Blog Kiosk: 8/30/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Ryu got rocked again. Per Jake Rill at MLB.com:

“I understand that it’s three in a row that he hasn’t thrown the way he’s thrown all year, but it’s something for us where it’s not too far off,” Roberts said. “I think, just seeing the way the baseball comes out of his hand, velocity’s still there, missing just off. I don’t think it’s a fatigue thing, just the way he looks and talking to him, he’s very strong. I don’t see that there’s a drop-off in stuff, I think the drop-off is just a little bit of that command.”

I hope you're right, Doc.

Photo above via Joe Cortez/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 Dodger History: In 1918 the Dodgers and Giants play a 56-minute game at the Polo Grounds that saw New York beat Brooklyn, 1-0. In 1952 former Dodger infielder and future Hall of Famer Arky Vaughan dies in a fishing accident. He and a friend drowned in a lake near Eagleville, CA when their boat capsized. In 1953 Roy Campanella tied a NL record for RBI's by a catcher during a season at 122. He did it by going 4-for-5 with five RBI's and three runs scored against the Cardinals. Campy would finish the year with a Major League best 142 RBI's for a catcher. In 2015 Cubs hurler Jake Arrieta no-hit the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. It is the 12th no-hitter ever thrown at Chavez Ravine.
• Happy Birthday, Bert Tooley, Kiki Cuyler, Tommy Dean & Roberto Hernández!

Camera in a Clubhouse -- Andy Carey's Snapshots of the 1962 Dodger Clubhouse

I must confess that I had set a vastly different course for this blogpost. Originally, I wanted to write an exasperating story about how much of a "bada**" Sandy Koufax looks like in the above photo -- which I found in a current auction at Small Traditions auction (link here). As I quickly found out, though there's much more to the photo than a cocky Koufax (yes, he has a cigarette in his mouth as he flaunts his prowess with the bat).

(Reverse of Koufax pic)

What we have here is one of twenty photographs that were originally sold at Dodger Stadium concession stands - likely in 1963 and possibly beyond. They feature fun and improvisational pics taken by teammate and journeyman infielder Andy Carey during his final season in the Majors -- 1962. Per the auction description:

And thanks to utility infielder Andy Carey, playing in his 11th and final season in the big leagues, we have some of the clubhouse antics of the Boys in Blue captured on film. As Dodgers team historian Mark Langill noted in his eponymous book on the historic ballpark, Carey's behind-the-scenes photos started off as a gag, but became a documentary of the season, all taken on the veteran's Polaroid Land Camera. Twenty of Carey's photos were sold at the stadium and marketed under the title "Camera in a Clubhouse."

Wow!

Blog Kiosk: 8/29/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Casey Sadler recorded his first save of his career last night. Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“This was a lot of fun,” said Sadler. “In a word, indescribable. Emotional. I thought Kenley would slam the door. But in the ‘pen, you always have to be ready. This is the first time I’ve ever pitched back-to-back-to-back days. You want to be in those situations where it’s game-changing. When the phone call came, I got up and did what I wanted to do. What makes a championship team is that you pick up the next guy.”

Casey ain't wrong. When a teammate struggles others have to pick up the slack. Last night that's exactly what happened -- from Hernandez's overall play to a bullpen that just find a way to get it done on most days.

Photo above via Raymond Gorospe/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 1948 Jackie Robinson hit for the cycle against the Cardinals during the first game of a doubleheader. He completed it in reverse -- hitting a homer in the 1st, a triple in the 3rd, a double in the 4th and a single in the 8th inning. The Dodgers won 12-7. In 1980 Dodgers coach Manny Mota is reactivated by the Dodgers to be their top pinch-hitter off the bench. He would go 3-for-7 with two RBI's. In 1987 the Dodgers traded Rick Honeycutt to the A's for young starting pitcher Tim Belcher. As you know, Belcher would be an important cog to the eventual world championship in 1988.
• Happy Birthday, Elmer Stricklett, Jack Warner, Buck Marrow, Billy Cox, Reggie Williams, Henry Blanco & Chris Taylor!

The Greatest Baseball Fight Ever

I can't believe I forgot all about this.

On this day in 1988 fans were witness to arguably the greatest fight to have ever occurred on a Baseball field. It was a rough and tumble affair that included grand theft, punches thrown to and fro, and a Baseball thrown right at the side of the Philly Phanatic.

That's right, folks!

The fight I speak of involved the weird and silly mascot of the Philadelphia Phillies and his nemesis for the evening was soon-to-be World Series Championship manager Tommy Lasorda.

Before I direct you towards a video -- that is a must watch -- I thought I would share a quote from Lasorda that I came across in a story by Gemma Kaneko at Cut4:

"I was always upset about him always taking my shirt and putting it on some dummy and then running over it. I didn't particularly like that, and I told him. I said, 'I don't want you to do that anymore.' The next time I saw him he still put my shirt on, so I went after him and I bopped him down a little bit. And I said, 'If there weren't all these people here I'd really rip ya.'"

2019 Topps Now - #759 - Reliever Russell Martin

Never in my wildest dreams did I expect that Russell Martin would get his very own Topps Now card highlighting his remarkable prowess on the mound... but here we are. Featured here is the lone Dodger to make the cut today -- Russell Martin -- and as you know he pitched his fourth scoreless inning of the year last night. Best yet, his efforts marked an important milestone. According to the preview card he became the first position player since 1961 to have pitched in a combined shutout victory. Although, I'm not entirely sure Topps has the right date here. According to Stats By STATS on twitter,

Excluding two-way players, the @Dodgers' Russell Martin is the first position player to pitch in a shutout win for his team since 10/03/1917, when Hall of Famer George Kelly pitched 5.0 shutout innings in the Giants' last game of the season (his only career pitching appearance).

Nevertheless, this is a cool card. Go here to check it out and order.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

2019 Topps Fire - All the Dodger cards

Another Target exclusive Topps Baseball card brand recently hit store shelves. It is the 2019 Topps Fire set and I've got pics of most of the Dodger cards found within packs. See them below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base

#39 Justin Turner             #44 Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 8/28/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Now we know why the Dodgers didn't bother trading for a high-end reliever. We already have a guy who could do the job.

Last night Russell Martin entered the game as a reliever for the fourth time this season, and once again he pitched flawlessly. His four innings of work has yielded only two hits, while the righty catcher has struck out two. Per Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider:

“It’s pretty good. He’s got some spin rate. You guys should check his numbers,” Buehler said of the Dodger catcher.

Photo above via Raymond Gorospe/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 1942 the oft-injured outfielder Pete Reiser enters the hospital with a torn thigh ligament. In 1945 Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson meet to discuss plans for integrating Baseball. During the three hour meeting Rickey berates Robinson with a flurry of racial epithets to test his mettle and willingness to 'turn the other cheek.' Also on this day, 17-year old Brooklyn shortstop Tommy Brown becomes the youngest person to steal home in Major League history.  In 1952 the Brooklyn Dodgers set a National League record when they hit into a double play in their 23rd consecutive game. In 2002 Eric Gagne recorded his 45th save of the season, setting a franchise record and earning a bottle of Dom Perignon autographed by his Dodger teammates. 
• Happy Birthday, Ryan Madson, Joe Yeager, Goody Rosen & Darren Lewis!

Blog Kiosk: 8/27/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Mistakes were made. Errors committed. Game was lost. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“There’s no excuse for what happened,” (Dustin) May said. “I should have been behind third to back the ball up. Can’t let it go into the dugout in that situation. A huge situation.” 

“The throw came in and I was assuming Corey [Seager, at shortstop,] was going to cut it off, but it was over his head,” (Justin) Turner said. “I tried to knock it down, and it just sneaked by me.”

Oftentimes, it's the little things that determine your fate. Photo above via Raymond Gorospe/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 1937 Dodger righty Fred Frankhouse throws a rained-shortened (7 2/3 innings) no-hitter, beating the Reds, 5 - 0.  He recorded only three strikeouts and walked six. In 1955 Sandy Koufax earned his first career win during his first career start when he pitched a complete game shutout to defeat the Reds, 7-0. He struck out 14 batters and walked five. In 2005 Dodger second baseman Jeff Kent hit his 300th career homer run as a second baseman -- the first to have ever done so. In 1988 Tommy Lasorda won his 1,000th career game as Manager of the Dodgers. 
• Happy Birthday, Don McJames, Hal Janvrin, Mike Maddux, Jim Thome, Rick Gorecki & Justin Miller!

National Baseball Card Day -- All the Dodger Cards

Earlier this month Topps and much of the Baseball world celebrated National Baseball Card Day with free baseball cards. Participating stores gave away free packs of cards from a 30-card retail set and every team in the league handed out exclusive 10-card team sets (some teams only had as little as five cards available) to fans in attendance at a specified game. So, there are actually two different sets for fans to chase after. There's the 30-card retail set and a regional team set (consisting of a total 274 cards) available. Go here for a complete checklist.

Directly below is a look at the only Dodger found within the 30-card retail set. It is of Clayton Kershaw. I've also included a pic of an unopened Dodger team set that was given away to fans on Saturday, August 10th on the right.

Retail Base 

#14 Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 8/26/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

There's obviously room for improvement as the Dodgers lose the Yankees series. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“They definitely mirror our club,” said manager Dave Roberts. “It’s a fun team to compete against and they got the best of us this series. I think we match up well.”
...
“I don’t think this series changed my thought that these are two very good ballclubs,” said Roberts, "but we both have a lot of work to do if there is a potential [World Series] matchup.”

This was a great match-up, and I wouldn't be surprised if we face each other again.

Photo above via Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 at Dodger Insider. Go here to check out more pics from yesterdays game. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers Baseball: In 1939 a Major League game is broadcast for the first time on television, and it features a game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds at Ebbets Field. It is telecast on W2XBS and it includes a doubleheader -- which the teams split (Game 1 - Lost 5-2; Game 2 - Won 6-1). Additionally, a special ceremony is held between games to honor Alexander Cartwright with a Hawaiian-themed celebration to mark the centennial anniversary of baseball. In 1947 righty Dan Bankhead became the first African-American to pitch in Major League Baseball, and it did not go well (boxscore). He pitched 3.1 innings in relief -- yielding ten hits and eight runs. On the flip side, Dan did hit a home run in his first Major League at-bat. Notably, Bankhead also threw an inside fastball that hit Pirate outfielder Wally Westlake that some in the stadium feared would lead to a riot -- it didn't. Westlake said the following about that (per Baseball Happenings):

“It was like the fans held their breath waiting for the reaction,” the now 94-year-old Westlake wrote in a 2008 letter. “He was just another dude trying to get me out and I was trying to whack his butt.” 

...
“I think I disappointed the rednecks,” he said. 

• Happy Birthday, Frank Allen, Jesse Barnes, Elmer Klumpp, Gene Moore, Alex Trevino, Chad Kreuter & Daniel Corcino!

2019 Topps Now -- #737 -- Seager and Hernandez Ninth Inning Heroics

For the second evening in a row the Dodgers defeated the Blue Jays in walk-off fashion. This time, instead of a homer to win the game the club decided that this victory would be a team effort. It all began with a walk to Max Muncy to start the ninth. Following that was a double by MVP favorite Cody Bellinger to put runners and second and third. Then Corey Seager tied the game at two with his own double. The honor of winning the game was left to that days bobblehead honoree -- Kiké Hernandez. He lofted a single to center to drive in Seager for the win. In honor of the Dodgers 12th walk-off Topps has issued a new 2019 Topps Now card for fans to collect. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Corey Seager's game-tying two-run double with one out came in the bottom of the ninth. The was immediately followed up with an RBI single from Enrique Hernandez that gave the Dodgers a 3-2 win over Toronto, a sweep of their interleague series and their 12th walk-off of the year.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

2019 Topps Archives Baseball -- All the Dodger Cards

Earlier this week Topps officially released their 2019 Archives Baseball brand, and I've got pics of most of the Dodger cards to share below. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

This year the set pays homage to the 1958, 1975 and 1993 Baseball flagship card designs. Additionally, there are autographed Fan-Favorite cards of Koufax, Eric Gagne and Steve Sax available.

Base

1958 Topps

#20 Duke Snider                #33 Max Muncy

Blog Kiosk: 8/23/2019 -- Dodgers Links -- Just Another Walk-Off

Walk-Offs are fun.

Those pesky Dodgers did it again. For the 12th time this season the Dodgers pulled out a victory from the jaws of defeat. This time it was bobblehead night honoree Kiké Hernandez with the winning hit -- the 8th different Dodger to accomplish the feat so far this season. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“We like to walk off,” Hernandez said after he followed Corey Seager’s game-tying two-run double with one out in the bottom of the ninth, with an RBI single that gave the Dodgers a 3-2 win over Toronto, a sweep of their Interleague series, their 12th walk-off win of the year and the second in as many nights.
...
“Twelve times and you expect it, you don’t know who it’s going to be, but I think even after that walk [Max Muncy, leading off the inning], they felt it,” said Roberts. “You start having that and it manifests itself.”

Photo above via Katie Chin/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 at Dodgers 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 Gil Hodges hit his 14th career grand slam. It set a new National League record for grand slams in a career. BTW, Don Drysdale also walloped two solo homers during this game. In 1989 Tommy Lasorda had Expos mascot Youppi! ejected from a game in Montreal during the 11th inning. The mascot was causing too much noise by jumping on top of the Dodger dugout roof during the 22-inning game. You can watch Youppi! get tossed here. BTW, the Dodgers defeated the Expose, 1-0, on an home run by Rick Dempsey in the 22nd inning. 
• Happy Birthday, Red Downs, Phil Page, Lonny Frey, Dale Mitchell & Casey Blake!

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

The next homestand starts on Friday against the New York Yankees -- returning to Chavez Ravine for the first time since 2013. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. I will update this should new and updated information become available. Here 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  

Please note that the Dodgers are embarking on a new culinary experience at the stadium. Fans can find the LA Feeds Blue Chef Series located in the right field plaza that will feature a special Chef Series pop-up concession stand. This homestand will feature foods from Border Grill + Socalo. More information is available at the bottom of this post.

It is Major League Baseball’s Players Weekend, and as a part of the festivities the Dodgers and Yankees will be wearing special monochromatic all-black or all-white uniforms -- with the Dodgers wearing home whites. Check out what the Dodger uniforms will look on the right. Also, go here for more info about this event; including nicknames many of the players will be using.

------------------

Friday, August 23rd at 7:10 PM
TV: FB-WATCH (out-of-market only), SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish
Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

2019 Topps Now - #730 & #731 - Smith and Muncy's Home Runs

Will Smith's ascendance has been an utter surprise. I knew that he was regarded as a good-glove prospect, but his barrage on opposing pitchers so far has been something quite to behold. It's like the gods came down and graced the baby-faced 24-year old to be the next Babe Ruth.

Last night he continued his dominance when he rocketed a fourth inning home run to give the Dodgers an early 1-0 lead over Toronto, and it proved to be a historic blast. So historic, in fact, Topps issued a Topps Now card to celebrate the occasion. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Will Smith has put together one of the best starts in League history, matching Rhys Hoskins with a MLB-record 12th home run in just his 28th game in the Majors. Smith is batting .318 and has become a linchpin behind the plate for a Dodgers team that holds the best record in Baseball.

Blog Kiosk: 8/22/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Have no fear, Muncy is here! Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“I can’t count how many big hits he’s had for us,” manager Dave Roberts said of Muncy. “When we’re at home, we feel if the game’s tied, we have a good chance to finish it with a walk-off.”

Last nights game winning homer was the Dodgers 11th walk-off of the season. Photo above of Muncy receiving a powder bath via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2019 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 1948 the Dodgers recorded a triple steal in the fifth inning of their game against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. Jackie Robinson stole home, Gene Hermanski took third and Pee Wee Reese swiped second base. In 1965 Giants hurler Juan Marichal attacked Johnny Roseboro with his bat while at the plate. He had been buzzing Dodger batters all day, so Roseboro - with Marichal at the plate - decided to throw the baseball back to his pitcher, Sandy Koufax, while at the same time making sure it barely missed Marichal's face -- who took offense. Quickly, benches cleared and a brawl commenced. See the pic on the right to see what I mean. In 2000 Eric Karros becomes the first Dodger in franchise history to hit two home runs in one inning. It was against the Expos.
• Happy Birthday, Ned Hanlon, Al Bashang, Jeff Weaver, Randy Wolf & David Huff!

2019 Topps Now - #723 - Kershaw Passes Koufax on Career Win List

Last night Clayton Kershaw finally took the reigns as the Dodgers' all-time wins leader for a left-hander -- eclipsing Sandy Koufax's mark of 165. Per Alden Gonzalez at ESPN:

"It's an honor for me just to be mentioned in the same sentence as Sandy," Kershaw said after the team's 16-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. "What he was able to accomplish in his career -- he would've gone a lot longer if he was playing today, probably, because he could've gotten healthy. Just a special thing, man."

Blog Kiosk: 8/21/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Several milestones were reached last night. First, Cody Bellinger became the first Dodger to have 100 RBI since Adrian Gonzalez in 2014. Best yet, he accomplished the feat while in the midst of having his pants fall down. Then he scored his 100th run of the season two innings later. More importantly, Clayton Kershaw recorded his 166th career win to best Dodger Hall of Fame lefty Sandy Koufax. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“What Sandy means to this organization and what he means to me personally, it’s an incredible thing, something I never thought would happen,” Kershaw said. “It’s not the most important thing in the world, but it’s something to look back on when all is said and done. It’s an honor, for me, to be mentioned in the same sentence as Sandy, I’ve said that many times. What he was able to accomplish in his career, and would have gone a lot longer if he played today because he could have gotten healthy.”

Both photos above via Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers 2019 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 1970 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder Jerry Royster out of Sacramento High School. He would be traded five years later to Atlanta as part of a package for Dusty Baker, and go on to have a ten-year career with the Braves. In 1975 the Cubs pitching brothers of Rick and Paul Reuschel combine to shutout the Dodgers, 7-0. This is the first time brothers have collaborated on a shutout. In 1990 the Dodgers lost a tough one. Against the Phillies they allowed nine runs to score in the ninth inning to lose the game, 12-11. You can watch highlights of this shameful game here. In 2005 the Marlins suspended a bat boy for six games after the 11-year old kid accepted a challenge from Dodger pitcher Brad Penny. He dared the preteen to drink a gallon of milk in an hour without throwing up for $500. The sixth grader drank the milk, but hurled. The Milk Processor Education Program (a lobbying group) offered to pay off the dare and cover his lost wages if he promises to dutifully drink three glasses of milk every day. In 2015 the Dodgers are no-hit by Astro's hurler Mike Fiers, 3-0 (boxscore). 
• Happy Birthday, Woody Williams, Shawn Hillegas, John Wetteland, Craig Counsell, Ismael Valdéz & Jesse Chavez!

2019 Topps Heritage High Number -- All the Dodger Cards

Last week Topps released their 2019 Topps Heritage High Number brand, and I've got pics of most of the Dodger cards to share below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Several players receive a Dodger card for the very first time (please correct me if I'm wrong). Reliever Scott Alexander, who has been with the club for two seasons, finally gets his own card. Strangely, Drew Jackson, who hasn't been high on the Dodgers prospect radar, also gets a card. Finally, Connor Joe, who was plucked by the Reds as a Rule 5 pick this season, traded to the Giants and then returned to the Dodgers weeks later, also gets a Dodger card.

Base

#522 A.J. Pollock                #528 Joe Kelly

Blog Kiosk: 8/20/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The elation on their faces is palpable.

Featured above is an October 2, 1963 AP press photo of Sandy Koufax with old friend Carl Erskine within the Yankee Stadium clubhouse following Game 1 of the World Series (eBay auction link). As you know, Sandy recorded a six-hit complete game to defeat the Bronx Bombers, 5-2 (boxscore). He struck out an unbelievable 15 batters and walked only three. BTW, the Dodgers ended up sweeping the Yankees to take the crown.

UPDATE: Jon Weisman of Dodger Thoughts passes along some info I had failed to realize. Per a tweet from him:

The significance of Erskine being in that pic with Koufax is that Koufax broke the World Series strikeout record that Erskine set 10 years earlier to the day. And Erskine was there to see it. #brothersinarms https://t.co/iRWOPm8hgi

— Jon Weisman (@jonweisman) August 20, 2019

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 seventeen year old Dodger shortstop Tommy Brown became the youngest player in Major League history to hit a home run. He hit it off of Pirates hurler Preacher Roe in the seventh inning, and it would be the only run the Dodgers would score in a losing effort, 11-1. In 1978 Steve Garvey and Don Sutton have a scuffle in the clubhouse before their game against the Mets at Shea Stadium. Sutton had been critical of Garvey in a Washington Post story (here's a followup story) -- saying that he was more interested in his off-field persona than his play, and that Reggie Smith was the teams real MVP.

"All you hear about on our team is Steve Garvey the All-American boy. But Reggie Smith was the real MVP. We all know it . . . (Smith) has carried us the last two years. He is not a facade. He does not have the Madison Avenue image."

• Happy Birthday, Frank Bonner, Ed McLane, Bill Crouch, Al Lopez, Fred Norman, Lance Rautzhan, Kal Daniels, Jamie Hoffman & Blake DeWitt!

Blue Jays Series Starts Tuesday - Stadium Giveaways, Pregame Info and Other Stuff!

The next homestand starts on Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Below are some odds and ends for this upcoming homestand. I will update this should new information become available. Below 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  

Please note that the Dodgers are embarking on a new culinary experience at the stadium. Fans can find the LA Feeds Blue Chef Series located in the right field plaza that will feature a special Chef Series pop-up concession stand. This homestand will feature foods from Boo's. More information is available at the bottom of this post.

--------------------

Tuesday, August 20th at 7:10 PM
Clayton Kershaw vs Sean Reid-Foley

TV: SportsNet LA, SNLA Spanish

Radio: AM 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020

2019 Topps Now - #695 - A Home Run Record

As you surely know, the Dodgers set a new MLB record on Friday when Will Smith hit an eighth inning home run off of Atlanta pitcher Jerry Blevins. With that homer the team collectively recorded 22 round-trippers over a five game span to set a new Major League mark. In celebration of this feat Topps had issued a new 2019 Topp Now card for fans and collectors to purchase on Saturday. It has a 288 card print run. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“I guess the numbers don’t lie -- we do hit the ball out of the ballpark,” said manager Dave Roberts. “I still stand by the fact our bat quality is as good as there is in the big leagues.”
...
“I think we’re a pretty complete club all around,” Muncy said. “Obviously the home runs are what you notice, but if you look at the at-bats before the home run, very good at-bats. Before the home run, A.J. [Pollock] went in, pinch-hit single, that’s hard to do. [Kyle] Garlick had a pinch-hit walk, which is extremely hard to do. Not trying to do too much.”

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

2019 Bowman Sterling - All the Dodger Cards

After a five year hiatus Topps has brought their Bowman Sterling brand for collectors to chase after. They officially arrived in stores last week, and like always it's filled with some of the tops prospects in the game. Go here to check out a complete checklist. All of the Dodger cards are below.

Base

Prospects

#BPR-32 Gavin Lux

Blog Kiosk: 8/19/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The Dodgers are obviously trying to prepare rookie hurler Dustin May for some relief pitching -- just in time for the playoffs. Unfortunately, his first attempt yesterday did not go so well. He struggled after coming into the game in the sixth inning with the Dodgers leading 3-1. He would go on to allow three hits; including a grand slam to Rafael Ortega. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I would contribute it mostly to a lack of command,” May said. “A little amped up, a little excited, but you’ve still got to go out and execute. I didn’t execute very well today, for really any pitch. There’s really only room for improvement from here.”
...
“As far as the role, this is something new we didn’t expect to just be seamless,” Roberts said. “Give him an opportunity to learn and get his feet wet. … My faith, my confidence in Dustin hasn’t wavered.”

Photo above via Adam Hagy/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 1983 the Dodgers traded for Rangers starting pitcher Rick Honeycutt. As you know, he would go on to have a long career with the franchise. In 1990 Jose Offerman became the first Dodger in franchise history to hit a home run in his very first Major League plate appearance. In 2008 the Dodgers traded for Greg Maddux (for a second time) to help the team during their playoff run. In 2015 the Dodgers traded for "DAD" Chase Utley from the Phillies in exchange for John Richy and Darnell Sweeney. In 2017 the Dodgers received veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson from the Mets for pitcher Jacob Rhame. He would slash just .161/.288/.366/.654 in 36 games for the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Tex Carleton, Lance Cormier, Josh Fields, Chris Capuano and Ron Roenicke!

2019 Topps Now - #687 - Bellinger & Trout Hit their 40th

Here's the newest Cody Bellinger 2019 Topps Now card, and this time he gets to share it with fellow slugger and crosstown rival Mike Trout. This card let's us know that they both his their 40th home run of the season yesterday -- to lead the Majors.
Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

Cody Bellinger set a new career high with his 40th home run of the season while temporarily taking over the MLB lead. Mike Trout later tied him atop the leaderboard, hitting his 40th home run against the White Sox.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *