Blog Kiosk: 5/29/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I have no idea what's going on in the photo above, and neither does the seller on eBay (auction link). It is unmarked and undated. Featured is a vintage B&W photograph, possibly a press photo, showing Gil Hodges, Don Drysdale, Johnny Podres and Pee Wee Reese in their Sunday best.

These Dodgers' appear to be having a good time -- as Podres playfully pushes Reese against the wall, like he's about to get frisked. Or maybe, they are in the midst of a conga line, with Pee Wee leading the pack astray -- right into a wall.

Below are more links to check out:

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

2020 Panini Select Baseball -- All the Dodger Inserts

Here is a look at all of the Dodger inserts cards available in packs of Panini's 2020 Select Baseball brand. Go here for a complete checklist.

There are a ton of prospects here; including five Gavin lux cards -- two of which are autographed. Other rising stars include Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May and Keibert Ruiz. There is also another Mookie Betts cards, but it once again shows him wearing Boston Red Sox gear.

Signatures

#S-CS Corey Seager

Blog Kiosk: 5/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this vintage NEA press panoramic photograph featuring several Major League ballplayers wearing mask while playing a barnstorming game in California, dated February 10, 1919 (RMY Auctions). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Masked Ball Game, Pasadena, Cal. -- The first baseball game in which the players, umpire and spectators wore "flu" mask was played when the Pasadena and Standard Murphy clubs clashed at Pasadena. The game went 11 innings and not once during the time did any of the players remove the masks. The rooting of the fans and their "kill the umpire" cry was somewhat muffled by the gauze masks, but otherwise they appeared to enjoy the contest. Our photo shows the masked marvels, left to right: Truck Hannah, NY Am., C; Doc Crandall, Boston Nat., P; Chick Gandil, Chi Sox, 1st; Art Griggs, Det. Am, 2nd; Fred McMullen, Chi Sox, 3rd; Olie Olsen, Brooklyn Nat., LF; Carl Sawyer, NY Amer., SS; George Cutshaw, Pitt Nat., 2nd; Bill Piercy, NY Am., P; Buster Crandel, Mascot.

Below are more links to check out:

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

2020 Bowman Baseball -- All the Dodger Insert Cards

Now that you've seen the Dodger base cards, check out most of their inserts below. As you would expect, this set includes numerous autographed cards of our best prospects -- Andy Pages, Kody Hoese, Josiah Gray and Gavin Lux. There is even a signed card from Jeter Downs -- a fellow traded to the Red Sox as part of the Mookie Betts deal. A complete checklist of this set can be found here.

Chrome Prospect Autographs

#CPA-AP Andy Pages          #CPA-JA Jacob Amaya

2020 Panini Select -- All the Dodgers Base Cards

Panini America released their Select brand last week and I've got pics of all the Dodgers base cards to share. Check them out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Notably, there is a Mookie Betts cards available that designates him as a Dodger, but it clearly features him wearing a Boston Red Sox uniform.

Base

#9 Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 5/27/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

A hopeful and elated Charley Dressen is seen above in a 1953 AP press photo, from October 3, 1953 (eBay auction link). Per a descriptor on the reverse:

Two's a magic number for manager Charley Dressen of the Brooklyn Dodgers who flashed a happy smile after his club drew even with the New York Yankees by winning the fourth game of the World Series, 7-3. Those two fingers he is holding up could be a victory sign or the number of games he thinks the series will have to go to end in his favor.

Unfortunately, Dressen's smile would turn upside down. The Dodgers lose the next two games and the '53 series. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1888 fan favorite Adonis Terry pitched his second career no-hitter for Brooklyn Bridegrooms at Washington Park, 4-0. It was against the Louisville Colonels -- a club that would eventually fold following the 1899 season. BTW, I just ran into a website dedicated to Adonis Terry. Check it out here. In 2015 the Dodgers traded beloved Juan Uribe, and Chris Withrow to the Braves for Alberto Callaspo, Juan Jaime, Eric Stults and Ian Thomas. Uribe spent over 4 season with Los Angeles -- slashing .260/.306/.381/.687 with 28 homeruns, 155 RBI and an overall WAR of 6.8.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Crane, Lefty Hopper, Jacob Brumfield & Todd Hundley!

2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Sandy Koufax by Naturel -- #89

Naturel, aka Lawrence Atoigue, has already made a big splash in Topps Project 2020 card set. His Jackie Robinson card (you can see it at the bottom) was one of the earliest cards available, so its print run was a significantly low 1,302 copies. Several weeks have passed bye since then, and the popularity of Project 2020 cards has seemingly increased exponentially. As a result, his Robinson base card (which originally sold for about $20) has just sold for a lofty $1,600 -- which quite frankly is outrageous.

There are all kind of theories as to why values have been skyrocketing. Is it a strange "pump & dump" scheme? Has Topps actually been successful at expanding the collector base -- by appealing to a subculture that has always had a tertiary interest in the hobby (street culture/sneakerheads)? And will this new collector base remain, or are they a flash in the pan? Has the recent pandemic finally caused American minds to go crazy -- to the point of latching on to our newest fad with reckless economic abandon?

Blog Kiosk: 5/26/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

On Sunday the Dodger, in partnership with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), created a Fallen Heroes Lights display at Dodger Stadium in honor of Memorial Day. Each individual light will honor the memory of a military member that served our country. The thousands of red, white and blue lights in the Dodger Stadium outfield will also represent the families of these fallen heroes that are supported by TAPS in California.

All photos above provided by the Dodgers. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Baseball History: In 1957 the Dodger got back Tommy Lasorda. After having been drafted by Brooklyn in 1948 he bounced around from the Phillies to the Browns to the A's and then to the Yankees before returning home. As you know, he would remain with the franchise for the remainder of his entire Baseball career. In 1970 the Dodgers knocked out 20 hits against the hated Giants at Candlestick Park during their 19-3 victory. This is the all-time record for highest number of runs scored total against our rival. In 1971 Maury Wills recorded his 2,000th career hit at Dodger Stadium against Gaylord Perry and the Giants. It was a run-scoring single in the fifth inning. Unfortunately, the Dodgers lost the game, 6-4.
• Happy Birthday, Jack Cronin & Rob Murphy!

2020 Bowman Baseball -- All the Dodger Base Cards

After a little delay Topps 2020 Bowman Baseball brand is now heading out to collectors. Unfortunately, not everyone who ordered in advance will get their cards right away -- the recent pandemic has caused some delays. That said, plenty of cards are already showing up on eBay, so I've been able to gather up pics of all the Dodger base cards to share here with you. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

BTW, our very own Gavin Lux, along with Blue Jays star Bo Bichette, grace the cover of all the boxes. Check out what the blaster box looks like on the right.

Base 

#9 Max Muncy

Blog Kiosk: 5/22/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic press photo of a young Carl Erskine from the Houston Post. The clarity and contrast between dark and light, along with what I believe is the grandstands from Ebbets Field is phenomenal. It is dated April 29, 1959, so it's clearly not a period photograph. Erskine is wearing a Brooklyn Dodgers cap and by 1959 the Dodgers had already moved to Los Angeles. I suspect this is a photograph that the Houston Post kept in their library for future use. To collectors, this photograph would be described as a Type II photo -- a picture printed from the original negative more than 2 years of the photo being shot. (eBay auction link).

Below are more links to check out:

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

Blog Kiosk: 5/21/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a great photo of two old Brooklyn Dodgers -- Duke Snider and announcer Red Barber -- just prior to their appearance on ABC's Good Morning America on August 1, 1980 (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

New York: Duke of Brooklyn (and Los Angeles), Edwin Donald Snider (right), who will be inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame August 3, reminisces with his old buddy, former Dodger announcer Red Barber, as they appear August 1 on ABC-TV's Good Morning America. Snider credited much of his success to teammate Pee Wee Reese and owner Branch Rickey. Barber was honored by the Hall of Fame in 1978.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1892 Brooklyn Bridgerooms/Dodgers second baseman George "Hub" Collins died unexpectedly of typoid fever. He had just fallen ill a week before. The 28-year old was considered a star, with many believing he was destined to be the greatest second baseman in Brooklyn history. In 1945 Leo Durocher (as a ballplayer) is officially released, so that he could concentrate all of his efforts on managing the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1952 the Dodgers scored a Major League record 15 runs in the first inning to handily defeat the Reds at Ebbets Field, 19-1. At one point in the first inning 19 consecutive Dodgers' reached base. Also, Pee Wee Reese got on base in each of his three at-bats during the first inning -- with a single, two walks, two runs scored and an RBI. In 2000 MLB has its very first six grand slam day - Shawn Green & Adrian Beltre (Dodgers); Garret Anderson (Angels), J.T. Snow (Giants), Brian Hunter (Phillies) and Jason Giambi (A's).
• Happy Birthday, Sandy McDougal, Charlie Loudenslager, Mace Brown, Elmer Sexauer, Hank Webb & Tom Martin!

Blog Kiosk: 5/20/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

In 1971 the Dodgers went big. They traded for one of the top veterans in the game in hopes of winning the pennant. (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

1/20/1972 - Los Angeles -- "There she goes" yells a smiling Frank Robinson as he connects with the first practice pitch thrown at Dodger Stadium. Frank was out in his new Dodger uniform just for pictures. The former Baltimore slugger was traded to the Dodgers at the end of the '71 season. The catcher is unidentified.

Robinson added the following about the trade, per Milton Richman/UPI at Desert Sun (12/8/1971):

I didn’t want to leave Baltimore but if I had to, I told the Orioles I’d like to go to a West Coast club on a New York team and that’s the way it turned out. I think I can play the type of baseball I want to play for the next two or three years and I should enjoy being with the Dodgers.

Below are more links to check out:

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

2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Jackie Robinson by Mister Cartoon

While New York had Zephyr, Blade and Lady Pink defining the local street art/graffiti aesthetic, Los Angeles had Mister Cartoon working the trenches to encapsulate LA's look. It all began innocently enough -- from airbrushed T's as a youth to painting lowriders -- but quickly morphed into a hustle creating art for musicians. Soon, he found a calling in the form of "fineline-style" tattoos that came to be known as quintessentially Los Angeles. Per Lily Moayeri at LA Magazine:

“We wanted to take Chicano art as far as we could take it,” says Toons. “Show our art to people that weren’t part of our culture and didn’t have access to it, let them see how we draw and what our style is. We didn’t expect to take it to the red carpet in Hollywood or major brand collaborations. One minute we’d be in the housing projects in Watts and East L.A., then we’d be having lunch at Fred Segal. It’s a hard to cross from one to the other. But the beautiful part that comes out of street culture, which could be connected to violence, poverty, incarceration, is the art form.”

Blog Kiosk: 5/19/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic International News Photo taken by Ed Grady featuring Pee Wee Reese tagging out fellow Hall of Famer Robin Roberts (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Fallen Robin --

Philadelphia, PA ...The Phillies Robin Roberts makes a good try but he's out at second attempting to stretch his hit off the right field wall in the third inning of last night's game against the Dodgers. Furillo's perfect peg to Pee Wee Reese (1) robbed Robin of the extra base and retired him. Dodgers won the game, 2-1. (boxscore).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1988 Tim Leary threw his second shutout of the season, defeating the Montreal Expos 2-0 (boxscore). He had been winless in his past five outings. Leary would go on to be an important cog in the World Series championship team. Tim would be the #2 man in the rotation - going 17-11 with an 2.91 ERA, nine complete games and six shutouts. In 2015 the Dodgers officially signed Cuban defector Héctor Olivera to a six year/$62.5 million contract (including a $28 million signing bonus). He would then be traded a couple of months later to the Braves in a three team trade that netted the Dodgers Alex Wood and a bunch of other players not worth mentioning.
• Happy Birthday, Dutch Schliebner, Jim Hickman, Earl Naylor & Bill Antonello!

