eBay: Laughlin Gil Hodges

Here is a card I had heard of, but had never actually seen an example of. This is a 1973 Laughlin Super Stand-Ups of Gil Hodges. They were produced by sports artist R. G. Laughlin and typically measure 7" x 11". The auction description states that this piece is slightly larger at 8.5" x 12". It is the scarcest of all the different Laughlin set produced in the 70's. There are only 12 different players in the set, and only one other Dodger is represented- Sandy Koufax. My 2002 card guide list this Hodges card at $45.00, but considering its scarcity I bet it would sell for much more at a show or auction. The price of this item on eBay is a little rich in my opinion. Of interesting note, these cards were originally sold individually at $3.50 a piece.

(Auction Link)

Happy 75th Birthday Sandy!

The great Dodger pitcher, known as the Left Arm of God, is turning 75 today. Happy Birthday Sandy Koufax! As you know, he just signed an autograph deal with Topps for their 2011 Baseball sets. So, there will be plenty of cards and memorabilia coming soon. Check out my original story here. For those less inclined to click the link here is a rundown of what sets Topps has already announced he will be signing for. I'm sure more will be announced soon.

2011 Topps Baseball Series 1: Koufax will be added to the 60th Anniversary Autographs
2011 Topps Heritage: Real One Autograph (This is the card above)
2011 Topps Tribute: Koufax Auto Relics

eBay: A Branch Rickey Auto

Here is a great little eBay item I ran into a few weeks ago that I'm only now getting to. This is a fairly scarce Branch Rickey autograph on a 2007 Upper Deck SP Legendary Cuts card. It has a very high price tag on it, so I don't expect it to sell, but at least you can do a little bit of window shopping.

(Auction Link)

My Best Wishes to Chico Fernandez

Humberto "Chico" Fernandez needs your kind words. Via BAT (Baseball Assistance Team) Facebook page.

Dear Friends - We've been asked by the family of Humberto "Chico" Fernandez to pass along the following message. Due to complications with a replacement kneecap, Chico was forced to spend this past Christmas in the hospital. The family has advised that he's feeling down and in a lot of pain and would appreciate cards, notes, flowers and anything of encouragement to keep his spirits up. He is at the Mercy Hospital (3663 South Miami Avenue; Miami, FL 33133 in Room 4137). Thank you in advance for your support!

So, say hello and send a kind note.

As you may already know, Baseball Assistance Team is a non-profit organization devoted to helping members of the Baseball family most in need. Go here for their official facebook page. Here is their website.

Chico Fernandez spent one season with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956, his rookie season. He was an excellent defensive shortstop who went on to have a 8 year Major League career with 4 different teams. In his best season, 1962, he belted 20 home runs for Detroit.

Auto Collection: Beltre Passes the Torch

Andrian Beltre was a great third baseman for the Dodgers. He could field the position better than anyone I had every seen. His barehanded grabs while storming down the third base line was a thing of beauty. I dare say that we may never see someone as good with the glove then him. Of course, if the Dodgers sign him to join the team of his start then we could enjoy his antics one more time. Unfortunately, I think we all know that ain't going to happen.

Anyway, here is a autographed 2005 Donruss Elite Passing the Torch card of Adrian Beltre. It is numbered 61 out of 75. Man-O-Live... do I miss this guy.

OT: Kings: No Doubt... the Goal of the Year

As you probably already know, I am a huge LA Kings fan. I have followed them for almost as long as I've been a Dodger fan. My earliest hockey memories include the team in the old purple and gold playing at the now decrepit Great Western Forum.

This season the Kings are looking good as they look poised to return to the playoffs in a very tight conference race where only 11 points separate 1st place and 12 place. In the hockey world it doesn't get much tighter than that. Anyway, by now you are probably wondering why I mention all of this... well, I wanted to share this one video of a goal from the other night against the San Jose Sharks. It is in one word... remarkable. Call it the "Hail Mary" pass and goal. Enjoy.