Blue Heaven

The Winter Is For Awards

2009-11-25T10:06:00.001-08:00

Already, the 2009 post-season has been very fruitful one for the Blue Crew. So far, we've taken down a couple of Silver Sluggers, Gold Gloves and Minor League Player of the Years. On top of that, two of our outfielders finished in the top 10 in the recently announced NL MVP race. All of this adds credence to how great last season was.

Now, we are given the opportunity to add more trophies to the mantle. The 2009 "This Year In Baseball" Awards are up for voting by the fans and the Dodgers have 3 capable winners in their corner. Apparently, this is the 8th year of these awards. Frankly, I don't remember the past 7. Nevertheless, any time you can celebrate a great year with accolades and gifts during a cold winter the warmer we become.

So, here are your contestants.

For Closer of the Year, vote for Jonathon Broxton. Go here to vote. We have some strong competition to deal with in this category. Mariano Rivera, Joe Nathan and Jonathon Papelbon may block the big mans path.

Executive of the Year, vote for Ned Colletti. Go here to vote. I don't really want to tell how to vote on this one. After all, everyone seems to have their own opinion on the work of our GM. Nevertheless, he's gotten us to the playoffs several times and has, seemingly, put together a good team of veterans while maintaining the youth parade. In other words, he has built a competitive team without mortgaging our future. For that, I give a big thumbs up. Of course, if Carlos Santana ends up being a superstar I may not be so kind.

Manager of the Year, vote for Joe Torre. Go vote here.

I do have one other request. Check out the candidates for the "Oddity of the Year" awards and vote for Mr. T. "Don't be a fool!"

Legendary Pics: Dodgers Galore

2009-11-24T11:09:00.000-08:00

Legendary Auctions appears to be the place to pick up some vintage early 20th Century Baseball photographs. They have original pics from Baseball photographic legends Paul Thompson and Charles Conlon, and examples from well regarded news institutions like UPI and the Detroit News. Fortunately, their impressive collection includes a ton of Dodgers. Go here to check out the entire auction offering. It's filled with the "Who's Who" of deadball era greats.

Below are a couple of nice photos of Baseball and Dodger legend Branch Rickey during his playing days with the Cardinals.

Auction Link: Branch Rickey:

Here is a original Paul Thompson photograph of Hall of Famer and former Dodger Zach Wheat- from the days when the "Boys in Blue" wore pinstripes.

Auction Link: Zach Wheat:

Charles Conlon produced the Nap Rucker photo below. It has to be from 1916 since it was the only year Rucker was on the team when they wore checkered uniforms.

Auction Link: Nap Rucker:

From either 1916 or 1917, below is a Charles Conlon photograph of Chief Meyers.

Auction Link: Chief Meyers:

Once again, I can never get enough of Babe Ruth in a Dodger uniform. I think I like this photo the best since it shows Ruth in the 1st base coaches box during a game. This is a UPI Press Photo.

Auction Link: Babe Ruth:

An Old Brooklyn Poem

2009-11-24T11:06:00.000-08:00

I came across this poem while doing some brief research on an eBay item I posted about a few days ago. I came across a Jake Pitler photo that had me wondering who he was. I came to find out he was an old Brooklyn manager and was a bit of a father figure to young Dodger players on their way up. Better yet, he was even spoken about in prose in Marianne Moore's poem celebrating the 1955 Brooklyn Dodger World Series win. This is a poem I had never come across before, so I figured it would only be proper to share this with all of you. Apparently, it was very popular back in the day. From SI. BTW, here is a little known fact about Ms. Moore. She was a teacher at the Carlisle Indian School when Olympian Jim Thorpe was a student. Check out another poem of hers called "Baseball and Writing."

Hometown Piece for Messrs. Alston and Reese
"Millennium," yes; "pandemonium"!
Roy Campanella leaps high. Dodgerdom

crowned, had Johnny Podres on the mound.
Buzzie Bavasi and the Press gave ground;

the team slapped, mauled, and asked the Yankees' match,
"How did you feel when Sandy Amoros made the catch?"

"I said to myself"—pitcher for all innings—
"as I walked back to the mound I said, 'Everything's

getting better and better.' " (Zest, they've zest.
" 'Hope springs eternal in the Brooklyn breast.' "

And would the Dodger Band in 8, row 1, relax
if they saw the collector of income tax?