2020 Topps Total - Wave 2 - All the Dodgers'

The second wave of Topps Total cards have now arrived and I've got pics of all of them to share here. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Notably, a surprise Sandy Koufax card has arrived with this wave of cards. During the Wave 1 release Topps placed a special limited edition insert in packs that featured Ken Griffey Jr. This time around their special limited edition insert is of Sandy Koufax. From my understanding, only 100 of these cards are available.

Wave 2

#101 Gavin Lux

Blog Kiosk: 5/18/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's an April 18, 1967 AP press photo featuring Sandy's return to Dodger Stadium -- after retiring from the game after last season (eBay auction link).

And on the Mound, Sandy Koufax -- Sandy Koufax, now a sports broadcaster for NBC, throws the opening "pitch" as the Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds opened the Los Angeles home season at Dodger Stadium tonight.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1929 the Brooklyn Dodgers out-slugged the Phillies, 20-16. Hilariously, Dodger hurler Ray Moss allowed ten earned runs and still recorded his first win of the season. In 1931 Dodger outfielder Babe Herman hits for the cycle against the Reds at Ebbets Field. Herman would hit his second cycle of the season on July 24th. In 1942 all night games in New York are banned for the duration of WWII. The city would not host a night game until 1946. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela finally loses, 4-0 (boxscore). It was against the Phillies. Valenzuela now has an 8-1 record to start the season.
• Happy Birthday, Bob Clark, Cy Barger, Don Lund & Eric Young!

2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Sandy Koufax by Fucci

One of the more exciting things about Topps' Project 2020 is discovering these artist. After all, we all know who these ballplayers are, but how many of these artistic collaborators have you ever run across? For most of us the answers is "never," so I find it refreshing that a hobby we all love is willing to take us on a creative adventure.

Featured above is the Sandy Koufax card created by Toronto-based pop artist Fucci. As you can see, it bears no resemblance to Sandy's actual rookie card. Instead, we see a portrait-styled minimalist drawing, using bright vibrant colors and a faceless caricature of the Hall of Fame pitcher.

Blog Kiosk: 5/15/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out these two future Hall of Famers, Pee Wee Reese and Ducky Medwick, hanging out on the dugout steps in this UPI press photo from the '40's (eBay auction link).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 the Dodgers purchase starting pitcher Sal "the Barber" Maglie from the Indians. Maglie would go on to have a terrific season with the Dodgers. He went 13-5 with an 2.87 ERA, a 139 ERA+, and come in second behind Don Newcombe in both Cy Young and MVP voting. In 1965 the Dodgers are one-hit by Cubs pitcher Dick Ellsworth, but nevertheless win the game, 3-1 -- on a three-run homer by Al Ferrara in the eighth inning. In 1998 the unthinkable happened. The Dodgers traded their franchise catcher Mike Piazza and infielder Todd Zeile to the Marlins for Gary Sheffield, Bobby Bonilla, Charles Johnson, Jim Eisenreich and Manuel Barrios. This is when I knew the News Corp/Fox ownership of the Dodgers was a big mistake.
• Happy Birthday, Alex Verdugo, Jack Corcoran, Jimmy Wasdell, Al McBean, Brian Dozier, Bill North & Josh Beckett!

2020 Bowman 1st Edition -- The Dodgers Autographed Cards

A couple weeks ago Topps released their 2020 Bowman 1st Edition online exclusive cards and you can see pics of all the Dodgers' here. As you know, Topps' Bowman brand had been delayed due to COVID-19, so they quickly cobbled together the 1st Edition set to satisfy collector demand. It could only be purchase online, and they sold out very quickly.

This new brand includes a 150 card base set and an undisclosed number of autographed cards. So far, 32 different autographed cards have been unearthed -- including three Dodger prospects. They are Andy Pages (who had been recently tied to the not-completed Joc Pederson trade), Venezuelan 19-year old Leonel Valera and Cuban Omar Estévez. Check them out below. Go here for a complete checklist. It seems likely that more autographed card will be unveiled over the coming weeks. If any more Dodgers appear I will be sure to updated this post.

Of note, I am fairly certain that these autographed cards were originally slated to be inserted into packs of 2020 Bowman, but were diverted for this set. Additionally, all the autographed cards have a gold stamp emblazoned on the front, saying "1st Edition."

Bowman Chrome 1st Edition Autographs

#CPA-AP Andy Pages

Blog Kiosk: 5/13/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's an undated photograph, likely from the mid to late 60's, featuring Dodger Hall of Famers Roy Campanella and Jackie Robinson perusing through Jackie's book Baseball Has Done It (eBay auction link).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 the famous 'embrace that shook the baseball world' occurred at Crosley Field in Cincinnati. The Dodgers, facing the Reds for the first time this season at their home stadium, witness a barrage of racial slurs directed at Jackie Robinson. Team captain Pee Wee Reese, seeing this, engages with Jackie on the field and then put his arm around his shoulder, a gesture that stuns and silences the crowd (or so the story goes). In 1952 Vin Scully experienced something unbelievable. As a youth he dreamed of being a broadcaster. A classmate named Larry Miggins shared a similar dream with him, but he wanted to play Major League Baseball. So on this day Miggins, now a outfielder with the Cardinals, was at-bat with Vin Scully calling the game for the Dodgers in Brooklyn, and proceeded to hit his first career home run in front of his close friend (boxscore). Tom Verducci at Sports Illustrated wrote a bit about it here.

“Incredible, isn’t it?” Scully says. “I mean, really, absolutely incredible. And probably the toughest home run call that I ever had to call because I was a part of it. He hit the home run against Preacher Roe, I’m pretty sure. And I had to fight back tears. I called ‘home run,’ and then I just sat there with this big lump in my throat watching him run around the bases. I mean, how could that possibly happen?”

• Happy Birthday, Jimmy Archer, Carden Gillenwater, Don LeJohn, Bobby Valentine, Johnny Roseboro and John Ely!

Check out this Vintage Brooklyn Dodgers License Plate

Here's something new to me.

Featured is a vintage license plate topper that advertises Brooklyn as a future vacation spot. It includes a fantastic graphic of a loudmouthed umpire, the Brooklyn bridge, a batter and a palm tree (I think) with "Coney Island" written across it. "Dodgers" is also written in cursive, in the middle of the drawing.

BTW, it might be that the tree seen in the graphic is in reference to book -- 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.'  For those who don't know, this was a 1943 book by Betty Smith that uses a tree as a metaphor for the ability to thrive in an difficult environment.

There's a tree that grows in Brooklyn. Some people call it the Tree of Heaven. No matter where its seed falls, it makes a tree which struggles to reach the sky. It grows in boarded up lots and out of neglected rubbish heaps. It grows up out of cellar gratings. It is the only tree that grows out of cement. It grows lushly...survives without sun, water, and seemingly earth. It would be considered beautiful except that there are too many of it.
— A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Introduction

Unfortunately, the license plate is undated, but is clearly pre-1958 (the year the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles). It also measures 10" x 4 3/4".

This piece recently sold on eBay (auction link) for a hefty sum -- $177.50 -- so the marketplace recognized its scarcity right away.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 5/12/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a look at a mundane activity that happens in every clubhouse -- the manicuring of a Baseball uniform. Featured is Dodger coach Leo Durocher, circa 1961, having the sleeves on his shirt trimmed by a clubhouse attendant (eBay auction link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 Dodgers hurler Carl Erskine throws his second career no-hitter -- becoming the eighth Dodger to do so in their history. He blanked the New York Giants, 3-0 (boxscore), at Ebbets Field. In 1979 Saturday Night Live Weekend Update anchorman Bill Murray announced that lovable All-Star second baseman Chico Escuela (played by Garrett Morris) would quit baseball after Steve Garvey crushed a ball that hit Escuela in the crotch -- rendered him irreversibly infertile. In 2004 Alex Cora had his famous 18 pitch at-bat (including 14 consecutive fouls balls) at Dodger Stadium against Matt Clement of the Cubs that culminated in an unbelievable two-run home run.  You can watch this at-bat here. In 2015 Giancarlo Stanton owned Dodgers pitcher Mike Bolsinger when he become only the fourth player to hit a home run out of Dodger Stadium. Watch it here. Stanton's homer would prove to be the only run the Marlins would score (boxscore).
• Happy Birthday, Lave Cross, Dutch Henry, Rafael Bournigal & Adam Liberatore!

Blog Kiosk: 5/11/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Great photo - Bad result. Pete Reiser was out at home. (eBay auction link) Below is what's written on the reverse:

Dusty Dodger Out At Home 

Boston, Mass... Pete Reiser, Dodgers' left fielder made at game try but is declared "out" at the plate in the third inning of the opening game at Braves Field here today. The putout was made on Connie Ryan's throw to Phil Masi. Pee Wee Reese had previously scored on Saunders' fumble. The Boston Braves were trailing the Brooklyn visitors at this stage of the game 2 to 0. (Dated 7.7.1946) (Photo via Myer Ostroff).

Unfortunately, the Dodgers would lose this game, 3-2 (boxscore). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1963 Sandy Koufax no-hit the Giants at Dodger Stadium, 8-0 (boxscore). In fact, he had a perfect game going into the eighth, before walking the second batter of the inning. Overall, he recorded four strikeouts, two walks and faced only 28 batters - only one more than the minimum. This was also his second career no-hitter.
• Happy Birthday, Gene Hermanski, Bill Bean, Trent Hubbard & Red Patterson!

2020 Topps 'Turn Back the Clock' -- Campy's 40 RBI in 30 Games

1953 could not have started any better for Roy. After enduring a year filled with injuries, Campanella began the new season with a single to left field off of Pittsburgh hurler Murry Dickson and just never stopped hitting.

During that Opening Day game he went 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI. Over his first ten games he slashed .368/.442/.684/1.126 with three homers and 17 RBI. At twenty games Campanella exploded -- going .372/.437/.769/1.206 with nine home runs and 33 RBI. In thirty games he established a new Major League record by recording his 40th RBI in thirty games -- a mark that would not be eclipsed until Tino Martinez did it with the Yankees in 1997. BTW, he slashed .333/.420/.711/1.130 with twelve home runs and 44 RBI during those thirty games -- no doubt, Herculean type of numbers.

Blog Kiosk: 5/8/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun Herb Scharfman International News press photo from the first day of spring training at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, 1954, and as you can see it features a rather nimble Duke Snider. Don Newcombe, who was on the mound, was aiming for Snider's rear-end, and the Duke had to do a jitterbug to get out of the way. Per the descriptor attached to reverse (eBay auction link):

Pitch went Wild
Vero Beach, Florida -- Brooklyn outfielder Duke Snider isn't going into his dance as might be supposed from his gyrations in this picture. A pitch by Don Newcombe tagged Duke on his trouser seat in Opening Day workouts at Vero Beach yesterday. A sartorial note was added to the scene by Snider who appeared in a polo shirt of violent scarlet, trousers of a golden hue, two-tone shoes and a straw hat modeled like a long-ago box baseball cap. The Dodgers spring training underway under the guidance of their new manager, Walter Alston.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Giants and Dodgers play an Army-Navy Relief exhibition game that raises over $60,000 for the Navy Relief Fund in front of 24,000 fans. Brooklyn edged out their rivals, 7-6, on a Dolph Camilli home run in the seventh inning. BTW, everyone, including the umpires, coaches and players, paid admission to enter Ebbets Field. In 1973 Willie Stargell hit an Andy Messersmith pitch out of Dodger Stadium. This was the second time he had accomplished the feat at the stadium and only the second time it had ever happened in its history. In other words, Willie Stargell owned Dodger Stadium. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela pitched his seventh straight victory to open the season -- shutting out the Mets by a score of 1-0 at Shea Stadium.
• Happy Birthday, Dan Brouthers & Adrian Gonzalez!

2020 Topps Definitive Collection - All the Dodger Cards

A couple of weeks back Topps released their super-premium brand, 2020 Topps Definitive Collection. For the price of about $1500 (holy smokes) you can get a single pack of eight cards -- six of which are autographed. Go here for a complete checklist.

As always, this set features clean and crisp background designs -- always in white with numerous colored parallels available. Also, all autographs are on-card (with exception of the cut signatures).

Below is a look at most of the Dodger cards available. I make special note of a Joc Pederson relic card with a game-used jersey piece attached.

Definitive Rookie Autographs

#DRA-DM Dustin May         #DRA-DMA Dustin May

Blog Kiosk: 5/6/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

He's all smiles!

Check out this vintage United Press Photo taken shortly after the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in the 1955 World Series (eBay link).

The Victor and the Loser
New York: Yankee manager Casey Stengel (right) congratulates a smiling Dodger manager Walt Alston in the Brooklyn dressing room after the Dodgers won the rubber game of the World Series to win their first championship. The Dodgers whipped the Yankees, 2-0, to take the 7th and final game of the series at Yankee Stadium Oct. 4th.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1937 Baseball fans at both the Polo Grounds and Ebbets Field see the Hindenberg zeppelin fly overhead - just a few hours before it infamously exploded into a fireball in Lakehurst, New Jersey. In 1947 NL President Ford Frick threatens seven Cardinals players at Ebbets Field with banishment from the league should they follow through with their planned boycott to protest Jackie Robinson. In 1978 Dodger super-utilityman Lee Lacy becomes the first Major Leaguer to hit pinch-hit home runs in consecutive at-bats. On May 17th he would make it three-in-a-row.
• Happy Birthday, Les Webber, Mike McCormick & Mike Kincade!

2020 Topps On-Demand #5 - MLB Rookie Progression - Graterol, Lux & Gonsolin

Several weeks back Topps released an On-Demand card set online called "MLB Rookie Progression" and it came out in a series of four different waves of ten cards. Only three Dodgers can be found in the 40 card set and I've got pics of all of them, including photos of any parallel autographed cards. Check them out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Base -- Week 1

#10 Brusdar Graterol

Blog Kiosk: 5/5/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun International News Press photo featuring slugger Duke Snider and skipper Chuck Dressen. It is unfortunately undated, but the auction listing (link here) says its from 1953 and the "33" refers to the number of home runs Snider had hit so far that season. As you may know, 1953 was Duke's best year. He would record a 9.2 WAR, hit 42 homers, knock in 126 runs, score a league-high 132 times, while slashing .336/.419/.627/1.046.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1955 future Hall of Fame manger Tommy Lasorda started his first game as a Major League pitcher and got shelled. He would only go one inning, striking out two, walking two and throwing three wild pitches -- tying a Major League record for wild pitches in an inning (boxscore). In 1976 the Dodgers hit seven home runs against the Cubs at Wrigley Field -- winning the game 14-12. Chicago hit two homers of their own. The Dodger home run hitters were Bill Russell, Ed Goodson, Ron Cey, Henry Cruz (2), Steve Yeager and Bill Buckner. The seven homers set a Dodgers team record for dingers in a game. In 2000 Tommy Lasorda is named manager of the United States' Olympic baseball team. Team USA would go on to win the gold medal in the Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
• Happy Birthday, George Dockins, Johnny Rutherford & Reggie Williams!