Blog Kiosk: 8/13/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic Associated Press news photograph (with exceptional clarity) featuring the top-end of the 1941 Dodgers rotation, dated June 30th -- found at Hake's Auctions. Per the description on the reverse:

Dodgers' Winning Trio
Three star pitchers of the Brooklyn Dodgers gaze at their record spelled out in baseballs before the start of the Dodgers-Phillies game at Brooklyn, NY, June 30. They are (left to right) Walter Higbe, Hugh Casey and Whit Wyatt. When the game started, Wyatt went into the box and added another one, making it 31 games won.

This trio lead one of the great Dodger teams in franchise history. They ended the season with a pennant winning 100-54 season and faced off against their crosstown rival Yankees. Unfortunately, the Bronx Bombers bested the Bums in five games. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1910 the Dodgers and Pirates play the second game of a double-header to an 8-8 tie. Remarkably, the game included a boxscore where each team had 38 at-bats, 13 hits, 12 assists, 2 errors, 5 strike outs, 3 walks, 1 hit batsman and 1 passed ball. This game was a tie in nearly every respect. In 1951 the Brooklyn Dodgers held Musical Depreciation Night -- where any fan who shows up with an instrument is given free admittance. Approximately 10% of the crowd, or 2,423 fans, participate. In 1982 Steve Sax set a team franchise record for stolen bases by a rookie at 41. In 2007 Nomar Garciaparra, for the first time in his career, is thrown out of a game, and had to be restrained by coach Mariano Duncan. Umpire Tom Hallion tossed him for arguing a called third strike.
• Happy Birthday, Fielder Jones, Kemp Wicker, Wes Flowers, Mudcat Grant, Tom Niedenfuer, Dennis Powell, Tom Prince, Will Ohman & Scott Elbert!

Blog Kiosk: 5/3/2016 - Dodgers Links - Ebbets Field, Maeda and Josh Ravin's Suspension

Wow!  There's nuthin' 'round the ol' joint.

Shown above, via a tweet by Old Baseball Photos, is Ebbets Field just prior to its opening in 1913.  You can see the grandstands and the backside of the outfield walls, but nothing else (except a few buildings here and there).  I always assumed Brooklyn was built out the way it is today, but clearly that is wrong.  The immediate area was as barren as a bald head.

A little bit of research tells me that Pigtown, the neighborhood this area was called due to the existence of several large pig farms, was economically depressed.  It's inhabitants were largely poor and crime was known to be a problem.  Folks would come into town to dump their junk there and farm animals were known to roam around recklessly.  The metropolis it is today was just a dream back then.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 the Branch Rickey traded five Dodgers players; including Kirby Higby, to Pittsburgh.  The move was seen as a message to the players on his support for Jackie Robinson.
• Happy Birthday, Davey Lopes and Darren Dreifort!

Some Dodger Goodies at Lelands Auctions - Jackie's Personal Hall of Fame Plaque

Lelands 2015 Winter Sports Auction is currently ongoing and there are several notable Dodger-related collectibles that immediately jumped out at me.  In fact, I'm certain I've seen the above Jackie Robinson Hall of Fame plaque before.  It is currently available through Lelands (auction link here) and I suspect it'll sell for a bunch of dough.  In fact, it already had sold for more money than I can imagine, so I guess it's back to see if it can best it's previous value.  As you may recall, this exact item sold last year through SCP Auctions at an astounding $100,001 (see link here).

Above is Jackie Robinson's personal plaque given to him by the Hall of Fame.  It's a one-of-a-kind collectible that represents his accomplishments as a ballplayer and a trailblazer in the game.  Frankly, this item needs to be in a museum, so I'm hopeful it finds its way there.

The below item is a head scratcher.  According to the auction listing this is a 1941 National League Champions belt buckle that was given to Robins/Dodgers hurler Kirbe Higbe; in lieu of a championship ring.  I guess you don't get something shiny for your finger if you don't win the World Series. 

BTW, Higbe had a fantastic season this year.  He won 22 games and came in 7th place in MVP balloting in 1941.

(Auction Link)

I spent so much of my youth lounging around with a copy of MAD Magazine in my hands, so when I came upon this drawing my eyes immediately bulged.  Wow! 

Featured is an original watercolor of an LA Dodger pitcher drawn by legendary Mad Magazine illustrator Jack Davis.  Awesome!

(Auction Link)

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