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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

2011 Topps Lineage: 1975 Mini's

Last week I shared some of my winnings from Community Gum's case break of 2011 Topps Lineage cards. Check out those previous post here and here. This time I'll finish off showing what I won by sharing what I think are the best inserts this year. These are parallel cards of the base set all fashioned after the vintage 1975 Topps mini set. They are just slightly smaller than a normal card, and as you can see are as colorful as the decade.

Above is a game-used uniform piece of Clayton Kershaw in the 1975 Topps mini design, and below are 4 Dodger mini cards I received. Unfortunately, Topps didn't use the same card back design- instead opting to use the boring written biography found in the Lineage base set. Still, the bright colors is a nice change of pace from what you typically see in todays cards. If anyone happens to have the 4 other Dodger cards that they are willing to trade or sell please let me know.

Early 2012 Topps Tribute Dodger Pics

Topps is just trying to wet our appetite. They have just unveiled some preview photos for a 2012 Baseball card product called Topps Tribute. Above is a Sandy Koufax autographed card and below is a Matt Kemp auto. This is a high-end product that will likely cost an arm and a leg to buy.

Check out Beckett for more details, here.

Dodger Record: Vin Scully Narrates the No-Hitter by Bill Singer

What a treasure to behold. Here is a EP record produced by the Dodgers featuring Vin Scully calling the last inning of Bill Singer's no-hitter at Dodger Stadium on July 20, 1970. It was recently available on eBay and sold at just $5.00. I love the record sleeve as it shares some highlights of that evening.
(eBay Auction Link)

Even better, after a quick search I discovered that someone was kind enough to put up this record on YouTube. Check it out below. It's great.
Video Link:

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

And the Winner is....


The final contest drawing for the Beatles CD Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band has just concluded, and here are the results. Remember, I will randomize, 3 times, to get to the winner.

Random #1.
Random #2.
Random #3.Congrats Play At The Plate. I'll be sending you an email shortly.

Reminder: Last Chance to Enter Beatles Drawing

This is the very last CD available in the Beatles Anniversary give-away. A winner will be chosen randomly tonight at 7:00 PM so go here and make a comment to enter.


Daily Conlon: 226 through 234

As I'm sure you already figured out, these Daily Conlon cards are hardly coming on a daily basis. Nevertheless, I promise to do my best. Please check out Conlon cards numbered 226 through 234.

It features a handful of trivia questions, but I want to focus on a former Dodger. On the bottom row, far left is Mel Almada who played only half a season with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1939. He is notable in Baseball history for being the first Mexican Baseball player to play in the Major Leagues.

Blog Kiosk: 8/30/2011

Congratulations to Juan Bustabad for being named the California League Manager of the Year- Dodgers Class A team. (Pic from Quakes Baseball Twitter)

Also, be sure to enter the last Beatles CD contest that concludes this evening. Go here to win Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band by making a comment to enter the drawing.
  • Vin Scully is My Homeboy has 7 videos up featuring Don Mattingly giving hitting tips.
  • Here's a brilliant Star Wars Night poster from Left Field Pavilion.
  • Check out Edgar's story about getting a Tommy Lasorda autograph at My Autograph Signing. It was a bad time. Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy has even more fan comments. From my own experience, Tommy is not a cheerful signer. Although, I'm surprised he acted that way with children. I had always seen him express his disdain towards adult males asking for autographs- he always seemed so willing to sign for women and children. In fact, the only time I actually tried to get his auto (and thankfully succeeded) was when a line formed in front of his golf cart one afternoon during a Spring Training game in Vero Beach. This was shortly after revelations about an escort hit the airwaves so I figured this was a way to ameliorate the situation.
  • Sports Collectors Daily looks back at the 1991 National Sports Collectors Convention in Anaheim. I too recall it being an absolute madhouse. My only regret was not getting a table for the show. Mad money was made that weekend. I had just entered college and was slowly moving away from the hobby and card business. One of these days I'll have to write about what it was like to be a teenage entrepreneurial card dealer in the late 80's in Southern California.
  • The man known as Steve Sax at Sons of Steve Garvey worked the press box last night and puts up some post-game notes, here. From Kershaw:
    "It's flattering to be mentioned in the Cy Young discussion, but honestly I'm not thinking about it much. I don't have personal goals, I think it's kind of limiting. I will enjoy this win tonight and come back tomorrow...I've got five starts left and a lot can happen."
  • Now check out Sax's pre-game notes; including some videos from the field.
  • Are Juan Uribe and Jonathon Broxton Done? Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times.
  • Nick Diunte puts up part 4 of his interview with Carl Erskine where he speaks about Roy Campanella. Below if a video of this interview.

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eBay: The Dodger Blue is Rooting For You...

Here is a great little vintage Dodger collectible. I don't think this was sent by the Dodgers, but was probably available at your local greeting card store. It is a "Get Well" card featuring facsimile autographs of the 1983 Dodgers- the 25th anniversary of the Los Angeles franchise. It sold for an affordable $5.01.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Mailbag: Another Cheap Dodger Auto Card

At $0.99 I figure I couldn't go wrong with this 2008 Topps Co-Signers autographed card of Andy LaRoche and Chin-Lung Hu. Of course, knowing that they will never reach the lofty projections placed on them certainly diminishes the buy. Ah... who cares? It's a Dodger autograph card and a new brand new addition to my collection.

Monday's Beatles Contest

Here is the last trivia questions contest to win a Beatles CD. First, though, be sure to enter in the drawing for the Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band CD by going here. All yo have to do is make a comment so you can put your name in the hat. A winner will be chosen Tuesday evening.

Now on to the trivia question to win the above With The Beatles CD. The first person to answer the question correctly in the comments section wins. Also, please be sure to provide contact information so I can get in contact with you.
On the day of the Beatles concert at Dodger Stadium who were the Dodgers playing, and what was the outcome of the game?

Silvio Garcia, a Forgotten Potential Dodger

We've all heard of the stories behind how Jackie Robinson came to join the Dodgers to break the color barrier. He was scouted, put on a list of possible candidates and subsequently grilled by Branch Rickey with a series of questions meant to get inside his head. Rickey, being aware of the societal stress that was to come, wanted to make sure that the trailblazer had the poise and character to withstand the heat. Obviously, he chose wisely, but how about the other guys. Who else was on Branch Rickey's list?

Well, one fellow was star shortstop and future Cuban League Hall of Famer Silvio Garcia. He started his career primarily as a pitcher in the 1930's, but hurt his arm by the start of the next decade and would no longer pitch regularly. Never mind, though, his bat and glove would carry him to a long career. In the Cuban Winter League he would bat .314 in 1940, .341 a year later, and .303 in 1942. In all, he would bat a career .282 in Cuba from 1931 to 1954. He would also go 8 for 21 in an exhibition series against the Dodgers in 1942. I'm sure this is what originally brought him to the attention of the team.

On a side note, Tommy Lasorda once said he was one of the toughest hitters he ever faced in Cuba. Carl Erskine commented in an interview with Nick Diunte that
"he was a handsome guy, big. He was big for what we think of shortstops, [as opposed to] being willowy, loose and limber. He was a big man [and] had good power to right-center. I think his age might have been against him.”
Well, Erskine was half right. In 1945, during his search for the perfect man, Branch Rickey went to Cuba to meet with Silvio Garcia. Like with Jackie Robinson, Rickey gave Garcia a grilling. He wanted to know the man, and tossed scenario after scenario at him to see what his response would be. Details are fuzzy about specific questions, but one specific answer given by Garcia has withstood the test of time.

I have read numerous reports that he was asked about how he would deal directly with racist taunts, but it seems more likely he was asked what he would do if a white man slapped him on the face. As you know, Jackie Robinson said he would turn the other cheek. Garcia said something totally different. Silvio Garcia gave a simple and sincere response. He said, "I kill him." And with that, the interview was effectively over.

Blog Kiosk: 8/29/2011

Matt Kemp shows off his 30/30 Baseball. (Photo Credit: Jon SooHoo: LA Dodgers)

By the way, be sure to enter into the free drawing to win the Beatles Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club BandCD by going here and making a comment.
  • Check out Greg's story at Plaschke, Thy Sweater is Argyle about camping out to meet Matt Kemp.
  • Via AJ Cassavell at MLB.com, Davey Lopes is the reason for the Dodgers success on the basepaths this season.
  • The demise of the lazy- Dioner Navarro. Per Dylan Hernandez, Navarro's lack of preparedness is the reason for his reassignment.
    "I believe in work, very simple," Mattingly said. "I believe you have to work and work and work — and that's if you're going good. I don't care who you are. Matt Kemp … has to keep getting after it. I just believe in that."
  • Matt Kemp is the Hero, But James Loney is the Conundrum, via Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness.
  • True to the Blue was at the recent Dee Gordon signing.
  • Cards That Never Were makes a 1957 Topps card for former Dodger Joe Black in a Senators uniform.
  • Dodger prospect, Kyle Russell, talks about his recent promotion, via Examiner.com.
  • Sports Card Info visited Williamsport to watch some Little League World Series games and to get some pins.
  • Nick Diunte writes a great feature on Carl Erskine at Examiner.com.
  • Then, watch Nick's interview with Carl Erskine as talks about how Cuba revolutionized his curveball. (Hat Tip: Examiner.com)

Video Link:

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Huntington Beach Wins!

A big Blue Heaven congratulations to the Huntington Beach Little League team on their victory in the Little League World Series. Way to represent the west coast. Read more about it here at Big League Stew.

They won it in style with a walk off bases loaded single.
"I was just thinking. 'Oh, God, Oh, God,' before I was getting in the box," the 12-year-old Pratto said. "But once I got into the box, I calmed myself by telling myself to just look for a good pitch."

Hey, Jaime Jarrin is Coming Back Too

Now that the Dodgers locked up Vin for next season I guess it was time to focus on the other Hall of Fame broadcaster in Blue. We learn today that Jaime Jarrin will be coming back next year for his 54th season with the club.

LOS ANGELES – Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrín will return to the broadcast booth for his 54th season in 2012, he announced during today’s broadcast on Univision Radio KTNQ 1020. He will continue calling all 162 Dodger games at home and on the road for KTNQ 1020.

“The Dodgers have invited me back for another season, so you will have to be by my side again,” Jarrín joked with analyst Fernando Valenzuela on air during the second inning. “I love what I do. It’s something I love and it brings me great joy to work alongside you and Pepe Yñiguez. I’m pleased to serve the Spanish-language community and really share baseball with them – such a beautiful and pristine sport.”


Sunday's Beatles Contest

Here is the 4th CD in the Beatles contest giveaway. Before I reveal the trivia question to win the LOVE CD, go and check out the drawing for Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band and sign up. It's free and it concludes this coming Tuesday. Go here.

Now here is the trivia question.
What was the name of the very last album the Beatles recorded in a studio?
Post your answer here. The very first person to post the correct answer wins!

Sunday Dodger Videos

Here are highlights from the Dodger Dream Foundation annual Bowling Extravaganza hosted by James Loney.

Video Link:

A Don Drysdale Vitalis Commercial from 1968.

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Here's a video from Friday Night Fireworks featuring the tunes of the Beatles.

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And now here are the fireworks in fast forward. No music included.

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2011 Topps Stickers: Dodgers

First, check out the Beatles drawing to win the CD, Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, here. The drawing will take place on Tuesday evening, so there is plenty of time to add your name to the list.

Now on to some Dodger cards... er, Dodger stickers.

This year Topps released a stickers set available at your local store. Each team has 9 players represented. See the Dodgers below. On top of that, there are 9 MLB Legends stickers that are decorated with foil borders, and the Dodgers are well represented. Three of the 9 Legends stickers are Dodgers.

Check out the cards by clicking below.
259 Jerry Sands
260 Matt Kemp
261 Andre Ethier
262 Casey Blake
263 Rafael Furcal
264 Juan Uribe
265 James Loney
266 Dee Gordon
267 Clayton Kershaw
291 Jackie Robinson
293 Roy Campanella
294 Sandy Koufax
137/308 Reds/Dodgers




Saturday, August 27, 2011

There's a Video Game Party at Dodger Stadium Tomorrow

James Loney will be hosting the 4th Annual Video Game Party in benefit of Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities Los Angeles (RBI-LA) at the conclusion of tomorrow afternoons game at Dodger Stadium. Here are the details. Unfortunately, there's no word on what game they will be playing.
WHAT: Following Sunday’s 1:10 p.m. game against Colorado, first baseman James Loney will host a video game party in the 1st Base Prime Ticket Club for youth from RBI-LA. Prior to the event, Loney’s group will be watching the game from the Field level. The Dodgers Dream Foundation will provide the televisions, video game consoles, games and t-shirts for the youth attending and refreshments for all participants.

The Loney's Lounge Video Game Party is a community initiative started by the first baseman where he invites several of his teammates to join the group of kids from RBI-LA. The event is in its fourth season and was created by Loney, who is an RBI alumnus and an active gamer.

WHEN: This Sunday, August 28. Immediately following the 1:10 p.m. game.

WHERE: Dodger Stadium, 1st Base Prime Ticket Club.
Now that we know he is an active gamer, I want to know what he plays. SoCom? Halo? WOW? Madden? Console or PC? What's your gamer tag? I want to know.

2011 Topps Lineage: Inserts

Here is my second post that follows up on my recent winnings from Community Gum's case break of 2011 Topps Lineage cards. These are some of the Dodgers inserts, and I think it's fair to say that I made out like a bandit. I received two old-time Dodger autographed cards that use the 1952 Topps design and a couple of great inserts featuring Hall of Fame Dodgers.

First, check out the below Bobby Morgan autographed card. He played in Brooklyn for 3 seasons as a infielder while batting .241.
Below is a Wayne Terwilliger autographed card.
Here is the back of the cards.
This is a Duke Snider cloth sticker insert card. You can rip off the back and stick it onto your notebook. I think I'll keep it just the way it is.
Besides the autographed Dodger cards this Sandy Koufax insert was what I was really hopeful of getting. It is fashioned after the vintage Topps StandUps set from 1964. It is perforated around Koufax's upper body so it can be folded down to allow it to "Stand Up" to show him in his pitching follow through. I'm still debating if I should cut it out and display it like that on my desk.

WooHoo! Vin Scully to Return Next Season

What a great way to start the weekend. Vin Scully announced last night that he would return to the broadcast booth next season. Watch his announcement below.

Video Link:

“I don’t want to make a big deal out of it, you and I have been friends for a long time,” Scully told the audience on PRIME TICKET. “But after a lot of soul searching and a few prayers, we’ve decided that we will come back with the Dodgers for next year. God’s been awfully good to me, allowing me to do the things I love to do. I asked him one more year at least and he said okay.”

Another Contest: Sgt. Peppers CD Random Drawing

I though we would do this one again. This time, you can win the above Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band CD

All you have to do to win is make a comment to this post to put yourself into a lottery. Please, just one entry per person for commenting. A winner will be selected through the handy Random.org site and posted on Tuesday, 30th, by 7PM PST. (I'll go through 3 randomizations to get the winner.) Also, be sure to provide some means for me to get in contact with you if you win.

So get cracking! Write a comment, enter the drawing and maybe win a CD. WooHoo!

Oh, and if you want to pimp this on your own blog, through twitter or some other means please do. I'll give a second entry for spreading the word- be sure to let me know you did this in a comment, as well.

New Beatles Contest: Trivia!

Here is today's contest for the Rubber Soul Beatles CD shown above. To win this CD all you have to do is answer one question and post the answer here. The very first person to post the correct answer wins! Also, check out my very next post for a 3rd Beatles CD that will be a random drawing from all those who participate.

Now, here is the question.
What is the name of the very first original Beatles song the Beatles played during their concert at Dodger Stadium?

Friday, August 26, 2011

The 1st Beatles CD Winner Is....

So, who wins the first CD in the Beatles give-away contest? Well check out the randomization results below to find out.

...But before we go there I want to remind you to come on back tomorrow morning for a contest for the 2nd CD and details for another random drawing for a 3rd CD that will conclude Tuesday evening.

Now, back to tonight's results.

Here is the 1st randomization.
2nd Randomization.And the Winner is....
Kimberley B! Congrats. I'll try to contact you. If you didn't provide a email address please contact me via my address here. Strike that! I don't have an email for you, please contact me.