Game Highlights From Yesterday

Below is a video featuring game highlights of yesterdays loss to the White Sox.

eBay: The Rarest of the Rare- L1's

This post includes a collection of very rare vintage Baseball collectibles from the early part of the 20th century. Created in 1912 for the Helmar Tobacco Co. they were premium items that could be obtained only by sending in 50 coupons inserted into packs of Turkish Trophies cigarettes. Exceedingly rare and highly desirable they measure approximately 10" by 12" and feature drawings on leather of many of the great players of the day. They are designated and commonly known as "L1" in the standard catalog.

About a couple of weeks ago five of these treasures were sold on eBay. As expected they garnered plenty of attention from high-end collectors. Unfortunately, they were well out of my price range. Nevertheless, it's great seeing them. Below is Napoleon Lajoie and it sold for $8,350.00.

eBay Auction Link: Napoleon Lajoie:

The below "Home Run" Baker sold for $6,056.00.

eBay Auction Link: Hone Run Baker:

The only common in the bunch of Mike Mitchell sold for $1,800.00.

eBay Auction Link: Mike Mitchell:

Grover Cleveland Alexander below sold for $10,098.00.

eBay Auction Link: Grover Alexander:

Hard nosed player and coach John McGraw sold for $8,056.00.

eBay Auction Link: John McGraw:

Hat Tip: Vintage Baseball Card Forum:

eBay: A Mug, Radio, Banner and a Starting Lineup

Once again eBay is a treasure trove.

Below is a great rare beer mug from Don Drysdale's restaurant & bar in Van Nuys called the Dugout. It sold for a very affordable $9.99. Below is an interesting story concerning the Dugout.

Before the 1966 season, as Drysdale and his fellow pitcher Sandy Koufax held out together to pressure the Dodgers for more money, the Dugout received some unwanted publicity when the restaurant's employees demanded higher pay.

eBay Auction Link: Don Drysdale's Dugout mug:

This radio must be rare. About a month ago the below vintage Dodgers/ Pepsi souvenir transistor radio sold on eBay for $61.00. I don't know if it was a stadium give-away or a promotional mail away item through Pepsi, but three bidders battled to outdo each other. It looks to be in pristine working condition and probably dates to the 1960's. Heck, maybe it's something that dates all the way back to the Coliseum.

eBay Auction link: Vintage Dodger Transistor Radio:

This is an incredibly rare official banner celebrating the Dodgers 1981 World Series Championship. The seller says it comes directly from the collection of a Vice President of the Dodgers in charge of Stadium Operations. It sold for $408.00 and is one of two given to the Dodgers.

eBay Auction Link: 1981 World Series Banner:

I use to love these sports figures. I would run over to the local Toy's R Us and cruise through the aisles searching for my favorite players. Unfortunately, several of the players in the 1989 set ended up being short printed including this Dodger favorite Mike Scioscia. I could never find this one. It sold for a lofty $84.75. What's great about this piece is that it still comes in its original packaging which I'm sure is the reason for the high price. If I had bought this, though, I could not stop myself from opening it up.

eBay Auction Link: 1989 Mike Scioscia Starting Lineup:

Nomar's Carne Asada Sunday

This past Sunday was Nomar's Carne Asada Day at Dodger Stadium and Robert of "Trolley Dodger Blog" was there for the festivities. If I had known this was on Sunday I would not have turned down tickets for that afternoon. With oppressive heat expected that day I decided that my couch would be a more comfortable place to see the game. Oh well!

Fortunately, Robert has a great post with details and pictures. Go here to check them out. Nomar went well out of his way to greet the fans and even posed with everyone there.

Another blogger, Roberto of "Blogging Dodgers and Baseball" has a video from the event. Go and check his post here.

In Honor of George Carlin

George Carlin was the best comedian I've ever had an opportunity to see. I'll miss his sharp wit and social commentary. Below is a great tribute featuring some of his greatest routines that was created in his honor.

YouTube Link: LordoftheJimmy:

The Other Side of Wrigley Field

Los Angeles sure use to look different in the 50's. Below is a great vintage photo, courtesy of Richard, of an old LA trolley car near Wrigley Field in Los Angeles. It's hard to believe the city use to be connected by a public transportation system rivaling any modern town at the time. I'm sure we all wish something like this existed today. It probably would have been well extended by now to include other local counties. Fortunately, the rail lines are just starting to come into their own and will hopefully expand to other areas of the Southland. It's about time.

Wrigley Field can be spotted in the background by its tall clock tower and multiple lights along the 1st base line. It would have been great symbolism to have the original Trolley Dodgers play here for a season. Baseball fans could have done their best Brooklyn impressions by dodging trains while getting to the game.

I love that billboard on the top left advertising an ale called Burgermeister. Has anyone every heard of this beer? It sure doesn't sound too appetizing.
Below is a view from the clock tower at Wrigley Field. Unfortunately, it's a view of destruction. Wrigley Field is being torn torn down and we get a wide view of the occasion. The beginnings of the Los Angeles skyline can be seen in the distance.