Ethier Puck Drop

I had been looking for this photo all day yesterday. Below is a pic from Ethier's visit to the Staples center for the ceremonial puck drop. A bunch of photos showed up today on the Dodger Website featuring this event and other events during the Dodger caravan. Go here to check them out.

(Jon SooHoo/ Los Angeles Dodgers)

Huggins and Scott: Modern Dodger Cards

Huggins and Scott's March auction is up for viewing and it includes some nice modern day Dodger cards. Check them out below.

Regardless of your politics, you have to admit that the below card is pretty sweet. After all, the 2009 Topps American Heritage booklet card featuring autographs of Barack Obama and Jackie Robinson is historically appropriate. Both men broke barriers.

Auction Link:

Here is a lot of 6 different 2008 Topps Sterling booklet cards featuring some old-time Dodgers. Click on the photo for a larger view. Duke Snider is featured on 3 of the booklets; including a couple with autos. Roy Campanella and Jackie Robinson have their own booklets as well. Finally, both Campy and Jackie share a booklet.

(click photo to enlarge)

Auction Link:

Ethier Plays Hockey

OK, he really doesn't play hockey, but he was at last nights Kings game versus the Rangers. He dropped the ceremonial opening puck to start the game. Above is a pic from DodgerTownUSA Twitpic of Ethier wearing the King black & silver alternate jersey last night. Go here for some other fan taken photos of Ethier at the game.

T. J. Simers is a Hack

I read something this morning that has me more irate than I thought I ever could get from a sports article. T J. Simers is a worthless douche of a writer, and, if I had my way, I'd force him to work in the faraway sports haven of Siberia so we can all forget he exist. He is a hack. He is a charlatan of the worst kind. He is not a professional purveyor of the literary craft. Instead, he is a man of poor insight and observation.

What has gotten me so riled up ready to tear the head off a little old man like a wild banshee? Well, this morning I came across a Page 2 article written by Simers that touches on his trip down to Figueroa to watch a Kings game.

You see, the Kings have been on quite a tear lately, having won 6 in a row- 5 of them on the road against powerhouse Eastern Conference teams like Boston and New Jersey. They even took out the Red Wings in Hockeytown. So, it's easy to understand why, suddenly, the LA media decides to take notice of this surging organization.

Anyway, Simers goes to the Staples Center and comes away with an impression I cannot understand. In fact, I'm convinced he was not watching. At the very least he lacks the basic ability to observe what is plainly in front of him. Let me provide an example.

There were so many empty seats, and as hot as the Kings have been, the place felt flat.

Simers, you worthless maggot! The game was a sellout! How about this.

I've heard more cheering at Clippers games, and sometimes fans were even cheering for them.

This statement really had me pissed off. Why, you ask? At the opening of the game as the team was introduced onto the ice the fans game the Kings a standing ovation. As I mentioned previously, the teams went on a historic winning streak and fans were understandably appreciative. After years of heartache and toiling in the bottom of the rankings, a focused plan by the GM is finally showing fruits. We have suffered, we have prayed and now we are enjoying the rewards.

Maybe it was just one of those nights, L.A. having only so many hockey fans and with something else to do -- understandably they couldn't find anyone to take their tickets.

I don't have the exact stats, but Staples Center has been filled to the max and sold out for most games over the past month and a half. Yes, attendance was bad, but as word spread of this resurgent franchise fans of old have come back to watch them for themselves.

The first period ended with no score, and while Dwyre loves writing about nothing happening, it would have been also way past his bedtime, so in his honor, I went home.

I have no idea who won, but that's all right.

That figures.

Please, for the love of God do not ever come to a Kings game again. I know I don't want you there and, I think it's fair for me to say this, I don't think other Kings fans want you there either. You can't write. You provide no meaningful insight. You are a worthless piece of crap.

BTW, the Kings won 2 to 1. They are on a 7 game winning streak and this crying fan is shedding tears of happiness. Playoffs here we come!

(P.S. Thank for bearing with me as I went on a little rant there.... I feel better now.)

Some Sterling Sniders

Not only is Topps 2009 Sterling set filled with a bunch of Jackie Robinson's, it is also filled with some nice looking Duke's. Check them out below.
I'm not a huge fan of uniform, bat or vintage seat cut pieces, but when done right they do look nice. I just don't know if I'd pay the premium some of the cards get. In my mind, when paired with an auto like the last item below, then it enhances its appeal greatly.

Happy Felton and his Knot-Hole Gang

Recently, I came across an interesting eBay auction featuring a 1954 Baseball Guide of Happy Felton's Knot-Hole Gang. It sold for, what I thought was a low price of, $9.99.

The Knot-Hole Gang has been largely forgotten by today's Dodger fans, but back in Brooklyn during the days of the "Boys of Summer" it was a popular pregame show before every Dodger home game. Happy Felton would host a group of 3 little league ballplayers of the same age, same position and from 3 different Baseball programs and have them work out with a Dodger player. They would go through drills the pro's do. Then, the Dodger would pick one of the kids who did the best. That kid's prize would be to have an opportunity to meet the player of his choice the next game and hang out in the dugout with the team. I'm sure that was like a dream for the kid. The show would close with the previous shows winner interviewing his chosen player on TV.

eBay Auction Link:

Below is a large pic of Happy Felton from Snider's Photo Album. Below that is a child's membership card to the Knot-Hole Gang.