Sunday, August 12, 2012

Sunday Dodgers Videos: "Welcome to Brooklyn, Jackie Robinson"

Here are this weeks Sunday Dodgers Videos.

Here is a 30 minute documentary called "Welcome to Brooklyn, Jackie Robinson" that was put together by the Jackie Robinson Center for Physical Culture.

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This is a Dodger game epiphany.

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Here is a behind the scene video of The Hollywood Reporters Los Angeles Dodgers cover shoot.

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Saturday, August 11, 2012

Collection: 1992 Dodgers Police Set


Just in case you thought this blog was turning into a non-sports trading card blog, I bring to you the 1992 Dodgers LAPD Police set to gaze at.  To see the other Dodgers police sets I've scanned go to this link.

This is the first Dodgers police set to be sized like a traditional trading card.  There are 30 cards in the set, and they were given out as a giveaway during a game in 1992.  As with all of the Dodgers police sets through the years, this set can be purchased for a song and a dance.  If you paid more than $5 bucks you might have been ripped off.  Below is a sample of what the reverse looks like.  Click on any pic to embiggen.





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Collection: 1965 Topps Presidents and Famous Americans Set

With the weekend buzz surrounding the Vice Presidential pick for the Republican ticket becoming front page fodder, I thought another dip into my collection of non-sports trading cards would be in order. 

When I was active in chasing after non-sports cards my favorite target were American history and presidents.  There are numerous different sets available going back over 100 years, and I'll be sure to share all that I have over the coming months as the general election gets closer. 

Featured here is a 1965 Topps set that is much larger than your typical trading card.  It is the same width as a modern card, but is taller by an inch or so.  They measure 2.5" x 4 11/16".  It is called "Presidents and Famous Americans" and is complete at only 44 cards.

This set is fairly scarce, but not widely collected.  I've seen complete sets range from $150 to $300, depending on condition.  As you can see they show the subject as an embossed form on the front with a short biography.  The reverse is blank.  I think it is noteworthy that the colored backgrounds seem to relate to either a political party (this doesn't appear consistent), if the President had died in office (black), or is a famous American (green).

Check out my complete set below.  Click on any pic to embiggen.










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eBay: Alston Looks On with Some Protection

Here is a 1957 Spring Training press photo from International News featuring skipper, Walter Alston watching his batters during Spring Training.  He's behind what looks like a makeshift screen.  The descriptor on the reverse states:
"SAFETY FOIST-----Vero Beach, FLA........ Protected by a screen behind the pitcher's mound, manager Walter Alston keeps a critical eye on things as Fred Krupp pitches during practice at the Dodgers spring camp in Vero Beach.  Alston took this precaution after he was almost beaned by a line drive".
(eBay Auction Link)


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Friday, August 10, 2012

Are You Ready for Some Little League Baseball?- Fernando to Throw First Pitch Tomorrow in San Bernardino


It's almost that time of year when the Baseball loving children of the world get together for the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, PA.  The tournament officially gets started next week, but in the meantime there are regional tournaments still remaining to decide who will represent their area.

Tomorrow afternoon is one of those games, and the Dodgers own Fernando Valenzuela will be on-hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Northwest Championship Game in San Bernardino. 

The Gresham, Oregon Little League team will play against the kids from Post Falls, Idaho Little League at 1:00 PM.  Fernando is expected to throw out the first pitch at about 12:50 PM. The game will be held at the Little League Western Region Headquarters.

Little League Western Region Headquarters
6707 Little League Dr.
San Bernardino, CA 92407
If you have a chance to get out there be sure to root for all of the kids.  No doubt this is a huge stage for them, so fan support will surely brings smiles to their faces.

For info on the tournament go to the Little League World Series website, here.  Also, the Press-Enterprise has a great series of photographs from the Northwest Regional Tournament from San Bernardino to look through, here.




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Dodgers Blog Kiosk: 8/10/2012

This photo is just plain awesome.  Hey Dusty Baker!  I want that suit.  The photo is from April 6, 1977, and it features the starting lineup for Opening Day against the Giants.  Pic via twitter @Dodgers.
“I want to win. I don’t care if I’m your best friend or not,” Victorino said. “Sometimes in this era, the way the game’s played is more relaxed. If you still play the old-school way, running the bases hard, hustling, taking extra bases, grinding out at-bats, you kind of stand out. I have always said I will never change that. I was taught as a kid to play that way.” 
  • Howard Cole shares a 50 year old Dodgers scrapbook.
  • On the Tuesday, September 4th home game against the Padres the Dodgers will be giving out 30,000 Matt Kemp replica jerseys.  Take a look at it below.
  • Dodger Bobble was at the MVP Sports Foundation's 4th annual All-Star Auction and Dodger Reunion this past weekend and got a bunch of autographs.
  • Dodgers Nation takes a look at Dodgers prospect Yasiel Puig.
  • Sports Collectors Daily speaks with ToppsVault curator Mike Jasperson.
  • This video is just a treat.  Here is a fan made 8mm film from Dodger Stadium of a World Series Game against the Twins in 1965.  There is no sounds, but the scenery had me in awe.  I am always constantly amazed at what fans wore to ballgames back then.

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