Weekend Autograph Opportunity: Ferrara, Guerrero and Marshall

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Starting Lineups are Back - A Look at the 1988 SLU Dodger Set

Do you know who's back?

Starting Lineups are back, and for folks like me, who were reared during the hobbies heyday in the 80's, this is welcome news.   Darren Rovell at ESPN has the scoop:

On Oct. 30, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will give away Starting Lineup figurines of quarterback Jameis Winston to anyone who buys a ticket to the team's game against the Oakland Raiders.

For the time being Starting Lineups will only be made as promotional giveaways, so it might be some time before we see any Dodger players in new SLU packaging.  (You can check the company out on twitter here: @SLUToys)

In the meantime, I thought I would confess to having a sizable group of Starting Lineups in my own collection.  I say confess because I had kind-of forgotten all about them, and frankly was a little embarrassed.  After all, none of them look anything like the player they are meant to depict. 

My collection mostly sits hidden within a huge bag in my closet - both cardless and completely out of its original packaging.  In fact, if memory serves right I am just a handful of figurines short of completing the entire 1988 SLU Baseball set.  Unfortunately, it's a set of just the figurines and not the cards themselves.

Anyway, since I had my mind on Starting Lineup's I thought I would take moment to pull out the five Dodger players in the set to share here.  Check them all out below.

As I said, none of my SLU figurines are still in their packaging, so I went ahead and grabbed an example of what each one looked like when sold in stores.  Of note, there appears to be at least two different packaging card backs available - one with or without the free autograph Baseball offer on the front.  I do not believe any one version is scarcer than the other.

Pedro Guerrero

Blog Kiosk: 5/18/2015 - Dodger Links - Some Weekend Odds and Ends

Here are some of the players from my youth.  From L-R: Kenny Landreaux, Pedro Guerrero, Steve Sax and Mike Marshall.  The photo was taken by Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo at the Old-Timers Game luncheon on Saturday.  Go here to check out more photos by Jon of the event.

Below are some more links to check out:

• Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider shared a fantastic video featuring Roy Firestone interviewing Vin Scully in 1990.  Check it out here.
• Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times, "Sandy Koufax says there's no need to worry about Clayton Kershaw."

"Everybody has their periods when things aren't right," (Koufax) said. "What is the rodeo saying? `There's never been a bull that hasn't been rode, never been a cowboy who hasn't been throwed.' There are some days — you're a human being — when it's just not there. But the good ones have a hell of a lot more good days than bad."

• Via Earl Bloom at MLB.com, "Beachy throws to hitters as recovery continues."

"We're just leaving it in the hands of the medical staff -- it's still their call," manager Don Mattingly said before Sunday's game against the Rockies at Dodger Stadium. "There's no timetable. We're just letting his elbow tell us when he's ready [to pitch in rehab games]."

• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "Bolsinger credits Yasmani Grandal for his success."

“There are times when I’m gripping the ball and I’m already gripping a curveball and he calls it because he knows that’s what I want to throw,” said Bolsinger. “So that tells you a lot about his character and the way he likes to have relationships with all of his pitchers and it shows in the field with all the guys pitching, everyone’s doing really well. I think all of the credit goes to the catchers in that one.” 

• Via Dan Arritt at ESPN, "Los Angeles Dodgers' Kenley Jansen returns to closer role, notches first save."

“One thing I tell myself is that I’m not going to think about it, because if you’re going to think about your foot, now you might do something wrong with your delivery and now you’re going to cause your arm to get hurt,” he said. “If something’s wrong with [the foot], if it breaks or something like that happens, it happens. I just go out there and don’t pay any attention to it and pitch.”

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Mike Marshall, Manny Mota and Garvey & Friends

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Former Dodger slugger Mike Marshall will be at Harry's Dugout in Whitter to sign autographs for fans.  Go here for information.

Harry's Dugout
10715 Beverly Boulevard
Whittier, CA

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Angel players Efren Navarro & Matt Shoemaker will be at the OC Dugout in Anaheim to sign for fans.  Go here for information and ordering details..

The OC Dugout
1238 S Beach Blvd
Anaheim, CA

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Manny Mota will be at Zendejas Mexican Restaurant/Club in San Dimas on Sunday, September 14, 2014 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  Hat Tip to Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy - who has more information, as well.

