Blog Kiosk: 8/11/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here is a fantastic 1956 Spring Training pic of 1955 World Series hero Sandy Amoros re-creating his series winning catch at Dodgertown in Vero Beach. As you can see, he is in front of the outfield berm at Holman Stadium - at centerfield. This photo recently sold at RMY Auctions at what I thought was a steal at $26.98.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1950 the Dodgers were no-ht by Vern Bickford of the Boston Braves, 7-0. He needed only 97 pitches to accomplish the feat. In 1951 the first color televised broadcast of a ballgame is aired on WCBS-TV. It featured a game at Ebbets Field between the Dodgers and the Boston Braves. Unfortunately, the Boys of Summer lose the contest, 8-1. In 1962 the Dodgers protest the Giants tactic of wetting down the basepaths in order to slow down speedster Maury Wills at Candlestick Park. The Dodgers would lose 5-4. Giants manager Alvin Dark would forever earn the nickname "The Swamp Fox." In 1969 Don Drysdale announced his retirement from the game. In 2015 every home team won their game -- making that a first in the live-ball era with a full slate of games.  
• Happy Birthday, Bobo Newsom, Luis Olmo, Dennis Lewallyn, Rex Hudson, Mike Huff & Bubba Crosby!

Blog Kiosk: 4/28/2020 - Dodgers Link & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here is a fantastic International News press photo from Game 4 of the 1955 World Series. It features Sandy Amoros scoring the Dodgers first run of the evening in the third inning. As you know, the Dodgers would win this game, 8-5. Photo available via Mile High Card Co auction.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1900 Brooklyn Superbas outfielder Fielder Jones becomes the first modern day Dodger player to hit a grand slam. It was accomplished at Brooklyn's Washington Park. In 1982 the Dodgers traded Leo Hernandez to Baltimore for professional pinch-hitter Jose Morales. As a pinch hitter in his career he slashed .276/.324/.424/.747 with 123 hits in 446 at-bats. As a Dodger he batted .270 with 24 hits in 89 at-bats. In 1985 Fernando Valenzuela set a major league record by extending his consecutive scoreless innings streak at the start of the season to 41 frames when he blanks San Diego for eight innings. The Padres would then score off Fernando in the ninth inning when Tony Gwynn hit a game winning homer to defeat the Dodgers, 1-0. 
• Happy Birthday, David Freese, Matt Beaty & Jim Poole!

Blog Kiosk: 1/21/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

One of the unheralded heroes of any Baseball staff is the team doctor. For the Dodgers, during the Golden Years of the franchise, it was Harold W. Wendler, or Doc Wendler, who kept the players healthy and in tip top condition. Featured above is a 1956 Spring Training press photo taken by noted photographer Herb Scharfman featuring Doc tending to Sandy Amaros (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Looking For a Break -- Miami, FLA... Doc Wendler looks for a possible fracture on the left ankle of Dodger outfielder Sandy Amaros, who was hit by a pitched ball in the third inning od an exhibition game with the Boston Red Sox today. sandy was able to walk to the dugout unaided. The Red Sox walloped the World Champions, 17-5. 

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1969 Roy Campanella is elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame with 79.4% of the vote - his fifth year of eligibility. In 2009 the Dodgers signed free agent catcher Brad Ausmus to a $1 million contract. 
• Happy Birthday, Emil Batch, Benny Meyer, Glenn Chapman, Johnny Oates, Josh Wall, Josh Ravin & Joe Wieland!

Blog Kiosk: 9/13/2019 - Dodgers Links - Happy Friday the 13th!

Here's a clubhouse celebration featuring Duke Snider and Sandy Amoros after they helped defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates to win the National League Pennant on the last day of the season (boxscore), September 30, 1956. Per the description on the reverse of the photo above (eBay link):

HOMER HEROES. Brooklyn, N.Y.: Duke Snider (left) and Sandy Amoros embrace in the Dodger dressing room here Sept. 30, after each crashed two mighty homers to lead Brooklyn to its 10th National League Pennant, with an 8-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.  The Duke also made a spectacular leaping, back-hand stab against the centerfield barrier to rob Bucs' Bob Skinner of an extra-base hit and choke off a seventh-inning Pirate rally.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1925 future Brooklyn Hall of Famer Dazzy Vance no-hit the Phillies at Ebbets Field, 10-1. In 1977 outfielder Dusty Baker set a franchise record by recording five RBI's in a single inning -- during the second inning against the Padres. His hits include a two-run double and a three-run homer. In 2005 Dodgers futility was at it's best. During the second inning against the Padres all three Dodger outfielders (Ricky Ledee, Jose Cruz Jr. and Jason Werth) committed errors that contributed to the scoring of six runs and a loss, 6-4.
• Happy Birthday, Harry Redmond, Dutch Ruether, John Kelleher, Sam Crane, Otho Nitcholas, Morrie Aderholt, Rick Dempsey, Andy LaRoche & Zach Lee!

Dodger Correspondence - From Garagiola to Buzzie on Sandy Amoros

It's been awhile since I've put together a post like this. I, like many collectors, enjoying viewing eBay auctions -- not just to add to the collection, but also to window shop. After all, there's always a bunch of fantastic and unique memorabilia to stare at, and oftentimes they tell a story that you likely never heard before. The letter above is a clear example of this (eBay auction link).

Blog Kiosk: 7/19/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

You know the story about how Branch Rickey asked Jackie Robinson to hold his tongue when he joined the Dodgers and at the same time promised that those reigns would be let loose a few years later? Well, above is a 1949 Wide World Photos press photograph, that recently sold at RMY Auctions, showing Jackie Robinson free from those restrictions. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Jackie Robinson, Brooklyn Dodgers second baseman, is restrained by coach Clyde Sukeforth (15) during verbal tiff in ninth inning of first game of afternoon-night doubleheader with Cardinals today. Robinson returned to second base and ejected a short time later by umpire Bill Stewart for making a significant gesture. Umpire at right is Dusty Boggoss. Second from left is Cards catcher, Joe Gargiola and behind him is coach Tony Kaufman. 9/21/1949

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1977 Don Sutton took home All-Star Game MVP honors when the NL defeated the AL 7-5 at Yankee Stadium. As the starting pitcher, Sutton pitched three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit, one walk and struk out four. Fellow teammate Steve Garvey hit a third inning solo home run. In 1993 outfielder Raul Mondesi made his Major League debut and recorded a single in his very first at-bat. 
• Happy Birthday, Bill Hart, Erve Beck, Ben Geraghty, Luis Avilan & Rachel Robinson! 

Blog Kiosk: 102/14/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here is another fantastic vintage press photo of an old-tyme Dodger that can be found at RMY Auctions (link here). Featured are (from L-R) Cuban outfield star Pedro Formental, Dick Sisler and Dodgers Game 7 hero of the 1955 World Series Sandy Amorós. They are all decked out in the full uniform of the Habana Club of the Cuban Winter Leagues, circa 1953.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1954 the Dodgers signed amateur free agent Sandy Koufax to a contract - a $6,000 salary and $14,000 bonus.  This made Sandy a "bonus baby" (having a bonus over $4,000) and required the Dodgers to keep him on the Major League roster for two years.  As a result, the Dodgers would option Tommy Lasorda to the Montreal Royals.  In 1990 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Brett Butler to a four-year $13 million contract.
• Happy Birthday, Deacon Van Buren, John Anderson, Charlie Hargreaves, Chris Heisey & Bill Buckner! 

Looking at the 1989 Dodgers Unocal Pin Set

Following up on my posts from last week featuring pinbacks from the Dodgers Unocal pin set, I now share with you the pins from the 1989 set.  Go here to check out my previous post on these sets.

Check out all 6 pins from the 1989 pin set below.  The descriptions are from the cardboard backing that came with the original packaging for the pins.  As you can see, there is a definite theme involved.  Each one celebrates a Dodgers' World Series Championship.

Pin #1 - 1988 Dodgers vs. A's -Kirk Gibson's dramatic 2-run pinch-homer in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 1 set the stage for the Dodgers' sixth World Championship, fifth in LA.  Orel Hershiser won two games, a 6+0 shutout and the complete game Series clincher, to earn MVP honors.

Pin #2 - 1981 Dodgers vs. Yankees -Rick Monday's winning homer against Montreal in the NLCS sent the Dodgers to the World Series.  After losing the first two games at Yankee Stadium, the Dodgers clinched the title by winning the next four straight.  The Series marked the first tri-MVP selection in World Series history - Steve Yeager, Pedro Guerrero and Ron Cey.

Pin #3 - 1965 Dodgers vs. Twins -The Twins had been blanked only twice all year, but the Dodgers shut them out three times, once by Claude Osteen and twice by Sandy Koufax.  Koufax was named Series MVP as Sweet Lou Johnson hit the game-winning homer in Game 7.

Pin #4 - 1963 Dodgers vs. Yankees -The Dodgers used only four pitchers - Sandy Koufax, Johnny Podres, Don Drysdale and Ron Perranoski - who compiled a team ERA of 1.00.  Koufax was named MVP, setting Series records by striking out 15 in Game 1, including the first five batters he faced.

Pin #5 - 1959 Dodgers vs. White Sox -An all-time attendance record was set as the Dodgers won their first World Series in Los Angeles.  Larry Sherry became the first pitcher to finish all four wins in a World Series, earning him MVP honors.  Charlie Neal (.370, 2 HR's, 6 RBI), Gil Hodges (.391, 1 HR) and Chuck Essegian (2 pinch-HR's) were the hitting stars.

Pin #6 - 1955 Dodgers vs. Yankees - The Dodgers won their first-ever World Championship and became the first to win seven games after losing the first two.  Pitcher Johnny Podres was the Series MVP and Duke Snider was the hitting star (.320, 4 HR's, 7 RBI).  Sandy Amoros turned in the play of the Series with a running catch that saved at least two runs, in game seven.

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Blog Kiosk: 5/29/2013 Some Dodgers Links

Check out this great photo shares by Sports Illustrated. Sandy Amoros (15), Don Bessent (46), Don Newcombe, Duke Snider (4) and a bottle of beer celebrate in the Brooklyn Dodgers’ locker room after beating Pittsburgh in Sept. 1956. ( John G. Zimmerman/SI)

• Craig Goldstein at Fake Teams puts together a prospect review of our 16-year-old pitcher, Julio Urias; complete with gifs.

When it comes to what Urias throws, he's a precocious talent, showing three pitches that have a chance at being plus. Prior to being signed, Urias threw an upper 80s to lower 90s fastball, and a change up that projected as plus as well. His curve would flash plus but was fairly inconsistent. At only six feet tall and a...mature build (you'll see) there might not be a ton of projection left in regards to the fastball.

• Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts provides a long list of examples of Dodgers grit.
• Via Vin Scully Tweets on Twitter.  Ryu was good last night, eh?

• Dylan Hernandez at the LA Times lets us know that soccer will be played at Dodger Stadium in August.  In my opinion, it's not as cool as the hockey game that will be played months later.  Still, you gotta like how they are expanding the use of our second home.  BTW, Real Madrid will be playing in a game.  They tell me they are a good team.
• Craig Calcaterra at Hardball Talk makes note of Mark Walter's hands-off approach to ownership.  I'll add that anyone who actually wanted Magic Johnson to be actively involved with the team is nuts.
• MLB FanCave shares a pic of a 1955 Jackie Robinson cap that was on display at a New Era Cap event, via their twitter.

• Alex Remington at FanGraphs makes note of the passing of Dr. Lewis Yocum.  He was the Angels team doctor for 36 years, and started out as an intern for the legendary Dr. Frank Jobe.  RIP Dr. Yocum.
• Soda Shaq!  Shaquille is launching his own branded soft drink.  Pic below via his twitter.  Hat Tip: Chris Partlow at Next Impulse Sports.

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Huggins & Scott Auctions: Some Vintage Dodgers Memorabilia

Huggins & Scott is currently running their May auction and it includes several Dodgers related memorabilia items- most of which are brand new to me.  I always enjoys seeing collectibles of my favorite team that I have never seen before.

Check out this great Brooklyn Dodgers "Bum" ceramic ashtray.  For vintage Dodger collectors the "Bum" character should be recognizable.  It looks exactly like the late 1940's to early 1950's doll/toy sold by Rempel.  In fact, the auction description states that it was manufactured by Rempel.  See an example of one here.  In this case, the "Bum" is ceramic (instead of plastic) and a cigar wielding fan can find some real use for it.  I will note that I have never seen or heard of this item before.

(Auction Link: 1950's Rempel Bum Ashtray)

The next couple of auction items are, in one word, AWESOME. 

I'm sure you've seen cards and photographs of the great Jackie Robinson, but how about vintage memorabilia showcasing his stay with the Montreal Royals?  Well, that is exactly what we have here.  Below are two (of 6 being sold in the lot) late 1940's magazines of "The Standard," which is a Montreal, Canadian periodical featuring some future Dodgers on the cover.  Note that standing behind Jackie (in the photo on the left) is the second Negro League player signed by the Dodgers, John "Needle Nose" Wright.  I wrote about him previously in 2006, here.

(Auction Link: The Standard)

The next auction item doesn't include Jackie Robinson, but does feature several other future Brooklyn Dodgers.  Here is a 32 item lot of La Patrie Album Sportif Montreal Royals pictures.  I think they were either included as premiums (pull-outs) in local magazines or given out at games.  Soon to be Dodgers include Tommy Lasorda, Jim Gilliam, Johnny Podres and Sandy Amoros.

(Auction Link: La Patrie Sportif)

(Auction Link: La Patrie Sportif)

A Vintage Brooklyn Dodger Mini Camera Viewer

Here is a great eBay Auction of a vintage mid-50's era mini picture camera viewer of the Brooklyn Dodgers. It features 17 different photos of the Brooklyn Dodgers and is much like those viewmaster kid toys. These are very scarce and rarely ever come up for auction. In fact, this is the first Dodger camera I have in several years. A Yankees and Giants camera are known to exist. As with most oddball memorabilia items it sold at a value that is relatively cheap compared to how infrequent they show up. It recently sold at $397.00.

Check out the photos from the viewer above and below. Jackie Robinson, Jim Hughes and Sandy Amoros are above.

Carl Furillo

Don Newcombe

Billy Loes

Duke Snider

Clem Labine

Gil Hodges

Roy Campanella

Pee Wee Reese

Joe Black

Carl Erskine

Johnny Podres

Jim Gilliam

Walter Alston

Jim Hughes

(eBay Auction Link)

CSA: The Montreal Royals

Auction Link: 1953 Montreal Royals:

Clean Sweep Auctions is concluding their most recent auction tonight and they have the above rare Exhibit Supply Company 24 card set of the Montreal Royals from 1953- a farm team of the Dodgers at the time. This is probably one of the more scarce sets put out by Exhibit Supply Company since they were only released north of the border. It is also notable for having several future Major League players and a couple of Hall of Fame coach's within it. The Tommy Lasorda card is his true rookie card and includes an unusual spelling mistake (see above). Also, Walter Alston, Sandy Amoros and Don Hoak round out the set.

These cards are about the size of a postcard and were commonly found in coin operated vending machines. For a penny you got several cards to take home. They were made of hard cardboard stock so they are often found in pretty good condition. Exhibit Supply Company produced cards at the beginning of the 20th century to the late 50's, and featured everything from ballplayers to western movie heroes, wrestlers and boxers.

Huggins & Scott Auctions

Here are some great vintage Dodger related items from Huggins & Scott Auctions.

This is a very rare 1899-1900 Supplement (M101-1) from The Sporting News. Made of glossy paper stock these 10" x 13" vignetted portraits where inserted in weekly issues or could be had in 50 lot portfolios with an annual subscription of $2.00 to the magazine. 62 different sheets complete a set. They were produced by National Copper Plate Co. who also made their own set a year earlier that was bound in a book. Below is Hall of Famer Wilbert Robinson during his playing days with the Baltimore Orioles. He was a catcher and a leader on the team. Robinson once played behind the plate during a triple header in 1896 and then played both ends of a doubleheader the next day.

We Dodger fans may know him as "Uncle Robbie." He was the skipper of the Brooklyn team from 1914 to 1931 and compiled a record of 1375-1341. He was so beloved in the borough they nicknamed the team the "Robins" in his honor. It sold for $1200.00.

Auction Link: Sporting News Wilbert Robinson:

Oftentimes, the best way get a nice group of vintage memorabilia is to chase after lots like the one below. Here is a grouping of 10 Brooklyn Dodger items that sold for $350.00. On the left is a 1963 Hall of Fame bust of Jackie Robinson. They were originally sold at Cooperstown. It is unusual to find it with an original box. The four round portraits on the right are pins produced by Topps in 1956. From left to right: Karl Spooner, Sandy Amoros, Pee Wee Reese and Duke Snider. Finally the colored disc directly below the pins are 1955 Armour coins of Gilliam, Reese (2-orange and yellow) and Snider (3-orange and yellow).

Auction Link: Brooklyn Dodger Lot:

I've never seen the movie, but this poster looks great.

What happens when a boy who loves baseball discovers that he has a strange bump on his arm? Simple! The lad takes the world by storm by becoming a "miracle kid with a super ZOOM ball". Such is the plot for the 1954 film Roogie's Bump, an inspirational tale that features cameo appearances from members of the Brooklyn Dodgers. This "Roogie's Bump" one-sheet movie poster is linen backed for easy display. The approximately 28x41 Republic poster features stars such as Campanella, Loes and Erskine.

It sold for $275.00.

Auction Link: Roogies Bump:

Mastro's Summer Auction

I'm back to posting some great Dodger related items from the major auction houses.

Mastro, even with some of the troubles they have faced the past couple of years, continues to showcase some incredible items.

Below is a "Dear John" letter from former Dodger owner Charles Ebbets to Brooklyn player Charlie Babb. It's short and sweet, if not direct.

"You are herewith notified that your services will not be required on and after September 7th 1905 as per contract signed by you with the Brooklyn Ball Club."

Babb would never again play in the major leagues.

It sold for what I thought was a very good price for this vintage autographed piece- $425.00.

Auction Link: Charles Ebbets Termination Letter:

This lot did not sell in last months auction. Below are 2 great press photos featuring historic Dodger catches. To the left is Duke Snider's backhanded catch of a Yogi Berra drive during Game 4 of the 1952 World Series. To its' right is the famous grab by Sandy Amoros that helped the Dodgers win the 1955 World Series.

Auction Link: Great Brooklyn Catches:

Here is a uniform I would love to have in my closet. I would pull it out for games just to put me in that Baseball kind of mood. It came with a vintage style cap and is fashioned after the uniforms worn by the 1911 team.
What makes this jersey great is not its vintage look, but the fact that it was actually worn by Dodger first baseman Eric Karros during his photoshoot for his 1993 Leaf Heritage Baseball card. It sold for $120.00.

Auction Link: 1993 Eric Karros worn 1993 Leaf Heritage Jersey:

No auction is complete without a vintage drawing from beloved sports cartoonist Willard Mullin. As you may know he invented the Dodger "Bum."

Published during the 1950s, the piece shows a milkman making his rounds, wishing a hearty good morning to the disheveled street walker—who can only utter "HUMPH" as he prepares for another lengthy day/night of Dodgers baseball.

So, when does Baseball start again? It sold for $600.00.

Auction Link: Willard Mulling Drawing: