Check out this Vintage Brooklyn Dodgers License Plate

Here's something new to me.

Featured is a vintage license plate topper that advertises Brooklyn as a future vacation spot. It includes a fantastic graphic of a loudmouthed umpire, the Brooklyn bridge, a batter and a palm tree (I think) with "Coney Island" written across it. "Dodgers" is also written in cursive, in the middle of the drawing.

BTW, it might be that the tree seen in the graphic is in reference to book -- 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.'  For those who don't know, this was a 1943 book by Betty Smith that uses a tree as a metaphor for the ability to thrive in an difficult environment.

There's a tree that grows in Brooklyn. Some people call it the Tree of Heaven. No matter where its seed falls, it makes a tree which struggles to reach the sky. It grows in boarded up lots and out of neglected rubbish heaps. It grows up out of cellar gratings. It is the only tree that grows out of cement. It grows lushly...survives without sun, water, and seemingly earth. It would be considered beautiful except that there are too many of it.
— A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Introduction

Unfortunately, the license plate is undated, but is clearly pre-1958 (the year the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles). It also measures 10" x 4 3/4".

This piece recently sold on eBay (auction link) for a hefty sum -- $177.50 -- so the marketplace recognized its scarcity right away.

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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: 4/6/2020 - Dodgers Links & News -- Some Odds and Ends

Check out this 1939 spring training AP press photo featuring three Dodgers' wearing Brooklyn pinstripes as they prepare for the upcoming season (eBay auction link - please ignore the watermark). I just love their socks and imagine that there's a whole lot of red in there. Per the descriptor on the reverse:

Clearwaterm FLA. March 9th -- These three sentries are likely choices to patrol the outfield for the Brooklyn Dodgers this season. Left to right: Oscar "Ox" Eckhardt, up from the Missions of the Coast Leaguel; Freddie Lindstrom, former Chicago Cub; and John Cooney, who came from Indianapolis of the American Association. Cooney has been showing well in spring practice and Eckhardt hit .395 last season.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1982 the Dodgers raise their 1981 World Series banner at Dodger Stadium. In 1989 Orel Hershiser's consecutive scoreless innings streak ends when he give up a run in the first inning to the Reds during his first start of the new season. In 1996 Chan Ho Park becomes the first pitcher born in Korea to win a Major League game. He threw four inning of shutout relief to earn a 3-1 victory over the Cubs. In 2002 Japanese hurler Kazuhisa Ishii made his Major League debut against the Rockies at Dodger Stadium, and proceeded to throw 5.2 innings of scoreless ball to earn his first Major League win. In 2004 Dodger third baseman Adrian Beltre becomes the 36th player in history to hit 100 home runs before the age of 25. He hit it off of Antonio Osuna of the Padres.
• Happy Birthday, Red Smith, Tom Fitzsimmons, Ernie Lombardi, Dee Moore, Jim Romano, Don Elston & Phil Regan!

Blog Kiosk: 2/27/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

And the crowd goes wild!

Featured above is a April 30, 1945 International News press photo of slugger Dixie Walker avoiding the rush of fans after a Dodger victory. It's from a game played at Ebbets Field on April 29th (boxscore link). Below is what's written on the reverse:

"Young Brooklyn Dodger fans are chasing Dixie Walker as the "Peepul's Cherce: legs it for the dugout after the end of yesterday's game against the Giants. Walker added to his popularity with the flatbushers by striking the blow that humbled the New Yorkers 4-3. He belted out a homer that netted three runs in the 8th inning."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1901 the NL Rules Committee declares that all foul balls would now count as strikes, except after two strikes. They do this in order to lower their cost of lost foul balls. In 1908 the sacrifice fly rule is adopted for the first time. In 2011 Dodger Hall of Fame outfielder Duke Snider dies of an undisclosed illness in Escondido. He was the last living Brooklyn Dodger who was on the field for the final out of the 1955 World Series.
• Happy Birthday, Roy Hutson, Rube Melton, Carl Warwick, Henry Cruz, Willie Banks & Carlos Triunfel!

Now You Can Own Tommy Lasorda's Personal Golf Cart

eBay is like a giant flea market -- filled with everything you can imagine. You can get vintage clothes from the 60's and 70's - when pastel colors and wavy designs reigned supreme - to that missing part that will finally complete the restoration of your '68 Impala. You can also find one-of-kind items that make you wish you had a giant bankroll to indulge your fantasies. The item featured here is one of those rare and scarce goodies. Check out Tommy's ride.

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: 1/20/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Sandy got a ticket. This is hilarious. Per a descriptor on the reverse (eBay auction link):

Sand Koufax lifts a parking ticket from the windshield of the car which was given him for being outstanding player in recent World Series. Sandy appeared at a downtown restaurant in New York Tuesday to get his prize and the car was driven up on the sidewalk for the benefit of photographers. When Sandy came out he found a decoration -- which cost $15 -- on his windshield. (10/9/1963)

Below are more links to check out:

• Happy Birthday, Bill Schardt, Bill Zimmerman, Denny Sothern, Camilo Pasqual & Cecil Espy!

Blog Kiosk: 1/15/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

I wonder what is on Campanella's mind in the photo above.

Watches Old Teammate -- Vero Beach, FLA: Probably recalling the no-hit games of 1952 and 1956 when they were batter-mates, Roy Campanella watches pitcher Carl Erskine warm up during a training session here. Campanella is now a special coach with the Los Angeles Dodgers. 3/4/59.

Photo above available on auction on eBay. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1957 the Dodgers extend their lease at Ebbets Field for another three years -- as a fallback in case Los Angeles is unable to secure land for a new stadium. They would leave Brooklyn a year later. In 2002 the Dodgers traded outfielder Gary Sheffield to the Braves for Brian Jordan, Odalis Perez and Andrew Brown. In 2009 the Dodgers nightmare is over. They released outfielder Andruw Jones.
• Happy Birthday, Dr. Mike Marshall, William Brennan & Delino DeShields!

I Just Got My Jackie Robinson Grail -- And It's Not a Baseball Card

I finally pulled the trigger on this one.

For years... No, two decades.... I've been wanting to added this specialty item to my collection, but rarely saw it for sale. As you can see, it is not a Baseball card, but it does include a version of Jackie Robinson's 1948 Leaf rookie card on it.

Featured is a leather Letterman-styled jacket originally released by the Donruss company in 1997 to honor MLB's retirement of Jackie Robinson's number (#42) throughout the league.

Blog Kiosk: 12/20/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Check out this fantastic September 22,1946 action shot of Pee Wee Reese (eBay auction link).

Safe at Third -- Pee Wee Reese of the Brooklyn Dodgers is sale at third base when Dodgers catcher Bruce Edwards bunted to Braves pitcher Johnny Sain in the third inning of the first game between the Dodgers and the Braves at Braves Field. Sain's throw to Nanny Fernandez Braves third sacker was too late.

The Dodgers would unfortunately lose this first game of a doubleheader, 4-2, but take the nightcap, 8-1. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1976 the Dodgers traded Ted Sizemore to the Phillies for catcher Johnny Oats and a minor leaguer. In 1989 the Dodgers traded Mike Marshall and Alejandro Peña to the Mets for infielder Juan Samuel. In 2005 the Dodgers signed free agent outfielder Kenny Lofton.
• Happy Birthday, Branch Rickey, Erik Goeddel, Harry Stovey, Bob Hall, Butch Henline, Fred Merkle & Snooks Dowd!

This Vintage 1950's Era Baseball Cap is Fire

Wow!

I love this hat.

Check out this circa 1950's children's Baseball cap featuring the names of all the National League teams, at the time. It also includes game-action graphics, a flat red brim, and a red squatchee on top. (eBay auction link)

I have no idea where this vintage headdress comes from, but I'd imagine it's from a comic, candy or gum giveaway. Heck, maybe it's a prize you could've won at a carnival. I dunno.

Blog Kiosk: 12/12/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

All the hot stove stuff has me yearning for some Baseball. Featured above is a March 6, 1949 AP press photograph from that springs first game intra-squad game (eBay auction link). I love the backdrop -- seeing all the youngsters in the makeshift dugout and the Dodgertown barracks that house all the ballplayers.

WHITMAN FLIES OUT IN INTRA-SQUAD GAME.  Dick Whitman, Dodger outfielder, flies put in first inning of the first intra-squad game for the Brooklyn club at their Vero Beach, Fla., training camp.  Catcher Lembo and umpire Andrews watch the ball sail to the outfield."

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1941 the Dodgers traded for soon to be Hall of Famer Arky Vaughan from the Pirates in exchange for Pete Coscarart, Luke Hamlin, Babe Phelps and Jimmy Wasdell. In 1998 the Dodgers signed free agent starting pitcher Kevin Brown to a seven year $105 million contract -- thus becoming the first $100 million man in Baseball. In 2012 the Dodgers received Skip Schumaker in a trade with the Cardinals -- sending Jake Lemmerman to St. Louis in return.
• Happy Birthday, Buzzie Bavasi, Peter O'Malley, Phenomenal Smith, Derrell Griffith & Orlando Hudson! 

Blog Kiosk: 12/11/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Here is Duke Snider running out a grounder during a spring game in 1956 (eBay auction link). As you may know, Snider would have one of the finest season of his career in 1956 -- leading the league in homers (43), walks (99), OBP (.399), Slugging (.598) and OPS (.997).

3/11/56 - Miami, Fla: Duke Snider, Dodgers, out at 1st during 2nd inning action, Dodgers-Red Sox exhibition game. Norm Zauchin, Red Sox first baseman stretches for ball (just out of glove). United Press Telephoto.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1987 the Dodgers and its rookie GM, Fred Claire, pulled off a trade that would play a significant part in their upcoming 1988 World Series run. They traded starter Bob Welch and Matt Young to the A's and Jack Savage to the Mats for relievers Jesse Orosco, Jay Howell and infielder Alfredo Griffin. Eric Stephen at True Blue LA put together an excellent synopsis of the events that lead to this trade (link here). In 2014 the Dodgers traded Dee Gordon, Dan Haren and Miguel Rojas to the Marlins for Austin Barnes, Chris Hatcher, Andrew Heaney and Enrique Hernandez.
• Happy Birthday, Frank Bell, Gene Wright, Joe Riggert, Ray Phelps, Greg Shanahan, Thomas Howard & Joe Blanton!

Blog Kiosk: 12/6/2019 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Baseball is a game of peaks and valleys.

Above is a 1949 AP wirephoto (eBay auction link) that celebrates the efforts of a little known reliever named Jack Banta. On this day, he would lead the Dodgers to a pennant clinching victory on the last day of the season, but just a few days back he lost a game in spectacular fashion. Such are the trials of the game. Per the descriptor on the photo:

Philadelphia, Oct. 3--VICTORY SMILES--Brooklyn Dodger Manager Burt Shotton (right) hugs Jack Banta, rookie right hander, after the latter had pitched four and a third innings of relief to give the Dodgers a 9 to 7 ten-inning victory over the Philadelphia Phillies and the National League pennant, yesterday.  Banta's was a "goat last week, a hero this week" role.  Seven days earlier, he relieved also against the Phillies, gave up four runs and lost the ball game.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1960 actor Gene Autry is awarded an American League Los Angeles franchise that would be known as the Angels -- using a team name that once played in the PCL in Los Angeles and was subsequently purchased by O'Malley when he moved the Dodgers West. In 1973 the Dodgers traded Claude Osteen and Dave Culpepper to the Astros for outfielder Jim Wynn. Wynn would go on to have a stellar year the following season in Los Angeles. He slashed .271/.387/.497/.884 with 32 homers and 108 RBI's, and would come in fifth place in MVP voting. In 2006 the Dodgers signed free agent pitcher Jason Schmidt. In 2007 signed free agent outfielder Andruw Jones.
• Happy Birthday, Tony Lazzeri, Tommy Brown & Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis!

Blog Kiosk: 10/17/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

I am already thinking of Spring Training, so I thought sharing this photo would be apt. Featured is a March 12, 1937 International News press photo (eBay auction link). Per the descriptor on the reverse:

"TIME OUT FOR BREATHER.  Clearwater, Fla...All work and no play does things to a ballplayer as well as other folk, so this trio of Brooklyn Dodgers takes time out from training to sit and chat for a bit.  They are, left to right, Woody English, who came from the Cubs; Harry Lavagetto, a former Pirate 2nd baseman, and Roy Henshaw, former Cub pitcher.".

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1978 the Yankees defeated the Dodgers in Game 6 of the World Series to win their second consecutive title. In 1981 the Dodgers defeated the Montreal Expos in Game 4 of the NLCS at Olympic Stadium, 7-1. Steve Garvey hit a two-run homer in the eighth to break a 1-1 tie, then the Dodgers scored four more runs in the ninth to run away with it. They are tied at two games a piece in the series with a deciding Game 5 two days later.
• Happy Birthday, Pop Dillon, Mike Sandlock, Johnny Klippstein & Jim Gilliam!

Dodgers Correspondence: How a Dodger VP Responded to a Fan Rant

As you know, fans are the worst. We are a demanding bunch of miscreants, often insisting that we know more than any of those idiots in the front office. Heck, if you'd only listen to me the Dodgers would be perennial World Series champions. Instead, we are left to wallow in mediocrity and failure -- always playing second fiddle to this team or that team.

Right?

This is what we, as die-hard fans, all believe... And there's nothing wrong with that. That said, sometimes a little dose of reality is important to keep our heads on our shoulders.

Featured here is a letter written by Dodgers Vice President Fresco Thompson, dated August 19, 1964, to a fan named Frank D'Esposito of Orlando, FL (eBay Auction Link). Unfortunately, we do not know what D'Esposito had written to illicit a response from Thompson, but I think it's fair to assume he was critical of the lack of trades to improve the team that season (much like the complaints we hear today). In the Thompson letter he explains to the Dodger-fanatic that making trades is not an easy endeavor. In fact, it often results in deficiencies elsewhere. Below is an excerpt of Fresco's words:

Blog Kiosk: 9/24/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Here's a fun, dated circa 1957 on the reverse, photograph of Pee Wee Reese lounging comfortably on a leather armchair. It was taken by Dodger photographer Barney Stein and includes five well-dressed gentleman surrounding Pee Wee. I have no idea who those guys are or what is going on, but I suspect this was some sort of pregame activity/ceremony. I know for certain that there was a Pee Wee Reese Night at Ebbets Field in 1955, but am unsure if they did it again two years later. Maybe this was a pregame promotion where they gifted Pee Wee the easy-chair to promote the product. I dunno. (eBay Auction Link)

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1901 Brooklyn outfielder Jimmy Sheckard became the first 20th-century player to hit grand slams in two consecutive games, as Brooklyn pounds Cincinnati, 16 - 2.  In 1957 the last Major League game is played at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Pirates first baseman Dee Fondy makes the last out when he grounds to Dodger shortstop Don Zimmer with starting pitcher Danny McDevitt on the mound. The Dodger win, 2-0. In 1971 Dodger lefty Al Downing wins his 20th game of the season -- defeating the Atlanta Braves, 2-0. He would finish third in Cy Young voting this season. In 2003 Eric Gagne ties the NL record for saves when he records his 55th save of the season against the Padres in extra innings, 5-3.
• Happy Birthday, Tom Seats, Dixie Walker, Otis Davis, Dick Nen, Hubie Brooks, Larry White & Jim Neidlinger!

Blog Kiosk: 8/20/2019 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

The elation on their faces is palpable.

Featured above is an October 2, 1963 AP press photo of Sandy Koufax with old friend Carl Erskine within the Yankee Stadium clubhouse following Game 1 of the World Series (eBay auction link). As you know, Sandy recorded a six-hit complete game to defeat the Bronx Bombers, 5-2 (boxscore). He struck out an unbelievable 15 batters and walked only three. BTW, the Dodgers ended up sweeping the Yankees to take the crown.

UPDATE: Jon Weisman of Dodger Thoughts passes along some info I had failed to realize. Per a tweet from him:

The significance of Erskine being in that pic with Koufax is that Koufax broke the World Series strikeout record that Erskine set 10 years earlier to the day. And Erskine was there to see it. #brothersinarms https://t.co/iRWOPm8hgi

— Jon Weisman (@jonweisman) August 20, 2019

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1945 seventeen year old Dodger shortstop Tommy Brown became the youngest player in Major League history to hit a home run. He hit it off of Pirates hurler Preacher Roe in the seventh inning, and it would be the only run the Dodgers would score in a losing effort, 11-1. In 1978 Steve Garvey and Don Sutton have a scuffle in the clubhouse before their game against the Mets at Shea Stadium. Sutton had been critical of Garvey in a Washington Post story (here's a followup story) -- saying that he was more interested in his off-field persona than his play, and that Reggie Smith was the teams real MVP.

"All you hear about on our team is Steve Garvey the All-American boy. But Reggie Smith was the real MVP. We all know it . . . (Smith) has carried us the last two years. He is not a facade. He does not have the Madison Avenue image."

• Happy Birthday, Frank Bonner, Ed McLane, Bill Crouch, Al Lopez, Fred Norman, Lance Rautzhan, Kal Daniels, Jamie Hoffman & Blake DeWitt!

A Gorgeous Fazzino Painted Baseball of Sandy Koufax

Fantastic!

As you know, there are very few things I love more than Dodger-related artwork. Over the years I've written about and shared numerous pieces that I've found online and in my own collection. Unfortunately, this item I'm featuring is not something you can find on my bookshelf. Instead, you can go to eBay and make a bid (bid link) -- it's likely to be way out of my reach anyway.

An eBay Auction Win - Don Newcombe Fan Taken Photo Snapshot

There's nothing I love more than an oddball Dodger collectible to add to my collection. Featured above is circa 1949-50 fan-taken snapshot of Dodger hurler Don Newcombe with two fans. Originally taken during Spring Training, we do not know much about who the two gents are, or the circumstances surrounding the photo, but I think it's fair to say that this is one-of-a-kind. Best yet, this purchase was probably one of my best ever -- I took it home for less than $10 delivered.

On a side note, the seller had one other snapshot available for sale that featured Jackie Robinson and his son playing a little bit of ball. I had hoped to take that one home too, but bidding was furious. It ended up selling for $174. Check out that photo below.

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