Blog Kiosk: 11/25/2016 - Dodgers Links - Cash, Sheffield and Ralph Branca

Here's a fantastic International News press photo, dated April 3, 1950, Ralph Branca while warming up on the mound during spring training at Vero Beach.  Pic above via eBay (link here).

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1972 first baseman Wes Parker won his sixth straight Gold Glove Award.  He would retire at the end of this season.
• Happy Birthday, Octavio Dotel, Gene Bailey, Ben Wade &  Grant Dayton!

1966 Union 76 Dodgers 45 RPM Record Set Featuring Vin Scully Interviews

With the off-season officially upon us I though I would take a moment to checklist a scarce set from  the mid-60's.  Featured below are the twelve different Union 76 Los Angeles Dodgers 45 RPM records featuring Vin Scully interviewing 24 different players and executives.

As you can see, it includes a colorful sleeve with drawings done by Nicholas Volpe -- known for the various player portraits handed out by Union 76 over the past several decades.  Furthermore, each sleeve includes a portrait drawing of Vin Scully.  Each record has a separate Scully interview on each side, and fans were able to purchase a single record at participating gas stations for $0.49 each with a minimum purchase of gas.

On the right is a advertising poster for the records that had been previously shared by Mark Langill at Dodger Insider (link here).  Apparently, the poster is thought to be the only copy in existence today.

As for the records, I don't have any recordings to share.  If you happen to know where I could listen to any of them please pass that along to me. 

1966

Union 76 - 7” 33RPM Record EP Set - 12 Record Set

Record One

Sandy Koufax/John Kennedy

Blog Kiosk: 10/18/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kuroda to Retire, Urias in Game 4, and Game 3 Tonight

Dodger Stadium sure looks ready for today's Game 3.  It all begins at 5:08 PM tonight.  BTW, both the auto and stadium gates open at 2:08 PM.

The photo at the very top via Petros & Money on twitter.  Graphic above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  This is one of the worst days in Dodger history.  In 1977 Reggie Jackson slammed three home runs against the Dodgers in Game 6 at Yankee Stadium to win the World Series. 
• Happy Birthday, Alex Cora and former manager Burt Shotton!

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Wes Parker and Andy McCue to Discuss LA Dodger History

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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This isn't quite an autograph appearance, but promises to be so much more.  The Institute for Baseball Studies at Whittier College is presenting a discussion session featuring author Andy McCue and former Dodger first Baseman Wes Parker titled, "The Dodgers Come to Los Angeles: Politics and Pennants in Paradise." 

No doubt this should be an interesting evening.  The event starts at 7:00PM.  Also the Institute for Baseball Studies will open their doors from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.  Check out the flyer below for more information, or go to this link.  Admission is free.

BTW, McCue's book titled "Mover & Shaker" is an absolutely fantastic book.  It's one of the more detailed studies on Walter O'Malley and the Dodgers I've ever read.  I consider it a must read for fans who want to have a better understanding of Dodger history.

Whittier College, Villalobos Hall
13507 Earlham Dr.
Whittier, California

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Some Great Dodger Memorabilia on Auction at the National in Cleveland

The National Sports Collectors Convention is the premier hobby event in the country.  Collectors and dealers from throughout North America come out in droves to talk sports and collecting.  For folks who love the hobby there is no better place to be.

Unfortunately, being Southern California based means having to travel far distances to enjoy the show.  So, I usually have to depend on the goodwill (and photographs) of others to enjoy what it has to offer.  BTW, I have it on good word that it could be years, if ever, before they bring "The National" back to the West Coast. 

I plan, like always, to share some of my favorite pics from the web when the show opens.  So, stay tuned for that.  In the meantime, Heritage Auctions is running a Live Auction concurrent with the convention, and they recently opened it up for collectors to look through.  Below are some of my favorite Dodger items.

Wes Parker is easily the greatest defensive 1st baseman to ever put on Dodger Blue, and maybe even in all of Baseball history.  He won 6 consecutive Gold Gloves and was named to the Major League Baseball All-Time Gold Glove team in 2007.  In his 9 year career he had a .996 fielding percentage and recorded only 45 errors total.

Below is Parker's 1967 Gold Glove from Rawlings - his first in his career.  This award comes direct from Wes Parker.

(Auction Link)

Get a look at this!

Below is a player contract for Roy Campanella covering the 1947 Season.  It indicates that he is moving from their minor league club in Nashua, NH to the Dodgers tops farm team in Montreal, and that he would be earning $250.00 a month for his services.  Based on an inflation calculator from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that is equivalent to $2,667.04 per month.

(Auction Link)

Don Zimmer was one of the more beloved men to ever get on the field.  He played for 5 different clubs over a 13 playing career.  Then, he either managed or coached in the game for the remainder of his life.  Overall, he was active in professional Baseball for over 65 years.  Don Zimmer passed away last month at the age of 83. 

Featured below is a game-used Brooklyn Dodger jersey once worn by him in 1954.  It is from his first season in the Major Leagues.

(Auction Link)

Below is Don Zimmer's 1959 Los Angeles Dodgers World Championship ring.

(Auction Link)

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The 1969 Union Oil Dodgers Portraits Set - A Recent Purchase for My Collection

Several weeks ago, I hinted at a recent purchase for my collection that had me very excited.  For several years now, I've been on the hunt for complete sets of those Union Oil Dodgers' portraits made in the 1960's.  There are three different one's (1962, 1964 & 1969), and they can be difficult to find.  I've missed the mark on numerous occasions, but finally won a set that is both colorful and gorgeous. Check out my 1969 Union Dodgers Premium Pictures set featuring drawings by Nicholas Volpe.

As I'm sure you know, Volpe has a long history with the Dodgers.  From the early 60's to the early 80's, he created player portraits for the Dodgers that were given away by Union Oil.  This particular set was given away to fans at select weekday night games at Dodger Stadium.  So, this was a very early Stadium Give Away (SGA).  These evenings were billed as "Player Portrait Night".

The cards are a little thinner than a Baseball card (but still sturdy) and measure 8 1/2" x 11".  Only 13 pictures are in the set, and it does not include several key players from the season; like Maury Wills, Manny Mota and Ted Sizemore.

I have scanned the front and reverse of each portrait.  As you can see below, the backs have a player biography, stats, the Dodger home schedule and information about the artist.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

Below are the remaining 12 Dodgers' portrait photos in the set.

Walter Alston

 Jim Brewer

Willie Davis

 Ron Fairly

 Tom Haller

 Jim Lefebvre

 Claude Osteen

 Wes Parker

 Paul Popovich

 Bill Singer

 Bill Sudakis

 Don Sutton

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: DodgersFest 2012!!

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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DodgersFest 2012!  The big, end of the season, Dodgers themed autograph show is coming this Saturday to Frank & Sons in the City of Industry.  18 members of the Dodgers family will be there.  This promises to be a great event.  As always, admission is free.  All times below are subject to change.

Frank & Sons 
19649 San Jose Avenue 
Industry, CA 91748 

I'll start it off by announcing that Magic Johnson will be signing that afternoon starting at 1:00 PM, and ending whenever the demand stops.  You can also get autographs from the great Dodgers infield of the 70's- Garvey, Russell, Lopes and Cey.  There is a Dodgers Infield Super Ticket available, as well.  Details are below, or go here for more information.

Magic Johnson 

1:00pm until completion
small - flat items up to and including 11x14: $99. medium - large flats, baseballs, minis (bats, helmets & mini basketballs) shoes, floor pieces, figurines & equipment: $119. large - bats, helmets, basketballs, jerseys & artwork: $149. inscriptions: $49.

Al "The Bull" Ferrara

9:30am – 11:00am
FREE Autographs

Bill Russell

10:00am – 11:30am
small: $25. medium: $30. large: $35. inscription: $10.

Davey Lopes

10:00am – 11:30am
small: $30. medium: $35. large: $40. inscription: $10.

Ron Cey

10:00am – 11:30am
small: $30. medium: $35. large: $40. inscription: $10.

Steve Garvey

10:00am – 11:30am
small: $35. medium: $40. large: $50. inscription: $10.

****Infield Super Ticket (Super Ticket is one ticket for each member of the Infield) 

balls and small flats up to & including 11x14: $99.
large flats, minis, caps & equipment: $119. 
helmets, bats & jerseys: $139.

Maury Wills

11:00am – 12:30pm
small: $25. medium: $35. large: $45. inscription: $15.

Rick Honeycutt

11:00am – 12:30pm
small: $29. medium: $39. large: $49. inscription: $15.

Burt Hooton

11:30am – 1:00pm
small: $39. medium: $49. large: $59. inscription: $20.

Don Newcombe

11:30am – 1:00pm
small: $39. medium: $49. large: $59. inscription: $20.

Wally Moon

11:30am – 1:00pm
small: $39. medium: $49. large: $59. inscriptions: $20.

Wes Parker

11:30am – 1:00pm
small: $29. medium: $39. large: $49. inscription: $15.

Charlie Hough

1:00pm – 2:30pm
small: $15. medium: $20. large: $25. inscription: $10.

Jaime Jarrin

1:00pm – 2:30pm
small: $49. medium: $59. large: $69. inscription: $20.

Steve Yeager

1:00pm – 2:30pm
small: $20. medium: $25. large: $35. inscription: $10.

Dave Hansen

2:00pm – 3:30pm
small: $20. medium: $25. large: $35. inscription: $10.

Reggie Smith

2:00pm – 3:30pm
small: $29. medium: $39. large: $49. inscription: $15.

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A Look Back at the Impact of the Koufax & Drysdale Holdout

When thinking about the large salaries ballplayers receive today it's important to remember the road that lead to it. Last Night, Bob Costas at the MLB Network took a look back at one incident that played an important part of that future- the Sandy Koufax/ Don Drysdale contract holdout in 1966.

Wes Parker on the significance:

I think owners did become more aware of the fact that players were starting to stand up for their rights.

Maury Wills thoughts:

Let me go back to 1962. I was the MVP in the National League that year. [I thought] I got them now. I’ll go in and get me a raise. Maybe I can buy the wife a new car. All I wanted was a Ford station wagon for her. I came out of there in ten minutes happy I was still on the team.

Author Jan Leavy, writer of Sandy Koufax: a Lefty's Legacy:

I can’t think of another instance, before or since, where two stars of this magnitude held out together in unison.

Curt Flood didn’t come for another three years and [Andy] Messersmith and [Dave] McNally was a number of years later, but this was the beginning. This was the revolutionary moment.

See the video below.

Video Link:

Blog Kiosk: 10/20/2011

Tommy and Wes Parker visit with a young patient at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. (Pic Link: yfrog Dodgers)

• Baseball Interactions hears from old-time former Dodger Mike Sandlock about Branch Rickey.
• Former Dodger Assistant GM Kim Ng will interview with the Angels for the open GM spot, via ESPN. Good luck Kim!
• Edgar met Ozzy Osbourne and writes all about it here.
• I say, burn it. A collector may have unearthed Bobby Thomson's game-used jersey from the 'shot heard around the world,' via ESPN.
• By deepest condolences to the family and friends of Cy Buker. He recently passed away at the age of 93 in Wisconsin. Nick Diunte has a great story about him here. Also, I had previously written about him back in 2009, here.
• Check out this recording from StoryCorps as, then teenager, Harvey Sherman recalls Bobby Thomson's heartbreaking home run.
• Great catch Fleer Sticker Project. I've got a bunch of these pins featuring Dodger players and have always wondered where they came from.
• Could this be the oldest surviving hockey stick in the world, via SCD.

  The stick had been in the barbershop of George Ferneough for decades. He finally sold the stick to Mark Presley for $987 in 2008.

• The Dodgers send their thanks.

Video Link:

Blog Kiosk: 7/14/2011

This is purely a gratuitous pic. From TwitPic @miss_kateC87. Gotta love that she roots for the right team.

• Free agents wary of the the Dodgers, via Scoop Du Jour:

  Agent Scott Boras, who has a front-row seat at Dodger Stadium, agreed that the team could be a tough draw to prospective free agents this offseason: "What visiting players are saying to me is, 'It's different.' That spreads around the league," he said, the Times reports. "L.A. was always a place where there were 40,000 fans in the stands. The Dodgers were always one of the top-five teams in spending. In the player community, both of those dynamics have changed. Players are shocked by it."

• Dodgers television ratings are down, via Sports Business Journal.
  
• Listen to a SABR 41 convention talk between current and former Baseball GM's, here. Dodger GM's Fred Claire, Dan Evans and current Padres GM Jed Hoyer are included.
  
• Here is another SABR 41 talk with Former Dodgers Tommy Davis and Al Ferrara. Listen to a recording here.
  
• Here is Scott Boras's keynote speech from the SABR 41 convention, here.
  
• Ducksnorts writes about his experience at the SABR convention in Long Beach recently.
  
• Check out this great story about Dodgers peanut vendor Ronnie Nelson at the LA Times. He is 80 years old, and has been hawking peanuts for 53 years.
  
• Dodgers Nation puts together the top 5 Vin Scully moments.
  
• Check out this list of the Southland Baseball All-Star team put together at the SABR 41 convention, here. Something I did not realize- no other state in the union has produced more Major Leaguers than California.
  
• Former Dodger Wes Parker was at the SABR 41 convention. Check out this video below. (From the SABR website)

Video Link:

eBay: More Dodger Auctions

Here some more Dodger related eBay goodness.

This is a rather incredible item. Unfortunately, the eBay seller does not provide much background about how it was attained so who knows if it's real. Nevertheless, it's very interesting. Below is a 57.9 troy ounce silver Baseball made by the uncle of Wes Parker and given to Wes by his father as a gift to commemorate his career. It sold for $1,036.00.

eBay Auction Link:

Don't eat this popcorn. It is over 20 years old. Below is a Tommy Lasorda endorsed bag of microwavable popcorn that was purchased for the super low price of $0.99. Wow!

eBay Auction Link:

The day before the first day of the 1949 season the Dodger Knot Hole Club held their annual "Welcome Home Dinner" for the team. It looks like everyone was in attendance; from the coaches to the players. Below is a program cover for the event.

eBay Auction Link: