2012 Gypsy Queen- Dodgers Autographs

Following up on my post from earlier this week, check out the inserted Dodgers autograph cards that can be found in packs of Topps 2012 Gypsy Queen cards.  BTW, if you want to see a complete checklist of the set go here.

Before I get to the cards I wanted to note that there are numerous Matt Kemp autographs in the set, but none of them have been inserted into packs.  Instead, a redemption card is included that would need to be sent to Topps for later delivery.  From all accounts, Kemp has yet to sit down and do a signing for Topps this season, so we will all have to wait until he has that opportunity to do a signing.  Now, on to the cards.

GQA-AET Andre Ethier

GQA-CK Clayton Kershaw

GQA-NE Nathan Eovaldi

GQA-SK Sandy Koufax

Dual Autograph Relic Card

GQDAR-GE Steve Garvey - Andre Ethier 

This card looks a bit weird as Topps used different stickers for the autographs.  There is also a triple autograph relic card that features Kemp, Reggie Jackson and Ken Griffey, Jr. that is available through a redemption card.

Hunt Auctions: A Vintage Ticket and Scorecard

It's feels like it's been a long time since I've posted about some upcoming auctions featuring Brooklyn Dodgers vintage memorabilia.  I've just been sidetracked by other things.  Fortunately, the light at the end of the tunnel is fast approaching, so I'll be able to point out some of my favorite items over the next coming weeks.  In fact, with spring auction fever in full bloom I just may overdo it. 

I'll start with Hunt Auctions and their regular internet offerings.  Below is a 1904 scorecard from a game between the Brooklyn Superbas (a precursor to the Dodgers) and the Boston Beaneaters (the old Atlanta Braves team).  It is from a Dodgers home field at Washington Park, and showcases starting pitcher Ned Garvin on the cover. 

 (Auction Link)

Vintage tickets are not my main cup of tea, but I do enjoy their uniqueness when they look like the ticket below.  Here is a 1938 ticket stub from Ebbets Field for "Night Game 7."  It is die-cut to look like a Baseball atop a light bulb.  BTW, this is just 3 years after night Baseballs introduction into the game by the Cincinnati Reds at Crosley Field in 1935.

(Auction Link)

Blog Kiosk 4/26/2012:

Topps on twitter recently shared some photos from the bowels of their offices in Duryea, PA.  It included pics of some game-used jersey's they use to put into cards.  Check out the Dee Gordan gamer above (pic via @Topps twitter), and a huge stockpile of gamers below (pic via @Topps twitter).

• I sympathize with what Jon is saying at Dodger Thoughts.  I too would keep a caught foul ball, and would never consider handing it over to anybody. 
• Greg, why do you taunt me so?  He post up a recent autographed card of former Dodgers prospect Carlos Santana at Plaschke, Thy Sweater is Argyle.  He would have been a very formidable bat in our lineup.
• Guerra passes a concussion test after being whacked in the face by a hard liner, via True Blue LA.
• The screaming about Javy Guerra is a bit irrational.  Remember, patience is a virtue in Baseball.  Steve Dilbeck seems to agree as he writes that "Javy Guerra Has Earned the Right to Rebound as Dodgers Closer."

Sure, watch him closely, but this is a guy who has only been on the job for four months. Cut him some slack.

All he did last year was convert 21 of 23 save opportunities. He’s 7 of 9 this year. Not exactly the same as last season, but it doesn’t mean the sky is falling.

• DodgersBobble was at the Angels FanFest last weekend and has his story and a  bunch of pictures to prove it.  Unfortunately, I had no idea this event was going on, so apologize for not listing it on my calendar.  RBI Collecting has their own post up about the Angels FanFest.
• Left Field Pavilion beautifies a Jon SooHoo pic of Andre Ethier, here.
• I could watch this for hours.  The USC Song Girls were at Dodger Stadium and here's a video to prove it.  I didn't go to USC, but I have to say that I have always loved their fight song. 
• FanGraphs interviews Ralph Branca.

DL: How big was baseball in New York in the 1940s and 1950s?

RB: It was really big. We had three teams and it was the only time a city ever had three teams. There were three different rooting interests and everybody was a real, real fan of their team. Giants fans were big for the Giants, and the same for Yankees and Dodgers fans. Everybody thought their team was the greatest.

• The very first sketch of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is set to go on auction, via The Sun.  Click on the pic to embiggen.

Collection: Schmoll SPX

Here is another 2005 Upper Deck SPx autographed card in my collection.  As I had previously mentioned, I love this design.  On top of that, the Dodgers autograph checklist (there are 9 total) features several promising young Dodgers.  All of whom either starred for other teams or sputtered out.  That being said, several current Dodger stars were a little too young to be included.  Which is too bad.  They would have looked great on these cards.  Sometimes, when I'm bored at night thinking about it, I imagine what it might look like to have either Matt Kemp or Clayton Kershaw emblazoned on front.  Oh well, maybe a a future heritage version might be in the works when (or if) Upper Deck gets back its Baseball license. 

This card is of former Dodgers reliever Steve Schmoll.  In the past I've shown both the Russell Martin and Jason Werth cards.  See those previous post here and here.  So far I am missing just one more Dodger autograph to complete this little subset- the card of former starter DJ Houlton.  Fortunately, the Houlton is far from rare.

BTW, Schmoll was the very first Logan White signing to make it to the pro's. He was signed as a free agent out of college by White before the 2003 draft, and played for the Dodgers before Broxton was called up.

Monday's Flag Day

Today is the Dodgers unofficial Flag Day celebration, and we have Rick Monday to thank for that.

Below, Rick Monday describes exactly what happened in Dodger Stadium on April 25, 1976.

Video Link:

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Nothing But Dodgers

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.

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 As has been a tradition for a while now, the Dodgers will have a former players signing free autographs before home games this coming weekend in Autograph Alley at Dodger Stadium.  Autograph Alley is located in centerfield and is accessible through the rear entrance.  On Sunday all signings are at the Viva Los Doyers celebration in the Dodgers parking lot.  Below is a schedule:

Friday

Al Downing 

5:10 PM – 6:30 PM

Saturday

Tommy Davis 

4:10 PM – 5:30 PM

 

Sunday (at Viva Los Doyers)

Billy Ashley 

11:10 PM – 12:30 PM

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Current Dodgers closer Javy Guerra will be signing free autographs at the Shops at Montebello in the Center Court on Saturday.  Go here for details.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The Shops at Montebello

at the Center Court

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If what I've listed so far isn't enough then go over to the Frank & Sons Collectible Show in the City of Industry.  Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and Dee Gordon are signing.  Flyers are below. Click any of the pics to enlarge.