The Brooklyn Dodger Train Crash

Before the start of the sixth inning in tonight's game Vin Scully mentioned a bizarre incident that happened on this day. (In Vin's broadcast he mentioned September 13, but I'm sure he meant today's date- the 14th.) On September 14, 1945 the Dodgers played a doubleheader in St. Louis, then immediately boarded a train to Chicago for a game the next day and a another doubleheader the following day. While on the train, the next morning at about 5 AM on the 15th, they hit a gasoline truck.

I recount this incident because it truly is bizarre and I had briefly mentioned this accident a few days ago in a Player Correspondence post featuring Cy Buker. Which adds, in my mind, to the bizarreness.

Anyway, I wanted to add to the story by retelling what Cy Buker said about the train accident.

"We were on the train from St. Louis to Chicago. Around 5:00 a.m. with train traveling about 80 miles per hour, we hit a gasoline tanker truck. The explosion killed the engineer, fireman, and brakeman and the truck driver. We were riding in a Pullman car sitting up. We couldn't get a sleeper with all the troops coming back home. It was quite a jolt to wake up and see flames all around the car. Since the cars were mostly steel, the flames went out in a short time. We had a double-header in Chicago, and I had to work one of the games."

Another source only mentioned train engineer Charlie Tegtmeyer as a casualty, but stated that both outfielder Luis Olmo and coach Chuck Dressen had minor injuries.

Blog Kiosk: 9/13/2009

• Follow Orlando Hudson on Twitter- right here.
  
• I love the name of this new Dodger blog, Plaschke, Thy Sweater Is Argyle, with the catch phrase of "All Dodgers. All The Time. Minus the Plaschke."
  
• Chicago Lawyer Magazine examines the 1919 Black Sox scandal and lays out the groundwork for a "reasonable doubt" argument while questioning the veracity of some of the facts in the book "Eight Men Out." (Hat Tip: TS O'Connell)
• Night Owl Cards makes a couple of custom Alyssa Milano cards, but expresses consternation at her new husbands team allegiance. The card below uses the 1986 Topps Baseball design
• Bob Lemke has been making custom cards for years that are based on the 1955 Topps Football All-American set. Check out his creations here in his album. My favorite is the Steve Garvey below. There is also a great Jackie Robinson card- so check it out here.
• Go here to see, probably, the last of the new editions to the 2009 Goose Joak custom cards of the Dodgers from GCRL. Garland, Thome and Belliard are featured.
  
• I like these cheerleader insert cards.
• Just awesome. The Custom Card Blog unveils 3 custom Flint Tropics cards, from the movie "Semi-Pro", that borrows its design from the 1976 Topps ABA card set.
• That is something to brag about. The Upper Deck blog shows off the T-Rex tooth card.
• In a stroke of brilliant marketing Sidney Crosby of the Penguins visits a season ticket holder with the Cup.
• Here is a preview clip from ESPN Films 30 for 30 Project documentary called "King's Ransom." It's all about the Gretzky trade to LA.
  Publish Post

YouTube Link: miikeeed:

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: