A Gilliam Gamer and Guerrero's WS MVP Award at Paragon Auctions

Yesterday I featured a fun letter written by Walt Disney to former Dodgers GM Buzzie Bavasi (link here).  Today, I take a look at a couple other Dodgers related collectibles currently on auction at Paragon.

Blog Kiosk: 5/3/2016 - Dodgers Links - Ebbets Field, Maeda and Josh Ravin's Suspension

Wow!  There's nuthin' 'round the ol' joint.

Shown above, via a tweet by Old Baseball Photos, is Ebbets Field just prior to its opening in 1913.  You can see the grandstands and the backside of the outfield walls, but nothing else (except a few buildings here and there).  I always assumed Brooklyn was built out the way it is today, but clearly that is wrong.  The immediate area was as barren as a bald head.

A little bit of research tells me that Pigtown, the neighborhood this area was called due to the existence of several large pig farms, was economically depressed.  It's inhabitants were largely poor and crime was known to be a problem.  Folks would come into town to dump their junk there and farm animals were known to roam around recklessly.  The metropolis it is today was just a dream back then.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1947 the Branch Rickey traded five Dodgers players; including Kirby Higby, to Pittsburgh.  The move was seen as a message to the players on his support for Jackie Robinson.
• Happy Birthday, Davey Lopes and Darren Dreifort!

The Kenta Maeda Superfractor has been Found and Sold

This is the "Big Daddy" of all Kenta Maeda Baseball cards.

Over the weekend, thanks to a post at Blowout Buzz, I found out that the redemption for the Chrome Prospect Autograph Superfractor parallel card of Maeda had been posted up on eBay.  It had a "Buy It Now" price tag of $14,999.00, and I figured it would just sit there unsold.

Boy, was I wrong!

When Walt Disney Tried to Trade for Tommy Davis

Once a upon a time, Walt Disney visited Dodger Stadium and tried to orchestrate a trade.

Don't believe me?

Check out this letter written by Walt to Dodgers GM Buzzie Bavasi that is found at Paragon Auctions current offering (Auction Link Here).  He writes, dated May 22, 1962, the following:

2016 Topps Now - Clayton Kershaw #45 - Tosses 14 K's and Swats RBI Single...

The fourth 2016 Topps Now Dodgers' card is now available for order, and it highlights Clayton Kershaw's gem from last night.  Go here to check it out.

Considering the importance of the game to the club and how Clayton seemingly strapped the bewildered team onto his back, I am not surprised Topps decided to feature him this morning.  After all, the Dodgers were falling down the rabbit hole, and losing again (for the seventh straight time) could have haunted them during the upcoming road-trip to the east coast. 

My only complaint about this card is the photo they used.  It's rather bland and ordinary.  I wish they reached out to Dodgers photographer Jon SooHoo for this issue.  He shared a bunch of great pics from yesterday's game that are worthy of some cardboard gold.  Go here to check them out.

UPDATE: Print run sold was 453 copies.

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Blog Kiosk: 5/2/2016 - Dodgers Links - Scully, Pederson and Kershaw's Masterpiece

Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands.

Clayton Kershaw, having witnessed six straight losses, decided to put the team on his back.  He carried the club through nine masterful innings, and even knocked in the only Dodger run to lead the club to a 1-0 victory over the Padres.  Overall, he struck out fourteen, allowed three hits and walk nobody in his complete game shutout.  Kershaw threw only 101 pitches, and had a perfect game going into the fifth inning.  Per Jack Baer and AJ Cassavell at MLB.com:

"That's as dominant as I've seen him," manager Dave Roberts said. "As prepared and as much conviction as he has every fifth day, knowing what we were going through as a team, you talk about great players putting their team on their backs. That's what he did today. He won't say that, but that's exactly what happened."

Per Doug Padilla at ESPN:

"You'd be lying if you said you didn't want to be the guy who ended the streak, so that definitely feels good," Kershaw said. "We needed a win, there's no doubt about it, and it wasn't pretty today."

Clayton chats about his evening on the mound with Allana Rizzo here.  As for the team, they couldn't have been more elated at the days outcome.  In fact, they held an impromptu dance party in the clubhouse to celebrate; as evidenced by numerous videos shared on social media (here, here, here and here).

Pic above via Kike Hernandez on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1928 Giants manager John McGraw made one of the more noteworthy managerial calls in the history of the game.  He called for an intentional walk against the Dodgers with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth inning to drive in a run.  The next batter struck out to end the game at 2-1.