Card of the Week: Tekulve

I just realized that I had not posted a "Card of the Week" for some time- a couple of weeks by my estimation. So, in my haste to do this before getting back to work, here is a 1985 Topps card of side-arm reliever Kent Tekulve. This guy was always an oddity on the field- at least to me. He wore dark sunglasses on the mound and had a herky-jerky side-arm throw that looked like a farmer with a sickle harvesting grain. His tall and lanky stature allowed him to stretch his arms out on the follow-through- as if reaching across the dinner table for the mash potatoes. Tekulve hardly seemed intimidating, but his pitch came as such a strange angle it just must have been difficult to see the ball.

1940 Vintage Dodger Ticket

Forget the standard rectangular shaped ticket stub. I want the Dodgers to make ticket stubs like they did in 1940. Above is a vintage 1940 Opening Day ticket stub, dated April 19, from Ebbets Field. It is shaped just like a catchers glove and includes the entire home schedule on the reverse. Unfortunately, not every ticket issued that year came in unusual shapes- just Opening Night. Still, it would be great if the Dodgers did this once in a while. Ticket available through Huggins & Scott Auctions.

(Huggins&Scott Auction Link)

eBay: Nap Rucker in Retirement

Nap Rucker spent his entire 10 year Major League career with the Dodgers from 1907 to 1916. Then, he went back home to Roswell, Georgia while scouting for the Dodgers from time to time. Above is a 1931 photograph of the old codger running his corn and flour mill. Several years later he would become mayor of Roswell.

(eBay Auction Link)

Disney All Star Parade

Here are just a couple of photos from the Disneyland MLB All-Star Parade found on MiceChat- taken by MacDaddy. Go here to see a whole bunch more.

The Ethier Family

The best photo of all of is of Larry King with Disney ears, on MacDaddy's Flickr page.

(pic llink: Flickr: WJMcIntosh)

Video: Kings at Dodger Stadium

This past Friday, at Dodger Stadium, was LA Kings Night. Check out the below video of the event, via KingsVision.

Video Link:

RIP: George Steinbrenner

I can say with all of my heart that I hated George Steinbrenner. Really, I did! He was an over-bearing loud mouth who operating the Yankees like a dictator bent on winning at all cost. And win he did.

His Yankee teams were the epitome of World Championship Baseball. They won plenty of crowns and I hated George for it.

So, yes, I was envious of his Yankees and, I think, that is the kindest thing a fan of an opposing team can say about the matter. After all, his success fueled our hatred, and I think Steinbrenner wouldn't have it any other way.

RIP George. I am sure Billy Martin is standing at those pearly gates right now with a beer in one hand and his mouth ready to argue with Saint Peter on your behalf.

UPDATE: Here are some quotes from the Dodgers:

• “George was a friend who I admired very much. He was a giant in our game and he built an empire. All he was was a winner. He wanted to give the fans a winner, and that's exactly what he did.”- Dodger Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda

• “I will always remember George Steinbrenner as a passionate man, a tough boss, a true visionary, a great humanitarian and a dear friend. I will be forever grateful that he trusted me with his Yankees for 12 years. My heart goes out to his entire family. He will be deeply missed in New York , Tampa and throughout the world of baseball. It’s only fitting that he went out as a world champ.”– Dodger Manager Joe Torre

• “I am deeply saddened to hear the news of George Steinbrenner’s passing. His vision, passion and commitment to winning, recharged the New York Yankees and revolutionized the game.

  I remember a man driven to succeed. He was the owner, “The Boss” and number one fan of the Yankees. Our relationship was built on mutual respect. I will never forget and always be grateful for how he treated me and my family both during my playing days and after I retired.

  I will miss him very much and extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Joan, and all the members of the Steinbrenner family.”– Dodger Hitting Coach Don Mattingly

• “George Steinbrenner was the first owner to contact me to congratulate me when I purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers. From that day forward we built a strong and meaningful friendship. He was a larger than life owner who cared deeply about winning. George helped shape the game of baseball during his incredible stewardship of the Yankees. My deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Joan and his four children, Hal, Hank, Jennifer and Jessica and the entire Steinbrenner family.”– Dodger Owner Frank McCourt