The Game when Durocher and Ott Circumvented Baseball Rules

You may have noticed recently that I've been including "This Day in Dodgers History" notes in my Daily Kiosk post.  For the most part I've been featuring rare feats and broken records tied to the Dodgers, but todays historical note failed to mention one incident that has had me scratching my head all morning. 

Frankly, I just don't know what to make of it.

Per the Dodgers own website they noted a game played against the hated NY Giants at Ebbets Field on September 1, 1944, and an strange incident that happened between the two managers - Leo Durocher of the Dodgers and Mel Ott of the Giants. 

In the second inning of the game Giants left fielder Joe Medwick (a future Hall of Famer and former teammate of Durocher with both the Gashouse Gang of St. Louis and the Dodgers) got struck in the elbow by a pitch and was in immense pain.  A Brooklyn Eagle article written by Harold Burr from the following day said this about it:

Joe Medwick was winged on the left arm by an errant pitch, Ducky Wucky went tearing around like a man beside himself, clutching his arm and writhing to the ground well down the third-base line.

Check Out this Vintage Brooklyn Dodger T

Here's something you don't see everyday.

Featured is a vintage, circa 1950's era, Brooklyn Dodgers t-shirt found at Inside the Park Collectibles current auction (link here).   It has some fantastic graphics of Baseball action divided by crossed bats.  It also displays several Baseball phrases well known to fans of the game: "Double Play, It's a Hit and Yer Out!"  Strangely, the Dodgers script (typically in Blue) is seen here in red.

It's sized for a child, so if you're as old and as big as myself then you won't be able to wear it.

Which is too bad. 

I wouldn't mind trying this one on.

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A Fantastic Vintage Dodgers' Scrapbook on eBay

This might be one of the coolest things I've seen on eBay.  Check it out here.  Featured is a vintage scrapbook put together by an fanatic Brooklyn Dodger fan, circa 1936 to 1948, and it's filled with a whole bunch of fantastic news clippings.  I grabbed all the photos from the auction in this post.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

There is everything from player photos and biographies to news stories about brawls during a game, fans in the stands, the loss of Leo Durocher and the emergence of Jackie Robinson.  Unfortunately, we can't perfectly read all of the clippings, but in one there appears to be mention of a potential league-wide players strike, instigated by members of the St. Louis Cardinals, against Jackie Robinson.  This incident even necessitated a personal meeting by NL President Ford Frick to those players who was reported to have told them,

"If you do this you will be suspended from the league.  You will find that the friends you think you have in the press box will not support you, that you will be outcasts.  I do not care if half the league strikes.  Those who do it will encounter quick retribution.  And will be suspended, and I don't care if it wrecks the National League for five years.  This is the United States of America, and one citizen has as much right to play as another."

Those are some very strong words during an tumultuous time.  BTW, on that same page is another story titled, "Good Conduct by Negro Fans Urged."  As if they were the problem... Ugh!

Anyway, check out all of the pics below. 

Brooklyn Memorabilia at REA - Dodger Stock, an Old Pin and a Jersey from "The Natural"

Yesterday I wrote about a vintage letter from an old Brooklyn coach to one of his top players (check that out here) that is available at REA's current auction.  Now, I wanted to point out a few more Dodgers related collectibles that struck my fancy.

Above is an old Brooklyn Dodger uniform.  (Auction link here)  It is a reproduction that was created for the Robert Redford movie "The Natural".  As you can see, it is meant to represent the jersey's worn in 1939, as evidenced by the Baseball Centennial patch on the left shoulder, and sports the iconic number "42".  It was obviously created in homage to the great Dodger barrier breaker - Jackie Robinson.  The listing claims that it was worn in the movie, but I don't actually recall seeing a Dodger uniform in it.  If you know differently please pass that along. 

BTW, a similar jersey sold last year at Lelands Auctions at $388.00.  I do not know if the above example is the same item.

(Auction Link)

Everytime I see the item above for sale I get exciting.  For a fleeting moment I imagine myself emptying out my bank account to add it to my collection.  Then, I'd try to claim partial ownership of the team to fulfill a lifelong fantasy.  Of course, it would be stupid for me to do that; especially since these documents have long since been cancelled.  Still, it would be cool to have.

Featured above is a 1948 Brooklyn Dodgers stock certificate.  It has been signed by then President Branch Rickey, team treasurer John Smith and former owner Marie McKeever Mulvey.  BTW, Marie remained an owner of the club until 1975.  Having featured this kind of certificate numerous times before, I know that an example just like this routinely sells for about $4,500 to $5000 a piece.  That's quite an expensive piece of paper.

(Auction Link)

This last item is a pin you just don't see very often.  It is a large-format composite pinback celebrating the 1947 National League pennant winning Brooklyn Dodgers.  They were originally sold only during the ensuing World Series played that October against the Yankees.   There are 22 faces on the pin; including Jackie Robinson.  Considering this was Jackie's first year as a Dodger makes this a unique and extremely desirable collectible.  I am uncertain how much an an example like this is expected to sell for, but I imagine it would be in the low four figures.

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Fantastic 1889 Brooklyn Bridegrooms Scorecard at Goodwin & Co. Auctions

Here is something you don't see everyday.

Featured here is a 1889 Brooklyn Bridegrooms scorecard.  As you may know, this year was the franchises last as a member of the American Association.  The following season they would join the National League where they continue to this day.  BTW, the Bridegrooms moniker is one of the many different nicknames given to the Brooklyn club.  At the time, teams did not have official names.  As for how Bridegrooms became popular, as the story goes several of the teams players got engaged at the same time, so naturally the fans (and the press) chose what was most suitable. (If you're interested in reading a biography focused on the club when they were known as the Bridegrooms I suggest reading Ronald Shafer's book called "When the Dodgers were Bridegrooms."  Check out my interview with the author here.)

This scorecards is one of the earliest artifacts of its kind from the Dodgers franchise.  Best yet, Goodwin & Co. auction house was kind enough to share pics of several of the pages within it in their auction listing.  I've captured all of those photos below, and included the biographies created for each individual player so that you may learn a little bit more about a few of the earliest Dodger players.  Since the pics provided aren't particularly clear I've done my best to recreate them.  Check out these pics and biographies below the fold.

As you can see below, the club was playing their games at Washington Park; their very first home and onetime headquarters for General George Washington during the Revolutionary War.  I had previously written extensively about this ballpark here. 

When We Weren't so PC

I always feel a certain sense of astonishment when I look at vintage sports collectibles.

And I'm not talking about holding something that is decades old or the pure historical nature an object may possess - although, there's a bit of that.

It's just that I find it weird how different those times were.

For instance, check out the circa 1940's Brooklyn Dodger pennant above that is currently for sale at Hunt Auctions (auction link here).  It features an old Dodger mascot who I am sure most of you have heard of and seen.  It is of the Dodger "Bum" created originally by newspaper editorial cartoonist Willard Mullin and popularized further by the clown Emmett Kelly in Brooklyn. 

From what I understand, Brooklynites often referred to the Dodger team/players as "their bums" - not because they were despised, but because they had became so loved.  Players were just guys from the neighborhood, so fans took them on as one of their own.  And as you know, when you become family you have to endure a certain amount of ribbing.  Over time the moniker became a cultural icon for the era and city.

Today, a nickname like the "Bums" would receive scorn from every corner of the country - much like what the Redskins football club (and to a lesser extant the Cleveland Indians Chief Wahoo) faces today.  There would be protest and marches.  Editorials would scream about the perceived lack of sensitivity.  And they'd be right. 

I think it's a good thing for people to be involved and to care as much as they seem to.  It's just that I find it amazing.  We had gone from a society that openly, and quite vocally, threw around disparaging remarks like it was going out of style to a world that can be just as vociferous when playing the part of PC police.   

Sometimes I think it's just more of the same... But this time the shoe is on the other foot.  And maybe that's the crux. 

I dunno. 

Fortunately, the Dodgers old nickname is not as controversial, if at all, compared to what Washington or Cleveland fans have to go through.  It would be tough being a fan/collector of either of those clubs.

BTW, this same Hunt Auction includes a very cool 1980 game jersey of Dodger Mickey Hatcher.  See pic below.  It includes an 1980 Dodger Stadium All-Star Game patch.  Check that auction out here.

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A Couple Interesting Vintage Dodger Press Photos at RMY Auctions

Check out a couple of great vintage Dodgers-related press photos currently available at RMY Auctions.

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

Hey, Blue Eye's!

Below is a fun 1966 NEA/UPI press photo featuring the dashing Sandy Koufax with the equally beautiful Nancy Sinatra locked in an embrace.  Below is what's written on the caption attached to the reverse:

Making a Point - Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers points out something to Nancy Sinatra before the Hollywood All Stars-Sports Writers game July 22.  Wearing a Dodger uniform, the daughter of singer Frank Sinatra did not seem to help the team in their cause as they lost the subsequent official game to the visiting New York Mets, 3-0.

I want so badly to know what the heck they are pointing at.  Has a fan interrupted the exhibition by running onto the field, or did some reporter make a fantastic play?  We shall never know.  I would like to believe, though, that an alien spaceship is hovering over the stadium. 

(auction link)

Here is a photo that is sure to elicit a strong emotional response.  After all, the idea having a couple of young African-American kids as team mascots and giving them obvious racial nicknames would bring about screams from all corners of the country today - and rightly so.  Nevertheless, from an historical perspective I felt it was important enough to share here.

It is dated to March 2, 1929 and was release by ACME News Pictures. It states the following on the caption attached to the reverse:

Luck On The End of the Bat - Rookie Ralston, one of the youngsters trying to break into the line-up of the Brooklyn Dodgers, gets his bat from "Snowball" and "Blackball," the two mascots, at the Dodgers' spring training camp at Clearwater, FL.

Thankfully, a lot has changed in the world and in the game. And although the children appear to be enjoying themselves (who wouldn't want to be as close to game as they were at their age), this photo clearly exhibits a different era that we should never pretend never existed.

(auction link)

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When You Want to Wear Your Pride on Your Tie - at Huggins & Scott

Nothing says you're a fan better than wearing a jersey and cap, but what if you're at work?  Not many folks can get away with that get-up while employed, so what is a fan to do?

If you don't mind something vintage (and likely out of style) then this item available at Huggins & Scott Auctions is right down your alley.

Featured below is a 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers National League Championship tie featuring various pennants and facsimile autographs of 26 players; including Rookie of the Year Jackie Robinson.  Other players include Pee Wee Reese, Gil Hodges, Carl Furillo and Ralph Branca.

As you know, this was the year Jackie broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball and was the teams first appearance in a World Series in six years.  Unfortunately, they would lose to the Yankees in 7 games, but I think it's fair to say that this season marked a new era for Dodger Baseball.  Over the next decade the Dodgers would win six pennants and a World Series crown in 1955.

I wonder how this would look on me with a jacket and slacks.

(Auction Link)

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Take a Look at Some Vintage Dodger Goodies at Hake's Auctions

Hunt's isn't the only auction house running a big auction right now.  Hake's Americana & Collectibles has just opened up their 213th major auction this week and it includes some great vintage Dodger memorabilia.  Here are some of my favorites.

Below is a pinback you just don't see very often.  Here is a circa 1940's-50's Montreal Royals pin (designated PM10) complete with ribbons and a white celluloid ball charm.  As you know, the Royals were the Brooklyn Dodgers main farm club and the place where Jackie Robinson got his start within the Dodger franchise.

(Auction Link)

Speaking of Jackie Robinson, below is a vintage press photo, circa 1945, of him in a Kansas City Monarchs uniform.  This is an original Sporting News photograph. 

(Auction Link)

The below grouping of vintage photographs is absolutely incredible, and I would do almost anything to have a chance to get a closer look at them all.  This auction item includes 50 different 5"x7" original Brooklyn Superbas photographs from ”Spooner & Wells, Inc. Photographers” out of New York City.  They date from 1908 to 1910 and feature some great background shots of old stadiums; including the Dodgers old home at Washington Park II.

Of all the photos they share in the auction listing I most fascinated with two photos showing a haphazardly-looking wooden fence in the background shown directly below.  Where could those photos possibly have been taken?  I would really love to know.

(Auction Link)

(Auction Link)

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Blog Kiosk: 5/1/2014 - Dodger Links - 10,000 Wins!

Last nights win against the Twins make it 10,000 franchise wins since joining the National League.  Graphic above via Dodgers on tumblr.  Bill Chuck at the Daily Gammons has more details, as well as, an explanation of some of the discrepancies regarding the Dodgers true win total.

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Dodger minor league report: Week 4 — Starting pitching power."  Eric Stephen at True Blue LA puts together a minor league report, as well.
• Via Jon Weisman on Dodger Insider, "The ballad of Hee Seop Choi."  I do remember when Choi destroyed Twins pitching 9 years ago - If only he could have done that consistently versus other clubs.
• Via Chris Olds at Beckett tells us about, "Topps’ latest wall art series takes a look back at vintage MLB logos."  It includes a great looking Brooklyn Dodgers logo superimposed on a vintage 1959 Topps Baseball card.  See it on the right.  They are limited to just 99 copies.
• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Clayton Kershaw throws 5 innings in rehab start in Chattanooga."

"I think it went alright. I got my pitch count up there. With 87 [pitches], I would have liked to get through six or seven, but the goal was to get the pitch count up there," Kershaw told reporters after the game (per the Lookouts).

• Via Mark Simon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Greinke rolls through April again."
• An old friend alert:  Via Steve Adams at MLB Trade Rumors, "At Least Five Teams Showing Strong Interest In Hanrahan."  I'm actually surprised somebody hasn't thrown the Dodgers name in there - just for the heck of it.

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Dodgers Memorabilia at REA Auctions - The Historic

I've written it many times before, Robert Edwards Auctions consistently has some of the best Baseball memorabilia available.  They are the preeminent sports auction house in the country, and their catalogs are filled with so much history they are often kept by collectors as a hobby book.

Right now, REA is running their Spring Baseball auction and it is filled with so much Dodger memorabilia I just couldn't write one post.  In fact, I couldn't just write two.  Instead, I'll have as many as six different posts featuring the Dodgers, and I may throw in a general Baseball historical artifacts post just for the heck of it.  

To start with, I'll share some historically significant Dodger memorabilia for you to look at.

This first item is something that should be in a museum, and if the Dodgers are serious about building one then this item should be there.  Below is a letter written by the original Dodger owner, Charlie Byrne, to the National League seeking admission, and it has been signed and approved by the leagues governing board.

It states:

To the Secretary of - The National League of Professional B. B. Clubs. Dear Sir: The Brooklyn Base Ball Club and organization incorporated under the laws of the State of New York, respectfully asks for membership in your league. Said Club is duly organized and officered with grounds thoroughly prepared and equipped.

Very Truly Yours - Chas. H. Byrne - Pres. and Secretary.

Per the auction description:

Brooklyn's application was formally accepted by the National League, as noted by the pencil signatures of the members of the League's governing board directly below, which are preceded by the word, "Approved." The five League officials approving the application are "NE Young - Chairman," "John B. Day," W. A. Nimick," W. F. Hewitt," and "J. T. Brush." All of the signatures are boldly scripted and grade "9" or "10." The reverse of the document also bears the docket "Brooklyn/Nov. 14. 1889," scripted in black ink.

Nicholas Young was president of the National League at the time, while John B. Day owned the New York Giants, William A. Nimick owned Pittsburgh, W. F. Hewitt owned Washington, and J. T. Brush had owned the League's Indianapolis franchise up until that year. Charles Byrne owned Brooklyn from 1884 to 1897. Of the six men who have signed this document, Brush is the most important today. As owner of Indianapolis, he was responsible for creating the salary limitations for player contracts that was the main impetus for the formation of the Players' League in 1890. Brush later owned Cincinnati, where he rose to become one of the most powerful figures in baseball. In 1903 he purchased the New York Giants. One year later he unilaterally canceled the World Series by refusing to let his Giants meet the Red Sox in the fall classic, mainly because of a long-standing feud he had with American League president Ban Johnson. His ownership of the Giants continued until his death in 1912.

This document notes the birth of the Dodgers in the National League.

It has an opening bid $30,000.00.

(Auction Link)

The below trophy cup was presented to future Hall of Famer Honus Wagner by the Brooklyn Dodger franchise in 1917.  Per the auction description:

In (his) final season, many of the National League clubs honored him with special farewell ceremonies at their respective ballparks. The Brooklyn Dodgers were no exception, and on July 12th at Ebbets Field they honored Wagner by presenting him with this magnificent sterling-silver trophy cup. The engraving on the cup reads: "Presented to/John H. Wagner/by the/Brooklyn National League/Baseball Club/In commemoration of his long, faithful/and conscientious service/in the National League,/a gentleman on and off the field/and one who has earned/in his chosen profession/the highest esteem/of all interested/in the National Game./Brooklyn N. Y./July 11th/1917."

(Auction Link)

Below are two telegrams sent from 1947 sent by and to Branch Rickey in regards to the promotion of Jackie Robinson to the Majors.  The first telegram is to Arthur Mann, an assistant of Rickey's, by Branch, writing:

"Absolutely nothing either encouraging or discouraging or otherwise relative Robinson. Most important thing right now is avoid any and all publicity on whole subject particularly as to purpose of committee or even its existence. However very sensible for everyone to plan on assumption that something is liable to happen. This sounds like double talk at its best. Thats how I feel this morning." 

Per the auction description:

At the time this telegram was sent, Jackie Robinson and the Montreal Royals were in New York playing a series of exhibition games against the Brooklyn Dodgers. Rickey scheduled the games in the hopes that the Dodgers players, seeing how good Robinson was, would soften their opposition to his joining the club. The "committee" mentioned in the telegram was a thirty-two member panel, formed by Rickey, that was composed of black clergy and other civic leaders from each of the eight National League cities. The committee members were chosen to work with each respective city's local black communities to educate them regarding Robinson's impending debut and to make sure that Robinson received their full support when he came to town. As one can see here in this telegram, Rickey is making sure that the committee's activities remain clandestine prior to Robinson's debut. Mann was most likely able to read between the lines of this "coded" telegram, which told of Rickey's intention to promote Robinson very shortly. That promotion came exactly three days later, on April 10th.

The second telegram is from American theatrical producer Kermit Bloomgarden, and is dated April 10, 1947.  It states:

"Congratulations on your decision to bring Robinson to Brooklyn based on his record he deserves this opportunity and you deserve best=wishes from all of us who believe in fair play in sports and more important fair play in living."

(Auction Link)

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Blog Kiosk: 2/22/2014 - Dodgers Links - Rachel Robinson, Matt Kemp to Miss Australia and Fat Puig

See kids, the pro's do run-down drills too.  Miguel Rojas makes a tag in the photo above.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.

• Watch Sportscaster Len Berman speak with Rachel Robinson, Jackie's widow, about the baseball icon and the foundation that she started in his honor at WNET.
• FYI, Sandy Koufax is fine.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Koufax shaken up after being hit by line drive".

"It didn't look good," said Kershaw. "Glad he walked off. He seemed OK."

• Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA writes about, "Another piece of Brooklyn Dodger history lost".

And while it was pure coincidence that the Dodgers just so happened to be in town playing the Mets during my visit, she insisted that we go to Junior’s – and not just for the best cheesecake in town either. Within seconds of walking in the doors of the unique shaped building I realized what she had meant – the place was a virtual museum of Dodger memorabilia and photographs. You could just feel the connection to the Brooklyn Dodgers.

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Kemp likely to miss opening series in Australia".
• Via Eno Sarris at FanGraphs, "Do The Dodgers Have a Problem At Second Base?"

Projections are just projections, but it’s worth noting that only two of last year’s playoff teams had seven above-average position players. Only one was in the NL — the Dodgers. That the Dodgers have good players everywhere (with some depth) has allowed them to gather this group at second base with less heartburn.

• Bob Lemke shares an interesting story related to the anger one ex-ballplayer had towards Branch Rickey for signing Jackie Robinson. I think it's funny that the rational Bill Werber used in his letter to Rickey is strikingly similar to the rational used by folks today against other minority classes. 

“Your effort to force them to accept socially and to play with a Negro or Negroes, is highly distasteful,” Werber continued. “You are, in fact, for some unaccountable reason, discriminating against the majority.”

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "Yasiel Puig too heavy in camp?"  By the way, Roberto Baly at Vin Scully is My Homeboy had previously shared a photo of "Fat Puig" here.

"We don't feel it's going to be a problem, but we're paying attention to it, put it that way," Mattingly told ESPNLosAngeles.com.

• Via Ryan G at Chaos and Kanji, "Another JWBL Game: Women's Baseball near Yokohama".

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A Vintage Brooklyn Dodgers Souvenir Sell Sheet

I came across this great little letter the other day on eBay and thought you'd all get a kick out of it.

Featured below is a 1953 letter from the Brooklyn Dodgers Publicity Department responding to a request from a fan for some autographs and memorabilia. They politely stated that they couldn't provide what the fan wanted, but he/she can get many of these items from their concessionaire. 

Then, they detailed the cost for such items.  Check out the letter below, and marvel at what a few coins could get you 60 years ago.

• A facsimile autographed Baseball for $2.25; a
• 1951 Dodgers Yearbook at $0.50; a
• Scorecard at $0.10; a
• Dodgers cap for $1.00;
• Bracelets (including a luxury tax?) for $1.50;
• Beanie hats for $1.00;
• Autographed bats (large) for $0.75;
• Autographed bats (small) for $0.50; and
• Pennants for $0.50.

Wow!  Even if you put these values into an inflation calculator they still come out to be great deals.

(auction link)

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Blog Kiosk: 1/7/2014 - Dodgers Links - A Mattingly Extension Coming Soon and Kemp Doing Fine

The Dodgers Winter Development camp is currently ongoing.  Check out a pic above of some instructors at Dodger Stadium who are there to lend their voice and experience to some of our best prospects - Eric Karros, Ramon Martinez and Tommy Lasorda.  Pic via Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers 2014.  See more photos here.

• An extension for Mattingly may be coming down the pike very soon, via a tweet from Ken Rosenthal.

Sources: #Dodgers making progress on Mattingly extension. Deal expected to be done soon.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 6, 2014

• Brian Wilson started a Instagram account, @vinweez, and you should check it out.  He is currently vacationing in Australia, and is sharing a bunch of pics.
• Panini America shares a bunch of preview pics of their upcoming 2013 Elite Extra Edition Baseball card set that comes out later this week.  This is a prospect heavy card set.  See a Piazza card on the right.
• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Stories and more from Maury Wills".  BTW, you should make Dodger Insider a part of your daily reading list.
• Via Vince Lombardi Jr. at Outside Pitch MLB, "A Review of Sandy Koufax’s Dominant, but Shortened Career".
• Emma at Dodger Blue World takes a look at currently living Brooklyn Dodgers.
• Peter Gammons tells us that "Matt Kemp still recovering from ankle surgery".  This is all good news.
• Classified under, "it's about time!"  Via Mike Oz at Big League Stew, Topps to produce baseball cards of players from the film ‘Major League’

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REA: A Couple of Rare Brooklyn Dodgers Programs

Robert Edwards Auctions, known for its once-a-year sports cards and memorabilia auction gala, is holding (to my surprise) their 2nd auction of the year right now, and as always it is incredible.  Although not exactly comparable to its big summer auction, it does include numerous vintage items worth taking note.

For instance, take a look at this 1919 "Peace Souvenir" program issued by the Brooklyn Dodgers, below.

(auction link)

Per the auction description:

The special eight-page program was specially produced to honor all of the members of the Brooklyn Dodgers organization, both players and executives, who served in the military during World War I. All of the members are pictured (many in their respective military uniforms), and the rear cover unfolds to reveal a large team photo of the 1919 Brooklyn club. Included among the individual portrait images are Burleigh Grimes (pictured in his sailor's uniform), Zack Wheat, Wilbert Robinson, and Rube Marquard (pictured in his sailor's uniform).

Click on any pic to embiggen.

(auction link)

(auction link)

Since we are in the midst of the 2013 Baseball postseason, I though it would be fun to take a look at this 1920 World Series program issued at Brooklyn’s Ebbets Field. Dodgers manager Wilbert Robinson is on the cover.  BTW, the Brooklyn team was nicknamed the Robins due to their love of their portly skipper.  Unfortunately, the Indians defeated the Robins five games to two in the 1920 World Series (it was a best-of-nine affair). 

Per the auction description:

Today, the Series is best known for two famous firsts, each of which occurred in Game 5. In the first inning Indians outfielder Elmer Smith hit the first grand slam in Series play. Four innings later teammate Bill Wambsganss did him one better by completing the first and only unassisted triple play in the history of the fall classic.

(Auction Link)

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A 1976 Jim Beam's Bicentennial Bourbon / Norman Rockwell Decanter

This ranks as one of my favorite Brooklyn Dodgers related memorabilia items in my collection.  Shown here is a 1976 decanter of Jim Beam's Bourbon.  It is a Bicentennial glass bottle featuring a classic Normal Rockwell painting that many of you may be familiar with.  It is commonly named "Game Called Because of Rain".  It has also been called "The Three Umpires", "Tough Call" and "Bottom of the Sixth".

The reverse of the bottle has the following description:

This cover picture by Norman Rockwell depicts the old Ebbets Field, then the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers.  Here, the Dodgers are trailing the Pittsburgh Pirates 1-0 in the sixth inning.  If the arbiters call the game because of rain, the score will stand as is and Pittsburgh will win.  This irks the Brooklynites, who dislike having other teams win.  In the picture, a Brooklyn coach could well be saying, "You may be all wet, but it ain't raining a drop!"  The huddled Pittsburgh Pirates manager is doubtless retorting, "For the love of Abner Doubleday, how can we play ball in this cloudburst?"

This decanter can easily be found on eBay for about $10, and would look phenomenal in any collectors showcase.

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Sunday Dodgers Videos: Marty Adler on Brooklyn Dodgers Nostalgia & Memorabilia, Andre Ethier and Kershaw's Ping Pong Challenge

Here are this Sunday's Dodgers videos.

An early episode of That's Brooklyn pays tribute to the Brooklyn Dodgers. Our guest was the President of the Brooklyn Dodgers Hall of Fame, Marty Adler. Sadly he passed away just recently.

Video Link:

Gary George interviews Andre Ethier in the clubhouse a couple of days ago.

Video Link:

Clayton and Ellen Kershaw played host to a charity ping pong event held at Dodger Stadium

Video Link:

Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly talks to Mike Dunsmore of NBC Sports Radio during Clayton Kershaw's Ping Pong Challenge at Dodger Stadium on August 30, 2011.

Video Link:

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Sunday Dodgers Videos: A Brooklyn Fan's Home Video, Vin Scully and Paco

Here are this Sunday's Dodgers Videos.

Watch a home movie of the Brooklyn Dodgers playing at Ebbets Field from 1956. Gil Hodges and Jackie Robinson are seen hitting home runs; Don Newcombe is warming up.

Video Link:

In honor of Vin.  Watch his 1992 Baseball Hall of Fame acceptance speech.  You can also watch a portion of Vin's press conference from Friday here.

Video Link:

From 8/19/13: Dodgers reliever and Miami native Paco Rodriguez discusses the ballpark, his Dodgers callup and his Miami roots.

Video Link:

Remember Troy from West Virginia?  Well, he still puts up Dodger related videos, from time to time.  Check out his story about Pete Rose from 1988 that is Dodger related.

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A Vintage Card Auction: Jim Gilliam & the Bridegrooms

Love of the Game Auctions has a couple of great Dodgers related collectibles I wanted to share with you.

Below is a relatively unknown vintage Puerto Rican Winter League Baseball card of Dodger great Jim Gilliam.  This set was issued from 1950-51 by Toleteros in Puerto Rico, and are fairly scarce.  It has really only been in the last decade that the collecting world has taken notice of this set. 

One of the great things about this and other sets from the island is that it includes many Negro League players who do not appear in any other card set.  In fact, this particular set includes the only known Josh Gibson card in the hobby.  It is the Holy Grail of Negro League cards, and it's value matches its rarity.  There are only about a dozen known Gibson cards.

The below Gilliam card, although not as scarce as the Gibson card, is a tough find and counts as one of his earliest issues.  As you can see, he played for Cangrejeros de Santurce in Santurce, San Juan.  They currently play at Hiram Bithorn Stadium.

UPDATE:  I've always thought there was something strange about this card, and now that I look at it again I can't help but think that Toleteros used the wrong photo.  The photo they used just doesn't look like Jim Gilliam.  Am I wrong?

(Auction Link)

The next item below is super rare.  It is a 1898 Cameo Pepsin pin of the Brooklyn Bridegrooms.  The Dodger team of that era, according to lore, were dubbed the Bridegrooms due to a large number of players who were wed at the same time.

This Cameo Pepsin pins measures 1 1/4" in diameter and still retains the original advertising insert on the reverse.

(Auction Link)

(Auction Link)

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A 1887 Dodger Baseball Card of a Player Involved in a Play of Deception

Following up on yesterday's post featuring a couple of vintage Dodgers memorabilia items for sale at Legendary Auctions, I want to take a moment to point out a late 19th century Baseball card for sale of a former Dodger player I thought worth mentioning.

The below card is a 1887 Old Judge tobacco card of Brooklyn Grays starting pitcher Stephen Toole.

He isn't notable because he was a great pitcher worthy of serious consideration into the Hall of Fame.  Toole was a rather poor pitcher who played in only 4 Major League seasons (2 of which with the Brooklyn Grays/Dodgers - 1886 to 1887). 

I highlight Stephen Toole because he played a part in a very unusual triple play.

As a member of the Brooklyn Galdiators (American Association) in 1890 he, along with 2 teammates, were called out in a triple play that can only be described as an act of trickery. 

Toole was on 2nd base with the bases full as the batter, John Peltz, popped it up to the short stop, Marr Phillips.  Seeing an opportunity, the short stop decided to let the ball fall untouched.  In a time before the advent of the "infield fly rule", the runners, unsure of what exactly to do, first held fast then ran for the next base.  As you can imagine, they were all putout for a triple play.

Obviously, the Brooklyn club protested.  They claimed that the league recently declared that only the batter would be out in this situation (i.e. the infield fly rule).  Unfortunately, the umpire, ironically named Barnum, would have none of that.  He declared it a triple play, claiming that he had not been notified by the league of any rule changes.

BTW, the Brooklyn Gladiators lasted only one season as a going concern.  They folded up after the 1890 season, having gone 26-72 for the year.  The team that would be known as the Brooklyn Dodgers, on the other hand, had left the American Association that season and won the National League.

*The above triple play story came from the SABR Triple Play database.

(Auction Link)

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