Vintage Dodger Photos on Auction -- Koufax, Ebbets and Ruth... Oh, My!

Even with the national shutdown in effect numerous auction houses continue to operate 'business as usual' -- which should come as no surprise. Items have already been cataloged, so why not have collectors do some bidding. Whether that's wise, considering a potential downturn in values, only time will tell. Thankfully, none of that really matters to us since we can use these auctions as a little respite to change-up the day.

Right now there are two auction houses I wanted to focus on here -- Love of the Game and Hunt Auctions. Both of these companies have some fantastic vintage photographs I wanted to point out to you.

For instance, check out the above Sandy Koufax photo.

How often do you see an action photo of Sandy taking a mighty swing? It was taken by noted photographer Bud Gray and is available through Love of the Game Auctions (Auction Link). Bud had began his career as a photographer for the Navy during WWII, then as a photojournalist for the Herald Examiner and UPI, and a still photographer for Universal.

To the right is another Sandy Koufax photograph. (Auction Link) This time he is photographed during his very first no-hitter, dated June 30, 1962. On this day he struck out 13 hapless Metropolitan batters.

Even More Dodger Goodies at SCP Auctions

Last week I highlighted an incredible Vin Scully artifact (link here) that is available through SCP Auctions. It's his very first employment contract and it's currently at $8,577 -- nearly double what it was just a few days ago. Today, I thought it's be fun to take a look at some of the other Dodger stuff... And there's a lot of it.

For instance, there are nearly 20 different listings featuring Dodgers' game-worn uniform pieces -- from jerseys to pants. But none of those are as cool as the above highlighted 1959 Don Drysdale gamer (Auction Link). As you know, the Dodgers won their very first World Series title on the West Coast that season. It's currently priced at $12,100, at the time of this posting.

Couple of Brooklyn Rarities and Ladies in Baseball Memorabilia at REA

Premier sports collectibles auction house REA has just opened up their 2019 Summer offering, so I thought I would take a little bit of time this afternoon to highlight some of my favorite items. As you may know, REA specializes in pre-war cards and vintage/antique memorabilia, and this auction does not disappoint in that area. In fact, there are plenty of Dodgers' T206, Old Judge and other Topps rarities available. Heck, there's also a ton of Jackie Robinson memorabilia/cards available too. None of those items, though provide a glimpse into the face of the gentleman who helped start it all. Featured above is a circa 1910 cabinet photograph of former team owner (the namesake of the stadium that would be the Dodgers home for more than 45 years) Charles Ebbets with his autograph. (Auction Link) Per the auction description:

Blog Kiosk: 1/2/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Above is a pic of Dodgers team mascot, Ambrose the dog, with team owner Charles Ebbets and his family. It is currently available at RMY Auctions (link here). Per the description on the reverse:

Owner Watches Dodgers Shaping Up -- Stiff workouts continue daily at the Brooklyn Dodgers' Florida Training Camp. The owner Charles Ebbets is there to see thing are going right and he is shown with Mrs. Ebbets helping Ambrose, the mascot to a light. Dated 3-11-1924.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1911 Dodgers president Charles Ebbets announces that he has completed the purchase of 4.5 acres of land in the Pigtown section of Brooklyn to build a new concrete and steel stadium for the team. In 1935 the Dodgers selected Cubs catcher Babe Phelps off of waivers. He would go on to play seven seasons in Brooklyn -- slashing .315/.368/.477/.845 and attended three All-Star games. In 2004 the Dodgers signed free agent infielder and pinch-hitting savant Olmedo Sáenz. All hail the "Killer Tomato".
• Happy Birthday, George Boehler, Bobby Reis, Cliff Dapper, Bill Madlock, Greg Heydeman, Mike Metcalfe & Scott Proctor!

Blog Kiosk: 4/21/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Today is historically quite an inauspicious day in Dodger history. As stated below, in 1925 we laid to rest the owner of the team, Charles Ebbets. He had risen through the ranks within the club, starting as a ticket, peanut and scorecard salesman to eventual owner and president. On this day though, he was buried in Brooklyn after having had a heart attack just three days prior. At the same time, his business partner, friend and newly named team president, Ed McKeever, got pneumonia while attending Ebbets funeral services. He would die soon thereafter.

