2019 Topps Now -- #303 -- Masterful Ryu!

Following last nights 7 2/3 shutout innings Hyun-Jin Ryu now leads the league in ERA at 1.48, walks per nine innings at an astounding 0.616 and leads the National League in wins with eight. No doubt, he is headed towards his first All-Star Game appearance. To celebrate his performance last night Topps issued another 2019 Topps Now card of him. Check it out above and below. Go here to check it out and order.  More importantly, though I thought it would be best to share a pic he put up on Instagram this morning. On the right is Ryu with a #WinningMaskPack. -- I kid you not!

Below is what's written on the reverse.

For the 11th straight start to open the 2019 season, Hyun-Jin Ryu allowed two runs or fewer. The streak marks the first time since Ubaldo Jiminez in 2010 that a pitcher has begun a season with 11 such starts. Ryu stifled the New York Mets, allowing just four hits and zero runs in 7 2/3 inning pitched.

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Blog Kiosk: 5/31/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The great Ryu! He earned his eighth win of the season last by throwing 7.2 innings of shutout ball with seven strike outs, one walk and four hits allowed. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“This month of May is incredible,” Ryu said. “I’ve always told everyone I want to throw six, seven innings to put the team in a position to help the team win, but I haven’t always been able to do it. But this month of May I definitely was able to do it, and it’s unbelievable.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1937 the Brooklyn Dodgers ended Carl Hubbell's consecutive game winning streak at 24 (over two season) at the Polo Grounds by defeating the Giants, 10-3. In 1948 Tommy Lasorda, as a member of the Schenectady Blue Jays in the Phillies system, struck out 25 batters in a 15 inning game to defeat the Amsterdam Rugmakers. Lasorda has said that he likely threw more than 300 pitches that day. In 1965 the Dodgers, for the first time in history, field an all switch-hitting infield in the second game of a doubleheader against the Reds.  The players were Wes Parker, Jim Lefebvre, Maury Wills and Jim Gilliam. In 1968 Don Drysdale pitched his fifth consecutive shutout -- while on his way to breaking the scoreless innings streak. This is the game where a Giants batter was called out on a bases loaded hit-by-pitch since he was ruled to have not made an attempt to get out of the way of the pitch.
• Happy Birthday, George Smith, Kenny Lofton & Dave Roberts!

Phillies Series Starts Friday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies on Alumni Weekend. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

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

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Friday, May 31st at 7:10 PM

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Max Muncy and Walker Buehler

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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2019 Topps Now -- #294 & #300 -- Last Night's Comeback and Belli's 20th

Here is a look at the two newest 2019 Topps Now cards for the Dodgers. Above is this afternoons offering featuring their glorious walk-off victory over the Mets and their hapless reliever Edwin Diaz. Go here to check it out and order. Per the writing on the reverse:

Facing a three-run deficit and one of the top closers in MLB, the Los Angeles Dodgers orchestrated an epic comeback. Joc Pederson came to the plate and hit a solo home run to narrow the gap, and then Max Muncy came to the plate and added a solo shot of his own. Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger contributed back-to-back doubles to tie the game, 8-8, and then the Dodgers loaded the bases with nobody out. Alex Verdugo hit a deep fly ball to left field to drive in the winning run in walk-off fashion.

Dodger Correspondence - From Garagiola to Buzzie on Sandy Amoros

It's been awhile since I've put together a post like this. I, like many collectors, enjoying viewing eBay auctions -- not just to add to the collection, but also to window shop. After all, there's always a bunch of fantastic and unique memorabilia to stare at, and oftentimes they tell a story that you likely never heard before. The letter above is a clear example of this (eBay auction link).

Topps Living Set - #190 - Justin Turner

It's been a couple of months since a Dodger has been chosen for inclusion to Topps Living Baseball card set. Featured above is the Justin Turner card, and you have until the end of the week to place an order. Go here to do that.

Blog Kiosk: 5/30/2019 - Dodgers Links - Walk-Off!

Come on, Belli! There's no need to strangle him.

Last night was thrilling. The Dodgers fought back in the ninth inning against the Mets to score four runs -- punctuated by a walk-off sacrifice fly by Alex Verdugo with the bases loaded -- to win in glorious fashion, 9-8 (boxscore). Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“It just says, really, we’re nasty,” said rookie Alex Verdugo, whose sacrifice fly capped a rally in the bottom of the ninth that began with back-to-back homers from Joc Pederson and Max Muncy, followed by back-to-back doubles from Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger. “The boys can hit.”

You can watch highlights from last nights ninth inning here. The above photo via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 Boston Braves outfielder Bama Rowell became the first player to hit the Bulova clock located above the right field scoreboard with a long drive at Ebbets Field. His wallop shattered the clock face, causing glass to fall on the field and onto Dodger outfielder Dixie Walker. The event is said to have been the inspiration for a similar incident found in the book The Natural that was written by Brooklyn author Bernard Malamud. BTW, Rowell's hit, recorded as a double, should have earned him a free watch from Bulova, but did not receive it until 41 years later, on Bama Rowell day in his hometown of  Citronelle, Alabama. In 1962 Maury Wills becomes the 7th player in history to hit home runs from each side of the plate during a single game. The feat was accomplished against the Mets during the first game of a doubleheader that afternoon.
• Happy Birthday, Jesse Whiting, Tony Watson, Al Mamaux, Ed Rakow & Manny Ramirez! 

2019 Baseball Treasure II MLB Coins -- Kershaw and Bellinger

For the second year-in-a-row hobbyist can now chase after collectible coins featuring their favorite players. Last year, the brand consisted of only 30 ballplayers -- including our very own Clayton Kershaw. This season, they've kept the same number of players at 30, but have added 13 new faces. There are 17 holdovers from the 2018 set. Go here for a complete checklist.

Fortunately for Dodger fans there are two Dodgers available in this years set -- Clayton Kershaw and Cody Bellinger. Also, the Kershaw coin looks exactly like last years coin. The only difference being a different design on the card that holds the coin. Check them out below.

#Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 5/29/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers lost last night, 7-3, so let's not dwell on that. Instead, we should accentuate the positive... like, Will Smith's fantastic debut. He singled in his first at-bat, recorded a double in the seventh and threw out a baserunner in the sixth. Best yet, his at-bat walk-up song was exactly what you would guess it would be (watch it here). Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Just looked composed,” manager Dave Roberts said. “It was exciting to see him get his first Major League hit … legs out a double, just squared up the ball all night. and he was taking some tough pitches to get in hitter’s counts. … You would never have guessed watching him tonight that it was his first Major League game.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1905, according to legend, Dodger hurler Elmer Stricklett introduces Baseball to the spitball -- beating the Giants, 4-3. Of course, this is a bunch of mumbo-jumbo. Although, many do credit Stricklett with being one of the first -- having built a reputation for throwing the pitch much earlier in his career on the west coast. In 1957 tough-talking New York Mayor Robert Wagner, following the leagues announcement allowing the Dodgers and Giants to leave New York, states that the city will not be "blackjacked" into doing a deal. In 1980 Dodgers starter Bob Welch throws a one-hit shutout to defeat the Braves, 3-0. He faced the minimum of 27 batters in the game. In 1983 Dodger reliever Steve Howe is readmitted to a drug treatment center after suffering a relapse from his cocaine addiction.
• Happy Birthday, Phil Gallivan, John Kennedy, Eric Davis, Trever Miller & Jerry Hairston!

Welcome to the Blue, Will Smith!

Another top prospect has joined the Dodgers roster. As you know, Austin Barnes was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain, so the Dodgers called up one of their top catching prospects, Will Smith -- the Prince of Louisville, KY (his birthplace). Per a Dodgers Press release:

Smith, 24, will have his contract selected for the first time in professional career and his next appearance will be his Major League debut. The backstop played in 38 games for Oklahoma City, batting .290 (40-for-138) with eight homers and 28 RBI. Smith was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the first round (32nd overall) of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Louisville. In four minor league seasons in the Dodger organization, he has a combined to hit .244 (231-for-948) with 43 homers and 154 RBI.

2019 Topps Now - #287 - Justin Turner's Five Hit Sunday

Once again I've missed another Dodgers' 2019 Topps Now card that was released over a weekend. This time it's of Dodger third baseman Justin Turner and it celebrates his stellar day at the plate on Sunday against San Diego. Unfortunately, it's too late to order. Per Jake Crouse at MLB.com:

With a single down the right-field line in the ninth inning Sunday, Justin Turner recorded a five-hit game for the first time in his 11-year career. 

Including a walk in the seventh, he also recorded a new career high by reaching base six times, which is a bigger deal given his approach at the plate.

Blog Kiosk: 5/28/2019 - Dodgers Links - MVP! MVP! MVP!

First, I wanted to acknowledge a patch that ballplayers wore for the first time yesterday, for Memorial Day. It is a remembrance poppy that has been used since 1921 to commemorate military personnel who have died in war and was first adopted by the American Legion. See it on the right, via UniWatch.

As for Cody Bellinger (featured in the pic above), he is unbelievable. Cody was a driving force behind this weekends sweep of the Pirates and their Memorial Day win yesterday afternoon. He is slashing .278/.381/.722/1.103 with two home runs, five runs scored and five RBI over the past four games. On top of that, he is looking like a Gold Glover every day. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“Words are tough to come by,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “I don’t know if they give out Gold Gloves in May, but it’s hard to see it play out any other way.” 

Roberts said there’s only one comp to what Bellinger can do to impact a game and he used the name – Mike Trout – with trepidation. 

“You’re talking about slug, average, on base, first-to-third, stolen bases, catching the baseball, outfield assists, all that stuff,” said Roberts. “To do what he can do, to check all those boxes. You’ve got to be careful when you’re talking about Mike Trout. That’s longevity, too. For a two-month span, that’s kind of what you’re talking about.”

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from Memorial Day. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 the NL officially approves of the move of the Dodgers and Giants to the West Coast, provided both clubs make their request before October 1 and move at the same time. This effectively allowed both clubs to start negotiating with potential host cities. In 1962 Don Newcombe signs a contract to play for the Chunichi Dragons of the Japanese Central League. In 2001 Dodger catcher Paul Lo Duca has a big day. He goes 6-for-6 to lead the Dodgers during an 11-10 win over the Rockies. He records five singles, a three-run home run and four RBI. In 2011 a small fire in a nearby storage area in the Reserve seats at Dodger Stadium forces the evacuation of fans of that section during a game between the Dodgers and Marlins. The fire is controlled quickly and they do not need to evacuate the entire stadium.
• Happy Birthday, Rafael Landestoy, Kirk Gibson & Cory Wade!

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

The next homestand starts on Monday against the New York Mets. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. Here are some important links:

• 2019 Broadcast Schedule
• Parking Information 
• Special Events Schedule
• Promotions & Giveaways Schedule
• Silent Auction Schedule 
• Dodger Stadium Parking / Transportation 
• Dodger Stadium Express / LA Metro  

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Monday, May 27th at 5:10 PM
Clayton Kershaw vs Jacob deGrom

TV: SportsNet LA, KTLA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

2019 Topps Pro Debut - All the Dodgers' Insert Cards

Now that you've seen the base cards, below is a look at all of the other Dodger insert cards that are available in packs of 2019 Topps Pro Debut. On a side note, I decided to include the two Mike Trout/Rancho Cucamonga Quakes cards below. I reasoned that since the Quakes are now a Dodgers farmclub I would be justified. Besides, I'll likely never have an other opportunity to show a Trout card on this blog, so why not.

Future Cornerstones Autograph

#FCA-KR Keibert Ruiz

Blog Kiosk: 5/24/2019 - Dodgers LInks - Some Odds and Ends

In honor of this weekends Memorial holiday I thought it apt to share the above 1945 AP photograph of a couple Brooklyn Dodgers in military baseball gear. This was grabbed from VintageBall.com. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Former Dodgers in the Pacific -- A pair of former Brooklyn Dodger Pitchers, Hugh Casey (left) and Cletus "Boots" Poffenberger (right), talk over the situation before opposing each other in a baseball game, somewhere in the Pacific. Casey's team won the game, 2 to 0. Casey is a Navy Chief Specialist and Boots is a Marine Private First Class.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 Carl Furillo hit a three-run pinch-hit first inning home run against the Phillies at Ebbets Field. The early pinch-hit at-bat only occurred because Philly manager Ben Chapman (yeah, that guy) chose to use his right-handed starting pitcher for Brooklyn's first two batters only -- Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson. Then substituted in a lefty for the next three batters. In 1973 the Dodgers and Mets play a 19-inning marathon at Dodger Stadium that takes a then-club record five hours and 42 minutes to complete. The Dodgers lost, 7-3. Outfielder Willie Davis would collect six hits -- tying a NL record. In 2000 sixteen Dodger players and coaches are suspended (a total of 60 games for players and 24 games for coaches) for a fighting incident at Wrigley Field that resulted in numerous players jumping in the stands on May 16th. 
• Happy Birthday, Wilmer Font, Billy Otterson, Fred Jacklitsch, Joe Oeschger, Gus Felix, Clancy Smyres, Ellie Rodriguez, Carlos Hernandez, Jason Grabowski, Jae Weong Seo,  Brad Penny & Andrew Toles!

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Angels Rookie Griffin Canning!

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 Angels second ranked prospect (according to MLB Pipeline) and current rookie starting pitcher Griffin Canning will be signing free autographs at a local San Diego County Credit Union on Saturday, May 25th from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Go here for more information. Be sure to arrive early, as the first 150 fans are guaranteed an autograph. Also, Angels Radio AM830 will also be present at the event with fun giveaways.

San Diego County Credit Union
(877)732-2848
32341 Golden Lantern, Ste A
Laguna Niguel, CA, 92677

NOTE: No personal photographs with the player. One autograph per person. Player subject to change without notice. Other restrictions apply.

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Blog Kiosk: 5/23/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Today is Brooklyn Hall of Famer Zack Wheat's 131st birthday, so in celebration I thought I would put up the above Charles Conlon photograph of Wheat from 1925. The photograph can be found in the book "Baseball's Golden Age: The Photographs of Charles M. Conlon, 1993" and the above copy was sold at MEARS in 2011 for $65. It is a Type II photograph -- meaning it's a modern photograph from the original glass plate negative.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1944 the Dodgers and Giants play the first night time game in metro New York since 1941 at the Polo Grounds due to the easing of wartime restrictions. Brooklyn defeated Bill Voiselle and the Giants, 3-2. In 1981 Ron Cey hit his 200th career home run. It was against the Reds in Cincinnati. In 2002 Shawn Green hit four home runs in one game against the Brewers in Milwaukee, and set a major league record for total bases at 19. Overall, Green went 6-for-6 with a single, double, six runs scored and seven RBI's. Watch highlights of his day here.
• Happy Birthday, Zack Wheat, Augie Galan, Clyde King & Ramon Ortiz!

2019 Topps Pro Debut - All the Dodger Base Cards

Topps Pro Debut brand hit stores this week, and it features several of the Dodgers top youngsters in their minor league system -- including hurler Dustin May, Keibert Ruiz and Gavin Lux. Go here for a complete checklist.

Below is a look at the Dodgers' base set, the lone photo variation of Ruiz and the three Dodger base autographed cards. I hope to have pics of the other Dodger inserts soon, so stay tuned.

Base

#11 Yadier Alvarez         #24 Cristian Santana

Blog Kiosk: 5/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Clayton Kershaw may not exactly be the pitcher he was, but he sure looks good as the pitcher he is becoming. Last night he was throwing darts and crusing along against the Rays until the seventh inning arrived -- where he yielded a couple of hits and ended up giving up two runs. Nevertheless, last nights efforts continues his streak of 19 consecutive unbeaten starts -- going back to July 27, 2018. Per Dawn Klemish at MLB.com:

“I thought Clayton was really good,” Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said. “I thought all night long, just mixing his pitches, changing locations, pitches, sequencing, everything was great.”
...
“I felt good,” Kershaw said. “I think other than that last inning, I felt everything went pretty well. Not a whole lot of hard contact; it was all right.” 

“All right” for Kershaw is certainly a pretty high bar.

Photo above via Ricky Bowden/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1949 Don Newcombe made his first major league start, firing a five-hit shutout in a 3-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. He would go on to have a 17-8 record with 19 complete games, five shut outs and an 3.17 ERA -- winning both the Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young awards. In 1987 the Dodgers traded reliever Tom Niedenfuer to the Orioles for John Shelby and Brad Havens. Shelby would go on to have a very impactful season for the World Series Champion Dodgers the next year.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Lohrman & Tommy John!

2019 Panini Prizm -- All the Dodgers Cards

Panini's Prizm baseball card brand has just hit store shelves, and I've pics of most of the Dodger cards to share here. Check them out below. Go here for a complete checklist. BTW, there are over 25 different parallels available, so good luck if you're a 'player collector'.

Base Tier I

#16 Justin Turner                #18 A.J. Pollock

Blog Kiosk: 5/21/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This looked painful.

Featured above is an Associated Press photo of Duke Snider falling like a tree after getting plunked by NY Giants hurler Marv Grissom on Tuesday, June 29, 1954 (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

THE DUKE IS FELLED.  Duke Snider, hard-hitting centerfielder of the Brooklyn Dodgers, holds his right elbow and falls to the ground after being hit by ball being pitched by Giant relief hurler Marv Grissom in tenth inning of game at Polo Grounds, New York, night of June 29. An examination showed no break, but Snider could hardly lift his arm later. Giants won, 4 to 3, in 13th inning.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1952 the Dodgers scored a Major League record 15 runs in the first inning to handily defeat the Reds at Ebbets Field, 19-1. At one point in the first inning 19 consecutive Dodgers' reached base. In 2000 MLB has its very first six grand slam day - Shawn Green & Adrian Beltre (Dodgers); Garret Anderson (Angels), J.T. Snow (Giants), Brian Hunter (Phillies) and Jason Giambi (A's).
• Happy Birthday, Sandy McDougal, Charlie Loudenslager, Mace Brown, Elmer Sexauer, Hank Webb & Tom Martin!

2019 Topps Total - Wave 1 - All the Dodger Cards

Several weeks back Topps announced that they would be bringing back their Topps Total brand. For those who don't know -- which includes myself since I wasn't collecting when this initially came out in the early-2000's -- Topps Total is a card set that seeks to give every Major League ballplayer their own card. In other words, it's meant to be a comprehensive set that will include everyone. So, if you are looking for a 2019 card of Dylan Floro, Scott Alexander, and Pedro Baez then this is the set for you.

Unlike its older brethren these cards are only being sold exclusively online, and they've been broken up into 100-card blocks (or Waves, as they are calling it) to be sold every three weeks in 10-card packs. For instance, Wave 1, which is already sold out, sold a grand total of 5,837 packs, so this translates into approximate print run of 583 cards each. Go here for a checklist for Wave 1.

As you'll notice, four Dodgers' are a part of this first Wave -- Kershaw, Freese, Barnes and Jansen. Check them all out below. BTW, Wave 2 is currently on sale through Topps and this block of 100 cards includes four Dodgers -- Pollock, Ferguson, Ryu and Bellinger. Go here to order these cards (you have until Friday).

Base - Wave 1

#16 Clayton Kershaw              #27 David Freese

Blog Kiosk: 5/20/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Hyun-Jin Ryu is pitching every bit like the 'Monster' he was billed to be when he first came from Korea to become a Dodger in 2013. He is currently riding a 31 scoreless consecutive innings streak after throwing seven innings of five-hit ball to win his sixth game of the year against the Reds, 8-3. Overall, he is sporting league leading statistics in ERA (1.52), Whip (0.742) and strikeout to walk ratio (14.75). That last stat is particularly impressive. In 59 innings pitched this season he has walked only four.... FOUR! Per Jeff Wallner at MLB.com:

“He’s locked in right now with everything, his entire pitch mix,” said Roberts. “It’s fun to watch a player in a zone like that. I felt like he was in complete control.”

Photo above via Ryan Meyer/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1979 Don Sutton becomes the Dodgers franchise leader in wins at 210 when he goes eight innings, struck out six, walked none and allowed three runs to defeat Tom Seaver and the Reds, 6-4. 
• Happy Birthday, Joe Harris, Bert Delmas, Harry Taylor, Ken Boyer, Bob Giallombardo, Jim Lyttle, Ralph Bryant, David Wells, Ramón Hernández, Wilson Valdez & Jayson Werth!

Welcome to the Blue, Kyle Garlick!

The Dodgers have once again shuffled their roster. Along with both Caleb Ferguson and Matt Beaty, the Dodgers are bringing up 27-year old Kyle Garlick for his first stint of Major League ball.

The Dodgers today recalled IF Matt Beaty and selected the contract of OF Kyle Garlick. To make room on the 25-man roster, the Dodgers placed RHP Kenta Maeda on the 10-day injured list with a left adductor contusion.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 17, 2019

He is a southern California kid (La Habra) who plays the outfield, and bats and throws right-handed. This season at Oklahoma City he is slashing .280/.375/.627/1.002 in 35 games, and has exhibited some pop. He has ten homers so far, to go along with 20 RBI and 20 runs scored. Over five minor league seasons (covering 418 games) he is slashing a more than respectable .283/.341/.519/.860 with 78 career homers. Per Baseball Prospectus:

A 28th-round senior sign in 2015, Garlick is old for the level. He shows natural bat-to-ball skills and raw strength that translates into game power despite an unorthodox swing that doesn't incorporate much lower half. That swing has undergone some overhaul since last summer, specifically in the setup and launch, and his production hasn't missed a beat. He wants to hit in the box, though he has exhibited improvement in his command of the zone against hard stuff in particular this spring. The successful adjustments are a good sign, though the path is narrow. Poor foot speed limits his ceiling on the bases and in the field, so the bat will need to carry him to a 25-man cameo or three.

2019 Bowman Mega Box Chrome - All the Dodgers Cards

The newest retail exclusive product is now sitting on store shelves of your local Target. It is Topps 2019 Bowman Mega Chrome Boxes and for $19.99 you get four regular 2019 Bowman packs (originally released in mid-April) and two exclusive Mega Box Chrome packs. The Mega Box Chrome packs pulls 100 cards from the 2019 Bowman base set and uses a unique background design -- called "mojo" -- with a chromium finish to distinguish it from the Bowman brand. This hexagonal-styled parallel can only be found in these packs. Four Dodger prospects are a part of the 100 card mojo base set -- Dustin May, Keibert Ruiz, Gavin Lux and Cristian Santana. There is also an autographed mojo card of Cristian Santana and an insert mojo card of Will Smith. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base Chrome Mojo

#BCP-80 Dustin May            #BCP-118 Keibert Ruiz

Blog Kiosk: 5/17/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Just another fantastic vintage press photo (eBay link) -- this time it's of a successful steal of third, dated 9/29/1938. Per the descriptor on the reverse.

Can't Catch This Thief
Boston Braves catcher Al Lopez slides safely into third with one of his two stolen bases in yesterdays game with the Dodgers at Ebbets Field. In the fourth inning of the first game Lopez swiped third as Dodgers third sacker Cookie Lavagetto turns with catcher Greek George's late throw. The Bees won the opener 2-1, with the Dodgers taking the nightcap 8-6 before 2,822 paying patrons.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 then Pirates slugger Hank Greenberg reached out to Jackie Robinson during a game at Forbes Field. While standing on first base he asked Jackie if he was hurt during a collision with him earlier in the game and then says, "Stick in there. You're doing fine. Keep your chin up." Knowing that Greenberg knew first hand the difficulties he had been facing, due to his own Jewish heritage, Jackie would later name him his "diamond hero." In 1978 Dodger slugger Lee Lacy hit his third consecutive home run as a pinch-hitter -- becoming the first player to have ever done so.
• Happy Birthday, Al Mays, Rube Vickers, Elmer Steele, Harry Riconda & Dick Smith!

2019 Topps Now - #237 - Kenta Carries Dodgers

Last nights effort on the part of Kenta Maeda has earned him his fourth Topps Now card - his first of the 2019 season. His first three all came out during his rookie season in 2016, so it's been quite some time since he's been issued an online exclusive card.  Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Kenta Maeda did it all for the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitching 6 2/3 shutout innings and allowing just thee hits while striking out 12. The pitcher also drove in the team's only two runs on two hits at the plate. The Dodgers went on to win the game 2-0 thanks to the herculean effort from the right-hander.

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Blog Kiosk: 5/16/2019 - Dodgers Links - Maeda Does it All

Masterful.

Kenta Maeda struck out 12 Padres (a team season high), walked none and scattered three hits to stifle San Diego and record his fifth win of the season. Best yet, he provided all the offense the Dodgers would need. With two on he hit an 'excuse me' bloop single that drove in the pair in the second inning. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s hard to imagine him being any better, really, especially when you just saw a team less than 10 days ago,” said manager Dave Roberts. “To go out there, play that cat-and-mouse game, execute the fastball like he did tonight, the slider down below, the split-change…it was really, really fun to watch.”

...
“You see what happens when you put the ball in play,” Verdugo said. “Good things happen.” 

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1970 a fourteen year old fan named Alan Fish was struck by a batted baseball at Dodger Stadium and would unfortunately die four days later. This marked the first fatality of a fan from a batted ball in a Major League game. In 2000 was the infamous fight at Wrigley Field that started when Dodgers catcher Chad Kreuter, sitting in the Wrigley exposed bullpen, was hit in the back of the head and had his hat stolen by a unruly fan. Several players and coaches jumped into the stands during the ensuing melee. 
• Happy Birthday, Watty Clark, Rube Walker, Rick Rhoden, Mitch Webster & Eugenio Vélez!

2019 Topps Big League Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

Big League Baseball boxes, Topps answer to collectors who are seeking something more affordable, are now on store shelves. There are 403 base cards (11 of which are Dodgers) and only a handful of high-end autographs available -- there are no relics in the set. A box of 24 packs sell for about $35, so this brand is perfect for collectors on a budget.

Check out all of the Dodgers cards that are available below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base

#2 Max Muncy