2018 Topps Heritage Minor League - The Dodgers Cards

Released this week is Topps 2018 Heritage Minor League brand, as as you might've guessed it's filled with nothing but prospects. Go here to check out a complete checklist. Below are most of the Dodger cards found in packs.

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#5 Will Smith               #8 Jeren Kendall

Blog Kiosk: 9/28/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this AP wirephoto featuring Jackie (auction link here). Dated to April 24, 1960, it features Robinson joining a protest in Cleveland. Per a newspaper clipping attached to the reverse:

Jackie Robinson, former major league baseball star, grabbed a sign and joined pickets at Cleveland, Ohio, who protested discrimination against Negroes at lunch counters in the south. Pickets staked out a Cleveland store whose stubborn branches have been reported as refusing service to Negroes.

I somehow wanted to relate this photo to today's charged social and political climate, but struggled to find a path. Then, I came across something written by Steven Levingston at the Washington Post regarding the oftentimes contentious relationship between Jackie and John F. Kennedy:

“Without meaning to be impertinent, Mr. President, we have a suggestion,” Robinson said. He advised the president to go off somewhere alone and think about racial prejudice until he got as angry as he was about steel prices. Then the president could channel his fury into “the battle against the bigots in this country who are working harder to destroy it from within than any foreign power is working to destroy it from without.” Robinson wanted the president to inject some passion into his fight for civil rights. “Why Mr. President,” the baseball hero urged, “why don’t you get angry again?”

Is this the solution? Should folks around the country "go off somewhere alone and think about the" violence we've all been, to a certain extent, conditioned to accept as normal?  Three years later we finally heard JFK get angry, as Robinson suggested:

“We face,” (JFK) said “a moral crisis as a country and as a people. It cannot be met by repressive police action. It cannot be left to increased demonstrations in the streets. It cannot be quieted by token moves or talk.” He addressed civil rights in moral terms as no president ever had.

I still don't know if I accomplished my goal of relating the above photo to today's issues, but I do know that there is a moral crisis today and I think we'd be remiss not to touch upon it -- even on a sports-centered blog. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 Orel Hershiser broke Don Drysdale's Major League record for consecutive scoreless innings pitched at 59.  He went ten scoreless innings against the Padres in San Diego, but unfortunately did not walk away with the victory. The Dodgers eventually won in the 16th inning, 2-1.  In 1997 Mike Piazza set the Los Angeles Dodgers record for home runs at 40. He hit two homers against Rockies starter John Thomson in Colorado.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Fournier, Whitey Witt, Glen Moulder, Todd Worrell, Héctor Giménez & Jerry Sands!

2018 Bowman Chrome - The Dodgers Insert Cards

Here's a look at most of the Dodger insert cards found in packs of Topps 2018 Bowman Chrome. As I'm sure you know, it's filled with nothing but prospects; including a bunch of AFL Fall Stars cards of Matt Beaty.

Bowman Chrome Prospects Autographs

#CPA-CRI Carlos Rincon        #BCPA-DM Dustin May

Blog Kiosk: 9/27/2018 - Dodgers Links - Ugh!

We're not out, but it sure don't feel good.

Last night the Dodgers failed to win their series against the Diamondbacks, losing 7-2 to win just one-of-three games in Phoenix. So, now they enter their last series of the year - a three game set - against the Giants with the season on the balance. Fortunately, we still hold a one game lead for the last wild card spot, but I would much prefer to win the division.

On a side note, this last series against the Gnats is sure to be exciting. I hope my heart can take it.

In hopes of providing inspiration, please check out the above fantastic October 2, 1955 International News press photo taken by the legendary Herb Scharfman. It features a celebrating Dodger dugout and our slugging centerfielder, Duke Snider, after his second homer of the day during Game 5 of the World Series.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 future Dodgers Hall of Fame skipper Walter Alston played in his only Major League game. It was as an 24-year old first baseman for the Cardinals, and he got into the game as a late-inning substitution for Johnny Mize. He would commit an error on the field in two chances, and only get a single at-bat -- he struck out. In 1951 future basketball Hall of Famer Bill Sharman was on the bench for the Dodgers as a 25-year old prospect. On this day he would be thrown out of the game, along with 14 other teammates, for "bench-jockeying" after a close play at home. He would never get a chance to play a Major League game, and thus became the only player to be ejected from a game without ever appearing in one. In 1961 Sandy Koufax recorded seven strikeouts against the Phillies to set a new National League record for strikeouts in a season at 269. The mark was previously held by Giants hurler Christy Mathewson who set it in 1903 with 267 strikeouts. In 2000 the Team USA Baseball club, skippered by Tommy Lasorda, beat the Cuban ballclub to win the gold medal in the Olympics.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Visner, Doug Baird, Whit Wyatt, Len Matuszek, Jason Phillips, Vicente Padilla & Jon Garland!

2018 Bowman Chrome - The Dodgers Base Cards

Featured below are the Dodgers' base cards found in packs of Topps' 2018 Bowman Chrome brand. It officially hit store shelves today. Go here to see a complete checklist.

As with all Bowman products this set is all about prospects. Our top two are featured in the base set (Buehler and Verdugo) and our #1 pick from 2017 (Kendall) can be found in the prospects base set. Other notable up-'n'comer's found as inserts include Matt Beaty, Keibert Ruiz, Mitchell White, Carlos Rincon, Dustin May and Edwin Rios. I should have pics of all of these soon, so stay tuned.

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#34 Walker Buehler

Blog Kiosk: 9/26/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Ugh... We are now in a theoretical tie with the Rockies.

Last nights game did not end the way we had all hoped -- losing 3-4. After clawing back from behind to tie the game in the ninth, Kenta Maeda gave up a walk-off homer on a 3-2 pitch to the first batter he faced, Eduardo Escobar -- a ballplayer who had been really great on my fantasy team. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"They're not in the playoffs this year, but you can't discredit that team," Hernandez said of the D-backs. "They have a lot of good players in that lineup. Really good bullpen. Our bullpen has been really good the last few weeks. We're human, we're baseball players, it happens. Just a tough night for them."

I thought I would show the above pic that recently sold on eBay. It features an acrobatic Pee Wee Reese floating above a sprawled-out Elston Howard. This is a classic depiction that is sadly a thing of the past. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1975 Burt Hooton set a Dodgers record for starters when he won his 12th consecutive game. In 1981 the Dodgers were no-hit by legendary fireballer Nolan Ryan of the Astros in Houston, 5-0. It would be the fifth no-no of his career. You can watch the last out of the game here. In 1997 Mike Piazza hit a change-up against former Dodger Darren Holmes 496 feet to left-centerfield - hitting a billboard between the scoreboard and the Rockpile - at Coors Field. It is deemed the longest homer ever hit at the stadium. You can watch the blast here. BTW, the Dodgers defeated the Rockies, 10-4. Per a Denver Post story:

“It was mammoth, man,” pitcher Darren Holmes said. “It was a big bomb.”

• Happy birthday, Bernie Neis & Brian Traxler!

Blog Kiosk: 9/25/2018 - Dodgers Links - Magic Number is Now Five

Last night the Dodgers defeated the Diamondbacks, 7-4, to drop their magic number to five games, with just five games to go.

The win was far from an easy victory. Fortunately, David Freese was on point, as he knocked in the first two Dodger runs of the evening. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I really like the at-bat quality, and he's gotten big hits for us, but tonight was probably the biggest, the home run that tied the game up," said Roberts. "He's a leader, doing things the right way, and guys tend to follow him. When we're talking about approach and having a plan as a team, he's all in. He's all that we had hoped for."
...
"You understand what this organization is trying to do and you get called upon to help out," said Freese, part of the club's right-handed-hitting platoon. "You do whatever Dave asks of you. You need to be productive and help the team, and so far, I think I've done a decent job of doing my thing and filling my role. This never gets easy, but we're all professional hitters and we're handling it pretty well."

Photo above of David Freese high-fivin' Clayton Kershaw via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers won their first NL pennant in 21 years when they defeated the Braves in Boston, 6-0. In 1956 Dodgers hurler Sal "The Barber" Maglie no-hit the Phillies at Ebbets Field, 5-0. At 39 years old he became the oldest pitcher to throw one. You can listen to the last inning of Maglie's no-no (as called by Jerry Doggett with Vin Scully) here. In 1974 Dr. Frank Jobe performs the first ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery on Dodgers pitcher Tommy John's left elbow. The revolutionary procedure would soon be known as Tommy John Surgery.
• Happy Birthday, Dave Walsh!

2018 Topps Now - #772 - Birthday Boy Matt Kemp Records 1,000th RBI with a Homer

Matt Kemp is a legend in the making. Yesterday afternoon Matt Kemp accomplished something that only 287 players had ever reached. On his first at-bat Kemp rocketed his 21st home run of the season to record his 1,000th career RBI. Best yet, he did this on his 34th birthday. Happy Birthday, Beast Mode! Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

At one point, Kemp was serenaded by fans in right field with a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday." 

"Dodgers fans always been good on birthdays, especially now, there's more and more fans and they get louder and louder," Kemp said. "We were turning up out there."

Blog Kiosk: 9/24/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers)

The final home series of the season kicked off with a bang as the Dodgers welcomed the newest addition to their "Ring of Honor" on Friday. As you can see, broadcasting legend Jaime Jarrin will now be honored for all of posterity. Watch the pregame video montage the Dodgers put together for him here. They then welcome Billie Jean King and Illana Kloss into the Dodger family.

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers)

The next day Chase Utley was named the recipient of the 2018 Roy Campanella Award, and would then get a hearty ovation from fans the following day when it is announced that Sunday would be his last day on the field as a Dodger during the regular season. You can watch the ovation here.

Lastly, the inaugural class of the upcoming "Legends of Dodger Baseball" were presented to the fans on Fan Appreciation Day -- Fernando Valenzuela, Steve Garvey and Don Newcombe.

(Pic via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers)

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 the last Major League game is played at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Pirates first baseman Dee Fondy makes the last out when he grounds to Dodger shortstop Don Zimmer with starting pitcher Danny McDevitt on the mound. The Dodger win, 2-0. In 1971 Dodger lefty Al Downing wins his 20th game of the season against the Atlanta Braves, 2-0. He would finish third in Cy Young voting this season. In 2003 Eric Gagne ties the NL record for saves when he records his 55th save of the season against the Padres in extra innings, 5-3.
• Happy Birthday, Tom Seats, Dixie Walker, Otis Davis, Dick Nen, Hubie Brooks, Larry White & Jim Neidlinger!

Legends of Dodger Baseball to be Unveiled Next Season

This is really exciting.

For years folks have clamored for the Dodgers to expand their "Ring of Honor" by adding more retired player numbers. Frequently, fans mention names like Fernando Valenzuela, Don Newcombe and Steve Garvey as those that should be there, but tradition set many moons ago would not allow it. As you know, only Hall of Famers get their number retired by the Dodgers, with one lone exception being beloved longtime player and coach Jim Gilliam (#19) -- who died of a brain hemorrhage just days before the start of the 1978 playoffs.

So, what's a club to do when they have so many heroes under its wings?

Create something new, of course.

Blog Kiosk: 9/21/2018 - Dodgers Links - Welcome to the Blue, Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss!

This bit of news just came out of left field yesterday. It was announced that a brand new addition has been made to the Dodgers ownership group. Tennis champions and longtime partners Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss are joining the franchise. Per a Dodger press release:

“As someone born, raised and educated in Southern California, it is an honor to be part of the Dodger ownership group,” King said. “Mark Walter and the entire Dodger organization are a first-class operation that have proven to be leaders in sports on and off the field of play. We share a commitment to equality and inclusion, including the LGBTQ community, and we hope to further expand the team’s efforts in those areas as we move forward together.” 

“I have been fortunate to work closely with Mark and Kimbra Walter on some projects, and I’m looking forward to being part of the Dodgers’ ownership group and helping the team expand its reach with new audiences,” Kloss added. “I hope to work with the team at a variety of levels and I share the organization’s proven commitment to excellence on the field and in the community.”

This just seems right. What other franchise in all of sports has done more to break down barriers?

Welcome to the Blue, ladies!

BTW, they will both be introduced to the fans prior to tonight's game against the Padres. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 Cardinals starter Paul "Daffy" Dean ho-hit the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field, 3-0. In 1952 the Boston Braves play their last home game in Boston in a game against Brooklyn. Of the 8,822 fans on-hand most are rooting for the Dodgers. The Braves would move to Milwaukee the next season. In 1997 Mike Piazza becomes the first Dodger, and the first player in 25 years, to hit a home run out of Dodger Stadium. He whacked it off Rockies pitcher Frank Castillo over the Left Field Pavilion, and it is said to have traveled 478 feet. Willie Stargell was the last player to do it before Piazza. You can watch the monstrous homer here.
• Happy Birthday, Frank McManus, Max Butcher & Manuel Barrios!

Padres Series Starts Friday - The Last Homestand - Autographs, Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next (and last) homestand starts on Friday against the San Diego Padres. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand; including numerous autograph opportunities. Below 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  

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Blog Kiosk: 9/20/2018 - Dodgers Links - Sweep!

The dazzling duo of Buehler and Puig handcuffed the Rockies last night, 5-2, as they completed a series sweep to give the club a 2.5 game lead in the NL West -- their largest lead of the season.  Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“This game, this series was emblematic of our ballclub — how many people had their hands in this series to help win three games,” said manager Dave Roberts. “Yasiel, to be able to put him in a leverage spot and to be prepared for that moment and to come through was huge, obviously.”

Yasiel hit a deciding three-run homer in the seventh inning to knock any air that remained against the sails of the quickly sinking Rockies vessel. Buehler put in six innings of work and struck out a career high 12 batters in the no-decision.

Photos above of Buehler and Puig via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1907 the Dodgers are no-hit by Pirates rookie Nick Maddox, 2-1. In 1959 the Dodgers and Giants play the last ballgame ever at San Francisco's Seals Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Giants 8-2. The Giants would play at Candlestick Park the next season. In 1993 pinch-hitting machine Dave Hansen collected his 18th pinch-hit of the season to set a new franchise record. In 2011 Clayton Kershaw becomes the first Dodger twenty game winner since Ramon Martinez in 1990. He defeats the Giants 2-1. BTW, DodgerFilms was there and shared a video that you can watch here.
• Happy Birthday, Nelson Greene, Vic Lombardi & Chuck Dressen!

2018 Topps Now - #748 - CT3's 10th Inning Walk-Off

To no one's surprise Chris Taylor's epic walk-off last night earns a 2018 Topps Now card. Check it out above and below. Go here to check it out and order. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“He really epitomizes what we’re all about,” said manager Dave Roberts. “Loving the big moment, coming through with big hits, really making a huge sacrifice, but being prepared when called upon. And his work every day from the cage to taking grounders to taking fly balls in the outfield. This game honors you. It has a great way of doing that, and it couldn’t happen to a better teammate.”

2018 Topps Heritage High Number - The Dodgers Insert Cards

Here is a look at all the Dodgers' inserts found in packs of 2018 Heritage High Numbers.

Real One Autographs

#ROA-CT Chris Taylor

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Kiké, D-Mountain, Colletti, Verdugo, Farmer and Jay Howell

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: 9/19/2018 - Dodgers Links - Walkoff Magic!

Thrilling!

It makes sense that on the 12th anniversary of the Dodgers' four-consecutive-homer/walkoff game would feature a walk-off victory in extras. Last night the oft-struggling Chris Taylor took out his big-stick and walloped a hanging breaking ball into the left field stands. Per Doug Padilla at MLB.com:

"I knew I got the barrel to it and had a petty good feeling it was going," Taylor said. "But I wanted to make sure. I was running kind of hard." 

Taylor has not been as solid at the plate like last season, but he sure has had his moments. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“There have been a lot of ups and downs. Kind of been a bit of a grind,” Taylor said of his year. “I think I’m speaking for a lot of guys on our team. This game humbles you very fast. It’s moments like this that you really have to take in and enjoy. But we’ve got another one tomorrow, so you have to have a short memory and enjoy it when it comes along.”

The Dodgers now hold 1.5 game lead over Colorado. Photo above via Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2000 a Dodger fan, in addition to other court-ordered restrictions, pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of causing a disturbance at a sporting event, and has been banned from attending home games in Los Angeles for 18 months. The irate patron during a May 30th game threw coffee in the face of a Mets fan who was cheering a grand slam hit by New York's catcher Todd Pratt. In 2014 Clayton Kershaw won his 20th game of the season for the second time in his career. He is the first Dodger pitcher to win 20 game twice since Claude Osteen in 1969 and 1972.
• Happy Birthday, Sadie McMahon, Jack Ryan, Red Barkley, Duke Snider, Joe Ferguson, Scott Baker & Charlie Haeger!

2018 Topps Heritage High Number - The Dodgers Base Cards

Here is a look at all the Dodgers' base cards found in packs of Topps 2018 Heritage High Number brand. Unfortunately, this product does not include the more notable recent Dodger acquisitions.

There's no Machado. There's no Dozier. There's no Freese.

Instead, we get Cingrani and a player recently traded away -- Logan Forsythe.

There is, on the other hand, numerous Matt Kemp cards available (base, variations, etc.). So, it's got that going for it. Go here to see a complete checklist. I'll have pics of most of the inserts tomorrow, and those cards are far more interesting than the Dodger base cards.

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#520 Tony Cingrani              #621 Ross Stripling

Congrats, Quakes! Check Out Some Fantasy Custom Cards in Celebration

Following on the heals of some fantasy cards I made in celebration of the Tulsa Drillers championship victory this past weekend, I now have some Rancho Cucamonga Quakes custom marvels to look through. Check them out below. As you know, they swept the Visalia Rawhide to become the 2018 California League Champions.

Blog Kiosk: 9/18/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

On this team everyone takes their turn to lead. Yesterday, the combined efforts of Joc Pederson and Hyun-Jin Ryu resulted in an 8-2 victory over our rival Rockies. Pederson hit a leadoff homer in the first inning, then drove in two more when he hit his second home run of the evening in the fourth inning. Ryu threw seven scoreless four-hit innings to stymie Colorado. Per Jack Baer at MLB.com:

"Joc, he's just really gotten back to when he was really good," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "Looking out and over, staying in the strike zone and using right-center field to left-center field. Today, that's what he did, took a ball off Gray to left-center and did the same thing against a lefty to right-center field."
...
Link Here: "(Ryu's) always been a big-game pitcher and I've seen it from the other side," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "For him to be healthy and set the tone for this series, in complete command tonight. Stuff was really good. We fed off of him and it was good to see."

Photo above of Joc Pederson celebrating his homer with coach George Lombard via Jill Weisleder/Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2006 the Dodgers came back from a four run deficit by slugging four consecutive home runs in the ninth inning -- by Jeff Kent, JD Drew, Russell Martin and Marlon Anderson -- to tie the game against the Padres at 9-9. They would then win the game in the tenth inning when Nomar Garciaparra hit a two-run homer, 11-10. You can watch highlights of all five round-trippers here.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Tepsic, Dick Dietz, David Sells & Ken Brett!

Congrats, Drillers! Here's Some Fantasy Custom Baseball Cards in Celebration

In celebration of the Tulsa Drillers -- the Dodgers Double-A club -- league championship victory over the weekend I made a bunch of fantasy cards featuring some of the players. Check them out above and below.

2018 Bowman High Tek - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Here's a look at all the Dodgers' insert cards found in packs of 2018 Bowman High Tek. Go here to check out the base cards.

1st Bowman Tek (#/99)

#FBT-JK Jeren Kendall       #FBT-KR Keibert Ruiz

Blog Kiosk: 9/17/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

During the Dodgers impressive victories this weekend in St. Louis -- that brought the Dodgers within half-a-game of the Rockies in the NL West and a tie for the last Wild Card playoff spot -- the Dodgers' farmclubs in Tulsa and Rancho Cucamonga won their respective league titles.

Congrats, Drillers! Congrats, Quakes!

Hopefully this is an omen, not only for this season, but for the future of the franchise.