Above is a circa 1913 vintage photo of the pair taken by legendary Baseball photographer George Bain. Ignore the markings at the top. Ed McKeever stands on the left and Charles is on the far right.

Below are some links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1925 Dodgers owner Charles Ebbets is buried at Brooklyn's Greenwood Cemetery. All National League games are cancelled in observance. In a strange twist of fate, new Dodgers President Edward McKeever contracts pneumonia at the services and dies eight days later. In 1955 the Brooklyn Dodgers win the 10th consecutive game in a row to start the season -- setting a then major league record. In 1967 the Los Angeles Dodgers experienced their first ever rain-out since moving west -- a streak of 737 consecutive games played at home. In 2000 the game between the Dodgers and Reds is delayed 27 minutes. The umpires' equipment was accidentally shipped to New York, and replacement gear had to be purchased at a nearby store. Furthermore, due to heavy traffic a police escort is used.
• Happy Birthday, Bert Hogg, Stan Rojek, Jesse Orosco, Chris Donnels, Jack Taschner, Terry Tiffee & Joc Pederson!
  

Blog Kiosk: 2/28/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Immediately following yesterdays spring game Dave Roberts, broadcaster Joe Davis and photographer Jon Soohoo flew back to Los Angeles to attend the LA Sports Awards at the Beverly Hilton. Roberts won the 2016 coach of the year award and Davis conducted a live interview with him on stage.

BTW, Julio Urias is scheduled to make his first spring start against the Rockies today.  They'll be playing in Scottsdale and Urias will pitch two innings as he prepares for the upcoming season.  In other news, Hyun-Jin Ryu is considering a position change, as evidenced by this Ruthian swing captured by Jon SooHoo (pic on the right).

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2017.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterday; including pics from Mondays game.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1966 the great Koufax/Drysdale contract holdout commences.  In 2002 the Dodgers signed free agent Japanese starting pitcher Kaz Ishii after posting a $11.26 million bid to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows for the right to negotiate with him. He would eventually sign a four-year $12.3 million contract with the Dodgers.
• Happy Birthday, Al Humphrey, Orlando Alvarez & Trent Oeltjen!
  

Blog Kiosk: 6/7/2016 - Dodgers Links - Puig & Goff

Yasiel Puig and the presumptive Rams starting QB Jared Goff are now best friends.  After being drafted in late April by the Rams word spread quickly that not only is Goff a SF Giants fan but he was also a Puig-hater.  Jared Goff had made an uncouth comment about Puig on twitter back in 2013.  See my post about that here.

As you can imagine, a mini brouhaha occurred.  Folks expressed their disdain online.  Fans started to take sides.  Bloggers wrote a bunch of stories.  Soon thereafter, Puig and Goff exchanged greetings on social media, and then they quickly buried the hatchet.  Yasiel Puig even offering to escort Goff around town.  Fast forward to yesterday and we get the makings of an Los Angeles love-fest.  They met before the game for the first time, and it now seems clear that are now buddies.  Via ESPN:

"We made up a long time ago, but it was good to talk to him," Goff said. "He's a real cool guy. It was funny. It was something I tweeted when I was like 17 years old. He thought it was funny and it's cool to be down here. It's a good chance to meet him through that crazy way."

BTW, Goff was not the only Rams player in attendance.  Five other teammates came out to meet the Dodger Stadium crowd.  Check them out wearing Dodger Blue on the right.

Photo at the very top via @Dodgers on twitter.  The pic on the above right via @RamsNFL on twitter. Go here to check out a bunch of pics from Jon SooHoo from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1898 Charles Ebbets took over as manager of the team.  His team would go 38-68 under him.  The next year Ned Hanlon came on board to skipper the team.  In 1957 Jackie Robinson, along with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., receive honorary degrees of Doctor of Laws from Howard University. In 1982 Steve Garvey becomes the fifth player in MLB history to play in 1,000 consecutive games.He would receive a one-minute standing ovation from the Dodger Stadium crowd.  In 1995 Tommy Lasorda would win his 1,500th game as manager in a victory over the Expos.

An Invitation Game to Circumvent Blue Laws - Let's Play Some Sunday Baseball

Once upon a time it was illegal to have any fun on Sundays.  It was the day of prayer and reverence, and folks throughout America were required to abstain from leisurely activity.  This even included a restriction on professional Baseball teams playing a game on that day. 

