Matt Kemp Getting Some Just Rewards

Since the closing weeks of the season the main topic of discussion has been whether Matt Kemp should be MVP. No doubt, he had the numbers to garner the attention, but was he really the most valuable? At this point it's hard to tell what the sports writers will do, but considering the awards he's collected so far, I think that reality is coming closer to fruition.

As you know, last week he was named by Baseball America as the 2011 Major League Baseball Player of the Year.

As measured by Baseball-Reference's adjusted OPS metric—which compares a player's OPS with the league average and then adjusts for home ballpark—Matt Kemp had the most productive offensive season by any center fielder in the last 30 years. Like Ken Griffey Jr. in 1997, Kemp led his league in homers, RBIs and runs scored.

Now we find out, through True Blue LA, that he is the winner of MLB's 2011 National League Hank Aaron Award. This award was voted on by fans and Baseball broadcast teams throughout the league. So, in typical classy style Kemp made sure to thank those who pulled for him.He's had a busy off-season, so far, and I'm sure it's about to get busier. Heck, how much do you want to bet a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove come his way, as well?

One thing is for sure. If Ellen DeGeneres had her way Matt Kemp would be MVP. Unfortunately, he'd didn't do much to show off his arm. (Hat Tip: Dodger Thoughts)

(Video Link)

(Above pic credit: Los Angeles Dodgers Jon SooHoo)

MHCC: Dodger War Bonds Honor Card

During WWII the Dodgers were more than happy to help out with the war effort. So, with a fans contribution the Dodgers would give out the below War Bonds Honor Card. They were given out during the Dodgers Spring Offensive War Bond Campaign in 1943 which helped secure $180,000,000 for America. This amount eclipsed the spring quota by double.

On a side note, the Department of the Treasury was so impressed with the Dodgers efforts that they conducted a special ceremony at Ebbets Field one Sunday afternoon in April. Branch Rickey, a strict churchgoing man, would always refuse to see a game on the Sabbath, but for this occasion he made an exception.

This is a very nice memorabilia piece that is rarely ever seen. It just sold during the recently closed Mile High Card Company Auction at $121.38.

(Auction Link)

Collection: Shane Victorino Dodger Rookie Auto

Yes, Shane Victorino was once a Dodger. And if I can add, I always believed he wasn't given a fair shot to stay with the team. I think he would've looked pretty good out there with Kemp and Eithier. Anyway, that's water under the bridge now.

Check my 2003 Donruss Champions autographed card of Victorino numbered 313 out of 480.

2011 Topps Finest Dodgers

Here is another recently released Baseball set that came on line while I was on a temporary break. Below are the Dodger base cards for the 2011 Topps Finest set. Check them out.

I have to agree with Night Owl Cards, this set is horrible for the Dodger collector. There really isn't much here for us. When it comes to inserts only Gordon and Sands are possibilities, and considering the price for a box it's probably not worth your time if that's all you are chasing. I think eBay is your best bet for this product.

21 Andre Ethier

32 Matt Kemp

70 Jerry Sands

82 Dee Gordon

Being primarily a prospect driven set, check out some of the Gordon and Sands autographs I came across. There are also autographed cards of Ivan DeJesus Jr.

Blog Kiosk: 10/20/2011

Tommy and Wes Parker visit with a young patient at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. (Pic Link: yfrog Dodgers)

• Baseball Interactions hears from old-time former Dodger Mike Sandlock about Branch Rickey.
• Former Dodger Assistant GM Kim Ng will interview with the Angels for the open GM spot, via ESPN. Good luck Kim!
• Edgar met Ozzy Osbourne and writes all about it here.
• I say, burn it. A collector may have unearthed Bobby Thomson's game-used jersey from the 'shot heard around the world,' via ESPN.
• By deepest condolences to the family and friends of Cy Buker. He recently passed away at the age of 93 in Wisconsin. Nick Diunte has a great story about him here. Also, I had previously written about him back in 2009, here.
• Check out this recording from StoryCorps as, then teenager, Harvey Sherman recalls Bobby Thomson's heartbreaking home run.
• Great catch Fleer Sticker Project. I've got a bunch of these pins featuring Dodger players and have always wondered where they came from.
• Could this be the oldest surviving hockey stick in the world, via SCD.

  The stick had been in the barbershop of George Ferneough for decades. He finally sold the stick to Mark Presley for $987 in 2008.

• The Dodgers send their thanks.

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Just Further Affirmation- Kershaw Was Best Lefty

Clayton Kershaw has been named the 2011 winner of The Warren Spahn Award given to the best left handed pitcher of the year. From the press release:

The Spahn Award is presented annually to the best left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball and is based on a pitcher’s wins, strikeouts and earned run average. Kershaw led in all categories with 21 wins, 248 strikeouts and a 2.28 ERA.

“It is a genuine honor to have my named mentioned alongside one of the greatest lefties in the history of the game,” Kershaw said. “Mr. Spahn accomplished so much both in baseball and in his life off the field. I am truly humbled by this award. Thank you.”

Greg Spahn, son of the late Warren Spahn, said this is the first time an award winner has placed first in every category since Randy Johnson won in the late 1990s.

“Congratulations to Clayton Kershaw on an incredible season, leading all lefties with a 2.28 ERA,” Spahn said. “In fact, he led in each category of the Warren Spahn Award, with the Dodgers a third place club in the National League West. I look forward to handing him the award.”

The award ceremony will be in January in Oklahoma. Go to the following website for more information on this award- The Warren Spahn Award.