Tuesday, October 31, 2006

High Hopes For the Dodgers

Stan McNeal thinks the Dodgers are hopeful contenders next year and a number one starter may put us over the top.
"Their mix of talented kids and established veterans may be better than the Braves', but the Dodgers don't have John Smoltz."
I'm crossing my fingers hoping that a number one pitcher will emerge. I might even settle for a reliable middle relief corp. That was definitely one of our most visible weaknesses last year. Overall, improving our pitching should pay us big dividends in '07.

Yahoo Sports Link:

My Free Agency Wish List

The most recent list of free agency available players is pretty large and includes a handful of notable names. Check out the list here. If I were to chose which players I wouldn't mind seeing in Blue they would be:
  • David Riske- we need some relief help
  • Jamie Walker- more relief help
  • Octavio Dotel- a dark horse candidate for comeback player of the year and more relief help
  • Carlos Lee- but there may not be any room for him
  • Vicente Padilla- I think that he is more than a capable starter
  • Ted Lilly- Another middle of the road starter who could do wonders for us
  • Miguel Batista- I've always liked him as a starter
  • Kerry Wood- but only at a reasonable price since injury is always a possibility
  • Dave Weathers- an old pro reliever with a wealth of experience
  • Wade Miller- another potential injury in the making, but someone I would be willing to take a flyer on
  • Joe Borowski- are you seeing a trend. I think pitching, especially relief, will be key next year
  • Guillermo Mota- bring the tall man home
  • Orlando Hernandez- I love this Cuban hurler
  • Moises Alou- this guy can hit
  • Jason Schmidt- this guy can pitch
  • Alfonso Soriano- this guy can do it all, except defense. Is there room for him if Either and Kemp stay on?
Anyway, this is my list so far.

Monday, October 30, 2006

Hu's on First

So... I'm checking out YouTube to see if I can find any new Dodger videos and come across this snippet from a game featuring one of the Dodgers more vaulted prospects, Chin-Lung Hu. Hu is on the basepaths and the announcer follows-up with a obvious, yet regrettable, comment.
Hu's on First!
What does he think he is- a comedian!



YouTube Link:

Also, Hu has been writing an on-line journal about his travails through the Arizona Fall League. Check out his latest installment. Link Here:

Hat Tip: 6-4-2:

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Baseball fan grabs a ball in 454 games in a row

In all of my years of going to ball games with my glove in hand I have never gotten a foul ball. I've come close. Very close!

Once, I had gotten seats in the field area when I was in junior high. We where at the game early to see batting practice. I was walking to our seats with the afternoons meal in hand. Two large cokes, a couple of hot dogs and nachos filled my arms. As I got to my seat a foul ball came whistling right towards me. I had a choice to make. Do I drop my food and grab the liner heading right for my head, or do I duck and chase the ball after it slams the seat to my left. Well, I chose to duck. The ball hit the seat bottom and bounced 30 to 40 feet in the direction towards some other fans at the railings. Dammit! My best chance ever just flew by me. An old man a couple of rows behind me turned and said, "that was yours kid" I lifted my shoulders and shrugged. I figured another chance would happen some day. Today, it's been almost 20 years.

Now I see that this guy has gotten one in over 400 straight games. No fair! Here's the Link:

Hat Tip: Vintage Baseball Card Forum: Trae r:

Cardinals Stand Tall. Win World Series

Photo Link: Flickr:trisheroverton's:

The Cardinals take the crown and the Baseball world is awash in red. Unbelievably, Jeff Weaver goes 8 fantastic innings. He gave up just 4 hits and a 2-run homerun to Sean Casey. This guy has had more ups and downs in his career than Gary Stewart on a pogo stick. Check out some of the fan photos below from flickr. Click on the link to see their photo album.

Pujols and Son on Flickr: Guano:
Jeff Weaver and Dave Duncan on Flickr: fishcool:

Cardinal faithful at the parade on Flickr: phillipkast:

Post game celebration on flickr: Fredbird:

Thursday, October 26, 2006

A PSA from REA: "Buy the Card, Not the Holder"

Every once in awhile Robert Edwards Auctions sends out helpful information to the vintage card collector. This afternoon I received an important note that all vintage card collectors need to be weary of. Since it came in a email I will reprint the most important points here in entirety.

Every once in while (OK, more than once in a while),
REA likes to communicate about issues that we think
deserve attention but for some reason are receiving
little or no attention. There are several topics
that we would like to bring to the attention of
buyers today, in the hopes of educating buyers
and maybe saving someone money.

1) Practically every day we are seeing fake items.
Fake printed items. Posters that are actually
reproductions of vintage posters. Stand-up
cardboard counter displays that are not real.
Babe Ruth Candy wrappers that are not
real. Fans that picture baseball player portraits
that are reproductions. Photographs that appear
to be old but are not vintage. There is no limit
to what can be made with computers, especially
with printing equipment available today that is
very economical and which years ago did not
even exist. These items are being intentionally
made to fool people into parting with their
money for worthless items. These items are
being made to cheat buyers. Many of these items
are somehow reproduced from books and
auction catalogs, often enlarged from small
quality illustrations to their correct original
size. With computers these days, it is possible
for some criminals to produce very real- looking
reproductions and also to produce “fantasy
pieces” (defined as those items that are not
actually reproductions, as there is no
original, but are made to look old to fool
buyers). This is a BIG problem. These items are
offered to us practically every day, and they
are being offered to us by collectors who
themselves are victims. Most of the
sophisticated fake items of this type that we
have seen appear to have one thing in common:
They were purchased by sellers in the state of
Ohio. It is obvious to us that the individual(s)
resp onsible for most or all of these
imaginative quality fakes is located in
the state of Ohio, though these items are now
circulating throughout the country. It is easy
for us to tell in almost all cases whether an
item is real or not, often just from a scan.
We understand from experience that not
everyone can, including the numerous victims who
have sent us these recently produced fake items
which at a glance appear to be vintage items.
If you think that you have purchased a fake
item of this type and would like our opinion,
we will be happy to be of assistance. Please
write and/or send scans.


2) In recent weeks we have received a number of
consignments of graded cards that has motivated us
to adopt a formal policy regarding altered
professionally graded cards that we have not
previously seen a need to articulate. The
altering of cards is so widespread, and “card
doctors” so brazen, that REA has actually been
receiving cards submitted for auction to us that
are the very same cards that have been sold by
REA previously – in some cases
just months earlier – and which, since purchase,
have been significantly altered, reholdered, and now
grade higher according to the grading label. In some
cases a given card has changed hands and the new
consignor was not even aware it was a seriously
altered card. It is our policy that when we are
aware of such a problem, and we ARE looking, we
will be happy to auction the card in question -
but insist on providing all information
describing the alterations which have occurred
to the card of which we are certain. So far,
the potential consignors of such cards have
elected to have these cards returned rather
than have a proper description provided by
REA. Last week we returned a $10,000
card. The consignor couldn’t believe it was the
same card that we had just sold (in a lower grade
and looking quite different) in a previous auction.
Only after being provided with images of the card
as it appeared when we previously sold it was
the consignor finally convinced.

We’re not guessing here. We are talking about
cards that we know for a fact are problems.
The fact that we have to address situations
such as this at all suggests
a greater underlying problem than is generally
recognized. And while it is bad enough that the
altering of cards is an epidemic, it is
particularly disturbing that some of the most
sophisticated “work” on cards (including the
previously mentioned $10,000 card) has actually
been executed by employees of auction
houses that also deal in cards. We have to ask
ourselves “What is going on here?” Turning a
blind eye to this issue, in our opinion, has
far greater and more significant negative
potential consequences than our calling
attention to it and promoting discussion. We
all know that there is a subjectivity to grading
and that sometimes there is an honest difference
of opinion regarding a grade, or sometimes even
an honest mistake. We’re not talking about
honest mistakes here. Active and sophisticated
collectors, dealers, and auction houses know
that this is a problem. They just don’t talk
about it, except among themselves. In the end,
the collector loses. We want to be clear that we
think the major grading services do a valiant
job and we can’t imagine what the landscape of
the marketplace would look like without them.
That doesn’t mean there are no problems. At
the end of the day, we have this advice: “Buy
the card, not the holder.”

Friday, October 20, 2006

Fall Classic: Tigers vs. Cardinals

Congratulations to the Tigers, Cardinals and their fans. I think this should be a great series.

The last time they met in 1968 the Tigers took home the crown in 7 games. Mickey Lolich, who won 3 games, and Denny McLain led the Tigers to victory. Al Kaline finally won his ring.

New Babe Ruth Rookie Discovered

Via Sports Collectors Daily we find out about a new Babe Ruth discovery. The above picture is of a 4.5 x 6.5 inch team card of the 1914 Baltimore Orioles of the International League- Ruth's minor league team and first year in profession Baseball. It was produced by Baltimore News and is probably one of a kind. (or, at least, other examples have not survived the test of time)
In the newly discovered team photo card, Ruth appears standing in the upper left of the back row. Also included among the players shown are Ernie Shore and Ben Egan, who along with Ruth, on July 10, 1914 were sold to the Boston Red Sox by Baltimore Orioles' owner Jack Dunn for a reported $25,000. When the Federal League established a major league team in Baltimore in 1914, directly across the street from the minor league Orioles, the competition hurt Orioles' attendance significantly. Some games drew as few as fifty fans in the stands. To avoid bankruptcy, Dunn was forced to sell his best players to Red Sox owner Joseph Lannin.

Also included in the find is the above 1914 Baltimore News Baseball card of Babe Ruth. This is one of only 10 cards known to exist and is very rare. In fact, if a mint example where ever found it might sell for more than the T206 Honus Wagner.

Hat Tip: James Feagin: Vintage Baseball Card Forum:

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

My Only Regret is that I Don't Play Golf

So, this past Thursday a bunch of guys from my office took the afternoon off to play some golf. It was for a charitable event that the Director of the company I work for help start and put together. The charity is called New Directions for Women. It is a non-profit drug and alcohol treatment provider for women, pregnant women and women with children. It's a great cause that seeks to address an important need.

Anyway, I don't golf at all. In fact, my swing is so bad I should just take a Baseball bat with me to hit those little balls instead of a driver. So, I opted to not participate on that afternoon. I would soon regret that decision.

Mr. Jim Campanis, former Dodger farmhand and son of Al Campanis, the former Dodger GM was on hand that afternoon.

Just my luck, right?

He retold stories of his time in Baseball and the Dodgers. More importantly, he was wearing his 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers World Series ring. In fact, he let a bunch of folks wear his ring. Below is Jim, my boss, wearing the ring with Mr. Campanis by his side (on the right). The interns from my office also had a chance to put on the gold and diamond clad beauty.

At the same time I was in the office working. What kind of idiot am I!

Friday, October 13, 2006

Dodgers: 1940's-1950's Baseball Player Pendants

As I promised earlier, below are the 3 Dodger players I received in the lot of 1940's-1950's Baseball Player Pendants I received. These are very small, measuring approx. 1/2 inch by 3/4 inch. Below is Hall of Famer Pee Wee Reese.Below is Carl Furillo.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Please Help Me Identify These Players

I recently won an auction of a small collection of 1940-1950's Baseball Player Pendants at Hunt Auctions. There were 11 different pendants in the lot. I also got an extra Jackie Robinson pendant. I'll post the Dodger pendants I received at a later point. Right now, my focus is to determine who the other players are. Please help out if you can.
1: I think the above pic is Whitey Ford, but I'm not sure.
2: I think this is Whitey Lockman. Anyone know for sure?
3: I'm almost sure this is Phil Rizzuto.
4: I have no clue who this is!
5: Is this Richie Ashburn?

Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Update: Well, I posed the same question over at the Vintage Baseball Card Forum and received some good feedback. #5 is Ralph Kiner, #4 is Andy Pafko, #3 is Phil Rizzuto. #1 & #2 are still up in the air.

Who Do You Think is Going to Win?: Win Tickets from Inside the Dodgers Blog

One of the greatest new developments this year was the unveiling of the official Dodgers Blog: Inside the Dodgers. I can't tell you how informative their site is. The line-ups before the game and the clubhouse stories behind the scenes have been a joy to read. Thank you for your hard work.

Also, thank you for running this contest. You can now win 4 baseline seats to a Dodger game next season. All you have to do is pick the winners in the League Championship and World Series. You also have to determine how many games it will take.
So here's another chance to earn some more of those prime seats. Pick the winner of both League Championship Series and the World Series, as well as how many games it'll take each team to win. You've got until the end of the day on Thursday for your guesses, which gives people a little time to see how it starts, but the bold ones will put their predictions before they can see how it starts.
Check out the post here and enter in your picks. You have until the end of the day today.

This is my prediction:

League Championship Series:
Detroit in 4
Cardinals in 6

World Series:
Detroit in 5

Let's Go Tigers! Here We Go!

eBay Pick-Up: 1962 Topps Venezuelan Babe Ruth Coaching the Dodgers

Did you know that the "Sultan of Swat" once coached for the Dodgers? This past weekend I picked up a recent eBay win. It's a 1962 Topps Venezuelan card of "The Babe" coaching for the Dodgers during the 1938 Baseball season. These particular cards are very rare. Venezuelan issues are very difficult to come by in any condition, let alone a condition that does not include glue residue on the back. Venezuelan card collectors almost exclusively glued all of their cards into scrapbooks.

Wikipedia provides a brief synopsis of Ruth's Dodger career:
Retirement was often unsettling for Ruth. He had more than enough money, but he missed the game. He spent much time on the golf course, dabbled in a few other things, but his heart was set on managing a big league club. He would never be given the chance. The closest Ruth ever came to managing was when Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Larry MacPhail offered him a first base coaching job in June 1938. The Dodgers attendance was lagging, and MacPhail hired Ruth for the sole purpose of getting people to the ballpark. Ruth took the job, perhaps thinking he would have a chance to manage the Dodgers in the future, but MacPhail had clearly stated to Ruth that Leo Durocher was being groomed to take over the managerial reigns of the Dodgers for next season. Ruth never got along with Durocher, and he quit at the end of the season. The coaching position was the last time Ruth would have a job in major league baseball.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Cory Lidle: RIP

March 22, 1972 - October 11, 2006

Cory started his career in 1997 and eventually played for 7 different teams. For his career he was 82-72 with 11 career complete games and 5 shutouts. He has a career ERA of 4.57 with 838 strike outs. He is survived by his wife Melanie Varela and son, Christopher.

Career Links: Wikipedia:
Fox Sports:

Plaschke: I Can't Believe I Agree With You Again

So once again I wake up this morning unsure what the day would bring. The LA Kings won last night, but looked unconvincing. They were lucky to walk away with a 4-2 win. The Detroit Tigers, my anointed choice for World Series winner, won game 1 of the ALCS against the A's. I wouldn't be surprised if the Tigers sweeped the A's.

I walk out the front gate and pick up the morning paper. I stare at the sports page as I see, front and center, an article by my favorite... ahem... LA Times columnist- Bill Plaschke. "Bring Back Nomar? No Way."

First of all, without commenting on the specifics of the piece I would only say that it may be too early to start roughing up Nomar. It has been less than a week since the weekend loss to the Mets. The season is still fresh in our minds and the glory that Nomar brought back to the team deserves our continued honor and respect. He is, no doubt, the current most favorite Dodger in the eyes of the fans. Nomar was born and bred Dodger Blue. Even if this is his only season with us I will always consider him a Dodger.

Nevertheless, since good ol' Bill brought it up, I have to say I agree with him. I know... I know... I can't stand agreeing with Plaschke, but I do.

We always knew going into the season that Nomar would be a temporary bridge to the farm system. His presence allowed the fruit in Vero Beach, Jacksonville and Las Vegas to grow ripe at their own pace. No need to rush them.

Now, after having an opportunity see some of our best prospects bloom before our eyes we have to start picking that fruit. It's time to give James Loney the chance he deserves. He deserves a shot at 1st base. He needs to be given the opportunity to succeed or fail. Loney is our future, and I'm convinced that we won't regret saying goodbye to Nomar.

So wipe those tears from your eyes and look to the future. We have much to look forward to. They are named Loney, Martin, Kuo, Broxton, Betemit, Ethier and Kemp. Not to mentioned Young, Miller, Hanrahan, LaRoche, DeWitt, Orenduff, Muegge, Elbert, Abreu, Hu and Megrew.

Go Tigers Go!

Now that the sun has set, at least for the Dodgers, this year, who should I be rooting for?

Can I cheer for the Cardinals? I still hurt from Jack Clark's homerun in game 6 of the 1985 National League Championship Season. So that's a no.

How about the Mets? Maybe, but ... it's probably way to soon for me considering how they walloped the Dodgers last week. Call me bitter. I don't care.

Is Oakland worthy of my devotion? I was a big apologist for Milton Bradley when he was with the Dodgers, but today, no more. Besides, Oakland is far to close to San Francisco. Thumbs down for Oakland.

Lastly, comes the Tigers. Can you believe the Tigers? The team that brought us Kirk Gibson is about ready to give us another miracle. They go from one of the worst teams in Baseball last season to one of the best teams in Baseball this season. Jim Leyland taught them to be winners and solidifies his grasp as the greatest coach this side of the Atlantic Ocean. Then they knock out the Yankees in the ALDS. That's all I need to hear. They have my vote.

Tigers it is!

Go Tigers Go!

Photo Link: Walk K: Flickr:

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Lasorda: To the TV!

Tommy Lasorda has become the King of Baseball.

The Los Angeles Times has great article today about the Mighty Blue's Ambassador, the Itialian Motivator, the Dodgers Greatest Spokesman, Tommy Lasorda and his recent commercials about playoff Baseball.

Lasorda is wearing a tuxedo and being part wise grandpa, part annoyed-at-these-wimps older brother and part Henry Kissinger. Brosnan says that part of the tuxedo-wearing concept was inspired by the Harvey Keitel role in the movie "Pulp Fiction."



YouTube Link:

Finally a Real Wagner on eBay

This is the very first eBay auction I've seen that has a real-honest-to-god-Honus Wagner T206 card for sale. It is graded PSA 1 condition which means its pretty rough. There are creases and rounded corners throughout the card. Of course, for most collectors the grade of this card doesn't matter. Just having it would be a dream come true. This particular card came from the Tri-Star Hidden Treasure promotion. It has a price tag of $235,000.00.

Check out the auction link here:

Hat Tip: Trae R.: Vintage Baseball Card Forum:

Monday, October 09, 2006

More Game 3 Photos

I thought I would highlight some great photos taken from other fans at Saturdays' game. These photos were posted on flickr.com. Please click on their name to go to their flickr photalbum.

Below is a tattooed fanatic by NCLee1955

Below is what I would imagine a Blue Heaven would look like by Malingering
Below is a view from the right field upper reserve by blkmarket

Hobo Nickels

I came across the most incredible collection on the internet. Hobo Nickels. These are hand carved coins made by the wandering homeless in America from decades ago. They typically used a Indian Head nickel as their medium. They reflect a very important and usually forgotten part of American history- through the first World War, Prohibition and the Roaring 20'’s, and the Great Depression. Please check out walrafen's collection. There are many more different nickels displayed there. He gives a great description and explanation of these items.
Each hobo nickel is unique as they were all individually hand carved, using the design of either the Indian or the buffalo as a base, and altering it to another design altogether. The Indian has been changed into clowns, women, other Indians, friends and loved ones, bearded men, ethnic figures, famous people, and self portraits. The buffalo has been turned into men with backpacks, and animals such as a donkey or elephant. The influence of the events of the times can be plainly seen as we view hoboes, servicemen in uniform, flapper girls, prisoners in chain gang garb, shopkeepers, and read dates, names, places, or other inscriptions put on the coins.

These nickels, carved by yesterday'’s homeless, were traded for meals, a place to sleep, a ride, or other favors. Some were carved with images of loved ones as mementos of better times, or to honor those lost to time.

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Pictures from Yesterdays' Game

I cheered, I screamed, I chanted and I clapped. It was exciting, it was breathtaking, it was unbelievable and it was over. This was one of the loudest games I've ever heard. The crowd was insane from the start. We saw a team flourish and scrap to earn a playoff berth. Unfortunately, it finished far too soon.

Congratulations to the Mets!

Below are some pictures I took that afternoon. Check out my photo ablum link for more pictures.

Here is a video I made of the Opening Ceremonies.



YouTube Link:

I also had a chance to barely make the third period of the Kings home opener. I had just sat down when the puck was dropped to start the period. 14 seconds later Michael Cammalleri scored a goal. Go King Go!

A Pull of a Lifetime: Babe Ruth/ Joe DiMagio 1 of 1 Auto

Oh My! This is the kind of wax pack pull I've always dreamed of. This guy opened a pack of 2005 Upper Deck Portraits Baseball. Inside is an autographed Base Babe Ruth/ Joe DiMaggio card. Incredible!



YouTube Link:

Hat Tip: T206king: Vintage Baseball Card Forum:

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Getting Ready for Game 3

I've got my cap on my head, my "Live to Dream" Dodger -shirt on and my jersey ready to go. I'll be sitting in the Upper Reserve Section #55- way out in deep left field. For this game no seat is a bad seat. I hope to see you there.

Clap Loudly. Cheer Readily. And in the honor of the great Buck O'Neil, be thankful always. We are playing in October! Nothing to be worried about here.

I'm also going to the LA Kings home opener this evening against the St. Louis Blues. It'll be tight, but if Maddux pitches his usual quick and effective game I hope to able to make it to the Staples Center in time for the 1st period with no less than a minute to spare. Nevertheless, I won't be leaving early for any reason.

This is a great day for sports in LA.

If you can't make it out for the local events, then, as Tommy would say, "To the TV!"



YouTube Link: MALEBA.

Buck O'Neil: You Will Always be Remembered

November 11, 1911- October 6, 2006

"God's been good to me. They didn't think Buck was good enough to be in the Hall of Fame. That's the way they thought about it and that's the way it is, so we're going to live with that. Now, if I'm a Hall of Famer for you, that's all right with me. Just keep loving old Buck. Don't weep for Buck. No, man, be happy, be thankful."


With great respect I thank you... for your wisdom, your passion and your patience. You are one of America's great Americans.

Friday, October 06, 2006

Nomar has a Torn Quad, Loney to Start

Big news just in. Nomar had a MRI and it confirms that he has a torn quad. He will sit and pinch-hit. James Loney will start in his place.

Although I'm discouraged by the Nomar news I am hopeful that the youthful Loney can give me a reason to smile. Since September he has 10 hits in 30 at-bats for a .333 batting average. This includes 4 homeruns and 12 RBI's. He was slugging a healthy .833. Needless to say, he has been very good lately.

YouTube Videos

Below is, I believe, a pre-game video of a press conference with Kuo and Tom Glavine. Nothing really new here. Kuo talks about the difference between starting and relieving. Glavine talks about the Mets faithful. Brought to you by smalleyesjun on YouTube



YouTube Link:

Lastly, I know some you will hate this, but you have to admit it will forever be a part of Dodger Lore. There is no point in running away from it. It happened. It was crazy. And we'll be talking about it for years to come- no matter the final outcome of the series. As Vinny said in a recent New York Times Article:
"Here comes a throw on that runner and here comes another runner, and Lo Duca is going to tag both of them out and the Dodgers become the Brooklyn Dodgers of old,"” Scully said during the second inning of Game 1 of the Dodgers-Mets National League Division Series. He sprinkled in a tale about Babe Herman tripling into a double play - a joke about the bad old Bums. And he said, "We turn the clock back to the daffy days of the Brooklyn Dodgers."”


Embrace it, own it and laugh it off!



YouTube Link:

Also, that NY Times article brought something up I've always wondered about. The article ends with Vin's most famous call after Gibsons' walk-off homerun in game 1 of the 1988 World Series.

"“In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened."”
Did Vin Scully prepare this line just in case something fantastic or incredible occurred in the series (or if the Dodgers won the World Series), or was this a spur of the moment phrase. He answers it simply- the only way he knows how.

"“God, where did that line come from?"”

Thursday, October 05, 2006

No Room to Be Depressed

Following the meme started by Jon at Dodger Thoughts it is no time to give up on the Mighty Men in Blue.

We have faced every obstacle imaginable this year. Don't you dare walk away with our heads down when the season is far from over.

Cheer up! Go to bed tonight with a clear head. Wipe the sleep from your eyes and stretch out your limbs. The sun will rise again tomorrow morning and it will rise again on Saturday.

Today is Another Day

I woke up this morning still wondering, "what happened at home?"

Oh well, we all shouldn't be surprised. Baseball is a funny game. Just when you think you've figured it out something completely crazy happens to cause you to pause.

Fortunately, today is another game and the series is far from over.

My excitement remains high, but I'm a bit more tempered today. Yesterday was a humbling game.

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Building That Excitement

I can't remember when I've been more excited about a Baseball game.

I woke up this morning with the sun shining in my face. I had to wince as I shielded the glare of the sun from my eyes with my hands. I was soaking from a cold sweat. My evening slumber was filled with anticipation, excitement, nervousness and hope. At 1:05 PM this afternoon I expect to be utterly useless at work. In fact, I think I'm gonna head to the brew-pub minutes away from my office. I'll sit down and have some lunch. I'll make a specific request to have the TV turned to Fox to hear Vinny and the crew. I'll eat a mushroom burger with fries. Maybe I'll even have an afternoon beer. My Dodger Blue Baseball cap will sit on my head. My voice will become coarse from the screaming and my hands will form blisters from my fervent clapping.

To get you in the mood JonnyJosiah made a great primer to the NLDS match-up between the Dodgers and Mets. Please enjoy.



YouTube Link:

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

I Can't Wait

I have a new post up at LAist.com. Please heck it out if your so inclined.

I can’t stand it anymore! I’m nervous with anticipation. My hands are clinched in a mighty fist. My eyes glare with steely determination. Hopeful exuberance is my demeanor. Passion is in my soul.

Tommy Lasorda would say that, “the great Dodger in the sky will show us the way.”

I look up towards the sun admiring the shade of Blue. There are patches of torn cotton balls floating all around like Maury Wills running the bases. They just glide.

The wind blows slightly. It reminds me of my youth watching Fernando or “Bulldog” blowing away the afternoons’ opponent. Whiff!

I reach down to the ground and place my palms on the soil laden with pebbles and covered with the morning dew. I can feel the thumps and steps of the gardeners as they work diligently on this beautiful day. I close my eyes and imagine the echo of Koufax, Drysdale, Garvey, Cey, Dusty, Hatcher, Yeager and Gibson.

....

Plaschke... I Think Your On To Something

Yesterday, while enjoying my early morning routine, I had a chance to sit down and read Plaschke's newest blurb in the Times. Don't Be Surprised if 'Rocket' Escapes the Bonds Treatment.

I have to admit that I think he's on to something.

Plaschke writes:
"Although Clemens' and Bonds' careers have taken the same arc toward eternal athletic life, they are perceived as differently as, well, white and black.

America does not want to believe the dirt on Clemens because he is a nice guy, a family guy, a good ol' guy and, let's be honest here, a Caucasian guy.

America likes its sport villains dark and moody and everything that has always been Bonds."
It a bit of a disturbing acknowledgment and shows that we may still have further to go.

Mr. Plaschke, I give you a thumbs up for this editorial, but I promise this is the last time I do.

To The TV!

October is my favorite month of the year. Playoff Baseball!

Even if your team is sitting at home with you, we all can agree that we can still enjoy this wonderful game. Just ask Tommy!



YouTube Link:

Monday, October 02, 2006

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Giant Envy!

Below is a video after a Giant loss brought to you by jazzdicekey on YouTube. He writes:
"On the way back from the baseball game 9/22/06in San Francisco to San Jose, I saw the fighting on the train. One fanatic Giants fan come to Dodgers fan who was sitting on the seat and start yelling at him.He might be pissed off because Giants had lost the game. He pushed and then punched his face."



YouTube Link:

Update: Wow. A boxing match between a Dodgers and Giants fans. Who would have thunk it.



YouTube Link:

BTW, does anybody have a video of the Dodger celebration yesterday in San Francisco? Let me know. I'd love to post it.

Go Blue!

Thanks to: www.CustomSignGenerator.com

After months of clinching my fist and grinding my teeth the Dodgers find themselves in the most coveted seat in Baseball. Playoffs Baby!