Mastro Auctions

Mastro is about to close up on their most recent auction over the next few days. There are some remarkable items available; including the below original photograph of the pitching hand of Hall of Famer Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown. It's amazing he could throw a baseball, let alone be as dominating as he was. The Auction description says it all.

"A terrible accident with a corn shredder left seven-year-old Mordecai Brown with a stump for an index finger and two other misshapen digits. For some people, such a handicap would be an insurmountable obstacle; for Brown, it was the source of his strength and the catalyst for his amazing curveball. He learned how to use the severed finger to his advantage as a pitcher, applying an unusually high amount of spin that made his pitches nearly unhitable. And, as the record books show, "Three-Finger" Brown not only made it to the majors, he was actually a dominant force there, winning 239 games over 14 seasons and restricting his career ERA to an infinitesimal 2.06."

Of course, It wouldn't be right to highlight a major auction house without pointing out some great Dodger items. Below is a 1948 spring training news service photograph featuring a very young Roy Campanella with Jackie Robinson. This is from Campy's rookie year.
I can't get enough of seeing the Babe in a Dodger uniform. He just looks out of place without pinstripes. Below is the Babe posing with his wife and daughter.

Gagne Stung by the Boras Ethic

If I'm not mistaken Eric Gagne was paid $18,000,000.00 over the past two season. In that time, due to injuries, he pitched in a total of 16 games and earned 9 saves. The total number of innings pitched was 15.1. Then, sometime during last season, Gagne mentioned that he would give the Dodgers a hometown discount.

Through the LA Times we find out that the Dodgers offered a competitive offer to Gagne. Certainly not the low-ball deal I had seen previously in the $1,000,000.00 range. No... He was apparently offered upwards of $4,000,000.00 with incentives that could reach as high as $10,000,000.00 a year. That's pretty lofty considering the risk involved and the player agent we have to deal with.

I agree with the Dodger Junkie. If he doesn't take that, then let him walk.

In other news, the Mike Lieberthal signing is official. Also, Gonzo will be joining the Blue Crew. I guess those whimsical dreams of Manny in Blue are all for naught. On the other hand, according to the LA Times, we could see a deal for Vernon Wells. He has one year left on his contract and their GM likes Penny. Could Vernon be a one year rental while we groom our rookies for stardom?

More Indianapolis Clowns

Last month, I wrote about an eBay auction featuring a rare marketing postcard featuring the Ethiopian Clowns. They were one of the best barnstorming teams in the country. Several years later the Florida team moved to Indianapolis.

I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to purchase these 3 advertising photos featuring the Indianapolis Clowns earlier this year. As you can see, the top photo features owner Syd Pollack with future Hall of Fame Hank Aaron. Many of you may know that Hank Aaron started his professional career with the Indianapolis Clowns. Also featured is the acrobatic workings of "The Flying Nesbitts."
Above is a photo of chief funmaker "Birmingham Sam Brison." Below are photos of other members including Billy "Midget" Vaughn, Fred Battle and Tiny Walke.See my other Negro League memorabilia here:

In a Fast and Furious Week Schmidt Joins the Dodgers

I was chatting with our Research czar at work this morning about some database issues. Fortunately, it was a minor problem that required a change in my process and not a reworking of the programming. As I headed back to my desk I sat on my chair and heard a scream from right outside my door. One of our interns, Danny, who sits near me, was clenching his cell phone repeating what a friend had just IM'd him. (I'm constantly amazed how these kids IM to each all the time. Personnally, I don't have the patience. Heck, I don't even know how to use IM on my phone.)

"Jason Schmidt is a Dodger!"

I turned to Danny, pumped my fist like Saito after a game ending strike out and said, "that's the best news I've heard all day."

The Dodgers are now in the position to trade for power with pitching depth. Suddenly, everything appears to be coming into place.

Jon Weisman has more.

Rob McMillin added earlier today that Brad Penny and some prospects might be enough for Manny. With this signing this possibility appear more likely then ever before.

Thank You Saito

The Saito "pump" stays in LA.

Takashi Saito signed a 1 year contract today. I can't tell how happy I am to know he is coming back. He was a breath of fresh air. His smile and constant enthusiasm was an inspiration for the fans, and his stellar performance inspired the whole team. Thank you for a great year.

Photo Link: eTopps:

John Wright: The Forgotten Dodger Prospect

I figured that sooner or later I would take some time to scan some of my other collectibles. Including the above wirephoto of Negro League pitcher John "Needle Nose" Wright. Pictured in a Homestead Grays uniform, Wright also pitched for the Crawfords, Newark Eagles and Black Crackers.

He has an important place in Dodger history. John Wright was the 2nd African-American player to be signed by the Dodgers. In fact, I believe Wright and Jackie Robinson where signed on the same day. He went along with Jackie to Montreal to play for their minor league affiliate, the Royals. John pitched in 2 games, but I could not find any statistics about those games. He then left the team and returned to the Negro Leagues.

From my understanding, John Wright was not expected to be brought up to the "Bigs," although he was very good, by all accounts. (Update: John Wright won 18 and lost 5 in 1943 for the Grays.) Branch Rickey and other Dodger executives where worried about the impact the game, and its fans, would have on Jackie Robinson. Afterall, Jackie would have to face some pretty crazy things, and they felt it might be too much of a burden for one man to carry. It was hoped that John Wright could help shield Jackie, or at least be able to carry some of the burden.

At the end of the day, John decided to go home and Jackie ended up being more than capable in handling the constant taunts and derisive comments.

UPDATE: Here is an excellent article about John Wright's time with the Dodgers, via Ryan Whirty at Baseball America.  He has far more information that what I was able to gather.  Go here to check out that article.
The above photo features 3 players from the New York Cubans Baseball team. It was taken in 1950 and features New York Central Park in the background. The back of the photo states that the players are Rene Gonzales, Carlos Blanco and Carlos Colas, but I am not so sure. Carlos Colas was much older and did not play for the Cubans in 1950. Carlos Blanco is a member of the Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame and resembles the man in the center, but it's hard to say if it really is him. Rene Gonzales, though, appears to be the gentleman on the right. He was 6'2" and played in the Negro Leagues, and for the NY Cubans, in 1950.

Even without knowing exactly who is pictured it is still a rare and important Baseball item. Negro League cards, photos and memorabilia are scarce and highly sought after.

Please fell free to check out some of the other Negro League items I downloaded here: