They just keep getting better. Here is the third installment of Punk Rock Paint's Star Wars Retro card set- its Chewbacca. Here is the 2nd card- Han Solo.
Bob Lemke reminds us that fashions trends in sports are not really new. On a personal note, years back I worked with an old-timer easily 50 years my senior. One afternoon the topic of baggy jeans/ big pants came up. He went on to recount that when he was a kid they all wore baggy pants. And, guess what, his folks hated them too.
Stanley Cup Playoffs, Baby!!!! As the hockey world prepares for the second season, enjoy this great fan video. These kids prove that they really love their Habs'.
Well, that's it for the Manny parade. We won't have him to kick around anymore. No more female medication jokes to amuse ourselves with. No more taunting from the stands or "boo's" when he gets up to the plate. We can't cringe when he misplays that lazy fly or disappears into the scoreboard while the game is ongoing. No... We won't have him around anymore. And, you know what? I think that's sad.
No matter what you thought of him you can't deny that he was a one of the most entertaining players around. He could hit the ball a mile and with all of the confidence in the world- illegal doping notwithstanding. I would be hard-pressed to think of someone who smiled more than him at the game. He was a big kid out there on the field and I think, overall, the fans (no matter where he played) appreciated that. We loved his smile, his personality and I, for one, will miss him.
Although his chances at immortality are diminished greatly (probably no Hall of Fame for you!), I think he will always be remembered fondly for being a winner wherever he played (except for Tampa, of course... and Chicago). Here is the story from ESPN.
"The Tampa Bay Rays were informed today by the commissioner's office that Manny Ramirez has decided to retire after being informed of an issue under the drug program," the Rays said in a statement. "We are obviously surprised and disappointed by this news. We will have no further comment on this matter, and our fans and organizationwill carry on."
In other words, he failed another drug test. Oh, Manny!
The newest Baseball set has just gone live. It is called 2011 Topps Tribute, and as the name suggest it pays homage to many of the games greatest players. Boxes only have 6 packs, and are pricey at about $300.00 a box on eBay. That translates to almost $50.00 a pack- Wow! It's definitely a high end product fit for those with strong stomachs and a healthy wallets. Frugal fans are better off shopping for their favorite cards on-line. Of special note, Sandy Koufax is its main pitchman. Check out the top of an unopened box above.
Anyway, below are the Dodger base cards to the set. Not one current roster player is included, but there sure are a nice crop of vintage heroes to gaze at. BTW, these are some very shiny cards.
Ahh! Just another wonderful afternoon at the ballpark. Here is a great fan taken vintage photograph from behind home plate at Ebbets Field, as found on eBay. Roy Campanella is on one knee, ready for his turn at the plate.
What also strikes me is the distance between the players and the fans. That's a lot of foul ground back there. It reminds me of Dodger Stadium before the McCourt renovations.
Baseball Analytics looks at why Rafael Furcal hits more home runs against left-hand pitchers than against righties.
I don't remember this happening, but apparently a drunken Phillies fan fell from the loge seats to the field level seats a couple of years ago. A Dodger fan broke his fall while also breaking his neck in the process. A lawsuit against the Dodgers is ongoing. Beverly Hills Courier has the story. (Hat Tip: LA Times Dodgers Blog)
From Baseball Musings, a Baseball documentary on YouTube worth watching.
My dad (who has Parkinson’s Disease) and I road-tripped 20,000 miles over two months to see a game at each of the 30 MLB parks back in 2004. We made the trip on less than a shoestring budget, hosting tailgate parties with donated or discounted food, drink and tickets to raise money to make it to the next park. “Boys of Summer”, the documentary made from this experience... It is now available on YouTube as part of my thesis for my Journalism & Media Studies master’s program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
What a great day this must have been at Ebbets Field. The sun is shinning as the afternoon glow overlooks the pre-game warm-ups. Fans are no doubt filled with delight. Players slowly stretch on the field as some even walk over to chat with spectators. Here, Jackie Robinson poses with his bat in hand. There isn't much I wouldn't do to be in that fans shoes right now. This eBay auction item of a fan taken vintage photograph recently sold for $78.01.
