Collection: 1981 Vero Beach Dodgers

Here is my next installment of Dodger minor league sets from my collection. Check out my other sets here. This set was produced by TCMA for the 1981 Vero Beach Dodgers- a single A team in the Florida State League. The team did not perform well overall, just compiling a 63-73 record.
Furthermore, these Dodgers were not filled with a great number of future Major League ballplayers, but there are a couple of notables to recall. In the middle, on the bottom row, is R. J. Reynolds. He played just 3 season for the Dodgers before moving on to Pittsburgh, then to Japan and the Mexican League. On September 11, 1983 he became a Dodger hero during a pennant run against the Braves. In the bottom half of the 9th inning against the Atlanta rival he laid down a suicide squeeze bunt to score Pedro Guerrero to win the game, 7 to 6. The win extended their lead over the Braves to 3 games in the division.
The only other notable Dodger in this set isn't even a player. It is pitching coach Dave Wallace. He is on the left side, bottom row, below. Wallace rose through the ranks of the team, becoming the Dodgers pitching coach then interim General Manager in 2001. Then, he went to Boston and became their pitching coach. While there, he steered the Red Sox to their first World Series victory in 2004.

eBay: Babe Manning First

Yes, Babe Ruth was a Dodger. No, he never played a game on the field for us, but he was known to participate in pregame batting practice exhibitions for fans. He would slam home runs to the delight of early arriving fans. During games he would man first base as a coach in hopes of one day earning a spot as a skipper for the club. Unfortunately, team management saw him as more of a sideshow attraction to get the fans through the turnstiles. Below is a Sporting News Archives vintage press photo of Babe directing at 1st base.

(eBay Auction Link)

Legendary Auctions: Jackie Robinson Doll

I've written about this item before, here, but I thought it was worth featuring again. Why, you ask? Well, first of all, this is probably one of the more rare Jackie Robinson memorabilia items out here. On top of that, when the time is right, and when I have the funds available, I plan to add one of these to my own personal collection. An added bonus, something I don't expect to be able to find when I am ready to buy, is that this vintage Jackie doll comes with the original box and other goodies. I have seen the small box that the doll was put into, but this is the first time I have seen the entire package that includes a cardboard Baseball diamond that would act as a display stand for the doll, a tag that hangs from the dolls right arm, the Dodger jacket that goes over the uniform, and mini bat.

It sold for a reasonable $956.00. I know that sounds like a lot, but I recall only the doll and smaller box selling at the Halper Collection auction over 10 years ago for $1,380.00. Heck, there is one on eBay right now for $1,250.00 that also only includes the doll and smaller box.

(Auction Link)

The Joy of a Completed Set

WooHoo! It has been a long time since I can say these words. I have finally completed a set, and not just any set. I finally finished up my 1910 T220 Champion Athlete and Prize Fighter Series set of 50 cards.

I recently won, on eBay the above card which completes a set I've been working on for at least 6 to 7 years. It is of Tom Sharkey, who is considered by Ring Magazine as one of the top 100 greatest punchers of all time. He was also a participant, with James J. Jeffries, in a bout in 1899 that was the first boxing match ever filmed.

As soon as I can find the time, I'll scan and post up the complete set.

Blog Kiosk: 6/1/2011

• GCRL takes a look at the 2008 Topps Dodgers blister team set.
  
• Memories of Kevin Malone share a great autographed greeting card from the Dodgers.
  
• Check out some great photos of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at Dodger Stadium, via BoxingScene.com.
  
• Topps is for sale? Via Beckett.
  
• Uni Watch, with the help of a reader, solves the Dodgers ABC uniform question.
  
• Beyond the Boxscore takes a look at how age might effect a hitters ability to perform.
  
• Upper Deck provides a sneak peak at their upcoming 2011 Goodwin Champions set. It includes a nice video.
• "Pitchrs and Poets" shares a vintage poster for the movie "The Busher" from Russian Communist Revolutionary times. (Hat Tip: Eephus League)
• How's this for an auction consisting of the strange and (possibly) demented. The US Marshall office is auctioning off the personal effects of the Unabomber. Really! Ya know, that crazy guy in the hoodie. Check it out here. Oh, BTW, the hoodie is currently leading the pack at over $20k.
• Sons of Steve Garvey captures Vin Scully reciting "In Flanders Field" on Memorial Day.
  

YouTube Link:

1984 Dodgers Police

Continuing on my look back at the recent past. Here are scans of the complete 1984 Dodgers Police set. One thing I did not mention in my recent post featuring these sets is that they are extremely affordable. They can be had for less than $5.00 a piece.

Below is a sample of the reverse of the cards. I count at least 5 different "Say No to Drugs" slogans.

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