Monday, June 22, 2015

Dodger Goodies: Willard Mullin Drawing, Koufax's Kimono and Dodger PA Announcer John Ramey's Ring at Lelands

Take another look at the summer Leland Auction catalog with me.  Featured below are a handful of really interesting (at least to me) Dodger memorabilia items.


I just can't get enough of the artwork of Willard Mullin.  As you may know, he popularized the Dodger "Bum" mascot though his cartoons in local newspapers and magazines in the 40's and 50's.  Featured above is an original Mullin sketch of the "Bum", and he's smoking a big stogie with the phrase "Champs" emitting from it.  Check out the auction here.  It originally comes from the Sal Larocca collection.


The Dodgers made many trips to Japan as part of a goodwill tour.  It gave the team an opportunity to vacation to far off lands and the management a chance to do a little bit of scouting.  Featured above is one of the gift that was created to give out to the Dodger players.  It is a kimono, and it was suppose to be given to Sandy Koufax as a part of their 1966 jaunt - Koufax's name is written in Japanese text on the collar.  Unfortunately, Sandy didn't make it to Japan that year.  He had just played his last season of professional Baseball, and likely decided to spend his winter retirement at home.  Check out the auction here.

(Auction Link)

Do you know who was the original LA Dodgers Public Address Announcer?

His name was John Ramsey, and he worked the microphone for just about every professional sports franchise in the LA area.  He worked for the Dodgers when they came to town in 1958, the Lakers when they came from Minneapolis in 1960, the Angels from their inception in 1961, and the LA Kings when they began in 1967.  Ramsey also announced for the LA Rams, Raiders and USC's football and basketball clubs.

No doubt he was an integral part of the LA sports experience, so it shouldn't be a huge surprise that he too would receive a championship ring when these clubs took home the top prize.  Featured above is his 1963 LA Dodgers World Championship ring.  Check out the auction here.

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2015 Topps Series 2 Baseball - The Career High, First Home Run and Heart of the Order Insert Cards

Here are even more Dodger insert cards found in packs of Topps 2015 Series 2 Baseball packs.  Go here to check out all of my previous post on this set.  Below are the Career High, First Home Run (which includes Clayton Kershaw and former Dodger Matt Kemp) and the Heart of the Order cards.

On a side note, I am amazed at how frequently we see Johnny Podres autographed cards in new Topps set.  He had passed away over seven years ago.  Podres must have signed thousands of those stickers for Topps.

Career High Relics

#CHR-AG Adrian Gonzalez

#CHR-YP Yasiel Puig

Blog Kiosk: 6/22/2015 - Dodger Links - Kershaw, Olivera and a Mashup


It was a very special Father's Day at Dodger Stadium as fans and players alike brought along their kids to enjoy the festivities.  Featured above are Scott Van Slyke and Yasiel Puig with their young boys.  Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015Go here to check out more photos taken by Jon from yesterday's game.

Below are some links to check out:
ESPN.com: What were those first days and weeks like for you and Ellen?

Kershaw: We thought Cali wasn't a crier and we had it figured out. We thought, 'We have a really calm baby.' And she is calm. But then she found her lungs a bit later. It was pretty overwhelming to bring her home for the first time and realize you've got to make sure she stays alive. Ellen is incredible and already has the whole mom thing down pat, so I just follow her lead.
  • Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Walker Buehler continues run of strong Dodgers pitching in College World Series."
  • A Hector Oliver Update:  Via Jacob Unruh at NewsOK, "OKC Dodgers notebook: Hector Olivera finishes double shy of cycle in 6-3 win over Memphis."
“He’s a talented guy,” Berryhill said. “Right now, the first few games he looked like he was just not in real good baseball shape.

“He’s coming quick and the swings are getting better. Defensively, he’s getting better and getting better jumps on the ball. I’m pleased with where he’s at.”

Olivera said he is pleased with his progress to the point he is just waiting for the promotion.

“I’m waiting for that call,” he said. “I’ve been working really hard to get here and I think I’m prepared. I’m just waiting for the call.”
  • Via Steve Bourbon at MLB.com, "Dodgers get bench production from Guerrero."
  • Via an AP story on ESPN, "Erisbel Arruebarrena suspension cut to 30 days."
  • Ha Ha!  Via Chris Cwik at Big League Stew, "The Giants team bus left Bruce Bochy at Dodger Stadium on Friday."
  • Funniest mashup ever!  Check out Justin Turner, Joc Pederson and Kike Hernandez goofing around on the plane last night, via Kike's Instagram.
A video posted by Kike Hernandez (@kikehndez) on



    * Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
    * Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *