Welcome to Cooperstown

Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn are officially elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Congratulations!

Voting results, via 6-4-2, at the Baseball Hall of Fame.Above is the key rookie card for Ripken- 1982 Topps Traded card. Below is Gwynn's key rookie card- 1983 Topps.
My disappointments are many with this recent election. Where is the love for Goose Gossage, Lee Smith, Jim Rice, Andre Dawson, Jack Morris and Alan Trammell?

Hero: The Subway Superman

In the insulated world of sports fandom, we often look at our brightest stars as heroes. They can hit the ball farther, make a game saving catch or have the ability to win in the clutch. At the end of the day, though, we all understand that real heroes do so much more.

Below is an interview with Mr. Wesley Autrey of New York City. He dove into the subway tracks to help a stranger who had fallen in while an oncoming train was coming. He is a real hero.



It is instances like this that make me hopeful for the future.

Hat Tip: iFlipFlop:

YouTube Link: belowtheradar:

The Schaefer Double/Triple Steal

I was cruising around the internet and came across a great story about a deadball era player and a double steal you will not believe. I'll start by asking, how can you possibly get 3 stolen bases on 3 consecutive pitches and still not ever get past 2nd base?
Well, Ghost in the Dugout tells us how.

"The Tigers were playing Cleveland in a close game. (Davy) Jones was on third and (Herman Germany) Schaefer was on first. Schaefer bolted for second, trying to draw a throw from the Indian catcher to give Jones a chance to score on the double steal. The catcher chose not to make the attempt. With Tigers on second and third and Sam Crawford at the plate, it seemed the game would go on in a typical manner. But nothing was typical about Germany Schaefer. On the next pitch, Schaeffer let out a blood curdling scream and sprinted back to first. The catcher was too stunned to do anything but stand there with the ball in his hand. The umpires after a long discussion allowed the "steal" and on the next pitch, Schaefer again took off for second. The third time was the charm; the catcher attempted to throw out Schaefer, Jones took off for home, and both base runners were safe."

Sounds like the "Wild West" of Baseball.

Photo Link: eBay:

BP's Year in Quotes

Baseball Prospectus has just released their 2006 "The Year in Quotes." As you can imagine, Grady Little (and his wife) are well represented. Check out their story here.

"Those stats show you a whole lot. But it's like that woman on the beach in a bikini. It shows you a lot, but it doesn't show you everything. I'll never be accused of taking the human element out of it."

Even our old crazy friend Milton Bradley comes up with a good one.

"They swore they wanted character guys, but then they signed a DUI guy and a guy sleeping with a reporter and that's fine, but I got character issues?"

Ebay Pick-Ups: Campy, Gilliam and a Couple of Rookies

I thought I would share some recent eBay winnings.

Below is a UPI press photograph, circa Jan. 1968, of just elected Hall of Famer Roy Campanella. Ten years after the accident that cut short his career, Campanella, as shown here, is seen on the phone having received the news about his election into Baseball's most hallowed shrine. Below is a rare card of Dodger star Junior Gilliam. It was produced in 1954 by N.Y. Journal-American. It was one of the leading newspapers of the time. They produced these cards, as well as, 8x10 team photos, to advertise their papers.
Nowadays, most of my collection consist of vintage issue collectibles, but from time to time I do pick up a shiny card here and there. As I'm sure you can guess, when it comes to modern cards I only have interest in Dodger players. Furthermore, I really like the look of the autographed cards that come in packs these days. Below is Takashi Saito in the midst of throwing a vicious fastball. His autograph is on the bottom right. Below is our catcher phenom Russell Martin.

The Original Barrier Breaker

As Dodger fans we are given a steady diet of history. From the "Shot Heard Around the World" to Hilda Chester and her cowbell. From the lovable bum to the 1955 World Championship. From Walter Alston to Tommy Lasorda. We have all embraced the stories and the fables. Not surprisingly, Dodgers history oftentimes crisscrosses with the history of our country.

This sets us up for the seminal event we all know well. An event that would be remembered and discussed throughout the country. It was a sign that things are changing. That America was maturing. On a Spring afternoon, Pee Wee Reese welcomed his new teammate, Jackie Robinson, with a friendly smile and an arm around the shoulders.

The Baseball world and our country would never be the same. But did you know it was not the first act of kindness to a African-American man in organized Baseball. There was another event, just a year before, that also helped open the doors.

The Tribune Chronicle tells us all about it.

The Montreal Royals, a Dodger minor league affiliate, started the 1946 Baseball season with Jackie Robinson in the line-up. In his first game Jackie hit a homerun. George "Shotgun" Shuba was at homeplate to congratulate Jackie as he crossed home plate.

"This moment is described as the first interracial handshake in profession Baseball."

Apparently, Jackie had some worry that his teammates would not shake his hand. Bitterness and fear was still the order of the day. For George Shuba's random act of kindness Jackie called George to thank him.

George Shuba recalls the conversation.

‘‘He called me later and thanked me,’’ Shuba said. ‘‘And I said, what for?"... ‘‘I said, ‘Are you on our team? Are you on our side? OK then.’ ’’

Check out the link for the story. There is one photo that exist of this historic moment and Mr. Shuba recently donated a copy to the Austintown Historical Society.

Tribune Chronicle Link:

Hat Tip: Sports Collectors Daily: