Blog Kiosk: 8/16/2009

Say a prayer for Hiroki.

• Baseball is hoping to be resubmitted into the 2016 Olympic Games. Alas, it was not to be. They have been rejected. Golf and Rugby have been recommended for consideration into the 2016 games instead.
  
• Something to ponder. Since 1995, every team to win a World Series crown has had at least one player linked to steroids.
  
• The Bleech. The Topps Archives introduces the 1967 Topps Blockheads mask set.
• Former Angel star and current free agent Scott Spiezio has joined the Fullerton Flyers of the Golden Baseball League.
  
• Meet the man who puts together "The Baseball Collector's Autograph Handbook."
  
• See the universe in 3D with the help of the Hubble Telescope. Read more about the video here.
  

YouTube Link:
Hat Tip: Americablog:

eBay Dodger Finds

Although I've slowed in my eBay purchases recently, I still find myself searching. Thankfully, it has not been a waste of time. There were some great items available.

eBay proves, once again, to be a repository of great vintage Dodger memorabilia. Below is a 1959 Dodgers World Champions children's tote bag (I think it might actually be a ladies purse). It measures 8" x 3".

eBay Auction Link: Dodgers Bag:

You want a schedule. Well, I got you some stinkin' schedules right here. Below is a lot of 125 Dodger mini-schedules from 1974 to 2005. They sold for $10.50.

eBay Auction Link: Dodger Schedules:

Vintage glassware of sports teams are highly sought after. The below 1950's Brooklyn Dodgers "Bum" glass is no exception. It sold for a impressive $76.00. It is 5 1/4" tall.

eBay Auction Link: Dodgers Glass:

I love this old hat, and I'm kicking myself in the rear for not placing a bid on it. Here is a 1950's-1960's LA Dodgers straw hat in a pork pie style. It is amazing it still remains in great shape. It sold for $31.76.

eBay Auction Link: Late 50's Dodger Hat:

Fun With Photoshop

More Hardball decided to have a little fun with our team as he creates a handful of photoshopped Baseball cards poking fun at the surnames of the Boys in Blue. Go here to see more.

This is How You Cover the National

Sports Antiques.com shows us how to cover the National Sports Collectors Convention- with tons of pics. Go there now. There are 770 photos of rare and unusual sports related antiques and memorabilia from the show. Hopefully, in a couple of weeks a complete write-up will be posted. This years Cleveland show is the 7th consecutive year they have written about the National so you should check out his other pics and stories from previous shows. Below are some of my favorite pics from Cleveland.You can't beat a couple of display cases with some nice 19th century/early 20th century items enclosed.
How Many Babe Ruth auto's do you need?
I really like this advertising piece.

Dodger Correspondence: Cal Abrams

Here, once again, is another player written note to superfan Roy. This time he hears from former Dodger Cal Abrams. Roy ask about his career highlights and star players.

Just being a major leaguer fulfilled my childhood dreams! Some of the highlights I remember were a grand slam off Ruben Gomez in 1952. Also, having several good years in the minors. A big thrill was just wearing a Dodger uniform. Willie Mays & Hank Aaron are superstars in my book.

As I look back, there were dozens of great players that I had the privilege to play with and against. I honestly believe, that the years I played in1948-1957 produced more superstars than today

That, you are probably right.

(click pic to enlarge)

As you may know, Cal Abrams was a Brooklyn born kid who played at Madison High School. So, getting to play for your hometown team must have been a thrill. Playing for the Dodgers was not all roses and cherries, though.

In 1951, his manager Charlie Dressen, who was "capable of cruelty," failed to play him on "Cal Abrams Day."

Cal Abrams wore number 18 for most of his career. The number is the Hebrew word for life. Also, like many of his peers he entered into the Army in 1942 (before his Baseball career could really start) and served in both the Pacific and Atlantic campaigns in WWII. He was awarded 2 battle stars in the Pacific, a Philippine Liberation Medal and a bronze star.

When he passed away in 1997 he was buried in his Brooklyn Dodgers uniform.

(click pic to enlarge)

Auction Link: Cal Abrams Letter:

Card of the Week: Split-Fingered

There is something graceful about a crisp black and white photo of a ball in hand. It's such a simple pose, but those in the know understand it's power. With the slightest move of a finger you create a different pitch. Those different pitches evokes a different reaction.

Put two fingers together on the seams to show a two seamer in the hands of Nolan Ryan creates a sense of power. A knuckleball thrown by Phil Neikro evokes the desire to frustrate and elude. Above we see Bob Welch's 1991 Score Baseball card featuring his split-fingered fastball grip. This pitch was just baffling. The pitch had the ability to overpower and deceive you. It came at you like a fastball, but dropped of a table at the end in an unbelievable manner. Its action is so elusive it is sometimes called a "dry-spitter."

Bob Welch used the pitch to remake himself after a 10 year career with the Dodgers.

Bob always had an excellent high, rising fastball, a hard, overhand curve, and a split fingered fastball (see foront of card). But in 1990, he concentrated more on his split-fingered then he had in the past.

He went on to win the Cy Young in 1990.