Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Sweet! Here's a look at the Yasiel Puig Panini VIP Photo from the National


This looks fantastic!

The National Sports Collectors Convention is now in full swing, so be prepared to see a bunch of news and pics from the show on this blog.  If you can't tell, I really want to be there.  Unfortunately, that just wasn't in the cards.

Anyway, Panini America just release pics of their VIP Party photographs that will be given out this coming Saturday.  Only special guest of Panini (i.e. high dollar spending collectors) will have a chance for a "meet, greet and sign".  Check out the Yasiel Puig photograph above.

Oh... to be super wealthy.

See more information here.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Welcome to the Blue, Drew Butera!


The Dodgers made a minor trade today that involved a back-up catcher for cash (or a player to be named later).  They picked up Drew Butera, who is the son of former Major League catcher Sal Butera, from the Twins.  He will be sent to AAA- Albuquerque.

This is just a depth move by the Dodgers.  He is essentially the back-up to the back-up.  So, if Tim Federowicz were to go down (or AJ Ellis) then Butera may find himself on the roster.  Also, he is on twitter.  You can follow him here: @drewbutera.

Frankly, there really is nothing to see here.  This is a "just in case" move for a guy who hasn't shown much of a "bat" in the majors.

BTW, I made the above fantasy card of Drew using the 1987 Topps card design and a photo grabbed from Zimbio from press photo day (Elsa/Getty Images North America).

From a Dodgers press release:
The Los Angeles Dodgers today acquired catcher Drew Butera from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations and optioned him to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Butera, who turns 30 on Aug. 9, has a .182 career batting average with five home runs and 41 RBI in 186 career big league games with the Twins from 2010-13 and has hit .217 with 24 home runs and 169 RBI in 485 games during seven minor league seasons.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder appeared in two games with the Twins during a brief call-up from July 24-28, but has spent the majority of the 2013 campaign with Triple-A Rochester, batting .229 with two homers and 10 RBI in 26 games with the Red Wings.

Butera, who was originally selected by the Mets in the fifth round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Central Florida, is the son of former Major League catcher Sal Butera, who played in nine seasons with the Twins (1980-82, 1987), Tigers (1983), Expos (1984-85), Reds (1986-87) and Blue Jays (1988).

The Dodgers now have 40 players on their 40-man roster.
Below are his stats, via Baseball Reference:


--------------------------------------------

In other Dodger news.  The Dodgers send down Elian Herrera and bring back up Scott Van Slyke in an ever evolving game of musical chairs.  Per a Dodgers press release:
The Los Angeles Dodgers today recalled outfielder/first baseman Scott Van Slyke from Triple-A Albuquerque and optioned infielder/outfielder Elian Herrera to Triple-A.

Van Slyke, 27, will be making his third stint with the big league club and has a .241 batting average with six doubles, six homers and 14 RBI in 33 games with the Dodgers this year. Van Slyke appeared in eight games with the Isotopes since he was optioned on July 21, batting .250 (6-for-24) with two doubles, a homer and five RBI, and is batting .355 with 10 homers and 35 RBI in 45 games with Albuquerque this season.

Herrera appeared in just one game during his recall, striking out as a pinch-hitter on Sunday, and has gone 2-for-8 (.250) in four games with the Dodgers this season.


* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Hello Kitty is in the House! Here's an Early Look at the Hello Kitty and Hideo Nomo Bobbleheads


Ain't this just darling?  Here is a sneak peek at the Hello Kitty bobblehead that will be given out at the Monday, September 9th ballgame against the Diamondbacks.

Below is an early pic of the Hideo Nomo bobblehead that will be give out on Saturday, August 10th against the Rays.


* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Some Sneak Peek Pics from the National

For the sports collector this week is either the greatest time of year, or the worst.  Which one you are depends entirely on whether you have the opportunity to go to the National Sports Collectors Convention.  Unfortunately for me, I'm the latter.  It's is being held in the Chicago area, so I have to live through the eyes (or twitter pics, if you will) of others.  The show begins today, and there are already some photos online for collectors to gawk over.  Check some of them out below.


The grand entrance.


Who doesn't want to make their own Baseball card?


There are cards, autograph signers and artwork to fill the fancy of any collector.


All that wax!


How about some vintage wax.


Free Auto's!


Check out that box of VIP promo cards!



* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

2013 Topps Qubi - The Dodger Stampers

This is a brand new Topps product and it's very different from their normal fare.

They just released their Qubi Baseball Stampers, and as you can imagine it's geared for the youthful and young at heart.  They are little cubes with player photos on the inside and a rubber stamp on the outside for you to use at your will.  Most of the stamps available appear to be copies of the players signature, while others are a player portrait or team logo.

Five Dodgers are represented and they all feature just the players autograph on the stamper.  See them below.  BTW, there may be scarce variations available, but additional details have not been released.

#21 Matt Kemp

#32 Clayton Kershaw

#46 Adrian Gonzalez

#47 Hyun-Jin Ryu


#48 Zack Greinke


* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 7/31/2013 - Dodgers Links - A Vin Scully Interview, Magic's Role and Fife's Return


Two legends in one photo.  Pic above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2013.  See more pics from Jon right here.
  • I thought I would provide this quick notice that the Dodgers will be showing the movie "The Sandlot" after the ballgame on Sunday, September 1st.  More information is available here.
  • "Q & A: Magic Johnson happy to be a role player with Dodgers," via Mark Medina at the Daily News.
Q: Has your role with the Dodgers evolved this season compared to last year?

Johnson: No. I'm enjoying my role. I called every player before the season and talked to them on how we didn't have a leader. I talked to (Clayton) Kershaw, (Adrian) Gonzalez and A.J. Ellis recently and I said, 'You guys have really come on as the leaders of this team.' When I recap last season, we didn't have a leader. That hurt us. My role is to look and see what's missing and try to fill the blanks. Wherever they need me to fit in, that's what I'll do. I've tried to teach our players about having a winning mentality.
  • On twitter Bowman Scout (a Topps twitter account) shared a early pic of the Yasiel Puig Bowman Platinum Top Prospect card.  See it on the right.  BTW, this product officially went live today.
  • Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy has the story on an apparent "bait & switch" at Dodger Stadium.  Kids were suppose to get some fancy Dodger sunglasses, but instead received cheap knock-offs.  FOR SHAME!
  • "Dodgers weighing options for Fife's return," via Austin Laymance at MLB.com.
"He's making another start, we're just not sure where," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said on Tuesday.
  • Here's a minor league update.  Phil Gurnee at True Blue LA writes, "Dodgers minor league report July 30: Matt Magill shines in 2-0 victory".
  • "Daily Distractions: How Ned Colletti plans to upgrade the Dodgers’ bench."  Via JP Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers.
  • "Is the Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw baseball's most popular pitcher?"  Via Steve Dilbeck of the LA Times.
  • Micheal Kay sits down with Vin Scully and reminisces about the legendary broadcaster's career with the Dodgers.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Giants Fans Can't Spell


What was I tellin' ya!  The recent signing of Brian Wilson has infuriated Giants fans.  So much so, in fact, that they have collectively gotten onto twitter to express their dismay.  And I couldn't be any more thankful for their public display.

As the title of this blog post suggest, Giants fans cannot spell!  Really, they all need to go back to 3rd grade English.  Check out the below twitter post as evidence.


That kid looks like he's in the 3rd grade, so he gets a pass.


Oh, my!


Are you seeing a pattern here?


I'm not sure if the guy above is being cute, or cannot also spell Benedict.


For the record, it's "Traitor", ya maroons! (In the tradition of Bugs Bunny)

Check out even more hilarious Giants fans tweets right here.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Welcome to the Blue, Brian Wilson!


