Blog Kiosk: 4/30/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Roy Campanella and Johnny Podres are all smiles.

The 1955 World Series didn't start out so great. The Dodgers lost the first two games on the road, but fought back to win Game 3 at Ebbets Field -- on the back of a complete game by Podres and the stellar bat of Campanella. Featured above is a brief look at the post game celebration from Game 3. Per a descriptor on the reverse (eBay auction link):

Roy Campanella, left, and Johnny Podres celebrate 8-3 victory over Yankees -- Catcher backed up pitcher's fine hurling with three big hits, including home run.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1935 the Dodgers signed 21-year old amateur free agent Rod Dedeaux. He would later go on to become the head baseball coach at the University of Southern California (USC) for 45 season -- winning 11 national titles and 28 conference championships. In 1940 Brooklyn tied a Major League record for consecutive wins to start a season at nine victories when Dodgers hurler Tex Carlton no-hit the Cincinnati Reds, 3-0. In 2014 the Dodgers won their 10,000th game in franchise history when they defeated the Twins, 6-4, behind the pitching of Zack Greinke.
• Happy Birthday, Paul Wachtel, Phil Garner, Jeff Reboulet & José Peraza!

2019 Leaf Flash Baseball -- All the Dodger Prospects

I too wish it was still 2019.

As you may know, Leaf Trading Cards has this penchant for turning back the clock on their products. For instance, check out this new card set that just arrived on collector doorsteps. It is their Leaf Flash brand and it focuses on top-end MLB prospects on super-sparkly designed cards. Also, Leaf has designated this set as a 2019 product -- even though we are well into the fourth month of 2020. Why! I do not know.

The Dodgers cast of prospects available in this set are Gavin Lux, Jimmy Lewis, Kody Hoese and Michael Busch. Lux is currently with the Dodgers and is slated to be their Opening day second baseman. Lewis, Hoese and Busch were all drafted by the club in 2019 and are several years away from stepping on a Major League field. A complete checklist of the set can be found here.

Check out the cards below.

Base Autographs

#BA-GL1 Gavin Lux         #BA-JL1 Jimmy Lewis

Blog Kiosk: 4/29/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

This is the best photo I've seen all year, via former Dodger GM Fred Claire on twitter. From L-R: Ron Roenicke, Mike Scioscia, Vin Scully, Fred Claire and Mickey Hatcher.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2005 closer Eric Gagne is suspended for two games and fined -- even though he was on the disabled list. He had been ejected on April 6th for heckling home plate umpire Bill Hohn. Per league rules, any player on the DL may not take part in any activity during the game. In 2011 Casey Blake is placed on the DL with a staph infection in his left elbow. He would have surgery and be out of commission for a month.
• Happy Birthday, Pat Deisel & Ron Washington! 

2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Sandy Koufax by Andrew Thiele

I really like this card.

Here is Andrew Thiele's rendition of Sandy Koufax's 1955 Topps card, and as you can see it includes some aspects of the original, but at the same time is wholly his own creation. Go here to check it out and order. A complete checklist of all the cards in the set can be found here. The reverse of the card is on the right.

2020 Topps Transcendent Collection - Hall of Fame Edition - All the Dodgers

A $20,000 box of cards was just released by Topps. It's their Transcendent Collection brand and it is the Hall of Fame edition and is limited to only 50 boxes.

Each box consist of a 50 card Hall of Fame base set, a 50 card Hall of Famers Original Art Sketch, 41 autographed cards and a invitation to a unique VIP Experience with a not-yet-to-be-determined Hall of Fame player. Go here for a complete checklist. Below are most of the Dodger cards I could find.

Base Hall of Fame Icons (#/50)

#25 Sandy Koufax           #29 Jackie Robinson

Blog Kiosk: 4/28/2020 - Dodgers Link & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here is a fantastic International News press photo from Game 4 of the 1955 World Series. It features Sandy Amoros scoring the Dodgers first run of the evening in the third inning. As you know, the Dodgers would win this game, 8-5. Photo available via Mile High Card Co auction.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1900 Brooklyn Superbas outfielder Fielder Jones becomes the first modern day Dodger player to hit a grand slam. It was accomplished at Brooklyn's Washington Park. In 1982 the Dodgers traded Leo Hernandez to Baltimore for professional pinch-hitter Jose Morales. As a pinch hitter in his career he slashed .276/.324/.424/.747 with 123 hits in 446 at-bats. As a Dodger he batted .270 with 24 hits in 89 at-bats. In 1985 Fernando Valenzuela set a major league record by extending his consecutive scoreless innings streak at the start of the season to 41 frames when he blanks San Diego for eight innings. The Padres would then score off Fernando in the ninth inning when Tony Gwynn hit a game winning homer to defeat the Dodgers, 1-0. 
• Happy Birthday, David Freese, Matt Beaty & Jim Poole!

Blog Kiosk: 4/27/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a vintage World Wide Photo print featuring Dodgers ace Sandy Koufax with Jay North - aka, Dennis the Menace. They appeared together in an episode of Dennis the Menace in May 1962 -- during 31st episode of season 3. The episode was titled, "Dennis and the Dodger." The photo is available through RMY Auctions. You can watch much of the episode on Daily Motion, here.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1929 Dodger reliever Clise Dudley became the first pitcher (and only second player ever) to hit a home run on the first major league pitch thrown to him. In 1944 Jim Tobin of the Braves no-hits the Brooklyn Dodgers in Boston, 2-0. In 1990 Orel Hershiser undergoes surgery on his pitching shoulder. In 2004 Mets Catcher Mike Piazza ties Carlton Fisk for most career round-trippers by a catcher when he hit home run #351 against Dodgers hurler Hideo Nomo at Dodger Stadium.
• Happy Birthday, Hi Myers, Frank Wurm & Corey Seager!

2020 Topps 'Turn Back the Clock' -- Sandy Koufax's 18 Strike Outs

The third 'Turn Back the Clock' Dodger card and second card featuring Sandy Koufax in the set is now available to order directly from Topps. Go here to check it out. Go here see an entire checklist of the set.

As you may know, Sandy Koufax whiffed 18 Cub batters on this day in 1962 to win 10-2 (boxscore). Per Gregory H. Wolf at SABR.com -- who penned a fantastic article about this game:

“Strikeouts are nice to have, particularly in a jam, and they are going to come to a pitcher who throws hard,” noted Koufax, “but I wouldn’t trade a 20-game season for all the strikeout records in the books.”

Blog Kiosk: 4/24/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I love the look on Duke Snider's face in this 1955 International News press photo taken by Frank Mastro (eBay auction link).

Duke in a Royal Fix with Fans
Brooklyn, NY ... A surprised Duke Snider scratches his head in the dugout at Ebbets Field tonight as he looks over the newspaper accounts of his statement. "Why all the fuss and furor?" he said. Last night the Duke lashed out at Brooklyn fans as a bunch of "Front Runners" who can't bear seeing the flock lose. His statement came after the Dodgers bowed in a twin session to the Redlegs. 8-26-1955.

Little did Brooklynites know that their "Bums" would soon be celebrating in the streets. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1962 Sandy Koufax fanned 18 Cubs at Wrigley Field during a 10-2 win -- tying a Major League record set by Bob Feller for strike outs in a game. In 1998 Mike Piazza tied a Major League record when he walloped his third grand slam of the month during a 12-4 victory over the Cubs.
• Happy Birthday, Harry Harper, Dixie Howell, Bill Singer, Pat Zachry, Bill Krueger & Mike Blowers!

2020 Onyx Vintage Baseball - Luis Rodriguez gets his First Baseball Card

Onyx Authenticated just released their first Baseball card set of the year and it includes several high-end Dodger prospects. In fact, it has one ballplayer who is slated to start at second base for the 'Big Club' once the season gets underway (Gavin Lux) and a youngster who was just signed his first professional contract with the Dodgers this past June (Luis Rodriguez). Go here to see a complete checklist.

BTW, this set includes the very first professional baseball card for Luis Rodriguez. As you may know, he was signed by the club in June 2019 during the international signing period, is 17-year old and is from Venezuela. He garnered a $2,667,500 deal and is regarded as a pure hitter. Per and MLB.com prospect report:

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 60 | Field: 60
Rodriguez is the best overall player from Venezuela in the class of 2019. He's a pure hitter and natural athlete with solid baseball instincts across the board. He is also known for his physically projectable body and easy actions on defense and at the plate. 

Rodriguez has sound approach in the batter's box and has shown the ability to use all fields with consistent and hard contact. There's a nice rhythm and balance to his swing and although he's primarily a line drive hitter now, there have been flashes of power and it could increase as he develops. He has impressed scouts by performing well against pitchers throwing 93 mph to 95 mph during workouts and showcases. 

Rodriguez is a quality defender in center field now and he makes all of the plays, but it's uncertain if that's where he will stay because he's not a plus runner. He developed his game in the youth leagues of Venezuela and has a high baseball IQ.

I'm excited to see how he develops. Check out all the Dodger cards below.

Base

#OVGL - Gavin Lux

Blog Kiosk: 4/23/2020 - Dodgers Links & news - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun UP press photo, dated 8/7/1952, of a pregame event for a former Dodger -- Leo Durocher. (eBay auction link)

Wreathed in Smiles... New York: Giant manager Leo Durocher (right) smiles as he bears the easy weight of a huge floral wreath presented to him at the polo grounds, Aug. 7, while Dodger pilot Chick Dressen looks on. Durocher, who holds a plaque given to him by the Section-5 Club, received honors and gifts in a give-away program, as New York met the Brooklyn squad in a night game, the third and last of their current series. Brooklyn won the contest, 7-5.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 Dodgers righty Ed Head threw a no-hitter against the Boston Braves, 5-0. He said after the game: “I knew I had it all the time – don’t ask me how, but I knew it.” (boxscore) It was his first appearance after returning from the military. In 1958 Dodger first baseman Gil Hodges hit his 300th career home run on the same day that Pee Wee Reese played his 2,000th career game. In 1999 Cardinals third baseman Fernando Tatis becomes the first player in MLB history to hit two grand slams in one inning when he did it against Chan Ho Park at Dodger Stadium, 12-2. You can watch it here.
• Happy Birthday, James Mulvey, Dolph Camilli, Bob O'Brien & Andruw Jones!

2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Jackie Robinson by Blake Jamieson

The third Jackie Robinson Project 2020 card is now up for grabs and it was created by New York based pop-portrait artist Blake Jamieson -- although he originates from the Bay Area and went to school at UC Davis. Go here to check out the card and order. A complete checklist of all the cards in the set can be found here.

Topps Living Set -- #306 -- Gavin Lux

The 15th Dodgers' Topps Living Set card is now available to order and it features rookie phenom Gavin Lux. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse.

Gavin Lux demonstrated an innate hitting ability throughout his Minor League career and showed enough energy and talent for the Los Angeles Dodgers at the end of 2019 that he earned a spot on the Postseason roster. Lux is primed to be an integral part of a loaded-Dodgers starting lineup in 2020.

Blog Kiosk: 4/22/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

This past Saturday marked the 74th anniversary of the historic handshake between Jackie Robinson and Youngstown, Ohio native George Shuba. As you may know, on April 18, 1946 Jackie hit his first homer as a member of the Montreal Royals, and George was at the plate to greet him with a smile and a handshake -- a first during integrated Baseball. Today, a statue is being created to memorialize the happening, and it will be publicly unveiled in Youngstown on April 18, 2021 -- its 75th anniversary. Per robinsonshuba.org:

“While we’re still in the early stages of developing the statue, our progress on these models is very exciting,” said Marc Mellon, the world-class Connecticut-based sculptor crafting the statue. “In the upcoming months I’ll be working on the George Shuba figure. When both figures are completed later this summer, we will first cast them in plaster, refine the surfaces, and then cast them in bronze.” 

The 1946 handshake at home plate after a Robinson home run in his debut professional game has been hailed as the “handshake of the century,” as it marked the racial integration of pro ball, which helped accelerate the breakdown of racial barriers in other areas of American life.
...
“When George Shuba stepped up to shake Jackie Robinson’s hand at home plate, at a time when racism was rampant in our country, he taught America an important lesson and made Youngstown very proud. The statue marking this moment will be a huge source of pride in Youngstown for generations to come.”

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 John Kennedy becomes the first African-American to play for the Phillies, making Philadephia the last National League teal to integrate (not a huge surprise, really). He would pinch run during their 5-1 loss to the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field. In 1981 rookie Fernando Valenzuela hurled his third shutout in four starts to start the season -- defeating Houston, 1-0. Best yet, he was responsible for driving in the Dodgers lone run with a single in the fifth inning off of then-Astro Don Sutton.
• Happy Birthday, Sandy Burke, Tom Long, Ray Benge, Lew Riggs, Jake Daniel, Jack Savage & Dee Gordon!

2020 Topps Total - Wave 1 - Kelly, Taylor & Pollock

Topps Total has returned and the first "wave" of cards has just arrived on collectors doorsteps. As you'll recall, they brought back the brand last season as an online exclusive set sold in segments of nine - 100 card lots over the entire season. Go here for a complete checklist. Below are the three Dodgers available so far -- Joe Kelly, Chris Taylor and AJ Pollack.

Wave 1

#28 Joe Kelly

Blog Kiosk: 4/20/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic AP press photo featuring Pistol Pete's follow-through at the plate -- dated 9/20/1941 (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Brooklyn, NY -- Pete Reiser, hard-hitting young center-fielder for the Brooklyn Dodgers, who will be in there swinging for his team during World Series play, if they win the National League flag. 

The Leo Durocher managed Dodgers did win the pennant (with a 100-54 record), but lost to the Bronx Bombers in October. Below are more links to checkout:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1995 Peter O'Malley donates the Brooklyn Dodgers' 1955 World Championship banner to the borough in which it was won, saying, "The flag belongs in Brooklyn." In 1999 the Dodgers surpass the 100 million mark in attendance at Dodger Stadium. In 2011 it is announced that MLB will be taking over the operations of the Dodgers due to concerns over the finances of team owner Frank McCourt. 
• Happy Birthday, Don Mattingly, Germany Smith, Pat Hannivan, Dave Bancroft, Hal Peck, Tom Hutton, Todd Hollandsworth & Ian Thomas! 

Goldin Auction has some of Lasorda's Trophies

Now you can own a couple of Tommy Lasorda's prized trophies.

Featured is a 1988 Dodgers' World Series trophy -- described as a "12-inch tall scale model replica of the Commissioner’s Trophy created by the Balfour was presented to Dodgers Hall of Fame manager Tom Lasorda."

So, does that mean this isn't the actual real trophy Tommy received, or is this a copy that players/managers can order to give away as mementos? I dunno. What I do know is that I would love to have it sitting on my mantel.

It is currently available on auction through Goldin Auctions and has a current opening offering bid of $10,000 (Auction Link). So far, no bids.

The second item is just incredible. It is Lasorda's Hall of Fame plaque presented to him for his induction into Cooperstown in 1997. (Auction Link) This is the real deal and a one-of-a-kind memorabilia piece. BTW, if you want to watch Tommy's Hall of Fame speech go here. This too has an opening offering bid of $10,000.

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2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Sandy Koufax's Second Card

Fast on the heals of the Jackie Robinson card released yesterday is the second Sandy Koufax card from Topps' Project 2020 set. Check it out above. Go here to check it out and order. BTW, you can see Koufax's first card here.

The Koufax card was created by a fellow known as oldmanalan -- or 'old man alan' -- and he is regarded as more of a tastemaker/streetwear influencer than an artist. Per an interview at Modern Notoriety:

“My name is Alan G. I don’t know what I would really title myself officially other than just someone who loves to create and bring good vibes to the people. I’ve started several movements you might have heard of like @OutfitFromAbove, @Simple.Fits, @TODAYSHYPE, @MinimalMovement, @MobileSneakers, @boostVIBES as well as some other platforms.”

Blog Kiosk: 4/17/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's another vintage photo of Babe Ruth as a Dodger coach, circa 1938. (eBay auction link) Unfortunately, it is unmarked on the reverse, so we don't know where the pic comes from.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1934 Casey Stengel made his managerial debut as the Dodgers skipper as Brooklyn defeated the Boston Braves, 8-7. In 1947 Jackie Robinson recorded his first major league hit -- a bunt single down the third base line off of Boston Braves hurler Glenn Elliott. In 1955 Roberto Clemente, who started out as a Dodger prospect, singles off of Dodger pitcher Johnny Podres for his first major league hit. In 1956 future Hall of Famer Don Drysdale pitched in his very first game. He threw one inning of hitless relief in the ninth inning of a losing game. In 1994 the Dodgers belted 19 runs against the hapless Pirates to tie a club record for most runs in a game. In 2013 Clayton Kershaw struck out his 1,000th batter of his career -- the victim was Padres first baseman Yonder Alonso.
• Happy Birthday, Ad Yale, Jake Daubert, Stan Andrews, Marquis Grissom & Gary Bennett!

Blog Kiosk: 4/16/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Durocher was quite the character. Above is a February 28, 1961 UPI press photo of an agitated Leo. (eBay auction link)

Leo's Back!!
Vero Beach, Florida... Durocher angrily aims glove at photographers after being sent to the showers by ump Jim Duncan in practice game at the LA Dodgers spring training camp.

Below re more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 the Boston Red Sox give tryouts to three Negro League ballplayers at Fenway Park -- Sam Jethroe, Jackie Robinson, and Marvin Williams. None are signed by the club. Their loss became our gain. In 1975 newly signed free agent and soon-to-be Hall of fame pitcher Juan Marichal made his last appearance in a game when he started for the Dodgers against the Reds. He would throw 2.1 innings and give up four runs. He would retire soon afterwards. In 1983 former Dodger Steve Garvey appeared in his 1,118th consecutive game to break the National League record. He broke the record as a Padre, but played 1,107 of those games in Dodger Blue.
• Happy Birthday, Ned Colleti, Paul Waner, Babe Phelps, Sergio Robles & Paco Rodríguez!

2020 Topps Tribute -- All the Dodgers Cards

Topps Tribute is now out and I've got pics of most of the Dodger cards to share. Check them out below. Go here to see a checklist.

Base

#6 Clayton Kershaw              #29 Hyun-Jin Ryu

Jackie Robinson Day Online Exclusive Cards from Topps - Turn Back the Clock & Project 2020

It comes as no surprise that Topps has issued a couple of online exclusive cards featuring Jackie Robinson on this day -- Jackie Robinson Day. First, take a look at the 'Turn Back the Clock' card at the very top. Go here to check it out and order. It celebrates Jackie breaking the color barrier. Per the description on the reverse:

April 15, 1947 -- On a day that will be remembered forever in Baseball history - Jackie Robinson, took his position at first base for Brooklyn and broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. The 28--year-old, who had a sterling 1946 season with the Dodgers affiliate in Montreal, reached on an error and scored in the bottom of the seventh inning, helping Brooklyn to the 5-3 win over Boston.

Blog Kiosk: 4/15/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

It is Jackie Robinson Day. Featured above is a March 4, 1946 AP press photo of Jackie inspecting some bats. He is wearing a Montreal Royals uniform. (eBay auction link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1909, Opening Day, the Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) were no-hit by Red Ames of the Giants at the Polo Grounds for nine innings, but eventually prevailed to defeat the crosstown rival in the 13th inning, 3-0. On a side note, the Giants outfield recorded no putouts and the Superbas winning pitcher was Kaiser Wilhelm. In 1915 the Brooklyn Robins are no-hit by future Hall of Famer Rube Marquard of the Giants at the Polo Grounds, 2-0.  In 1947 Jackie Robinson makes his Major League debut at Ebbets Field. He would go 0-for-3, but would also score the go ahead run in the seventh inning after reaching base on an error during a sacrifice bunt. The Dodgers won the game 5-3. In 1958 the Dodgers and Giants play their first major league game on the West Coast. Unfortunately, Ruben Gomez of the Giants blanked the Dodgers at Seals Stadium in San Francisco, 8-0.
• Happy Birthday, Hub Collins, Jack Sheehan, Ted Sizemore, Willie Davis, Jeremy Burnitz & Milton Bradley!

2020 Topps Now 'Turn Back the Clock' -- Sandy Koufax Opening Day Start

This season saw the birth of a brand new Topps Now online exclusive set that barrows its design and concept from the 1987 Topps Baseball card set -- the Turn Back the Clock subset. As you may know, this subset takes a look back at anniversaries and milestones in Baseball. Go here for a complete checklist.

Blog Kiosk: 4/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic vintage photo featuring Brooklyn's Ebbets Field, along with a trolley car in the foreground. Photo via BaseballHistoryNut on twitter.

below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1931 47-year-old Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) hurler Jack Quinn becomes the oldest pitcher to start an Opening Day game. He would toss six innings, but give up six earned runs to lose to the Boston Braves, 7-4. In 1964 Sandy Koufax threw a six-hit shutout, his ninth complete game without allowing a walk, to defeat the Cardinals, 4-0. This was also his only career Opening Day start. In 1993 Cardinal reliever Lee Smith set the National League record for career saves at 358 when he blanked the Dodgers in the 15th inning to secure a victory, 2-1.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Radtke, Greg Maddux, Mike Trombley, Brad Ausmus & Carlos Perez!

2020 Topps MLB Sticker Collection - All the Dodgers'

Released just last week, I now have pics of every Dodger available in packs of Topps 2020 MLB Sticker Collection. Go here for a complete checklist. To the right is a look at a box -- featuring Cody Bellinger, along with several other notable stars.

There are actually two "base" sets to collect here. First you've got the sticker set of 237 -- eight of which are Dodgers'. All of these can be peeled from their cardboard backing and put into a sticker album. The second "base" set focus on the backs -- which hold onto the stickers. There are a total of 200 different backs available and 11 Dodgers can be found here.

Check out all of the Dodgers below.

BTW, Mookie Betts in a Dodger uniform is available as part of the "back" set. Also, for whatever reason, Kenley Jansen has two "back" cards. Unfortunately, David Price does not have a Dodger card available.

Sticker Base

#13 Cody Bellinger FF         #132 Hyun Jin Ryu LL

Blog Kiosk: 4/10/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I think Pee Wee missed his calling. He should've hit the gridiron instead. Per the auction description at Love of the Game Auctions. (Auction Link)

Photo of Reese in the Dodger dugout, wearing a football helmet and posing to throw a football ostensibly owned by 1943 Heisman winner Angelo Bertelli.  Bertelli and Reese were stationed together in the Pacific Theater during World War II.  The photo, in FAIR condition due to several pronounced creases and some water staining, was likely taken in 1948, when news accounts indicate the Dodgers resurrected the white satin home uniforms worn by Reese in the photo.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 the Dodgers officially announced, during the sixth inning of an exhibition against the Royals, that they had purchased the contract of Montreal Royals infielder Jackie Robinson. He would be the first African-American to be on the roster of a modern Major League club. In 1962 the Dodgers played their very first home game at newly built Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine. There were 52,564 fans on-hand to watch Johnny Podres throw the first pitch to infielder Eddie Kasko -- who promptly doubled in the at-bat. Duke Snider would record the first Dodger hit with a single in the second inning.  Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose the game to the Reds, 6-3. Reds outfielder Wally Post hit the first homer at the stadium during the seventh inning to lead Cincinnati.
• Happy Birthday, Bob McGraw, Chuck Connors, Lee Lacy, Mike Devereaux, Alberto Reyes, Andre Ethier & Charlie Culberson!

REA's Spring Auction has some Fantastic Dodgers Memorabilia

Robert Edwards Auctions, one of the premier sports memorabilia auction houses, is currently running their 2020 Spring offering and it includes a bunch of great Dodger goodies. In fact, if not for a self-imposed moratorium I would likely be aggressively chasing after the item above. What you see at the very top is a 1945 Brooklyn Brown Dodgers stock certificate. (Auction Link)

As you may know, in 1945 the United States Baseball League was born to compete with the more established Negro National and American Leagues, and one of the folks lending public support to this endeavor was Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Soon, the Brooklyn Brown Dodgers were created and it quickly allowed Rickey to scout African-American ballplayers without anyone noticing. From what I understand, the Brooklyn Dodgers didn't actually own the Brooklyn Brown Dodgers, but that didn't stop them from sending scouts under their name.

Blog Kiosk: 4/9/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation has launched a special auction to support local COVID-19 relief efforts (Dodgers.com/Relief). It featured autographed jerseys and includes Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler and more. Go here to check them out. Above is a look at the Betts and Bellinger jerseys.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1913 Ebbets Field host its first Major League game in front of about 10,000 spectators on a frigid Wednesday afternoon. It is an Opening Day contest against the Phillies. Unfortunately, the Superbas got shutout, 1-0. Check out the boxscore here. In 1947 Dodgers skipper Leo Durocher is given a one-year suspension by Commissioner Happy Chandler for "conduct deemed detrimental to baseball." It is related to his association with known gamblers. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela replaced scheduled starter Jerry Reuss to pitch on Opening Day at Dodger Stadium. He would go on to throw a complete game shutout -- blanking the Astros 2-0. Check out the boxscore here. As you know, Fernando would win eight consecutive games to start the season and lead the team towards a World Series Championship.
• Happy Birthday, Steve Toole, Tiny Osborne, Fred Frankhouse, Guy Cantrell, Roy Gleason, Oscar Robles & AJ Ellis!