Ready with a tune if that should occur:
"Why Not Take All of Me—All of Me, Sir?")

Another series. Round-tripper Duke at bat,
"Four hundred feet from home-plate"; more like that.

A neat bunt, please; a cloud-breaker, a drive
like Jim Gilliam's great big one. Hope's alive.

Homered, flied out, fouled? Our "stylish stout"
so nimble Campanella will have him out.

A-squat in double-headers four hundred times a day,
he says that in a measure the pleasure is the pay:

catcher to pitcher, a nice easy throw
almost as if he'd just told it to go.

Willy Mays should be a Dodger. He should—
a lad for Roger Craig and Clem Labine to elude;

but you have an omen, pennant-winning Peewee,
on which we are looking superstitiously.

Ralph Branca has Preacher Roe's number; recall?
and there's Don Bessent; he can really fire the ball.

as for Gil Hodges, in custody of first—
"He'll do it by himself." Now a specialist versed

in an extension reach far into the box seats—
he lengthens up, he leans, and gloving the ball defeats

expectation by a whisker. The modest star,
irked by one misplay, is no hero by a hair;

in a strikeout slaughter when what could matter more,
he lines a homer to the signboard and has changed the score.
Then for his nineteenth season, a home run—
with four of six runs batted in—Carl Furillo's the big gun;

almost dehorned the foe—has fans dancing in delight.
Jake Pitler and his Playground "get a Night"—

Jake, that hearty man, made heartier by a harrier
who can bat as well as field—Don Demeter.

Shutting them out for nine innings—a hitter too—
Carl Erskine leaves Cimoli nothing to do.

Take off the goat-horns, Dodgers, that egret
which two very fine base-stealers can offset.

You've got plenty: Jackie Robinson
and Campy and big Newk, and Dodgerdom again
watching everything you do. You won last year.

Come on.
- © Marianne Moore, 1956

Blog Kiosk: 11/22/2008

2009-11-22T17:38:00.000-08:00

Chris at DodgerFan.net wonders if Ben Sheets is in our future.
Here is another great vintage Baseball photo at Shorpy Blog. It features 3 Washington National players- Jacinto Calvo, Germany Schaefer and Merito Acosta.
Sign the online petition started by the Slanch Report to get the MLB Network to show Doc Ellis's LSD induced no-hitter in 1970.
Check out this great photographic video featuring the last game of the 2009 World Series. There are 12,000 photos in total; including a view of ice melting on dogs at Yankee Stadium. It's majestic. From the NY Times.
This is probably the greatest autographed baseball I've ever seen. Check out Sports Lockers great post here about a 1980 World Series baseball signed by both Pete Rose and Bob Boone, and inscribed with notes about an important defensive play.
Sports Collectors Daily does a nice writeup on the history of the vintage Sporting Life Baseball cards.

Legendary Auctions: Stuff From Chuck Connors

2009-11-19T13:11:00.000-08:00

Before you knew him as The Rifleman he was a Brooklyn Dodger first baseman trying to stick with the big club. Heck, before that he was a forward for the Boston Celtics. Chuck Connors was a man who could do anything. He was athletically gifted and had a flare for acting. His hit show, The Rifleman, ran 1958 to 1963.

Legendary Auctions current offering includes various items bearing his name. Below is his 1948 Montreal Royals (the Dodger AAA Minor League club at the time) Governor's Cup Champions ring. It sold for $2,200.00.

Auction Link: Ring:

This is the neatest item of all. Below is a George Sosnak painted ball featuring Chuck Connors. Now you should know why Sosnak artworks are highly prized within the collector community. This ball is stunning. It sold for $4,000.00.

Auction Link: Chuck Conner Sosnak Ball:

eBay: Dodger Stuff

2009-11-17T13:13:00.000-08:00

Here are some great Dodger items I found on eBay recently. Below is a UPI Press Photo of Preacher Roe being congratulated by his Dodger teammates after winning the 2nd game of the 1949 World Series against the Yankees.

eBay Auction: Roe Photo:

In my opinion, the best vintage photos you can get come directly from the fans. Below is a fan created photo of Brooklyn Dodger first base coach Jake Pitler. With the palm trees in the background I would be willing to bet that this is a Spring Training photo. He was a coach for the Brooklyn team from 1947 to 1957 (their last year in the borough). Later on he continued his employment with the Dodgers as a scout.

eBay Auction Link: Pitler Photo:

I have never played or even heard of this vintage Baseball card game. It is called Big League Manager and below is the team set for the 1957 Brooklyn Dodgers. I love the cartoon drawing of the old Brooklyn "Bum."

eBay Auction Link: 1957 Brooklyn Big League Manager Game:

Has anyone ever heard of the Pepsi Dodger Fan Club? Below is a patch celebrating this group in 1972.

eBay Auction Link: Patch:

Sports Collectibles Makeover

2009-11-17T10:14:00.001-08:00

As a sports collector geek I find this intriguing. Unfortunately, I live on the West Coast and I rent currently so this announcement is lost on me, but I'm sure there are some worthy folks out there who could use some organization and makeover help. I believe this show may coincide with the National Sports Card Collectors Convention being held in Baltimore next year. From an email I just received from The National.

The HGTV Network is looking to power up with some strong "male" dominance by picking a sports super home to do a fabulous TV "Make Over". Do your sports collectibles grow like weeds instead of flowers? Is it one mess from the doorway to doorway? Then you might be the lucky person who becomes a hero to your wife and family, as HGTV comes in and gives you the ultimate home makeover.

Turn your collection into a true sports presentation. HGTV is casting for families in NY, NJ, CT, PA, MD, MA and other Northeast locations.

Email us about your situation at home, what you've got, where you live, etc. and we will turn all emails over to the casting director of HGTV. This is the real deal! Be on TV and get your sports stuff looking GREAT!

Send all emails to: nicole.ford@leopardfilms.com

All e-mails must be received by 12/31/09 to be eligible.

Card of the Week: Who Me?

2009-11-16T00:50:00.000-08:00

Above is this weeks "Card of the Week" and it features a surprised Torii Hunter. The card is a 2008 Topps Heritage card that borrows its designed from the vintage 1959 Topps set. In this card, Torii Hunter looks as shocked as anyone as he pulled off a double-whammy of season ending awards. He took home his 9th consecutive Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger Awards this past season.

Blog Kiosk: 11/15/2009

2009-11-15T11:00:00.000-08:00

Only 3 1/2 months til Spring Training.

Lemke shows off his recent creation of a 1969 Steve Garvey rookie card.
How did I miss this? Night Owl Cards made a great post back in August celebrating Hideo Nomo's birthday. He shows off a bunch of Nomo cards. It's awesome.
Sully writes a great story featuring unlikely pitchers to finish a World Series.
Follow GCRL as he tries to complete a signed 1978 Dodgers Topps team set. He just received a signed Elias Sosa card.
Here is a video of the Twins new ball field, Target Field.
An amazing turn of events. After a 53 year run, Topps will no longer be making football cards. They recently lost their license with the NFL Players Association.
Check out some of these great photos on Boston.com from Veterans Day.
In honor of Veterans Day, ESPN is running a series of articles featuring prominent athletes who also served in the Armed Forced. Ralph Kiner writes about his own experiences.
Rinku and Dinesh, winners of the $1,000,000.00 Arm in India and subsequent professional contract with the Pirates, returns home for the Winter to rousing applause. Check it out here. (Hat Tip: Baseball Musings)
Pigeon Impossible.

YouTube Link:
Hat Tip: The Big Picture:

The video below is some funny and entertaining stuff.

YouTube Link:
Hat Tip: Big League Stew:

Hunt Auctions: Dodger Art and History

2009-11-12T07:31:00.000-08:00

Hunt Auction is once again holding their 6th Annual Live Auction at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory this month. There are some "doozies" here including a complete run of autographed & game-used Baseball All-Star jerseys (including Dodgers Broxton, Billingsley & Hudson) from 2009 and Curt Flood's personal collection of memorabilia and drawings.

In fact, I am going to start this post by featuring a one-of-a-kind drawing from Curt Flood of Tommy Lasorda. As some of you know, Flood is an accomplished artist. He initially started painting for other ballplayers, but soon became well known outside that community. A look through this catalog online or in book form will give you a nice peek at some of his work. Check out this incredible painting of Bob Gibson.

(Auction Link: Lasorda Drawing by Flood)

Another very popular Baseball artist is George Sosnak.

