Discovering Former Dodger Ernie Burch on an 1887 Old Judge Card

Who was Ernie Burch?

I had to find out after running into an 1887 Old Judge Baseball card of this former Brooklyn Grays/Dodgers left fielder.  It had recently sold at Bagger's Auction for $95.00.  The card, as you can see above, shows Ernie sprawling for an imaginary ball next to the wooden stands built upon the bank of old Washington Park stadium on 4th and 5th Avenue's in Brooklyn. 

He's sporting a fantastic uniform complete with pillbox cap, collared jersey with laces for buttons and what must have been a stylish-for-time mustache that would make hipster's of today green with envy.  This man was the picture of late 19th Century awesomeness, and as such is deserving of a brief spotlight some 120 years later.  Unfortunately, information is scant, so I'll do my best.

Ernie Burch began playing professionally a bit late in life (although, this was rather common during these days) at the age if 26.  Originally from Illinois, he started out for a club called the Peoria Reds of the Northwestern League before moving on to the Cleveland Blues of the National League in 1884.

He failed to impress while there; slashing just .210/.240/.242/.482 in 124 at-bats.  The next year, though, he broke out and caught the eye of Brooklyn scouts who signed him up to play in the borough for the 1886 season.  His first season for the Gray's he hit .261/.321/.349/.669 then .293/.395/.388/.784 in 1887.  Then, he all but disappeared from the Majors.  Why?  I dunno.

What I do know is that he eventually reemerged with the club that gave him his start in 1890.  Via Dave Anderson at the NY Times who briefly recounts his career:  

''Burch is regarded as a fine fellow by those who know him,'' it was written. ''But fine fellows do not always make fine players. I am told that this is especially true in Burch's case. Mike Scanlon told me that Burch is not the fielder and batter he is cracked up to be and Mike wonders at the avidity with which the local clubs sought to secure Burch's services."

So, he flamed out.  Such is life I suppose.

One day you're the peach to the pie... the luster to the gem... the vibrato to the fiddle.  Then the next you're like that first round draft pick that never got past double-AA.

BTW, I did discover while briefly researching Burch that there is a famous Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus clown with the same name.  He performed under the name of Blinko the Clown and was featured in a Cecil B. DeMille film in 1951 called "The Greatest Show on Earth."  He was even honored by colleagues as the King of the White-Face Clowns, and worked at Circus Circus in Las Vegas from 1977 to 1990. 

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Blog Kiosk: 11/20/2015 - Dodger Links - Jansen on Donnie, Honey on Greinke and some Puig Gossip

Dodger alumni Eric Karros and Ron Cey spent yesterday afternoon hanging out with some young patients at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.  As you can see they brought gifts, smiles and some needed encouragement.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to see more pics from Jon.  Below are more links to check out:

• Via Daniel Starkand at Dodger Blue, "Kenley Jansen Calls Don Mattingly’s Departure ‘Bittersweet’"

“For me, Donnie was always good. He understood as a person who I am and he always helped keep me positive. That’s one big thing I had with him. I always could be myself with Donnie. I understand the organization’s decision. I understand for Donnie, too. I’m happy for him that he’s with Miami now.”

Jansen said he and Mattingly had a long discussion, and added the need to push forward. “We’re still here for one thing and that’s to win a championship. I’m pretty confident in what Andrew and Farhan are doing,” he said.

• Oh, My!  Via Craig Calcaterra at Hardball Talk, "Andy Van Slyke is spreading Yasiel Puig-related gossip."  Apparently, a certain high-paid player went to management to suggest that a certain Cuban outfielder needs to go.

If this isn’t true and if Van Slyke is just trying to sound wise he probably owes an apology to Kershaw. If it is true, and Kershaw is telling the front office that Puig needs to go, it’s gonna make life a lot of fun for the Dodgers’ next manager. Because Puig, whatever else you can say about him for bad and for good, is not in a great place to be traded right now, coming off of an injury–plagued season.

• Dodgers Night at the Clippers game has been scheduled for Monday, November 30th.  Get your tickets here.  Use the promo code "Dodgers" for a ticket and limited edition Dodgers/Clippers t-shirt.  I am unsure if any players will be at the game. 

• Via Anthony Irwin at Dodgers Nation, "Dodgers News: Grandal Says He’s “Ahead of Schedule”
• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Honeycutt: Greinke can be like Maddux."
  

  "You've seen him each year we've had him, and each year he gets better as the season goes on," Honeycutt said of Greinke. "He's in great shape, he adds and subtracts to his pitches when he wants to. He can continue to pitch just like Maddux into his 40s. He has that ability, because he has the pitches already and makes the adjustments with the pitches he has.
  
  "There's no doubt in my mind he can go as long as he wants to go. For five years, I don't see him having any issues after being with him the last three years. He's very intelligent, he takes care of himself. A lot of guys have talent, but you have to have the smarts to go with it, and he certainly has that. He's got a lot of game."

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Blog Kiosk: 11/19/2015 - Dodger Links - Saito, Gordon and Veteran's Batting Practice

A group of 300 military veterans visited Dodger Stadium yesterday for batting practice with Kenley Jansen, Dodger alumni like Billy Ashley and Al Downing and fellow veterans Don Newcombe and Roy Gleason. Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"The players understand we're not as young as we used to be, but to give us the attention makes me feel happy," said (Ret. Lt. Col. David) Friend, who retired after 30 years of service. "I was particularly happy to see Don Newcombe. When I was going overseas, I saw him at a base in Virginia."

Via Anthony Irwin at Dodger Nation:

Kenley Jansen, who was at the park for conditioning, also took in the festivities before getting to work. He ran the stairs as the batting practice took place on the field. 

“It’s just great to be here for them. They’ve given so much for us, I just want to give back,” he said.

Featured in the pic above is Don Newcombe welcoming the crowd, via the Dodgers on twitter.  Check out more photos from the days activities by Jon SooHoo here.  Below are more links to check out:

• Congrats to Jake Arrieta for being selected the 2015 NL Cy Young winner, via BBWAA.  He edged out Zack Greinke by just 22 points.

• Eric Stephen at True Blue LA shares the final numbers on the Dodgers 2015 payroll.  It's striking how many of the top paid players didn't play for the Dodgers at all... So many dumped contracts.
• An old friend to join San Diego - Takashi Saito.  Via Dennis Lin on twitter:

Former All-Star closer Takashi Saito will be an intern in the Padres' FO. Padres exec Logan White was a key figure in signing Saito in '06.

— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) November 18, 2015

• Here's a fantastic story via Clark Spencer at the Miami Herald on Dee Gordon; "Loss of his mother to domestic violence spurred Dee Gordon to comfort others."

Gordon, through his Flash of Hope program, is working with children in Miami-Dade County who have lost a parent from domestic abuse, just as he lost his mother 20 years ago.

“I went through it, and when I went through it, I didn’t have anybody,” Gordon said. “Nobody could relate to me. So now I just want to relate to kids and give back my time.”

• Via Bob Elliott at the Toronto Sun, " Blue Jays could have interest in Dodgers executive Byrnes as GM."   Elliott also mentions that Ned Colletti interviewed for the President job in July.
• Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy tells us all about getting the autograph of former Dodger John Werhas.

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Clippers Guard Austin Rivers

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events 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.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Clippers guard Austin Rivers will be signing autographs on Saturday November 21st from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in Tarzana at Valley Sports Cards.  Go here for information.

Valley Sports Cards
19640 Ventura Blvd. 
Tarzana, CA 91356

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That Rascally Rabbit from Brooklyn

I know this stuffed rabbit doll looks nothing like the famous Looney Tunes character, and it certainly is not licensed by the vaunted animation house.  Still, when I first saw this vintage plush currently at auction at Inside the Park Collectibles my mind immediately raced towards childhood memories of sitting in front of the tube watching Bugs Bunny and his various cartoon friends. 

Just check out that hat.  That's got to be the Brooklyn "B"... And those pinstripes hearken back to the days when they use to wear pinstripes on the field... And when you consider that Bugs was born in a warren under Ebbets Field, at least that's the story, the answer is clear. 

This is Bugs Bunny - albeit an unofficial creation of the lovable hare.  Check out the auction here.

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Blog Kiosk: 11/18/2015 - Dodger Links - Captain Joe Shoemaker Wins Coolbaugh Award

O Captain!  My Captain!

Accolades from all circles are coming in for longtime Dodger minor league manager, teacher and mentor Joe Shoemaker.  He was named the recipient of the eighth annual Mike Coolbaugh Award - presented annually to those who have shown outstanding baseball work ethic, knowledge of the game and skill in mentoring young players on the field.  That pretty much describes Shoemaker to a "T". As you may recall, he was appointed “Captain” of Player Development this past September for his dedication through the course of 39 years with the club, and now dons a "C" on his jersey.

He said the following about winning the award, per a Dodger press release:

“With numerous qualified instructors eligible for this award, I feel extremely fortunate to be the recipient of this year’s Mike Coolbaugh Award,” said Shoemaker, who led the Ogden Raptors to a 43-33 mark in his 22nd season as a manager in the Dodgers organization. “Past, present and future winners of this award have the distinct privilege on honoring the legacy of Mike Coolbaugh, who throughout his career displayed passion, determination and perseverance, all valuable traits for a professional athlete. I am grateful to Pat O’Conner, Minor League Baseball, the entire Los Angeles Dodgers organization and most importantly, the Coolbaugh family for recognizing me with this award.”

Photo at the very top via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Below are more links to check out:

• Kiké Hernandez has begun rehab, via his tweet:

Day 1 of rehab ✔️

— Enrique Hernandez (@kikehndez) November 18, 2015

• Now down to just two candidates?  Via a tweet from Jerry Crasnick:

Indications are #Dodgers manager job will come down to Gabe Kapler and Dave Roberts. Bud Black appears to be out of the mix.

— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 18, 2015

• Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "Clayton Kershaw extends efforts for underprivileged."

On Thursday, Kershaw and his wife Ellen will host their second annual benefit concert in Dallas to benefit Kershaw’s Challenge, the nonprofit charity they founded to transform at-risk communities and the lives of children worldwide. Country music artist Easton Corbin is the featured performer.

• Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com, "Kershaw donates to building of UYA in Texas." 

Dodgers pitcher and Dallas native Clayton Kershaw made a personal financial donation toward construction of the Texas Rangers MLB Urban Youth Academy in West Dallas.
...
"Kershaw's Challenge is all about giving kids an opportunity," Kershaw said. "We never expected to have a partnership with the Rangers, but it's awesome. We just wanted to do something here in our hometown … in our backyard. It's an incredible partnership."

• Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA, "Dodgers reportedly hire Drew Saylor as minor league coach."
• Via Steven Quach on Dodger Nation, "Nomar Garciaparra Appears in Online Golf Series."
• Via Sports Card Info, "MacGyver’s Baseball Card Episode."  I don't remember this episode at all, but now that it's mentioned I am going to have to watch it.
• Great stuff for the uniform geek inside all of us.  Via Paul Lukas at UniWatch, "Squatchee Etymology: A Uni Watch Investigation."

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