Showing posts with label Red Barber. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Red Barber. Show all posts

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Blog Kiosk: 5/21/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends


Here's a great photo of two old Brooklyn Dodgers -- Duke Snider and announcer Red Barber -- just prior to their appearance on ABC's Good Morning America on August 1, 1980 (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:
New York: Duke of Brooklyn (and Los Angeles), Edwin Donald Snider (right), who will be inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame August 3, reminisces with his old buddy, former Dodger announcer Red Barber, as they appear August 1 on ABC-TV's Good Morning America. Snider credited much of his success to teammate Pee Wee Reese and owner Branch Rickey. Barber was honored by the Hall of Fame in 1978.
Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1892 Brooklyn Bridgerooms/Dodgers second baseman George "Hub" Collins died unexpectedly of typoid fever. He had just fallen ill a week before. The 28-year old was considered a star, with many believing he was destined to be the greatest second baseman in Brooklyn history. In 1945 Leo Durocher (as a ballplayer) is officially released, so that he could concentrate all of his efforts on managing the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1952 the Dodgers scored a Major League record 15 runs in the first inning to handily defeat the Reds at Ebbets Field, 19-1. At one point in the first inning 19 consecutive Dodgers' reached base. Also, Pee Wee Reese got on base in each of his three at-bats during the first inning -- with a single, two walks, two runs scored and an RBI. In 2000 MLB has its very first six grand slam day - Shawn Green & Adrian Beltre (Dodgers); Garret Anderson (Angels), J.T. Snow (Giants), Brian Hunter (Phillies) and Jason Giambi (A's).
  • Happy Birthday, Sandy McDougalCharlie LoudenslagerMace BrownElmer SexauerHank Webb & Tom Martin!

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

2019 Topps Luminaries - All the Dodger Cards

A couple weeks back Topps released their premium all-autograph brand, Luminaries, to the collecting public. For the price of about $150 you are guaranteed one autographed card. Additionally, every card comes encapsulated in a hard case -- with exceptions being the booklet cards. Go here for a complete checklist.

Below is a look at most of the Dodger cards that are available.

Home Run Kings Autographs

#HRK-MPI Mike Piazza

Thursday, May 24, 2018

A Unique Collection of Dodger Pins Sold at Hake's Auctions


It's a little known fact that I'm a Dodger pin collector. I wouldn't say that it's a main focus of my collecting habits, but I do like to pick something up on a whim from time to time. For the most part, I'm more of a looker than an active buyer. I guess you can say that I strike when a deal is too good to pass up, or when that rare mood comes along that begs me to buy something. So, when Hake's opened up a pin-centric auction featuring the collection of pin aficionado Paul Muchinsky I had to take a look. Now that this auction is over, I thought I would catalog some of the more unique offerings that were available. BTW, I didn't win any of these pins unfortunately.

On another note, several of these pins in this post appear to be fairly modern. At the same time, they are rarely ever seen in the hobby. I suspect there's a treasure trove of some of these hiding somewhere -- maybe within stored-away boxes of ex-employees or fans who don't realize their value in the hobby.

Thursday, February 01, 2018

Blog Kiosk: 2/1/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Here's something historical.

Featured above is an original Sporting News press photo, dated August 26, 1939, featuring an on-camera interview between Dodgers broadcaster Red Barber and Dodger rookie skipper Leo Durocher that is currently on auction at RMY Auction (auction link).

You might be wondering, "what's so important about this pic? After all, we see this scene play out multiple times a day on local sports television."

Well, this game, between the Dodgers and Reds at Ebbets Field, happens to be the very first Baseball game ever broadcast on television. So, the scene you see above is a first for everyone in the photo.

Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers HistoryIn 1919 the Dodgers trade Jake Daubert to the Reds for outfielder Tommy GriffithIn 1959 the ever-popular Brooklyn Dodgers outfielder Zach Wheat is unanimously elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee. In 1976 East Lansing police arrest Dodgers reliever Mike Marshall for disobeying the orders set by the Michigan State University police prohibiting him from taking batting practice. MSU feared he would hit balls too far and injure students at an adjacent tennis court. Marshall protests that it is against his rights as an MSU instructor and files a lawsuit against the school.
  • Happy Birthday, Stan KastenChuck ChurnElian HerreraJustin Sellers & Brett Anderson!

Monday, November 20, 2017

2017 Topps Luminaries - All the Dodgers Cards

A couple weeks ago Topps released a brand new card product called "Luminaries". It is a super-premium set that features no base cards, and includes only a single encapsulated on-card autographed card in each box for about $200. Go here for a complete checklist.

There are a bunch of different Corey Seager cards available to chase after. Check out most of them below.

Hit Kings Autographs

#HK-CS Corey Seager                #HK-CSE Corey Seager

Hit Kings Autograph Relics

#HKR-CS Corey Seager

Thursday, January 05, 2017

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.

Friday, October 28, 2016

Blog Kiosk: 10/28/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


Above is an fantastic Acme press photo, dated October 8, 1941, that features a group of resilient Dodgers fans eager to watch Game 3 of the World Series.  Unfortunately, it appears that mother nature has something else in mind for the day.  It's pouring like the Dickens, but that doesn't stop them from waiting in line for the start of the game.  It is currently available at Hake's current memorabilia auction (Auction Link).  Per the descriptor on the reverse:
Can’t Dampen That Dodger Spirit
Brooklyn, NY -- Holding umbrellas and blankets over their heads, Brooklyn fans – male and female – wait outside the bleachers entrance to Ebbets Field to see their “Bums” in the third game of the World Series.  Dark skies and continued rain caused the game to be postponed.
Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1890 the Dodgers played a Game 7 of a World Series between the National League and American Association.  They battled the Louisville Colonels but lost 6-2.  This put the series in a tie with a record of 3-3-1.  Game 3 had ended in 7-7 tie due to darkness.  Furthermore, they would never play a decisive Game 8.  Poor weather and a general lack of fan interest –(the largest crowd for any of the game was 5,600) caused the competition to be stopped.  Both Brooklyn and Louisville would be named co-champions.  In 1953 Red Barber resigns as the Brooklyn Dodgers Broadcaster, and will work for the New York Yankees.  In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in Game 6 of the World Series to become champions for the first time since 1965.  Pedro Guerrero, Steve Yeager and Ron Cey are named co-MVP's of the series.

Thursday, August 04, 2016

Blog Kiosk: 8/4/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends


That was truly forgettable.  Last nights game was a laugher, and unfortunately it was the fans in Blue who went to bed unhappy.

Maybe it was the Coors Field air, or the general lack of experience the Dodgers threw on the mound that did us in.  After all, it's hard to expect the best when we basically put in a couple young (and still learning arms) to pitch to a suddenly red-hot Rockies club in Colorado.  They had to know the balls would be jumping out of the park, and probably hoped we'd do similar damage to the opposition.  That came to pass, though.  Per Ken Gurnick and Thomas Harding at MLB.com:
"Those guys the last couple of days threw the ball well," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said about Colorado's starting pitchers. "You've got to tip your hat to Jon Gray yesterday and this kid today, they threw well and kept us at bay."
And our starting pitcher, Brock Stewart, couldn't figure out how to pitch in the high altitude.
"Before the game in the bullpen, everything was working, and I got in the game and everything stayed flat," said Stewart. "Just an off night, for sure."
That's an understatement.  The Dodgers got walloped by the Rockies, 12-2.  They remain just two games behind the Giants in the division race and continue to hold a two game lead in the wild-card race.  Photo above via @Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:
  • This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1941 Brooklyn Dodger Mickey Owens becomes the first catcher to record three foul popups in one frame.  In 1948 Ernie Harwell, a Hall of Fame broadcaster for mostly the Tigers, called his first Major League game.  He briefly took over for a sick Red Barber in Brooklyn's broadcast booth.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Dodgers on Vintage Advertising Pieces at Hunt Auctions

Advertising makes the business of Baseball go 'round.

Hunt's current Live Auction at Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory includes a handful of fantastic vintage advertising pieces featuring several Dodgers' of note.  Check them out below.
(Auction Link)

Red Barber, Ford C. Frick Award winner and legendary Brooklyn Dodger broadcaster, is featured in the large-sized Old Gold Cigarettes poster above.  He manned the mic for the Dodgers from 1939 to 1953, and is renowned for his folksy style.  He popularized phases such as; "can of corn,"sittin' in the catbird seat" and "back, back, back..."  The latter was eventually adopted by ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman.

As you may know, Barber was from the South, so he initially had some very mixed feelings about the Dodgers signing Jackie Robinson to break the color barrier.  In fact, he was determined to quit his position with the team.  Due to the prodding of his wife, though, he stuck it out and was witnessed to not only the fantastic play of Robinson but also the vicious verbal attacks by opposing fans.  Quickly, he became a cheerleader for Jackie, as well as the other black ballplayers to follow him.

One of those barrier-breaking ballplayers to follow Robinson was Roy Campanella, and featured below is a counter-top store display advertising Coca Cola with him on it.  It is dated to 1952.
(Auction Link)

Below is a 1950's era Rawlings advertising poster featuring Brooklyn Dodger centerfielder Duke Snider.
(Auction Link)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Monday, October 05, 2015

2015 Topps Five Star - The Rest of the Dodger Cards

Last week I shared pics of the base autograph Dodger cards found in packs of 2015 Topps Five Star.  Now I take a look at the rest of the Dodgers' cards. Unfortunately, I have yet to see any of the Dodgers "1 of 1" cards, so those pics are lacking.  Instead, I've included pics of an example when available.

Of note is the Legendary Lineups Cut Signature Book card featuring the lineup of the 1952 Brooklyn Dodgers.  It includes the basic 8 player lineup - including Robinson, Snider and Campanella - of that team and promises to be awesome.  I can't wait until somebody finds it and shares it online.  If you happen to see it, please let me know.  And if you happen to be the lucky person to get it, please send along pics.

Autographed Jumbo Patch (#/35)

#FSAJ-AG Adrian Gonzalez             #FSAJ-CK Clayton Kershaw

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Sandy Koufax, Pat Zachry and a Red Barber Collectible at Heritage Auctions

Enough with writing about Time Warner and their shenanigans.  I'm sick of it, and I wish it wasn't pertinent to the Dodgers.  But, it is.

Thankfully, I don't have to dwell on it for long because there is an upcoming auction through Heritage that has me transfixed on some fantastic Dodger memorabilia.  Check out some previews below. 

Above is a circa 1980's game worn jacket worn by Sandy Koufax.  I wonder if this would fit me.

Below is a 1988 Dodgers World Championship ring given to former Dodger pitcher Pat Zachry.  At the time, Zachry was not playing Baseball, but was an front office employee for the club.
(Auction Link)


This next item might be the coolest of all.  Featured below is a 1943 Brooklyn Dodgers silver presentation box given by the club to legendary broadcaster Red Barber.  Engraved on the reverse is the following:
Presented By Brooklyn National League Baseball Club To Walter "Red" Barber In Grateful Recognition of Distinguished Services To Baseball and to Brooklyn - May 24, 1943.
(Auction Link)
(Auction Link)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Blog Kiosk: 3/17/2015 - Dodger Links - Happy St. Patrick's Day!


What the heck?

Today is St. Patrick's Day and the Dodgers will not be wearing green uniforms.  Instead, they'll be donning only a green cap in celebration.  What a shame.

Does anyone when was the last time the team hadn't worn green on this day?  Please let me know.

(Scully, Barber & O'Malley at party, via O'Malley.com)
Although I couldn't tell you how long the tradition of wearing green uni's has existed for the Dodgers, I do know that this day has always been special for the franchise.  The O'Malley's famously hosted a huge party every year starting in 1951 at Dodgertown in Vero Beach for friends, family and employees.  Now, some 17 years after the family sold the team this tradition seems like a distant memory.

Photo above via @Dodgers on twitterGo here for some more background on the St. Patrick's Day parties at the Walter O'Malley website.  Below are some more links to check out:


But in his Cy Young acceptance speech this past offseason, Clayton Kershaw—Uribe's exact opposite culturally, stylistically, and personality wise—singled out the third baseman. "Thank you for making me laugh," Kershaw said. "You are one of the most important people in our clubhouse."
What about The Alamo?

"I remember a little bit," Greinke recalled. "I remember them saying Ozzy Osbourne peed on it. Hopefully that's true."
  • I have no words.  None!  Check out Tommy Lasorda  singing some song - "Turn down for what" at Instagram, here.  I had no idea what this phrase meant (I feel so old) until I looked it up at the Urban Dictionary.  Check that out here.  After reading that I find this whole thing totally inappropriate. 
  • WTF!


* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Blog Kiosk: 6/26/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends


Check out this great photo of the Brooklyn Dodger broadcast crew in the pressbox at Ebbets Field (1953).  Vin Scully is seen just above the "G", pic via @Dodgers_History on twitter.  I believe Red Barber is to Vin's left and Connie Desmond is on his right.
On the season Dodgers starters lead baseball in xFIP (3.30), SIERA (3.36) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.83), are second in ERA (3.09) and walk rate (5.6 percent), third in quality starts (50), fifth in strikeout rate (21.6 percent), sixth in FIP (3.60), and eighth in innings per start (6.1).
If he chooses me, I absolutely welcome it,” Puig told the Los Angeles Times through an interpreter, “but it doesn’t matter to me whether I play or not.”
  • Here's an early look at the 30HR Club Bobblehead (Baker, Cey, Garvey, Smith) the Dodgers are giving out to fans on Thursday, July 31st.
  • Mark Langill at Dodger Insider shares a great story from Don Newcombe - from how he got his start in Baseball to his time playing in the Minors in Nashua with Campanella.
“So one day during the season in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Alston gets tossed from a game around the fifth inning and we’re losing 2-1. Campy becomes the manager. Around the seventh inning, Campy says, ‘Roomie, I need you as a pinch-hitter.’ I hit a two-run home run and we won the game, 3-2. Roy was so proud of that game. He talked about that game for the rest of his life. It was a bigger thrill than him winning those three National League MVP awards.”

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Blog Kiosk: 2/26/2014 - Dodgers Links - Dee Gordon, Moneyball as a College Course and an Interview with AJ Ellis


Check out some Dodgers' pitchers warming up, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2014.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with students interested in the business of sports, which is no different than the business of business,” said Fred Claire, co-instructor of the class and former general manager of the Dodgers. “Some people have a passion for sports, and this is a way to stay involved.”
Q. What did you think, specifically, about Zack’s comment about having “zero excitement” for going to pitch in Australia?
A. I love how Zack is himself. I love how Zack is very honest. When I get off an airplane in a city and I’m looking for somebody to have a meal with, I’m looking for Zack because it’s going to be a great conversation, he’s going to tell you exactly how it feels and it’s going to be a great time.
  • Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "The time Steve Yeager stole home".
  • Whaaa...?  Via Kashmira Gander at The Independent, a Northern California couple found 1,427 mint uncirculated vintage gold coins buried on their property.  The approximate value is $10Mil.  Below is a pic of one of the canisters they found.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Friday, August 02, 2013

National Envy has Set In - Here are More Pics and Links Found Online

It looks like Day 2 of the National Sports Collectors Convention was better than the first.  Below are some links about the National.
Here are more pics to wet your whistle.

That is one tiny Major League bat, above!  BTW, the Gaedel bat sold for a little over $44k.  I'm amazed it's taken this long for Spahn's collection to his the auction circuit.

I want this card badly.  You just can't beat a Jackie and Satchel autographed card.

Let's play 2!

I love this vintage equipment display.

Here's another great looking table.

Here's some 19th Century Baseball cards.  On the top left is a stack of T3 Turkey Red cabinet cards.  On the far bottom right is a Mayo Cut plug.  The rest of the cards are Old Judge tobacco cards.

How about some cigar boxes?

Do you see the Red Barber (the former Brooklyn Dodger announcer and mentor to Vin Scully) board game beloow?

How about some Beanch Warmer ladies?


BTW, below is what the Yasiel Puig Bowman Platinum National Convention wrapper redemption card looks like.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Saturday, May 04, 2013

Blog Kiosk: 5/4/2013

 

Clayton Kershaw was masterful last night.  Unfortunately, the Dodgers couldn't score enough runs.  Pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.
Having met Barber a couple of times, I'm afraid he would have been unhappy to see this misrepresentation of him applauding Robinson's home run. Red publicly lambasted the Giants' Russ Hodges for losing it on his famous Bobby Thomson call in 1951. Yes, through the years, there were subtle voice inflections in Red's call suggesting that he was pleased to see Robinson excel, but he never blatantly rooted, and applauding has long been considered taboo in broadcast booths and press boxes.
(pic credit: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013)
  • Not again!  Hanley Ramirez hurt his hamstring in yesterdays game.  According to Jon Heyman he is heading for the DL.  In his place, Dee Gordon will be back in Dodger Blue.  This has yet to be confirmed by the team, but has already been widely reported as true.  Welcome back to the Blue, Dee!
(twitter link)
He pitched with an 89-92 mph fastball leading up to the draft last year—and actually did give up some hits to the beer leaguers—but he started topping out at 97 after he signed. Garcia was slowed by knee issues during spring training ths year, but he was throwing at 90-95 early this season for the Lookouts. His fastball moves with armside sink, and he has a feel for varying its velocity.
  • Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Magill to replace Lilly in revised rotation."
  • TMZ picks up the story on how the new '42' Jackie Robinson movie snubbed Geoge "Shotgun" Shuba's first handshake with Jackie.  I wrote about this important incident back in 2007, and followed it up earlier this year as I wondered if the moment would be highlighted in the film.  As you probably know, the movie made no mention of the handshake.  (Hat Tip: Dodger Dugout)
  • I did think it was strange that a bunch of Kobe Bryant personal memorabilia is on auction.  Apparently, it was his mother who consigned it to Goldin Auctions, and now Kobe has filed a cease and desist lawsuit to stop its sale.  Via Chris Olds at Beckett.


* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

eBay: Red Barber's Big League Baseball Game


Wow!  Take a look at this vintage Baseball board game sponsored by Brooklyn Dodger announcer Red Barber.  He declares that it has "All the Thrills, Excitement, and Suspense of Real Baseball."  Even better is that it showcases 6 Major Leaguers who have endorsed the game on the cover:  Stan Musial, Tom Heinrich, Pee Wee Reese, Casey Stengel, Roy Campanella and Carl Erskine.

Below is a pic of the contents of the game in the auction.  Based upon some research I did, this game appears to be missing some key parts.  It was produced by G & R Anthony Inc. in 1950.  I have no idea how the game is played, but would love to learn.
(auction link)

Here is a closer look at the ballplayers featured on the bottom row of the board game.
(auction link)

(auction link)

(auction link)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Friday, November 16, 2012

2012 Panini Cooperstown Baseball Card Set- Dodgers Inserts Including Vin Scully

This Panini Cooperstown set is looking really good.  Heck, when you look at the inserts checklist it gets even better.  There are 4 Dodgers autographed cards to chase after and a bunch of other Hall of Famer cards.  Check them all out below.

These are the cards worth salivating over.  Directly below are the autographed inserts card in the Cooperstown set.  It features a great card of Vin Scully, and all cards have been signed "on-card;" with exception of the Duke Snider (for obvious reasons).
Cooperstown Signatures
#25 Tommy Lasorda – Los Angeles Dodgers /149

#47 Don Sutton – Los Angeles Dodgers /788


#55 Duke Snider – Brooklyn Dodgers /25*
Unfortunately, a Duke Snider autograph card has yet to make an appearance online.  With only 25 copies available that really isn't a surprise.

#76 Vin Scully – Announcer /100

This insert card is made of wood.  It is called HOF Classes Induction Year.

#9 Jackie Robinson
Cooperstown Bronze history Inserts
#58 Rube Marquard

#64 Walter O'Malley

#73 Wilbert Robinson
Cooperstown Famous Moments Insert (#4 Roy Campanella & #9 Jackie Robinson)

Credentials Inserts (#4 Don Drysdale & #9 Don Sutton)

With Honors insert
#1 Jackie Robinson - US Army WWII

Field Generals Insert
#6 Roy Campanella

Voices of Summer inserts
#5 Red Barber

#9 Vin Scully

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *