Kids Are Smarter Than You Think

I just received a press release from Sports Illustrated Kids that is very timely.

In a survey conducted by Sports Illustrated Kids and C&R Research, 86% of kids between the ages of 8 – 14 agree that athletes proven to have used performance enhancing drugs should not be allowed into their sport’s Hall of Fame. More than 1,000 kids were polled last month as part of a broad examination of kids’ views on sports, entertainment and the world around them. Full results of the poll will be highlighted in Sports Illustrated Kids “Kids Take Over” issue, on newsstands in early July.

Directly from the poll:

Question: If it’s proven that an athlete has used performance-enhancing drugs (such as steroids), should that person be allowed into their sport’s Hall of Fame?
· 86%: No, they should not be allowed in
· 10%: Depends on who it is
· 4%: Yes, they should be allowed in

Further, 30% of the kids polled volunteered that steroid, drug and alcohol use is the biggest problem in professional sports today, followed by criminal activity and arrests (9%).

The survey was conducted online in April, 2009, among a sample of 1,004 U.S. children ages 8-14. The sample was balanced and weighted to match 2007 U.S. Census figures for online households with children. The survey has a margin of error no worse than +/- 3.2%.

Children appear to have a pretty good handle on this. Cheaters should never prosper.

Collection: 1984 Union Oil Most Memorable Moments: 1977 League Championship Series

Above is the 1984 Union Oil Most Memorable Moments commemorating the 1977 League Championship Series. From the description on the reverse.

Two grand slams, a dramatic ninth inning rally and a stellar pitching performance in the rain were all part of the 1977 National League Championship Series as the Dodgers defeated the Philadelphia Phillies, three games to one.

Click the pic below to read more.

(click on the photo to enlarge)

Artwork by Richard Farrell.

Check out the rest of the set here in my photoalbum, or the following link with my post about each sheet.

Rickey Scouting Drysdale

(Click photo above to enlarge)

Dinged Corners has found something great. She searched through the Library of Congress American Memory website and came across a old scouting report on Don Drysdale written by Branch Rickey. At the time, Rickey was General Manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, but we all know him as the pioneer who signed Jackie Robinson to Brooklyn in 1945.

The report was written on June 15, 1954 while Drysdale was still an 18 year old kid in Los Angeles. Rickey writes:

A lot of artistry about this boy. Way above average fast ball. It is really good. Direction of the spin and the speed of rotation the same on all fast ball pitches, -angle of delivery the same, stride is wide, and his body is in all pitches. Fine pitching hand, and placement on fast and curve ball needs no coaching. Let him alone on all his fingering. He is good. I don't know about his agility or whether or not he has the body control or can field his position, but his work on the hill itself has an unusual amount of perfection.

The letter goes on to discuss his pitches and then when he might be ready for the big leagues. The most fascinating part is the contract talk. Rickey's level of interest was high as he was willing to dole out a Major League contract. Of course, he shouldn't get paid more than $4,000 if he plays in the minors. Major League minimum salaries at the time was $6,000.

Alas, Branch's pursuit was fruitless. As noted in red on the bottom left, "signed with Brooklyn, Father is bird dog for them." In other words, we had a ace in the hole. A "Bird Dog" is a local scout.

Check out Dinged Corners for more great finds at the Library of Congress.

Diversionary Tactics

(Credit: Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers)

Guess who else was on hand last night at the Major League record setting 13th straight home win at Dodger Stadium? That's right- Seinfeld!

Hey. I'll do anything to take my mind off of this mess.

2nd Annual Dodger Blogger Night

It's good to be a Dodger blogger!

Last night was a treat. For the 2nd year in a row the Dodger brass invited several Dodger blogs to a free night in a suite. Last year we only had a handful of blogs show up, but this time around the room was packed. It is amazing how much things change in just a year.
I had planned on writing this post a little earlier today, but -like most of you- I got blindsided by the Manny news. In fact, I had an entire framework constructed in my mind regarding how I would tell last nights story, but I suddenly found my thoughts jumbled. Oh well.

Nevertheless, this mornings disappointment does not trample over the excitement yesterday evening brought. So, I will start anew.

We were once again treated to free Dodger Dogs, the dessert cart, an entire suite to ourselves and some special guest. As you can see above Dodger GM Ned Colletti is standing next to Communication VP Josh Rawitch. Josh is the chief organizer of this event and a clear innovator in his field. His embrace of the blogging community has been great. Ned Colletti was his normal straight-shooter self. He answered our questions and was direct when he needed to be. Dr. Charles Steinberg, Creative and Communications VP, had some interesting stories including how Journey's song "Don't Stop Believin'" has become a staple at Dodger Stadium.
Then, we were left to enjoy the game. And what a game it was. Our hands were wringing as the game remained close up until the 6th inning. That's when everything went crazy. The Dodgers score 7 runs in the bottom of the inning and suddenly our worry about being this evening jinxes was over. We knew number 13 was ours and we would all go home happy.

Thanks again to Josh Rawitch for a wonderful evening. Also, I appreciate the folks in the front office for coming by. It is always a pleasure when the team of your obsession shows their appreciation like this. It makes writing this blog all worth it.

Be sure to check out Orel's post at SOSG about the evening. He did a great job writing about the evening.

The Dodgers Official Statement

Short and uninformative.

“We share the disappointment felt by our fans, our players, and every member of our organization. We support the policies of Major League Baseball, and we will welcome Manny back upon his return.”

Torre will speak about it later this afternoon.