T. J. Simers is a Hack

I read something this morning that has me more irate than I thought I ever could get from a sports article. T J. Simers is a worthless douche of a writer, and, if I had my way, I'd force him to work in the faraway sports haven of Siberia so we can all forget he exist. He is a hack. He is a charlatan of the worst kind. He is not a professional purveyor of the literary craft. Instead, he is a man of poor insight and observation.

What has gotten me so riled up ready to tear the head off a little old man like a wild banshee? Well, this morning I came across a Page 2 article written by Simers that touches on his trip down to Figueroa to watch a Kings game.

You see, the Kings have been on quite a tear lately, having won 6 in a row- 5 of them on the road against powerhouse Eastern Conference teams like Boston and New Jersey. They even took out the Red Wings in Hockeytown. So, it's easy to understand why, suddenly, the LA media decides to take notice of this surging organization.

Anyway, Simers goes to the Staples Center and comes away with an impression I cannot understand. In fact, I'm convinced he was not watching. At the very least he lacks the basic ability to observe what is plainly in front of him. Let me provide an example.

There were so many empty seats, and as hot as the Kings have been, the place felt flat.

Simers, you worthless maggot! The game was a sellout! How about this.

I've heard more cheering at Clippers games, and sometimes fans were even cheering for them.

This statement really had me pissed off. Why, you ask? At the opening of the game as the team was introduced onto the ice the fans game the Kings a standing ovation. As I mentioned previously, the teams went on a historic winning streak and fans were understandably appreciative. After years of heartache and toiling in the bottom of the rankings, a focused plan by the GM is finally showing fruits. We have suffered, we have prayed and now we are enjoying the rewards.

Maybe it was just one of those nights, L.A. having only so many hockey fans and with something else to do -- understandably they couldn't find anyone to take their tickets.

I don't have the exact stats, but Staples Center has been filled to the max and sold out for most games over the past month and a half. Yes, attendance was bad, but as word spread of this resurgent franchise fans of old have come back to watch them for themselves.

The first period ended with no score, and while Dwyre loves writing about nothing happening, it would have been also way past his bedtime, so in his honor, I went home.

I have no idea who won, but that's all right.

That figures.

Please, for the love of God do not ever come to a Kings game again. I know I don't want you there and, I think it's fair for me to say this, I don't think other Kings fans want you there either. You can't write. You provide no meaningful insight. You are a worthless piece of crap.

BTW, the Kings won 2 to 1. They are on a 7 game winning streak and this crying fan is shedding tears of happiness. Playoffs here we come!

(P.S. Thank for bearing with me as I went on a little rant there.... I feel better now.)

Some Sterling Sniders

Not only is Topps 2009 Sterling set filled with a bunch of Jackie Robinson's, it is also filled with some nice looking Duke's. Check them out below.
I'm not a huge fan of uniform, bat or vintage seat cut pieces, but when done right they do look nice. I just don't know if I'd pay the premium some of the cards get. In my mind, when paired with an auto like the last item below, then it enhances its appeal greatly.

Happy Felton and his Knot-Hole Gang

Recently, I came across an interesting eBay auction featuring a 1954 Baseball Guide of Happy Felton's Knot-Hole Gang. It sold for, what I thought was a low price of, $9.99.

The Knot-Hole Gang has been largely forgotten by today's Dodger fans, but back in Brooklyn during the days of the "Boys of Summer" it was a popular pregame show before every Dodger home game. Happy Felton would host a group of 3 little league ballplayers of the same age, same position and from 3 different Baseball programs and have them work out with a Dodger player. They would go through drills the pro's do. Then, the Dodger would pick one of the kids who did the best. That kid's prize would be to have an opportunity to meet the player of his choice the next game and hang out in the dugout with the team. I'm sure that was like a dream for the kid. The show would close with the previous shows winner interviewing his chosen player on TV.

eBay Auction Link:

Below is a large pic of Happy Felton from Snider's Photo Album. Below that is a child's membership card to the Knot-Hole Gang.

Ready to Watch Some Baseball?

The MLB Network is broadcasting live the 52nd Annual Caribbean World Series starting tomorrow! From the MLB Network press release.

UPDATE: Go here for rosters of all of the teams! ...Woops, I think that link is for 2009. As soon as I find the 2010 rosters I'll post it.

MLB Network today announced its broadcast schedule for the 52^nd annual Caribbean World Series in Porlamar, Venezuela from February 2 through February 7, 2010. The event draws the region’s top talent as well as current MLB players, including San Diego Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim third baseman Freddy Sandoval and Kansas City Royals catcher Brayan Pena, who competed in the 2009 tournament. The countries participating in the 2010 tournament are Mexico , Puerto Rico , Dominican Republic and Venezuela .

The telecast of the Caribbean World Series will mark the first live games telecast on MLB Network in 2010, with MLB Network’s Victor Rojas, Greg Amsinger, Mitch Williams and Dan Plesac calling each of the 12 games. In between games, MLB Network will air game Hot Stove, its live nightly studio show during the offseason, airing at 6:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

“MLB Network is proud to continue to be part of the Caribbean World Series,” said Tony Petitti, MLB Network President and CEO. “We’re excited to provide fans with live baseball as we prepare for Spring Training and the 2010 MLB season.”

“The Caribbean World Series showcases the region’s best in baseball and offers fans the opportunity to experience competitive international play. We are pleased that the tournament will continue to reach a broad audience of baseball fans through the MLB Network,” said Jim Kern, Cultiva Entertainment.

MLB Network’s live game schedule for the Caribbean World Series is as follows (all times Eastern):

Feb. 2: 2:30p Puerto Rico vs. Dominican Republic

7:30p Mexico vs. Venezuela

Feb. 3: 3:30p Dominican Republic vs. Mexico

7:30p Venezuela vs. Puerto Rico

Feb. 4: 3:30p Mexico vs. Puerto Rico

7:30p Venezuela vs. Dominican Republic

Feb. 5: 3:30p Dominican Republic vs. Puerto Rico

7:30p Venezuela vs. Mexico

Feb. 6: 3:30p Mexico vs. Dominican Republic

7:30p Puerto Rico vs. Venezuela

Feb. 7: 3:30p Puerto Rico vs. Mexico

7:30p Dominican Republic vs. Venezuela

More Sterling Jackie Robinson's

The new 2009 Topps Sterling boxes are filled with even more Jackie Robinson goodness. Check them out below.
Above and below are booklet cards featuring multiple patches and bat (or stadium seat) pieces. The below card also has Roy Campanella.
I really the large vintage Dodger patch card below of Jackie.Below is the Jackie Robinson base card.

Blog Kiosk: 1/31/2010

• Mark's Ephemera shares some Orel Hershiser cards he received recently.
• Jackie Robinson Topps Tribute auto was pulled earlier this month. UPDATE: Ya know... the more I look at this autograph the more I questions its authenticity. Of course, that is just my opinion and I'm no expert, but I have seen a bunch of them in person and in auction catalogs from sellers I trust over the years. I don't know, maybe I'm getting oversensitive to the authenticity issie that seems to be in the forefront of todays hobby.)
• eBay Fee Changes starting March 30th!

  No Insertion Fees for Auction-style listings when you list your item with a start price under $1—up to 100 listings per month. Pay only if your item sells.

• Yup! A lawsuit is brewing between Upper Deck and MLB/Topps.
• Nice find Wrigley Wax! He post a great cartoon found on the back of a 1955 Topps card. Little did they know that the Dodgers would win the World Championship later that year. I guess you can call that karma.
  
• Tom Hoffarth writes a great post celebrating Ernie Harwell's birthday. Did you know he was the first broadcaster traded for a player when the Brooklyn Dodgers GM, Branch Rickey, traded a catcher for him. He then departed for the Giants broadcasting booth which led to an opening for Vin Scully in Brooklyn.
  
• Check out this great interview Sports Locker did with the John Evers about the Merkle Ball.
  
• Topps has teamed up with LTL Prints to make large wall graphics (similar to Fatheads) that include Garbage Pail Kids. Imagine a 7ft. image like the one below on your wall.
• No more 5-second rule- it is now a 30-second rule. (Hat Tip: Dodger Thoughts)

  The results prove, according Goettsche and Moin, that you can wait at least 30 seconds to pick up wet foods and more than a minute to pick up dry foods before they become contaminated with bacteria.

• Mario Lemieux has offered to buy the Pirates.
  
• How to report the news.