Craig Minami at True Blue LA provides a nice write-up on both victories, here. Check out the Drillers boxscore here. Check out the Quakes boxscore here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1912 Brooklyn outfielder and future Hall of Fame Manager Casey Stengel made his Major League debut. He collected four hits, drove in two runs and swiped a pair of stolen bases. In 1979 Dodger catcher Joe Ferguson hit his 20th homer of the season against the Atlanta Braves, which gave the team their fifth player with at least 20 homers on the year for the first time in franchise history. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela ties a Major League record for shutouts by a rookie at eight when he defeated the Atlanta Braves, 2-0. In 1996 Hideo Nomo threw the Dodgers 20th no-hitter in franchise history. He defeated the Colorado Rockies, 9-0. Watch the last out of this game here.
• Happy Birthday, Butts Wagner (older brother of Honus Wagner), Maury Kent, Ernie Koy & Dan Haren!

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

The next homestand starts on Monday against the Colorado Rockies. 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  

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Monday September 17th at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

2018 Topps Now - #732 - Puig's Homer Surge

Yasiel Puig is red hot and he's using his fire to punish the Cardinals. On Saturday afternoon his efforts lead to a career day that included going 3-for-6 at the plate with three home runs and seven RBI's -- both of which are new highs for Puig. Per David Wilhelm at MLB.com:

"I feel good at the plate," said Puig, batting .272 with 21 homers and 58 RBIs. "I'm looking for good pitches to hit and trying to hit the ball in the air like all of my teammates and coaches talk to me about every day. They tell me, 'Hit the ball in the air and stop hitting ground balls.' God blessed me with these two games."

2018 Topps Now - #729 - Buehler's Fantastic Night

Walker Bueher is transforming into an ace right before our eyes. On Friday he continued his dominance over the Cardinals by leading the Dodgers to a shutout victory, 3-0, and a tie for a National League Wild Card spot. Per David Wilhelm at MLB.com:

"Sometimes there's just teams you match up well against," Buehler said. "It's hard to explain. That's baseball. There's teams that absolutely kill guys and there's teams that don't throw that good and the line looks good. It's the way the game works. Tonight, that worked out. 

"It's a big game. We're trying to make the freakin' playoffs. That's what baseball in September is about. This stuff is fun, and that's what this game is about."

Blog Kiosk: 9/14/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It was great to witness the Dodgers offense explode last night. It was also equally distressing that our pitching was largely ineffective. Fortunately, the Dodgers eked out a victory anyway, 9-7. Per David Wilhelm at MLB.com:

"We did everything we needed to do," Machado said. "We had runners in scoring position and got the runs in. We want to continue doing what we've got to do. Hopefully, we can repeat it."

Machado went 3-for-4 with a double and solo homer in the 7th inning to lead the Dodgers charge.

Pic of Manny Machado above via Marcus Wright/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945, during an overnight trip between St. Louis and Chicago, the Brooklyn Dodgers train rammed into an gasoline truck, sending flames everywhere. The train engineer and a firefighter were killed. The Dodgers survived without serious injury because the momentum of their section carried it through the burning remains. I had previously written about this incident here. In 1993 Mike Piazza hit home runs no. 29 and 30 to break the Major League record for homers by a rookie catcher. In 2002 Dodger infielder Chin-Feng Chen becomes the first Taiwan-born player to appear in the major leagues. He would get a pinch-hit walk and score on a double by Mike Kinkade.
• Happy Birthday, John Douglas, Stan Williams, Tim Wallach & Jerry Doggett! Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider wrote a great piece celebrating Doggett's 100th birthday a couple of years ago (link here).

2018 Bowman High Tek - The Dodgers Base Cards

Released this week is the always fun and fascinating Bowman High Tek brand. This set features acetate (plastic) baseball cards rather than cardboard. So, chances are very high every card you pull will be in mint condition. On top of that, there are ten different background patterns/parallels available for each base card. In other words, this set can be both a player-collectors dream or nightmare. Go here for a complete checklist.

Since this is a Bowman product nothing but prospects can be found. Featured is outfielder Alex Verdugo. High rising prospects in the minors include Ibandel Isabel, Jeren Kendall, Keibert Ruiz and Mitchell White. Take a look at all the Dodgers' base cards and base autographs below.

Base - Rookies

#RHT-AV Alex Verdugo