Autograph + Photo-Op = $15
All proceeds to benefit the MANNY MOTA FOUNDATION

Zendejas Mexican Restaurant/Club
665 W Arrow Hwy
San Dimas, Ca 91773

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This coming Monday, September 15 at the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in Highland is the newest installment of "Garvey & Friends."  Go here for information.

Coming out to talk baseball and swap stories will be Maury Wills, Tommy Davis and Dusty Baker. 

Doors open at 6:30pm
Dinner service starts at 7pm

The $40 cost includes a three-course dinner. "Garvey & Friends" follows dinner. Get tickets at Ticketmaster.com or the San Manuel Box Office. Seating is limited. Buy your tickets early.

San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino
777 San Manuel Blvd
Highland, CA

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A Look at the 1988 Dodgers Unocal Pin Set

Following up on Wednesday's post featuring all 6 pins from the 1987 Dodgers Unocal pin set, I now share with you the pins from the 1988 set.

Unocal decided to go with a theme for the 1988 set.  All 6 pins feature LA Dodgers award winners.  Check them all out below.

Pin #1 - Move Valuable Players - In 1962 and 1963, the Dodgers had back-to-back National League MVP's in Maury Wills and Sandy Koufax.  Om 1974, Steve Garvey became the third Los Angeles Dodger to be honored with the league's most prestigious award.

Pin #2 - Stolen Base Champions - The LA Dodgers have two players lead the National League in stolen bases.  Maury Wills captured the stolen base championship six times from 1960-1965, including a record setting 104 in 1962.  Davey Lopes won the title in 1974 and 1976.  Lopes stole a career-high 77 bases in 1975.

Pin #3 - World Series MVP's - In 1959, Larry Sherry became the first World Series MVP the Dodgers had in LA.  Sandy Koufax led the World Champion Dodgers in the 1963 and 1965 World Series and he earned MVP honors in both series.  In 1981, Pedro Guerrero, Ron Cey and Steve Yeager were the sparks for the Dodgers, earning tri-MVP honors.

Pin #4 - CY Young Award Winners - The Los Angeles Dodgers have had four players earn the top honor for pitchers in the National League:  Don Drysdale (1962), Sandy Koufax (1963, 1965, 1966). Mike Marshall (1974), and Fernando Valenzuela (1981).

Pin #5 - Batting Champions - Tommy Davis collected two hits on Sept. 28, 1963, to finish with a .326 average and become the second youngest player in history ever to win two consecutive batting crowns.  In 1962, Tommy led the league with a .346 average.

Pin #6 - Rookies of the Year - The LA Dodgers have produced seven Rookies of the Year, including four consecutive winners from 1979-1982.  Frank Howard (1960), Jim Lefebvre (1965), Ted Sizemore (1969), Rick Sutcliffe (1979), Steve Howe (1980), Fernando Valenzuela (1981), and Steve Sax (1982.

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Pedro Guerrero Won the Twitter Yesterday!

What happens when you combine Pedro Guerrero and twitter?

You get a whole lot of awesome!  Like, stupendous, crazy like I can't believe it, awesome!

Last night, the man once called "the best hitter God has made in a long time" took to twitter and spoke his mind.  Or, maybe it was that he went out of his mind.  Either way, it was unbelievable.  (Let me preface this by saying that I am fairly certain, like 99% certain, that this is really Pedro)

Check out what I mean below.

Landing in San Antonio to visit @TxWinterLeague
— PedroGuerrero (@PedroGuerreroLA) February 10, 2014

He starts off slowly.  Apparently, Pedro was hired to be a special hitting instructor for the Texas Winter League.  So, he was in town to work.

A few hours pass.  Then, we find out that he is dining with Jose Canseco and former Dodger Mike Marshall.  Hilarity soon ensues.

(twitter link)

Then this classic tweet hits twitter.

(twitter link)

WTF.

The video Pedro links above is a highlight from an April 1987 game when Giants manager, Roger Craig, intentionally walked Pedro to get to Mike Marshall.  Naturally, Marshall proceeded to hit a home run to left field, and immediately taunted the Giants coach as he rounded the bases.  A purpose pitch came next, so benches cleared.  Watch that highlight here.

(twitter link)

Holy Moly!  You gotta love a Dodger who still taunts the Giants in retirement.

(twitter link)

So, we have his agent to thank for Pedro's twitter activities.  Thank you, Jose!  BTW, Pedro's agent tweeted a photo from dinner.

Dinner with @JoseCanseco @PedroGuerreroLA @twintower7264 @TxWinterLeague pic.twitter.com/K6GG23XruJ
— Jose Melendez (@JoseMelendez123) February 11, 2014

Last, but not least.  Did Pedro do some creeping on twitter?

(twitter link)

Reading Pedro's exchanges last night was incredibly entertaining.  I hope he does more of this because, goodness knows, we could use a little bit more Pedro in our lives.

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Take a Look at the 1983 Dodgers Postcard Set

I recently purchased another decent sized lot of Dodgers postcards and found a complete 1983 Dodgers postcard set within it.  What luck, eh?

Check them all out in this post.  Click any pic to embiggen.

The 1983 Dodgers Postcard set features 12 postcards.  They were produced by Mike Roberts Color Productions out of Oakland, California.  They are numbered from #C35508 to #C35519.  A complete checklist is at the very bottom.

Below is an example of what the reverse of the postcards look like.  As you can see, the card number can be found on the lower left side.  Here is a complete checklist of the 1983 postcard set:

#C35508 Dusty Baker
#C35509 Burt Hooton
#C35510 Steve Howe
#C35511 Dave Stewart
#C35512 Mike Marshall
#C35513 Bob Welch
#C35514 Bill Russell
#C35515 Fernando Valenzuela
#C35516 Mike Scioscia
#C35517 SteveSax
#C35518 Steve Yeager
#C35519 Greg Brock

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Sunday Dodger Videos: Puig, the Dodgers in the 80's and Friday's Comeback

Here are this Sunday's Dodgers Videos.

ESPN's Sport Science Breaks Down the amazing physical traits of Dodgers rookie Yasiel Puig.

Video Link:

Yasiel Puig, the Most Electrifying Player in Baseball, via ESPN.

Video Link:

This looks like vintage video of the Dodgers in the 1980's.  You can see Tommy Lasorda, Greg Brock, Mike Scioscia and Mike Marshall.

Video Link:

Watch a compilation of how every Dodger run scored during Friday's big comback.

Video Link:

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Blog Kiosk: 7/2/2013 - Dodgers Links - One of Puig's Attempted Defections and Where is Grady Little Now?

Above is a look at July's issue of Dodgers Magazine featuring Adrian Gonzalez, pic via twitter @Dodgers.

• Dustin Nosler at Feelin' Kinda Blue has an interesting report on the International Signing period that starts today.  Apparently, we have our eyes on a kid named Lucas Tirado.
• True to the Blue has the early scoop on the 3 new Nike Yasiel Puig T-Shirts.  They are fabulous.  To the right is one of them.
• All of the talk yesterday was about a potential trade bringing Carlos Mormol, Garza or Utley to the Dodgers.  I refuse to spend any time thinking or writing about these or any "trade rumors".  I've made the mistake in the past in thinking there was merit to the discussion, but at the end of the day most of it is just a useless mental exercise.  Besides, most of it is bunk, anyway.  The above causes me to point to a great article by Bill Shaikin of the LA Times called "Dodgers will spend again to improve, but improving farm system is key".  He shares a quote from team President Stan Kasten.

 "There are no shortcuts. I also think the direction we pursued last year — established veterans, looking at big free agents — we are going to move away from that.

"I know people think we are in this deal, in that deal, and in any deal. That is not what the next phase of this franchise requires."

His way of thinking reminds me of how the Kings established a long term plan 5 to 6 years before they eventually won the cup.  It's all about Prior Proper Planning Preventing Piss Poor Performance.  Clearly, we are still in the early stages, and I look forward to seeing how everything develops.

• Via Jeff Passan at Yahoo, "Coast Guard crew reflects on time with Yasiel Puig during attempt to defect to U.S."  This is a must read!

One night, the gravity of the situation depressed Puig. Torres could tell the toll his impending return to Cuba was taking, so he went to his locker and retrieved a pair of tennis balls. He brought them to Puig, along with a Sharpie, and asked him to sign.

Carlos Torres was the first American to get Yasiel Puig's autograph, looped in perfect cursive with his number for Cienfuegos: "Y Puig 14."

• "The way Stephen Fife is going do Dodgers really need a starter?"  Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times.
• Dodger Penguin recaps the Mike Marshall signing at Harry's Dugout this past Saturday.
• Sports Illustrated has out a "Where are they Now?" feature in their newest issue and they include former Dodger manager Grady Little.  Here is a little taste of it.

“I started to feel the same way after a five-game losing streak as I felt after a five-week winning streak,” he says. “I knew that wasn’t right. I’d been going for a lot of years. And at that time I thought, I don’t want to do this anymore.”

• "Puig's electrifying debut month"  Yasiel Puig had a record-setting first month in the bigs, his 44 hits second in MLB history in that span after Joe DiMaggio.  Check out their video below celebrating it.

Video Link:

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Guerrier, AGon, Kenley, Mike Marshall and a Dodger Fest at Frank & Sons (Puig, Kemp and More)

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

This is a very busy Saturday for Dodger Autograph collectors.  There are 4 different events happening on Saturday, and 2 of them are free for fans!  There are 12 different current and former Dodgers' signing.  On top of that, Kenley Jansen is signing this afternoon on La Cienega.  Wow!

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Kenley Jansen will be at a T-Mobile store on La Cienega in Los Angeles on this afternoon, Wednesday, June 26th from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  This is a free event for fans.  More information is here.

T-Mobile store
350 S. La Cienega Blvd.

Los Angeles, 90048

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Adrian Gonzalez will be at a T-Mobile store in Huntington Park on Saturday, June 29th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  This is a free event for fans. 

T-Mobile store 

6900 Pacific Blvd.

Huntington Park, 90255

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Matt Guerrier will be meeting with fans and signing autographs at the Sports Authority in Burbank on Saturday, June 29th from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  This is a free event for fans.  More information is here.

Sports Authority
1900 W. Empire Ave. Ste R12 
Burbank, CA 91504 

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Former Dodger Mike Marshall will be in Whitter on Saturday, June 29th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Harry's Dugout.  Go here for more information.  This is a pay event.

Harry's Dugout
10701 W Beverly Blvd
Whittier, Ca 90601

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This weekend is a Dodger weekend at Frank & Sons.  Nine Dodgers will be in attendance to sign for fans.  Check out the below flyers for information, or go here.  Click on any flyer to embiggen.

Scott Van Slyke is on rehab assignments in Albuquerque, but is expected to be back in LA before the weekend.  I suspect if those plans change and he remains on rehab with the Isotopes, then his appearance at Frank & Sons will be postponed.

Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 E. San Jose Ave.
City of Industry, CA 91748

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Sunday Dodger Videos: A Bob Hope Special with Drysdale, Davis and Koufax

Here is this weekends Sunday Dodger Videos.

Watch this vintage Vitalis commercial featuring Don Drysdale.

Video Link:

Here is a Bob Hope Special from 1978 "Salute to the 75th Anniversary of the World Series" that takes a look back at a 1963 clip featuring Don Drysdale, Sandy Koufax and Tommy Davis. A couple of years ago I ran into a press photo that I thought was from a Las Vegas musical review show, but as you can see it's not. It is actually from a Bob Hope special from 1963. See that original post here.

Video Link:

Here is outfielder Mike Marshall with announcer Ross Parter in a commercial from 1984.

Video Link:

"Get Up and Go!"
Here is a 1987 MLB commercial featuring Dodger Baseball. Fernando Valenzuela makes a brief appearance and so does Nancy Bea.

Video Link:

Hunt Auctions: Some Dodger Uniforms

Hunt Auctions is running their monthly internet auction right now and they feature several vintage Dodger uniforms that caught my eye. Check them out below.

Here is a Pedro Guerrero professional model Dodgers jacket. It has all of the appropriate tags that denote Major League use. I think I'd look pretty good in this.

(Auction Link)

This is a 1983 Kenny Landreaux professional model Dodgers uniform. I love the 25th Anniversary patch on the sleeve.

(Auction Link)

Here is a 1983 Mike Marshall professional model Dodgers jersey.

(Auction Link)

Blog Kiosk: 11/15/2011

Could this be the last we see of Frank McCourt? (Pic Link: twitter @dylanhernandez)

• Frank McCourt on Selling Dodgers: 'It wasn't my first choice,' via Steve Dilbeck at LA Times.

  What he has endured the last two years: "It's been tough. It's been a tough couple years, no question. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. It's been a privilege to own this franchise. My focus is to make sure I hand it on in better shape than I found it."

• Beyond the Boxscore puts together a All True Dodgers Team.
• GCRL creates a 1978 Topps Dodgers checklist card that never was.
  
• Opinion of Kingman's Performance remembers former Dodger outfielder Mike Marshall.
  
• The Padres are changing their team colors to blue. Gaslamp Ball has a review.
• Frozen Royalty has a bunch of pics from the LA Kings 'Tip-A-King' event this past Sunday.
  
• Uni-Watch shows off a Notre Dame football promo kit he got from Adidas. One of only 11 made.
• Time-lapse video from the Space Station.

Earth | Time Lapse View from Space, Fly Over | NASA, ISS from Michael König on Vimeo.

Blog Kiosk: 8/12/2011

Clayton Kershaw talking about bowling for the Dodgers Dream Foundation, via Twitter Lockerz Pic.

• Tommy Lasorda's blog is always a must read. Here he reminisces about Mike Scioscia.
  

  Mike Scioscia had a habit of gaining weight. He liked to eat. One winter he was playing the in Dominican and Al Campanis told Ralph Avila to get a stationary bicycle with an odometer, and to check it every Monday and see how many miles he was riding.

  Mickey Hatcher told me he was walking by Scioscia’s apartment and he heard the wheels of the bike pumping.

  “Man, Mike is really pedaling hard,” said Mickey.

  He opened the door, and when he walked in he saw Scioscia lying on the couch with a pizza on his chest, and a Dominican kid was pedaling the bike!

• Congrats, Greg, on snagging that vintage 1956 Topps Campanella card.
  
• Tom Hoffarth tells us about the link between Duke Snider and Elvis Presley.
  
• Former Dodger slugger, Mike Marshall, gets into a tussle as the manager for the Chico Outlaws- he slugs it out with former Major Leaguer Tony Phillips, via Steve Dilbeck.
  
• I'll take any little victory that comes. Dodgers sign their #1 draft pick, Chris Reed, via the LA Times.
  
• At least our pitchers can hit, via FoxSportsWest.

  But in the National League, several pitchers are known for being dangerous hitters, and Kershaw and Billingsley are among them.
  
  "You take it very seriously, because there are a couple games throughout the course of the season where you can win a game as far as getting a bunt down or the big hit," Billingsley said. "It's happened quite a few times."

• Check out the new Ron Santo statue unveiled by the Cubs, via 30 Year Old Cardboard.
  
• Upper Deck suing Upper Deck? Via The Cardboard Connection.
  
• SCG Media talks to Dodger prospect Tony Delmonico.

Video Link:

Best Group Break Haul Ever

Of the handful of group breaks I've participated in, this one has been my favorite. It's not because it's of some new product with a chance at something scarce. No, it's much better than that. This group break, put together by Dave at Indians Baseball Cards, focused on those junk cards from the 80's that I passed by without a second thought. They were ugly, worthless and undesirable back then, but have transformed into cards I've got to add to my collection. Sure, they aren't worth a lick, but they definitely are cool. And at $4.00 bucks for the Dodgers I figured I couldn't lose.

Check out this incredible haul of "Junk" cards below.

Here are some Dodgers from the 1983 Topps Foldouts set. They are about the size of a postcard and were attached like an accordion- to be pulled out with numerous photos of Baseball stars from the era. Pedro Guerrero, Rick Monday and Jerry Reuss are below.
Better yet, on the reverse side were other Major League stars; including Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski and super cheater Pete Rose.
This is a Steve Sax Topps Baseball Button.
Here are a bunch of more Dodger oddball cards. On the top left are 1985 Topps Rubdowns (tattoos) featuring Fernando Valenzuela and Steve Sax. Below that are 5 Dodger cards from the 1986 Fleer Star Sticker set, and to the right of those are Fleer team sticker cards. The best part about the Dodger team sticker cards is what's on the back.
On the reverse of the team sticker cards are these Baseball's Famous Feats cartoons.
Here is something I'm sure many fans passed by when collecting in the 80's. This is a box bottom card of the Dodger insignia.
These next two cards are ho-hum. They are just a couple of cards from the 1989 Bowman set- Mike Davis and a Jackie Robinson reprint filler card.