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

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!

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.

Base

#13 Max Muncy            #77 Cody Bellinger

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: 8/14/2020 - 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 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 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

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.

2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Jackie Robinson by Fucci -- #176

The ninth Jackie Robinson card from Topps Project 2020 set is now available and it was created by Finnish-Canadian artist, based in Toronto, Fucci. As you can see, it is filled with color -- seemingly in contract with each other -- while the portrait uses a blank face. Per Leah Collins at CBC.com:

He wants the viewer to feel like they're in the piece. To his thinking, if you can't see anyone's faces, then it's easier to imagine yourself in the picture. 

That way, we can all look at this portrait -- of one of the true heroes of the game -- and imagine ourselves being just like him.

2020 Topps Series 2 -- All the Dodger Insert Cards

After a couple of weeks waffling around I finally have pics of most of the Dodger inserts found in packs of Topps flagship Series 2 cards. Check them out below. Go here for a complete checklist.

Baseball Stars Autographs

#BSA-CK Clayton Kershaw         #BSA-GL Gavin Lux

Blog Kiosk: 7/14/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Happy Belated Birthday, Cody!

He turned 25-years old yesterday.

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

• This Day In Dodgers History: In 2003 the Dodgers sign free agent future Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson. The Dodgers are 49-44 at the time, but languish in third place in the NL West -- 7.5 games behind the Giants. Unfortunately, Rickey cannot change the Dodgers fortunes. He gets into only 30 games, batting .208 with one double, two home runs and five RBI's. In 1995 Dodger pitcher Ramon Martinez no-hits the Marlins at Dodger Stadium, 7-0 (boxscore). He was perfect for 7 1/3 innings before walking Tommy Gregg. It is the 22nd no-no in franchise history. You can watch the final out here.
• Happy Birthday, Tim Locastro, Ed Hug, Happy Smith, Max West, Gene Schott, Danny Walton, Pepe Frias, Darren Hall, Robin Ventura & Jose Hernandez!

2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Jackie Robinson by Matt Taylor -- #156

The eighth Jackie Robinson Project 2020 card is now available and it was created by Brighton, UK artist Matt Taylor. He is known for his use of bright and bold colors. Per Print Magazine:

When you find a palette that works for you, you do tend to drift back to it. A large portion of the pieces I’ve done have hot pink, an orange, a teal. Something I always try to steer away from 100 percent black where possible. If it absolutely needs it then I will, but generally, I try to find a really deep blue, or a dark brown, or a dark purple rather than having a straight black. I find it can unbalance an image quite easily if you don’t use it correctly, or if you don’t spread it across the image.

2020 Negro Leagues Legends Baseball Card Set - Jackie and Campy

Here is something completely new. Featured is a Negro League Baseball card set that uses images created by noted Baseball artist Graig Kreindler. In fact, the original portraits can be seen at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) as part of its Centennial Celebration until July 31, 2020. You can purchase a complete set here, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, and the Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in Milwaukee. Retail price is $59.95 and it is limited to 5,000 sets total. Below is a look at future Dodgers, Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella. Unfortunately, ballplayers like Don Newcombe or Joe Black are not a part of the set. Go here to check out a complete checklist.

Base

#10 Jackie Robinson - 1945 Kansas City Monarchs (road)

2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Jackie Robinson by Tyson Beck -- #140

The seventh Jackie Robinson Project 2020 card is now available. It was created by Australian graphic design artist Tyson Beck -- well regarded for his work with the NBA.

As you'll recall, his Sandy Koufax card debut a month back and sold a total of 21,535 card (Wow!). I wonder if this card will do as well. You can see the Koufax card on the left.

Blog Kiosk: 6/30/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Casey was always a ham. Per the UPI Telephoto descriptor (eBay auction link):

7/24/65 - New York: Casey Stengel, whose third love (behind wife, Edna, and Baseball) must be posing for photographers, gets off wink number umpteen during Old Timers Day festivities at Shea Stadium 7/24. He's wearing an old Brooklyn Dodgers cap for the occasion. Casey celebrates his 75th birthday 7/30.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1962 Sandy Koufax had one of the best days of his career. He started off that evenings game at Dodger Stadium by throwing an Immaculate Inning during the first inning - striking out three batters on nine pitches. Then finished his day by completing his first career no-hitter against the hapless Mets, 5-0. In 1985 Pedro Guerrero slammed his 15th home run during the month of June - setting a major league record.  
• Happy Birthday, Blake Treinen, Pat Venditte, Johnny Miljus, Johnny Hudson, Mark Grudzielanek, Garret Anderson, Chan Ho Park, Mike Judd & Delwyn Young!

2020 Topps Series 2 Baseball -- The Dodger Base Cards and Variations

Last week Topps released their second series of cards for their flagship Baseball card brand and I've got pics of all the Dodger base cards to share. Check them out below. I've also included all the known variations available. Go here for a complete checklist of the set.

Base

#381 Kyle Garlick           #416 Chris Taylor

Blog Kiosk: 6/25/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Featured is 1951 ACME press telephoto showing a bunch of fanatic Dodger fans lining up for tickets (eBay auction link). Below is what's written on the reverse:

10/1 - Brooklyn, NY, Brooklyn's Ebbets Field is besieged by determined baseball fans, who line up early to get tickets for the crucial National League playoff opener between the Dodgers and Giants.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1968 Giants rookie Bobby Bonds hit a grand slam against Dodger righty John Purdin in his third at-bat of his first major league game -- becoming only the second player to have ever done so. In 1984 infielder Bill Russell played his 1,953rd game to become the LA Dodgers' all-time leader in games played. He would finish his career in Blue with a total of 2,181 games played -- second best all time in Dodger history. Hall of Famer Zack Wheat best him with 2,322 games played as a Dodger.
• Happy Birthday, Barney White, Don Demeter, Alejandro Peña, Aaron Sele & Paul Maholm!

2020 Topps Diamond Icons -- Check Out the Dodger Cards

Here is a look at most of the Dodger cards available in packs of Topps 2020 Diamond Icons brand. As you know, this is a high-end premium product that will cost you over $2,000 for a single box of ten packs -- guaranteeing you nine autographed cards. So, these packs are not for the weary. Go here for a complete checklist.

Autographs

#AC-CKE Clayton Kershaw         #AC-GLU Gavin Lux