Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The Trolley is in Jeopardy
How is it that a highly successful transportation program like the Dodgers Trolley be scraped? It averaged 704 riders per game, nearly double what was experienced just a few years ago. Check out the below stories for more details.LA Times:
BlogDowntown:
Mastro: More Vintage Goodies
Auction season is not yet done. Mastro is currently running their Legends auction event and it has some great items available.
In the late 19th Century it was very common for important games to be commemorated with a trophy ball. Basically, you would take a game ball, coat it with thick layers of paint and write on it the importance of the ball. I imagine the recipient would display the keepsake in a clubroom or other establishment so that players and fans can see it.
Below is a very early and important trophy ball commemorating the first National League Championship game in 1876. The game was between the Chicago White Stockings (who eventually became the Cubs) and the Hartford Dark Blues (they disbanded a year later). The writing says: "BALL Winning the Championship FOR 1876 - Chicago vs. Hartford - 7-6 - Sept. 26th." On top of being an important relic of the National League it happens to be the final out game ball from the event.
Who says Babe Ruth was a large oaf who couldn't use a typewriter. Apparently, Ruth's buddy, Jimmy Donahue, did. Below is a letter from the Babe to his good friend.
Christy Mathewson was considered one of the good guys in professional Baseball. After all, you don't get called "The Christian Gentleman" for nothing. He was an All-America Golden Boy who was both respected and loved. Christy was well-educated, having been class president at Bucknell University, and was a phenomenal pitcher. He had a career win/loss record of 373-188 and recorded 2502 strike outs.
Below is a presentation trophy given to him by the Giants for his exploits during the 1908 season.
The below game used bat is something, I'm sure, most of you all remember. This is the actual bat used by Derek Jeter during Game 1 of the 1996 ALCS game versus the Baltimore Orioles when he hit that deep fly to right field that was caught by Yankee fan Jeffrey Maier. As you recall, Jeffrey deflected the ball for a home run, but it was clear from replays that the ball would have landed into the glove of Orioles outfielder Tony Tarasco. The Yankees eventually won the game, the ALCS and the World Series.
In the late 19th Century it was very common for important games to be commemorated with a trophy ball. Basically, you would take a game ball, coat it with thick layers of paint and write on it the importance of the ball. I imagine the recipient would display the keepsake in a clubroom or other establishment so that players and fans can see it.
Below is a very early and important trophy ball commemorating the first National League Championship game in 1876. The game was between the Chicago White Stockings (who eventually became the Cubs) and the Hartford Dark Blues (they disbanded a year later). The writing says: "BALL Winning the Championship FOR 1876 - Chicago vs. Hartford - 7-6 - Sept. 26th." On top of being an important relic of the National League it happens to be the final out game ball from the event.
Who says Babe Ruth was a large oaf who couldn't use a typewriter. Apparently, Ruth's buddy, Jimmy Donahue, did. Below is a letter from the Babe to his good friend.
"Dear Jimmie, A few lines to let [you] know that Claire and I are fine and hoping you and your family are the same. It is raining like hell out and the game is called off It looks like no game today and lots of doubles headers [sic] the next trip when it will be hot as hell. I am writing this myself and it looks veryn [sic] good to me. How is every thi[n]g in Garfield. Beer is very hard to get out here and so is every thing else. will be over to see you when we get home and have some good old beer and cold cuts on those hot nights. Am writing this letter to show you that Ican use a typewriter and am very good at it. This is all for now so will see you real soon so. Sincerely [signed] Babe and Claire.
Christy Mathewson was considered one of the good guys in professional Baseball. After all, you don't get called "The Christian Gentleman" for nothing. He was an All-America Golden Boy who was both respected and loved. Christy was well-educated, having been class president at Bucknell University, and was a phenomenal pitcher. He had a career win/loss record of 373-188 and recorded 2502 strike outs.
Below is a presentation trophy given to him by the Giants for his exploits during the 1908 season.
The 1908 New York Giants were almost able to capitalize on their ace hurler's banner year—easily one of the finest pitching performances in baseball's annals, and one that would have helped the Giants win the pennant were it not for "Merkle's Boner." Amazingly, Christy Mathewson compiled a 37-11 record with 259 strikeouts, 11 shutouts, and a 1.43 ERA! The effort brought Mathewson's New York Giants within one game of the N.L. pennant, but it was the Cubs who reigned supreme that year. Nevertheless, Mathewson's monumental performance proved worthy of league-wide recognition, no organization more appreciative than his own New York Giants.
The below game used bat is something, I'm sure, most of you all remember. This is the actual bat used by Derek Jeter during Game 1 of the 1996 ALCS game versus the Baltimore Orioles when he hit that deep fly to right field that was caught by Yankee fan Jeffrey Maier. As you recall, Jeffrey deflected the ball for a home run, but it was clear from replays that the ball would have landed into the glove of Orioles outfielder Tony Tarasco. The Yankees eventually won the game, the ALCS and the World Series.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Blog Kiosk 11/23/2008
Without Baseball life just moves so slow.
Hat Tip: Stale Gum:
- Be sure to give a hearty good bye and fond farewell to a blog that will be sorely missed. Without Fire Joe Morgan the 'tubes will never be the same.
- This ain't acting Chad. Billingsley breaks a leg.
- Check out this new Dodger blog called "I Love This Game" from a fan in New Mexico.
- This is the worst tattoo ever.
Hat Tip: Home Run Derby: - Bye Joe! I think we're going to miss you. Joe Beimel will probably not be coming back.
- ToyCannon of True Blue LA still hates the trade for Casey Blake since we lost the rising prospect Carlos Santana as a consequence. MSTI does the same thing.
- Trolley Dodger points to a interesting photo of some vintage Baseball fan violence. You gotta see it. This fan is so irate at the umpire he jumps on to the field and starts pummeling the crew chief.
- The Boston Globe once again showcases some incredible photos. Go here to check them all out.
- A labor of love. An Arkansas collector is the first person to complete the Upper Deck 6,661 card set of the "Yankee Stadium Legacy Collection." The set "pays tribute to every Yankees home game at the historic venue since April 18, 1923."
- Peter Gammons! Peter Gammons!
Hat Tip: Stale Gum:
Dodger Clubhouse Tour
What a wonderful day it was. The sun was out and shinning bright. The sky was clear and there was a comfortable chill in the air. I knew this would all be wonderful omen for the day.
This afternoon was the Los Angeles Kings "Meet the Players" party and it was held at Dodgers Stadium. Season ticket holders for the Kings are treated to an annual player signing event during the season. It's a great way to meet your favorite players, get an autograph and a picture. In past years it was held at The Home Depot Center and the Staples center, but this year they decided to do something different.
I got there early and was one of the first in line for an autograph of Kings captain Dustin Brown. It was more than an hour wait until the players would arrived. In the meantime, a great surprise was announced over the loudspeaker. The Dodger Clubhouse was open for an unguided tour.
I really didn't take many photos of the Kings players or signing event as a whole since my mind was transfixed by the thought of seeing the stadiums innards. Below are some photos I took of the Clubhouse. Check out the rest of my pics in my photoalbum.
This the first thing you see as you walk down the stairs down to the Clubhouse. Jackie Robinson has his glove held up high as he enters the Dodgers Clubhouse for the first time.
As you walk towards the locker room you are taken through a corridor of retired jerseys of Dodger greats.
The Dodger locker room with it's rows of office chairs was a little smaller than I imagined. I guess I expected it to be spacious with couches and all the accoutrement's one would expect in a room full of millionaires. Nope, it's fairly plain with a couple of TV's hanging in the center.
Notice, though, locker number 16 on the right. That's Andre Ethier's locker and it has something hanging in it that made me laugh. Below is a closer look. On the top right of his locker is a photo of Joe Beimel's famous fan Troy from West Virginia. He's the guy on the bottom with the red shirt.
Another strange locker is Hong Chih Kuo's. What's up with the bowling pins? 
Here is a desk in the locker room with all sorts of Dodger goodies all around.
Here is a close up shot of the bobbleheads.
As you leave the locker room and head towards the field you are given a important message. "The Road to the World Series Begins Here."
The dark before the light, here is the player entrance on to the field. 
I'm in the dugout! I'm in the dugout!
I still can't believe I'm standing on such hollowed ground. Here are the bat and helmet racks.
What a tiring day. I decided to take a little nap before heading home.
This afternoon was the Los Angeles Kings "Meet the Players" party and it was held at Dodgers Stadium. Season ticket holders for the Kings are treated to an annual player signing event during the season. It's a great way to meet your favorite players, get an autograph and a picture. In past years it was held at The Home Depot Center and the Staples center, but this year they decided to do something different.
I got there early and was one of the first in line for an autograph of Kings captain Dustin Brown. It was more than an hour wait until the players would arrived. In the meantime, a great surprise was announced over the loudspeaker. The Dodger Clubhouse was open for an unguided tour.
I really didn't take many photos of the Kings players or signing event as a whole since my mind was transfixed by the thought of seeing the stadiums innards. Below are some photos I took of the Clubhouse. Check out the rest of my pics in my photoalbum.
This the first thing you see as you walk down the stairs down to the Clubhouse. Jackie Robinson has his glove held up high as he enters the Dodgers Clubhouse for the first time.As you walk towards the locker room you are taken through a corridor of retired jerseys of Dodger greats.The Dodger locker room with it's rows of office chairs was a little smaller than I imagined. I guess I expected it to be spacious with couches and all the accoutrement's one would expect in a room full of millionaires. Nope, it's fairly plain with a couple of TV's hanging in the center.Notice, though, locker number 16 on the right. That's Andre Ethier's locker and it has something hanging in it that made me laugh. Below is a closer look. On the top right of his locker is a photo of Joe Beimel's famous fan Troy from West Virginia. He's the guy on the bottom with the red shirt.Another strange locker is Hong Chih Kuo's. What's up with the bowling pins? Here is a desk in the locker room with all sorts of Dodger goodies all around.Here is a close up shot of the bobbleheads.As you leave the locker room and head towards the field you are given a important message. "The Road to the World Series Begins Here."The dark before the light, here is the player entrance on to the field. I'm in the dugout! I'm in the dugout!I still can't believe I'm standing on such hollowed ground. Here are the bat and helmet racks.What a tiring day. I decided to take a little nap before heading home.
Lelands: A Couple More Choice Items
Well, the Lelands November Auction just completed. Vintage and rare sports memorabilia appear to still be on fire. Can this stuff actually be a hedge against our current economic downturn? Who knows, but so far so good. I suspect the rarity of some of these treasures is the reason for some recent strong closing prices. Memorabilia that is perceived as more readily available has been and will probably continue to be a little soft.
Of course, this is not what this post is about. I had recently written about this auction, but I failed to include some fairly choice collectibles. So, I'm gonna make that up now.
Below is a game used bat once used by Babe Ruth during the 1932 season. Based on records from Hillerich and Bradsby we know that Ruth ordered 12 of these bats for the season. This rare piece of lumber sold for a healthy $59,590.81.
Of course, this is not what this post is about. I had recently written about this auction, but I failed to include some fairly choice collectibles. So, I'm gonna make that up now.
Below is a game used bat once used by Babe Ruth during the 1932 season. Based on records from Hillerich and Bradsby we know that Ruth ordered 12 of these bats for the season. This rare piece of lumber sold for a healthy $59,590.81.
Now this is the kind of item that belongs in a museum. The silver presentation bat below was made in 1898 and was given to one of Baseball's earliest pioneers, Cap Anson. 
Anson was presented this magnificent trophy bat for his many contributions to the game as one of its most prominent early players, only four months after his retirement from the Chicago Colts. The bat is hollow and made of beautiful sterling silver with decadent designs engraved on its barrel and grip. The inscription on the barrel reads “ Presented to Adrian C. Anson by the Students of Notre Dame University as a testimony of their pride in him as one of the earliest and greatest athletes of their Alma Mater, February 22nd, 1898”.The Bat comes directly from the Anson family. It sold for $36,602.50.
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