Friday, November 30, 2012

Counterfeit Alert! 1972 Topps Venezuelan Stamps


I do not know much about this issue and I have not verified this myself, but there appears to be some counterfeits that have made it into the market.  As background, for several years now I have been slowly putting together a 1966 Topps Venezuelan Baseball card set.  I'm nowhere near half way done, but I figure it's likely to be a decades long project.  That being said, several years ago I decided to join a Yahoo Group called Venezuela Topps Baseball Card Forum to help me along in my quest.  Admittedly, I haven't been very active, but I do appreciate getting notices like the one I got today.

A Venezuelan Baseball collector going by the name JA just shared his discovery of some fakes.  Read what he said below.  A word of warning: I have not verified this and this set isn't something I chase after anyway, but I thought it was important enough to note.

As always, be careful out there.  And remember, "Buy the Card, Not the Holder!"
After a lengthy discussion on Collectors Universe, and then some investigating of my own, it has been determined with 100% certainty that the vast majority of the 1972 stamps that exist in high grade are indeed counterfeits. These high grade stamps were all introduced into the hobby via eBay by a seller named Gilberto Gil. Many of these stamps were sold over the years, and thousands of dollars were made by the counterfeiters. Since so few of these stamps existed in any condition prior to the introduction of these counterfeits, the major third party grading companies (Mainly PSA & Beckett) didn't even know what they were looking at, and subsequently graded each and every one of them.

The hobby is now proliferated with these stamps. I myself own several of them, my investment into the fakes is likely upwards of $2,000. I'm going to eat it rather than try to unload known counterfeits back into the market.

After examining some lower grade ones I knew to be originals, I gave a closer look to the mint looking ones from Gilberto. They were very well done, but I started to identify the distinct differences and came up with 4 significant things.

1) The entire green background is printed in half-tone when it was solid ink on the originals.
2) All of the green background borders are perfectly square with precision that only a computer could provide.
3) The black ink is indeed printed as a solid color, but the font does not match exactly.
4) The images are very grainy but printed with high density half-tone, which would indicate they were likely scanned off originals.

I also went through and scanned several cards, both originals and fakes and put together most of the alphabet so the font differences can be seen.
(pic link)


The above Pete Rose in a BVG holder appears to be one of those cards that is a fake.  As you can see from the font example above, the Pete Rose card uses the fat style font indicated as being counterfeits.  Below are three examples of these stamps that I believe are real.

BTW, I want to extend a big shout-out to this collector (JA) for not only notifying the collecting community, but also his willingness to bite the bullet and not sell his cards back to uninformed collectors.

UPDATE: A forum thread at Collectors Universe talks more about the fakes.  Check it out here.

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 11/30/2012


Leaf just released another Baseball card set featuring prospects called 2012 Ultimate Leaf Draft, and it includes the above autographed Yasiel Puig card.
  • RIP, David Courtney.  He was the LA Kings Public Address Announcer, and a familiar voice to any fan who has attended a home game over the past 25 years.  Mayor's Manor does a great writeup, and so does Jacob Surly at Surly & Scribe.
  • Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, free agent Zach Grienke met with the Dodgers this week.
  • Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times checked in with Vin Scully on his 85th birthday yesterday.
  • I say "NO" to AJ Pierzynski!  MLB Trade Rumors has some news on the Dodgers apparent interest.
  • Panini shared a bunch of preview photos from a new Baseball set they are releasing soon called 2012 Prime Cuts Baseball.  Go here to see them all; including more Dodgers cards then the ones below.  This set goes live today.
  • This will shake up the sports auction world.  Via Sports Collectors Daily, Bill Mastro will be pleading guilty!  He's a heavyweight in the hobby.
  • Are you starved for some hockey?  Why not the Bikini Hockey League?  Check out a preview at Puck Daddy.
  • The Kings just put together a great tribute video to David Courtney.  See it below.

Video Link:

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2012 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects Baseball- Dodgers Cards

The release of new Baseball card sets never stops.  Out this week is the 2012 Bowman Draft Picks and Prospects Baseball cards, and as the title of the set suggest it focuses primarily on the up-and-comers.  Unfortunately, only a handful of Dodgers are in the set- which shows you how depleted our farm system really is right now.  Check them all out below.

The Elian Herrera card below is a Red Ice parallel card that is numbered to just 25 copies.  It is a part of the base Rookie Cards set.

#51 Elian Herrera

The only Dodger represented in the Draft Picks Autographed insert set is recent draftee Corey Seager.

#BCA-CS Corey Seager

As a part of the Draft Picks base set is the card of Jesmuel Valentin.  He is the only Dodger represented here.

#BDPP11 Jesmuel Valentin

One current Dodger is in the set as a part of the Dual Top Ten Picks insert card set.  It is of Clayton Kershaw, and he is paired with Padres pitching prospect Max Fried.  There is a also a dual signed card, but I have yet to see one.

#TP-FL Max Fried - Clayton Kershaw


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Dodger Correspondence: Stu Nahan Writes to the Students

Stu Nahan has a special place in Los Angeles sports.  He began broadcasting sports on the airwaves and on tv in 1968 until his retirement in 1999.  Nahan even played the part in Hollywood- appearing as broadcaster in the Rocky movies and as himself in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.  Dodger fans will remember him for his pre and post game radio shows on KFWB.

In the 90's Stu Nahan became President of the Southern California Sports Broadcasters organization, and I think the letter below displays how important he felt his role as a leader in journalism was.  He certainly was a strong advocate of getting a proper education in the field. 

Check out what he had to say to a teacher and his students about studying journalism in school.
Dear Mr. Becker and Students at the La Joya School.

Your letter about the feeling of some of your students regarding a future in journalism caused me to respond.  I have been a television sportscaster for some forty years... I have done it all... NFL and NHL play by play... Olympic Hockey... College Basketball... and almost 40 years of nightly sports reporting on television.

And yet one of the greatest regrets I have in my life is that I didn't study journalism in school.  I was lucky... quitting playing pro hockey to a new career in TV in 1955.  But that has all changed... journalism is a must if one is to succeed in this business nowadays.  One has to write what one thinks... what one sees... and how one relates to same.

Bottom line... journalism is necessary if you are even thinking about a career in this business in the future... And race, color, creed has no boundary as to who will rise to the top.  Good luck.
Well said, Stu.

I came across this letter on eBay.  See that auction item here.
(Auction Link)

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Collection: Davey Lopes Fan-Favorites Autographed Card


Davey Lopes will live forever in Dodgers folklore.  He came up to the club in the early 70's and quickly cemented himself into the starting lineup as our everyday second baseman.  Soon, Lopes would be surrounded by three other infielders that he would play with for 9 consecutive seasons.  Lopes, Cey, Garvey and Russell would be the longest tenured complete infield in Baseball history. 

Davey played in 4 postseasons with the Dodgers, winning the Championship in 1981.  His greatest playoff year, though, was in 1978.  He helped defeat the Phillies in the NL Championship series by batting .389 with 2 home runs and 5 RBI's in 5 games.  Then, in the World Series against the Yankees be belted 2 home runs and had 5 RBI's in Game 1 of the series, and hit another home run in Game 6.  Unfortunately, his efforts were all for naught. The Dodgers would fail to take home the crown that season.

Featured here is a 2004 Topps All-Time Fan Favorites autographed card of Davey Lopes in my collection.

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 11/29/2012


Happy birthday to Ross Porter and Vin Scully.  Above is a pic from 1978 featuring (from left to right) Ross Porter, Vin Scully and Jerry Doggett.
(tweet link)
  • Eric Stephen at True Blue LA goes through Bill James projections for the Dodgers in 2013.
  • John Thorn, Baseball's official historian, shares a story as told by Cy Young about his greatest game.  I love this kind of stuff.
  • ACTA Sports takes a look at the best and worst hitters ballparks.  Curiously, Dodgers Stadium does not show up as a top 5 pitchers park by any of the metrics discussed.
  • Night Owl continues with #40-#31 of the best Dodgers cards ever made.


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Heritage Auctions: Doodle for Hunger Auction Includes some Former Dodgers

So, what's better and a sports auction? How about an auction for a good cause.

Heritage is currently overseeing an auction called "Doodle for Hunger" for the St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters.
“Doodle for Hunger” is a fun online auction of signed original works of art by artists, entertainers, athletes, politicians, and business celebrities. The auction will benefit St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters. The St. Francis Food Pantries & Shelters supports a network of charitable programs that provide a broad range of services for those in need, including the provision of food, clothing, shelter, and related social services for the poor. The auction is offered on the internet only and will close December 17th.
Go here to see the drawings for sale through Heritage.  There appears to also be a live auction on December 10th during a buffet cocktail party with even more doodles.  See that here.  And if you're able to dig into those pockets please consider placing a bid.

A couple of notable former Dodgers decided to use their artistic powers for this good cause.  Tommy John provided the drawing below.
(Auction Link)

Steve Garvey also contributed.
(Auction Link)


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Something Else to Check out on Friday: The Wall of Champions Trophy Display


If you happen to be in downtown LA this coming Friday then this might be something worth checking out.  The Stanley Cup, 3 Galaxy MLS Cup trophies and 3 Lakers NBA Championship trophies will be on display for fans to take pictures with.  Go here for more information.

LOS ANGELES - The defending MLS Champion LA Galaxy – who on Saturday will again play in the MLS Championship Game at The Home Depot Center in Carson against the Houston Dynamo at 1:30 p.m. – will host a CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY DISPLAY and Holiday Toy Drive in conjunction with the 2012 Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers.
On Friday, from 4 – 7 p.m. in downtown Los Angeles at the J.W. Marriott L.A. LIVE (The Mixing Room adjacent to the hotel lobby) will feature the following special AEG WALL OF CHAMPIONS display:
• Three Galaxy MLS Cups (2002, 2005, 2011) will be on-site for fans to take photos with.
• The Stanley Cup, won by the 2011-12 Los Angeles Kings, will be on site for fans to take photos with.
• Three L.A. Lakers NBA Championship trophies (2002, 2009 and 2010) will be on-display for fans to take photos with.
In addition the event will feature the Galaxy promo team as they will be giving away prizes along with the Kings Ice Crew; both club mascots -- Cozmo and Bailey -- as will Futboleros and members of the Galaxy alumni team.
As part of the unique event fans are encouraged to bring a toy as part of AEG’s Season of Giving holiday initiative.

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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Collection: Tim Hamulack 2006 SPx Rookie Signatures


Tim Hamulack came to the Dodgers in 2006 via a trade with the Mets that sent Steve Schmoll and Duaner Sanchez out east in exchange for Jae Weong Seo and himself.  Hamulack was by no means the meat of that trade- Jae Wong Seo was.  Seo didn't meet the expectations that he would provide some stability as na end of the rotation starter, so he was traded mid-season.  Hamulack, on the other hand, started out with the big club at the start of 2006 and had a fantastic start. In his first month he pitched in 12 games and recorded an ERA of 1.69 with an opponents batting average of just .184.  Then, the bottom fell out.

Over the next 12 games pitched he gave up 16 earned runs with opponents batting a robust .306.  Unsurprisingly, he was sent back down to the minors for some retooling, but by late August Hamulack would be called back up.  Unfortunately, he didn't fare much better.  He pitched in just 9 more games, and mostly did mop-up duty.

Since that time, Tim Hamulack has bounced around from Kansas City to Cincinnati, and was last seen pitching for the independent Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League last year.  I have great admiration for guys who stick it out for the long haul, so hopefully he has one last opportunity to pitch in the Majors.

Featured here is a 2006 Upper Deck SPx Rookie Signature card of Tim Hamulack.

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 11/28/2012


Dodgers reliever Brandon League shares his newest tattoo, pic via twitter @LOYLOYctac.
"I am focusing on building the best team we can be,'' Dodgers President Stan Kasten told USA TODAY Sports, "and where exactly the payroll will be, we'll worry about that later. This particular phase we're in is building and returning the Dodgers to greatness.

"Eventually we want to return to the Dodger roots of (player development), but we're not there yet.''
I certainly can't dislike this approach. The Dodgers want to win now by using cash while building a future with even more cash.
  • Wendy Thurm at FanGraphs takes a look at the recent news about the Dodgers new television contract and how is compares to other clubs.
  • Hilarious!  I had missed this.  On twitter, the Dodgers responded to Piers Morgan.  Hat Tip: Hiban90 on Reddit.
(twitter link)
  • The Angels appear to be out of the Zach Grienke sweepstakes according to Danny Knobler at CBS Sports.
  • BTW, the MLB Network coverage of the Winter Meetings start with their preview this coming Sunday night at 8:00 PM EST.  The Hall of Fame Pre-Integration voting results will also be aired live on Monday, December 3rd at 11:00 AM EST.  Be sure to cross your fingers for former Dodger Bill Dahlen- he deserves to be in the Hall.
  • Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy has up a video from the panel discussion last night featuring Ron Cey, Dodgers historian Mark Langill, owner Peter Gruber, and others at UCLA speaking about the impact the Dodgers have had on Los Angeles over the past 50 years.  It is long, but worth your time.
  • Ryan at Chaos and Kanji shares his experience at a Fukuoka Softbank Hawks Baseball game in Japan.


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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: The Dodgers Holiday Mall Tour

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.



-------------------------



Here is the third leg of the Dodgers 2012 Holidays Mall Tour in Southern California.  Go here for more information.  This coming Friday, November 30th, Tommy Lasorda, Steve Yeager and Justin Sellers will be at the Westfield Century City Mall to meet with fans and sign free autographs.  Below is the announced schedule.
Westfield Century City
10250 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Friday, November 30
12pm-7pm
Tommy Lasorda (12pm-2pm)
Steve Yeager (2pm-4pm)
Justin Sellers (4pm-6pm)
-------------------------

There will also be a bunch of Dodgers at the Frank & Sons Warehouse Show in the City of Industry on Saturday, December 1st. Go here for more information.  Lee Lacy will be there to sign FREE autographs from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.  Four other Dodgers will also be there to sign for a fee.  Heck, even the infamous Pete Rose will be there.  See the schedule below.
Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 San Jose Avenue
Industry, CA 91748
Lee Lacy
Free Autographs
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Jim Gott  
sm. $15 - md. $20 - lg. $25- inscription $10
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Tommy Davis 
sm. $15 - md. $20 - lg. $25 - inscription $10
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Tommy John 
sm. $29 - md. $39 - lg. $49 - inscription $15
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Mickey Hatcher 
sm. $20 - md. $25 - lg. $35 - inscription $10 
1:00 PM - 2:00PM
 
Pete Rose 
sm. $59 - md. $79 - lg. $99 all Rose autographs include the inscription "4256" additional inscriptions $20 each
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM


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An Incredible Jackie Robinson Painted Glove and Interview with the Artist - Sean Kane


Do you see that glove above?  It's got to be the coolest thing you've ever seen... right?  Well, it get's even better.  Look at the reverse side of the glove below.  Just brilliant!

Last week I stumbled upon the website of an artist named Sean Kane (through twitter) and I couldn't be more pleased by what I saw.  As you can see, Sean has taken Baseball art to another level.  Sure, I've seen Baseballs with drawings on them.  I've seen uniforms that have been painted on.  I've even seen artwork done on bases.  But this is the first time I've run across art on a glove- a vintage glove no less.

His website is called Painted Glove Collectibles, and he recently completed the beautiful Jackie Robinson glove you see here.  In fact, I do not think he has a Buyer for it yet, so if you're so inclined I suggest heading over there.  Here is the link again.

Being an inquisitive fellow, I decided to reach out to Sean for a short interview about his work and inspiration.  Thankfully, he was happy to oblige.  Check it out below.
  • I was very happy to come across your website the other day, and really enjoyed seeing your artwork.  It is certainly unique.   I was wondering what was your inspiration?  How did you come up with the idea?
The inspiration for my baseball art on classic gloves just seems to have emerged from my dual love of both art and baseball and tinkering with how to overlap the two in a distinct way. I've always drawn and painted and have been enchanted by the look of baseball since I was a boy, from the uniforms to the baseball cards, to the game-day program covers and stadium designs. 
I don't recall exactly what prompted painting on gloves, other than I've been painting on all sorts of things throughout my life, including on batting helmets as a boy -- I recall using quite a bit of paint to create my own Expos tri-colored helmet, among others!  A few years ago I created and sold painted baseballs as gifts for newborns and parents called Baby Baseballs.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 11/27/2012

Check out the above pic tweeted by Luis Cruz of the cover of the September 2012 issue of Beisbol Total.
"All players – past, present and future – owe a debt of gratitude to Marvin, and his influence transcends baseball," current union head Michael Weiner said. "Marvin, without question, is largely responsible for ushering in the modern era of sports, which has resulted in tremendous benefits to players, owners and fans of all sports."
  • I was excited about seeing and posting some great vintage negatives of Dodgers from the Legendary Auctions sale last week, but I'm even more thrilled that FLP told me on facebook that he would colorize them.  Awesome!  Check out the Duke Snider and Campy/Pee Wee/ Hodges colorized pics.  Hopefully, he does a whole bunch more; especially the Babe Ruth ones.
  • I haven't commented about the impending cable tv contract with FoxSports that was recently revealed, but I think it's becoming more clear that the Guggenheim folks did not overpay for the Dodgers.  I do think it's unfortunate that McCourt financially benefited from something that was entirely out of his control. 
  • Clayton Kershaw gets new representation, via Jon Heyman at CBS Sports.  Well, actually, he changed agencies to stay with his longtime agent, JD Smart.  This may not be indicative of anything since his former agency has been going through an extended brain-drain.  Still, I can't help but think that maybe this is a sign that talks regarding a new long-term contract may be in play.
  • The Dodgers have made some additional changes in the scouting staff, via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com.
  • Evan at I Bleed Dodger Blue 2 shares a couple of fan submitted pics of the ongoing construction work at Dodger Stadium.
  • Stacie Wheeler at Lasorda's Lair puts together a great write-up on Dodgers bench coach Trey Hillman.

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Collection: Johnny Podres 2003 Topps Legends Autographed Card


“Sometimes when I’m home doing nothing, I’ll put the video in,” (Podres) told The Philadelphia Inquirer 50 years later. “I get the feeling that I’m young again. What a time that was.”
That just goes to show there's a young person in all of us.  I grabbed the quote above from a story about Johnny Podres by Richard Goldstein of the the New York Times.

Featured here is a 2003 Topps Legends autographed card of Johnny Podres.

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SCP Auctions: Jackie, Dixie, and the Lip

I think I'm back in the saddle again.  Initially, I had wanted to post this up yesterday, but the chaos of the day at work had me unable to finish up this post.  Fortunately, I found a little time today to fix that. 

Featured here are some Dodgers related memorabilia currently on auction at SCP.  As always, they never fail to delight me like a child looking through an online catalog of toys.  I feel like my 7 year-old nephew as he hammers away on the keyboard while yelling "Ninjago!"  If you don't know, that's a Lego toy that currently has my brother-in-law tied up in knots as he tries to satisfy my nephews desire for more.

Anyway, there was one item that had me screaming like a little child.  "Jackie!"  Directly below is a Jackie Robinson card that is just perfect.  It is a 1949 Bowman rookie card of Jackie, and it at one time resided within his personal collection.  Heck, it even comes with a "Letter of Provenance" from Rachel Robinson.  See it below.

This particular card in this condition would normally sell for $400 to $500, tops.  But, since it used to belong to the Jackie it will sell at a steep premium.  It currently sits at $1,952.00.  Wow!
(Auction Link)

Frankly, the jersey below is a run-of-the-mill when compared to Jackie's card above.  Still, I can't say no to a game-worn vintage jersey of Leo "the Lip" Durocher.  It is from 1939.
(Auction Link)
(Auction Link)

Below is an interesting Dodgers memorabilia piece.  Check out the Silver Slugger bat that was presented to former Dodger Dixie Walker, but it was not made by Louisville Slugger.  Instead, it was made after the fact by the old boss wanting to acknowledge a former players great season.  I'll let the auction description take it from here:
In 1971 Dodgers owner Walter O’Malley sought to acknowledge an important achievement in his team’s history, that being Dixie Walker’s 1944 NL batting title. Because Walker’s achievement pr-dated the issuance of silver bats, O’Malley rectified the matter by having the offered item produced. This full size, H&B Louisville Slugger model 125, Dixie Walker signature model bat bat, finely crafted in sterling silver by Hillerich and Bradsby was issued in 1971 in recognition of Walker leading the National League in 1944 with a .357 batting average. Dixie Walker was a popular outfielder, often described as “The People’s Choice,” for the Brooklyn Dodgers during the 1940s. Walker hit his stride with the Dodgers from 1939 to 1947. While navigating the difficult right field wall in Ebbets Field, Walker played a key role in the Brooklyn pennants of 1941 and 1947. Walker followed up his batting title in 1944 by leading the league in RBI (124) the following year. After the 1947 season and some controversy surrounding Robinson coming to Brooklyn, Walker was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he played for two more seasons.
I guess in the mind of O'Malley, Walker had made amends for his past indiscretions regarding Jackie Robinson coming to the big leagues.
(Auction Link)

(Auction Link)

(Auction Link)

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Sunday, November 25, 2012

Sunday Dodger Videos: Joe Black and Tommy Lasorda

Here are this Sundays Dodgers Videos.

Listen to this great vintage recording of former Dodgers hurler Joe Black talking about pitching in the 1952 World Series against the Yankees.

Video Link:

Do you remember the Sports Talk Player?  They came out in the late 80's and features cards with little transparent records on the reverse.  Below is the Tommy Lasorda record.  Listen to it below.

Video Link:

Check out this great collection of Dodgers cards from youtuber DodgersLakersGirl10.

Video Link:


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Saturday, November 24, 2012

Collection: Dusty Baker Ethced In Time Autographed Card


Dusty Baker shall forever be known as a participant in the first ever "high-five" in the world.  Via Jon Mooallem at ESPN:
The conventional wisdom had been that (Glenn) Burke invented the high five on Oct. 2, 1977, in front of 46,000 screaming fans at Dodger Stadium.

It was the last day of the regular season, and Dodgers leftfielder Dusty Baker had just gone deep off the Astros' J.R. Richard. It was Baker's 30th home run, making the Dodgers the first team in history to have four sluggers -- Baker, Ron Cey, Steve Garvey and Reggie Smith -- with at least 30 homers each. It was a wild, triumphant moment and a good omen as the Dodgers headed to the playoffs. Burke, waiting on deck, thrust his hand enthusiastically over his head to greet his friend at the plate. Baker, not knowing what to do, smacked it. "His hand was up in the air, and he was arching way back," says Baker, now 62 and managing the Reds. "So I reached up and hit his hand. It seemed like the thing to do."

Featured here is a 2004 Upper Deck "Etched In Time" autographed card of Dusty Baker in my collection.

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Friday, November 23, 2012

Dodgers Correspondence: Carl Erskine Shares His Biggest Thrill

Carl "Oisk" Erskine was a mainstay on the Dodgers rotation in the 1950's.  He was a part of two World Championship teams (1955, 1959), and 5 National League pennant winners.  On top of that, he hurled two no-hitters.  So, when I cam across a letter written by him to a fan named Phil I immediately stood up and took notice.  To see my past post of Dodgers Correspondence, go here.

Below, "Oisk" shares his greatest Baseball thrill.
The more I reflect on my Dodger career the more meaningful it is just having been a part of that team.

However the greatest single thrill for me was the 1953 series game against the Yankees in which I fortunately had a good day and good stuff and set a strike out record.  Koufax then Gibson both exceeded my 14, but I don't mind being in third place behind those two.

I have been thankful all of my life for the opportunity I had to play Baseball- especially for the Dodgers.
(eBay Auction)

Since we are on the topic of Carl Erskine, I though it would be a good time to also share a Erskine autographed card in my collection.  Below is 2003 Topps Legends Carl Erskine autographed card.

 
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Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Turkey Day!


Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

For your enjoyment, please check out A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, below.

Video Link:

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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Collection: Steve Sax Etched In Time Autographed Card


Steve Sax will always be known for an ailment that hampered his defensive abilities.  In 1983, he suddenly and inexplicably lost the ability to accurately throw to 1st base from his position at 2nd base.  His loss of basic throwing mechanics would soon be called "Steve Sax Syndrome", and it would result in Dodgers fans wearing batting helmets along the right field line. 

Heck, even the defensively challenged Pedro Guerrero, who would move to 3rd base that year, would comment:
"I hope they don't hit it to me,"
Immediately followed by:
"I hope they don't hit it to Sax."

Featured here is a 2004 Upper Deck "Etched in Time" autographed card of Steve Sax in my collection.

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 11/21/2012


  • Oh well.  Kuroda has resigned with the Yankees for 1-year at $15Mil, via Hard Ball Talk.  I am genuinely disappointed about this.
  • I'm not quite sure what this means, but according to Danny Knobler at CBS Sports the Dodgers are calling around asking about Zach Grienke.  This might have something to do with Grienke's widely reported issues with depression and social anxiety disorder.  For some background, go here
  • Here's a strange combo.  Chan Ho Park, Larry King and PSY were hanging out, via Samer Kalaf at Deadspin.  Sounds like a bad joke, eh?
  • Are you wondering if there will be a Dodgers Black Friday sale?  Well, wonder no more.  The Dodgers will host a BLUE FRIDAY sale at Dodgers Stadium.  It will be at the Left Loge by parking lot D.  See the tweet below.
(twitter link)
  • I guess we dodged a bullet.  Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times is reporting that one of the other suitors to buy the Dodgers, Steve Cohen, has just been indicted on insider-trading.
  • Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy translates an article from Puerto Rico that featured Yasiel Puig as he discusses how he left Cuba.
  • Go to Night Owl Cards to see his list of the Best Dodgers cards ever made, #50-#41.
  • Per a recent Dodgers press release, they added minor leaguers Steven Ames and Matt Magill to the 40 man roster:
Ames, 24, who hails from Vancouver, WA, pitched for Double-A Chattanooga of the Southern League last year and was 3-3 with 18 saves and a 1.56 ERA in 54 games. The reliever struck out 72 batters in 63.1 innings of work and held right-handed hitters to a .177 average (25-for-141). Ames was selected by the Dodgers in the 17th round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft.

Magill, 23, is a local product, who was drafted out of Royal High School in Simi Valley, CA in the 31st round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft. The California native had a great season at Double-A Chattanooga in 2012 as he started 26 games for the Lookouts, posting an 11-8 record with a 3.75 ERA. The right-hander fanned 168 batters in his 146.1 innings, including four games with 10 or more strikeouts.
  • The below photo was tweeted by Patrick O'Neal.  If I'm not mistaken, they are going to tear out all of that concrete, as well.
(tweet link)

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Dodgers Mall Tour - Cey, Wills and "Sweet" Lou Johnson

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.


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Here is the second leg of the Dodgers 2012 Holidays Mall Tour in Southern California.  Go here for more information.  This coming Friday Ron Cey, "Sweet" Lou Johnson, and Maury Wills will be at the Del Amo Fashion Center to meet with fans and sign free autographs.  Below is the announced schedule.
Del Amo Fashion Center
3525 West Carson Street
Torrance, CA 90503
Friday, November 23
Ron Cey (11:30am-1:30pm)
"Sweet" Lou Johnson (2pm-4pm)
Maury Wills (4pm-6pm)


Video Link:

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* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *