2019 Topps 582 Montgomery Club 1972 Poster - The Cody Bellinger Card

The third membership set for Topps 582 Montgomery Club have recently arrived at members mailboxes. As you know, earlier this season Topps unveiled an exclusive membership club for Baseball collectors that includes numerous exclusive sets.

This newest club set borrows the 1972 Topps Baseball poster design and includes 20 players; including Dodge slugger Cody Bellinger. Furthermore, all 20 players has a companion autographed card available, as well. Unfortunately, I do not have a pic of the autographed card. Go here for a complete checklist.

I included a pic of the Willie Davis poster from the original '72 set (you can see that above). These posters measured 9-7/16″ x 18″.

Base

#7 Cody Bellinger

Base Autograph

• #7A Cody Bellinger -- Not Yet Seen

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Blog Kiosk: 6/28/2019 - Dodgers Links - All Star

Contracts to our All-Star! Cody Bellinger received the most votes during the “The Primary” portion of All-Star voting and finished up in second place, behind Christian Yellich, in overall NL voting. This is his second career All-Star nod (2017) and his very first fan election.

Graphic above via Matt Kelley/MLB.com at Dodger Insider. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1907 then Yankees catcher Branch Rickey (who would be known for signing Jackie Robinson decades later) saw twelve Senator runners steal a base on him. In 1969 the Dodgers and Don Drysdale shut down the Padres at Jack Murphy Stadium by the lopsided score of 19-0. They break a LA Dodgers all-time record for runs scored in a game. In 2008 the Dodgers were no-hit by the Angels (Jered Weaver and Jose Arredondo), but still won the game, 1-0. The lone run was scored in the fifth inning when a couple of errors and a sacrifice fly by Blake DeWitt scored the eventual winning run.
• Happy Birthday, Fred Miller, Al Downing & Jose Flores!

Welcome to the Blue, Edwin Ríos!

The fruits of their labor is coming to fruition.

As you surely know, the Dodgers have been calling up one prospect after another. There was Matt Beaty... Then Kyle Garlick... Followed by Will Smith... Somewhere along the way Josh Sborz joined the club ... And there was Tony Gonsolin on Wednesday. Today, we learn (via a posting by Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA) that high-flying prospect Edwin Ríos is here. Per a Dodger press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today recalled infielder Edwin Ríos and selected the contract of left-handed pitcher Zac Rosscup. To make room on the 25-man roster, the Dodgers optioned pitchers Tony Gonsolin and Caleb Ferguson, while transferring A.J. Pollock to the 60-day injured list to make room on the 40-man roster. 

Ríos, 25, earns his first assignment with the Dodgers and his next game will be his Major League debut. In 70 games with Oklahoma City, he slashed .249/.308/.475 with 14 homers and 48 RBI. In five minor league seasons, he has hit .293 (452-for-1542) with 78 homers and 283 RBI. The Puerto Rican native was originally drafted in the fifth round of the 2015 First Year Player Draft out of Florida International.

Blog Kiosk: 6/27/2019 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Tony Gonsolin debuted yesterday, but things didn't go as planned. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

The 33-pitch first inning was a disaster. It started with Dyson’s bunt single with two strikes to defeat the shift. Speedy Tim Locastro then beat Gonsolin, who hesitated a split second, to first for an infield single, Pederson booted a routine grounder and Escobar slugged a three-run homer before there was an out. 

“I wouldn’t say the game sped up on me. I think I held my composure very well,” said Gonsolin, a former outfielder who laced a single in his first MLB at-bat. “Just comes down to executing pitches. It was a lot of fun on both sides of the ball.”

Gonsolin also recorded his very first Major League hit. Unfortunately, the Dodgers couldn't overcome the early damage. They lost 8-2 to the Diamondbacks (boxscore). Photo above via Jill Weisleder/Los Angeles Dodgers 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 1939 the Dodgers and Boston Braves/Bees play a 23 inning game that ends in a 2-2 tie. In 1980 Jerry Reuss throws a no-hitter against the Giants at Cadelstick Park, 8-0. He faces just 28 batters, and missed a perfect game due to an error by Bill Russell in the first inning. In 2011 the Dodgers file for bankruptcy following the leagues refusal to approve a multibillion-dollar TV deal with FoxSports.
• Happy Birthday, Jackie Hayes, Bull Durham, Hank Behrman, Wayne Terwilliger, Daryl Ward & Jim Johnson!

2019 Topps Now - #434 - 55 Wins!

During that month of June there have been 12 different 2019 Topps Now Dodger cards released. Now, it's up to 13. Featured above is a combo Justin Turner/Kenley Jansen card that celebrates the Dodgers 55th win of the season last night. The victory set a club record.  Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

The Los Angeles Dodgers set a franchise record with their 55th win before the MLB All-Star Game break. The Dodgers bested the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks with hom runs from Justin Turner and Enrique Hernandez, and an RBI double from Chris Taylor. With a 3-2 lead, Kenley Jansen came on to slam the door on the team's record-breaking win.

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2019 Topps Stadium Club - All the Dodgers Base Cards

One of the best sets in the hobby has just arrived on store shelves. It is Topps 2019 Stadium Club brand and I've got pics of all the base cards to share. Go here for a complete checklist. As you know, these cards are famed for the use of unique full-bleed photography -- many of which you're seeing on cardboard for the very first time.

My favorite Dodger base is the above Cody Bellinger card. I don't know exactly what moment the photograph captures, but I like to think it shows us his 13th inning walk-off single against the Milwaukee Brewers during last years Game 4 of the NLCS (boxscore). You can watch a highlight of that here. BTW, seeing Belli celebrate in the photo used above is fun to see, but I think crowd-watching the fans in the background is even better. Check out that guy near Belli's right foot who is in full prayer-mode. I thnk we may have him to thank for the victory.

Below are the Dodger base cards. Which one is your favorite?

Base

#41 A.J. Pollock

#70 Jackie Robinson

Blog Kiosk: 6/26/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This team is on a roll! They won their 55th game of the season (best in the Majors), and they did with some timely hitting and six scoreless bullpen innings. Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“Doesn’t matter who’s out there,” said Turner. “We have a lot of good baseball players who play the game the right way. We have a very deep lineup, we’re tough to pitch to and our starters have been off the charts and the bullpen’s been throwing really good lately, we’re leading baseball in defensive runs saved. We’re checking off all the boxes, we’re not just showing up, everybody is working to get better and that’s the recipe for getting good results.”

Photo above via Norm Hall/Stringer 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 1944 the Dodgers, Giants and Yankees play an exhibit charity game in front of 50,000 fans for the war bond movement dubbed the Tri-Cornered Baseball Game. The Dodgers won the contest: Dodgers 5, Yankees 1, Giants 0. Check out what I wrote about it here. Nathalie Alonso at MLB.com wrote a story about it that came out today. Check it out here. In 1999 Dodgers catcher Todd Hundley hit a three-run game-winning home run off of Giants closer Robb Nen in the ninth inning to spark a come-from-behind victory at Candelstick Park, 7-6. 
• Happy Birthday, Jean-Pierre Roy, Henry Schmidt, Rodney Myers & Babe Herman!

Welcome to the Blue, Tony Gonsolin!

As I'm sure you've heard by now, the Dodgers are expected to call up pitching prospect Tony Gonsolin and he will be pitching Wednesday's game in Arizona -- replacing Rich Hill in the rotation. BTW, Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA was first with this news yesterday.

Dave Roberts confirms Ross Stripling starts tomorrow. Tony Gonsolin will start Wednesday, callup from OKC.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) June 25, 2019

Blog Kiosk: 6/25/2019 - Dodgers Link - Some Odds and Ends

Please meet Mrs. Myrt Power. At the time this photo was taken, dated on the reverse at June 15, 1956, she was probably just as famous as the two gentlemen at her sides -- Pee Wee Reese and Duke Snider. So, who is she?

Myrt Power was the 1950's equivalent of Ken Jennings and James Holzhauer with a twist of Dodger love. Still confused?

In the summer of 1955 she was on a WCBS-TV quiz show called “The $64,000 Question,” and on that show she won $32,000 due to her knowledge of Baseball. Additionally, she decided to not attempt the next level prize of $64,000 because she didn't want to win a championship before her beloved Dodgers did. BTW, the day after her appearance on the show the Dodgers and Yankees faced each other for the 1955 World Series - a series the Dodgers won!

Thank you, Myrt!

On a side note, for her efforts she given a parade and a key to the city of Buford, Georgia (her hometown). Photo found on eBay (auction link).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1968 Giants rookie Bobby Bonds hit a grand slam against Dodger righty John Purdin in his third at-bat of his first major league game -- becoming only the second player to have ever done so. In 1984 infielder Bill Russell played his 1,953rd game to become the LA Dodgers' all-time leader in games played. He would finish his career in Blue with a total of 2,181 games played -- second best all time in Dodger history. Hall of Famer Zack Wheat best him with 2,322 games played as a Dodger.
• Happy Birthday, Barney White, Don Demeter, Alejandro Peña, Aaron Sele& Paul Maholm!

2019 Topps Now - #425 - A Walk-Off Weekend

As suspected, Topps has issued another Dodgers' Topps Now card today, and it highlights all three walk-off homers from this weekend. Alex Verdugo, Matt Beaty and Will Smith are featured on the card. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Alex Verdugo and Matt Beaty became the first rookies in history to hit walk-off home runs on consecutive days, before Will Smith decided to get in on the fun with a walk-off blast of his own. The home run sealed a series sweep of the division-rival Colorado Rockies and extended the NL West Division lead to 13 games.

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2019 Topps Museum - All the Dodger Insert Cards

Now that you've seen the Dodger base cards found in packs of 2019 Topps Museum, here's a look at most of the Dodger inserts you can find. I've also included several of the Original Sketch (1 of 1) cards that have found their way into the marketplace this past week.

Canvas Collection Reprints

#CC-50 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 6/24/2019 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Our three young hero's.

Photo above of Alex Verdugo, Will Smith and Matt Beaty 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 1947 Jackie Robinson stole home plate for the first time in his career. It was against the Pirates at Forbes Field during the fifth inning to give the Dodgers a lead and it was the eventual winning run, 4-2. In 1955 future Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax makes his Major League debut. He pitches in relief against the Milwaukee Braves and goes two innings -- allowing one hit, one walk and striking out two. In 1958 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder/outfielder Ron Fairly out of USC. He would eventually play 12 seasons in Los Angeles -- slashing .260/.347/.385/.732 while helping the club capture three World Series titles. In 2018 the Dodgers tie a NL record when they collectively hit seven solo home runs during a single game. It was against the Met's at Citi Field and it includes a game-winning homer by Justin Turner, against his old club, in the 12th inning, 8-7.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Banta & Jason Romano!

2019 Topps Now - #405, #414, #415 & #420 - Dodgers Historic Weekend

The Dodgers had an unbelievable weekend. Not only did they sweep the Rockies -- winning their sixth in a row -- but they did it with fantastic style. The club won all three weekend games with walk-off homers. Best yet, all three were hit by rookies.

To celebrate these achievements Topps issued several 2019 Topps Now cards (with another one likely to be made available later this afternoon) that I'm a bit tardy in writing about in this blog -- for that I apologize. First, let's take a look at a card made available on Friday. It's not actually a Dodger card since it highlights the efforts of a Met player, but it does include a pic of the leading NL MVP candidate Cody Bellinger. Check it out above and to the right. It has already sold out and has a print run of 660 copies. Below is what's it says on the reverse:

Blog Kiosk: 6/21/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Cody doesn't only slug -- he's got a golden glove too. Last night he saved the day when he fielded a sacrifice bunt attempt and threw out the lead-runner at third base. It not only recorded an important first out of the ninth inning, but also helped salvage a precarious one-run lead. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"Cody's play saved the game," said catcher Austin Barnes, who added that he would have accepted the out at first base on Austin if Bellinger hadn't cut in front of him. "Cody's crazy. He won the game." 

"I just started crashing once he squared around and knew that Vogt was running," said Bellinger. "It was more of whoever was picking up would throw to the base you think. I didn't hear anything, just focused on third. Turned out to be a big play. It probably would have been the weirdest loss I've ever been a part of. Good thing it wasn't, and a win is a win."

Photo above via Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers 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 1959 former Dodger Don Newcombe, now a pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, throws a complete game victory over Los Angeles, 17-3, at the LA Memorial Coliseum. It is his eighth win of the season. He recorded six strike outs and goes 4-for-4 at the plate -- all singles with four runs driven in. In 1998 the Dodgers replaced their manager, Bill Russell, with coach Glenn Hoffmann. Fred Claire is also fired, as Tommy Lasorda becomes the new GM. In 2016 the Dodgers signed Dean Kremer -- the first ever Israeli to sign a contract with a major league club. He had just been drafted in the 14th round of the 2016 MLB June Amateur Draft. 
• Happy Birthday, Randy Moore, Jackie Collum & Rick Sutcliffe!

2019 Topps Now -- #404 -- Dodgers are First to 50

Following the Dodgers 50th victory of the season on Wednedsday -- the first team in Baseball to reach this benchmark -- Topps has issued a new 2019 Topps Now card to commemorate the achievement. As you can see, Cody Bellinger and Alex Verdugo are featured on the front of the card. Go here to check it out and order. At the time of this posting there is only about 1 1/2 hours left to place an order, so apologize for this late notice. Below is what's written on the reverse:

The Los Angeles Dodgers became the first team in MLB to reach 50 wins this season, when they beat the division-rival San Francisco Giants, 9-2. The Dodgers have been led by one of the top offenses in Baseball with 119 home runs and 391 runs scored, while pitching to a stellar 3.17 team ERA.

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

The next homestand starts on Friday against the Colorado Rockies. 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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2019 Topps Museum - The Dodger Base Cards

Topps Museum cards are now out and I've got pics of the Dodger base cards below. Go here for a complete checklist.

The brand includes a 100 card base set -- of which there are two Dodger legends (Jackie Robinson and Sandy Koufax) and four current players. BTW, this is a mid-range priced card brand. A box will cost about $200 and you get four packs. Each pack is guaranteed a hit, and in each box you are guaranteed two autographed cards. I hope to have pics of all the Dodger inserts and hits soon.

Base

#18 Jackie Robinson        #47 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 6/20/2019 - Dodgers Links - First to 50

The Dodgers are the first team in the Majors to win 50 games, but it wasn't easy getting here. They've experienced injuries (losing Pollock, Seager and now Hill) and seen their bullpen falter on numerous occasions. Still, they find a way to win. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com

“Credit to our guys for shutting the door,” said Taylor. “It was big for us to get a lead early there. We’re playing free and easy, relaxed. We’re a very confident group and we’re playing our best baseball.”

BTW, Chris Taylor had a huge game. After struggling for much of the season, Taylor broke out by hitting two home runs (his first multi-homer game of his career), drove in four and scored three times.

Photo above via Carrie Giordano/Los Angeles Dodgers 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 1958 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Willie Davis out of Roosevelt High School in Los Angeles. In 2000 the Dodgers traded infielder Jose Vizcaino to the Yankees for catcher Jim Leyritz. In 2008 the Dodgers are awarded the Award of Excellence star, which is placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, for their significant contributions to the community by the Hollywood Historic Trust and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. In 2009 Dodgers pitcher Jeff Weaver best his younger brother Jered Weaver at Angels Stadium, 6-4. They become the eighth set of siblings to have started against one another. 
• Happy Birthday, Jaime Schultz, Luis Alcaraz, Larry See, Paul Bako & Juan Castro!

Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Garciaparra and Rod Carew

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 MLB Sticker Collection - All the Dodger Cards/Stickers

Topps MLB Sticker Collection has returned and this time they decided to combine their stickers with actual baseball cards. In past years the stickers would come with a backing that had some sort of advertising on it, so you'd just discard it when sticking it into an album. This season, there's a sticker with a collectible back that gives it a trading card feel. In other words, there are two ways to collect this set. You can chase after the stickers and/or the backs. Go here for a complete checklist.

As you can see below, there are seven Dodger stickers to collect. There are also nine different Dodger backs to chase after. Photos of both (with their corresponding reverse-side) are shown below. Furthermore, I have no idea what is the difference between the Type I and Type II backs.

Base Stickers

#110 Jackie Robinson

#117 Sandy Koufax

Blog Kiosk: 6/19/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

There's nothing like the joy on a kids face when they meet their Baseball idol.

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 1938, a day after signing a contract with the club, Babe Ruth puts on a Dodger uniform for the first time. In 1952 Carl Erskine threw a no-hitter against the Cubs in the Dodgers' 5-0 victory at Ebbets Field. This is the first of two no-no's he would throw in his career. The only Cub to get on base was the opposing pitcher, via a walk. In 1973 Dodger outfielder Willie Davis collected his 2,000th career hit at Dodger Stadium when he two-run home run. In 1990 Dodgers catcher Gary Carter broke a National League record for career games caught at 1‚862. He passes former Dodger Al Lopez who set the record in 1946.
• Happy Birthday, Bill Swift, Larry Miller, Bob Aspromonte, Jerry Reuss, Butch Davis, Doug Mientkiewicz & Claudio Vargas!

Blog Kiosk: 6/18/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This must've been a very sad day in Flatbush.

Featured above is an April 18, 1958, AP wirephoto of a lone ballplayer walking the field with his head held down at Ebbets Field. As you know, this date corresponds to the opening week of play for Major League Baseball. Unfortunately, the Brooklyn ballclub moved that winter to warmer digs. They are now known as the Los Angeles Dodgers. The headline used in the papers (as indicated on the reverse of photo) says, "Opening Day in Flatbush -- And Nothing But Silence." Written on the side is the following:

Ebbets Field, home of the Brooklyn Dodgers for decades, is spic and span as usual this Spring. But the stands remain empty and desolate and the field bare of players during these opening days of the 1958 season, The Dodgers, new based across the continent in Los Angeles, open their home season today in the huge Los Angeles Coliseum.

Photo above grabbed from an eBay auction (link here). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 the Dodgers sign their newest coach, Babe Ruth, to a contract. He hopes that he'll be installed as manager of the club the following season. As you know, that would not occur. Instead, it becomes clear that he is signed for publicity reasons -- he takes batting practice before the start of each game to guarantee high attendance. In 1988 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Pedro Martínez. In 2014 Clayton Kershaw no-hit the Rockies at Dodger Stadium, 8-0. He recorded a career high 15 strike outs, no walks and missed a perfect game when Hanley Ramirez committed an error in the 7th inning. Watch Vin Scully's call here. 
• Happy Birthday, Sandy Alomar!

2019 Topps Now - #387 - Father's Day Card with Cody Bellinger

Cody Bellinger had a fantastic Father's Day. Not only did he play a big part in yesterday's 3-2 victory over the Cubs, by hitting a game-tying homer in the sixth inning, he did it in front of his folks at Dodger Stadium. You can watch it here.

To celebrate the holiday Topps has released a special Father's Day 2019 Topps Now card that highlights that every ballplayer in the league wore Blue. Featured on the front is Cody Bellinger and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. -- both of whom have MLB dads. Go here to check it out and order.

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Blog Kiosk: 6/17/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

What a slide, eh?

Chris Taylor did a belly-flop on home plate yesterday afternoon that was the eventual winning run. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

The speedy Taylor seemed to hesitate momentarily, but was aggressively waved home by third-base coach Dino Ebel and slid hard face-first, left fielder Kris Bryant’s throw on the first-base side of the plate and skipping past catcher Wilson Contreras. Taylor suffered a nasty scrape on his right cheek from the slide. 

"He had to make a perfect throw and he didn't and that's what I was banking on,” said Ebel.

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 1956 Milwaukee Braves first baseman Joe Adcock becomes the first and only ballplayer to have ever hit a home run onto the roof of Ebbets Field. His ninth inning blast was the second of the game and was the eventual winning run as they defeated Brooklyn, 5-4. In 1976 one of the Dodgers greatest foes, Dave Kingman, helped defeat Los Angeles when he hit an 14-inning walk-off home run off knuckleballer Charlie Hough, 1-0. In 1997 the Dodgers and Angels player their first interleague Freeway Series match. The Dodgers would win on a walk-off home run by Todd Zeile off reliever Troy Percival, 4-3.
• Happy Birthday, Pete Browning, Bob Coulson, Phil Douglas, Bill Hubbell & Chink Outen!

2019 Topps Series 2 Flagship Set -- The Rest of the Dodger Insert Cards

Here's a final look at the second series of cards for Topps 2019 flagship baseball set. Go here to check out all of my previous posts. Below are the rest of the Dodger inserts that are available in packs.

Major League Material

#MLM-CB Cody Bellinger

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

The next homestand starts on Monday against the San Francisco Giants. 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, June 17 at 7:10 PM

TV: ESPN, SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

2019 Topps Now Future Award Winners - All the Dodger Cards

In May I put up pics from a new Topps online exclusive set called '2019 Topps Now Future World Series'. These cards are basically a gaming piece that provides a prize should the predicted event occur. In the case of the 'Future World Series' cards, should the team featured win the 2019 World Series the holder would win either a chrome-based team set or a mystery autographed card.

Following that set Topps released a second 'Award' brand and it is called '2019 Topps Now Future Award Winners'. These cards provide a prize should the featured ballplayer win the MVP, Cy Young or Rookie of the Year. Featured Dodgers include Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler as Cy Young candidates, Corey Bellinger and Corey Seager as MVP candidates and Alex Verdugo as a potential Rookie of the Year. Go here for a complete checklist.

BTW, there are also 'Wild Cards' available that cover the ballplayers that Topps did not have the wherewithal to include as a part of this brand. This is important because Hyun-Jin Ryu is clearly leading the National League CY Young race and he isn't featured in this set. On a side note, with Bellinger currently outpacing the rest of the league for MVP, I think it may be prudent to chase after his cards.

Base Cy Young Award

NL Cy Young Award

#11 Clayton Kershaw           #14 Walker Buehler

Blog Kiosk: 6/14/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic fan-taken snapshot of Jackie Robinson coaching his son, Jackie Robinson Jr. that I ran into on ebay recently. Junior must be behind on the count -- notice how he's choking up on the bat?

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1991 the Dodgers signed 17-year old amateur free agent pitcher Ismael Valdéz out of Victoria, Mexico. He would eventually play seven seasons in LA during an 12-year Major League career -- accumulating an 61-57 record, an 3.48 ERA, a 3.88 FIP and a WHIP of 1.235 as a Dodger. In 1993 the Dodgers played their very first game in Colorado against the expansion Rockies. Behind the pitching of Pedro Astacio, Los Angeles pounded out 12 hits (including a Jody Reed homer) to win the game, 9-4. In 1995 Dodger hurler Hideo Nomo struck out 16 Pirates to set an Dodgers all-time rookie record for strikeouts.  
• Happy Birthday, Don Newcombe & Greg Brock!