2019 Topps Gypsy Queen - All the Dodger Cards

Topps Gypsy Queen brand was released earlier this week and it's filled with plenty of Dodgers'. There are 13 base cards -- including three short printed Hall of Famers -- and numerous photo variations. Heck, even all the chrome inserts use entirely different pics than what they use in the base set. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

Base

#18 Cody Bellinger               #74 Max Muncy

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Shawn Green at Walmart on Saturday

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 legend Shawn Green will be signing autographs on Saturday, March 30th from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Walmart Supercenter in Burbank. This is all a part of a Baseball Days event at Walmart and in conjunction with MLB The Show 19. Go here or here for information.

Walmart Supercenter
1301 N Victory Place
Burbank, CA 91502

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2019 Topps Now - #19 - Dodgers Opening Day Home Run Derby

The first great moment of the 2019 Dodgers season, or shall I say eight Dodger highlights, will unsurprisingly be memorialized with a Topps Now card. As you know, the Dodgers collectively pummeled the hapless Diamondbacks, 12-5, on the strength of eight homers by six different Dodgers'.  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“When you see everybody getting good swings, you want to get a good swing,” said Muncy, who led the Dodgers with 35 homers last year but didn’t have one in Spring Training. “I think it was Seager, maybe, after the first couple of home runs he said, ‘Man, I want to hit one.’ He went out there and hit one.”

Blog Kiosk: 3/29/2019 - Dodgers Links - Homer Happy

Do you remember all that talk this Spring about how the Dodgers would play more small-ball this season?

Yeah, about that...

Yesterday afternoon, on Opening Day, the Dodgers cranked out a Major League record eight home runs, including two by Joc Pederson, to defeat the DBacks, 12-5. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“We can enjoy that right now, but we’ve got to come back tomorrow and do it again,” said Pederson, who finished 3-for-5 with three extra-base hits. “Enjoy this moment. And move on.”

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Go here to check out more pics from Opening Day. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2004 the Dodgers purchased outfielder Jason Grabowski from the A's. They also traded reliever Jason Frasor to the Blue Jays for outfielder Jason Werth. In 2008 the Dodgers played a preseason exhibition game at the LA Coliseum against the Boston Red Sox in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the club's move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. A crowd of 115,300 attended -- the largest to ever see a Baseball game. Check out a boxscore here.
• Happy Birthday, Hank Gastright, Rube Dessau, Lee Meyer, Gibby Brack, Tommy Holmes, Mike Ramsey & Brian Jordan!

Turner on Kimmel

To usher in the upcoming 2019 Baseball season Justin Turner visited with Jimmy Kimmel last night to discuss the season, the goofy version of Clayton Kershaw, his beard and more. Watch it all below:

Video Link:
Pic above via @Dodgers on twitter.

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Blog Kiosk: 3/28/2019 - Dodger Links - It is Opening Day!

Opening Day, Baby!

Above is a look at the two new patches the Dodgers will be wearing this season. First, you can see the MLB 150 patch that celebrates 150 years of professional Baseball and will be worn by every team in the league. Above that is the Don Newcombe memorial patch, via a tweet from Arash Markazi.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1970 Dodger Stadium was host to the "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial All-Star Baseball Classic". All-Star teams were assembled that included Joe DiMaggio as manager of the East and Roy Campanella as manager of the West team. Ron Fairly of Montreal and Ron Santo of the Chicago Cubs hit home runs as the East claimed victory, 5-1. In 1991 the Dodgers released legend and longtime Dodger hurler Fernando Valenzuela.  Per an AP article in the Lodi News-Sentinel:

"I will never forget Fernando and all he has done for me and the Los Angeles Dodgers," manager Tom Lasorda said. "It was a privilege and honor to manage him over the years because he was without a doubt a great talent and a great competitor. I want to thank him for all the memories."

Here's the Dodgers 25-Man Roster

The Dodgers just released their Open Day roster. As expected, Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill and Tony Cingrani have been placed on the 10-day IL (Injured List - formerly known as a Disabled List). 

Pitchers (13):

Starters:

• Hyun-Jin Ryu (L)
• Ross Stripling 
• Kenta Maeda
• Walker Buehler
• Julio Urías (L) 

Opening Day Homestand - Diamondbacks Series Starts Thursday - Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

Opening Day is here! The first home series of the 2019 season begins on Thursday against our rivals -- the Diamondbacks. Below are some odds and ends for this homestand. Below are some important links:

• 2019 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Friday Night Fireworks Schedule 
• Viva Los Dodgers Schedule
• Dodger Stadium Parking / Transportation 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

As you know, Don Newcombe passed away on February 19 at the age of 92. Newcombe was beloved by the team -- having been a mentor to numerous Dodger players over the decades. In honor of his life and legacy the Dodgers will all wear a memorial uniform patch featuring his uniform number, #36, all season long. Furthermore, Morningside, Inglewood, Dominguez and Centennial High Schools will also wear the patch this Spring. You can see the patch on the top right.

Also, at the Top of the Park, fans will notice two new additions to the Retired Numbers plaza, five-foot microphones for Vin Scully and Jaime Jarrín. Check out a pic on the left. Additionally, the Top of the Park store has been remodeled for a modern shopping experience. You can see renderings below.

For expedited entry, fans can transfer their Dodger tickets into their Apple Wallet and gain access to the stadium and suites via near field communication (NFC) ticketing technology stadium-wide via their smart watch or mobile device. NFC for Google devices is expected to be ready mid-season. Fans will also be able to utilize Apple Maps in and around the ballpark to find their favorite food, retail store, nearest restroom or Fan Services location. To expedite ordering at concessions stands, the Dodgers have increased the number of Self Service Concession Kiosks throughout the ballpark.

At the very bottom of this post is some information regarding the various food options available at Dodger concession stands this season. BTW, Stuff in LA shares a nice list of Opening Day restaurant and bar deals at or near downtown Los Angeles. Check that out here.

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Thursday, March 28th at 1:10 PM
Hyun-Jin Ryu vs. Zack Greinke

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

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

2019 Topps 852 Montgomery Club - 2nd Set - Clayton Kershaw

To open the 2019 regular season Topps has released their second 852 Montgomery Club membership set. As you know, last year Topps unveiled a collector membership club called '582 Montgomery' that included several exclusive perks like six different exclusive sets. Earlier this year they released the first club set (link here). Now, the second set has been delivered to members and it is a 20-card sticker set fashioned after a sticker test issue from 1967.

Clayton Kershaw is the only Dodger available to chase after. The reverse of the card is below. Go here for a complete checklist.

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Scans of my 1950 Don Newcombe Comic Book

Finally! Here's a look at my dusty, but well loved Don Newcombe comic book. It was published in 1950 by Fawcett Publications -- the same folks who created the Jackie Robinson comics from the same time period (link here) -- following his near unanimous selection as the 1949 Rookie of the Year. 

As promised, I've scanned each page to share here. Check them all out below. Click on any pic to embiggen.

Blog Kiosk: 3/26/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Pee Wee Reese could soar like an eagle.

Featured above is a 1957 spring training pic taken by Herb Scharfman of Reese at Dodgertown. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Veteran Captain Pee Wee Reese of the Brooklyn Dodgers may not be as young as some of his teammates at the Dodgers spring camp, but he still has plenty of zip and bounce. He is floating over the pitchers batting screen here like a two-year-old.

The above pic is currently available through RMY Auctions (link here). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the St. Louis Browns returned pitcher Tommy Lasorda to the Dodgers after having just purchased him a month prior. In 1984 Jackie Robinson was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan in a White House ceremony. Rachel Robinson accepted the award on her late husband's behalf. At the time, Jackie was just the third ballplayer to be given the distinction (Moe Berg and Joe DiMaggio were the others). You can watch the presentation here. In 1991 the Dodgers sign free agent catcher and future Hall of Famer Gary Carter to a one-year $500,000 contract. 
• Happy Birthday, Jack McCarthy, Joe Klugmann, José Vizcaíno & Frank Lankford!

Blog Kiosk: 3/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Are those taco's I see?

LAD Executive Chef Ryan Evans shared a bunch of new munchies that'll be available at Dodger Stadium at Dodger Insider; including the chicken taco's seen above. Go here to check them all out. Other new items include Chicken burrito bowl and a veggie burger.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1962 a former Giant, who wanted to remains anonymous, revealed that the Giants had help during the 1951 playoff against the Dodgers (this is the series where Bobby Thompson hit that infamous homer). They had a sign-stealing clubhouse spy at their home field for the last three months of the season. In 1993 Indians pitchers Steven Olin, Bob Ojeda and Tim Crews (a former Dodger) are in a boating accident at Little Lake Nellie in Clermont, Florida that kills both Olin and Crews. Ojeda is seriously injured in the crash. In 2014 the Dodgers and Diamondbacks begin the regular season in Sydney, Australia. The Blue Crew defeat Arizona, 3-1, behind a stellar start by Clayton Kershaw (6.2 innings, 7 strikeouts and one earned run) and a double and home run by Scott Van Slyke (boxscore).
• Happy Birthday, Bill McClellan, Overton Tremper, Ramon Martinez & Juan Uribe!

2019 Topps Inception - All the Dodger Cards

The Topps Inception brand can now officially be found on hobby shop shelves. There are only a handful of Dodgers' available -- including just three ballplayers in the base set and only two autographed insert cards. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base

#11 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 3/21/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic vintage pic taken by famed Baseball photographer Charles Conlon of the Brookyn Dodgers outfield, circa 1932-33. Featured are Johnny Frederick, Lefty O'Doul and Hack Wilson. It is currently available at Love of the Game Auctions.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History: In 1966 the Dodgers and Astros are the first Major League teams to play on artificial grass when they face each other for a spring training game in the Astrodome.
• Happy Birthday, Mysterious Walker, Bill Lamar, Jim Hughes, Tommy Davis & Carlos Monasterios!

Topps Living Set - #162 - Enrique "Kiké" Hernández

The first 2019 Topps Living Set card and ninth overall Dodger available for sale is super-utilityman Enrique "Kiké" Hernández. Go here to check it out and order.

I'm surprised that Kiké gets the honor of being the first of the year. I had figured they'd give the honor to a Hall of Famer like Koufax, or a ballplayer likely playing his last season in Dodger Blue -- like Rich Hill or Hyun-Jin Ryu. Nevertheless, I'll consider his selection to be a sign of good luck. Kiké's been on fire this spring, and I think we all hope that his hot hitting will extend into the regular season.

Blog Kiosk: 3/19/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is a spring pic I ran across featuring a bunch of Dodgers' in front of the Bear Mountain Inn in New York. As you know, during the wartime 40's the club spent their spring in upstate New York. Unfortunately, I do not know when the photo was taken and the only person I recognize is Leo Durocher -- he's the fellow in the middle wearing the white sweater and unbuttoned coat.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1998 the major league baseball owners approved the sale of the Dodgers to Rupert Murdoch's Fox Group. In 2018 Justin Turner suffered a major setback during spring training when he suffered a small non-displaced fracture of his left wrist after being hit by a pitch during Cactus League play by Oakland hurler Kendall Graveman. He would not require surgery.
• Happy Birthday, Ed McKeever, Roy Evans, Paul Powell, Jeff Hamilton, David Ross & Clayton Kershaw!

2019 Topps Opening Day - Dodger Insert Cards

Below is a look at most of the Dodger inserts found in packs of 2019 Opening Day. Go here to check out the base cards.

As you'll notice, several of the insert sets are basically photo variation cards that use the same base card design but puts in a unique photo. The one twist is that these cards are not short-printed. My favorite of which is they Clayton Kershaw 'Rally Time' card. As you'll see further down, that card not only featured Kershaw, but also includes Manny Machado, Matt Kemp and Chase Utley.

BTW, there are two Max Muncy autographed inserts available, but I have yet to see either.

Opening Day Relics

#ODR-CK Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 3/18/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Happy belated St. Patrick's Day!

Photo above of Hyun-Jin Ryu via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1958 famed clown Emmett Kelly, signed by the Dodgers to play the teams mascot in Brooklyn, announced that his contract had not been renewed to join the team in LA. The veteran circus performer believes the size of the Coliseum, the club's new home on the West Coast, is just "too big for one clown".
• Happy Birthday, Oscar Walker, Johnny Cooney, Gerónimo Berroa & Scott Podsednik!

2019 Topps Opening Day - The Dodger Base Cards

Topps answer to an entry-level card brand has now hit stores. It is their 2019 Opening Day set, and as you may know it uses the exact same design as their flagship brand released a couple of weeks ago. To distinguish itself from that set they add an Opening Day logo on all the cards. Furthermore, this brand is far cheaper than the flagship set. You can find a hobby box of Opening Day (with 36 packs) for $20-$25; whereas, a box of hobby Series 1 cards (with only 24 packs) will run you about $50-$60. Go here for a complete checklist.

Five Dodgers' can be found in the base set of 200 cards -- three of whom can be found in the Series 1 flagship set with the exact same photos (Seager, Jansen & Kershaw). Max Muncy and Matt Kemp are the other two Dodgers in this set, so we get an early peek at what their card will look like. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if this is the last time we see a Matt Kemp card as a Dodger on this flagship design.

BTW, Muncy also has a photo variation available and it happens to feature a pic from a recent walk-off homer. Check it out at the very bottom of this post.

Base

#5 Corey Seager                #21 Kenley Jansen

Blog Kiosk: 3/15/19 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yasiel Puig faced the Dodgers and Hyun-Jin Ryu for the first time yesterday afternoon. In his first at-bat he singled to right off Ryu. He then grounded out his next two at-bats.

Photo above via David Vassegh on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 the Dodgers opened their spring camp at Bear Mountain State Park in upstate New York due to wartime travel restrictions. There were real worries that German U-boats would attack the eastern coast of America During WWII. This is the third straight year the Dodgers would practice here. In 1975 the Dodgers signed 37-year old former Giants and future Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Marichal to a free agent contract. He would retire from the game a little over a month later on April 17th. 
• Happy Birthday, Doc Casey, Ralph Miller, Rosy Ryan, Lou Fette, Dick Scott, Mickey Hatcher & Trayce Thompson!

The Relic that Lead to our only 2018 World Series Win

I know the last thing Dodger fans want to be reminded of is the 2018 World Series. After all, we were dealt a crushing and embarrassing blow that I think most fans would rather just forget. This, of course, tends to happen when you're only able to muster one victory in a series -- a win that we very easily could have and probably should have lost.

You know what game I mean.

It was during Game 3 that the Dodgers and Red Sox duked it out for 18 painstaking innings. A game where our premier closer couldn't finish. A game that saw 18 different pitchers take the mound. It was a game that only became winnable when an error committed by the eventually AL Gold Glove winner allowed us to tie the game.

2018 Leaf Valiant - All the Dodgers Cards

We're now in the middle of March 2019 and Leaf is still producing sets with 2018 dateline. What's up with that?

Officially hitting stores this week is Leaf's 2018 Valiant Baseball card brand that focuses on the leagues top prospects and recent MLB Draft picks. There are two Dodger youngsters available in this all autograph product. Check them both out below. Go here for a look at the checklist.

Base Autographs

#BA-DJP D.J. Peters

Blog Kiosk: 3/14/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Happy Birthday, Charlie!

Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Billy Cox and Bob Milliken surround skipper Charlie Dressen with enough cake to feed all of Brooklyn. This pic was taken following the clubs doubleheader against the Phillies, dated September 20, 1953.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1932 the Dodgers sent 23-year old future Hall of Famer Ernie Lombardi, the still very effective Babe Herman and Wally Gilbert to the Reds for Joe Stripp, Tony Cuccinello and Clyde Sukeforth. In 2010 the Dodgers crush an All-Star team from the Chinese Professional Baseball League, 11 - 1, at Kaohsiung Stadium to complete their three-game tour in Taiwan.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Holbert, Jud Daley, John Miller, Mike Strahler, Kevin Brown & Jose Nunez!

Apparently, the Dodgers Tried to Trade for Warren Spahn

I usually refrain from writing about trade rumors. After all, we all know that a vast majority of the 'Hot Stove' is bunk. That said, this one vintage, circa 1950's, rumor has my imagination flowing, so I thought I'd share it here. According to a newspaper cutout attached to a letter written by Walter O'Malley -- that's currently available at REA (Auction Link) -- the Dodgers were charging hard to trade for future Hall of Famer Warren Spahn from the Braves prior to the start of the 1953 season.

Blog Kiosk: 3/13/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's another one of those photos that used to reside within the collection of famed sports broadcaster George Michael. Featured above is a live view of Pistol Pete Reiser stealing home (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Brooklyn, May 16, 1946... The Dodgers great Base stealer Pete Reiser shows his style in this sequence of photos ar Ebbets Field today. With Stan Rojak at bat, Reiser makes his dash for home. He leads the league in steals and stealing home has become his specialty.

In 1946 Reiser stole home seven times. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1917 Dodger skipper Wilbert Robinson performed some spring antics on the field. After hearing that Gabby Street caught a Baseball thrown from the Washington Monument, Robinson bragged that he could catch a ball dropped from an airplane. So, the stunt was set up, but as legend has it young outfielder Casey Stengel had something else in mind. He substituted a grapefruit for the Baseball. Said fruit was then gloved by Robinson as it fell, but it exploded on his chest. Having seen the fruits red innards splashed all over himself Wilbert exclaimed, "Help me, Lads, I'm covered with my own blood!" Then, he tasted it. On a side note, it has since been revealed that Stengel was not the genius behind this prank. Ruth Law, the pilot, substituted part of her lunch when she realized she forgot to bring a baseball.
• Happy Birthday, Chappie McFarland, Tom Flood, Mal Eason, Lew Malone, Don Bessent, Don Miles & Mariano Duncan!

Dodgers 2017 NLC Ring on Auction

If you haven't had a chance to see the NL Championship ring the Dodgers created after the 2017 season, well here's you chance. Featured is the very first ring from this season that I've seen for sale. It's at Paragon Auctions and it has an opening bid of $1,000 (Auction Link).

As you can see, the top is a rather plain. There's a diamond encrusted LA logo with 'National League Champions 2017' circling its circumference. The sides are far more interesting. One end includes that season's motto, "This Team!" and their regular season record (104-58). The other side has an aerial view of Dodger Stadium and the name of who this ring once belonged to -- Rafael Ozuna.

Blog Kiosk: 3/12/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Tony Gonsolin has been turning heads at the Dodgers camp -- and not just because he fancies cat t-shirts. Rather, he's been lights out during his three appearances this spring, pitching six scoreless innings. Overall, the 25-year old has struck out five, walked none and batters are hitting a paltry .190 off him. Per Matt Borelli at Dodger Blue:

“Minor League Pitcher of the Year, he has a four-pitch mix, he can throw his secondaries for strikes when he needs to, he’s a tough competitor, he’s very intelligent, and the stuff is real,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts answered when asked for his evaluation of Gonsolin. 

“For me to be able to put eyes on him, our coaching staff, was good. The way he carries himself in the clubhouse is very mature.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Pic on the right via Gonsolin on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1989 the Dodgers traded outfielder Mike Devereaux to Baltimore for starting pitcher Mike Morgan. Morgan would stay in LA for three seasons -- compiling a 33-36 record with an 3.06 ERA, 3.38 FIP and a 1.162 WHIP. In 2003 Mets catcher Mike Piazza charged the mound to go after Dodgers reliever Guillermo Mota during a spring training game at Thomas J. White Stadium in Port St. Lucie, FL. Mota plunked Piazza on the shoulder, so Piazza stormed after him -- even going so far as to enter the Dodgers clubhouse following the game. Both players would be suspended five games. Per Mike DiGiovanna at the LA Times:

"Where's Mota?" Piazza screamed, checking the trainer's room. "Where's Mota?" he yelled, walking through the clubhouse. Once he realized Dodger reliever Guillermo Mota had left, Piazza walked out the back door, got into his car and sped off.

• Happy Birthday, Frank Schneiberg, Bob Barr, Jim Wynn, Darryl Strawberry, Shawn Gilbert, Steve Finley, Raul Mondesi & Greg Hansell!

2019 Topps RBI 19 Baseball - The Justin Turner Card

The first retail exclusive "point of sale" Topps cards are now available, and it coincided with the March 5th release date of the ever-popular RBI Baseball 19 video game. It includes a one pack of 2019 Topps RBI 19 Baseball cards each specially marked game box at Walmart. I am unsure how many cards are in each pack. There are seven cards in the set, and the only Dodger available is Justin Turner. Go here for a complete checklist.

#Justin Turner RBI-6

Blog Kiosk: 3/11/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Baseball was played at Dodger Stadium this weekend as a part of the College Baseball Classic. In Sunday's prime match-up between the Bruins and Trojans, UCLA came out on top by rallying from a four run deficit to defeat the USC, 7-5.

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

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the Dodgers play their first Spring Training game at Holman Stadium at Dodgertown, Vero Beach, Florida -- defeating the A's, 4-2. In 1972 Dodger Hall of Famer Zack Wheat died at the age of 83. He slashed a lifetime .317/.367/.450/.817 with 2,884 hits and 1,248 RBI's, and still holds many Dodger records. He currently leads the franchise in hits (2,804), total bases (4,003), singles (2,038), doubles (464) and triples (171).
• Happy Birthday, Bill Pounds, Joe Dunn, Bobby Abreu, Rich Hill & Pedro Baez.

2019 Donruss - All the Dodger Insert Cards

Now that you've seen the base cards, here are the Dodger inserts found in packs of 2019 Donruss.

Retro 1985 Signatures

#11 Cody Bellinger

Retro 1985 Materials

#16 Adrian Beltre           #17 Adrian Gonzalez

Blog Kiosk: 3/8/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Seaman Johnny Podres is seen above receiving the 1955 Babe Ruth Award for his exploits during the 1955 World Series. The above pic is currently on auction at Hunt Auctions (link here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 teammates Joe Medwick and Pee Wee Reese wear protective headgear during a spring exhibition game in Havana, Cuba. They placed plastic inserts -- dubbed a “Brooklyn Safety Cap” -- inside their hats. Both players had missed significant time the previous season due to head injuries; including a scare that sent Medwick to the hospital for fear of a cracked skull. You can see a patent design for the cap on the right, via Baseball Hall of Fame. Click pic to embiggen. In 2011 former Dodger Assistant General Manager Kim Ng is named by MLB as the Senior Vice-President of its baseball operations, making her the highest-ranking woman in the major leagues.
• Happy Birthday, Ollie O'Mara, Carl Furillo, Al Gionfriddo, Dick Teed, Marv Breeding, Willard Hunter,  Dick Allen & Juan Encarnacion!