Blog Kiosk: 10/29/2018 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I've been absolutely swamped at work today, so I apologize for this very late post.

First of all, congrats to the Red Sox on their World Series victory.

As you can imagine, yesterday's loss sure does put a damper on the Dodger season. Nevertheless, I am hardly discouraged. I guarantee there are 28 other teams that would have killed to be in our position, so losing really only stings for a bit. Via Alden Gonzalez at ESPN:

"I think you have to realize that we are a really good team to get to go to the World Series two years in a row," Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw said, his response to a question about how the organization can improve to finally win it all. "It might not be a personnel thing; it might just be a 'play better' thing."

...
"The pain that you have last year, it really hurts, but the good thing is that it motivates you to get back here -- and we did," Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen said. "This one hurts, too. You can say all the good things and motivate yourself, but at the end of the day, we're still human. It's still going to hurt."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2018. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1942 Branch Rickey, architect of the St. Louis Cardinals' farm system, resigned as their vice president. He would join the Dodgers three days later as the clubs president - taking over for Larry MacPhail who had enlisted into the Army to serve in WWII.
• Happy Birthday, Sam Kimber, Earl Yingling, Pete Richert, Karim Garcia, Will Venable & Dana Eveland!

Gil Hodges in "The Geisha Boy"

Steiner Sports, the famed retailer of sports memorabilia, is currently running their Winter Classic Auction, and it happens to include a very unusual item that is notable to both Dodger fans and fans of Jerry Lewis. Featured above is a 1958 Day Player Agreement between Dodgers first baseman Gil Hodges and Paramount Pictures (auction link here).

As you can see, the agreement is for his appearance in an Jerry Lewis 1958 comedy called "The Geisha Boy." Having never seen the flick and being the curious sort, I decided to do some research and share that here. Per IMBD, we find out what this movie is all about:

Gilbert Wooley (Jerry Lewis) is a second-rate magician who is sent to entertain the troops in the pacific. During his time in Japan he becomes attached to a little orphan boy.

Memorabilia from Former Brooklyn Dodger Cookie Lavagetto at Steiner Auctions

Steiner Sports is currently running an auction that includes various items from the estate of former Dodgers infielder Harry "Cookie" Lavagetto. There's a bunch of stuff from his coaching days, but there are also some goodies from his time in Brooklyn. One of which is featured above. (auction link)

What you see is a business card that was made for Lavagetto by his teammates/peers - no doubt honoring him for his play in the field and leadership in the clubhouse.

Blog Kiosk: 10/7/2015 - Dodger Links - No Uribe, Ryu on the Mend and Andre Ethier

Andre Ethier knows it's all about the right frame of mind... and a playoff beard.

BTW, it's now official.  Clayton Kershaw will pitch Game 1 and Zach Greinke will pitch Game 2.  Also, the Game 3 pitcher for the Dodgers will be Brett Anderson.  The remaining games, if needed, have yet to be determined.

The above pic via the Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• Ummm.... What?  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "By Jiminy, cricket coming to Dodger Stadium in November."  My first thought was... "those games can take days!"  Then I found out that they'll be playing an abbreviated form of the game called T20.  I have absolutely no idea how this game is played, but I just might take a moment to learn.
• This is actually good news for the Dodgers.  I was really afraid that Uribe would perform his usual heroics and win a game off the bench.  Now, we don't have to worry about that.  Via Vincent Samperio at Dodgers Nation, "NLDS News: Juan Uribe Won’t Face Dodgers In First Round."
• This is good news.  Via Dylan Hernandez on twitter, Ryu has started throwing again:

Ryu has started throwing program.

— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) October 6, 2015

• Steiner Sports recently released their 2015 Playoff Collection that includes the below 10" x 20" collage with game-used dirt from Dodger Stadium.  Go here to check that out. They also have individual player plaques with game dirt for seven different players.
  
  

• I'm not a particularly big fan of the Topps Bunt program, but I figure this was worth mentioning.  Topps Bunt is an app where fans collect virtual Baseball cards, and Topps recently released 20 different 2015 postseason digital cards; including the Clayton Kershaw on the right.  Ryan Cracknell at Beckett has more information here.  I'm hoping that they eventually put this on real cardboard.
• Jane Wells of CNBC spoke with Dodger President Stan Kasten to talk playoffs, fantasy sports betting and their new Accelerator program.  Watch the video here.  On a side note, the Accelerator program is just further proof of how brilliant this Dodger ownership is.  They are leveraging their brand as a leader in the game and in sports in general to invest in start-ups that could very well lead to giant returns.  What an incredible idea - the Dodgers doing some angel investing.
• For info on how to legally watch the MLB Playoffs online without cable go here. 
• defgav at Baseball Card Breakdown, tears apart an Hanley Ramirez card - just for the giggles.  Check it out here.
• I guess I'll take whoever wants to root for the Dodgers - for whatever reason.  Via Big Red Fury, "Why Husker Fans Need the Dodgers to Win the World Series."

Feel free to pshaw and call this idea cockamamie all you want, but if you do the research, you’ll see I’m not yanking your chain. Every time the Huskers have played in a title game or made a National Championship run, the Dodgers preceded those appearances with a World Series victory.

• I have no doubt that the Rangers want their fans to die.  Via Kyle Newport at the Bleacher Report, "Texas Rangers Introduce Wild New Concession-Stand Items for 2015 Playoffs."  They will offering concoctions like a cotton candy dog and a large bag of Cheetos filled with meat, cheese and other taco-like fillings.
• A must see!  In honor of Back to the Future here is Jaws 19.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

An Auto'd Lasorda Pic with "Ol' Blue Eyes" on Auction to Benefit Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation

Derek Jeter's "Turn 2 Foundation" currently has an auction up at Steiner Sports.  Go here to check it out. There's only a couple of days left, so get cracking.  There are 52 different collectibles available; including a Jeter game-used glove, a meet & greet with Jon Cena and autographed memorabilia from players from throughout the league.

One item that caught my eye is the below autographed photo of our very own Tommy Lasorda with Frank Sinatra.  See it below.  The auction can be seen here. 

(Auction Link)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

A Jackie Robinson Game-Used Glove Goes to Auction

This is a wonder to behold.

Steiner Sports just began their most recent auction and it includes the only game-worn fielding glove of Jackie Robinson ever to come to auction.  It is believed to have been used by Jackie during his last 3 seasons in the majors - 1954 to 1956.

From my understanding, it does not come directly from his family.  Instead, it was found by the family of the property owner of a New York City office building where Robinson once had an office.  According to Steiner executive vice president Brett Schissler, it was tucked away in a garage and wrapped in plastic, along with a game-used bat and several caps.  

From the auction description:

The glove shows extensive wear and aging on the leather throughout which attributes to the three years of use. The glove has number "42" written in black felt tip on the intact wrist strap, signifying that the glove belonged to Jackie. Some Restoration has been done to the glove to preserve the historical significance of this iconic relic. This included cleaning, and re-attaching the web. The solid V Anchor web that was attached to the pocket had separated. The glove remains original except for a period correct Rawlings label that was utilized only for the aesthetic viewing of this piece of history. The glove is photo matched and authenticated by Dennis Esken The lead Glove Authenticator, A full letter of Authenticity is included.

Schissler adds, "the Robinson glove is the rarest piece of memorabilia sold at auction by Steiner. It is sure to spark spirited bidding by collectors." 

In fact, it is believed that it may eclipse the $1Mil mark.  In just one day of bidding it is already over $310,000.00.

It goes without saying that the provenance isn't exactly ideal.  Still, it would be great to see in person.  Furthermore, I greatly dislike the Rawlings patch (as seen below).  I would prefer to see it in its original condition, without the ugly patch.  Of course, who cares what I say?  I could never add something like this to my collection, and I'm no expert when it comes to game-used material. 

I wonder if Rachel Robinson can add any more info about this item.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

SteinerSports: Dodger Auction Items

Steiner Sports is running an auction that includes some Dodgers. They feature a whole host of autographed photos of Clayton Kershaw and Kirk Gibson, among others. The highlight, though, are the autos of the greatest left-hander around, Sandy Koufax.

(auction link)

A determined and persistent fan can get an auto of just about anyone, but something signed by Sandy is another story. He is rarely in the public eye. Not only that, Steiner has a great reputation for authenticity.