Memorabilia from Walter Alston's Estate at SCP Auction - Some Random Awesomeness

Here is a final look at some collectibles within the Walter Alton Collection sale at SCP Auctions, and I thought I'd begin with the above game-used equipment once belonging to Hall of Fame catcher Roy Campanela.  As a part of the auction descriptions for both lots shown above (Auction Link here and Auction Link Here):

Of all the players Walter Alston’s granddaughter Kim Ogle got to know growing up in the Dodgers family, her strongest bond was formed with Roy Campanella. Stoutly built in her youth, Kim favored the catcher position as a player herself. Her physical traits, style of play, and affection for her Dodgers hero earned her the nickname “Little Campy”.  Big Campy, knowing Kim from his many visits to the Alston home in Oxford, Ohio as well as her presence in the dugout and on the field as Grandpa would allow, returned her affection. As a token of that affection Campanella presented his young admirer with his glove, offered here, and his full set of catchers gear, offered in the following lot.
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It was during a visit to spring training in 1959 that Kim was presented these items from Campanella directly. 

Memorabilia from Walter Alston's Estate at SCP Auction - Tour of Japan Memorabilia

Being skipper of the Dodger had its perks.  Not only did Walter Alston get to manage some of the more legendary players in the game, but he also had the privilege to represent the club and his country overseas.

During his tenure with the franchise Alston had the opportunity to go on two "Tours of Japan" during the offseason, and he apparently kept everything he received in tip top condition, as evidenced by the vintage pennant seen at the very top (Auction Link Here).  Above is a large pennant from the Dodgers tour in 1956.  It measures 36 3/4" and looks like it was made yesterday.  It is as pristine as you can get, and as the auction description states it must have been a favorite of Alston's.  Although, by the looks of all the other "Tour of Japan" memorabilia he took great care to preserve everything.

Memorabilia from Walter Alston's Estate at SCP Auction - The 1955 World Champion Dodgers

I ended last week sharing some of the early memorabilia from the managerial and playing career of Dodgers Hall of Famer Walter Alston (link here).  As you know, a large portion of Alston's personal memorabilia is currently for sale at SCP Auctions, and you can view it all now.  Everything you can imagine is there; including his own personal billiards cue (Walt was quite a shark on the felt).   There are 130 different lots, and bidding starts tomorrow.  In the meantime, I thought I would take the next few days to highlight some of his collection.

Memorabilia from Walter Alston's Estate at SCP Auction - The Early Years

Holy moly!

Last time around SCP featured a giant collection from the estate of Dodgers Hall of Famer Don Drysdale.  Now they bring along another collection from a Dodger great. Featured here are some of the memorabilia that once belonged to Hall of Fame manager Walter Alston. 

Over the next few days I'll highlight several of my favorites.  The items shown here all relate to his early years as a player and a young rookie manager in Brooklyn.

Walter Alston Memorabilia from his Estate will be at SCP Auctions

After a hugely successful auction that featured collectibles from the estate of Don Drysdale, SCP now lets us know about their next auction.  They will be hosting memorabilia from the career of Hall of Fame Dodger manager Walter Alston.  Per SCP:

A single at-bat, which resulted in a strikeout, comprised the playing career of the late Walter Alston. But four World Series titles, seven National League pennants, and 2,040 regular-season triumphs later – all realized in a managerial capacity at the helm of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers – cobbled his path to Cooperstown.

A native Ohioan, Alston earned the nickname “Smokey” in high school because of his blazing fastball. He attended Miami of Ohio University where he lettered in baseball and basketball before signing with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1935. In 1940, when it became apparent he wasn't in the Cardinals’ future plans as a player, Alston was given the opportunity to play and manage in their farm system. He was released by St. Louis in 1944, but was spotted by the keen eye of former Cardinals General Manager and then-Brooklyn President Branch Rickey who signed him to play and manage in the Dodgers minor league system. Following the ‘53 season, Brooklyn Skipper Charlie Dressen insisted on a multi-year contract to continue as Dodgers’ skipper. Brooklyn Owner Walter O'Malley balked at the demand and to everyone's surprise chose the little known Alston to pilot the club.