Collection: N28 Bennett

I can't believe how far behind I am on some of my post. Here is my second 1888 Baseball Allen & Ginter N28 card of Charlie W. Bennett. As you can see it has been well loved.

Charlie Bennett was a highly regarded defensive catcher for the Detroit Wolverines and Boston Beaneaters in the 19th century. He would go on to lead the National League in fielding percentage as a catcher 7 times, and putouts 3 times. Bennett is also credited with inventing the chest protector. After he lost his leg in a train accident a Baseball stadium at Michigan and Trumball in Detroit was named in his honor, Bennett Field. In fact, he was so loved he threw out the first pitch on Opening Day for the first 26 years of the Detroit Tigers existence until his death in 1927.

An Angry Leo

Leo Durocher looks displeased. He is set to hurl a glove after being thrown out from a Spring Training game in 1961. From the looks of it they are at Vero Beach.

(eBay Auction Link)

Card of the Week: Snake Man

After a short hiatus I bring to you this weeks "Card of the Week." It is a 1984 Fleer card of Glenn Hubbard as he shows off a giant snake. Strangely enough, the Phillie Phanatic looks eager to get closer. I wonder if boa's are a part of his diet.

Mascot Power

I can't repeat enough how much I enjoy Gary's blog and his Infinite Baseball card set and descriptions. His site is a reason why the internet and blogs are so great. He masterfully combines art with history, and a passion for the game with stories that helped define that passion.

His most recent creation is one I think all Baseball fans should immediately go over to and check out. I mean it. Go over there right now. Gary introduces us to a Baseball mascot, Eddie Bennett, who is better known for his exploits with the powerful Yankees of the 1920's and 1930's, but also has his finger on a Dodger team. Below is a brief excerpt:

Somehow, Eddie had switched over to Brooklyn for the 1920 season and wouldn't you know it, Brooklyn wins the pennant that year. However, after winning 2 out of 3 games at home, the team left Eddie behind when they went on the road to play Cleveland and without their lucky charm were promptly lost 4 straight games and the series. A dejected and offended Eddie left the team in disgust.

Now, you need to go to his site for the rest of the story.

BTW, I had purchased his set some time ago, but have not gotten around to posting anything about. I promise I will do that as soon as possible.

(pic link: SABR Biograph Project: Eddie Bennett)

RIP: Bobby Thompson

Bobby Thompson died yesterday at the age of 86. As all good Dodger fans know he perpetrated a great offense to us all. He hit a pennant deciding home run against the "Boys in Blue" in 1951. They have since called it the "Shot Heard 'Round the World." Although his indiscretion in favor of the hated Giants should curry some hatred from me, I just cannot muster it. He was a fine man who had a fine career.

Rest in Peace, "Flying Scot."

Vintage Dodger Pics on eBay

HYee Auctions once again brings out the quality vintage press photos on eBay. Here are a handful of my favorites.

Here, Pee Wee Reese checks out the latest article from Baseball Magazine. It sold for a hefty $270.55.

(eBay Auction Link)

Campy and his kids poss for the cameras. It sold for $23.49.

(eBay Auction Link)

This is a gorgeous Jackie Robinson in a Montreal Royals uniform, circa 1946. It sold for an astounding $888.88.

(eBay Auction Link)