Baseball Owns the Collectible World

(This is the bat Ruth used to hit the first home run at Yankee Stadium. Rank #4.)

Today, many would agree that Baseball has lost its luster these past several decades. Football has outpaced Baseball as America's number one sport.

The television rights to broadcast NFL games are the most lucrative and expensive rights of any sport.

Nevertheless, Baseball still packs the stadiums. Attendance is at record highs. It has enjoyed the longest tenure of rabid fans and, as a result, its' collectibles overshadow anything the other sports have to offer in the market. (Above is the first home run ball ever hit in an All-Star Game. Of course, Ruth was the man who did it. Rank #6)

Forbes.com has put together a story highlighting the 10 most expensive sports collectibles, and all 10 items are Baseball related.

What I find surprising about the list is that Mark McGwire's 70th home run ball claims the number one spot. At an auction price of $3,005,000.00 it ranks as the most expensive collectible every purchased. Unfortunately, as most would agree, the owner overpaid. It's probably worth 1/3 of that price.

Something that does not surprise me is that Babe Ruth related items stake claim to 5 of the top 10 most expensive collectibles.

(Above is "Black Betsy." Shoeless Joe Jackson's famous bat. Ranked #10.)

Hat Tip: SCD:
Story and Photo Link: Forbes.com:

"Bang, zoom, straight to the moon!"

Kent hit a ball Jackie Gleason would be proud of. "Bang, zoom, straight to the moon!"

Jeff Kent hit a game tying homer in the 7th inning to left center field that tied the score at 1 to 1. It was quite a dinger. Carlos Lee in left field didn't even turn to look. The ball went high in the air and slammed into a steel beam near the glass back wall. It then bounced back towards the outfielder Lee. It was only then that he turned to pick up the ball. The entire Houston crowd was in a collective gasp. "Whoe!?!" Like I said, it was quite a dinger.

Unfortunately, Kent's home run was not the only on hit this evening. Eric Munson lead off the scoring for the Astros with a home run in the third inning. Then, in Houston's part of the 7th inning, Carlos Lee hit his own rocket shot to left field to reclaim the lead for the Astros.

That was all the scoring done this evening. The Astros squeaked through with a 2 to 1 win.

Of note, Lowe left the game in the middle of the 5th inning.

It was unclear why he was removed, but he was visibly upset as he stalked off the field and he threw his glove the length of the dugout after he got there.

DJ Houlton pitched well in his 2 innings, but ultimately took the loss as he gave up the tee shot to Carlos Lee. Beimel and Roberto pitched well in their inning of work.

Oh well. You can't win them all. At least I can look fondly back at Jeff Kent's home run. "Whoe!?!"

Photo Link: Honeymooners.net:

Do You Want to Buy Bonds 715th Home Run Ball?

With all the hoopla surrounding the home run record, apparently the owners of his 715th home run ball believe that now is the best time to sell. On eBay, right now, you can bid on the ball that surpassed the great Babe Ruth. Sports Collectors Daily reports that the minimum reserve amount is $375,000.00. Considering it sold last year for $222,000.00, that's not a bad profit. Of course, I have my doubts it will sell at all.

Symbolic Collection Vice President Rovert Rios doesn't believe the lingering resentment toward Bonds will matter.

"With no indictments, no suspensions, and seemingly no movement by Major League Baseball against Barry Bonds, I believe this ball is one of the penultimate sports collectibles available today for market appreciation," Rios said in a news release.

"Last year, there was a swirl of allegations that had kept many bidders from jumping into the competition for the ball. I believe when the dust settles, Bonds will rightfully be judged as the greatest home run hitter of all time.

Has the dust settled yet? I'm figure he will receive the Alex Popov treatment.

Hat Tip: SCD:
eBay Listing: Bonds 715th Ball:

Michael Vick Animal Awareness Day

A special thanks to Lion in Oil for pointing out an upcoming promotion for the Long Beach Armada, or shall I say the Long Beach Armada of Los Angeles of California of the United States of North America including Barrow, Alaska. This coming Sunday, July 29, 2007, fans can bring "man's best friend" with them to the game. It will be "Michael Vick Animal Awareness Day." Doggies of all shapes and sizes are welcome to watch America's greatest game.

On top of that, you can trade a Michael Vick t-shirt or jersey for admission to the game.

Reminiscent of the infamous Disco Demolition over 25 years ago (without the attendant stampede and chaos), the Armada will destroy all Michael Vick jerseys in protest to the inhumane treatment of animals.

Since we are on the topic of dogs I want to give Rob from 6-4-2 a hearty thanks for being so attentive and loving to his friend, Foley. As Orel in the comments section said, "that's one lucky dog."

I have had my own stress recently concerning the well-being of my furry friend, Miko. This past weekend I had the vet check out a out-of-place lump on her belly that had me worried. Fortunately, it turned out to be a non-cancerous growth.
Dog Day Link:
Hat Tip: Lion in Oil:

Thank You Marlon

Following in Dodger Thoughts footsteps I too am grateful for the work and play of Marlon Anderson. He was the perfect player at the right time.

Below are some videos covering his time with us; including a great interview with him after last years fan appreciation game and the Dodgers home run rally against the Padres.



YouTube Link: eastlasportscene:



YouTube Link: Catholicchris:

I had to add this since Marlon's homer helped us experience this homerun. Below is a great field level view of Nomar's walk-off homer in the 10th to win the game.



Youtube Link: michaelpatrick1975:

Four Dodgers on BP's Prospects List

Check out BP's top 100 prospects list. It's available for only the next couple of days as this is usually available only to subscribers. Four Dodgers are on the list.

16. Clayton Kershaw, LHP, Dodgers, 19

Despite some occasional inconsistencies, Kershaw still sports a 2.12 ERA and twice as many strikeouts (102) than hits allowed (50) while showing the kind of stuff that scouts see out of teenage left-handers once in a generation.

20. Andy LaRoche, 3B, Dodgers, 23

He was doing little at Triple-A, and struggled in big league debut before heading to DL with shoulder problems. A reason for optimism is that he’s 12-for-30 with 23 total bases since returning to the lineup.

32. Scott Elbert, LHP, Dodgers, 21

Three starts with 24 strikeouts in 14 innings at Double-A Jacksonville and then shoulder soreness that required time on the DL before Elbert finally underwent arthroscopic surgery. It seems like all they did was clean out some scar tissue, and we won’t really know where the stuff is until he takes the mound next year.

54. James Loney, 1B/OF, Dodgers, 23

After not making the big league squad out of spring training, Loney’s .279/.345/.382 line at Triple-A Las Vegas was chalked up to a case of big league-itis. Finally returned to the majors, he’s at .385/.442/.603 in 78 at-bats, with the Dodgers finally coming around to the fact that he needs to be in the lineup on a daily basis.

Baseball Prospectus Link: