Blog Kiosk: 9/15/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I missed this recent release from Topps yesterday. Featured here is a Topps 2020 Turn Back the Clock online exclusive card made available yesterday, and it celebrates Clayton Kershaw's complete game shutout ten-years ago. Per the description on the reverse:

September 14, 2010 -- In a game where the Dodgers only mustered one run, 22-year-old Clayton Kershaw gave the team a much needed dominant performance. The left-hander fired a complete-game shutout. allowing just four hits and leading the Dodgers to a tight, 1-0 victory over the division-rival Giants.

BTW, this Kershaw win was his first career shutout and complete game. Check out the boxscore here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1946 the second game of a doubleheader between the Dodgers and Cubs at Ebbets Field is postponed during the fifth inning due to a giant swarm of gnats attacking the field and players and the coming evening darkness. In 1978 the home attendance at Dodger Stadium of 47,188 fans marks the first time in Major League history that a team has drawn more the three million rooters during a season at home.
• Happy Birthday, Doc Bushong, Bud Clancy, Fritz Ostermueller, Charley Smith & Jim Barbieri!

2020 Topps Now - Lux's Multi-Homer Evening - #232

Is this the turning point to Gavin's season?

Lux has had a poor start to 2020 -- first, not making the teams roster and batting below the Mendoza Line when he finally came up to Los Angeles. But last night he put up the kind an results that can lead to something good.

Prior to yesterdays game he was slashing a woeful .148/.258/.222/.480 in just eight games played. Now, after last nights three hit effort he is slashing a much improved .219/.324/.469/.793 while also walloping his first two homers of the season. And those two home runs were the difference in the Dodgers 10-9 extra inning victory over the Diamondbacks. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB,com:

Roberts said Lux is playing “much more like himself, much more free and easy.”

Hopefully, him settling down will lead to the kind of streak we saw him record in the minors just one year ago -- slashing an impressive .347/.421/.607/1.028 in the high minors.

Topps Project 2020 - Sandy Koufax by Grotesk - #230

The Sandy Koufax Grotesk Project 2020 card is now available through Topps and it follows a similar minimalist design he used for the Jackie Robinson card released just a couple of weeks back -- check out that card on the left.

Grotesk uses a pictograph of two persons holding up a portrait of the ballplayer -- while using a font resembling Hebrew writing. No doubt an homage to Sandy's Jewish heritage.

The graphic design itself is reminiscent of a poster you might see in a bus stop or train/subway station. It's approachable and simple, while at the same time emphasizes that this person is to be honored and respected.

Thank You, Ross Stripling!

I think we all knew this day was going to come.

Yesterday afternoon came word that the Dodgers had dealt right-handed pitcher Ross Stripling to the Toronto Blue Jays for two players to be named later -- one of which we now know is 20-year old right-handed pitching prospect Kendall Williams (more on him later).

As you'll recall, Stripling had seemingly been traded to the crosstown Angels (along with Joc Pederson) over the winter, but that was thwarted by the Anaheim ownership -- for whatever reason. Now, we get to see a trade that allows us to gain a couple of prospects. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“We have a ton of professional and personal respect for Ross and believe that he is a Major League starting pitcher and ultimately didn’t feel comfortable putting him in the bullpen, especially when, as we look out to next Spring Training, we felt like it was going to be difficult then as well,” Friedman said. “So, as much as he’s helped us through the years, we felt like it was in everyone’s best interest with just the depth that we have right now and also caring about him.”

2020 Topps Now - Dodgers Set Home Run Record - #183

You knew this card was coming.

On Sunday the Dodgers set a new National League record for home runs as a team for the month of August, so Topps issued a new Topps Now card to celebrate the achievement. Check it out above and below. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It’s just a byproduct of swinging at good pitches,” manager Dave Roberts said after his team’s 7–2 win and another series victory. “I don’t know how well the ball’s carrying compared to the last couple years, but it’s amazing to see the talent we have in our lineup, really.”

Blog Kiosk: 8/31/2020 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

It was Jackie Robinson weekend. As you know, ballplayers throughout the league wore #42 to honor the great Dodger. Take a look at the cap the Dodgers wore on the right, via Chris Creamer at Sportslogos.net.

BTW, this weekend was not entirely celebratory. Chadwick Boseman, the fantastic actor who played Jackie in the 2013 film ‘42,’ died of colon cancer at the age of 43 on Friday -- on Jackie Robinson Day.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 Gil Hodges became the fourth Major Leaguer to hit four home runs in one game. It was against the Boston Braves at Ebbets Field. Overall, he went 5-for-6 with nine RBI's, five runs scored and 17 total bases. In 1959 Sandy Koufax set a new National League record when he fanned 18 Giants during a nine inning game at the LA Coliseum. It also tied the Major League mark for strike outs, and set a new Major League record with 31 total strike outs over two consecutive games (he struck out 13 Phillies his last time out). In 1985 the Dodgers got Bill Madlock from the Pirates for RJ Reynolds, Cecil Espy and Sid Bream. In 2006 the Dodgers received veteran Marlon Anderson from the Nationals for pitching prospect Jhonny Nunez. Anderson would have a stellar couple of months in Dodger Blue. He slashed .375/.431/.813/1.243 with seven homers, 15 RBI's and 12 runs scored. In 2009 the Dodgers received starting pitcher Jon Garland from the Diamondbacks for infield prospect Tony Abreu. Garland would get six starts -- going 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA.
• Happy Birthday, Duke Farrell, Ray Berres, Ira Hutchinson, Frank Robinson, Cleo James, Jack Perconte, Tom Candiotti, Mike Hartley, Hideo Nomo & Juan Nicasio!

2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Jackie Robinson by Don C -- #224

The twelfth Jackie Robinson Project 2020 cards is now here and it was created by Chicago streetwear designer Don C. He is an active collaborator with Kanye West -- having been his manager and executive at West's G.O.O.D. Music label -- and co-owns a luxury clothing store with Louis Vuitton Artistic Director Victor Abloh. Don C, though is most noted for his work with Nike on redesigning the Jordan 2 (see it on the right) -- which is on my short list for a sneaker I'd like to have.

As for his Jackie Robinson creation, it is one of the more unique card made so far. In fact, one way to describe his work is unconventional. All of his cards are unique and different from not only other artist, but also from one another. Check out what I mean below. Here is a look at five of his other Project 2020 cards

2020 Topps Now -- Mookie, Kershaw and More

I am playing catch-up with some recently released Topps Now cards. First, there are two Dodger cards available right now, following their sweep of the Giants yesterday. After that, three additional cards had been released by Topps over the past week -- that I failed to write about -- so I'll share those at the bottom of this post.

First, Mookie Betts recorded his 1,000th career hit during the first game of yesterdays doubleheader. Check out the Topps Now card created by Topps above and below. Go here to check it out and order. Below is what's written on the reverse of the card.

The historic moments keep coming fot eh first-year Dodgers outfielder. Thursday evening saw Betts notch his 1,000th career hit in the midst of his seventh year in the Majors. Mookie singled in the sixth inning off Giants reliever Andrew Suarez during Los Angeles' 7-0 victory. The 27 year-old has collected five straight season of 150-plus hits.

Blog Kiosk: 8/28/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends!

As you surely know by now, Vin Scully has consigned a whole bunch of his personal memorabilia to Hunt Auctions, and frankly it's overwhelming. There's a ton of stuff, and bids are starting to reach lofty heights -- after being open for just a day or two.

I have yet to go through the entire catalog, but so far I think the cream of the crop might be his 1955 World Series ring. That's right folks! His championship ring is on the block and right now it sits at $13,750.00 -- with the possibly it'll reach six figured before it's all said and done. Wow! See the ring on the right. Go here to check out the entire auction, and do a search for Vin Scully

BTW, next week I plan on writing and sharing a bunch of his stuff on this blog, so stay tuned for that. I suspect next week will be Vin Scully week here.

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: 8/24/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

On Sunday the Dodgers honored the memories of Gianna and Kobe Bryant on what would have been his 42nd birthday. In addition to the pregame ceremony, Gianna and Kobe’s uniform numbers were painted on the pitchers mound for today’s game against the Rockies. See it above. Pic via @Dodgers on twitter:

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 Vin Scully famously had fans at Dodger Stadium wish third base umpire Frank Secory a happy birthday during the game. In 1975 Davey Lopes stole three bases against the Expos to extend his Major League record of consecutive steals to 38. Then in the 12th inning of this same game he is thrown out at second base by Gary Carter. Coincidentally, Carter had been the last catcher to throw Lopes out before starting his record streak -- on June 4th. In 2007 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher David Wells. In 2014 Joc Pederson became only the fourth player in the history of the PCL to have a 30-30 season, and the first to do it in 80 years, when he stole a base for the Albuquerque Isotopes (a Dodgers Triple-A affiliate). He would come up to Los Angeles later that September.
• Happy Birthday, John Brown, Kip Gross, Jeff Kubenka, Kevin Correia & Enrique "Kiké" Hernandez!

Blog Kiosk: 8/21/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Just another Dodger victory.

Last nights win was brought to you by Clayton Kershaw. He went seven strong innings, struck out a season high eleven batters and allowed just one run to lead the Dodgers in their 6-1 (boxscore) victory over the Mariners. On top of that, Clayton now has the second most strikeouts in Dodger franchise history -- leaping over Don Drysdale's mark of 2,486. Kershaw's 2,493 strikeouts is just 203 short of Don Sutton's record as a Dodger. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Obviously very cool,” Kershaw said. “Just to be a Dodger long enough to accomplish something like that is pretty special.”

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. 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. Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts wrote about it today, 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!

2020 Bowman Sterling -- All the Dodger Cards

Here is a look at all of the Dodgers found in packs of Topps 2020 Bowman Sterling brand. Go here for a complete checklist.

Many of the Dodgers top prospects are a part of this set; including Dustin May and Gavin Lux. It is also notable that Andy Pages, the ballplayers who had been traded to the Angels as part of the Joc Pederson trade that was cancelled, also has an autographed card available here.

As you know, this is a mid to high-end product that will cost you about $300 for a box of five packs. Each pack consist of six cards and you are guaranteed at least five autographs per box.

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#BSR-55 Brusdar Graterol         #BSR-63 Tony Gonsolin

2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Jackie Robinson by Grotesk -- #210

Grotesk, AKA Kimou Meyer, is a Swiss-born graphic designer who burst onto the New York art scene in 1999. A decade later he would help start a creative art agency, Doubleday & Cartwright, and work with companies like Nike, Apple, EA Sports, ESPN, Red Bull, Mercedes Benz and others. Today, he takes his minimalist sensibility and wood sculpture aesthetic and applies it to Topps Baseball cards. Featured here is his Project 2020 card of Jackie Robinson. Per Zio at The Hundreds:

2020 Topps Chrome -- All the Dodger Cards

A couple of weeks back Topps released their Topps Chrome brand of Baseball cards, and I now have pics of all the Dodgers available in packs. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

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#13 Max Muncy            #77 Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 8/19/2020 - Dodgers Links & news - Some Odds and Ends

Seven in-a-row, Baby!

Last night Tony Gonsolin not only extended his scoreless innings streak (14.2), he also helped the Dodgers win their seventh consecutive game. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“I think I’m just feeling a lot more comfortable up here,” Gonsolin said. “I’m trying to go out there and take advantage of every opportunity that I get.”

Photo above via Tony Gonsolin on twitter. 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 Leaf Trinity Baseball - All the Dodger Prospects

I really hate Leaf sometimes, and this set is an example of why. Featured here are cards from their recently released Trinity brand of baseball cards -- except it's not designated as a set from 2020. Instead, Leaf is calling this their 2019 Leaf Trinity baseball set. Considering that we are already in the eighth month of 2020 makes Leaf's dating absurd. Nevertheless, I've got pics of the three Dodger prospects in the set. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Clear Autographs

#CA-GL1 Gavin Lux      #CA-GL2 Lux-Alt Image

2020 Topps Now -- Seager Brothers Each Hit Homers in 1st Career Matchup - #119

Last night the Seager brothers trotted out on the field to play each other for the first time in their careers, and their play didn't disappoint. They both had multiple hits, including home runs that no doubt impressed the other. Unfortunately for them, only one team can win the game. Per Alden Gonzalez at ESPN:

"You're still trying to win a game," (Corey) Seager said Monday, "but when you got around him, it was hard not to see your brother in the opponent."

2020 Topps National Baseball Card Day Cards - All the Dodgers'

A couple of weekends back was Topps annual National Baseball Card Day, and as you know free packs of an exclusive set were handed out to collectors at local card shops. The set consist of a 30-card base set and only one Dodger was included -- Cody Bellinger. There are also randomly inserted autographed cards, of which two are Dodgers'. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

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#14 Cody Bellinger

Blog Kiosk: 8/18/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - The Brothers Seager

As you surely know by now, the Seagers -- Corey and Kyle -- played against each other for the first time in their career last night. Better yet, they both homered in the game -- becoming the first brothers to do so for opposing teams in the same game since 2001. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“It was hard almost to stay focused with him out there, you want to go talk to him,” said Corey. “And he’s a talker, he wanted me to go over there. You try to be in the moment as much as possible. You’re still trying to win a game. But when you got around him, it was hard to not see your brother in the opponent. Really enjoyed it, one of those things we’ll remember for a long time.”

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959 former Dodger GM Branch Rickey is named President of the newly formed Continental League. The new third Major League never plays a game, though. Instead, it became a catalyst for the addition of eight more teams to the American and National Leagues over the next decade. In 1977 Dodger Hall of Famer Don Sutton threw his fifth career one-hitter. It was against the hated Giants at Dodger Stadium, 7-0 (boxscore). Sutton recorded seven strikeouts and issued four walks -- on the way to his 11th victory of the season. BTW, he had a no-hitter going into the eighth inning. In 1995 the Dodgers traded for Brett Butler. This would be his second stint with the team.
• Happy Birthday, Burleigh Grimes, William Marriott, Jim Peterson, Bob Kennedy, Paul Popovich, Don Crow & Yimi Garcia! 

2020 Topps Now - Keibert's Debut and Negro Leagues Anniversary - #114 & #116

Is Keibert Ruiz the future at catcher for the Dodgers?

Only time will tell, but for the moment he is the cat's meow. Yesterday afternoon he collecting his first career hit by whacking a solo home run in his first career at-bat. Hilariously, his teammates decided to have a little fun with him afterwards. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

Dugout ribbing about how “baseball's easy” could barely wait until Ruiz finished his first home run trot.

Blog Kiosk: 8/17/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

We are in the midst of experiencing a Dodgers' catching renaissance. First, we saw Will Smith wow the fans. Now, it's Keibert Ruiz's turn. In his first career at-bat yesterday afternoon he smashed a home run. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“It was very exciting,” Ruiz said after the Dodgers’ 8–3 win that swept the series in Anaheim. “First time being in the big leagues, I just was focused on getting a fastball and making contact. Happy to be here with all these guys and keep learning.”

You can also watch him speak with the press after the game, via SportsNet LA on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers and Cubs played a 17 inning game that was temporarily halted at a tie, 1-1, because of darkness (this was before Wrigley Field had lights). The next day they begin where they left off. The Dodgers would eventually win on a sacrifice fly by Dusty Baker in the 21st inning. In 1992 Dodgers hurler Kevin Gross no-hit the Giants at Dodger Stadium, 2-0. Watch the last out of the game, as called by Vin Scully, here. Per a NY Times article:

"The later it got, the more the adrenaline started pumping," Gross said. "It was just a blur when that last out was made."

• Happy Birthday, George Harper, Doug McWeeny, Joe Bradshaw, Boog Powell, Brad Wellman, Jeff Fischer & Kyle Farmer!

Topps Project 2020 - Sandy Koufax by Sophia Chang - #204

The newest Sandy Koufax Topps Project 2020 card was created by Queens artist Sophia Chang. Per Nick Diunte at Forbes:

“Working on these cards, you're really seeing a piece of American culture,” she said.

BTW, you can watch Sophia chat with fellow Project 2020 artist Blake Jamieson on YouTube here.

2020 Topps Now -- Mookie Betts Ties MLB Record - #102

You knew this card was coming.

Featured here is Mookie's 2020 Topps Now card celebrating his record tying feat last night. As you know, he hit three crushing home runs against the burgeoning Padres to tie a Major League record for three-homer games in a career at six (6) -- joining Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa. With it still being so early in his career, Betts will no doubt break this record soon. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“Of course. I’m human,” said Betts. “But I work so hard, man, I work so hard to be successful. To see success, it’s a sigh of relief. But I’m hungry to be successful and I have that in my back pocket. I have to learn new pitchers, that will be the hardest part, but I’ll work my butt off to be the best I can be.”

Blog Kiosk: 8/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Look who got their awards last night -- Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger. Unfortunately, Cody has been struggling at the plate this season. Mookie, on the other hand, is heating up... big time! He celebrating yesterdays award ceremony by walloping three homers to tie a Major League record for three-homer games in a career at six (6) -- tying Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1919 the Dodgers and Cubs play a doubleheader that last a total of only two hours and seventeen minutes. In the opener, the Cubs blanked Brooklyn 2-0, in one hour and ten minutes, and in the nightcap it takes the Dodgers one hour and seven minutes to shut out Chicago, 1-0. In 1980 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent pitcher Tom Niedenfuer out of Washington State University. In a couple of years he would be a mainstay in the Dodgers bullpen -- recording 64 saves as a Dodger.  
• Happy Birthday, Magic Johnson, Frank McCourt, Mark Loretta, Scott Stewart, McKay Christensen & Juan Pierre!

2020 Topps Now -- Justin Turner's 1,000th Career Hit -- #90

Welcome to the 1,000 hit club, Justin!

As you surely know by now, Justin Turner reached 1,000 hits for his career last night. It came off a double in the second inning of the game. Unfortunately, his personal achievement would not lead to a Dodger victory. Nevertheless, I am sure it's a feat he never imagined accomplishing when he came to the Dodgers spring training came as an unsigned free agent in 2014. Per Alyson Footer at MLB.com:

“That's a big positive from tonight, and something Justin is and should be very proud of,” manager Dave Roberts said. “A lot of people along the way helped him, but no one more than himself. To reach that 1,000-hit milestone, considering where his career started, that's quite an accomplishment.”

2020 Absolute Baseball - All the Dodger Cards

Here are most of the Dodgers' found in packs of Panini's Absolute Baseball brand. Go here for a complete checklist.

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#28 Mookie Betts

2020 Topps Sterling -- The Dodger Cards

Here's a look at a bunch of the Dodgers' found in packs of 2020 Topps Sterling. Go here for a complete checklist.

Sterling Seasons Autograph Relics

#SSAR-CK Clayton Kershaw

2020 Topps Total - Wave 6 - All the Dodgers

Here are the three Dodgers' found in packs of 2020 Topps Total - Wave 6. It includes newest Dodger David Price and MVP Cody Bellinger. Go here for a complete checklist of this set.

Wave 6

#522 David Price

2020 Topps T206 - Series 1 & 2 - All the Dodger Cards

Here's a look at all of the Dodgers found in the Topps online exclusive T206 set -- Series 1 & 2. As you may know, Topps first put out this flashback brand ten years ago and now they are back at it. It is being released in 10-card packs online and is priced at $14.99 each. A total of five series' will be sold, and I've got pics of the Dodgers found in Series 1 & 2. Check them all out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Series 1 Base

#29 Corey Seager     #45 Gavin Lux

Blog Kiosk: 8/11/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here is a fantastic 1956 Spring Training pic of 1955 World Series hero Sandy Amoros re-creating his series winning catch at Dodgertown in Vero Beach. As you can see, he is in front of the outfield berm at Holman Stadium - at centerfield. This photo recently sold at RMY Auctions at what I thought was a steal at $26.98.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 the Dodgers were no-ht by Vern Bickford of the Boston Braves, 7-0. He needed only 97 pitches to accomplish the feat. In 1951 the first color televised broadcast of a ballgame is aired on WCBS-TV. It featured a game at Ebbets Field between the Dodgers and the Boston Braves. Unfortunately, the Boys of Summer lose the contest, 8-1. In 1962 the Dodgers protest the Giants tactic of wetting down the basepaths in order to slow down speedster Maury Wills at Candlestick Park. The Dodgers would lose 5-4. Giants manager Alvin Dark would forever earn the nickname "The Swamp Fox." In 1969 Don Drysdale announced his retirement from the game. In 2015 every home team won their game -- making that a first in the live-ball era with a full slate of games.  
• Happy Birthday, Bobo Newsom, Luis Olmo, Dennis Lewallyn, Rex Hudson, Mike Huff & Bubba Crosby!

Topps Project 2020 -- Jackie Robinson by Oldmanalan -- #194

I've been buried of late, so I apologize for this very late post regarding the newest Project 2020 Topps card of Jackie Robinson. It was made available over the weekend, but is now closed to new orders. It was created by tastemaker/streetwear influencer Oldmanalan. As you may recall, his Sandy Koufax card came out in mid-April and sold 2,488 copies (link here). This Jackie Robinson card sold a total of 3,268 copies.

As you can see, Oldmanalan has taken the 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson card and replaced the original drawing used on the card with an actual color photograph. His head is tiled slightly, so Oldmanalan tilted the nameplate to match it -- no doubt to the consternation of those with OCD.

Blog Kiosk: 8/6/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Chris Taylor, Baby! Per Matthew Moreno at Dodger Blue:

“It was a huge play. Chris has done so much to help us win baseball games,” Robert said. “Even the play before, to cut it off and keep the guy at first base. Then come in and make a strong, accurate throw. He does so many things. The triple that he got.

“He’s just a manager’s dream. He’s always ready when called upon and he seems to impact the game any time he’s in there.”

As you know, he recorded an assist on the last out of last nights game to help the Dodgers defeat the Pads, 7-6 (boxscore). Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1908 St. Louis Cardinals hurler Johnny Lush throws a six-inning no-hitter to beat the Dodgers, 2-0. The game was halted due to rain, but still deemed an official game. In 1961 Maury Wills hit his first career home run when he hit a fourth inning solo homer off Cubs pitcher Jack Curtis to give the Dodgers a 5-1 lead. It only took 1,167 at-bats to hit his first dinger. (boxscore) In 1981, after a seven-week strike, a split-season format is approved by the players; such that the Yankees, A's, Phillies and Dodgers are declared the first-half champions of their respective divisions. They all would then qualify for the divisional series at the end of the season. In 2009 Andre Ethier hit his fifth walk-off hit of the season when he walloped a three-run home run against Braves closer Rafael Soriano to give the Dodgers a 5-4 victory. 
• Happy Birthday, Jake McGee, Clem Labine, Andy Messersmith & Ron Davis!

2020 Topps Now - Kershaw's First Start of 2020 #46 & Mookie's Card from Saturday #38

Clayton Kershaw was outstanding during his 2020 debut, and for his efforts garnered a 2020 Topps Now card to celebrate the day. As you know, he was sidelined during his planned Opening Day start a couple of weeks ago, so seeing him on the mound was great to watch. Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

“I’ve done a lot of different things,” Kershaw said. “Gotten a lot of help from the training staff, strengthening and conditioning staff, working out, doing different things arm care-wise. There’s a lot of things, just threw everything at it and see what came out. I think the biggest thing is being healthy and feeling really good and moving well and just thankful for the arm feeling so good as it did today.”