Blog Kiosk: 8/21/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Just another Dodger victory.

Last nights win was brought to you by Clayton Kershaw. He went seven strong innings, struck out a season high eleven batters and allowed just one run to lead the Dodgers in their 6-1 (boxscore) victory over the Mariners. On top of that, Clayton now has the second most strikeouts in Dodger franchise history -- leaping over Don Drysdale's mark of 2,486. Kershaw's 2,493 strikeouts is just 203 short of Don Sutton's record as a Dodger. Per Rowan Kavner at Dodger Insider:

“Obviously very cool,” Kershaw said. “Just to be a Dodger long enough to accomplish something like that is pretty special.”

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1970 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent infielder Jerry Royster out of Sacramento High School. He would be traded five years later to Atlanta as part of a package for Dusty Baker, and go on to have a ten-year career with the Braves. In 1975 the Cubs pitching brothers of Rick and Paul Reuschel combine to shutout the Dodgers, 7-0. This is the first time brothers have collaborated on a shutout. In 1990 the Dodgers lost a tough one. Against the Phillies they allowed nine runs to score in the ninth inning to lose the game, 12-11. You can watch highlights of this shameful game here. Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts wrote about it today, here. In 2005 the Marlins suspended a bat boy for six games after the 11-year old kid accepted a challenge from Dodger pitcher Brad Penny. He dared the preteen to drink a gallon of milk in an hour without throwing up for $500. The sixth grader drank the milk, but hurled. The Milk Processor Education Program (a lobbying group) offered to pay off the dare and cover his lost wages if he promises to dutifully drink three glasses of milk every day. In 2015 the Dodgers are no-hit by Astro's hurler Mike Fiers, 3-0 (boxscore). 
• Happy Birthday, Woody Williams, Shawn Hillegas, John Wetteland, Craig Counsell, Ismael Valdéz & Jesse Chavez!

Blog Kiosk: 2/12/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

This is just a spring training photo to help you get prepared for the week. As you know, Dodger pitchers and catchers are scheduled to officially report to Camelback Ranch tomorrow. Above is a 1960 spring training photo featuring veteran Gil Hodges showing 23-year old youngster Frank Howard how to man the base, via an eBay listing. Per the descriptor:

Frank Howard, right, Los Angeles rookie outfielder, who the Dodgers will tryout at first base at their spring training camp, watches veteran first baseman Gil Hodges whom he will try to oust at the workout today. The 6 foot 7 inch Howard was named minor league player of 1959, a year in which he clammed 44 home runs, 27 with Victoria, 16 with Spokane and one as a pinch hitter with the Dodgers.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 2009 a $4.8MM civil lawsuit was filed against former Dodger infielder José Offerman by catcher John Nathans. As a member of the independent Long Island Ducks in 2007 he charged the pitcher with his bat in tow after being hit by a pitch. The pitcher suffered a broken finger and the catcher had a concussion (effectively ending his playing career) from the melee. Offerman is eventually found guilty and ordered to pay $940,000.
• Happy Birthday, Sweetbread Bailey, Enzo Hernández, Don Stanhouse & Dennis Springer!

Dodgers Memorabilia at SCP Auctions

Considering all of the hoopla directed at Vin Scully and his retirement, I thought the above 1947 National League Championship ring was worth noting.  It is available at auction through SCP, and represents one of many different Dodger related collectibles that are currently available.  (Auction Link)  The ring above had formerly belonged to Scully mentor and legendary Dodger broadcast Red Barber.  As you know, it was Red who hired and showed Vin the ropes.  Per the auction description:

It's a ring that originates from one of the most significant seasons in history; the year Jackie Robinson shattered baseball's color barrier. Not one to rest on his laurels, Robinson also led his team to the N.L. pennant (94-60) and won the inaugural Rookie of the Year Award that season. Barber was there for it all.

Below are several other Dodger items that I thought worth mentioning.

2016 Topps Archives 65th Anniversary Edition - All the Dodgers Cards

Following up on that Target exclusive Holiday Baseball card box, here is Walmart's version featuring a brand new set.  Featured here is Topps 2016 Archives 65th Anniversary Edition cards.  This was released only at Walmart stores on November 23rd.  Go here for a complete checklist.

As you can see, these cards feature reprints of the rookie cards for 65 ballplayers both playing and retired.  So, the front of the base cards are nothing new.  The reverse, on the other hand, all feature card backs reminiscent of the 1975 Topps Baseball card set.

There are six Dodgers in the base set, as well as, four different variations available.  Unfortunately, I have not yet seen the variation cards for Kenta Maeda or Sandy Koufax.  I will add those once they pop up.

Base

#A65-CK Clayton Kershaw

Blog Kiosk: 11/23/2016 - Dodgers Links - Bellinger, Vin Scully, RIP Ralph Branca

Clearly, in the photo above, Vin Scully is at a complete loss for words.  He, no doubt, understands the gravity of the honor that is being bestowed on him, and takes very seriously the solemn recognition it represents.  I am sure, as he stood next to the President awaiting the official presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he is truly realizing the impact his little job as "an old broadcaster" has had on not only Baseball fans in Southern California but to Americans throughout the country.

(Vin Scully, pic via Jon SooHoo/Dodgers)

Congratulations, Mr. Scully.  It has been my honor to have grown up watching and listening to you spin your tales of life and Baseball.  Your dignity, humility and class, I dare say, is something that is often lacking in today's world.  You will truly be missed behind the mic, and this most recent honor is more than deserved.

You can go here to watch the entire ceremony -- it gets started at about the 46 minute mark.  You should also check out a bunch of fantastic photos taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo here.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1960 outfielder Frank Howard is named the NL Rookie of the Year.  In 1962 Maury Wills is named the NL Most Valuable Player award winner.  During this season he broke Ty Cobb's stolen base record with 104 swipes. 
• Happy Birthday, Ross Stripling, Jesse Petty, Justin Turner, José González and Jimmy Sheckard!

Vintage Dodgers Newsletter - Dodgers Line Drives - July 1958

Here is another edition of a vintage Dodgers fan newsletter.  This one dates to July 1958, and it features several notes on not only the status of several high-end prospects, but also snippets on who they recently signed.  A big thanks to Dodgers collector Doug for passing this newsletter along.  BTW, this newsletter has been signed by Duke Snider on the top of the first page (see above-left).  Below is a listing of interesting mentions in this newsletter:

• Frank Howard had signed a free agent contract with the Dodgers just four months prior, after having been a standout on the diamond at Ohio State University, and was already pushing to be included into the Dodgers plans in Los Angeles.

(Pete) Reiser recently told a Sporting News" reporter that Howard may be only a year or two away from the National League:

"I'll tell you why, "Reiser explained.  "He's the type of player who practices under pressure.  By that I mean he practices with a purpose.  Nothing about baseball is aimless to him.  He's a real pleasure to coach."

• The Dodgers made sure to honor Laguna Beach resident Jack Norworth.  "Who's he?"  Jack Norworth is the gentleman who wrote the song "Take Me Out to the Ball Game", and this year marked its Golden Anniversary.  During the July 11th game the Dodgers and Major League Baseball presented him with a gold lifetime pass to any game in the country.
• Notably, the Dodgers mention the signing of Ron Fairly, a standout with the National Champs at USC.
• The final page of the newsletter features several fantastic action photographs.

Click any pic to embiggen.

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Blog Kiosk: 8/8/2016 - Dodgers Links - Honeycutt, Segedin and AGon!

Much like the Olympics in Rio, one record after another was set or surpassed this weekend at Dodger Stadium.  First, on Saturday rookie infielder Corey Seager hit his 31st double of the season; thereby setting a new Los Angeles Dodgers record for doubles by rookie.  He jumped over former Dodger first baseman Eric Karros, who established the record in 1992 during his Rookie of the Year season.  Per Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA:

“It’s cool. The long history of the Dodgers it’s just cool to get in the books no matter how it is. It’s exciting for sure,” Seager said.

Then on Sunday Adrian Gonzalez become the 140th ballplayer in Major League history to hit 300 hoe runs.  Per Jack Baer at MLB.com:

"I've seen a lot of those homers with me and against me -- 300, that's a big number," manager Dave Roberts said. "He's a guy that is very underrated right now in his career and the stability that he brings to a club. To get that big hit for us, for us to get the extra insurance, but also for him personally, I think that he doesn't really thrive and care much about individual accomplishments, but that's a big number and a lot to be said for his career."

Far more surprising was the performance of longtime minor leaguer Rob Segedin.  After toiling for six years within the Yankees minor league system he finally got into his very first Major League game on Sunday, and he did not disappoint.  Segedin went two for three with a double and set a club record for with four RBI's during a Major League debut.  Per Jack Baer and Quinn Roberts at MLB.com:

"It was great to see him drive in a few runs, a couple big, huge hits," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "When you imagine a debut, 50,000 people, big hits and contributing to a huge win, players going crazy for him, it's something that he'll obviously remember. A non-roster invitee this spring and had a great year in Triple-A, he earned that opportunity and took advantage of it today."

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

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1957 Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley officially announced that the team would be moving to Los Angeles.  In 2000 Dodgers starting pitcher Darren Dreifort hit two home runs in a single game.  Infamously, on this same day a female couple was asked to to leave Dodger Stadium after being seen kissing.  They were told to never "set foot back on the premises" for "lewd behavior".  My, have times changed.

2015 Panini National Treasures College - The Dodgers Insert Cards

Here is a final look at Dodgers players found within packs of Panini's 2015 National Treasures College (4-sport) packs.  You can check out the base cards here.  Below are the various inserts that are available.  The notable Dodgers rookies are Phillip Pfeifer and Walker Buehler - both of whom attended Vanderbilt. 

College BB Materials Signatures

#407 Philip Pfeifer                         #420 Walker Buehler

2015 Panini National Treasures College - The Dodgers Base Cards - Jackie Robinson at UCLA

Panini does this every year, and it's annoying.  A couple weeks ago they released their collegiate version of National Treasures, and decided to continue calling it a 2015 set.  Why? We're already well into the new year.

Anyway, this product is notable for including college athletes, both past and present, on an high-end brand, and it includes several notable Dodgers.  Go here for a complete checklist.

One name of note is former UCLA four-sport legend Jackie Robinson.  As you know, he lettered in baseball, basketball, football, and track, so seeing him in this set is fantastic.  When Panini originally announced their college sports licenses several months back I wondered if we would see anything featuring Robinson.  Fortunately, that answer is yes.  He has two base cards in the set, but neither show him in a Baseball uniform.  Check them out below.

#25 Chase Utley

2015 Panini National Treasures - The Booklet Cards and Other Scarcities

Here is a final look at Panini's National Treasures Baseball card set.  Below are pics of many of the booklet cards.  I also provide a listing of all the other scarcities that are available; like the bat knobs, barrels and glove relic pieces.  Click this link to see all of my other post on this set.

As for the booklet cards, there are various different parallels available, and it's unlikely I have pics of all them below.  So, this is hardly a complete visual checklist.  Still, this should provide a good look at whats available.  My favorite booklet card is probably the below vertical Corey Seager card.

Armory Booklet

#4 Corey Seager (#/25)

2015 Panini National Treasures - The Notable Nickname, Made In and Die-Cut Dodgers Cards

Here are even more Dodgers cards that can be found in packs of Panini's 2015 National Treasures packs.  This time I share pics of the Notable Nickname, Made In, Game Ball Signatures and various other Die-Cut Dodgers cards.  Go here to see all of my previous post on this set.

Notable Nickname

#29 Adrian Gonzalez (#/25)                 #44 Frank Howard (#/25)

2015 Panini Contenders Baseball - The Dodger Autographed Cards

After waiting a week to see if I can finally nail down some of the remaining photos I still need featuring Dodger prospects in Panini's most recent set, I finally have given up.  For whatever reason, several of the autographed cards have yet to hit the marketplace.  So, I will just bite the bullet and share what I have collected so far.  Below are the Dodger autograph cards that are available in 2015 Panini Contenders Baseball.  Go here to check out all of my past post on this set.

College Ticket Autographs

#6 Walker Buehler                                   #47 Philip Pfeifer

2015 Panini Contenders Baseball - The Dodger Insert Cards

Following up on Thursday's blog post featuring the Dodger base cards found in packs of 2015 Panini Contenders Baseball, I now show all of the Dodger insert cards that are available.  Check them out below.  Go here to check out all of my past post on this set.  I hope to have pics of most of the autographed cards in a couple of days.

As you can see, 2015 first round pick Walker Buehler (24th overall) , who has yet to pitch for the club due to Tommy John surgery, is all over the set.

Class Reunion

#12 Walker Buehler

2015 Panini Contenders Baseball - The Dodger Base Cards

Panini America has been making fine use of the Team USA and Collegiate licenses.  They recently put out their Stars & Stripes and Collegiate box sets, and now they have released their Contenders Baseball card set.  It features players (both old and new) in either their university or Team USA garb.  Check out a complete checklist here.

Several of the Dodgers' top prospects are featured; including Seager, Urias, Buehler and Pfeifer.  Check out the base cards below.  Of special note, former Dodger outfielder Frank Howard and hitting coach Mark McGwire are shown in their alumni uniforms.  I'm hopeful that I correctly identified all the Dodger prospects in this set (since they only make mention of their college), but if I missed anyone please let me know.  I should have pics of the Dodger inserts and autographed cards in the next few days.

Base Season Tickets

#2 Corey Seager                                   #41 Frank Howard

A Peek Inside a 1958 Dodgers Scouting Book from Al Campanis

From time to time you run into something really fascinating on eBay.  That's not to say that the past items I've featured from the online auction house aren't as interesting, it's just that this particular item really takes the cake.  The above guide is purported to be Al Campanis' personal spring training notebook for the 1958 season - the Dodgers first in Los Angeles.  It includes everything from schedules, rules, player notes and photographs.  Check out the auction listing here.

As you may know, Al Campanis was a lifelong Dodger.  He was originally signed by the franchise as a 23-year old free agent in 1940, became a scout for the team after his retirement from playing and eventually rose to the clubs GM position until the infamous incident on "Nightline" in 1987. 

The guidebook appears to be filled with all kind of scouting goodness.  There's grades and notes for every player on the roster, as seen below.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

For Sandy Koufax is says:

Good curve but needs control

There's also scouting notes on numerous up-'n-coming prospects.

Including notes on a couple of well known future Dodgers' - Maury Wills and Frank Howard.

For Wills it says:

Hands too close to his body.  Falls away from the plate.  Not covered outside.  Is afraid of the ball.

Must keep his hands away from his body.  Must step more towards the pitcher keeling his front shoulder in.  This will help him on balls away, especially the slow stuff.

On Frank Howard:

Not covered outside on let-up stuff.  Collapses front knee.  Front shoulder comes out too soon.  Steps hard instead of smooth.  Has a big stride.  Might habe to be shortened.  Is a fine student.  Pulls everything.  Must hit ball where it is pitched.  Must stay with outside pitch a little longer.  Is a bit far from the plate.

Heck, there are even rules for the batting cages; including this one helpful suggestion:

"Be serious when practicing your bunting"

I have no idea what something like this is worth to a collector, but it sure provides some valuable and interesting information about the Dodgers of yore.

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Blog Kiosk: 11/6/2015 - Dodger Links - Ruggiano, Harang and Pederson

The photo above would be the culmination of many young boys lives.  After all, who didn't want to be either a ballplayer or a fireman... But to be both at the same time would cause most young minds to explode.  Featured, you've got Dodger manager Chuck Dressen and pitcher Joe Black spending the afternoon as fireman - complete with Brooklyn Ladder 13 helmet and firetruck.  No doubt Black, who was a phenom rookie reliever when this photo was taken in 1952, was in the midst of preparing to put out some wildfires at the Stadium and throughout the city. 

This photo is currently available at Albersheim's sports auction.  Check out the auction here.  Below are more links to check out:

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Ruggiano outrighted to Oklahoma City."  I think this is the gist of the situation:

Ruggiano, who made $2.505 million in 2015, would have been eligible for salary arbitration had he remained on the 40-man roster. He has enough service time that he can reject the assignment and become a free agent.

BTW, per Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, Ruggiano chose to enter free agency.   I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up staying a Dodger.

• David Laurila at FanGraphs shares an fascinating interview with former Dodger pitcher Aaron Harang, here.  He talks a bit about the art of pitching - throwing up in the strike zone (like Chris Young), adjusting to changing strike zones and breaking pitches.
• Via David Hood at True Blue LA, "Dodgers top 2016 prospects: Nos. 31-61."
• Via Xavier Alatorre at the Sports Quotient, "Joc Pederson And Patience At The Plate."

What does this mean going forward? Despite flaming out in the second half, the 2015 season cannot be considered a bust for Young Joc. The twenty-three-year-old hit an inevitable slump but made adjustments that paid off in the last two months of the season, though they may have gone unnoticed by some. Now that National League pitchers have seen a full season of Pederson’s swinging tendencies, adjustments will need to be made at the plate. Pederson needs to continue his patient approach and force pitchers to come to him. If he is able to stay away from outside pitches and can wait for more favorable pitches (low and inside) to land in the zone, then Pederson will be a formidable threat at the plate once again. 

• Next week Panini will be releasing their 2015 Contenders Baseball set and it includes a bunch of fast rising prospects and some old pro's.  Go here to check out a huge collection of preview photos.  You can also see cards of Dodger prospects Julio Urias, Corey Seager, Mitchell Hansen and former Ohio State star and former Dodger Frank Howard.

• The Senate report on the "pay for patriotism" brouhaha has just been released and is available here to review.  Fortunately, the Dodgers do not appear to have charged the armed forces, but other MLB clubs who did get paid to fake their patriotism includes the Braves, Red Sox, Diamondbacks and Phillies.  The DBacks received $40,000 from the Arizona Army National Guard to allow color guard demonstrations, a first pitch and a 40 tickets.  Shame on you guys!  Jason Lisk at The Big Lead has the story here.

The report lists 50 professional sports teams from the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS that received some sort of federal funding to do a “pay for patriotism” promotion where it appeared to be honoring a military member or branch, but where they were receiving money for engaging in the activity. 

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Some Dodger Goodies at Heritage Auctions - WS Trophy, Drysdale/Koufax Contract and Vintage Jersey's

Ugh!

I was hoping this blog post would be more cheery; especially since I was about to feature an 1988 Dodgers World Series Championship trophy that is currently on auction at Heritage.  I was planning on ranting on about how something similar to this could be our prize in less than a month, and how it's about time we have something to celebrate.  Instead, all I can do now is dream about what could have been.  Oh, well.

Below is a 1988 World Series trophy (12" version) that was given to a former front office worker named Shirley L. Adcock.  Check out the auction here.  This exact trophy sold earlier this year through a well know eBay retailer for $2,913.00.

Here's an unusual piece of memorabilia.  As you know, both Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax chose to negotiate their upcoming contract with the Dodgers for the 1966 season collectively.  In doing so, they were trying to bargain for the best deal they could get.

Initially, they sought a three year contract for $500,000 each ($167,000 per season).  After a month of discussions they settled for less.  Koufax would get $125,000 and Drysdale would get $115,000.  Below is a side agreement to that deal.  In the signed documents below, both Koufax and Drysdale assert their claim to their names and likenesses for endorsement and merchandising interests while assuring the Dodgers the right of first refusal for any conflicts.  It is also signed by Dodger GM Buzzie Bavassi.  Check out the auction here.

(Auction Link)

Here are some great looking vintage Dodger jersey's.  Below is Frank Howard's 1961 home white jersey.  Check out the auction here.

(Auction Link)

Below is Ron Perranoski's road blue jersey.  Check out the auction here.

(Auction Link)

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Some Singing Dodgers and Jackie Robinson Rarities at SCP Auctions

Following up on my post from Monday featuring a unique personal note from Jackie Robinson to a fan, I though I'd share more Dodger goodies available on auction at SCP.

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

Check out this signed and personalized laminated photo of six members of the 1963 World Championship Dodgers signing a tune.  From left to right: Frank Howard, Tommy Davis, Ron Perranoski, Willie Davis, Don Drysdale and Moose Skowron.  I am unsure what event this photograph was taken at, but don't they all look rather dashing?  I wonder what they are singing.  Maybe a showtune; which were popular in those days.  Do you think they took their act to Broadway, or Las Vegas?

This photo originates from the family of Moose Skowron.  BTW, this identical group got together on national television to sing a song.  A video of that appearance is below.

(Auction Link)

As I promised above, here is a video of the troupe singing together during an 1963 taping of the Joey Bishop Show.

Video Link:

Here is something you do not see everyday.  Below is a game-used bat that was once held by Jackie Robinson.  It has been documented as being from the 1949 season, an MVP year for him, and is thought to be one of only two known bats from this season to still exist.  I suspect this will sell for a bunch.

(Auction Link)

I know this last item will sell for a whole truckload of greenbacks.  Featured below is Jackie Robinson's personal presentation Hall of Fame plaque given to him during his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1962.  This item originates from the Jackie Robinson estate.

Unfortunately, the Hall didn't give inductees bronze-like plaques to keep in their homes.  Instead, this presentation plaque is an illustration (photograph) that was been mated and placed within a brown leather frame.  From the auction description:

It should be noted that the original (1962) plaque made no mention of the fact that Robinson broke baseball’s color-barrier and differs from that which resides in Cooperstown today. The current plaque was re-cast in 2008 with text added in the final line that reads: “Displayed tremendous courage and poise in 1947 when he integrated the modern major leagues in the face of intense adversity”.

(Auction Link)

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Blog Kiosk: 10/29/2014 - Dodger Links - Howard for Hodges, Tommy Davis and GO ROYALS!

Lexi knows what's up!  If she can do it twice, so can you.  This photo was shared on twitter by @MLBFanCave and came via @kc85wilson on twitter, and it's the greatest thing I've seen on twitter in a long time.  Go Royals Go!

As you know Game 7 of the World Series is tonight, and if your not paying attention to it then you're missing out.  This is the kind of event all sports fans dream of.  After 162 game season, a wild card game, two playoff league series and six games in the finals we are down to just one more game.  It's THE final game of the year and I suspect both teams will leave everything they've got on the field. 

Mike Oz at Big League Stew tells us about the "Seven of the most memorable World Series Game 7s in baseball history" that is definitely worth checking out before tonight's game.  If I had to choose the best of the seven I'd go with the Sandy Koufax's shutout against the Twins in the 1965 series - obviously. 

Below are some more links to check out:

• Nick Diunte at Baseball Happenings (and a writer for Examiner.com) shares a video where, "Frank Howard emphatically endorses Gil Hodges Hall of Fame candidacy."  You can also check out Nick's story at Examiner.com here.
• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Seasons: Tommy Davis’ 1962 — thou shalt not pass."  This winter they'll be taking a look back at some of the greatest individual seasons in Dodger history.

“I tell everybody I was a Bible hitter,” Davis said. “When they say, ‘What does that mean, I’d say, ‘Thou shalt not pass. The first pitch is coming, I’m swinging.’”

• Cary also tells us about the historical connections between the Dodgers and the Lakers/NBA.  I'm surprised to learn how many NBA players were once a part of the Dodger system.
• Dodger owner/partner Peter Gruber shares a video on twitter that tells us a bit about the value of player analytics to the Dodgers:

alex tamin head of #baseball research contracts & operations @dodgers explains the value of player analytics http://t.co/Vv19m0hzzq
— Peter Guber (@PeterGuber) October 28, 2014

• Topps is now getting into limited edition apparel.  They are now offering a 1988 Dodgers 'Miracle Men' Orel Hershiser patch Baseball cap limited to just 99copies for $39.99.  Check it out here.  See a pic of it on the right.  Limited edition patch caps also exist for Reggie Jackson, Alan Trammel, Willie Stargell, Gary Carter, Rollie Fingers and Ryne Sandberg.
• I've got mad respect for Blazer's Edge.  (Hat Tip via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA)
• Via Joe Posnanski at NBC Sports, "Vanguard after the Revolution: Bill James sparked a baseball insurrection, but he has regrets about the world he wrought." 

He groans whenever he hears people discount leadership or team chemistry or heart because they cannot find such things in the data. He has done this himself in the past … and regrets it.

“I have to take my share of responsibility for promoting skepticism about things that I didn’t understand as well as I might have,” he says. “What I would say NOW is that skepticism should be directed at things that are actually untrue rather than things that are difficult to measure.

“Leadership is one player having an effect on his teammates. There is nothing about that that should invite skepticism. People have an effect on one another in every area of life. … We all affect another’s work. You just can’t really measure that in an individual-accounting framework.”

• BTW, for the third season in a row Anaheim Angels slugger Mike Trout won the 2014 Stan Musial Award from the Baseball Bloggers Alliance.  In the National League Clayton Kershaw won the award.  The Stan Musial Award recognizes the MVP in each league. I had picked Kershaw on my National League ballot.  Go here to see who were my picks for the BBA (Baseball Bloggers Alliance) Post Season Awards.

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Frank Howard's Ring, Jerry Doggett's Ring and Sandy's Batting Helmet and SCP

SCP's Summer Premier Auction is about to get underway, and there are some nice Dodger related items to gaze at.  The auction officially opens tomorrow.

The item below comes directly from the Helms Athletic Foundation/LA84 Collection.  Learn more about them here.  Below is a scarce early 20th century pocket mirror that celebrates the Brooklyn Base Ball teams home field, Ebbets Field.  It says,

"Ebbets Field, The Home of the Brooklyn Base Ball Club, is the Most Beautiful, Modern, Perfectly Appointed and Conveniently Located Base Ball Field in the World."

This item is rarely ever seen.  On the reverse is a mirror.  See the auction here.

(Auction Link)

Mr. Tiger Blood himself, Charlie Sheen, once owned this Sandy Koufax game-used batting helmet.  The helmet dates to the 1960's and is well worn.  Also, I'm totally fascinated by the "LA" emblem.  It looks like it has been haphazardly drawn on the helmet.  What's the deal with that?  There's got to be a story about it.  Anyway, check out the auction here.  It has been authenticated by Grey Flannel - a trusted game-used apparel authenticator. 

(Auction Link)

All old-time Dodger fans remember Jerry Doggett.  He spent 32 years in the Dodger broadcast booth along side Vin Scully, and was just as recognizable.  Doggett would regularly call the middle three innings of the ballgame while Scully announced the first and last three innings.  He retired from broadcast in 1987; which ended to longest running broadcast partnership ever in baseball.  Featured here is his 1981 World Championship ring.

(Auction Link)

This next World Series championship ring once belonged to Frank Howard.  This is for the Dodgers 1963 championship over the Yankees.  Per the auction description:

In the World Series vs. the New York Yankees, Howard batted .300 to help the Dodgers beat the Yankees in four straight games.

(Auction Link)

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