2019 Topps 150 Years of Baseball -- #89 -- Historic Moments: Jackie Steals Home

The 10th Dodger card found in Topps 2019 '150 Years of Baseball' set features Jackie Robinson's famous steal of home during Game 1 of the 1955 World Series. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse:

With the Yankees leading, 6-3, in the top of the eighth inning, Jackie Robinson famously broke for home plate while Whitey Ford was delivering a pitch. Robinson slid and was ruled safe, narrowing the Yankees lead to merely two runs.

Below is a listing of all previously issued 2019 Topps 150 Years of Baseball Dodger cards. You can also check out a complete checklist of the set here.

• #2 -- Sandy Koufax -- Perfect Game -- 2415 Print Run (link here)
• #17 -- Jackie Robinson -- Breaking Color Barrier -- 1,231 Print Run (link here)
• #42 -- Mike Piazza -- 1993 Rookie Campaign -- 817 Print Run (link here)
• #45 -- Duke Snider -- Artist Rendition -- 992 Print Run (link here)
• #55 -- Eric Gagne -- 84 Consecutive Saves -- 725 Print Run (link here)
• #66 -- Jackie Robinson -- Artist Rendition -- 1,333 Print Run (link here)
• #71 -- Sandy Koufax -- 1965 World Series -- 855 Print Run (link here)
• #75 -- Roy Campanella -- Artist Rendition -- 1,181 Print Run (link here)
• #84 -- Cody Bellinger -- 2017 Rookie Year -- TBA Print Run (link here)

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Dodgers Correspondence: How a Dodger VP Responded to a Fan Rant

As you know, fans are the worst. We are a demanding bunch of miscreants, often insisting that we know more than any of those idiots in the front office. Heck, if you'd only listen to me the Dodgers would be perennial World Series champions. Instead, we are left to wallow in mediocrity and failure -- always playing second fiddle to this team or that team.

Right?

This is what we, as die-hard fans, all believe... And there's nothing wrong with that. That said, sometimes a little dose of reality is important to keep our heads on our shoulders.

Featured here is a letter written by Dodgers Vice President Fresco Thompson, dated August 19, 1964, to a fan named Frank D'Esposito of Orlando, FL (eBay Auction Link). Unfortunately, we do not know what D'Esposito had written to illicit a response from Thompson, but I think it's fair to assume he was critical of the lack of trades to improve the team that season (much like the complaints we hear today). In the Thompson letter he explains to the Dodger-fanatic that making trades is not an easy endeavor. In fact, it often results in deficiencies elsewhere. Below is an excerpt of Fresco's words:

Blog Kiosk: 9/24/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun, dated circa 1957 on the reverse, photograph of Pee Wee Reese lounging comfortably on a leather armchair. It was taken by Dodger photographer Barney Stein and includes five well-dressed gentleman surrounding Pee Wee. I have no idea who those guys are or what is going on, but I suspect this was some sort of pregame activity/ceremony. I know for certain that there was a Pee Wee Reese Night at Ebbets Field in 1955, but am unsure if they did it again two years later. Maybe this was a pregame promotion where they gifted Pee Wee the easy-chair to promote the product. I dunno. (eBay Auction Link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1901 Brooklyn outfielder Jimmy Sheckard became the first 20th-century player to hit grand slams in two consecutive games, as Brooklyn pounds Cincinnati, 16 - 2.  In 1957 the last Major League game is played at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Pirates first baseman Dee Fondy makes the last out when he grounds to Dodger shortstop Don Zimmer with starting pitcher Danny McDevitt on the mound. The Dodger win, 2-0. In 1971 Dodger lefty Al Downing wins his 20th game of the season -- defeating the Atlanta Braves, 2-0. He would finish third in Cy Young voting this season. In 2003 Eric Gagne ties the NL record for saves when he records his 55th save of the season against the Padres in extra innings, 5-3.
• Happy Birthday, Tom Seats, Dixie Walker, Otis Davis, Dick Nen, Hubie Brooks, Larry White & Jim Neidlinger!