Blog Kiosk: 5/8/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun Herb Scharfman International News press photo from the first day of spring training at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, 1954, and as you can see it features a rather nimble Duke Snider. Don Newcombe, who was on the mound, was aiming for Snider's rear-end, and the Duke had to do a jitterbug to get out of the way. Per the descriptor attached to reverse (eBay auction link):

Pitch went Wild
Vero Beach, Florida -- Brooklyn outfielder Duke Snider isn't going into his dance as might be supposed from his gyrations in this picture. A pitch by Don Newcombe tagged Duke on his trouser seat in Opening Day workouts at Vero Beach yesterday. A sartorial note was added to the scene by Snider who appeared in a polo shirt of violent scarlet, trousers of a golden hue, two-tone shoes and a straw hat modeled like a long-ago box baseball cap. The Dodgers spring training underway under the guidance of their new manager, Walter Alston.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Giants and Dodgers play an Army-Navy Relief exhibition game that raises over $60,000 for the Navy Relief Fund in front of 24,000 fans. Brooklyn edged out their rivals, 7-6, on a Dolph Camilli home run in the seventh inning. BTW, everyone, including the umpires, coaches and players, paid admission to enter Ebbets Field. In 1973 Willie Stargell hit an Andy Messersmith pitch out of Dodger Stadium. This was the second time he had accomplished the feat at the stadium and only the second time it had ever happened in its history. In other words, Willie Stargell owned Dodger Stadium. In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela pitched his seventh straight victory to open the season -- shutting out the Mets by a score of 1-0 at Shea Stadium.
• Happy Birthday, Dan Brouthers & Adrian Gonzalez!

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: 4/11/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic slide by 'Pistol' Pete Reiser against the Cardinals, 9/13/1946. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Action that had the Dodger fans gripping frantically at the edges of their seats is caught by the camera as the Dodgers' Reiser slides into the home plate to score one of the Dodgers' four runs in the first inning of the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Ebbets Field today. Reiser scored from second on Stevens single. Slaughter heaved to Del Rice at the plate but Reiser beat the throw.

The above photo, taken by Herb Scharfman, is currently available on eBay, here. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1959 Don Drysdale hits his second Opening Day home run to become the first pitcher with two career homers on Opening Day. Unfortunately, Don's homer would be the only run the Dodgers score this day as they lose to the Cubs, 6-1. In 2000 the Dodgers and Giants play the inaugural game at San Francisco's Pac Bell Park. Dodger shortstop Kevin Elster celebrates the occasion by hitting three home runs to help defeat the Giants, 12-8. In 2013 Zack Greinke breaks his left collarbone as a result of a melee on the field. Greinke had plunked Padres outfielder Carlos Quentin, so he charged the mound. Zack would miss several weeks due to the injury.
• Happy Birthday, Pop Corkhill, Al Nixon, Roy Gordinier & Kenta Maeda!

Blog Kiosk: 3/26/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Pee Wee Reese could soar like an eagle.

Featured above is a 1957 spring training pic taken by Herb Scharfman of Reese at Dodgertown. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Veteran Captain Pee Wee Reese of the Brooklyn Dodgers may not be as young as some of his teammates at the Dodgers spring camp, but he still has plenty of zip and bounce. He is floating over the pitchers batting screen here like a two-year-old.

The above pic is currently available through RMY Auctions (link here). Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1953 the St. Louis Browns returned pitcher Tommy Lasorda to the Dodgers after having just purchased him a month prior. In 1984 Jackie Robinson was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan in a White House ceremony. Rachel Robinson accepted the award on her late husband's behalf. At the time, Jackie was just the third ballplayer to be given the distinction (Moe Berg and Joe DiMaggio were the others). You can watch the presentation here. In 1991 the Dodgers sign free agent catcher and future Hall of Famer Gary Carter to a one-year $500,000 contract. 
• Happy Birthday, Jack McCarthy, Joe Klugmann, José Vizcaíno & Frank Lankford!

Blog Kiosk: 12/28/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fantastic 1957 International News Spring Training press photo, taken by the legendary Herb Scharfman, featuring a couple of Dodgers with some visiting Tokyo Giants' (eBay Link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Dodgers host to Tokyo Giants Players
Vero Beach, Florida... Brooklyn Dodger coach Joe Becker (third from left) and pitcher Don Newcombe (left), discuss pointers of the game with two visitors to the Dodger camp from Japan. They are Sho Horincho, pitcher with the Tokyo Giants (second from left) and Tokyo Giants' manager Shigeru Mizuhara (right). Dated 3-1-1957.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers traded for 6' 5" tall reliever Pat Zachry in exchange for utilityman Jorge Orta. In 1993 the Dodgers traded pitcher Isidro Márquez for utilityman Ron Coomer of the White Sox.
• Happy Birthday, Einar Díaz, Don Thompson & Austin Barnes!

Blog Kiosk: 11/6/2018 - Dodgers Links - Vote! It's Election Day!

Here's another Spring Training pic from yesteryear, as found on eBay. Dated March 7, 1950 and taken by the legendary Herb Scharfman, we see six Dodgers all vying for an opening at the third base position that upcoming season. Per the description on the reverse:

All Pulling for the Same Job
Vero Beach, FLA... There are plenty of strings attached to the third base job with the Brooklyn Dodgers as these six candidates try the position at the Vero Beach camp of the Bums. Left to right: Bob Morgan, Clarence (Buddy) Hicks, Johnny Jorgenson, Billy Cox, Everett (Rocky) Bridges and Eddie Miksis.

As you may know, rookie Bobby Morgan was the Opening Day starter, but eventually lost the starting job to Billy Cox by mid-season. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1974 Dodgers hurler Dr. Mike Marshall becomes the first reliever to win a Cy Young award. He had set a MLB record for appearances at 106 and innings pitched for a reliever at 208.1. That's right, a reliever threw over 200 innings and got into over 65% of all Dodger games that season. In 1996 Dodger outfielder Todd Hollandsworth is named the winner of the Rookie of the Year award. He is the fifth consecutive Dodger to win this award and the 16th overall in franchise history. In 2006 Dodger fan Charles Littleton, a 22-year old Saginaw Valley State University student, is TASERed by Saginaw (MI) police when he refuses to remove his Dodger cap during a City Council meeting. He is there to receive extra credit for a sociology class. See a news report here. In 2014 the Dodgers officially hire Zaidi Farhan to be their new General Manager. He takes over a  position previously held by Ned Colletti. 
• Happy Birthday, Bob Darnell, John Candelaria & Chad Curtis!

Blog Kiosk: 9/27/2018 - Dodgers Links - Ugh!

We're not out, but it sure don't feel good.

Last night the Dodgers failed to win their series against the Diamondbacks, losing 7-2 to win just one-of-three games in Phoenix. So, now they enter their last series of the year - a three game set - against the Giants with the season on the balance. Fortunately, we still hold a one game lead for the last wild card spot, but I would much prefer to win the division.

On a side note, this last series against the Gnats is sure to be exciting. I hope my heart can take it.

In hopes of providing inspiration, please check out the above fantastic October 2, 1955 International News press photo taken by the legendary Herb Scharfman. It features a celebrating Dodger dugout and our slugging centerfielder, Duke Snider, after his second homer of the day during Game 5 of the World Series.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1936 future Dodgers Hall of Fame skipper Walter Alston played in his only Major League game. It was as an 24-year old first baseman for the Cardinals, and he got into the game as a late-inning substitution for Johnny Mize. He would commit an error on the field in two chances, and only get a single at-bat -- he struck out. In 1951 future basketball Hall of Famer Bill Sharman was on the bench for the Dodgers as a 25-year old prospect. On this day he would be thrown out of the game, along with 14 other teammates, for "bench-jockeying" after a close play at home. He would never get a chance to play a Major League game, and thus became the only player to be ejected from a game without ever appearing in one. In 1961 Sandy Koufax recorded seven strikeouts against the Phillies to set a new National League record for strikeouts in a season at 269. The mark was previously held by Giants hurler Christy Mathewson who set it in 1903 with 267 strikeouts. In 2000 the Team USA Baseball club, skippered by Tommy Lasorda, beat the Cuban ballclub to win the gold medal in the Olympics.
• Happy Birthday, Joe Visner, Doug Baird, Whit Wyatt, Len Matuszek, Jason Phillips, Vicente Padilla & Jon Garland!

Blog Kiosk: 1/18/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

With Spring around the corner I can't help but be excited when I see a vintage spring training photograph like the one above.  (eBay Auction Link) Featured are five Dodger pitchers showing off for the camera while training at Dodgertown, dated February 25, 1953.  It was taken by noted International News and soon-to-be Sports Illustrated photographer Herb Scharfman.  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Posing prettily here at the Brooklyn Dodgers Vero Beach camp are the five top flingers of the Dodgers/  In Front: Russ Meyer, latest acquisition; and Carl Erskine (right).  Rear: (from left) Joe Black, Billy Loes and Preacher Roe.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 2011 the Dodgers signed veteran free agent outfielder Gabe Kapler as a non-roster invitee.  Unfortunately, he didn't make the team and would subsequently be released at the end of March.  As you know, he would soon retire and make his mark in the Baseball front office.
• Happy Birthday, Eddie Moore, Len Koenecke, Billy Grabarkewitz, Brian Falkenborg & Mike Lieberthal!
  

Blog Kiosk: 1/10/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Dodgers third baseman Randy Jackson is seen scoring on an inside-the-park home run in the above August 11, 1956 International News press photo taken by Herb Scharfman - a noted Sports Illustrated photographer.  (eBay Auction Link) It was recorded against the Phillies at Ebbets Park and represent the fourth run to cross that plate that inning.  Per the descriptor on the reverse:

The First inning of the Dodger-Phillies game at Ebbets Field today was distinguished by an inside-the-park homer by Randy Jackson of the Dodgers.  It was one of those "almost lost" things as Richie Ashburn, Phillies centerfielder, "almost" got it.  The photo on the left shows (not seen above) Ashburn making his try as the ball hit the centerfield wall.  The photo on the right shows (photo above) Jackson hitting the plate to score on the clout. 

The Dodgers would win the game, 5-2, and it would provide Don Newcombe with his 18th win of the season.  He would record 27 victories that year and win both the Cy Young and MVP.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1984 Don Drysdale is elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame; along with Luis Aparicio and Harmon Killebrew.
• Happy Birthday, Marty Hermann, Johnny Peacock & Adam Kennedy!

Blog Kiosk: 1/5/2015 - Dodger Links - Trading Either, Mike Piazza and Babe Herman

The 1951 version of the Dodgers brain trust is all set up and ready to go for spring training, as evidenced in the vintage press photograph above.  Check out the eBay auction here.  Per the caption attached to the reverse:

Coaches and Dressen Confer at Dodger Camp; Vero Beach, Florida.... Charles "Chuck" Dressen, new manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers holds a conference with three of his coaching staff at the Brooks Spring Training Camp.  Left to right are: Dressen; Clyde Sukeforth; Jake Pitler and Cookie Lavagetto.

The photo was originally taken by Herb Scharfman for International News; dated 2/21/1951.  As you may know, Scharfman would join Sports Illustrated and is famous for a photo in which he appeared - he is the man seen in the background (between the legs of Muhammad Ali) as Ali stands over a knocked out Sonny Listen.

Below are some links to check out:

• Alex Markle at Chavez Ravining put together his list of, "Top 10 Matt Kemp Cards."
• ICYMI, there have been rumblings over the weekend that the Orioles, "have engaged in trade talks with the Dodgers regarding Andre Ethier," via Roch Kubatko at MASN Sports.   Baltimore appears to have many options, so I wouldn't expect anything to be imminent.  At this point, nothing would surprise me, though.  The Dodgers have not been shy about wanting to deal Ethier and they are probably willing to make a deal.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Acclaimed scout Brito not slowing down at 80."
• Via Lyle Spencer at MLB.com, "Wills' impact on game is Hall of Fame worthy."
• Via Anthony DiComo at MLB.com, "Proud of numbers, Piazza awaits Hall's call."

"I can only say that there's been a lot of great players throughout history that have had to wait their turn," Piazza said during a phone interview to promote a shaving system, for which he recently filmed a television commercial in upstate New York. "Joe DiMaggio had three ballots. Yogi Berra had three ballots. And that's part of the process. For me, it's not really my place, I feel, to start campaigning. I can only say that I'm proud of my work and I'm proud of my career. I'll put my numbers against a lot of players in history, and I feel that's all I can do."

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers 2015 non-roster invitees to spring training."
• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Seasons: Babe Herman’s 1930 — the year of the hitter."

It was that year when a Dodger had arguably the greatest offensive season in franchise history. Floyd Herman, better known as “Babe” Herman, had a monumental campaign for the Brooklyn Robins, one that is statistically jaw dropping.


Herman ranked in the National League top five in 12 different offensive categories. His .393 batting average is 12 points better than any other in franchise history. (Herman hit .381 in 1929.) Herman finished second in the NL batting race to Bill Terry, who hit .401 that season.

• Via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily, "Roadshow Segment on Rare Collection Airs Monday (today)."

The segment was taped on Roadshow’s first trip to New York City in 13 years.  It reveals the largest sports memorabilia find in the 19-year history of the series: an archive of rare Mort Rogers Scorecards with a handwritten letter from the 1871-1872 Boston Red Stockings.

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Blog Kiosk: 12/1/2014 - Dodger Links - A Scharfman Photo of Some Brooklyn Dodgers and Scully's Greatest Calls

Above is another fantastic vintage press photo that I ran into on eBay.  Go here to check out that auction.  It is an International News Photo taken by noted photographer Herb Scharfman, dated 8/12/1956.

Scharfman is considered one of the greats in sports photojournalism.  He started out with International News Photo then moved on to Sports Illustrated.  His photograph of Rocky Marciano's knock-out punch of Joe Wolcott in 1952 is considered one of the most iconic photos ever taken (see it here), and he is noted for chronicling Roger Maris' pursuit of Babe Ruth's home run record in 1961.  Strangely, he may be more famous today for a photo he did not take, but is instead in the middle of.  He is the photographer seen between Muhammad Ali's leg when he stands over a knocked-out Sonny Liston in a 1964 rematch.  You can see that photo here.

As for the photo above it includes the following caption that was attached to the reverse:

Winning Combo

Brooklyn, NY... Winning Dodger combination that helped rout Robin Roberts and the Phillies, 7-3, today make a happy picture in Ebbets Field dressing room.  From left are Carl Furrillo who hit two homers, winning pitcher Roger Craig, and Pee Wee Reese and Randy Jackson, who hit a homer each as their share in the Philly Defeat.

This win kept the Dodgers 1.5 games behind the Milwaukee Braves.  Below are some links to check out:

• Via Mark Townsend at Big League Stew, he shares his favorite Vin Scully calls on his 87th birthday.  Then, Michael Clair at Cut4 shares his favorites, "Celebrate Vin Scully's 87th birthday with some of his greatest calls."
• So, Kershaw was at the LA Auto Show this past weekend.  Via David's Autograph Signings, he was there and shared a bunch of photos to prove it.
• Via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA, "The second biggest disappointing moment of 2014."

“That was a really tough play,” Kershaw said. “I think under normal circumstances that’s pretty close to a hit. [Corey] Dickerson’s really fast and Hanley did all he could, he made a great play and just throws a little wide, so there’s nothing you can do with that. It was a tough play.”

• Via Stacie Wheeler at Lasorda's Lair, "Dodgers Lose Two Minor League Catchers This Offseason."
• Via Oscar Martinez at Lasorda's Lair, "Remembering Hanley Ramirez Through Cardboard."
• You've no doubt heard about and seen the new Star Wars 'The Force Awakens' movie trailer, but have you seen the Lego version?  Watch it below.

Video Link:

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Take a Look at some Vintage Dodger Photos from Hyee Auctions - Campy, Sandy and the Duke

Some of my favorite sport memorabilia items to check out on eBay are vintage press photos, and one of the top sellers of them currently has some great Dodger pics to peruse through.  Check out some of my favorites from hyee_auctions below. 

Below is Roy Campanella chatting with Yogi Berra during a pre-1953 World Series workout.  According to the caption glued to the reverse, they are wondering out-loud why they both stick a finger out of their glove when catching.  Notice how Campy has a grip of Yogi's index finger.  It was taken by Herb Scharfman of International News. 

(Auction Link)

As a collector I found this below photograph totally fascinating.  Here is a July 30, 1958 photograph of a concession stand for a Dodger game at the Coliseum.  You can see a Dodgers yearbook, some Jay's photo packs, postcards and scorecards.

(auction link)

Below is a 1965 St. Paul Pioneer Press Photo of Sandy Koufax on the mound during Game 2 of the 1965 World Series after giving up a few runs.

(Auction Link)

Here is a 1954 AP photograph of an 18-year old hurler straight out of the University of Cincinnati - Sandy Koufax.

(Auction Link)

Below is a great photo of Babe Herman with his young son Bobby, dated 8/18/1930.  It was by Herman Adnson of Wide World Photos.

(auction link)

Here is a 1949 ACME News photo of Campy, Preacher Roe and the Duke in those shiny satin Dodger uniforms.

(auction link)

I thought I would finish this post up with a fantastic photo of Duke Snider doing celebrating after the Dodgers 1955 World Series victory.

(auction link)

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Press Photo Collection: Erskine and the Enemy

Over the years I've been an avid collector of vintage press photos.  They are relatively inexpensive and oftentimes feature rarely seen and often very candid photographs of a player on your favorite team.  My own collection isn't particularly large, but I do have a few that I have yet to share on this blog.  Over the coming weeks and months I will scan and put most of them up to share with all of you.  Most of them are Dodgers related, but I do have some great photos from the Negro Leagues and Muhammad Ali, as well.  So, stay tuned.

This press photo is dated from June 22, 1952, which is just a few days after Carl Erskine threw a no-hitter against the Cubs.  Check out the written copy below (which is attached to the reverse of the photo) that describes the circumstances surrounding the photo.  Erskine is getting some make-up help from Giants outfielder Monte Irvine before their guest appearance on a Olympic Fund TV Marathon.  See, even bitter rivals can get together for a good cause.  Also, note that the photo was taken by Herb Scharfman.  He was a very well known and highly regarded Sports Illustrated photographer.

Click on any pic to embiggen.

Legendary Auctions: More Vintage Dodger Photos

Following up on my post from last week, here are some more vintage Dodger photographs Legendary Auctions currently has available. Check them out below.

Here is a team photograph of the 1947 Dodgers that features rookie Jackie Robinson.

(Auction Link)

I'll let the auction description take it from here:

Something about the nighttime setting, the photographer's flashbulb and the dugout backdrop have crystallized into sheer photographic perfection here. You almost never see this level of fine detail and high resolution in news service photos. Yet every line on the players' faces and even the textured fabric of their garments is all acutely visible. There's practically a magical quality to the 8" x 10" photo, which captures Major League trailblazers Don Newcombe, Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and Larry Doby during a barnstorming game between the "Jackie Robinson All-Stars" and the Richmond Giants at Mooers Field on October 13, 1948.

(Auction Link)

This photo has amazing clarity. Pee Wee Reese crosses the plate after hitting one of his four home runs in the 1952 World Series.

(Auction Link)

The Dodgers are excited to play prior to the start of Game 1 of the 1956 World Series. The news caption on the reverse states,

"READY FOR PLAY BALL—Coming out of the Dodger dugout (left to right) are catcher Roy Campanella, rightfielder Carl Furillo, first baseman Gil Hodges, leftfielder Sandy Amoros, third baseman Jackie Robinson, centerfielder Duke Snider, shortstop Pee Wee Reese, second baseman Jim Gilliam obscured by pitcher Sal Maglie."

(Auction Link)

This is a photo by Herb Scharfman- one of Baseballs great post war photographers. He worked for International News, The New York Mirror and the Brooklyn Dodgers. His work also graced the pages of Sports Illustrated from its inception. The news caption on the reverse describes the event below.

"DODGERS MAKE IT DOUBLE IN SETTING HOME-RUN RECORD - Roy Campanella, left, and Duke Snider have reason for the broad grins as they pose with arm loads of bats in the Dodger clubhouse. Campy and the Duke are tied in homers with 41 apiece. They also score a 'first' for the Dodgers in marking the first time that two men on one team have tacked up 41 homers. And finally, Campanella and Snider topped by one home run the record set by Gil Hodges."

(Auction Link)

From the auction description,

Gathered here are all the key figures of Brooklyn's Game 1 triumph over the Yankees in the '52 World Series. Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider and Pee Wee Reese contributed home runs; Joe Black got the mound victory; and Chuck Dressen piloted the team to success.

(Auction Link)