Blue Monday

Check out Chris Jaffe's story focused on today's Dodger anniversary.

Exactly 30 years ago today, Rick Monday helped deliver the pennant to the Los Angeles Dodgers, thanks to a ninth inning home run. Rather appropriately, Monday’s blast came on Monday Oct. 19, 1981 – “Blue Monday,” as it became known. It sure was a blue day for fans of the Expos, whose team lost due to Rick Monday’s shot.

Read more here.

(Pic Link: flickr Jason Spaceman)

A New Koufax

Check that out.

I disappear for a little bit, and a new Koufax shows up in the Hobby. Topps released their Update set to their flagship 2011 Baseball set a couple of weeks ago, and it includes the below short printed Sandy Koufax card. Very nice!

It's a great photo. Obviously, it is from a World Series game where Koufax closed it out with a win at Dodger Stadium, but I wonder what year? After some brief research I think I figured it out. It has to be from Game 4 of the 1963 World Series. This was the clinching game as the Dodgers sweep'd the Yankees in 4 straight. Sandy pitched a complete game at Dodger Stadium that day- the only time he has done that in a World Series game.
UPDATE: Go the to 8:00 mark in the below video featuring highlights from the 1963 World Series to see the above moment.

Video Link:

2011 Triple Threads Dodgers Base Cards

I am little late with this post. After all, the always anticipated Topps Triple Threads set was released about 3 weeks ago. Nevertheless, as the old saying goes, better late than never.

Below are the Dodger base cards in the set. Of the 100 cards in this set 8 Dodger players, both past and present, are represented. That sure ain't a bad ratio. As always, various parallels exist to these cards, but I'll focus on just the more common version- numbered to 1500 copies. Check them out below.

I have to say that the design is underwhelming. Frankly, it looks horrible. Of course, collectors don't buy boxes for these cards. It's all about the inserts- both relics and autos. So, stay tuned as I will post up pics of some of my favorites over the next few days.

11 Duke Snider

18 Roy Campanella

19 Matt Kemp

28 Clayton Kershaw

38 Jackie Robinson

58 Pee Wee Reese

79 Andre Ethier

And last, but not least, 100 Sandy Koufax

Collection: Steve Sax Greats of the Game Auto

Woops! I kinda disappeared there for a little bit. Call it a little bit of a mental break from blog writing while having my attention diverted by other things. I'm back now, at least for now. With the playoffs in full swing and the winter coming into focus posting will probably continue to be a little sparse, but have no fear, I am sure to get back into the swing of things momentarily.

In my return from this vacation is a Steve Sax card from my collection. This is a 2006 Fleer "Greats of the Game" autographed card.

A Furillo Bread Label

Here is a great and very scarce 1952 Tip Top Bread Label of Brooklyn Dodger Carl Furillo. These are very hard to come by and highly desirable to vintage Dodger collectors- even in this condition. In fact, it's virtually impossible to find in mint condition. Heck, I don't think I'd trust a mint version to be real. Why's that, you ask?

Well, these labels were affixed to the ends of a loaf broad that would typically be wrapped in some sort of paper or cellophane. So, they would constantly be peeled off and put back on over the lifetime of the loaf. As a result, surviving examples are creased and well worn. Sure, I can see a kid begging mom to give him the prized label right away, but considering the flimsy paper it was printed on it too would likely be damaged.

Right now the auction sits at under $20.00, but I suspect it will be in the 3 figure territory before it closes.

(eBay Auction Link)

It Gets Better

Do you mean the season? Is this our version of "Wait Til Next Year?"

No, not at all. It's actually a more loftier goal. The Dodgers just released a video in support of the "It Gets Better" campaign that seeks to curb bullying and remind lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth that they are supported throughout society. From the press release:

The Dodgers' contribution features several Dodger players and coaches including Don Mattingly, James Loney, Matt Guerrier, Jamey Carroll, A.J. Ellis, Rod Barajas and Hiroki Kuroda.

"The Dodgers have been outspoken advocates for equality and against all societal prejudices dating back to the days of Jackie Robinson," said Dodgers Senior Vice President, Public Affairs Howard Sunkin. "Our club wholeheartedly supports an end to bullying and violence against LGBT youth. There is zero tolerance for violence of any kind for any reason in our community."

The Dodgers' It Gets Better Project video can be viewed now at www.dodgers.com/dmn. It includes messaging in English, Spanish and Japanese.

The Dodgers join other MLB clubs in support of the It Gets Better Project. The It Gets Better Project helps prevent bullying of LGBT youth and teen suicide by providing support through encouraging video messages. Video submissions and more information on the It Gets Better Project can be found by visiting www.itgetsbetter.org.