Fib [atrial fibrillation] and here I am. Just got to figure out how to get out of this mess." 

Jansen hesitated, then sidestepped a question about any lingering side effects from his condition or the prescribed medication. 

"Sometimes, you just got to go through it, no excuse. You would never hear that from me," he said. "Feel good or not feeling good, no excuse, just tough it out. Last two days weren't my days. Be ready Friday. I just need one game, I'm very confident I'll get it back."

Once again, I mean to distract with a pic featuring Chase Utley and his three kids (that happens to also include Kike Hernandez), via Juan Ocampo/2018 Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1958 Gil Hodges hit his 14th career grand slam. It set a new National League record for grand slams in a career. BTW, Don Drysdale also walloped two solo homers during this game. In 1989 Tommy Lasorda had Expos mascot Youppi! ejected from a game in Montreal during the 11th inning. The mascot was causing too much noise by jumping on top of the Dodger dugout roof during the 22-inning game. You can watch Youppi! get tossed here. BTW, the Dodgers defeated the Expose, 1-0, on an home run by Rick Dempsey in the 22nd inning.
• Happy Birthday, Red Downs, Phil Page, Lonny Frey, Dale Mitchell & Casey Blake!

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Darryl Strawberry and Doc Gooden

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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Former Dodger Darryl Strawberry and Mets legend Dwight "Doc" Gooden will be signing autographs at The OC Dugout in Anaheim on Sunday, August 26th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This is a pay per autograph event. Go here for more information.

The OC Dugout
1515 South Sunkist Street
Anaheim, CA, 92806
(714)761-6414

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Blog Kiosk: 8/22/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Stop dawdling! We are running out of time.

The Dodgers lost again last night, 5-2, and the culprit was the lack of timely hitting. They went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Per Ken Gunick at MLB.com:

"It's more than just putting really good players together and now you're going to score seven or eight runs a night," said manager Dave Roberts. "The players we've acquired have done a great job, it's getting everybody else synched up. We get guys on base, now it's moving the line, and we're having a hard time doing that, let alone the two-out hit."
...
"As you're mired in this, it doesn't feel good," Roberts said. "It's a little contagious. You look around the room, these guys have a track record and that's something we expect them to come out of it. We have very good players. They're going to hit. They understand what's at stake."

I still have faith, but there's also a growing sense of fear. BTW, I mean to distract with the pic of Hello Kitty above, via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1948 the Dodgers recorded a triple steal in the fifth inning of their game against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. Jackie Robinson stole home, Gene Hermanski took third and Pee Wee Reese swiped second base. In 1965 Giants hurler Juan Marichal attacked Johnny Roseboro with his bat while at the plate. He had been buzzing Dodger batters all day, so Roseboro - with Marichal at the plate - decided to throw the baseball back to his pitcher while at the same time making sure it barely missed Marichal's face. Quickly, benches cleared and a brawl commenced. See the pic on the right to see what I mean. In 2000 Eric Karros becomes the first Dodger in franchise history to hit two home runs in one inning. It was against the Expos.
• Happy Birthday, Ned Hanlon, Al Bashang, Jeff Weaver, Randy Wolf & David Huff!

Blog Kiosk: 8/21/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

What a killjoy.

Just as Dodger nation rejoiced at Jansen's return, we get rocked by a performance that was less than stellar. Per Alden Gonzalez at ESPN:

"Everything was flat," Jansen said, his Dodgers now 2½ games back in the National League West while in fifth place in the wild-card standings. "As I faced hitters, it started to get better. But the first two hitters, I wasn't in my comfort zone. I was battling with myself."

Kenley, who entered a tie game in the ninth inning, yielded two solo homers on his first three pitches to take the loss, 5-3. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"The first two hitters, I wasn't in my comfort zone," Jansen said. "I think I tried to maybe be amped up to be back and try hard and everything flattened out. I definitely didn't come back too soon. Stuff happens, but you've got to move forward. Tomorrow, if I have a shot, same hitters, I'm looking forward to it."

Ugh! Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1970 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder Jerry Royster out of Sacramento High School. He would be traded five years later to Atlanta as part of a package for Dusty Baker, and go on to have a ten-year career with the Braves. In 1975 the Cubs pitching brothers of Rick and Paul Reuschel combine to shutout the Dodgers, 7-0. In 1990 the Dodgers lost a tough one. Against the Phillies they allowed nine runs to score in the ninth inning to lose the game, 12-11. You can watch highlights of this shameful game here.
• Happy Birthday, Woody Williams, Shawn Hillegas, John Wetteland, Craig Counsell, Ismael Valdéz & Jesse Chavez!

2018 Topps Now - #617 - Kershaw 2nd Fastest Dodger to 150 Wins

For a split second I thought Topps would issue an Immaculate inning card for Dodgers reliever Zac Rosscup, but that was not meant to be. I suppose they feared a lack of sales would hamper that card. Instead, we get to enjoy a Clayton Kershaw card that celebrates his 150th career win. See it above and below. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger insider:

“It was a good day,” Kershaw said. “That first inning we get five like that early, it’s imperative you go out there, you want to have quick innings and get guys back in the dugout. (There’s) even more of an emphasis on that when guys are swinging the bats like they did today. It’s go right after guys and get quick outs.”

Blog Kiosk: 8/20/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Something you might have missed from last night's 12-1 rout of the Mariners was the ninth inning performance by Dodger reliever Zac Rosscup. He came in to finish the game and proceeded to throw the 93rd Immaculate Inning in Major League history -- striking out three batters using only nine strikes. It was also the first Dodger' Immaculate inning since Kenley Jansen's performance on 5/18/17 against the Marlins, the eighth ever in Dodgers history and the sixth Dodger to ever do it (Koufax did it three times). You can watch Rosscup's inning here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 seventeen year old Dodger shortstop Tommy Brown became the youngest player in Major League history to hit a home run. He hit it off of Pirates hurler Preacher Roe in the seventh inning, and it would be the only run the Dodgers would score in a losing effort, 11-1. In 1978 Steve Garvey and Don Sutton have a scuffle in the clubhouse before their game against the Mets. Sutton was critical of Garvey in a Washington Post story (here's a followup story); saying that he was more interested in his off-field persona than his play, and that Reggie Smith was the teams MVP.

"All you hear about on our team is Steve Garvey the All-American boy. But Reggie Smith was the real MVP. We all know it . . . (Smith) has carried us the last two years.He is not a facade. He does not have the Madison Avenue image."

• Happy Birthday, Frank Bonner, Ed McLane, Bill Crouch, Al Lopez, Fred Norman, Lance Rautzhan, Kal Daniels, Jamie Hoffman & Blake DeWitt!

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

The next homestand starts on Monday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2018 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

The Dodgers have a Good Sport Designated Driver program for those 21-years old or older who will provide responsible transportation for all members of their group and will not drink alcoholic beverages. Fans can sign up at any Fan Service Station, receive a coupon for one complimentary soft drink and be entered in a drawing to win a special on-field experience as the Budweiser Good Sport designated driver of the season.

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Monday, August 20th at 7:10 PM

Alex Wood vs Austin Gomber

TV: MLBN (out-of-market only), SportsNet LA, KTLA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Dodger Jose Gonzalez -- one of the "Stuntmen"

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: 8/17/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic in-action United Press photo featuring the first at-bat between Ralph Branca and Bobby Thomson after last season's "Shot Heard 'Round the World." (eBay auction link) Per the descriptor on the reverse:

This Time Thomson Walks

Renewing old acquaintances, Giants slugger Bobby Thomson, whose homer in the playoffs the last season gave the pennant flag to the 'miracle' team, faces Dodger hurler Ralph Branca for the first time this season. In their clash at Ebbets Field, April 19. It was Branca who pitched that fatal ball back in '51. This time Thomson walked. Roy Campanella is the Dodger backstop, and the plate umpire is Bill Stewart.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers and Cubs played a 17 inning game that was temporarily halted at a tie, 1-1, because of darkness (this was before Wrigley Field had lights). The next day they begin where they left off. The Dodgers would eventually win on a sacrifice fly by Dusty Baker in the 21st inning. In 1992 Dodgers hurler Kevin Gross no-hit the Giants at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. Watch the last out of the game, as called by Vin Scully, here. Per a NY Times article:

"The later it got, the more the adrenaline started pumping," Gross said. "It was just a blur when that last out was made."

• Happy Birthday, George Harper, Doug McWeeny, Joe Bradshaw, Boog Powell, Brad Wellman, Jeff Fischer & Kyle Farmer!

2018 Topps Archives - The Dodgers Base Cards

This week saw the release of only the retail packs of Topps' 2018 Archives Baseball brand. The hobby store boxes do not officially come out until next month. Why they staggered this release, I do not know. Nevertheless, we can now look at the various Dodger base cards that are available. See them and the lone Kershaw photo variation cards below. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

BTW, the real draw to this years set are The Sandlot cards; including autographs and throwback coins inserts. They borrow the vintage 1962 Topps Baseball card design. Check out a handful of them below.

Base Set

1959 Topps

#6 Yasiel Puig                  #12 Corey Seager