Blog Kiosk: 12/13/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Just three Brooklyn Dodgers' having some fun as they prepare for the 1952 season in Vero Beach (eBay auction link).

Vero Beach, Fla., March 5 -- On the Ball -- Three Brooklyn Dodger batters who accounted for a total of 103 home runs last season set their sights for the 1952 season during Brooklyn training camp session here yesterday. Left to right: Andy Pafko, former Chicago Cubs outfielder who had 30 homers in 1951; first baseman Gil Hodges, who led the Dodgers with 40; and catcher Roy Campanella, who clouted 33 homers.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1956 the Dodgers tried to do the unthinkable. They announced a trade that would send legendary second baseman Jackie Robinson to the hated NY Giants for pitcher Dick Littlefield and $35,000. It would be voided the next day. Jackie then announce his retirement from the game a few weeks later -- opting instead to start his second career as an executive with Chock Full O'Nuts. In 2001 the Dodgers received Cesar Izturis and Paul Quantril in a trade with Toronto for Chad Ricketts and Luke Prokopec. In 2003 the Dodgers traded Kevin Brown to the Yankees for Brandon Weeden,Yhency Brazoban and Jeff Weaver. In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent veteran catcher Sandy Alomar. Also, they traded troubled outfielder Milton Bradley and Antonio Perez to the A's for future fan-favorite and Dodger legend Andre Ethier.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Landrum, Steve Wilson, Nate Oliver, Ricky Nolasco, George Shuba, Carl Erskine & Billy Loes! 

Blog Kiosk: 10/27/2016 - Dodgers Links - Verdugo, Stewart, Seager, Jansen and Maeda

Check out this World Series action photo.  Per the descriptor:

Dodgers Andy Pafko makes a leaping one-handed catch off Gene Woodling's whistling bid for home run into the right field stands in the second inning of fifth Series game.

The run saving grab would help the Dodgers maintain a small lead in the early going, and prove to be an important catch as the Dodgers would eventually win the game in extra innings, 6-5.  I think the best part of this photo, though, are the hundreds of fans who are seen peering in eager anticipation.

I ran into this United Press Association press photo, taken by Tony Sande, on eBay.  Check out the auction here.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1890, the Brooklyn Bridegrooms (Dodgers), in their first season as a member of the National League, lost Game 6 of an World Series against the Louisville Colonels of the American Association, 9-8.  The loss shrank the Dodgers lead in the series to 3-2-1 -- Game 3 ended in a 7-7 tie due to darkness.  Game 7 will be played the next day.

Blog Kiosk: 6/15/2016 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Venable and Kenta Maeda

Oh noes!

In a season filled to the brim with injuries seeing Kenta Maeda crumble on the field after being struck on his right knee was distressing.  My immediate thought was, "what else could go wrong?"

At the start of the sixth inning Paul Goldschmidt lined a comebacker that was recorded at an exit velocity of 95 MPH.  Unable to catch it on the fly, the ball struck Kenta just below the knee.  Obviously in pain, Maeda still had the presence of mind to grab the errant ball and throw out the All-Start first baseman to record the first out of the inning.  Soon thereafter, he fell to the turf and writhed in agony.  Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

"He's feeling better actually now," Roberts said. "It was something with a nerve that just lit him up."

"What I know for sure is that it didn't hit the bone," Maeda said through a translator. "But I wasn't able to put any strength or flex it at all, so I was a little bit in shock."

Fortunately, x-rays later on were negative and only revealed a very bad bruise.  Per Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"It's hard to tell at this point, but I will reevaluate [Wednesday]," Maeda said through his interpreter. "My hope is to make the next scheduled start. What I know for sure is it didn't hit the bone, but I wasn't able to put any strength or weight on it and I was kind of shocked. Among all the hits taken in the past, it hurt the most. "

I don't know if this team could have survived another major injury to its starting rotation.  So I think it's fair to say we dodged a bullet.  BTW, the Dodgers were victorious over the Diamondbacks, 7-4.  They slugged four home runs; including a pair by Joc Pederson.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1938 Johnny Vander Meer pitched his second consecutive no-hitter, beating the Dodgers at Ebbets Field.  He had no-hit the Braves four days prior.  In 1951 Buzzy Bavasi made his first trade as the Dodgers GM.  He received Andy Pfako, Johnny Schmitz, Wayne Terwilliger, and Rube Walker in exchange for Bruce Edwards, Joe Hatten, Eddie Miksis, and Gene Hermanski. In 1996 the Dodgers turned their first triple play in 47 years.  It was against the Braves in the first inning.
• Happy Birthday, Brett Butler and Dusty Baker!

Blog Kiosk: 12/28/2015 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic action press photograph, found on eBay, of future Cardinals Hall of Famer Frankie Frisch being forced out at third base during a Thursday afternoon game at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis.  Making the play for the Dodgers is third-sacker Jim Bucher.  It is from a game played on September 19, 1935.  Unfortunately, the Dodgers would get walloped 9-1 this day by the eventually World Series victors.  BTW, this photo was once a part of the fantastic George Michael Collection (a noted sports broadcaster) of Baseball sliding press photos.

Below are more links to check out:

• RIP, Dave Henderson.  He died yesterday at the age of 57, via an AP report on FoxSports.  I still vividly remember his crushing home run during the 1986 ALCS against the Angels, and recall being kinda sad for my other 14-year old friends.  Secretly, though, I was overjoyed (since the Dodgers were nowhere near as good that season), and forever considered Henderson to be the greatest clutch hitter of all time (hey, I was 14).  I also remember being more fearful of him than anyone else in that A's lineup during the 1988 World Series.
• Via Rick McNair at Bosox Injection, "Former Boston Red Sox Alex Hassan signs with Dodgers."  He is 27 years old and signed a minor league contract as an outfielder.
• Look who's back.  The Dodgers signed Elian Herrera to a minor league contract over the weekend, via Mark Polishuk at MLB Trade Rumors.  Via Elian's twitter:

Thanks to the @Brewers for the last 2 yrs of support! I'm excited to be back at home with the @Dodgers in 2016! pic.twitter.com/6EHhQGpsvp

— Elian Herrera (@elianherrera_3) December 26, 2015

• Nice!  Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider shares, "The Dodgers’ best 30 plays of the second half."
• Harold Uhlman at Think Blue LA tells us a bit about, "‘Handy’ Andy Pafko – The Forgotten Dodger,"

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Blog Kiosk: 2/27/2015 - Dodger Links - Koufax, Anderson and I See "White and Gold"

It looks like the Dodgers, up and down the entire system, will be eating well from now on.  Gabe Kapler, the new Director of Player Development, has brought along his passion for healthy eating and living.  From what I understand, ballplayers will now be served meals similar to the menu shown above from Los Angeles to every minor league team in the franchise.  BTW, the photo above was tweeted out by Jon Weisman at Dodger insider yesterday afternoon, and it shows that days lunch menu.

Below are some more links to check out:

• As you know Sandy Koufax has made it out to Camelback Ranch and Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider shares some quotes from him from his first day.  Check them out here.  On Julio Urias:

“He’s impressive. He’s very impressive. This is the first time I’ve seen him throw. It’s a long way from the driving range to the golf course, and it’s a long way from side sessions to the game. He has all the requisites — we just have to see what happens. Physically, he’s very impressive.”

• Brett Anderson shares his first "real" Dodger moment on twitter:

First real "Dodger" moment having Sandy Koufax have nothing but positive things to say after watching me throw a bullpen.
— Brett Anderson (@BAnderson_30) February 26, 2015

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers confident Joel Peralta will be ready for opening day."
• Just another example of the kind of wacky things that happen during Spring Training.  Apparently the entire Dodger clubhouse was debating the color of that ugly dress that hit the interwebs like a flash flood yesterday.  Via Matthew Moreno at Dodgers Nation, "Dodgers, MLB Players Join ‘What Colors Are The Dress?’ Twitter Debate."  For the record, i see "white and gold."
• Following on Ellis' recent retirement, Stacie Wheeler at Lasorda's Lair writes; "Remembering Mark Ellis's Biggest Dodger Moments."
• I guess some folks are having a difficult time with Enrique "Kike" Hernandez's nickname, via his twitter (what a bunch of dolts!):

To whom it may concern: pic.twitter.com/BahrpCqSqR
— Enrique Hernandez (@kikehndez) February 27, 2015

• Matt F at Heartbreaking Cards of Staggering Genius shares a bunch of fantastic cards and collectibles of former Brooklyn Dodger and Chicago Cub great Andy Pafko.
• If you are heading over to Arizona for Spring Training you should look out for this.  Panini America will be hosting their Second Annual Panini Spring Training Road Trip in late March.  Go here for information.
• What Dale Hansen said.

Video Link:

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More Dodgers Memorabilia from Heritage Auctions

In addition to the Jackie Robinson farewell letter I shared yesterday, Heritage Auctions has a bunch of other Dodgers related memorabilia items to gawk over.  Check some of them out below.

Here is a 1952 Brooklyn Dodger game-worn jersey of starting outfielder Andy Pafko.  As you may recall, 'Handy Andy' passed away earlier this month.

(Auction Link)

Hey, I get that Eric Gagne's time with the Dodgers is mired in controversy.  Still, I can't help but remember those good times.  It was fun watching 'Game Over' on the mound.  Check out this auction featuring a game-used jersey, bat and glove.

(Auction Link)

I love this vintage autographed photo of Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and Don Newcombe.

(Auction Link)

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RIP, Andy Pafko - Handy Andy

Dodger nation and the Baseball world lost one of their own yesterday.  Andy Pafko, a one-time Cub and Milwaukee Brave, died in Michigan at the age of 92.

He wore Dodger Blue during the 1951 and 1952 Baseball seasons, and is notable for being the player stationed in left field when Bobby Thompson hit his game winning home run that has since been dubbed the "shot heard 'round the world" in 1951.  There is a famous photograph of him peering up the left field wall as the ball landed into the crowd.  See it on the right.

Andy Pafko also played for the PCL Los Angeles Angels in 1943.  At the time, the Angles was a farm club for the Chicago Cubs.  He quickly established himself as a top-flight prospect; winning the MVP in his only season in Los Angeles.  Pafko batted .356, with 18 home runs, 118 RBI's and a OPS of .941. 

Soon after, he was promoted to the Cubs and remaining in the show for 17 season.  Andy Pafko became a beloved Cubbie and was considered, for a time, to be one of the best outfielders in the National League.  He was noted for having a strong bat and for his great defensive prowess.  He would often make diving catches then rifle the ball back to the diamond with ease. 

(An auto'd ball from my collection)

Then, one summer afternoon in 1951 the Dodgers came to town and he was traded to Brooklyn in a 8-player deal at the trade deadline.  Cub nation was furious.  They had come to respect his mid-western work ethic.  For the Dodgers, they were able to slot him into the 6th hole behind Jackie Robinson and Gil Hodges to create a truly formidable lineup, and their outfield defense became one of the best in the league.

In 1953, he was traded to the recently moved Milwaukee Braves.  Being a Wisconsin native it was hoped that local fans would come out to watch him.  Pafko stayed a Brave for the remainder of his career, until he retired from playing in 1959.  It is notable that in 1955 he lost his starting outfielder job to Hank Aaron. 

For more background on Andy Pafko I would suggest checking out his SABR Biography written by Dale Voiss, here.  BTW, in the card collecting world his 1952 Topps card is famous.  See it at the very top.  It is considered one of the toughest cards in the set to get in good condition due to it's number placement as card #1.  At the time, kids would stack their cards in numbered order and wrap it with a rubber band.  As a result, his card always found itself on the top of the stack which would invariably cause a significant number of them to be in less than great condition.  Today, this card in excellent or better condition can sell for a large premium.

I thought I would finish this post by highlighting a delightful video of Andy Pafko singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in his home town of Boyceville, WI in 2007.

Video Link:

Below are his career stats, via Baseball Reference:

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A Rarity - 1952 Tip Top Bread Labels Including 5 Brooklyn Dodgers

Collectible bread labels from the 50's are some of the more scarce memorabilia items in the hobby.  Not only was it rare for fans to keep them with their cherished piles of Baseball cards, but they are very thin so you rarely see them in decent shape.  As I wrote a couple of years back:

These labels were affixed to the ends of a loaf broad that would typically be wrapped in some sort of paper or cellophane. So, they would constantly be peeled off and put back on over the lifetime of the loaf. As a result, surviving examples are creased and well worn. Sure, I can see a kid begging mom to give him the prized label right away, but considering the flimsy paper it was printed on, it too would likely be damaged.

Well, imagine my surprise when I came across a near set of 1952 Tip Top Bread Baseball labels at Goldin Auctions.  It features 47 of 48 labels, missing only the Andy Pafko label.  Unfortunately, he was a Dodger that season, so we don't get to see what that label looks like.  Nevertheless, the rest of the set is available for viewing online.  Click any pic to embiggen.  Above you can see the Campanella and Snider labels.  Below are the Ralph Branca, Carl Furillo and Gil Hodges labels.  With 22 days left in bidding it current sits at $5,500 for the entire group.  I actually had a chance to view these labels last month at the Long Beach show, and I have to say that they are beautiful.  See my brief story about that here.

(Auction Link)

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Collection: Andy Pafko Topps Legends Autographed Card

Andy Pafko only played two season in Dodgers Blue, but it happened to coincide with Topps first major Baseball card release.  After putting out a small game-based card set the year prior, Topps decide to go all-in with its Baseball card set in 1952.  That set would soon become the most iconic Baseball set ever made, and standing right in front as card #1 was Dodgers outfielder Andy Pafko.

The card featured in this post is a modern reprint of that card.  It is a 2001 Team Topps Legends card of Andy Pafko, and it has a certified autographed of his on it.

The vintage version of the card is extremely difficult to find in good shape.  As was custom at the time, kids would collect cards and rubberband them together.  This would cause the top and bottom cards to be damaged, as a result.  Since Pafko was card #1, his card was more likely than any other to be on the top of that stack.  As the hobby matured, collectors made this realization as Pafko card after Pafko card would be found severly damaged.  Today, an excellent (EX) or better conditioned card sells for a premium- a huge premium.

A lot of collectors mistakenly believe that this card's high book value is because it is short-printed.  That is not the case.  It's just that a vast majority of Andy Pakfo 1952 Topps Baseball cards are in horrible condition.

Check out Andy Pafko's career stats below, via Baseball Reference.

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Dodger Videos

It seems I've been neglecting my duties of late. To make up for it, please check out the below Dodger themed videos.

Here is Manny's 5th inning homerun from this past Saturday filmed by a fan in the left field pavilion.

YouTube Link: Dodgerfilms:

Watch former Brooklyn Dodger Andy Pafko sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."

YouTube Link: Leinielodge:

Below is a public service announcement shot at Dodger Stadium to benefit the 8th Annual "Strike Out" AIDS charity. Andre Ethier is the honorary host.

YouTube Link: EdwardHeadington:

I love fireworks night at Dodger Stadium. It's one of the few times you can go out onto the field without being tackled by security. Check out this fans video from August 16, 2008.

YouTube Video: bigkatmanning:

Here is another video of a young fan dancing in the outfield on the same evening.

YouTube Link: davistruckingllc:

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.