Collection: 1990 Dodgers Police Set

I thought I would start off this Thursday morning with a look at the 1990 Dodgers Police Set.  I've included scans of every card of the set and a sample of the reverse of the cards below.  Check out other Dodgers Police Sets I've featured in the past at this link.

This set marks the 100th Anniversary of the franchise's entry into the National League with a commemorative badge on the bottom right.  See a close up below.

Here is a look at a typical reverse of the card. 

I don't recall how much I paid for this set, but I know it wasn't much.  Dodger Police Sets from any year are inexpensive and plentiful.  They can be purchased for as much as $7.00 a piece, but often can be found for much less.  Click any pic to embiggen.

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: The Alley, Fernando, and the Shrine of the Eternals

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.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Autograph Alley at Dodger Stadium is accessible through the Center Field entrance (Behind Dodger Stadium).  Below is this coming homestand's signing guest.

Friday, July 13
Bill Russell
5:10 PM - 6:30 PM

Saturday, July 14
Paul Lo Duca
4:10 PM - 5:30 PM

Sunday, July 15- at Viva Los Dodgers
Al Downing
11:10 AM - 12:30 PM

Tuesday, July 17
Bob Welch
5:10 PM - 6:30 PM

Hat Tip: Vin Scully is My Homeboy

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(pic Credit: Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers 2012)

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis will be at South Bay Cards in Lomita on July 14th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM for an autograph signing!

South Bay Cards 
1751 Pacific Coast Hwy 
Lomita, CA 90717 
310-530-5818 or 1-888-889-7575 

Pre-Order your items here: Small Items: $24.95 Large Items: $34.95 Inscriptions: $10.00 

Hat Tip: LA Inspiration

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Fernando Valenzuela Signing!  He will be signing at The Shops at Montebello on Saturday, July 14, 11:00am - 12:00pm.  Go here for information.  Only the first 150 people get to meet Fernando and get his autograph.  So, expect to get there early.

The Shops at Montebello 
2134 Montebello Town Center Drive 
Montebello, CA 90640 (map)

If you’re wondering what the L.A. Dodgers and The Shops at Montebello have in common it just so happens they’ve hit a home run in the fun department! No kidding. Here’s the game plan. Spend $100 at The Shops at Montebello and receive four ticket vouchers AND a free parking credit to a L.A. Dodgers Home Game this season! Just for spending $100! Limit one package per customer, per day. Promotion begins on July 12, 2012, while supplies last. Some restrictions apply. See Guest Services for details. Meet Dodger Legend Fernando Valenzuela on Saturday, July 14th from 11am to 12pm in Center Court. The first 150 people get to meet Fernando and get his autograph. It’s going to be “Fernandomania” and a shopping grand slam at The Shops at Montebello!

Hat Tip: True to the Blue:

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Steve Garvey is signing on Saturday, July 14th at Tire Discount Store in Studio City, starting at 11:00 AM.

Tire Discount Store
11550 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA
(818) 732-8292

Hat Tip: Vin Scully is My Homeboy

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This coming Sunday is The Shrine of the Eternals 2012 Induction Day in Pasadena.  Go here for more information.

Donald R. Wright Auditorium in the Pasadena Central Library
285 E. Walnut Street
Pasadena, California

The inductees will be Dr. Frank Jobe, Jim “Mudcat” Grant, and Luis Tiant.  The keynote address will be delivered by Kelly Candaele.  In addition, the Baseball Reliquary will honor the recipients of the 2012 Hilda Award, Arnold Hano, and the 2012 Tony Salin Memorial Award, Dave Kelly.

Matt Kemp Speaks About the All Star Break with Shepard Smith

Matt Kemp recently spoke with Shepard Smith of Fox News "Studio B" during the All-Star Game.  Unfortunately, I was unable to find a video of the interview to share, but Fox was helpful in providing some choice quotes from Kemp regarding the All-Star Game, the criticism he received for participating in the Home Run Derby, what he thought of Robinson Cano getting booed, and the awards he received from the Negro League.

But, before I share those quotes I have to ask what the heck is up with the photo Fox sent me above?  The silver air duct on the left made me laugh.  For whatever reason, the first thing to "pop" into my head was the movie Tremors.


Anyway, below are the Matt Kemp Quotes: 

On New York Yankees player Robinson Cano being booed at the 2012 Home Run Derby:

“Ya I don’t quite understand that, you know that’s a great guy somebody I’ve known for a long, long time. Before I even got to the big leagues we played winter ball together so you know I think he just went out there and picked the team he thought would help him win the derby and you know the American League actually won it so I don’t think many fans can complain about the results of it.”

On why he thinks some sports reporters criticized his participation in the Home Run Derby:

“I guess some of them were thinking that I shouldn’t participate in the Home Run Derby but I don’t think people realize I’ve been taking batting practice for the last month. My leg feels good, my first game is going to be here in the next two days and I’m excited to get back on the field. I mean they’re going to write what they want to write, it’s all good.”

On the awards he received from the Negro League:

“It was an unbelievable feeling to receive the awards I accepted. You know, just going there for the first time and seeing some of the history of the Negro Leagues and where they came from and what they represent and them paving the way for us as African American athletes it was just unbelievable. And not really realizing how much the Negro Leagues did so many things that brought more to the game of Major League Baseball. So it was a special day for me and my family and we enjoyed the museum.”

On playing with the team’s new manager, Magic Johnson:

“Magic and the group, they’re great. They’ve been nothing but positive and doing some great things around there so far. You know Magic is a great guy he’s one of the most humble guys I’ve ever met in my life and just a great guy to talk to. He definitely knows the importance of the Dodgers to LA and he’s going to do whatever it takes to get our team to wherever we need to go.”

eBay: Vintage Press Photo- "Greeting Their Heroes"

With the All-Star Game yesterday I thought this vintage press photo I saw on eBay would be appropriate.  It was originally titled "Greeting Their Heroes" by the press agency which jibes perfectly with what an All-Star Game is all about.  It's a chance for us to celebrate our Baseball heroes.

Well, the photo above shows the Brooklyn fans greeting their Dodger heroes at Ebbets Field.  It is from the early 40's and shows the Dodgers faithful hanging out near the dugout before a crucial game.  

Pitcher Kirby Higbe gets a hand-shake, and outfielder Joe Medwick gets a back-slapping.  On top of that, some Dodger fans are wearing "Dodger V (for victory)" sweater in the background.  I've never seen these before, and it makes me wonder if this was a hometown fan/booster club.

Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 7/10/2012

Panini released more preview pics of their upcoming 2012 Cooperstown Baseball set.  Check out the above Don Sutton signature card above.  Go here to see more preview pics.

• Yasiel Puig, the Dodgers recent signee has officially reported to the Arizona League, via a Dodgers Press Release.

 “We’re thrilled that Yasiel has arrived in Arizona,” said Dodger Assistant General Manager, Scouting Logan White. “He's athletic, intelligent and someone that's ready to work hard and earn a chance to fulfill his dream of playing Major League baseball.”

Of special note, some other Cuban signings were also mentioned:

In the 2012 First-Year Draft held in June, the Dodgers took two Cuban players, pitchers Onelki Garcia and Alfredo Unzue, while signing another as a free agent, catcher Selme Angulo. Overall, the Dodgers are expanding their scouting efforts and player signings in Latin America.

• Christopher Jackson of the Albuquerque Baseball Examiner writes a guest post for MSTI focused on some young Dodger arms.
• Roberto is back in the swing of things.  Via Vin Scully is my Homeboy, Andre Ethier is scheduled to play in Rancho Cucamonga this coming Wednesday and Thursday on a rehab assignment.
• June's Dodger Pride Award Winners.
• AJW has an article out focused on Calbee's Japanese Baseball cards.  (Hat Tip: This Card is Cool)

Tokyo-based snacks maker Calbee Inc. this year celebrates the 40th anniversary of its "Professional Baseball Chips" potato chip line that offers trading cards featuring Nippon Professional Baseball players.

• ESPN writes about an attic vintage Baseball card find of 1910 E98's.  These are small cards the size of tobacco cards from the same time period, but were distributed by a candy/caramel company.  Furthermore, these cards are some of the most pristine (condition-wise) cards the hobby had ever seen.  Check out the PSA graded card of Honus Wagner at a pristine "10" grade above.  You can see it for auction here.  A remarkable 16 (that's right sixteen) Ty Cobbs were found all grading at a "9".  A partial set from this find is on auction and can be found here.  You just don't see this kind of find anymore!
• With 2012 Allen & Ginter Baseball cards now at a local retail shops near you (the official release date is actually tomorrow) I find myself wanting the Kate Upton autographed card below.  I'll have pics of Dodger cards from the set soon.

Collection: 2002 Keebler Dodgers Set

Last week, when I posted up a late 80's Dodgers Police Set a commentator wondered about the Mother's Cookies sets from the same period.  It was then that I realized that I don't actually have a complete Dodgers Mother's Cookie set from that era.  I do, on the other hand, have a complete 2002 Keebler Dodgers set in my collection. 

They were distributed at a game in 2002 with each child under 14 receiving a packet of 21 different cards plus 7 duplicates to trade in an effort to complete the set.  I always hated this idea.  Who has the time to find other kids to trade with when a game is going on?  Undoubtedly, most kids went home without a complete set in hand.

Anyway, check out scans of both the front and reverse of all 28 cards in the set.

On a side note, there is something else I dislike about this set.  When Jack Clark was named the Dodgers batting coach a little bit of me died.  I still hate him for his home run off us as a Cardinal, and couldn't get over that memory during his stay in LA.  The above coach's card makes me feel really sad.