Friday, December 03, 2010

Probably One of the Best Awards a Player Can Get

It's pretty rare today to be so popular and respected on the field that the fans, themselves, get together to present an award to you. Well, this old-time Brooklyn pitcher was graced with that kind of adoration. In 1920, Brooklyn fans pooled together some funds to present this medallion to Sherry Smith. It recently sold for $2500.00.

The Dodgers, or the Robins as they were known then, won the pennant that year and played the Cleveland Indians in the World Series. Smith was outstanding in the season going 11-9 with a 1.85 ERA. He would both start and provide relief that year. In the World Series he threw 2 complete games- winning game 3 on a 3 hitter, but lost game 6, 1-0.

Vintage Walter Johnson

Photo blogs focused on vintage subjects has become an obsession recently. I can't get enough of these black & white pics of yesteryear.

Below is a 1924 Baseball related photo from National Photo Company Collection on a glass negative of a whole bunch of Walter Johnson statues made by Dunbar Studios, via Shorpy Blog. Funny thing is that I don't recall ever seeing these on the collecting market. Anyone know anything about them?
(Pic Link: Shorpy)

Here is another photo of one of these statues being presented by Dunbar to President Calvin Coolidge in 1924.

The Holidays on the Mind

Since the recent passing of Thanksgiving I have had only one thing on my mind- Christmas Lights. So, I thought it only proper to pass along this great video that features 100 insanely awesome light displays in just 2 minutes.

(Hat Tip: Huffington Post)