I'l Play the Wallet Card Game! A Bulldog in My Pocket

A new sensation has hit the sports/card collector blog community, and I can't help but join in on the fun.  Conceived by card blogger named defgav at Baseball Card Breakdown, it is called the 'Wallet Card' game and is really simple to join.  All you need to do is pick a single card from your collection (a dupe or a card you don't mind ruining) and keeping it in your wallet for the entire year.  Preferably, it should be a card that makes you smile.  Then, from time to time, put up a little report on it's condition and whereabouts on your blog (and maybe other social media sites).

Simple enough, right?

Well, it took me far longer than expected to pick which card to carry around.  It wasn't an easy decision, but I think it was the right one.  Check it out above.  It is a 1989 Donruss "59 and Counting" card of Orel Hershiser, #468.  It highlights Orel's fantastic scoreless innings streak during the 1988 season and the highly coordinated skill of juggling (something I could never master).

As for the rejected cards for the 'Wallet Card' game, I figured I would show some of them below.

At first I focused primarily on Dodger players; such as Mike Scioscia and Hiroki Kuroda (two of my faves).  Then I thought, "why not Roger McDowell?"  After all, nearly all of his Dodger cards are hilarious in some way, and the card below of him wearing a 'Lasorda University' shirt is one the best.  Or, how about Bobby Ojeda receiving lessons from Tommy on how to hold a certain pitch while trying not to bust out laughing.  Of course, I couldn't just ignore the the Stanley Cup Champion Kings and their lovable mascot Bailey.

Soon, I started thinking about just humor - like, what cards make me laugh regardless of team.  Below is a sample of some of the cards that came to mind. 

At the end, the Orel Hershiser card won out for obvious reasons.  It represents the Dodgers last truly great moment.  When the mastery of an ace, who had an unbelievable season, lead the boys to the promised land.  And I'll be sure to take the card and it's 'feel-good' memories around with me everywhere.

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Blog Kiosk: 1/7/2015 - Dodger Links - Pedro, Piazza and McCarthy

In honor of his election to the Hall of Fame yesterday, Dodger photographer Jon SooHoo shared a handful of photos from his archive featuring Pedro Martinez; including the above pic of Pedro with his brother Ramon from 1993.  Go here to check out more photos from him.  He even shares some shots of Randy Johnson; who was a student and photographer for the school paper at USC before turning pro. 

Below are some links to check out:

• Check out Dan Szymborski’s ZiPS projections for the 2015 Dodgers at FanGraphs here.
• Via Anthony DiComo at MLB.com, "Piazza gains in voting, still falls short of Hall of Fame."

"I can only say that there's been a lot of great players throughout history that have had to wait their turn," Piazza said last month. "Joe DiMaggio had three ballots. Yogi Berra had three ballots. And that's part of the process.

"For me, it's not really my place, I feel, to start campaigning. I can only say that I'm proud of my work and I'm proud of my career. I'll put my numbers against a lot of players in history, and I feel that's all I can do."

• Via Mark Langill at Dodger Insider, "Pedro Martinez and the Dodgers: What might have been …"
• Via Mike Bauman at MLB.com, "Pedro's lofty accomplishments belied his small stature."

"That was the result of the negativity around me, telling me, 'No, you can't,' when I knew I could," Martinez said Tuesday. "That transformed my mind and my body."

• Brandon McCarthy makes me laugh, via a tweet from yesterday:

@BMcCarthy32 ugh
— Amanda McCarthy (@Mrs_McCarthy32) January 6, 2015

• Heck, the Dodger are like one big happy family.  Check out this exchange on twitter from yesterday:

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Congrats to Pedro, Big Unit, Biggio and Smoltz - A Look at Pedro Dodger Rookie Cards

As you know by now, Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson, Craig Biggio and John Smoltz have been elected to the 2015 Class of the Baseball Hall of Fame.  Congrats!

Not a bad pick in the bunch.  Go here to check out the BBWAA story and below is the tally for all players receiving at least 50% of the vote.

Unfortunately, Mike Piazza missed the cut by the smallest of margins - 28 votes.  He received 384 votes for a 69.9%.  Entry required 75% of the vote.  I suspect he'll cross that bridge next season.

I also wanted to make note of the induction of Pedro Martinez.  As you know, he began his professional career as a Dodger, but was traded away in 1993.  Being the younger brother of then staff ace Ramon Martinez, it would've been nice to see the duo pitch together for most of their careers.  Instead, Dodger fans are left to ponder what could have been.  Since his rookie cards all feature him in Dodger Blue I thought I would share pics of them all;  including minor league cards.  Check them out below.

Here is his first minor league card - 1990 Sports Pro, Great Falls Dodgers #12

Blog Kiosk: 1/6/2014 - Dodger Links - Anderson's Contract Info, Ryu's Newest Commercial and the Legacy of "The Brow"

To be a fly on the wall.

Featured above is a photo of Tommy Lasorda with Lindsay Berra, granddaughter of Yogi Berra.  It was tweeted by Lindsay this morning.  She explains that she isn't angrily pointing at Tommy, like the photo seems to suggest.  Instead, she is telling an animated story about her grandfather and Joe DiMaggio.  Unfortunately, she doesn't provide any details about the tale... But ya know, it's gotta be a good one.

Below are some links to check out.  BTW, the Hall of Fame is announcing this years induction class later today.:

• Here's and AMA ('Ask Me Anything') announcement that might interest some of you.  JP Hoornstra, who covers the Dodgers for the Los Angeles Sports Group, will participate in an AMA on Thursday, January 8 at noon PST.  Go here for information.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Mattingly enters final year of HOF eligibility."

"I don't think I'm a Hall of Famer," Mattingly has said. "I don't think I have the numbers. Part of it is longevity, and I wasn't able to do that and do the things that I did early in my career. The Hall of Fame would be a great honor, but I don't live my life based on whether or not that will ever happen. So in the grand scheme of things, it's not that important."

• Via an AP repot at ESPN LA, "(Brett) Anderson's deal includes $5 million signing bonus."

The 26-year-old left-hander, whose deal was completed last week, is due half the signing bonus on Jan. 15 and the rest on Feb. 15. He receives a $5 million salary and can earn bonuses based on innings pitched: $300,000 each for 150 and 155; $350,000 apiece for 160, 165, 170 and 175; and $400,000 each for 180, 185, 190, 195 and 200.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Salary arbitration preview 2015: Chris Heisey."  This is an excellent report on Friedman's tendencies and Heisey's case for a raise.
• Via Rich Klein at Sports Collectors Daily, "Ramblings: Sloppy Signatures and the Brooklyn Dodgers’ Clubhouse Signer."

The other fascinating part was comparing the percentage of good Munson signatures to the Brooklyn Dodgers of the 1950's.  “Dem Bums” had a clubhouse man named Charles di Giovanni.  I remember reading a long time ago in Sandy Koufax' 1966 autobiography that he could sign the Dodgers’ names better than the Dodgers themselves. Today, when you hear about secretarial signatures on those balls, there’s a good chance they were penned by Charlie D.  And he was so good that even players could end up with baseballs he signed. 

BTW, PSA/DNA has a good article discussing the work of Charles "The Brow" DiGiovanni that you can check out here.

• Enjoy Hyun-Jin Ryu's newest commercial for Ottogi Noodle below.  (Hat Tip: Eric Stephen at True Blue LA)

Video Link:

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Some More Vintage Dodger Memorabilia at Lelands Auctions

Last week, I featured a unique handmade "folk art" doll made by an Southern California artisan some 60-years ago that is for sale through Lelands Auctions (check out that post here).  Today, I thought I would point out a few more interesting vintage Dodger memorabilia items that struck my fancy.

Directly below is a circa 1957 Dodgertown jacket that likely was worn by workers at the former spring training home.  It was once a part of the famed Sal Larocca Collection of Dodger memorabilia.

(Auction Link)

I love this kind of oddball stuff.  Here is a 1949 Jackie Robinson watch. 

(Auction Link)

With the recent release of the movie "42" I would bet that this original "The Jackie Robinson Story" movie poster will get a lot of interest. 

(Auction Link)

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Blog Kiosk: 1/5/2015 - Dodger Links - Trading Either, Mike Piazza and Babe Herman

The 1951 version of the Dodgers brain trust is all set up and ready to go for spring training, as evidenced in the vintage press photograph above.  Check out the eBay auction here.  Per the caption attached to the reverse:

Coaches and Dressen Confer at Dodger Camp; Vero Beach, Florida.... Charles "Chuck" Dressen, new manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers holds a conference with three of his coaching staff at the Brooks Spring Training Camp.  Left to right are: Dressen; Clyde Sukeforth; Jake Pitler and Cookie Lavagetto.

The photo was originally taken by Herb Scharfman for International News; dated 2/21/1951.  As you may know, Scharfman would join Sports Illustrated and is famous for a photo in which he appeared - he is the man seen in the background (between the legs of Muhammad Ali) as Ali stands over a knocked out Sonny Listen.

Below are some links to check out:

• Alex Markle at Chavez Ravining put together his list of, "Top 10 Matt Kemp Cards."
• ICYMI, there have been rumblings over the weekend that the Orioles, "have engaged in trade talks with the Dodgers regarding Andre Ethier," via Roch Kubatko at MASN Sports.   Baltimore appears to have many options, so I wouldn't expect anything to be imminent.  At this point, nothing would surprise me, though.  The Dodgers have not been shy about wanting to deal Ethier and they are probably willing to make a deal.
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Acclaimed scout Brito not slowing down at 80."
• Via Lyle Spencer at MLB.com, "Wills' impact on game is Hall of Fame worthy."
• Via Anthony DiComo at MLB.com, "Proud of numbers, Piazza awaits Hall's call."

"I can only say that there's been a lot of great players throughout history that have had to wait their turn," Piazza said during a phone interview to promote a shaving system, for which he recently filmed a television commercial in upstate New York. "Joe DiMaggio had three ballots. Yogi Berra had three ballots. And that's part of the process. For me, it's not really my place, I feel, to start campaigning. I can only say that I'm proud of my work and I'm proud of my career. I'll put my numbers against a lot of players in history, and I feel that's all I can do."

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers 2015 non-roster invitees to spring training."
• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Seasons: Babe Herman’s 1930 — the year of the hitter."

It was that year when a Dodger had arguably the greatest offensive season in franchise history. Floyd Herman, better known as “Babe” Herman, had a monumental campaign for the Brooklyn Robins, one that is statistically jaw dropping.


Herman ranked in the National League top five in 12 different offensive categories. His .393 batting average is 12 points better than any other in franchise history. (Herman hit .381 in 1929.) Herman finished second in the NL batting race to Bill Terry, who hit .401 that season.

• Via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily, "Roadshow Segment on Rare Collection Airs Monday (today)."

The segment was taped on Roadshow’s first trip to New York City in 13 years.  It reveals the largest sports memorabilia find in the 19-year history of the series: an archive of rare Mort Rogers Scorecards with a handwritten letter from the 1871-1872 Boston Red Stockings.

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