ITPC: A Dodgers Crying Towel and Hodges Editorial Cartoon

I thought I would briefly mention this auction lot of some Brooklyn Dodgers memorabilia from 'Inside The Park Collectibles'.  It recently closed up and this particular lot didn't sell, but I thought it had some fascinating things in it. 

First there were 10 unused sheets of Brooklyn Dodgers Minor League System letterhead, and an address book from a bowling alley that was located across the street from Ebbets Field.  The bowling alley was owned by former Dodger Freddie Fitzsimmons.  There was also something else available that made me laugh a bit.  Included was a paper sheet with the words 'Dodgers Crying Towel'.  I guess this was a joke item that made fun of the fact that the Brooklyn team always seemed to be on the losing end of a championship series.  Finally, there was an original cartoon drawing from the NY News newspaper.  It is a 'Day In Sports' editorial drawing featuring Dodger Gil Hodges that ran in print on March 25,1971.  The drawing highlights a May 14, 1949 game where Hodges hit a big salami.

Gil Hodges, playing with the Brooklyn Dodgers, poled his first grand slam home run when he connected against Bill Voiselle of the Braves at Boston.  Gil went on to set the NL mark with 14.

(Auction Link)

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Some Reader Submitted Photos from 'A Night of Entertainment with Don Mattingly'

Sometimes, I really love you folks.  Yeah, you!  The reader!

When I started this blog in 2006 I didn't have very high expectations.  I figured that since I had the energy it would be fun to put this little website together.  Little did I know that it would become a passion that made me smile a little wider and my day a little brighter.  And, it's awesome to think there are some of you who feel the same way.  I know I'm far from challenging the heavyweights of the Dodger-blogosphere, but I really don't care.  After all, I really enjoy doing this.  Even better, though is when I get an email from you (the reader) passing along some personal pics about the Dodgers that I can share here.

This afternoon a reader named Cathy was kind enough to share a bunch of photos from the Don Mattingly event last night.  It was held at the Sports Museum of Los Angeles and included many special guest; including a plethora of Dodger players.  If you have never been to this museum, I suggest finding a way to go.  From my understanding, it is now closed to the public, but open for special events and private showings.  Anyway, check out some of Cathy's pics here.  Thank you for allowing me to share them.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

On the bottom left is Kenley Jansen with Tommy Lasorda, and on the Right is Councilman Tom LaBonge presenting a Certificate of Recognition to Don Mattingly.

Dodgers historian Mark Langill and Gary Cypres (owner of the museum) are on the bottom left.  Andre Ethier in a spiffy outfit and someone (Brody Stevens) from the Chelsea Lately show is on the right.  Dodgers photographer Jon SooHoo has a bunch of photos available for viewing here.

Now, here is the really cool stuff.  The Sports Museum of Los Angeles is an incredible place.  I had a chance to visit it when it first opened and still open to the public.  Unfortunately, taking photographs was prohibited at the time, so I couldn't really share the experience here.  After all, if there are no pictures then it didn't happen, right?

Anyway, there is more stuff there than I can ever describe.  Every sport is represented, with the Dodgers being a key focus.  Below are some Brooklyn Dodger relics.  A Brooklyn Dodgers Sym-Phony bass drum is on the left, and a real Babe Ruth Dodgers jersey is on the right.  Again, click any pic to embiggen.

Here are some more Babe Ruth items.

In December, I posted up a story about the awards of Don Newcombe coming up for sale in an auction.  Well, I guess we now know who bought them.  Check them out below.

Below is an Ebbets Field dedication invitation.

On the left is the deed to Ebbets Field and on the right is a ball from the very first game at Ebbets Field.  Wow!

Next to Dodger Stadium, this place is heaven on earth.

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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 1/25/2013

I'm always excited when Topps releases their flagship Baseball card set before the season starts.  It's the ultimate benchmark indicating that the season is just around the corner.  Check out another Dodgers preview card Topps shared on facebook of a autographed Dee Gordon card above.

• Dodgers President Stan Kasten has written a letter to the fans.  Check it out here.
• Baseball America ranks the Dodgers Top 10 Prospects.  Brandon Lennox at True Blue LA analyzes it, a bit.
• Jon Weisman of Dodger Thoughts has a revised version of '100 Things Dodgers Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die' coming out.  This is a must read for any Dodger fan!
• Mark Langill, the Dodgers official historian, tells us that on this date in 1950 Jackie Robinson signed a $35,000 contract, making him the highest paid Dodger in history.
• Jon SooHoo has a bunch of photos from last nights Don Mattingly charity event.
• All Trade Bait (or is it Stealing Home or Why We Fight.  I dunno.) gets inspired by Night Owl with an excellent post relating Dodgers Baseball cards to 20 different movies.  He starts off with movies number #20 to #15.
• Bob Lemke shares an outrageous Baseball story.  In 1950, Los Angeles Angels (of the PCL) outfielder Stan Spence missed a game due to a ruse likely perpetrated by a known gambler.  BTW folks, this is one of the reason why the "no gambling in Baseball" rule is so stringent.  Baseball and gambling have a long and storied past together, going all the way back to the 1870's when Jim Devlin apologized to Baseball pioneer Harry Wright for throwing games.
• The cinematography in this video is stunningly beautiful.  "Return of the Sun"

Return of the Sun from Glen Milner on Vimeo.

Video Link:

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Collection: Just Minors Tony Abreu and Andy LaRoche

Once upon a time, the Dodgers looked so incredibly stacked with prospects.  Broxton, Billingsley, Loney, Russell Martin, Joel Guzman, Kuo and Edwin Jackson were coming through the ranks.  And that was before the emergence of kids like Kemp and Kershaw.  Heck, we had the makings of a future championship club.  Soon, though we would discover that expectations do not often match reality.  This is especially important considering that Baseball America recently released their list of the Dodgers Top 10 Prospects.  I can say with certainty that many of those players will not pan out, and that's an unfortunate fact.  Of course, we could get lucky, so who knows, right?

Anyway, keeping with that theme of highly regarded Dodger prospects I bring to you a couple of Just Minors prospect Baseball cards featuring two kids who where destined for greatness. 

Featured here are 2005 Just Minor autographed cards of Tony Abreu and Andy LaRoche from my collection. Abreu looked like he could be our answer in the infield, while LaRoche was a power slugging 3rd baseman destined to be our version of Mike Schmidt.  Unfortunately, neither player would grow to fill those shoes.

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When the Dodgers and Star Trek Collide on a Pillow Case

This is weird and awesome at the same time.

The other day, as I do often, I was cruising around eBay and came across this strange sight.  Some enterprising person decided to meld together the 1988 World Champion Dodgers with the crew of  Star Trek.  It's called 'Star Trak II - The Repeat', and is filled with more puns than the Joker in a Batman movie.

Orel Hershiser plays "Bones" who is the Orel Surgeon.  Mike Sciocia is Spock - complete with pointy ears.  He's out of this world.  Kirk Gibson is 'Captain Kirk', of course.  Unfortunately, we can't see what ingenious pun they use for him.

(auction link)

Below is a closer look, if you dare.  I don't know if I would have enjoyed resting my head on this pillow case as a teen.  It probably would have given me some weird dreams.  See the auction item here.

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2013 Dodgers FanFest Autograph Schedule is Becoming More Clear

With it just being a couple more days until the 2013 Dodgers FanFest, the highly anticipated schedule for Dodger autographs has just been released online.  See it here.

11:00am-12:00pm Zack Greinke Mark McGwire Nick Punto Tim Wallach

12:00pm-1:00pm Mark Ellis Shawn Tolleson Javy Guerra Don Mattingly Matt Kemp Hyun-Jin Ryu

1:00pm-2:00pm AJ Ellis Tim Federowicz Fernando Valenzuela Andre Ethier Mark McGwire Zack Greinke Tim Wallach Matt Guerrier Nick Punto

2:00pm-3:00pm Luis Cruz Kenley Jansen Mark Ellis Matt Kemp Javy Guerra Hyun-Jin Ryu Brandon League Shawn Tolleson

3:00pm-4:00pm AJ Ellis Tommy Lasorda Andre Ethier Tim Federowicz Matt Guerrier

4:00pm-5:00pm Luis Cruz Brandon League Kenley Jansen

The schedule for some Dodgers Alumni has yet to be announced.  This includes: Billy Ashley, Ron Cey, Al "The Bull Ferrara,"Sweet" Lou Johnson, Lee Lacy, Kenny Landreaux, Tim Leary, Paul LoDuca, Dennis Powell, Bill Russell and Derrel Thomas.

Please also note the following:

• Due to circumstances beyond their control, not all players or coaches may be available on this date. Any player and coach present is subject to availability.
• Event will be conducted on a first-in-line-first-served basis, we reserve the right to post and enforce line cut-offs.
• These postings will indicate that guests may not be guaranteed an autograph from a specific player or coach during a specific posted time if you are in line beyond the posting. These postings will be enforced at each station.
• You may bring personal items for autographs. You are welcome to bring a photo, ball, and jersey, baseball bat or sports memorabilia to be autographed.
• One autograph item per player or coach per station. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• In order for as many Dodger fans as possible to receive an autograph, no photos with players or coaches will be permitted.
• Players will not be personalizing autographs.
• Players may NOT sign a blank piece of paper.
• If you choose to vacate your space in any line at any time during the autograph session or impede the lines' progress voluntarily, you will be removed from the line. This will be strictly enforced.
• You may not have someone reserve a space in any autograph line. Cutting lines is not permitted and may result in dismissal from the event.

I especially like the last rule.  Let's make sure this is a fun and non-stressful day.  Please, do not think it is OK to cut in line.  All it does is aggravate people, and it may even provoke screaming- from ME!  So, please don't do it.

BTW, the Dodgers FanFest will take place; rain or shine! 

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