eBay: More Dodger Auctions

Here some more Dodger related eBay goodness.

This is a rather incredible item. Unfortunately, the eBay seller does not provide much background about how it was attained so who knows if it's real. Nevertheless, it's very interesting. Below is a 57.9 troy ounce silver Baseball made by the uncle of Wes Parker and given to Wes by his father as a gift to commemorate his career. It sold for $1,036.00.

eBay Auction Link:

Don't eat this popcorn. It is over 20 years old. Below is a Tommy Lasorda endorsed bag of microwavable popcorn that was purchased for the super low price of $0.99. Wow!

eBay Auction Link:

The day before the first day of the 1949 season the Dodger Knot Hole Club held their annual "Welcome Home Dinner" for the team. It looks like everyone was in attendance; from the coaches to the players. Below is a program cover for the event.

eBay Auction Link:

Music To My Ears

(pic link: Viaspire)

MLB Trade Rumors reports that the Dodgers and Matt Kemp may have a deal.

Interviewed on XM MLB Home Plate radio last night, Stewart (Kemp's Agent) told host Jim Bowden that he and the Dodgers are close to a two-year deal for Kemp. Stewart indicated he believes the Dodgers' ownership situation limited the number of years they could offer.

It's not the greatest of lengths, but at least it's progress.

Upper Deck in a World of Hurt

News just came out indicating that a major death blow may soon befall card manufacturer Upper Deck. For the Baseball fan and collector this is major news.

Was it because Upper Deck lost its licence to produce NBA cards? How about the announcement that Topps would be the sole licenced manufacturer of MLB cards; thereby leaving Upper Deck without the business that started it all for them? Did Tiger Woods do it? (Tiger has an exclusive hobby deal with the company)

No, on all accounts.

The reason for the possible sudden death of one of the greatest innovators in sports collectibles is due to Yu-Gi-Oh! Yes, that Japanese comic that has burgeoned into a multi-million dollar industry that includes cartoons, cards, movies and video games may soon kill Upper Deck.

Upper Deck is accused has already been found guilty (only the damage assessment remains) of manufacturing counterfeit Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. In other words, after completing their contract to produce collectible cards for the franchise Upper Deck decided, in their ultimate wisdom, to turn the printing presses back on and sell Yu-Gi-Oh! cards out the back door. They made extra cards and seemingly decided to pocket all the profits.

Sounds familiar doesn't it? It's something many collectors in the know are all too familiar with.

As the story goes, back in 1989, when Upper Deck first came onto the scene, they produced a groundbreaking Baseball set that included one of the hottest cards the hobby had ever seen. Ken Griffey Jr's 1989 Upper Deck rookie card was on everyone's wish list and soon commanded over $100.00 right after its release. Then, the greedy Chief Executive Richard McWilliam, angry that he could not personally profit from the rising value of that one card, turned on the presses and reproduced the card. They were subsequently sold through the backdoor, garnering him a nice tidy profit. (UPDATE: It was also more populary known to have happened to the Dale Murphy Error Reverse Negative card. I also suspect other cards were reprinted over the coming years.)

Now, he does it again and the group that gets ripped off decides to sue. Woe is me.

Do I feel bad for them? Not at all. Unethical business practices was a part of Upper Deck from the beginning and, ultimately, it will be their end. I think the hobby, considering their past, will benefit greatly from their disappearance. The schemers and scam artist are bad for the hobby. Read a bit more about this current court action here.

Go here for even more info.

Bog Kiosk: 1/10/10

So when does some real Dodger Baseball news start?

• Dodger resign Jason Repko for $500,000.00 to avoid arbitration.
  
• KingyMcKingster at Let's Go Kings creates a conceptual art drawing of what the Winter Classic Hockey game might look like at Dodger Stadium- complete with snow blowers. (Hat Tip: Vin Scully is My Homeboy)
• Download GM Trade Histories for the NL West here from MLB Trade Rumors.
  
• Carlton Hendricks goes through the entire negotiating process to buy a rare sports antique at an Alameda antiques fair. He finally buys a 1888 Bailey Championship Prize Sterling Silver Plaque given by the Amateur Athletic Union (one of the more prominent athletic bodies in the late 19th century).
• Check out some new commemorative stamps the USPS will be releasing later on this year- Negro League Stamps. (Via Vin Scully is My Homeboy)
• Indians Basball Cards confirms the existence of cards featuring the movie Major League.
• The NY Times is "Documenting the Decade" in photos. Check them out here.
  
• Check out these incredible photos from the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in China from Boston.com.
• Muzorama

Muzorama from Muzorama Team on Vimeo.

Video Link:

A Peek at Topps 2010 National Chicle Baseball Set

Courtesy of Beckett, Topps just released some pics from their upcoming 2010 National Chicle Baseball set. It is an homage to the vintage 1930's football card set. Above is the only Dodger released so far and it's a dandy. It is a Jackie Robinson follow-through with an art deco backdrop.

Rental Man Job Is Open

Last year I went on a mini rant about how much I disliked the Southern California goof ball known as "Rental Man." Well, I've got more to say.

The twisted gyrations and bad white boy raps he spills out will cause that little kink in the back of your neck to cry out in pure pain as your mind tries to focus on the idiocy you see before you. You try to rub out that uncomfortable feeling, but soon realize there is nothing you can do.

The reason- That fool will dance and distract to his hearts content because he is apparently paid a hefty sum to do so.

Yesterday, I ran into a little story at the Huffington Post pointing out a recent job listing for the Rental Man position.

Yes, you heard that right!

The old buffoon will soon be replaced by a new buffoon. Not only that, it pays a annual salary of $100,000.00. Yes, it's a six figure job! Plus expenses!!!!

So the fool you love to laugh at, point at and run scared from is probably better paid than you.

Check out the Craigslist job posting right here.

Oh... by the way, if you happen to see a 5 foot 6 inch Filipino man dancing like a fool and dressed in a cape while holding a shield at a local sporting event please treat him kindly. You just might be looking at your favorite Southern California Dodger blogger doing his best to make some easy bones by acting like a total idiot.