A Last Look at the National

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend the National Sports Collectors Convention this year, and probably won't be able to attend one in the future unless it comes back out west. Fortunately, the wonder of the internet allows me to enjoy the show like I was there. Still, most of what I had seen in photos so far was lacking. Sure, I liked seeing some of the give-aways and modern cards available in Chicago, but how about the vintage stuff. Does anyone have pics of the really old stuff?

Yes, after a couple of weeks those photos are starting to crop up and they truly show why the National is a must for serious collectors and sports history buffs.

First, check out this story from Bill Simmons as he puts together a nice 16 part photo gallery essay about the show, here. I suggest taking a look at all 16 pages.

Then, you have to check out Carlton Hendricks of Sports Antiques.com for his spread of 444 photos focused primarily on sports memorabilia from the National. Go here now. You won't regret it. To wet your whistle check out a couple of photos below.The above press photos come from the Sporting News Archives collection. Below is a case filled with the kind of stuff I like to see. Here are some late 19th century/ early 20th century Baseball artifacts. I believe on the top left are some postcards made of leather (circa 1910's) and on the bottom left are some 1880's Victorian Baseball themed trade cards. Of special note are the very scarce Sporting News issue with the yellow bottoms. I really love those cards and regret not buying a large lot of them several years ago in a Lew Lipset Auction.

Hunt Auctions: Some Dodger Goodies

Hunt Auctions just recently closed their most recent online offering and it included several nice Dodger related items. Below are just a handful I thought stood out.

Back in 1999 the Dodgers held a fan voting contest naming the greatest Dodgers of the past. Then, artist Paul Rogers was commissioned to create a series of murals of those greatest Dodgers to be placed on the outfield walls of Dodger Stadium. (If anyone has photos please pass them along.) Soon thereafter, the Dodgers released a group of patches based on those drawings, 23 in all, that were worn by players and coaches on their uniform sleeve. Better yet, each individual had the opportunity to choose for themselves who they wanted on their uniform. The Dodger sold very limited quantities to fans, so they are fairly scarce. On top of that, Sandy Koufax refused to license his image for the project. As a result, less than a dozen are believed to exist anywhere. Below is a framed display of 17 of those patches that sold at Hunt's for $228.00. Strangely, it once belonged within the personal collection of Curt Schilling.

(Auction Link)

Here is a Tommy Lasorda plaque that was personally signed and given to fellow Hall of Famer Robin Roberts. It includes the following note,

"To Robin - you and the Dodgers are both great. Your friend Tom Lasorda."

It Sold for $200.00.

(Auction Link)

This is clearly the best item available in this auction. It is a used ticket and program from Sandy Koufax's 4th no-hitter against the Chicago Cubs on September 9, 1965. It sold for an astounding $6,905.00.

(Auction Link)

Group Break Winnings

This post is coming several weeks late. Last month I participated in a Group Break put together by Nachos Grande. It included a whole bunch of different boxes; including 2006 Bazooka, 2003 Fleer Showcase and 2001 Topps Archives. Check out the booty below. Click any pic to embiggen.
The 2006 Bazooka cards above takes a look at a better time in the Dodger franchise. The Dodgers were to make the playoffs for the second time in three years. Andre Ethier would establish himself as a everyday outfielder and a future star on the team. We would be introduced to Matt Kemp, Russell Martin, James Loney and Chad Billingsley that year. The future was bright. Heck, mix in some stable and productive veterans like Nomar and Jeff Kent and a championship was sure to be around the corner. Man, that was a long time ago.
The below cards are what I was really hoping for. Here a bunch of Dodgers from the 2001 Topps Archives set. I had heard of the set and seen plenty of pictures, but this is the first time any of them have been added to my collection.
My one hit isn't even a Dodger. As a consolation each participant was given a second team in the group break and my team was the Diamondbacks.

Blog Kiosk: 8/17/2011

Will Smith with Wango Tango at Dodger Stadium in 1999, via LADodgers Twitter: yfrog Josh Rawitch.

• Best Plascke take-down ever, via Barstool Sports.

  Oh, I get it. He’s another one of these pedantic, mealy mouthed kooks jumping behind the wheel of the Pussification of America bus and stepping on the gas. Kids competing against each other? Some failing, others succeeding? Only one winner and everyone else loses? Oh, the horror! These kids will be scarred for life! They’ll never be able to get over the pain! It’s child abuse! Child abuuusse!

• Ted Sobel speaks with Justin Sellers.

  Sellers was coming off of last night’s cloud 9 game when he collected his first big league hit and today he topped that by sending Houston starter Jordan Lyles to the showers with his first major league homer.

  (Hat Tip VSIMH)
  
• Dodgerbobble takes a look at bobbleheads from the California League.
  
• GCRL reminds us that today is the 19th anniversary of Kevin Gross's no-hitter.
  
• Are you ready for the Yu Darvish insanity tour, via Yakyubaka? He has hired American agents. (Hat Tip: Baseball Mussings)
  
• Howard Cole of the OC Register speaks with Baseball Reliquary's Terry Cannon.
  
• Best list ever! Top 5 athlete movie/tv appearances, via Deadspin.
  
• OK. This is just plain awesome. Check out a a 360VR interior view of the Space Shuttle, here.
  
• This is an epic marriage proposal. Complete with the San Diego Comic Con as a backdrop and Patrick Stewart saying, "engaged."
  

Video Link:

Holy Moly! Hello Kitty at a Dodger Game?

I think I'm gonna throw up. Really... this news makes me cringe. In fact, I am certain that this is a sign of a coming apocalypse.

Hello Kitty is teaming up with the Dodgers to offer a ticket package during the last weekend homestand of the season. Go here for details.

The Dodgers announced today that they will partner with global brand Sanrio^® Inc., parent company of Hello Kitty, to offer fans a limited edition online ticket package including a one-of-a-kind Hello Kitty Dodgers collectible plush during the team’s last home weekend of the regular season. Fans who purchase tickets exclusively through www.dodgers.com/hellokitty will receive a limited edition Hello Kitty plush dressed in Dodger gear on September 16, 17 and 18.

See the doll below.
The only thing that could be worse would be giant Hello Kitty furies hanging around the stadium.... Oh, man! That's happening too!

In addition, Hello Kitty and her friends My Melody^®, Keroppi^® and Chococat^® will make special appearances at Dodger Stadium that weekend and fans in attendance at Fan Appreciation Day on Sunday, September 18 will receive a Hello Kitty Dodger-themed crown.

On Fan Appreciation Day... Oh, crap! Way to appreciate us, guys.

What's next... Stupid paper hats, ala Burger King, only drawn with an effeminate Dodger Blue bow. Oh Sh.......! Those are being handed out on Fan Appreciation Day also.
UPDATE 9/12/2011:

From my understanding the Hello Kitty plush doll promotion is now sold out. Despite my consternation this has been a very successful promotion for the Dodgers.

Campy Slugs then Folds, Slugs then Folds

Here is a copy of a great vintage sports cartoon originally drawn by Murray Olderman, circa 1956. It features Roy Campanella and points out how much his career has gone up and down. He had 3 MVP seasons stacked between some clearly bad years at the plate. Better yet, Olderman's version of the Brooklyn Bum is seen in the corner saying, "Dis shocks me more'n' it does youse."

The artist, Murray Olderman, is more well known for his work in football. He is a member of the Football Hall of Fame and a past President of the Football Writer's Association. Check out his website, here.

BTW, the auction link from which this drawing comes from is below, but be forewarned. The auction is not for the actual drawing, but for a photocopy of it. So, unless you want a very expensive Xerox I suggest you just enjoy the artwork.

(Auction Link)