Dodgers Auctioning Game Used Jerseys from Coliseum Game

The Dodgers are going all out for ThinkCure. Not only are the game proceeds going to the charity, but it will broadcast a telethon on KCAL (Call 866-554-CURE) during the game and will be auctioning off the players game-used uniforms for ThinkCure. Click here to bid.

Each jersey will be autographed by the player or coach who wore the jersey, and will include a special ThinkCure patch on one sleeve and a 50th Anniversary patch on the opposite sleeve... ThinkCure was launched in July 2007 by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the McCourt family, City of Hope, and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. ThinkCure is a charity whose purpose is to raise funds to support cancer research, and whose mission is to find a cure for cancer.

Story Link: LA Dodgers:
To Bid on Jerseys Click Here:

Leland's March Auction

Leland's is about to conclude their most recent auction this weekend, and it includes several choice items I think Dodger fans (and Baseball fans in general) might enjoy seeing.

Below is a press telephoto from UPI celebrating Bill Singer's no hitter on July 20, 1970. The Dodgers beat the Phillies 5 to 0 and Singer accomplished every boys dream. What I find amazing about this photo is the use of the term "no-no" on the scoreboard. In fact, the term was just coined by Pirate pitcher Doc Ellis just one month before (June 20, 1970) when he threw a no hitter against the Padres.

"The Pirates were clinging to their 1-0 lead. Dock was staring at the scoreboard when he realized he'd pitched hitless ball for seven innings. He smacked Cash on the arm.

"Hey, look," said Dock, pointing at the scoreboard. "I've got a no-no going!"

Cash gave him a blank look. "A no-no?" asked Cash. He'd never heard the term before. But Cash wanted to keep the pitcher loose and happy, so he smiled and said nothing.

As some of you know, this event has become infamous. Ellis claimed years later, in 1984, that he was under the influence of LSD at the game. Anyway, Ellis is known as the inventor of the word, and it has stuck for nearly 40 years. Heck, just one month after his amazing feat it had became a normal part of Baseball lexicon as evidenced by the picture below. It's amazing how quickly slang phrases can spread.
Auction Link: Leland's March '08 Lot#198.

Below is a Type IV press wire photo of Babe Ruth sleeping in the laundry basket. After an afternoon of hot dogs, beer and Baseball Ruth passes out dead tired. I can imagine him bellowing, "just push me to the bus!"
Auction Link: Leland's March '08 Lot#236:

Collection: 1963 Dodgers Pin-Ups

The 1963 Dodger Pin-Ups is one of the more unusual Dodger collectibles out there, and they happen to be my favorite of all oddball Dodger sets. They were sold at Dodger stadium during the 1963 season and feature 10 Dodger players. The cards measure about 8x10 and have a photo of the players large head sitting atop a cartoon body. The object was to cut out the players (they are perforated), take a piece of string and attach to the head, and hang them on the ceiling. It's like a grown-up version of a baby crib hanging mobile. All you need is a spinning device and the immortal words of Kirk Gibson screaming. "How sweet is it! The Fruits of Victory!"
Of the 10 different players my favorite is the Maury Will. Yes, he could fly. Check out the remaining 8 cards from the set by clicking my photoalbum link below.
Photoalbum: 1963 Dodger Pin-Ups Pics:

Dodger Love

I know you love the Dodgers and LA Times knows it too. They have a great list of 50 ways to love the boys in Blue, and I feel lucky to have been mentioned in their article. Thank you Cindy and Kevin for including Blue Heaven. If you are arriving here for the first time, welcome!

The Last of My Spring Training Photos

Sorry for the delay in posting these photos. My last day in Arizona was this past Saturday. I had a late evening flight arranged so that we could make the Dodgers vs. Angels game in Phoenix. I was surrounded by red, but the Blue was more vocal. Derek Lowe looked great and appears ready for the season. Unfortunately, our relief staff continued to falter. Saito did not look good out there.

Below is Derek Lowe pitching in the first inning.

Hu's on Third! Sorry I had to do it.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is one of the nicest facilities I've ever visited. There are more shopping and dining activities available here than many local malls. The highlight of my 2 hour wait, other than chatting with a Giants fans at a nearby watering hole, was when I stumbled into a small art gallery consisting of artworks owned by the airport. Imagine my surprise when I noticed Jackie Robinson and Kirk Gibson in the corner of my eye.
This place was a nice distraction. My short 2008 Spring Training adventure was coming to an end and this place was a nice way to end the trip.
My Spring Training Photoalbum:

YouTube: Ron Stilanovich- Hardball made easy with Kemp and Ethier

Career minor leaguer, Ron Stilanovich, can teach you how to play while making you laugh. In two videos below he convinces Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier to assist him. This is some good stuff. A must see. I can't stop laughing.

Matt Kemp is helping catchers block the plate: "That's why they call me the Bison."


YouTube Link: ScrappyRon1:

Andre Ethier hits sky-high fly balls in the sun: "Oh! I got it."


YouTube Link: ScrappyRon1: