Blog Kiosk: 2/28/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

As you'll notice below, this week is the anniversary of Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale's infamous holdout prior to the start of the 1966 season. They both worked collectively to demand higher salaries, and as you can imagine their gambit caused quite a stir. Heck, even Milton Berle got in on the act. Featured above is a publicity photo from an old show called Hollywood Palace, a Saturday night variety show, and featured are the famous Dodgers duo giving Milton the stink-eye.  (eBay Auction link) They were no doubt in the midst of some serious negotiations. This show aired a few days after they had ended their holdout.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 the great Koufax/Drysdale contract holdout commences. They are seeking a collective three year $1MM contract -- to be split evenly. In 2002 the Dodgers signed free agent Japanese starting pitcher Kaz Ishii after posting a $11.26 million bid to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows for the right to negotiate with him. He would eventually sign a four-year $12.3 million contract with the team.
• Happy Birthday, Al Humphrey, Orlando Alvarez & Trent Oeltjen!

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Steelers Great Jerome Bettis

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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Steelers great Jerome Bettis will be signing autographs at the Sports Authentics store at the Puente Hills Mall this coming Saturday, March 2nd from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Go here for more information. This is a pay per autograph event.

Sports Authentics USA
1600 South Azusa Avenue, Ste 518
Rowland Heights, CA, 91748
(626)581-2016

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2019 Topps Heritage - All the Dodger Base Cards

Topps second baseball brand of the upcoming season has just hit store shelves. It is their Heritage cards and this year it pays homage to the 1970 Topps Baseball card set. Go here for a complete checklist.

There are 23 Dodgers' in the 500 card set, and six of them are short-printed -- Kenley Jansen, Walker Buehler, Matt Kemp, Kenta Maeda, Max Muncy and Clayton Kershaw. There are also four fantastic NLCS Dodger cards and one World Series card featuring Max Muncy's walk-off homer in Game 3. So far, only three Dodgers' have variations -- all of them of the French variety -- but I suspect more will be uncovered soon. If any more do appear I will be sure to update this post.

Strangely, there is no Yasiel Puig base card -- only an NLCS card highlighting his three-run homer during Game 7. Heck, he doesn't even appear in a Reds uniform. I suppose they'll just include him in the 'High Number' set that'll come out towards the end of the season.

Now, check out all the Dodgers' below. Click any pic to embiggen.

Base

#5 Alex Wood                 #34 Cody Bellinger

#54 Ross Stripling                  #97 Rich Hill

Blog Kiosk: 2/26/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a look at the Dodgers 2019 Yearbook above. Go here to order.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1952 Dodgers all-star pitcher Don Newcombe is sworn into the Army to serve in the Korean War. The 26-year old would miss the next two seasons, and struggle on the field his first year back in 1954. Then, he would go on to regain his old form over the next two seasons by winning a collective 47 games and leading the Dodgers to its first World Series championship in 1955.
• Happy Birthday, Preacher Roe, Ron Negray & Matt Luke!

Blog Kiosk: 2/25/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It has begun.

Spring is officially upon us as the first games of the preseason started in earnest this weekend. Before you know it, it'll be Opening Day.

Pic above via Jill Weisleder/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019. Check out pics by Jon SooHoo and others on Dodger Insider from Friday (here), Saturday (here) and Sunday (here). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2002 84-year old broadcaster Ernie Harwell announced that this season would be his last as the Tiger's play-by-play man. As you may know, Harwell is the only announcer to have been traded for a ballplayer. Branch Rickey, in 1948, needed a substitute for an ailing Red Barber, so he traded catcher Cliff Dapper to the Atlanta Crackers of the Southern Association for his services. Ernie would broadcast in Brooklyn for two years.
• Happy Birthday, Al Hollingsworth, Andy Pafko, Cesar Cedeno & Xavier Paul!

A Don Newcombe Baseball Card/Memorabilia Checklist

With Don Newcombe's recent passing I thought now would be an opportune time to take a closer look at the various Dodger collectibles bearing his name. As you know, he joined the franchise prior to the 1946 season and remained Blue til being traded to Cincinnati in 1958. Following a few more years of play in the Majors and Japan he rejoined the club in the late-70's as the team's Director of Community Affairs -- where he remained until his death this week.

As you can imagine, there are plenty of cards and memorabilia featuring the 6' 4" righty (but not as much as you might think), so sit back and enjoy a more detailed look at some Don Newcombe collectibles. BTW, I decided to include only Dodgers-related items, so you won't see the Reds or Indians anywhere. Furthermore, I wanted to stick to just pre-80's stuff, so you shouldn't expect to find any modern cards in the listing below. On the other hand, I do include the handful of giveaways from Dodger Stadium (and elsewhere). I'll also update this post should any additional items unknown to me be unearthed.

Now, on to the memorabilia.

The very first item I could find that featured Don Newcombe is not a Baseball card. Instead, it's a stamp. Released in 1949 by a chain of Philadelphia gas stations, Eureka Sportstamps features 200 National League ballplayers and a stamp book (measuring 7 ½-by-9 ¼) to put them in. They also include Kodachrome photos on the stamps -- which was rare for collectors at the time. As you know, cards were either in black & white or color paintings. Below is a look at the stamp that has been pasted onto the album.

1949 Eureka Sportstamps 

Blog Kioks: 2/22/2019 - Dodgers Links and News - Some Odds and Ends

So, when does the ping pong tournament start?

Photos above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019. Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterday at Dodger Insider, here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: First, I just want to mention that today in 1980 was the "Miracle on Ice" -- when a ragtag group of American college kids defeated the heavily favored USSR in hockey during the Winter Olympics. In 2009 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder Orlando Hudson to a one-year $3.4 million contract. In 2014 the Dodgers signed Cuban infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena to a five-year $25 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Rocky Gale, Ed Silch, Clarence Mitchell, Bill Hall, Roy Spencer, Bob Wilson & Steve Colyer!

Dodgers Memorabilia at Hake's, Lelands and Goldin Auctions

With spring baseball in full swing I thought it would fun to take a look at some of the Dodgers-themed memorabilia current available on auction. There isn't a whole lot of stuff that I thought unique, but the items I did see are fantastic.

For instance, check out some folk art at the very top. It is currently available through Lelands (auction link). Featured is a 1987 wooden painted scene created by New York artist Harry Glaubach. It celebrates Ebbets Field and the Brooklyn Dodgers -- complete with ballplayers, a Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs sign, a Palace Theater sign, a Roxy Theater sign, the Three Stooges, Groucho Marx and Charlie Chaplin. It has a current bid of $100.

This next item is entirely new to me. On the right is a circa 1950's era pin featuring Willard Mullin's famed Brooklyn Dodger 'Bum' on a 3.5" pinback from Hake's. In fact, this is the exact image the club used on their 1953 Dodgers Yearbook (see that below). (Auction Link) It currently has a bid of $200, and it is expected to sell for more than twice that amount.

Blog Kiosk: 2/21/2019 - Dodgers Links and News - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday was Photo Day at Camelback Ranch, and as you might expect some great pics were shared all over social media. As you know, everyone from Major League Baseball to Topps Baseball cards came out with their camera's. Featured above, via a tweet from the Dodgers, is Kenley Jansen and little Joe Kelly. Go here to check out more pics from Photo Day by Jon SooHoo.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 Tommy Lasorda is sold to the St. Louis Brown. He would then be returned to the Dodgers in late-March. In 1957 Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley traded minor league franchises with Phil Wrigley of the Cubs. Brooklyn traded the Ft. Worth club (Texas League) in return for the Los Angeles Angels (Pacific Coast League). In 1984 outfielder Dusty Baker is granted free agency. He played eight season in Los Angeles, slashing .281/.343/.437/.780 with 144 home runs and 586 RBI's. 
• Happy Birthday, Jack Billingham, Franklin Gutierrez, Ted Savage, Sam Fletcher & Norman Plitt!

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: The West Coast Collectors Expo with Raiderfest and Dodger Signers

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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The West Coast Collectors Expo

There is a big card show scheduled for this weekend (Friday 2/22 to Sunday 2/24) at the Fairplex - Los Angeles County Fairgrounds in Pomona. It will include a huge Raiderfest event featuring a ton of autograph guest; including Ray Guy, Tom Flores, Rod Martin, etc. A bunch of Dodgers will also be signing -- Pedro Guerrero, Maury Wills, Steve Yeager and Jerry Reuss. Go here for more information.

Blog Kiosk: 2/20/2019 - Dodgers Links and News- Some Odds and Ends

I had never realized this.

Clearly, Don Newcombe was the inspiration for the Washington Senators logo from the 60's, via a tweet from DC Sports Artist.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 the Dodgers and Yankees complete their very first trade with each other. Brooklyn sent Buzz Boyle, Johnny McCarthy and $40,000 to the New York for Buddy Hassett. In 1984 Pedro Guerrero signed a five-year $7MM contract to stay a Dodger. In 2017 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Franklin Gutierrez to a one-year $2.6MM contract. He would only get into 35 games (primarily as a pinch hitter) before shutting down in June due to an recurrence of ankylosing spondylitis.
• Happy Birthday, Charlie Babb & Jack Bolling!

Don Newcombe -- A legend has passed

This morning we were shook by the news that Brooklyn Dodger hero Don Newcombe has died at the age of 92. As you know, he was a frequent attendee at Dodger games, and is known to be a mentor to numerous Dodger players throughout the years/decades. Per a tweet by David Vassegh:

Koufax: "Mentor at first, friend at the end. Missed by anyone that got to know him."

Don Newcombe spent eight of his ten year Major League career as a Dodger, and in that time he achieved heights and accomplishments rarely experienced by others.  He became the Rookie of the Year in 1949, won both the Cy Young and MVP Awards in 1956 and was a 4X All-Star. Newk was also considered one of the greatest hitting pitchers in the game. In nearly 1,000 plate appearances he slashed .271/.338/.367/.705 with 33 doubles, three triples, 15 home runs and 108 RBI's.

Blog Kiosk: 2/19/2019 - Dodgers Links and News - Some Odds and Ends

Clayton is faced live batter for the first time this spring yesterday. Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1954 the Dodgers signed 19-year old Roberto Clemente to a one-year contract worth $5,000 with a $10,000 signing bonus. He was highly scouted by both the Yankees and Giants, but they all got outbid by the Dodgers. Unfortunately, they would lose Clemente's rights during the upcoming 1954 Rule V Draft to Pittsburgh. In 1983 22-year old Dodger hurler Fernando Valenzuela becomes the first ballplayer awarded an $1,000,000 salary during arbitration. The Dodgers had countered back with a salary of $750,000.
• Happy Birthday, Oscar Roettger, Dick Siebert, Gail Hopkins, Dave Stewart, Josh Reddick & Fabio Castillo! 

Blog Kiosk: 2/18/2019 - Dodgers Links and news - Some Odds and Ends

There's no better place than Camelback Ranch to get autographs from your favorite Dodgers'.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 Walter O'Malley and the Dodgers completed their purchase of the Chavez Ravine area by paying $494,000 for property valued at $92,000. In 1986 the Dodgers signed 18-year old free agent Dominican infielder José Vizcaíno. He would go on to have an 18 year career in the Majors -- playing five seasons for the Dodgers. In 2017 the Dodgers re-signed Chase "Dad" Utley to a one-year $2 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Sherry Smith, Manny Mota, Bob Miller, Kevin Tapani, Jamey Carroll & Chad Moeller!

2018 Leaf Flash Baseball - The Two Dodger Prospects

Someone has failed to tell Leaf that the year is now 2019.

Featured here are the two Dodger prospects found in Leaf's newest prospect-heavy card brand named 2018 Leaf Flash Baseball. Having debuted this season as a football set, it is now also a baseball prospect brand and this inaugural set includes some of the top farmhands and young studs in the game (Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Ron Acuna, Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto). The two Dodgers' available are outfielder DJ Peters and pitcher Michael Grove. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

Base Flash Autographs

#BA-DJP D.J. Peters         #BA-MG1 Michael Grove

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Blog Kiosk: 2/15/2019 - Dodger Links and News - Some Odds and Ends

"Will you be mine?"

Some of the cutest photos ever popped up on twitter yesterday, in celebration of Valentine's Day. It featured a bunch of youngsters and their favorite Dodgers'. Above, via Camelback Ranch on twitter, is Cody Bellinger and on the right is Justin Turner getting his valentine.

BTW, you can check out a bunch of pics from Day 2 of Dodgers Spring Training, via Jon SooHoo and Sue Jo, here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2012 MLB sets up a vetting committee, headed by Braves chairman emeritus Bill Bartholomay, to evaluate the various bids to buy the Dodgers from Frank McCourt.  In 2017 the Dodgers signed free agent reliever, former Giants closer and native son Sergio Romo to a one-year $3MM contract. He would not pitch well in Blue. He got into 30 games and recorded a 6.12 ERA, 5.76 FIP while allowing 7 home runs. Romo would eventually be traded to the Rays in late-July.
• Happy Birthday, Hal Lee, Charlie Irwin, George Earnshaw, Joe Moeller, Ron Cey, Rick Auerbach, Russell Martin & Russ Mitchell! 

Blog Kiosk: 2/14/2019 - Dodgers Links and News - Happy Valentine's Day!

This is a good sight.

On Tuesday, former batterymates Clayton Kershaw and Russell Martin were reunited after an eight year separation. It's like they got part of the band back together. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"We both have a certain amount of miles on our body from the last time we worked together, but what a career he's had," said Martin. "I remember the last time I caught him he was just fastball, curveball. Now, one of the best pitches he has is the slider. That's the cool thing about baseball, the best players stay the best because they're willing to make adjustments, and Kershaw is one of those guys who's going to do what it takes to stay at the top. It's nice to get back there and reminisce a little bit."

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. BTW, Jon SooHoo has shared a whole bunch of pics from yesterdays going-on's at Camelback Ranch, here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Baseball History: In 1957 the Georgia State Senate approved a bill, introduced by state senator Leon Butts, that prohibits blacks from playing baseball with whites except at religious gatherings -- ten years after MLB had integrated. 

"Anything that tends to break down the bulwarks of segregation must be forcibly met by this general assembly. We have a situation in Georgia which has come about because of a national situation. I am referring to the Negroes in organized baseball in this state. It is unfortunate that some few people would participate in the destruction of our institutions for a few dollars."

• Happy Birthday, Mike Hechinger, Candy LaChance, Tim Jordan, Abe Kruger, Len Gabrielson & Takashi Saito!

Dodger Correspondence: Jackie's Thoughtful Letter to a Fan

The sincerity and grace displayed in this letter is something I've come to expect from Jackie Robinson. He was not only a trailblazer in the field of civil rights and in the game we love, but he was also a man who had the humility to understand his role in the world and how he can help shape it. As you can see in the letter above, current available at auction thought RR Auctions (link here), he thoughtfully let a fan know how important his letter was and how it affected him.

Below is what he wrote:

Dear Mr. Shaw, 

I may have written you before about the letter you wrote Miss Day. I can say it was so well done and I only wish I had fans such as you that when you felt they were wrong would write letters just as the one you wrote. We in public life need reminders such as yours and I assure you that type of letter is more effective. 

Incidentally I was very much impressed with your ideas on the injuries. I would appreciate it if you felt I need some advice to write because I believe we owe all our success to the public and have a responsibility to you. 

Sincerely, Jackie Robinson

Unfortunately, we don't have Mr. Shaw's original letter to Ms. Day, so we aren't exactly familiar with its context. Nevertheless, I think it's fair to surmise that Mr. Shaw had shown the same kind of sincerity that prompted Jackie to reach out and say not only 'thank you' but also express how important his message was to him.

I wish we had more Mr. Shaw's and Jackie's in the world today. It sometimes seems like our ability to address and admit our faults in todays world gets lost through our prism of social media and outrage news.

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2019 Dodger Spring Training Info - Facility, Schedule and Roster

The Dodgers just released their 2019 Spring Training broadcast schedule, so I thought I would pass that along (see at very bottom). Over 70% of the games the Dodgers play this spring will be televised on either SportsNet LA or online at Dodgers.com. Additionally, once the club releases their 2019 Spring Training player roster (I've been piecing this together and you can see it below) I will update this post with that information (I do currently have the list of non-roster invitees - at the very bottom). To the right is a look at this season's Spring Training Dodger cap. Below are some pertinent dates to keep in mind:

• Tuesday, February 12 - Pitchers and Catchers Report 
• Wednesday, February 13 - Pitchers and Catchers 1st Workout
• Sunday, February 18 - Position Players Report 
• Monday, February 19 - First Full-Squad Workout 
• Thursday, February 20 - Dodgers Photo Day (media related event only) 
• Wednesday, March 6 - All Minor League Players 1st Workout

Here are the typical batting and field practice schedules for home games.

Dodger Links - 2/11/2019 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

This weekend Cody Bellinger, along with fellow baller and Diamondback prospect Jamie Westbrook, were inducted into the Chandler Sports Hall of Fame. Per Richard Obert at the Arizona Republic:

"He is a great ambassador for Arizona baseball, as well as Hamilton baseball," said Hamilton coach Mike Woods, who coached Bellinger in high school. "He has given back to our program and is a source of pride for everyone in the Chandler community at large."

As you may know, Cody first flirted with fame at the age of 13 when he starred on the 2007 Chandler, Arizona Little League team that played at Williamsport. The photo above featuring Westbrook and Bellinger via Coach Woods on twitter.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1997 three new Jackie Robinson cereal boxes, created by General Mills, were unveiled to an eating and collecting public. He would be the first athlete to be honored on all three varieties of Wheaties: Original Wheaties, Honey Frosted Wheaties, and Crispy Wheaties 'n' Raisins. 
• Happy Birthday, Boyd Bartley & Todd Benzinger!

Blog Kiosk: 2/8/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is a 1972 photograph of Frank Robinson with Dodger speedster Maury Wills. It comes from the Los Angeles Times Photographic Archives at UCLA and was taken by Bill Varie (link here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1916 National League owners voted down a proposal by Dodgers owner Charles Ebbets to impose a limit of 2,000 seats that a club can sell for 25 cents. In 1933 the Dodgers traded their soon-to-be Hall of Fame pitcher Dazzy Vance to the Cardinals for a couple of scrubs. In 1982 the Dodgers traded longtime second baseman Davey Lopes to the A's for a minor leaguer. This trade broke up the longest-playing infield in major league history. In 1995 the Dodgers signed Japanese free agent pitcher Hideo Nomo. He would have a fantastic rookie campaign -- going 13-6 with an 2.54 ERA, a league leading 236 strike outs and three shutouts.
• Happy Birthday, Bruce Caldwell, Bert Haas, Charlie Householder & Joe Black!

Former Dodger Frank Robinson Dead at 83 - A Dodgers Collectible Checklist

A legend has passed away.

Hall of Famer Frank Robinson, the 1956 Rookie of the Year, two-time MVP winner, 1966 AL Triple Crown winner and one-time AL Manager of the Year has died at the age of 83. Deeply cognizant of his role in history, Robinson took-on the task of being the very first African-American to be named manager in the Major Leagues; saying, "if I had one wish in the world today, it would be that Jackie Robinson could be here to see this happen." Frank also said:

“Every time I put on this uniform, I think of Jackie Robinson.”

As you know, Frank Robinson got to play for the Dodgers during the 1972 season; slashing .251/.353/.442/.795 with 19 home runs and 59 RBI's during an injury plagued season. He would thereafter be traded to the Angels the following season for future Dodger staff ace Andy Messersmith. Below are links to other stories celebrating Frank Robinson's life that I thought worth pointing out:

• Per Mark Langill at Dodger Insider; "Frank Robinson remembered: Hall of Famer passes away at 83 years old."
• Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors; "Frank Robinson Passes Away."
• Richard Justice at MLB.com; "Frank Robinson, legend and pioneer, dies."
• Tyler Waldman at WBAL; "Frank Robinson, Baseball Lifer And Orioles Legend, Has Died."
• Tim Kurkjian at ESPN; "No one tried to embarrass Frank Robinson and got away with it."

"Then he throws me this bastard slider just off the outside part of the plate," Robinson said. "I thought, 'This SOB is trying to strike me out on three pitches ... on my day! He's trying to embarrass me ... on my day. No one does that to me.'"

Also, you can listen to Frank talk about meeting Jackie Robinson for the first time here, via NPR.

In celebration of Robinson's career on cardboard I thought it would be fun to make a couple of fantasy custom Baseball cards of him. Check them out above. Furthermore, I wanted to put together a list of all, or at least, most of his vintage cards and collectibles featuring him as a Dodger. See that below. If I missed anything please let me know.

1972 Topps -- #754 

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Dave Stewart, Clyde Wright and Jose Canseco!

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: 2/6/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I love the pure unadulterated joy on their faces.

Above is a September 24, 1947 AP press photo featuring a Dodger celebration unlike anything I've ever seen (eBay Auction Link). Per the description on the reverse:

Julibant Brooklyn Dodgers gather around the piano in the clubhouse at Ebbets Field in their impromptu celebration over the clinching of the National League pennant. Playing the piano for the musically inclined team is catcher Bobby Bragan. Seated on the end of stool in the foreground with a broad grin is Manager Burt Shotton.

Can you just imagine the Dodgers, or any team for that matter, pulling out instruments during a clinching celebration? UPDATE: Who's the guy (with his face cut-off) on the top-left corner with the fantastic mustache? I need to know!

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley, in a last ditch effort to save baseball in Brooklyn, lends his public support for a Wagner-Cashmore plan to build a $30-million Brooklyn sports center -- promising to purchase $4 million worth of the bonds. Unfortunately of them, lack of funding from the city's Board of Estimates killed the plan. In 2014 the Dodgers signed a free agent minor league contract with third baseman Justin Turner. He had just been released by the Mets, and was only given an invitation to spring training by the Dodgers. To the surprise of many, Turner would have a breakout season and become an important leader in the clubhouse.
• Happy Birthday, Andy Sommerville, Rube Ward, Red Downey & Glenn Wright!

2019 Topps Series 1 Baseball - Inserts Galore, Part 2

Here is a final look at Dodger cards found in 2019 Topps Series 1. Featured below is a bevy of inserts found in packs. Go here to check out the Dodger base cards.

Legacy of Baseball Autographs

#LBA-MM Max Muncy              #LBA-RS Ross Stripling

Blog Kiosk: 2/5/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic view of Dodger Stadium in the mist of being built, via RMY Auction (link here).

It is dated to 1958 and was taken by Delmar Watson -- a onetime child actor and news photographer.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2009 the Dodgers announced that on May 16th Dodger Stadium will host a regular season game between Mexico City Diablos Rojos and the Monterrey Sultanes of Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB) summer league. Unfortunately, the game was postponed due to a week-long closure of the Mexican League in April due to a swine flu outbreak. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe they ever rescheduled the game.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Hutcheson, John Gaddy, Cy Buker & Don Hoak!

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Sax, Cey, Russell & Garvey

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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