Dodgers 60th Anniversary Sets - The 2010's - #36 to #42

Lastly, here is a look at the final 2018 Dodgers 60th anniversary baseball card set. This time it features the design from this years flagship set - 2018. Furthermore, the mystery seventh card in this set is of Yasiel Puig. He debut as a rookie in Dodger Blue in 2013.

Additionally, I'd like to thank Andy from the Stadium Fantasium blog for sending me a complete set. Thanks, Andy!

#36 Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 10/30/2018 - Dodgers Links - Happy Halloween!

I can't wait for Spring.

Check out the above March 5, 1955 AP wire photo of Duke Snider practicing bunting during Spring Training at Vero Beach (eBay Link). Carl Furilio can be seen behind him, and I believe that's Jim Gilliam to Furillo's right.

Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Stephen McKeever, Hardie Henderson, Leo Dickerman, Fred McGriff, Oreste Marrero & Javy Guerra!

Dodgers 60th Anniversary Sets - The 2000's - #29 to #35

Now that the season is officially over I figure it is now time to finally put up pics of the last two Dodger Stadium giveaway 60th Anniversary sets. Featured below are the cards from the 2000's -- using the Topps 2001 Baseball design. I'll have scans of the final set tomorrow.

As with the prior three sets, the first six cards highlight Bellinger, Turner, Seager, Jansen, Taylor and Utley. The seventh card honors Clayton Kershaw -- whose rookie cards hit the market in 2006 in Bowman and 2008 as a part of Topps flagship set.

Lastly, I'd like to thank Andy from the Stadium Fantasium blog for sending me a complete set. Thanks, Andy!

#29 Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 10/30/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out Gil Hodges and Carl Furillo in the above September 20, 1959 AP press photo I ran across on eBay (link here). It says in the descriptor:

THEY ARE IN FIRST PLACE - Gil Hodges, left, and Carl Furillo who got some World Series experience as Dodgers from Brooklyn, are two happy players in the dressing room today after the Los Angeles club went into first place in the hot National League race with an 8-2 win over the San Francisco Giants. Furillo doubled in two runs in the a big ninth inning rally.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 the Dodgers sell Ebbets Field to real estate developer Marvin Kratter. The sale includes an initial three-year lease for the team and is eventually extended two more years. This sale is the first clear signal that the franchise would be seeking a new home soon. In 1963 Sandy Koufax is named the National League MVP Award winner. In 2007 it is announced that manager Grady Little is leaving the Dodgers with a year left in his contract. 
• Happy Birthday, Bobby Bragan, Chet Kehn & Tom Brennan!

Blog Kiosk: 10/29/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I've been absolutely swamped at work today, so I apologize for this very late post.

First of all, congrats to the Red Sox on their World Series victory.

As you can imagine, yesterday's loss sure does put a damper on the Dodger season. Nevertheless, I am hardly discouraged. I guarantee there are 28 other teams that would have killed to be in our position, so losing really only stings for a bit. Via Alden Gonzalez at ESPN:

"I think you have to realize that we are a really good team to get to go to the World Series two years in a row," Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw said, his response to a question about how the organization can improve to finally win it all. "It might not be a personnel thing; it might just be a 'play better' thing."

...
"The pain that you have last year, it really hurts, but the good thing is that it motivates you to get back here -- and we did," Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen said. "This one hurts, too. You can say all the good things and motivate yourself, but at the end of the day, we're still human. It's still going to hurt."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1942 Branch Rickey, architect of the St. Louis Cardinals' farm system, resigned as their vice president. He would join the Dodgers three days later as the clubs president - taking over for Larry MacPhail who had enlisted into the Army to serve in WWII.
• Happy Birthday, Sam Kimber, Earl Yingling, Pete Richert, Karim Garcia, Will Venable & Dana Eveland!

2018 Topps Now - World Series Game 3 Cards, Relics and Autographs

This might be the case of maximum overkill on the part of Topps, but who cares. Last night's game was epic and that requires an epic number of cards. Featured here are the six different 2018 Topps Now base cards highlighting just about every important moment from last night's game and more relic/autographed cards than you can imagine... Really, there are 16 of them. Wow!

First, let's start of with card #936 which features our rookie starting pitcher Walker Buehler. It notes his brilliant seven inning shutout performance -- a franchise best since Johnny Podres in 1955. Go here to check it out and order.

The next card (#937) takes a look at the Joc Pederson's solo home run in the third inning to open the scoring. He walloped Rick Pocello's first pitch into the right field stands. Go here to check it out and order.

Some Vintage Dodgers Memorabilia at REA

We are hours away from the start of Game 3 of the World Series, so why not begin the afternoon with some vintage Dodgers memorabilia. Featured here are some Dodger goodies found at REA's current Fall auction.

Directly above is a rarity. It is a 1940's era Ebbets Field employee badge. (Auction Link) To the right is a vintage ticket from the very last ballgame played at Ebbets Field, dated September 24, 1957. (Auction Link) Per the auction description:

While Brooklyn Dodgers fans were always a resilient group, forever buoyed by the familiar refrain of "wait 'til next year," nothing could have prepared them at the start of the 1957 season for what just a few short years earlier would have been the unthinkable: the Dodgers leaving Brooklyn. Yet that is just what happened when, on October 8, 1957, team owner Walter O'Malley announced he was moving the Dodgers to Los Angeles. Rumors had been swirling the entire summer about such a possibility, but most fans chose to bury their heads in the sand and ignore such blasphemous talk. Perhaps that's the only way to explain why, on September 24, 1957, only 6,702 fans attended Brooklyn's final home game of the season at Ebbets Field. It is also possible that some fans just could not bear to say goodbye to their beloved "bums" and the venerable old stadium they called home. The significance of the final out was obviously not lost on longtime organist Gladys Gooding, who serenaded the fans with the tune Auld Lang Syne as they exited the ballpark for the very last time.

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Meet the Bulldog - Orel Hershiser!

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 great Orel Hershiser will be signing autographs at Dick's Sporting Goods in Torrance on Saturday, October 27th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Go here for more information. This is a free signing event, but you will probably need to get to the store early. From what I understand, they will hand out wristbands at 9:00 AM and only the first 350 are guaranteed an autograph.

Dick’s Sporting Goods
21800 Hawthorne Blvd, #301
Torrance, CA 90503
(424)206-4240

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Blog Kiosk: 10/26/2018 - Dodgers Links - Game 3 is Tonight!

Earlier this morning a twitter account dedicated to the history of the Montreal Royals put up the above fantastic 1948 editorial cartoon drawing from the Montreal Gazette (@Royals_46season), and I wanted to share it here. It celebrates the four African-American ballplayers who donned Montreal Blue in the late-40's. BTW, if you love Dodger history I would suggest giving this account a follow.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 Walter O'Malley became the ninth president and chief stockholder in the Dodgers franchise. Following the death of team owner John L. Smith (who owned one-quarter of the club) O'Malley navigated a deal where he bought Branch Rickey's share of the club and essentially became a trustee over the Smith family portion to take over majority control.
• Happy Birthday, Doc Newton, Tommy Griffith, Ed Vande Berg, Mark Sweeney& Daniel Coulombe!

Dodgers Memorabilia at Hunt's Louisville Slugger Auction

With the World Series in full swing just about every sports-related auction house has something going on to occupy the minds and pocketbooks of Baseball collectors everywhere. So, with today being an off-day I thought I would begin the afternoon by sharing some Dodger treasures found at Hunt's 15th Annual Live Auction at Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.

Featured above and to the right is a 1977 Dodgers National League Champions ring that was given out to Chub Feeney. So, who's that? (Auction Link)

2018 Topps Now - #927 - Kershaw's Back-to-Back Game 1 Starts

Here is the lone Topps Now card issued for a Dodger following last nights Game 1 loss. It makes note of Clayton Kershaw and his back-toback Game 1 World Series starts. He's the first person to do it since Jack Morris in 1991-1992. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Clayton Kershaw became the first pitcher since Jack Morris to start in back-to-back World Series Game 1's. Morris achieved the feat for the Twins in 1991 and the Blue Jays in 1992. Kershaw is now appearing in his second consecutive World Series for the National League Champion Dodgers.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

2018 Topps Update - All the Dodgers Insert Cards

Now that you've seen the base cards here are most of the Dodgers' inserts found in packs of 2018 Topps Update; including a card of todays' Game 2 starter Hyun-Jin Ryu on a 1983 Topps Baseball card.

1983 Topps Baseball 35th

#83-39 Matt Kemp           #83-41 Hyun-Jin Ryu

Blog Kiosk: 10/24/2018 - Dodgers Links - No Worries! Game 2 is Tonight!

It's always tough to lose the first game of a playoff series. Nevertheless, it's nothing to worry too much about. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s baseball, we know things can change real quick,” Kemp said. “You know what happened in Milwaukee, we lost the first game and we bounced back.”

Accentuate the positive.

On a side note, did you happen to hear the Dodger chants during the game? That was something I didn't expect to hear.

Photo above via Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1963 Sandy Koufax is named the unanimous winner of the Cy Young. In 1972 Dodgers great and Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson died of an heart attack at the age of 53 at his home in North Stamford, CT. In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in Game 4 of the World Series, 8-7, to tie the series up at two games apiece. In 1986 Dodgers shortstop Bill Russell announced his retirement from the game after an 18-year Major League career. 
• Happy Birthday, Charlie Jones, Eddie Stack, Harry Smythe, Ralph Onis, FP Santangelo, Wilton Guerrero & Rafael Furcal!

2018 Topps Now - World Series Matchup Preview Cards

In preparation for the World Series Topps has put out eleven Topps Now cards showcasing individual battles at each position. They are currently available til tomorrow morning. Go here to check them all out.

Above is card #WSM-1 and it features the series catchers. Although, as you know, Austin Barnes has effectively taken over the position for the Dodgers. The card above includes Yasmani Grandal and Christian Vazquez.

Memorabilia from the 1916 World Series - Dodgers vs. Red Sox

It's been 102 year since these two teams squared off in the Fall Classic, so naturally this memorabilia centered blog had to search around for some souvenir goodies from those games to share. BTW, if you want a great rundown on the play during the 1916 World Series I would suggest checking out John Thorn's piece at Our Game.

As you can imagine, there isn't a whole bunch of memorabilia out there to gawk out -- not only due to the passage of time, but also because the fan souvenir market had not yet been fully realized. Heck, it wasn't until Danny Goodman, the Vice President and Director of Advertising and Promotion for the Dodgers in Los Angeles, arrived in the late 50's did clubs understand that there were other ways to line their pocketbooks.

Fortunately, there are some things for us to look at. Featured at the very top is the Ebbets Field program for the series, and it features beloved Dodgers manager Wilbert "Uncle Robbie" Robinson on the cover. It says at the very bottom, (under "Robbie") "A regular manager, a regular fellow and a credit to the national game."

Blog Kiosk: 10/23/2018 - Dodgers Links - World Series Game 1 Today!

Brothers in Arms!

The Dodgers really do seem like a tight bunch. Above we see Game 2 and 3 starters, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Walker Buehler, on the field at Fenway during yesterday's workout.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 Dodger President Branch Rickey announced that the team has signed two black ballplayers, shortstop Jackie Robinson and pitcher John "Needle Nose" Wright, to play with Brooklyn's Triple A team in Montreal. In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in Game 3 of the World Series, 5-4. Fernando Valenzuela threw a nine-hit complete game. In 1998 Davey Johnson became manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. 
• Happy Birthday, Lave Winham, Rube Bressler, Lee Grissom, Billy Sullivan, Solly Drake & Jim Bunning! 

UPDATED: World Series Starts on Tuesday -- A Homestand Preview - Pregame Info and Other Stuff

The World Series starts on Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand.

• 2018 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  
• Dodgers Postseason Information
• Red Sox Postseason Information 

Unfortunately, I haven't found much information yet on the Dodger or Red Sox home games. I will update this post as more information becomes available.

Dodgers' Fantasy Custom Cards from their Game 7 Victory and Celebration

As promised, here are a bunch of fantasy custom Dodger cards that I put together today.

Hopefully, I'll be making more of these next week.

2018 Topps Update - The Dodgers Base Cards

Here is a look at all of the Dodgers' base and variation cards found in Topps Update. This brand was officially released today -- ahead of the 2018 World Series. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

Base

#US8 Manny Machado

#US21 Kenley Jansen AS                      #US151 Matt Kemp

Blog Kiosk: 10/22/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here are a handful of Dodgers' Game 7 NLCS custom fantasy cards. I will be sure to make more of them soon, so stay tuned.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1965 the Dodgers released Wally Moon, whose famed "Moon Shots" over the short left field wire fence at the Coliseum helped propel Los Angeles towards a championship in 1959. In 1984 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever Brian Holton. He would eventually be an important cog to the Dodgers 1988 World Championship team -- going 7-3 on the season with an 1.70 ERA, a 2.72 FIP, 2.1 WAR, 49 strikeouts, 26 walks, one save in 45 appearances. In 2013 the Dodgers signed Cuban ballplayer Alex Guerrero.
• Happy Birthday, Kid Carsey, Oscar Jones, Mike McCormack, Johnny Morrison, Sam Bohne & Jumbo Elliott!

2018 Topps Now - Dodgers NLCS Champions - World Series Bound

As Vin used to say, "nothing has ever come easy for the Dodgers," and this series against the Brewers was certainly proof of that. The Dodgers had to battle and fight to became back-to-back National League pennant winners, and their final victory started with a gutsy performance by Walker Buehler in Game 7. Check out his Topps Now card celebrating his performance above and on the right. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

2018 Topps Five Star Baseball - All the Dodgers Cards

Topps newest high-end product, Five Star, hit stores this week, and below are pics of most of the Dodger cards. As you know, this is an all on-card autograph product. Boxes will run you about $120 and you'll get two cards in each box. For a set that includes only stars and top prospects, it's strange that Clayton Kershaw cannot be found anywhere in this years set. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base Autographs

#FSA-AV Alex Verdugo         #FSA-AW Alex Wood

Blog Kiosk: 10/19/2018 - Dodgers Links - Game 6 Today!

I thought this would be a fun little photo to share as we prepare for Game 6 of the NLCS tonight. Featured above is a 1962 ABC promotional photo for the Donna Reed Show, and as you can see it includes Don Drysdale peering creepily from behind. (eBay Auction Link)  This pic was for the episode "The Man in the Mask" that aired on May 31, 1962.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1981 Rick Monday made Dodger history by hitting a dramatic solo home run in the eighth inning of Game 5 of the NLCS to propel the Dodgers to a 2-1 victory over the Montreal Expos. Go here to watch a highlight of it. He hit a 3-1 fastball against Steve Rogers. Fernando Valenzuela allowed just three hits and one run in 8 2/3 innings. The win sent the team to the World Series against the Yankees. In 1988 the Dodgers took advantage of several Oakland errors/pass balls to defeat the A's, 4-3, in Game 5 of the World Series. The Dodgers now lead the series 3-1.
• Happy Birthday, Tom McCreery, Walt Miller, Sam Nahem, Tim Belcher, Michael Young, James McDonald & Travis Schlichting!

2018 Topps Now - #900, #901, #902 & #903 - Game 5 Victory

Last night's thrilling victory had many heroes, and Topps was sure to memorialize as many of them as possible in their Topps Now set. Featured here are four new base cards and the five autographed Kershaw cards that sold simultaneously. BTW, all of those Clayton autographed cards are sold out.

Above and below is the Kershaw card and it makes note (on the front) that this game was his eighth career postseason start where he has allowed one run and three hits or fewer. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Clayton Kershaw impressed yet again as he pitched seven innings on three hits in a 5-2 Game 5 victory at Dodger Stadium. The win gives the Dodgers a 3-2 series lead in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series. Kershaw has allowed a total of two earned runs in 26 innings pitched during his last four Postseason home games.

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Nomar and Kobe!

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: 10/18/2018 - Dodgers Links - Magnificent Kershaw

Historically great! Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“You could see the same look that you always see. There’s a determination. And when you get a champion like him that gets hit around a little bit, he’s going to respond. And that’s what he did today,” said manager Dave Roberts.

Clayton went seven strong innings, struck out nine, walked two and allowed just one run to cross the plate. It was also his eighth career postseason start where he has allowed just one run and three hits or fewer. Per Katie Sharp on twitter, no one else in the history of the game has done this more than five times. Additionally, this was his ninth career postseason start where he has gone more than six innings and allowed one run or fewer. This ranks him tied for seventh place on the all-time list, per Eric Stephen on twitter.

On another note, the other day I mentioned here that maybe the Dodgers needed to play with some desperation. Last night's approach to the game was exactly what I was writing about. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Long game last night, everyone’s feeling it, a little tired,” Muncy said. “They bring in Woodruff, who was throwing absolute missiles in there. So, it was a tough day for everyone. Then you start getting shadows creeping in. There wasn’t going to be any home runs today. We knew that. We had to just figure out how to get the bat on the ball and make things happen.”

Photo above via Josh Barber/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1977 Yankees outfielder Reggie Jackson broke LA's heart. He walloped three homers on three consecutive first-pitch at-bats against the Dodgers to win Game 6 and the World Series. If you must you can watch highlights here.
• Happy Birthday, Burt Shotton, Wally Millies, Roy Cullenbine, Andy Carey, Jerry Royster, Alan Mills & Alex Cora!

2018 Topps Now - #898 & #899 - Cody Bellinger's Heroic Game 4

Now that Game 5 has started I thought I would put up the numerous Cody Bellinger 2018 Topps Now cards created this afternoon to celebrate his extra inning efforts last night. As you know, he's faced plenty of criticism, of late, regarding his poor start in the series, so seeing him break-out a bit was very welcome.

The first card issued celebrates his belly-flop-catch of a sinking drive to short right field. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Cody Bellinger made an incredible diving catch in the top of the 10th inning to rob Lorenzo Cain od a leadoff hit. With the game tied at one, Bellinger would later win the game on his first career walk off hit in the 13th inning to lead the Dodgers to a 2-1 win over the Brewers, tying the NLCS at two games apiece.

Topps Living Set - #95 - Clayton Kershaw

I suppose there's no better time than now for Topps to release their seventh Dodgers' Topps Living Set card - this time of Clayton Kershaw. After all, Kersh is slated to pitch this afternoon's Game 5 for the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. On top of that, some might interpret his words from yesterday's press conference to be a sign that he'll be moving-on this coming off-season. As you know, he has an option to opt-out of his current contract and become a free agent for the first time. So, keeping in line with this Topps brand, they probably figured they should issue a card for him now just in case he leaves for other pastures this winter. Go here to check out the card and order.

Blog Kiosk: 10/17/2018 - Dodgers Links - Game 5 this Afternoon!

Everyone wants to talk about Bellinger and his fantastic diving catch and walk-off single. I would rather point out how great our bullpen has been. Last night their entire eight-man relief corp recorded eight scoreless innings, and overall they've given up only two runs in 19.2 inning pitched. That is the only reason we are still in this thing. Per Todd Zolecki at MLB.com:

"It was hard to watch everybody walk out of the bullpen and be the last one," Urias said through the team's interpreter. "But it was kind of motivating to watch everyone do their job and I was able to do mine, and when we got the run it all worked out."

On another note, I am excited by the starting staff next season that will include Walker Buehler and Julio Urias. It promises to be electric.

Pic above of Urias via Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers 2018 at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1978 the Yankees defeated the Dodgers in Game 6 of the World Series to win their second consecutive title. In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Montreal Expos in Game 4 of the NLCS at Olympic Stadium, 7-1. Steve Garvey hit a two-run homer in the eighth to break a 1-1 tie, then the Dodgers scored four more runs in the ninth to run away with it. They are tied at two games a piece in the series with a deciding Game 5 two days later.
• Happy Birthday, Pop Dillon, Mike Sandlock, Johnny Klippstein & Jim Gilliam!