Self-taught as an artist, Sosnak (1924-1992) had devoted his life to the game as a fan, player and minor league umpire, even when that meant holding a day job as well. His best-known works are actual manufactured baseballs intricately decorated for a special occasion with India ink and then hand colored.

He painted about 800 baseballs. Below is something a little different from him. It is a 5x8 envelope that has been converted into a canvas and then subsequently mailed in 1988 to a relative. It is a great painting featuring Kirk Gibson's game winning home run blast against Dennis Eckersley during the 1988 series.

(Auction Link: Sosnak 1988 WS Drawing)

The final two items are just incredible. Being made available for the first time are a pair of game-used vintage jerseys from the 1948 Brooklyn Dodger season that were worn by Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson. They came directly from a former coach of one of the Dodger farm teams. Apparently, at the end of each season the big club would hand down old jerseys, pants and caps. Then, they would have the minor league coaches wear them when meeting new incoming players. Afterwards, everything was either sold or just given away.

Below is Pee Wee Reese's jersey. Click on the photo to see a larger view.

(Auction Link: PeeWee Reese Jersey)

Here is Jackie Robinson's jersey. Click on the photo to see a larger view.

(Auction Link: Robinson Jersey)

Dodger Gold Gloves

2009-11-11T15:47:00.001-08:00

A hearty congratulations to both Matt Kemp and Orlando Hudson for winning Gold Gloves in their respective positions.

For Matt this is his first Gold Glove award, and I suspect it won't be his last. From the press release:

"Kemp led all Major League center fielders and ranked third among all big league outfielders with 14 outfield assists. His .995 fielding percentage was third among NL center fielders, behind Gold Glove winner Shane Victorino and Nate McLouth. The Oklahoma native made just two errors on the season. "

Way to go Bison! Past Dodger winners of a Gold Glove in centerfield include Steve Finley in 2004 and Willie Davis (3 times) from 1971 to 1973.
For Orlando Hudson, who most likely will not be wearing Blue next year, he won his 4th Gold Glove award. From the press release:

"In 145 games at second base, Hudson made just eight errors and posted a .988 fielding percentage (T-4^th, NL), which ranked fifth on the franchise’s single-season list by a second baseman, behind Jody Reed (.993, in 1993), Jackie Robinson (.992 in 1951), Charlie Neal (.989 in 1959), and Mark Grudzielanek (.989 in 2002). In September, the 2009 All-Star was named by Baseball America as the best defensive second baseman in the publication’s annual tools issue. "

Hudson is the 3rd Dodger to win the award at 2nd base. The other two were Davey Lopes and Charlie Neal.

Happy Veterans Day

2009-11-11T09:48:00.000-08:00

As declared by President Woodrow Wilson, "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'." It has since been renamed Veterans' Day. We honor, on this day, the men and women who have served this country.

YouTube Link:

Also, please check GCRL great post where he shares a homemade card he made of former Dodger Roy Gleason. He fought in Vietnam and was the only Baseball soldier to have been wounded in action. He even sent a copy to Roy and received a nice note back. Go and check it out.

Thank You Luc Robitaille

2009-11-09T21:22:00.001-08:00

My life as a hockey fanatic began around the time Luc Robitaille first stepped on the ice wearing a Kings purple and gold jersey. He was immediately magic on the ice. He scored his first goal on the very first shift when he touched the puck for the first time as a NHL professional. He was subsequently given the nickname of "Lucky," but luck had nothing to do with it. He had a scorers touch that developed from hard work and determination. He wanted to succeed and did all he could to achieve his goals. Now, he finds himself in the company of greats.

This afternoon Los Angeles Kings left winger Luc Robitaille was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Below is his induction speech.

Card of the Week: Focus

2009-11-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

This is one of the most mesmerizing cards I've ever seen. It is from the1984 Donruss set, and features old-time Dodger Ken Landreaux in the midst of checking his swing. This card always makes me a little loopy since the off-focus background reminds me of a psychedelic trip through a Grateful Dead haze.

Anyone got some incense and patchouli? How about some veggie egg rolls and grilled cheese sandwiches?

2 Dodgers Named Topps Minor League Player of the Year

2009-11-09T08:52:00.000-08:00

Dee Gordon and Brian Cavazos-Galvez have been named 2009 Topps Minor League Players of the Year for their play in their respective leagues. One interesting note is that former Dodger prospect Carlos Santana, who was a part of the trade for Casey Blake, was also a winner for his outstanding play in the Eastern League. We may come to regret losing him. Anyway, from the Dodgers Press release:

Gordon won the honors in the Single-A Midwest League, batting .301 with a league-leading 73 steals and 12 triples for the Great Lakes Loons. Gordon also earned the Branch Rickey Award as the Dodgers’ Minor League Player of the Year, Midwest League Prospect of the Year, and league co-Most Valuable Player. He was also selected to Baseball America ’s Mid-Season Minor League All-Star team for all levels of play and to the league’s mid-season and postseason All-Star teams. The 21-year-old ranked among the leaders for all full-season minor league players in steals (second), in triples (tied for eighth), in hits (11th), and in runs (15th) in his second year in professional baseball after being selected in the fourth round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft.

(Pic Link: MiLB)

Cavazos-Galvez claimed the award for the Rookie-advanced Pioneer League, batting .322 with a league-leading 18 homers for the Ogden Raptors. Cavazos-Galvez, 22, won the league’s Most Valuable Player Award and was named to the league All-Star team after being selected in the 12th round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of New Mexico . He also led the circuit with 97 hits, 50 extra base hits, 59 runs, and 29 doubles, and also ranked second in the league with 63 RBI. Brian’s father, Balvino Galvez, played eight seasons in the Dodger organization, pitching in 10 games for the Dodgers in 1986, his lone Major League experience.

Blog Kiosk: 11/8/2009

2009-11-08T09:28:00.000-08:00

A congratulations to Luc Robitaille on his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame this coming Monday.

"On the lighter side, the good thing about me is I never had a step (quick move up ice), so I never lost it," he said. "That's why, maybe, I was able to play 19 years."

Here is a great photo of a very young Jerry Doggett and Vin Scully, via If Charlie Parker was a Gunslinger...
The #5 Type Card Collector introduces us to the 1978 Post Cereal Steve Garvey Baseball Tips set.
Here is a great read about Maury Wills in the Washington Post. (Hat Tip: Inside the Dodgers)
Read a little bit about a recent find of some vintage soccer cards in Canada.
The Olympic medals for the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver are very cool looking. Not only that, each medal is unique from any other medal that will be given out. See the video here about how they were conceived and made. (Hat Tip: Bit Rebels)
Sports Locker meets the men of Easy Company and gets their autos at a book signing.
Wow. Check out these pics of the Martian landscape at Boston.com.
Someone pulled the Cy Young, Ty Cobb, Tris Speaker autographed card! (Hat Tip: Wax Heaven)

Gary Nickels- King of Scouts

2009-11-05T15:19:00.001-08:00

(pic link: eBay)

Not only is Dodger scout, Gary Nickels, being inducted into the Midwest Scouts Association Hall of Fame in a couple of days, but he also has had an illustrious career as a print advertising pitchman for State Farm. Check it out above. Also, check out the press release below provided by the Dodgers this afternoon. One thing of special note is that he was the mentor to our guru of scouting, Logan White.

Dodger Midwest Scouting Supervisor Gary Nickels will be inducted into the Midwest Scouts Association Hall of Fame on November 7 and the Mid Atlantic Scouts Association Hall of Fame on November 14.
“ Gary is the most professional, punctual, organized and thorough baseball man I know,” said Dodger Assistant General Manager of Scouting Logan White. “I have had the good fortune to have been hired and mentored by this man when I was a young scout, and he is the epitome of a class act in all facets of life.”

The 2009 season is Nickels’ 38th as a scout, and seventh in his current position. Notable current Dodgers drafted under his supervision include Chad Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw, Scott Elbert, Blake DeWitt, Cory Wade, and A.J. Ellis. His scouting territory includes Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

The Midwest Scouts Association Hall of Fame induction will occur at the Midwest Scouts Association Banquet at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. He will be inducted along with Mike Radcliff of the Minnesota Twins and Bill Bryk of the San Diego Padres during the event’s dinner at 7:00 p.m.

The Mid Atlantic Scouts Association (MASA) Hall of Fame induction will take place at its annual banquet at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen , Maryland . Nickels’ name will also be added to the Hall of Fame plaque which hangs permanently at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland .

Nickels worked for four clubs prior to joining the Dodgers in 2003. From 1999-2002, he served as the San Diego Padres’ Pro Scouting Director following nine years in Baltimore as the Orioles’ Scouting Director (1991-98) and Midwest Supervisor/Crosschecker (1989-90). He also was the Chicago Cubs’ Midwest Region Supervisor from 1982-88 and got his start in baseball as an Administrative Assistant, Scouting (1972-75) and Area Scout (1976-81) for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Dodgers Decline Garland's Option

2009-11-05T09:37:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers)

We get word today that the Dodgers have declined Jon Garland's 2010 mutual option. Read about it here.

That's too bad. Garland has always been a dependable innings eater. Since 2002, he has never pitched less than 191 innings. Hopefully, the Dodgers can find some way to ink him to a new deal.

Dodger Correspondence: Lee Pfund

2009-11-04T07:59:00.000-08:00

If you are a college basketball fan then you may know the name of Lee Pfund. From 1951 to 1975 he coached the basketball team at Wheaton College. Over those years he won five College Conference of Illinois (CCI) championships, captured the 1956-57 Small College National Championship and had a lifetime 362-240 (.601) record. Prior to his career as a coach, though, he played pro ball for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945.

(click pic above to enlarge)

He wrote the following.

I spent 8 seasons in professional Baseball over a period of 10 years. I was a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945. Pitched in 15 games (10 starts) before injury to my right knee ended my career there. It happened in the Red Cross Benefit game played in Wash. D.C. vs. the Senators. That year was the only year there had been no All-Star game scheduled since 1933. I was the starter and got hurt in the 2nd inning while fielding a swinging bunt on a wet field.

Since 1949 til 1975 I coached Baseball and basketball at Wheaton College in Illinois. I resigned from coaching that year to become the Executive Director of the schools Alumni Association. I have just retired as of December 31, 1987.

I have a keen interest in footbal, basketball, Baseball and golf. We have three sons. One with Bank of America in Calif., one in a men's clothing business in Wheaton and the youngest an assistant coach with the LA Lakers.

Keep well, enjoy the game and read the bible regularly.

Cordially,

Lee Pfund

His youngest Son, Randy Pfund, is currently the GM of the Miami Heat. Also, an important note is that when he played for the Dodgers he pitched with a "no Sunday" contract.

(click pic above to enlarge)

eBay Auction Link: Lee Pfund Letter:

Great Dodger Photos via Legendary Auctions

2009-11-03T12:27:00.000-08:00

Legendary Auctions recently had a bunch of vintage press photos on eBay for sale. Below are some choice examples featuring our beloved boys in blue.

O'Malley and a whole cadre of Dodger fans from the old borough of Brooklyn cheer on the Dodgers before the 1963 World Series against the Yankees. The old Brooklyn cheer must have been magic since the Dodgers swept the Yankees that year.

(auction link)

Walter Alston goes through a range of emotions during the 1961 pennant race. Unfortunately, the Dodgers ended up 4 games back of the Reds.

(auction link)

Below is a Sport Magazine original photo of Duke Snider taking his whacks in the batting cage.

(auction link)

An argument and fight ensues after Don Drysdale throws a "duster" at Joe Cunningham. Dated September 4, 1959.

(auction link)

Nice wheels Sandy.

(auction link)

Out at home! June 1, 1955; Jackie Robinson is tagged out at by Del Crandall. This photo was featured in a September 1962 Sport Magazine issue.

(auction link)

Card of the Week: The Unfamiliar #37

2009-11-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

This week's "Card of the Week" is in honor of the Phillies and my hope that they kick some Yankee butt. Above is Mike Schmidt's unusual 1983 Donruss Baseball card. What makes this card so strange is that he is wearing the wrong number. The Phillies faithful know him from his recognizable #20, but above he is wearing a #37 jersey.

According to Donruss, this photo was taken a couple years before in Spring Training when Mike Schmidt's jersey was stolen. So, the future Hall of Famer had to put on a loaner, and Donruss captured the moment on cardboard.

Blog Kiosk: 11/1/2009

2009-11-01T08:44:00.000-08:00

The McCourt drama is a case of "He Said, She Said." I am finding it hard to ignore it all, but I will do my damnedest. As a side note, I'm really starting to hate TMZ.

The 2010 NHL Draft will be held in Los Angeles in June. At least that's the current inside scoop from Rich Hammond.
Here's a great story about Ned Colletti's friendship with Toronto Leafs GM Brian Burke. (Hat Tip: Diamond Notes)
Check out the billboards that should have been from Left Field Pavilion.
Walk Off Walk writes glowingly about former Dodger top prospect Franklin Gutierrez. I agree that he is the best defensive outfielder in the game today.
Read ShysterBall's "The McCourt Divorce: Reader's Digest Version."
The Major League Players Association, a member of the ALF-CIO, supports the Employee Free Choice Act. Did you know that the MLPA was a member of the ALF-CIO?
Today is the 50th Anniversary of the hockey mask. Consider this: The game has been around for more than 100 years, so for more than half its history goalies did not wear a mask. That's crazy!
I'm not a huge fan of the Topps Triple Thread product (considering its price and all), but I will admit that this card is very cool. Finding this card is like winning the lottery. (Hat Tip: Beckett)
Donald Trump has class. He was a major investor in the USFL and a major reason for its failure. ESPN has a documentary about it and Donald responded to the producer with a great "classy" letter. Check it out here. (Hat Tip: SCD)
Doug Allen of Legendary Auctions has just started a blog. Check it out.
REA gives an early peek at a 1889 Old Judge California League card of Cornelius Doyle. Cards of this West Coast league from Old Judge are extremely (NO EXTREMELY) rare! We are probably talking six figures rare for this one card.
Bob Lemke introduces the 1937 BF104's. Before today I had never heard of this issue.
Move over T-Rex, the Pliosaur was bigger and probably meaner.
Grocery Store Musical

YouTube Link:
From the Improv Everywhere site.

More Dodger Triple Threads

2009-10-31T11:06:00.000-07:00

I thought I would ad a few more 2009 Dodger themed Triple Thread cards found on eBay. I really like the look of these cards. I really just wish packs were more affordable. Of course, if you only shop on eBay you can get any specific card you want without paying almost a couple hundred bucks for a two pack box. Now, on to the cards.

Duke Snider was inducted into he Hall of Fame in 1980. This "one of one" card is a pretty sweet reminder of that.

(eBay Auction Link)

In 1956, he lead the league in slugging with a .598 percentage.

(eBay Link)

You can't go wrong with a Campanella.

(eBay Auction Link)

So, what college did Andre go to? Oh yhea! ASU.

(eBay Link)

Here is a little known fact. Johnny Podres was the first ever World Series MVP. The award was first awarded during the 1955 World Series where the Dodgers beat the Yankees for the first time. Podres pitched two complete games and gave up only two earned runs.

(eBay Link)

A Short Story of a Eccentric Baseball Promotor

2009-10-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

Terry Murray, who is currently the LA Kings head coach, played for the California Golden Seals hockey club in the Bay Area in the early 70's. He passed along a funny story about team owner Charlie O. Finley, who happened to own the Oakland A's at the time.

“It was a playoff game, but not the World Series. There was a TV timeout, and they had the usher walking down, and they had the Oakland A’s banner on a stick, and they passed it out to all of us. Charlie Finley stood up and turned around to all of us, and he said, `So, you see that TV (camera) down there? When that light comes on, on that TV, I want everybody standing up and waving that Oakland A’s banner.’ So we did. Some didn’t. I was a kid, so I was the first one up, but a bunch of the veteran guys said, `Shove it.’ The funny part about it was, now play starts, the camera turns and the usher came back and made us pass them all back.”

Baseball history is filled with characters like this. Where have they all gone?

From Rich Hammond LA King Insider Blog. BTW, if your a Kings fan and don't already know of this blog go and check it out right away. It's a daily must read.

Congrats Mr. Clutch

2009-10-30T16:50:00.001-07:00

Our very own Andre Ethier has been named the 2009 Major League Baseball's Clutch Performer of the Year. He had 6 walk-off hits that included 4 walk-off home runs. In fact, his 4 home runs tied a Major League record. Read all about it right here.

Here are videos of all 4 of the bombs found on YouTube through DodgerFilms.

June 6, 2009

YouTube Link: DodgerFilms:

June 29, 2009

YouTube Link: DodgerFilms:

August 6, 2009.

YouTube Link: DodgerFilms:

September 15, 2009

YouTube Link: DodgerFilms: