Goodwin Chamions!

The highly anticipated Upper Deck Goodwin Champions set appears to have been released as the first eBay auctions have gone live. So far, only a Clayton Kershaw black bordered mini card has popped up for us Dodger fans. I'll be sure post more pics of other players as they appear. This aims to be one of the better Baseball sets put out this year.

(Hat Tip: Wax Heaven)

Register For Postseason Seats Now

From the Dodgers press release.

In an effort to make 2009 postseason tickets available to as many fans as possible, the Dodgers will enact a ticket ordering process via dodgers.com/postseason. Similar to years past, the online opportunity invites fans to fill out and submit a registration form available now at dodgers.com/postseason for a chance to purchase 2009 postseason tickets. Tickets will not be available at the Dodger Stadium ticket office, ticket outlets or by phone.

Registration for NLDS tickets ends at 5 p.m. PST on September 16, followed by a random drawing that day to determine which registrants will have the opportunity to buy tickets for the first round of the postseason. Winners will be notified via e-mail by September 18 and the onsale will be held at 10 a.m. PST on September 19.

Registration for NLCS tickets ends at 6 p.m. PST on October 7, followed by a drawing that day. Winners will be notified via e-mail by October 8 and the onsale will be held at 10 a.m. PST on October 9.

Dodger Correspondence: Cleo James

Here is another edition of Dodger Correspondence from Cleo James. James was once a good prospect with great speed. During his last year in AAA for the Spokane Indians, a Dodger farm club at the time, he stole 46 stolen bases, batted .327 and had an impressive .400 OBP. Unfortunately, he only had a chance to play one season with the Dodgers, but did go on to play for the Cubs for 3 more season. In his letter he expresses thanks and gratitude for having the opportunity to play on the big stage.

As far as my career with the LA Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs, all that I can comment about my Major League experiences is that I thank God I fulfilled a dream that I began dreaming at age seven. My Major League playing time was cut short I believe because of a serious injury in 1968. I broke my ankle while in winter Baseball in Mesa, Arizona. I enjoyed playing in the Dodger organization and also with the Cubs.

Cleo also adds the following.

P.S. The best Major League Baseball player that I played against was the late Roberto Clemente.

He even writes Roberto's name in a unusual ornate style reminiscent of Clemente's actual autograph.

(click to enlarge)

eBay Auction Link: Cleo James Letter:

Legendary Photo Auction: Dodgers Galore

Legandary Auctions just started a new auction and it features some incredible photography. You should really just check it out and window shop. Most of the pics are press photos. There is so much here I think I will just break it up into a couple of post.

Below is Maury Wills in front of 104 bases.

Auction Link: Wills:

What a great pic of Sandy Koufax facing off against Roberto Clemente. It looks like Roberto popped it up, or took a mighty swing and missed.

Auction Link: Koufax vs. Clemente:

Jackie Robinson in his UCLA basketball uniform.

Auction Link: Jackie Robinson UCLA Basketball:

Here is an aerial view of a 70,000 capacity filled Yankee Stadium for game 1 of the 1950 World Series.

Auction Link: 1941 World Series:

Roy Campanella meets Eddie Mathews in this 1953 United Press photo.

Auction Link: Campy & Mathews:

Drysdale in a upward gaze.

Auction Link: Drysdale:

Dodger Correspondence: Al Epperly

Al Epperly had quite an amazing professional career. He played pro-ball for 17 seasons and had two stints in the Majors with the Dodgers and Cubs. The crazy thing is that his Major League appearances were 12 years apart. He played for Chicago in 1938, and then the Dodgers in 1950. His letter below explains it a bit.

I think the greatest thrill in Baseball was winning my first start in the Major Leagues on my nineteenth birthday in 1938. I was with the Chicago Cubs and beat the Phillies 21 to 2.

My second was in 1951 with the St. Paul ball club in the American Association when I won 21 games and lost 5. This took in the whole season and the playoffs. All these games were as a relief pitcher.

After hurting my arm in 1938 and re-injuring it badly in 1941 I was told I would never pitch again. I started pitching underhanded and had several good years as a relief pitcher until I quit after the 1954 season.

He taught himself how to pitch again and found himself back in the show.

(click to enlarge)

eBay Auction Link: Al Epperly Letter:

No. 9

On this unique day, 9/9/09, check out some cards from some Dodgers who wore the number 9.

Arky Vaughan, nicknamed after his home state of Arkansas, was a Dodger player for the last 4 seasons of his career. He was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1985, retired with a career .318 batting average and was a nine time All-Star. Bil James, a noted sabermetrician, believes him to be the second best short stop to ever play the game. He is also known for a major rift with Dodger manager Leo Durocher.

Vaughan was involved in a dispute with Dodgers manager Leo Durocher during the 1943 season, and while he did finish out the season, he remained on his ranch in California for the start of the 1944 season, supporting the war by farming and avoiding Durocher. Vaughan remained at home for the next three seasons, coming back in 1947 when Durocher was gone and serving as a pinch hitter and backup outfielder for two seasons.

That's quite a grudge. Below is his 1960 Fleer card.
Gino Cimoli began his big league career with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956. By 1957 he became a regular outfielder and fit right in with Snider and Furillo. In that season he batted .293, hit 10 home runs, knocked in 57 and scored 88. Also, he made his only appearance in an All-Star game that year. Before the 1959 season he was traded away for Wally Moon.

I love Gino's 1958 Topps card below. Notice that he is in a post swing stance, but his bat has been airbrushed away. Speaking of Wally Moon. He gets traded to the Dodgers for Gino Cimoli and takes over his number. We all know about Moons exploits since he became famous for his towering left field home runs, 250 feet away, over the wire mesh at the Coliseum. "Moon Shots" is what they called them. Once the Dodgers moved to Chavez Ravine his "Moon Shots" became lazy fly balls.

Below is his 1961 Bell Brand card.
Greg Brock manned first base for the Dodgers in the 80's and is notable for a squabble he once had with Steve Sax. From Dodger Blues:

The Dodgers were at Shea to face the Mets, and players were warming up on the field before the game. As Steve Sax was playing catch with Mike Scioscia, Greg Brock stuck his bat in the way. Sax then threw a ball that struck Brock in the back. The two players apparently started yelling at each other as the moved into the dugout. Before any punches were thrown, however, other Dodgers intervened.

The best part are the quotes, especially from Enos Cabell.

"These boys don't even know how to fight."

He was subsequently traded before the next season to the Brewers. Below is his 1986 Topps card.
I love Mickey Hatcher and it pains me to see him wearing a Angels uniform. Nevertheless, I can still close my eyes and see him running full steam to first after getting a walk. And I can never forget when he sprinted around the bases after his two home runs during the 1988 World Series. To quote Joe Garagiola,

"he's running like he's afraid they're going to take it off the board!"

Below is the always fun loving Hatcher in his 1991 Upper Deck card.
Juan Pierre is the current holder of the number 9. He is no doubt worthy since he has proven that he has the work ethic of a Mickey Hatcher and the numbers that rival Vaughan. (I know... he's an outfielder and Vaughan was a shortstop... but, still) He can hit. He can steal. And he can play. His stint as the left field regular in Manny's absence has gained the respect of every Dodger fan. Below is his Turkey Red Chrome card, but I do not know what year it was released.