Congrats Bert & Robbie!

As I'm sure you have already heard, both Bert Blyleven (finally!) and Roberto Alomar have been elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame. A hearty Blue Heaven "Hooray" to both of you.

Dodger Pride Night at the Kings Game

This is starting to become an annual thing. Next week, Thursday, January 13th will be Dodger Pride Night at the Staples Center. I am not aware of any Dodger players scheduled to make an autograph appearance, but I do know that Don Mattingly is expected to drop the opening puck that evening. Also, a special Dodger hockey puck will be given out, but only to those folks who buy tickets through a special discount plan for this specific game. Click here for details. Unfortunately, that means that I will be left out of this one since I already have tickets for the game.

Interestingly, the game will be against the St. Louis Blues which represents a huge FAIL on the part of the Kings in my mind. After all, the opposing team will be sporting the team colors (heck, they even have it in their name) that happen to also represent the Dodgers. I dunno. I was just scratching my head when I heard about this.

Anyway, I'll let you know if any Dodger players will be making an autograph appearance that evening.

Auto Collection: Scott Elbert

Here is a 2005 Bowman Sterling auto/ games used jersey card of Dodger lefty prospect Scott Elbert from my collection. He is still in the Dodger system and is currently ranked as the 15th best prospect within the system according to Baseball Prospectus. As you may know, he recently left the game during the middle of last season, but returned soon thereafter to pitch in the Arizona Fall League and was selected to the "Rising Stars Game." Personal family reasons were given as the cause for his departure from the game. Let's hope his head is screwed back on since he apparently still has good no enough stuff be be considered a future Major Leaguer.

A Happy Belated New Years

I know I'm a little late on this, but I wanted to wish all of you a happy belated New Years. In this post celebration post go ahead and check out this epic New Years Eve show at Madison Square Garden a few days ago with Phish. I so wish I was there.

YouTube Link:

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