eBay: A Branch Rickey Auto

Here is a great little eBay item I ran into a few weeks ago that I'm only now getting to. This is a fairly scarce Branch Rickey autograph on a 2007 Upper Deck SP Legendary Cuts card. It has a very high price tag on it, so I don't expect it to sell, but at least you can do a little bit of window shopping.

(Auction Link)

My Best Wishes to Chico Fernandez

Humberto "Chico" Fernandez needs your kind words. Via BAT (Baseball Assistance Team) Facebook page.

Dear Friends - We've been asked by the family of Humberto "Chico" Fernandez to pass along the following message. Due to complications with a replacement kneecap, Chico was forced to spend this past Christmas in the hospital. The family has advised that he's feeling down and in a lot of pain and would appreciate cards, notes, flowers and anything of encouragement to keep his spirits up. He is at the Mercy Hospital (3663 South Miami Avenue; Miami, FL 33133 in Room 4137). Thank you in advance for your support!

So, say hello and send a kind note.

As you may already know, Baseball Assistance Team is a non-profit organization devoted to helping members of the Baseball family most in need. Go here for their official facebook page. Here is their website.

Chico Fernandez spent one season with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956, his rookie season. He was an excellent defensive shortstop who went on to have a 8 year Major League career with 4 different teams. In his best season, 1962, he belted 20 home runs for Detroit.

Auto Collection: Beltre Passes the Torch

Andrian Beltre was a great third baseman for the Dodgers. He could field the position better than anyone I had every seen. His barehanded grabs while storming down the third base line was a thing of beauty. I dare say that we may never see someone as good with the glove then him. Of course, if the Dodgers sign him to join the team of his start then we could enjoy his antics one more time. Unfortunately, I think we all know that ain't going to happen.

Anyway, here is a autographed 2005 Donruss Elite Passing the Torch card of Adrian Beltre. It is numbered 61 out of 75. Man-O-Live... do I miss this guy.

OT: Kings: No Doubt... the Goal of the Year

As you probably already know, I am a huge LA Kings fan. I have followed them for almost as long as I've been a Dodger fan. My earliest hockey memories include the team in the old purple and gold playing at the now decrepit Great Western Forum.

This season the Kings are looking good as they look poised to return to the playoffs in a very tight conference race where only 11 points separate 1st place and 12 place. In the hockey world it doesn't get much tighter than that. Anyway, by now you are probably wondering why I mention all of this... well, I wanted to share this one video of a goal from the other night against the San Jose Sharks. It is in one word... remarkable. Call it the "Hail Mary" pass and goal. Enjoy.

Ethier Claus for the Easton Bat of Dreams

Andre Ethier and Easton teamed up to spread some holiday cheer. Link Here.

In the spirit of the holiday season, we followed Los Angeles outfielder Andre Ethier around Los Angeles giving Easton Baseball bats to three youth baseball players.

Andre Ethier from Dream Crazy on Vimeo.

Happy Festivus!

A Festivus for the rest of us!

In honor of this great holiday I felt it would only be proper to air some grievances.

• To Russell Martin: You were offered a good contract beyond what you eventually got. Also, what's this horse-puckey about not being wanted? You've got to be kidding me!
  
• To Matt Kemp: Start hitting Baseballs and stop hitting on starlets!
  
• To the McCourt's: I still cringe at the thought of you both. All I can say is thank goodness for divorce court. I can't wait for the day when we can all say... "and the new owner is...?"
  
• To Steve Garvey: Owner Steve Garvey? Really? From clean cut boy scout to philandering liar to Major League owner- I dunno- It sounds too much like a sitcom. Ken Levine should put this down on paper.
• To Ned Colletti: I don't trust you. Besides, I understand that you rooted for the Giants. Shame on you!

If you have any other disappointments please share them. I'm moving on to the "Feats of Strength." Anyone know where I can find the McCourt's this holiday season?

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