eBay: Hodges and the News

Since I've neglected to post much the past week or so I thought I would start with a couple of eBay finds I came across.

The Topps Company has been routinely selling many of their archived treasures from Baseball card past on eBay through ToppsVault. They have sold everything from original paintings to one-of-a-kind printers press cards. This time they are selling some original published negatives from their 1962 Bazooka card set. Below is the negative for Dodger Gil Hodges that sold for $81.00.

eBay Link: 1962 Topps Bazooka Gil Hodger Original Negative:

Here is an original October 9, 1959 LA Examiner newspaper celebrating the Dodgers World Championship victory. It sold for $76.01.
eBay Link: 1959 WS LA Examiner:

Another Great Find

It amazes me that stuff like this is still sitting around buried in junk waiting to be found.

The poster was discovered by a family combing through an estate sale near Albany, NY in March. Two other dealers had been through the estate but had either missed the poster or failed to recognize its value. This family recognized that a 19th century baseball item might have auction value, discovering it atop a dresser, and atop some books, rolled up.

It is a 1889 advertising poster featuring the Goodwin Round Album.

This poster is unrestored and in very good condition. It features such future Hall of Fame players as Cap Anson, Mike “King” Kelly, Charles Comiskey, Mickey Welch, Tim Keefe, Roger Connor, John Ward and “Orator Jim” O’Rourke and Charles Comiskey. The poster states “Presented Upon Return of 75 of our Certificates to the Smokers.”

It is estimated to be worth $100,000.00. Not only that, it is a one of a kind treasure. Only 2 other similar posters have been found, but they are of a different format.

“It looked old, and it seemed out of place among all the items being sold that day,” said a spokesperson for the purchaser, whose name is not being identified.

“We always gets excited about finds like this,” said Josh Evans, founder and chairman of Lelands. “There are still great finds out there waiting to be discovered. The American antiques and collectibles field is still a great treasure hunt.”

It's like wining the lottery.

Hat Tip: VBCF:

Great Moments in Broadcasting

I was on my home from work a little earlier listening to the Dodger game on the radio. I don't quite recall who Rick Monday was talking about or the inning, but he made the following comment that made me spit up my drink all over my dashboard. I don't quite remember the exact quote so I'll paraphrase.

He's got enough lumber to satisfy a beaver

Get it? I know, my minds in the sewer.

Nice Pic

What a great photo of Roberto Clemente. Not only that, it was taken at Dodger Stadium. This Type I photo is by Darryl Norenberg.

Auction Link: Clemente at Dodger Stadium:

Japanese Rarities

Below are a couple of unusual and rare Baseball collectibles from Japan. As you know, Baseball has a long history on the island and for nearly 100 years American ballplayers visited, played and were very popular among its fans.

Here are 4 photos from Prestige Collectibles featuring Ty Cobb when he visited in November 1928 to play with the Daimai Baseball team. Bob Shawkey, Herb Hunter and American umpire Ernie Quigley also came along for the fun. What's great about this lot is the group photo with Cobb on the top left. He is actually smiling. That in itself is a rarity.

Auction Link: Ty Cobb Tour of Japan Original Photos:

Get a look at Lou Gehrig warming up with a little bit of boxing. This large advertising poster was originally displayed within glass cases along busy streets and train stations.

Auction Link: Gehrig Warming Up with some Boxing:

Happy Jackie Robinson Day

On a day most American equate with being one of the worst days of the year (tax day) it's nice that Baseball sees it fit to forever honor this great man on April 15th. He was a outspoken civil rights leader, could play Baseball like a Hall of Famer, ran the pigskin like an All-American and tried ice skating on a bet, but he also competed in tennis. Thank you #42.