How crazy is that, right?

It's hard to imagine a Sunday afternoon in the middle of summer without Baseball.  They go hand in hand, and I dare say that if not for the melding of the two it would be that much harder to get up the next day for the start of the work week.  I think that we as a country and culture need Sunday Baseball, and from what I understand Baseball owners needed it too.

Today is 52nd Anniversary of Koufax's 3rd Career Immaculate Inning

There are few pitching feats as grand as a no-hitter.  Still, it is not as rare as the Immaculate Inning.

What's this, you ask?

An Immaculate Inning is when a pitcher records three straight outs, via strike outs, using nine consecutive strikes during a single inning.  It has been done only 80 times, and today marks the third time Sandy Koufax had accomplished the deed.

It happened on April 18, 1964 against the Cincinnati Reds.  Koufax, in his second start of the season, faced off against Leo Cardenas, Johnny Edwards, and Jim Maloney in the third inning, and quickly sent them to their seats.  Unfortunately, Koufax's next inning wouldn't be as good.  He would give up a three-run homer in the fourth, and eventually lose the game 3-0 (boxscore). 

Regardless of that result, Sandy would set a record that has yet to be beat.  He is the only pitcher to record three Immaculate Innings in his career, and he would do it over three consecutive years.

Lobbying Zach Wheat in a Letter from Uncle Robbie at REA

In case you don't already know, I absolutely love running into old letters written by former Dodgers'.  Oftentimes, they provide a little glimpse at their personalities, and insight into their character.  Other times, we get a look at what's going on behind the scenes.  Go here to check out all of my previous post on Dodgers' Correspondence.

Above, is a letter currently on auction at REA that I wanted to pass along.  It is written the day after Christmas 1917.  Hall of Fame manager Wilbert "Uncle Robbie" Robinson reaches out to fellow Hall of Famer Zach Wheat about the upcoming season.  Check out the auction here.

In the midst of World War I in Europe and a difficult past year at the turnstiles throughout the league, Robbie does a little bit of contract negotiating on behalf of Charles Ebbets.  After all, of all the players on that club Wheat was the one guy they had to make sure stayed on.  Check it out in full below:

Dear Buck [Wheat's nickname]:

In talking various matters over with Mr. Ebbets a few days ago, he informed me that the club would exercise their options upon the services of all the players on our list and then he would write you asking what salary you expected or should like to have for season of 1918, which will be from April 16th to Sept. 30th, exactly 5 1/2 months: he wants to agree with the players upon a salary which will be fair to the player and to the club. I hope you will be fair in your answer to Mr. Ebbets. You know he was the first who said base ball must continue when others were talking of quitting; neither he nor his partners have hollered "calamity"; but for all that you and I know that base ball conditions were bad all over the country and not likely to be any better in 1918 unless we should get better weather conditions; the weather of 1917 could not be much worse. Mr. E. told me that they would try and meet near as possible the conditions of 1913, which was, he said, the last normal year they had had; the years 1914, 1915, 1916, being covered with high Federal League contracts and 1917 suffering by reason of the World War.

I hope you will carefully consider all this and too the conditions that confront us in 1918; almost fifty thousand men have been taken by the government out of Brooklyn and more will be drafted in the next few months; so be fair when you write Mr. Ebbets. I am sure he will be fair with you, everything considered.

I want you when you have finally signed your contract to come to me satisfied and work your head off; you know next year all clubs will get a piece of the World's Series; that is, all but the last club; besides, when the war is over and Cadore, Pfeffer and Smith come back to us we will be in a good position to improve our position and with better times get better money.

Contract will be for 5 1/2 months; training about three weeks; this will give you more time at home, but you must do some preliminary training prior to March 19th. 

I find it interesting that during an era when players were roundly beaten up by the owners, Zach Wheat appears to have significant leverage.  He was their top player; therefore their top draw.  Considering, as Robbie mentions above, that a large swath of fans were off to war the Dodgers needed to make sure there was someone on the field the populace would enjoy watching.  Clearly, Wheat was that man, and as the stats tell us he definitely proved to be a keeper.  In 1918 he hit a league leading .335.  Unfortunately, the Robins, as they were known back then, finished the season in 5th place in the National League.

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Some Great Dodger Memorabilia at SCP Auctions - Roseboro's Uni, Claire's Ring and a Letter from Ebbets

Following up on the Happy Felton letter to Walker O'Malley letter I shared the other day, below are a handful of other great Dodger collectibles available at SCP Auctions.  Go here to check out all of the items at SCP.

(Auction Link)

Check out this fantastic game-worn uniform of Johnny Roseboro from the 1963 Championship season.  This was the year the Dodgers swept the Yankees in the Fall Classic.

(Auction Link)

Here is Fred Claire's 1981 World Champion ring.  He was an public relations executive for the club starting in July 1969 and remained there until he assumed player personnel responsibilities after Al Campanis' shafu in 1987.  Soon thereafter he was named the General Manager.

Here's a fantastic letter signed by Charles Ebbets to an unnamed ballplayer just prior to the start of the 1915 Baseball season.  In it he suggest that it's a good time to start working out for the upcoming season.  Check out what it says below:

(Auction Link)

The time for reporting at Daytona, (set by Manager Robinson for March 1st), and the opening of the National League championship season is fast approaching.  I believe if you will all buckle right down to hard conscientious work, get in condition quickly, have no material accidents or illness and we get good results in the pitching department, that we will win the championship, possibly the Worlds Championship.  This goal I know is the ambition of you all; the pride and glory of winning one or both championships cannot be calculated in dollars and cents; with the championship goes the material part, (the monetary amount), of which all who participate receive their proper proportion; last but not least is the great advertising Brooklyn would receive and the pride and gratification of the people (who support the Brooklyn Club so loyally), by reason of your winning the championship.  For all these reasons my friends, I want each of you to commence now to take light exercise so that when you report to Manager Robinson on March 1st there will be comparatively little "tuning up" to do.  I know you all have the same confidence in Manager Robinson that we the owners have, and I want you to at all times to give him the best there is in you; we cannot expect more, er do not expect less.

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Scans of the 1950 Jackie Robinson Comic #4

Are you ready for another issue of the Jackie Robinson comics?  Featured here is issue #4 scanned in total. Directly below are links to the other comics I've scanned and shared so far:

UPDATE:  Directly below are links to the other Jackie Robinson vintage comics I've scanned and shared:

• 1950 JR Comic #1 (the first half) - Link
• 1950 JR Comic #1 (the second half) - Link
• 1950 JR Comic #2 (complete scans) - Link
• 1950 JR Comic #3 (complete scans) - Link 
• 1950 JR Comic #4 (complete scans) -Link
• 1951 JR Comic #5 (complete scans) - Link 
• 1951 JR Comic #6 (complete scans) - Link

Click on any pic to embiggen.

Some Brooklyn Dodger Rarities Available at REA

One of the more anticipated sports memorabilia auctions in the hobby just opened up, and there are some fantastic Dodger related collectibles up for sale.  Over the next few days I'll share some of my favorites from the REA Spring Auction.  You can check out the entire REA catalog here.

I thought I start by taking a look at some notable Brooklyn Dodger memorabilia.  Featured below is a circa 1950's Brooklyn Dodgers usher's cap dating from Ebbets Field. According to the consignor, it was found in a secondhand store in Brooklyn in the 1970's.

(Auction Link)

I first spoke about this next item back in January.  Featured below is the Brooklyn Dodgers official ledger (penned by Charles Ebbets) showing the teams day-to-day financial operations from April 1899 to December 1900. That's right.  This tattered book tells us everything about how they funded and operating the franchise during its more formative years.

According to the owner, it was originally retrieved from the trash as works crews began tearing down Ebbets Field after the Dodgers left for Los Angeles for the 1959 season.  I can only imagine what other items might have been discarded at that time.

(Auction Link)

Hidden these pages are player salaries, gate receipts and even the mundane cost of mowing the grass.  Via the auction description:

This book is a treasure trove of financial information. All incoming and outgoing funds of the club are recorded. Included are the exact attendance records for Brooklyn's games, with gate receipts broken down by seat prices. Also recorded are all of the concession sales, including peanuts, refreshments, and scorecards. Included on the expenditure side are both player and employee salaries (team owner Charles Ebbets' salary is also recorded numerous times, including in his own hand), as well as the cost for general repair and maintenance of Washington Park, equipment (balls, bats, uniforms, etc.), team stationery, newspaper advertising, a subscription to the Sporting News, and, of course, peanuts (150 pounds of peanuts cost $7.75 in 1900). Players on this powerhouse team include stars such as Hughie Jennings, Joe Kelley, Joe McGinnity, and Willie Keeler, as well as manager Ned Hanlon (all future Hall of Famers). With that remarkable roster of talent, Brooklyn captured the pennant in both 1899 and 1900. Each of the future Hall of Fame players is listed numerous times in the ledger with regard to salary payments and special compensation. The ledger also records the payment of fines to the National League levied against Kelley, Keeler, and Bill Dahlen in 1899; bonuses to McGraw and Wilbert Robinson in 1900; etc. In short, virtually all financial information relating to the business of the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1899 and 1900, this volume was Charles Ebbets' single most important record of the club's finances.

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Blog Kiosk: 1/13/2104 - Dodger Links - Kapler, Puig and a 19th Century Dodger Ledger

You wouldn't know from just looking at the cover, but the book featured above holds some fascinating historical information about the Brooklyn Dodgers.  It is the Brooklyn Dodgers official ledger (penned by Charles Ebbets) showing the teams day-to-day financial operations from April 1899 to December 1900.  Per Robert Lifason at REA Blog (BTW, this item will be on auction at REA this coming April):

This book is a treasure trove of financial information. All incoming funds and outgoing funds of the club are recorded. Included are the exact attendance records for Brooklyn’s games, with gate receipts broken down by seat prices. Also recorded are all of the concession sales, including peanuts, refreshments, and scorecards. Included on the expenditure side are both player and employee salaries ( team owner Charles Ebbets’ salary is also recorded numerous times, including in his own hand), as well as the cost for general repair and maintenance of Washington Park, equipment (balls, bats, uniforms, etc.), team stationery, newspaper advertising, a subscription to the Sporting News, and, of course, peanuts (150 pounds of peanuts cost $7.75 in 1900). In short, virtually all financial information relating to the business of the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1899 and 1900, there is no doubt this volume was Charles Ebbets’ single most important document of financial records of the club. It was literally the heart and soul of the business of The Brooklyn Base Ball Club.

Wow!  Go to Rob's post detailing it even more. 

Below are some more links to check out:

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Mind matters: Gabe Kapler on changes to Winter Development Program."

“I think in the past, guys have had opportunity to display their athletic prowess,” Kapler said in a conference call with reporters today. “We have leaned against that this year, in favor of creating a more mentally inviting environment. We wanted our players to stay on their offseason programs … and not ramp up in the middle of winter to impress physically. Rather, we wanted them to be open-minded and flexible and nimble of thought.

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Dodgers retain all six minor league managers for 2015."
• Panini's 2014 Elite Extra Edition Baseball set officially comes out tomorrow, so they shared some preview picks on their blog.  Check those out here.  Below are Dodger cards of Mike Piazza and pitching prospect John Richy.

• With five Dodger players expected to file for arbitration Eric Stephen at True Blue LA writes, "Dodgers last decade in salary arbitration." 
• What a lucky kid.  Via Yasiel Puig's instagram, he provided free private hitting lessons to a kid:

 

My #job for the day my turn to give back and give a free private lesson. Who will be next? #mlb #nextgeneration #littleleaguer #fundamentals practice makes perfect

A video posted by @yasielpuig (@yasielpuig) on Jan 12, 2015 at 2:55pm PST

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Dodgers Memorabilia at REA Auctions - The Vintage Photographs

I just can't get enough of REA's Spring Baseball Auction.  It's like they have a museum for sale.  So far, I've highlighted historic Dodger memorabilia, painted Baseballs, vintage game-used equipment.  Now, I focus on some great old photographs.  Go here to take a look at my past post on this auction.

For those of you have never seen a photo of this former Dodger owner.  Take a gander at the below cabinet photo of Charles Ebbets.  It has even been signed by him.

(Auction Link)

Below are a couple fantastic vintage press photos featuring Jackie Robinson.  The top photo has Jackie showing off his bat to an unknown person.  The lower photograph captures the famous moment when Phillies skipper Ben Chapman posed with Jackie in 1947.  From the auction description.

This is a famous photo and one that Chapman was "forced" to take by team officials. Chapman, who was a southerner, was one of Robinson's most vocal detractors in 1947. In an effort to deflect the negative press his vitriolic bench jockeying was bringing to both the Phillies and the city of Philadelphia, Chapman was ordered to pose with Robinson before a game in Philadelphia to help mitigate the situation. As one can see here, Chapman does not appear to be happy with the assignment.

(Auction Link)

This next photo is of the most famous Baseball fan to ever exist.  Say hello to Hilda Chester.

(Auction Link)

I absolutely love this collection of fan-taken snapshot photos of the "Boys of Summer".  They date from 1948 to 1951, and feature three signed photos: Roy Campanella, Duke Snider, and Carl Erskine.  Overall, there are 35 different snapshots available in this one auction.  Do you recognize them all?

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Happy Birthday, Ebbets Field!

Dodgers historian Mark Langill tells us that today is the 100th year anniversary of the very first ballgame played at Ebbet's Field in Brooklyn.  It was a exhibition match against the New York Yankees on 4/5/1913.  The very first person to hit a home run that afternoon was the then Yankee outfielder and future Dodger coach Casey Stengel.  It was an inside-the-park home run.  BTW, the Dodgers won 3 to 2.

With this in mind, Dave Anderson of the NY Times writes of great piece commemorating the old landmarks birthday. 

“Call it Ebbets Field, Charlie,” he said. “You put yourself in hock to build it, and it’s your monument.”

And so the ballpark was baptized. The cost was $750,000 for a solid concrete foundation with snazzy steel girders supporting the roof above an upper deck, a palace in that era. And a palace forever to anyone who walked there from the Prospect Park subway stop on Flatbush Avenue, crossed Empire Boulevard at the edge of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and saw Ebbets Field in white block letters high above the awning-shaded entrance to the ticket booths in, as the longtime ballpark announcer Tex Rickards often intoned, “the marble rotunda behind home plate.” 

The article above also does a little walking tour of where the stadium use to be.  It's a great read.

Following this, the NY Times also released some vintage photos to look at, here.

Of course, this post wouldn't be complete without a video.  Below is a great description of the very first game.

Video Link:

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Heritage: Some Vintage Dodgers Memorabilia Including a Pre-Integration Letter from Campy to Rickey

Yesterday, I posted a brief rundown of some great vintage Baseball memorabilia available at Heritage's current auction.  Today, I wanted to focus on the just the Dodgers.  Fortunately, there are a couple of great items worth mentioning.

Featured below is a 1900 Brooklyn Superbas National League Champions Photographic Composite.  It features Hall of Famer Ned Hanlon, our coach at the time, and the team owner Charles Ebbets.  Also included are future Hall members Joe Kelley, Hughie Jennings and Wee Willie Keeler.  BTW, in 1900 Keeler struck out only 4 times in 619 plate appearances.  Click on the pic to embiggen.

(auction link)

With it being Jackie Robinson's birthday today, I thought the next item was very appropriate.  Featured below is a 1946 handwritten letter by Roy Campanella to Dodgers GM Branch Rickey.  In it, Roy discusses many other prospects in the Negro Leagues that the team should be scouting.  Keep in mind, this letter predates Jackie breaking the color barrier by several months, so it's fascinating to know the kind of communication the team was already having in the run-up to integrating the game.  Below is an excerpt.

"As far as colored base ball players, for definite prospects, Monty (sic) Irvin and Larry Doby are tops at present. I've seen a lot of them, but none as great as these two. They have good habits on and off the field.

I'd like for you to get in touch with Larry Doby, because scouts for the Cleveland Indians and Phila. Phillies have talked to him already."

Imagine if we were able to sign those two future Hall of Famers. 

(auction link)

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Hunt Auctions: Vintage Brooklyn Scorecards

Following up on my post from yesterday focused on a couple of Willard Mullin drawings for sale in Hunt's recent auctions, I bring to you some fantastic vintage scorecards from the Dodgers days in Brooklyn that were also for sale at Hunt's.  Heck, these scorecards are from the days before they were known as the Dodgers.

