Blog Kiosk: 10/28/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends

On this date in 1981 the Dodgers defeated the NY Yankees in Game 6 of the World Series.  They won their 5th franchise championship.  Above is a photo of their celebration, via @Dodgers_History on twitter.  As you can see, Steve Howe was on the mound to earn his first save of the series and his only playoff save of his career.  Also shown is eventual World Series co-MVP's Pedro Guerrero and Steve Yeager.  Along with third baseman Ron Cey and outfielder Pedro Guerrero they represented an offensive triumvirate that powered the Dodgers to victory.  BTW, this was the first time ever (and only time) three players were named co-MVP's for a World Series.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Corey Seager an AFL Fall-Star."

Seager has been named to the West Division roster for the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game

• Jarred Massey at Dodgers Nation pens an, "Open Letter To Logan White, Who Left A Lasting Impression."
• Via Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Reminder: Logan White was good at his job while with the Dodgers."

I understand that since 2008, the Dodgers’ drafts haven’t produced much in the way of even decent players, but with White’s responsibilities as AGM and McCourt’s refusal to put money into player development and scouting, there was only so much he could do. It’s no coincidence that since 2012 (you know, when Guggenheim took over), the Dodgers have been exceedingly active in the international market and have drafted some players with high ceilings — the way it used to be when White first started with the Dodgers.

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Arizona Fall League Week 3: Darnell Sweeney on fire."
• Congratulations to 1,000,000 hits Night Owl Cards.  Check out his most recent post, here.
• Check out who might be available this winter.  Via Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest, "Get To Know This Year’s Foreign Imports: Korea."

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A Vintage Brooklyn Squeak Toy - Rempel's HoJo the Dodger 'Bum'

I can finally say that I've got HoJo the Brooklyn Dodger 'Bum' in my collection.

Featured here is a circa 1940's-1950's plastic squeak toy manufactured by Rempel Manufacturing, Inc.  The company was founded in 1946 by Dietrich Gustav Rempel, a Russian immigrant, and was based in Akron, Ohio.  As you may have noticed in the photo below, the name Fred G. Reinert is imprinted on the reverse of the toy.  Reinert was the artist who designed the toy for Rempel Manufacturing.

This specific toy was named 'HoJo' - as indicated on its original packaging (not shown here).  From what I understand, Rempel did not specifically make this squeak toy for the Dodgers and its fans (it was not a licensed toy), but fans identified with it for obvious reasons.  As you may know, the Brooklyn faithful called the the Dodgers their 'Bums,' and the classic 'Bum' image was further marketed by the artwork of newspaper sports cartoonist Willard Mullin.

BTW, Rempel also made a very un-PC plastic squeak toy of an Indian (Native American) that looks a lot like Cleveland's Chief Wahoo.  That toy was also not made specifically for Cleveland fans, but has been closely identified with the club for the same reason as the 'HoJo' toy. 

The 'HoJo' toy was produced over a number of years and variations exist in both color and reverse stampings.  Unfortunately, I do not have a clue as to what colors or markings are more scarce.  So, if you have some insight into that please let me know.  My 'HoJo' toy is wearing a black tuxedo jacket with white vest.  A 'HoJo' in green pants with a yellow vest also exist.

These toys can range in values depending on condition and rarity.  I purchased my 'HoJo' for the rock-bottom price of $22 delivered - which ain't too bad considering its condition.  Much cleaner versions can sell for a couple hundred dollars, or more if included with the original packaging.

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Some Dodger Art at Hunt Auctions - Koufax, Drysdale and Fazzino's 'Ebbets Field of Dreams'

Hunt Auctions is going to have a very busy November.  Not only are they running their regular internet/phone auction (that I feature in this post), but they also have their 11th Annual Live Auction at Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory concluding in November.  I'll talk a bit about the Louisville Slugger Museum later this week.  For now, let's take a look at some interesting Dodger artwork available through their internet/phone auction.

Below are a couple of 'folk-art' handmade marionettes of Dodger players.  They are 15" tall.  Who made them and when they were made is not known.  All I do know is that it's unique and would look great in a vintage Dodger display case.  Check out the auction here.

(Auction Link)

Below are a couple of hand-painted baseball by an artist named Gary Guerra.  I am not familiar with Mr. Guerra, but he does some great work.  As you can see he borrows a style reminiscent of legendary Baseball 'folk-artist' George Sosnak and artist Monty Sheldon.  Below is a Sandy Koufax ball.

(Auction Link)

And here is a Don Drysdale ball.

(Auction Link)

This is fantastic.  American pop artist Charles Fazzino created this 3-D piece entitled 'Ebbets Field of Dreams.'  It is a silkscreen serigraph, measures 16" x 11" (27" x 23" framed) and is numbered "86/400DX".  Check out the auction here.  You can also check out his website here.  Fazzino also has a piece for Dodger Stadium called 'Go Dodger Blue' that is worth checking out.

(Auction Link)

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Blog Kiosk: 10/27/2014 - Dodger Links - Logan White is Leaving Dodgers

Stay tuned.  Puig recently announced on his instagram that newly created Puig signature caps will be soon available on his website.  His website is here.

Below are some links to check out:

• RIP, Oscar Tavares.  Via Charlie Wilmoth at MLB Trade Rumors, "Oscar Taveras Dies In Car Accident" in the Dominican Republic.  Tarvares was a top prospect within the Cardinals organization.
• Via Mike Petriello at Dodgers Digest, "Can The Dodgers Even Sell Low On Andre Ethier?"

One way or another, a Dodger outfielder is moving. Maybe it’s Van Slyke, though that wouldn’t really free up much room. Maybe it’s Puig in some kind of massive deal, though that seems unlikely. Kemp’s second-half surge probably keeps him in the heart of the lineup. Carl Crawford could go, though he’s only mildly more valuable than Ethier is. Most likely, Ethier is going in a deal that sees the Dodgers A) eat 90% of his contract B) take on someone else’s problem or C) both.

• No!  Via Jon Heyman of CBS Sports on twitter, Scouting Director Logan White is leaving the Dodgers.

Logan White, well-respected dodgers scouting director who picked Kershaw, Kemp and the others, is taking job with Padres.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) October 27, 2014

• Old friend alert!  Former Dodger infielder Justin Sellers is now a Pirate, via @Pirates on twitter.
• Dodger pitching prospect Danny Coulombe recently celebrated an Avengers birthday, via his twitter.  Happy Birthday, Danny!

Thank you to my beautiful wife (of one week), Lauren Coulombe, for the Avengers birthday breakfast! pic.twitter.com/KomHeh1LVG
— Danny Coulombe (@DPCoulombe) October 26, 2014

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Templates for Halloween Carving Dodger Fans

With Halloween less than a week away there's no better time than now to get your carving on.  The Dodgers helpfully provide some templates on their website, here.  Below are pics of those plus a couple of more from previous years to help you make the best jack-o'-lantern's on your block.  Click on any pic to embiggen and a .pdf download link is provided in the caption.

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Blog Kiosk: 10/25/2014 - Dodger Links - Ryu, Seager and Joe Maddon

Even during the offseason Hyun-Jin Ryu can't live without Juan Uribe.  Check out the above photograph I had originally seen on Reddit (via r/freischein) of Ryu taking in a ballgame at Jamshil Stadium in Seoul, Korea.  As you can see, Ryu is wearing a Uribe signature cap, and it is glorious.  These BFF's can't stand being apart, and I fully expect to see a photo of Uribe wearing a Ryu signature item very soon.

As I look more closely I am immediately struck by Ryu's expression.  He is obviously not liking something, and I wonder what it is.  I'd like to think a rancid smell has engulfed his space and that he suspects the gentleman on his right is the rude culprit.  On the other hand, maybe the thought of losing Don Mattingly as his coach really bothers him.  I dunno.

BTW, does anybody know where I can get one of these Juan Uribe lids?  I must have one.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Jimmy Sheckard, the Yasiel Puig of 1901 (sort of, but just enough to make the headline work)."
• Via Jim Callis at MLB.com, "Shortstop Seager leads Los Angeles' talented crop of prospects playing for Glendale."

"When I struggled, that was the first time I ever struggled, so I had to really figure out myself," Seager said. "It helped me understand what I need to do to continue my success and continue not to hit those low patches all the time. When I do hit them, I know how to fix them."

• On the day we find out that highly sought after manager Joe Maddon has left the Rays a statement was released by Andrew Friedman via Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times on twitter:

Andrew Friedman: Don Mattingly will manage the #Dodgers next season. Joe Maddon's availability won't change that.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) October 24, 2014

• Via LAKingsPR on twitter, here is a pic of the recently completed engraving of the Stanley Cup with the 2013-2014 Champion LA LA Kings:

Engraved 2014 Champion @LAKings on #StanleyCup – “All done, but the ring not on the cup” - thanks @HockeyHallFame ... pic.twitter.com/yCsimJ2AHx
— LAKingsPR (@LAKingsPR) October 24, 2014

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