Blog Kiosk: 7/22/2011

Weren't the 60's great! Above was a random photo provided by the Dodgers on twitter. From 1968, I would love to know exactly what is going here.

• Aaron at Inside Dodgers Baseball has the full press release for Shawn Green's upcoming book signing event on August 3rd at the ESPN Zone at LA Live. And, yes, Green will sign 1 additional piece of memorabilia only for fans who have a copy of the book.
  
• Night Owl Cards tells us a bit about the 1989 Smokey Dodger Greats set.
• Do they now have the right guys? The LAPD have dropped charges against the first guy they arrested in the Byran Stow beating, and have arrested two other folks they believe were involved. Via LA Times. This is a classic case of why you shouldn't just assume that whoever they arrest must be guilty- no matter the subjects background.
  
• In Dodger BK news, MLB says the TV contract McCourt

  "presented as the team's financial salvation would instead have crippled the club's ability to compete and saddled McCourt and his affiliated companies with close to $1 billion in debt.... Despite your pledge to make the Dodgers the 'best franchise in baseball,' you are not selling the club's media rights … to improve the club's on-field performance, renovate Dodger Stadium or enhance the fan experience," Selig wrote.

  Via LA Times.
  
• Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy tells us that then Dodger Championship banners are back at Dodger Stadium. WooHoo!
• AEG says a downtown LA Baseball stadium would not work, via ESPN.
  
• With this being Hall of Fame weekend, check out The Hall of Very Good's interview with Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson.
  
• Check out a one-on-one afternoon with Magic Johnson on Saturday, July 30th at LMU.

  Earvin "Magic" Johnson recounts his favorite “Showtime” memories and discusses his current and future plans during a special one-on-one conversation with Los Angeles Times columnist Bill Plaschke. It’s your chance to hear his on-and-off-the-court stories and see the Hall of Famer up close and personal.

Mailbag: A Sweet Withrow Auto

What's better than a autographed card of a #1 draft pick hard throwing Dodger pitching prospect? Getting the card for under a buck. Check out the newest addition to my Dodger autograph collection. This is a 2007 Bowman Sterling Certified autographed card of Chris Withrow and it was found on eBay for 99 cents. Not too shabby. And, he still has a chance to fullfill all of the promise that made with a first rounder.

Daily Conlon: #176 Specs Toporcer - I Got 50 Cents a Week

Here are today's Daily Conlon card numbered #176 featuring St. Louis Cardinal utility man George "Specs" Toporcer talking about having one of the best jobs a kid can have.

"Back in 1912, when I was 13 years old, I got a job posting scores in an old-fashioned corner saloon at 85th Street and 1st Avenue. The scores would come in on a Western Union ticker tape, and I'd proudly write them on a large blackboard in the back room of the saloon."

Before the widespread use of radios by the masses most folks got up-to-date news of important sporting events by going to a public square or watering hole. You would watch the game in slow motion as you waited for next play to be announced.

On a side note, Toporcer was nicknamed "Specs" because he was the first Major League position player to wear glasses on the field. Also, Branch Rickey once said of Specs

"A 19-year-old boy who weighed 142 pounds and never had played a game of pro ball came off the field at Orange, New Jersey. I watched this kid and saw him take off his glasses and, with his hands outstretched, grope his way along the wall to the showers. My captain turned to me and said, `For God's sake, who sent him up?' " Toporcer, who never played baseball in high school, college, or the minors, is remembered as the first infielder to wear glasses in the majors.

Read more from him by clicking the pic below to embiggen.

Blog Kiosk: 7/20/2011

Fernando Mania is about to officially get on it's way.

The Dodgers will commemorate the 30^th anniversary of “Fernandomania” with a bobblehead giveaway presented by Kaiser Permanente on Tuesday, July 26 (7:10 p.m. vs. COL). Valenzuela will also make a special one-hour long appearance at “Viva Los Dodgers Day” presented by State Farm, Time Warner Cable and Chevrolet this Sunday, July 24 at 11:30 a.m. The legendary lefty will meet and sign autographs for fans.

“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the fans that are so friendly and supportive even after 30 years, it really means a lot to me” said Valenzuela.

Of special note: Tommy Lasorda announced his wife Jo asked for Valenzuela's autograph, the first time she has ever requested a players signature. (Photo Credit Above: LA Dodgers)

• You gotta check out Tommy Lasorda's story about Jack Fimple.
• Roto Hardball takes a look at Dodger minor league pitching prospect Nathan Eovaldi.
  
• Bob Lemke points out a, until now, uncatalogued Dodger premium card featuring Carl Furillo pitching TV Treat ice cream from the late 1950's.
  
• Matt Kemp get some Sports Illustrated love. Oh, and check out the newest SI cover. Sorry, Hope.
• Ken Levine has the story of a minor league team that faced a revolt from its manager, players and radio play by play announcer. Heck, there's even a clip of the announcer saying his goodbye's.
  
• Gaslamp Ball has a great video featuring Super Dave and Steve Garvey. Really! It's great.
  
• With "The National" card convention soon approaching, Chris at Vintage Sportscards writes about visiting the show in Cleveland in 2004.
  
• Talk about dumb. A foul ball from Jeter's 3000 hit at-bat is up for auction. Via Sports Collectors Daily.
  
• The best the National League has offer praise for Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw at the 2011 All-Star Game.

Video Link:

Daily Conlon: #175 Bob O'Farrell - Those Things Weren't Legal

Here is today's Daily Conlon card numbered #175 of Bob O'Farrell talking about those illegal pitches.

"Those were the days when catching was really tough. There were so many off beat pitches then, you know. Like the spitball, the emory ball, the shine ball. You name it, somebody threw it."

Read more below by clicking the pic to embiggen.

Heritage Auctions: 1887 Batting Champion Presentation Bat

Take a look at this silver slugger award. In 1887 Sam Wise of the Boston Beaneaters had a phenomenal year. He batted .334 with 92 RBI's and 103 runs scored. Furthermore, he had a .913 OPS and stole 47 bases. For his efforts as that years batting champion he was awarded this sterling silver bat from the Boston Globe. They sure don't make 'em like this anymore.
From the auction description:

Our skilled Heritage researchers were able to track down an article in the October 18, 1887 issue of The Boston Globe, the local newspaper that honored the best of the Beaneaters, recounting the details of the presentation ceremony. In part:

When Honest Sam Wise took THE GLOBE trophy from Colonel Taylor and contemplated the handsome silver bat as it lay in its silken case, a flush of manly pride swept over his face. He took the long case, and, holding it as he might a good-sized baby, the big short stop said: "Colonel Taylor and Gentlemen--I never made a speech in my life, but this elegant and beautiful emblem ought to inspire me to say something. The trouble is 'I ain't built that way,' but I do want to return my sincere thanks for it, and wish you many prosperous years of life. I wish to express my thanks to the members of the press for many kind favors during the past season. Once more I thank you for this splendid prize and say I shall never forget your kindness."

(Auction Link)