Below is a scorecard from 1900.  At this time the Dodger were commonly nicknamed the Superbas, and the reason couldn't be more strange.  As the story goes, future Hall of Famer Ned Hanlon joined the club in 1899 as its manager, and at that same time there was a popular vaudeville act named Hanlon's Superbas.  Of course, the manager and the stage show were of no relation, but that didn't matter to the press and fans alike.  The name stuck, and as long as Hanlon was the skipper of the Brooklyn team they would be called the Superbas.

The scorecard is for a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Brooklyn's former home called Washington Park, and it displays a ornate cover with all kinds of flowers and leaves.  It has been scored for a game played on September 6th with additional notation on front relaying the score as "Pittsburgh 9, Brooklyn 2."  It sold for an astounding $822.00.

(auction link)

Here is another Superbas scorecard, but this time it's from 1905.  Charles Ebbets photo is on the cover, and it includes pre-printed lineups for a game against the hated New York Giants.  BTW, 1905 is the year Ebbets took controlling interest over the team.  This scorecard sold at $200.00.

(auction link)

The next two scorecards are from 1904, and feature an actual player on the cover.  Jack Doyle played in Brooklyn for only 2 season at the tail end of his career.  He started off great by batting .313 with a .770 OPS, but would soon be sold early the next year to the Phillies after a horrible start.  This scorecard sold for $550.00.

(auction link)

This 1904 scorecard features Superbas manager Ned Hanlon on the cover.  It sold for $350.00.

(auction link)

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Lelands Auctions: More from the Sal LaRocca Collection

As I briefly mentioned yesterday, Lelands has another 47 items on auction that come directly from super Dodger collector Sal LaRocca.  Over the past year (or so) Sal has been selling major portions of his Dodger-centric collection through Lelands.  Check out my previous post about some of those past items here, here, and here.  Furthermore, if you want to have a closer look at what he has and gain perspective on the totality of his collection then check out this Dodgers video below. LaRocca's collection starts at about the 1:40 mark.

Video Link:

Awesome, right? 

Now, check out some of the stuff currently for sale that I really liked below.  In fact, there is so much available I am going to write a second post next week with even more LaRocca Collection items.  If you can't wait feel free to go directly to Lelands website, here.

I would consider it a great honor to get an invitation like this in the mail.  Heck, I'd like to see the Dodgers do this for next season.  Put together a marketing campaign consisting of wedding invitation-like mailers requesting that we visit Dodger Stadium as the new ownership works hard to bring back class, community and family to the team. 

Here is a 1897 Opening Day Invitation from the Brooklyn Bridegrooms. 

"The Brooklyn Ball Club presents its compliments and requests the presence of Yourself and Ladies at Eastern Park on Monday afternoon, May third, to witness the opening in Brooklyn of The National League Base Ball (sic) Championship Season of 1897. Baltimore vs. Brooklyn. Play called - 4 P.M. Please present at entrance."

 

(Lelands Auction Link)

Satin! Satin! Satin!  I love me some satin!

Check out this incredible 1945 game-used satin Dodger uniform once worn by Leo Durocher.  It has everything; including jersey, pants, cap, belt, socks, and stirrups.  Awesome!  Just awesome!

(Lelands Auction Link)

(Lelands Auction Link)

(Lelands Auction Link)

(Lelands Auction Link)

If I buy this does that mean I own a piece of the team?

Here are some real Dodgers related documents dating to 1910.  There is a Brooklyn Ball Club stock certificate and related receipts signed by Charles Ebbets and Henry Medicus.  From the auction description:

Three items are contained in this framed collection from the Brooklyn Superbas era, starting with a certificate from 1910, made out to Charles Medicus and signed by Charles Ebbets and Henry Medicus. Next is an 1899 receipt is made out to Charles Ebbets and signed by Charles Ebbets. Finally, a 1905 receipt made out to Henry Medicus and signed by Henry Medicus. These items trace the period culminating with Medicus and Ebbetts becoming part-owners of the franchise in 1905.

(Lelands Auction Link)

(Lelands Auction Link)

 1990 Kirk Gibson game-used Dodgers jersey with batting helmet.

(Lelands Auction Link)