I never thought I would write these words - "Welcome to the Blue, Brian Wilson!"

Maybe if I was honoring the Beach Boys frontman I'd write that, but to write it about the bearded annoyance from the bay is a little unsettling.  On the other hand, this recent move is sure to piss off Giants fans, so why the heck not, right?

This afternoon, Dodger nation received word that former All-Star reliever Brian Wilson chose the Dodgers.  Via a tweet from Tim Brown:


Brown provides more details about Wilson's immediate future.


So, Wilson will get some work in the minors before eventually joining the Dodgers.  Overall, I can't be too disappointed in this move.  We get a former top-line closer who is thought to be ready after going through major arm problems, and in exchange it cost us a little bit of dough.  At this time, details of a contract have yet to be released, but I'd be surprised if it was substantial.

BTW, I decided to make a fantasy Dodger card of Brian Wilson that you can see at the very top of this post.  I used a 2007 Topps Baseball card design.

UPDATE: From a Dodgers press release:
The Los Angeles Dodgers today signed free-agent right-handed reliever Brian Wilson to a one-year contract.

Wilson, 31, has gone 20-20 with 171 saves in 315 career games with the Giants from 2006-12. The New Hampshire native has limited opposing hitters to a .238 batting average during the course of his career with 340 strikeouts in 320.0 innings. Wilson has also historically been a second-half pitcher with a 2.69 ERA in 149 career appearances after the All-Star break and pitched well in the postseason during the Giants’ 2010 World Series run, striking out 16 in 11.2 scoreless innings in postseason play.

From 2008-2011, Wilson was one of the Majors’ top relievers, earning three All-Star selections (2008, 2010, 2011) and leading the big leagues with 163 saves in 186 opportunities (87.6%). During that period, Wilson also ranked among the NL’s best relievers in wins (17, T-6th), innings pitched (264.1, 6th) and strikeouts per 9.0 innings (10.11, 12th). In 2010, Wilson tied the Giants all-time single-season saves record with 48 (also: Rod Beck, 1993), while successfully converting 24 consecutive save opportunities in 2008, which tied for the second-longest save streak in San Francisco history.

Wilson last pitched in the Majors on April 12, 2012 and underwent Tommy John surgery later that month on his right elbow.

Wilson was originally selected by the Giants in the 24th round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft out of Louisiana State University.

The Dodgers now have 39 players on their 40-man roster.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Dodgers Vs. Yankees Tonight and Tomorrow - Details Here


In one of the more anticipated match-ups of the year, the Yankees come to town to face the Dodgers in a series that is sure to invoke historic memories.  I'll be going to the game, courtesy of Barry's Tickets, and will sit in one of my favorite spots - the Top Deck.  Sure, I won't anywhere near the field, but you can see everything from up there.  Besides, the fans are better in the cheap seats.  BTW, Barry's Tickets recently became an sponsor of this blog, so I wanted to give them a Shout Out - "You Feelin' Me!"

Per a Dodger press release:
The Dodgers take on the Yankees for the second time this season as Los Angeles played its first-ever regular season road games against the New York Yankees in a two-game series in the Bronx from June 18-19. The Dodgers have split their eight regular-season meetings with New York. The clubs have met 66 times in the postseason with New York holding a 37-29 advantage and the 11 World Series meetings between the Dodgers and Yankees is the most common Fall Classic matchup and ranks second in all-time meetings for a championship title among the four major pro sports.
The Dodger will honor Mariano Rivera prior to tonights game.  Auto and stadium gates open early at 5:10 p.m. Comedian Ken Jeong, best known as “Mr. Chow” in the Hangover trilogy, will read the Dodgers’ starting lineup.
(The) Veteran of the Game is U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Patti Taylor of Cranesville, NY. Taylor enlisted in 1964, was trained in Combat Medicine and served in numerous army installations throughout the country. She was deployed to Vietnam and served in support of Operation Desert Storm/Shield, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Taylor is currently a volunteer nurse for Operation Mend at UCLA where wounded service members are brought for reconstructive and functional surgeries due to injuries sustained while deployed. Taylor’s accolades include two Army Achievement Medals and the Army Commendation Medal. 
Wednesday's game with the Yankees with feature Clayton Kershaw versus Hiroki Kuroda.  Like yesterday, auto and stadium gates open early at 5:10 p.m.Samuel L. Jackson will read the Dodgers’ starting lineup.
Wednesday’s Veteran of the Game is U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Patryck Stanwood of West Hills. Stanwood enlisted in 2005 and has served at Camp Pendleton, CA and Kaneohe, HI and was deployed to Afghanistan, Kuwait, Jordan and Australia. He was trained as an Embarkation Chief, was recently honorably discharged from the Marine Corps and is now pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Business Management at Cal State Northridge. Stanwood’s accolades include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the NATO Medal – ISAF Afghanistan.
BTW, the Dodgers and Sanrio (maker of Hello Kitty) are teaming up.
The Dodgers and Sanrio are launching exclusive Hello Kitty co-branded merchandise that will be available starting tomorrow at all official team stores at Dodger Stadium. These items will include Hello Kitty stickers ($4), pin ($10), plush mascot ($12), keychain ($15), coin purse ($21), pouch ($23), sunglasses ($25), cap ($34), plush ($35), phone case ($40), Kids Tee ($40), Girls Tee ($40), Tote bag ($57) and women’s hoodie ($92).
Goodness gracious.  There will be more Hello Kitty in Blue to give me nightmares.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Check Out RareInk's Line of Lithographs


I thought I would pass along some information on some new MLB/Dodger art lithographs available for sale.  RareInk.com recently signed both a MLB and MLBPA licensing agreements for their MLB Collection, and you can go here to check out what they have.

There are more than 500 different works available from every Major League team.  They even include artwork of several Hall of Famers; such as Don Sutton and Duke Snider (although I do not see Snider on the website). 
“RareInk is reinventing sports wall décor by offering an enormous collection of cutting-edge art in styles typically not seen by fans,” said Tim Muret, CEO of RareInk.  “Today’s fan is looking for something uniquely artistic for their walls to capture their passion for baseball and RareInk delivers the game like it has never been seen before.”
Prices are steep, but look great.
Each RareInk piece of art is produced using fine art, archival materials and is offered in three executions: fine art paper prints ($79 to $129); stretched canvases ($129 to $349); and metal prints on brushed aluminum ($399 to $419).  Every piece is a hand-numbered, limited-edition, with edition sizes ranging from 50 to 250. The artwork is available for sale exclusively at RareInk.com.
Along with photo based art they will have original works from established artist.  Check out the minimalist drawing of Dodger Stadium below by UK artist Marcus Reed.


* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Legendary's Live Auction at the National Features Jackie Robinson's Commemorative Watch from Rookie Season

Legendary Auctions is currently running their annual live auction that coincides with the National Sports Collectors Convention.  Live bidding will happen this coming Friday.  Only 100 items are for sale and it includes the below Jackie Robinson memento.

On September 23, 1947 the Dodgers held "Jackie Robinson Day" at Ebbets Field to celebrate Jackie's breaking of the color barrier that season.  Just a couple of weeks prior, Jackie was named the National League's Rookie of the Year.  Per the auction description:
But perhaps the greatest moment in the sun came on September 23rd, as Ebbets Field held a fan-organized "Jackie Robinson Day" in which the barrier-breaker received such gifts as a brand-new Cadillac, a giant television set, a portable radio, a gold pen-and-pencil set, cutlery, silverware, an electric broiler and, yes, this very watch here offered. "I thank you all," Robinson told the crowd of more than 26,000. However, it was another pioneering civil-rights figure named Robinson—the dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson—whose famous words at the event still resonate to this day. "I am sixty-nine years old," Mr. Bojangles said, "but I never thought I would live to see the day when I would stand face to face with Ty Cobb in Technicolor."
 On auction is the watch that was presented to him that afternoon.  See a couple of photos below.
(Action Link)
(Action Link)


* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 7/30/2013 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw Vs. Neil Patrick Harris in Ping Pong


Clayton Kershaw was on the Jimmy Kimmel show last night and was spectacular.  Who knows, maybe he has a future in television when his Baseball career is done. In the above photo tweeted by his wife Ellen you see Clayton waiting patiently in the green room.  Then, Clayton tweeted the below photo of him playing ping pong against NPH (who was also a guest on the show).  BTW, Kershaw mentioned a charitable ping pong tournament he'll be hosting at Dodger Stadium on August 29th.  As soon as I get information I will pass that along. BTW, you can watch Clayton's entire interview with Kimmel at the very bottom of this blog post.

There is no word on who won the ping pong match-up featured below.
  • David Wharton at the LA Times writes, "Old baseball scout tells of when play, not money, was the thing: George Genovese, 91, still a consultant to the Dodgers, made $80 a month in 1940 in his first job with a pro baseball team."  This is a must read!
  • "Dodgers' reliever J.P. Howell is liking his view from the bullpen,: via Lance Pugmire at the LA Times.
“Anytime you get some backing from management and Donnie, it feels good and it’s a reminder to keep driving because the job isn’t done yet,” Howell said. “It’s a nice little pat on the back.”
There’s more energy, but I think we have to give Yasiel [Puig] a lot of credit, because he brought a lot of energy. It’s always good to have a mixture of young and old. You get too many old guys, guys who are settled, they’re in the big leagues, nothing makes them excited. This kid’s exciting. The way he plays is infectious and, if you don’t like the way he plays and the reaction from people … man, that’s the way you’re supposed to play. You’re supposed to play like a little kid.
  • Stan Kasten on 'Max & Marcellus Show' via ESPN.  Listen to the entire recording.
Dodgers president and part owner Stan Kasten joined Max Kellerman and Marcellus Wiley on ESPNLA 710 on Monday to talk about the organization's gutsy move in taking a chance on Yasiel Puig, the Matt Kemp trade rumors, the atmosphere at Dodger Stadium and leading the league in attendance. 
If everything goes according to plan, the iconic baseball park will look, feel and react like a soccer field."This is our first time," said Eric Hansen, the head groundskeeper at Dodger Stadium, "so this is going to be a learning process for us."Dodgers president Stan Kasten said Dodger Stadium was first discussed as a host site for the tournament earlier this year. Hansen -- who's a baseball guy, not a soccer guy -- said his first order of business was to consult with grounds crews at Petco Park in San Diego and Oakland Coliseum, home of the A's. Both stadiums have hosted soccer games in the last three years.
  • TMZ is stalking Yasiel Puig.  This time they corner him at a Cuban restaurant in Hollywood.
  • Below is the Kimmel interview with Clayton Kershaw.
Part 1:

Video Link:

Part 2:

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Monday, July 29, 2013

Hyun-Jin Ryu's Superfractor Has Been Found and a Puig Superfractor Update


Following up on last weeks post featuring the Yasiel Puig Superfractor rookie card, I have just learned that the Hyun-Jin Ryu Superfractor card is also available for sale on eBay.  Check it out above.  The auction listing can be found here.

It has a "Buy It Now" price of $1,500.00 with over 2 weeks remaining in the listing.  Compared to the asking price for the Puig card this seems downright reasonable.  On the other hand, this card isn't truly his first Topps card.  He has cards in the Topps flagship Series 2 Baseball card set, as well as, Topps Archives and Topps Museum.

Currently, there are 16 offers on it with 25 collectors watching the auction.  I'm very surprised this has yet to to sell.  There are some monied Ryu collectors out there who, I'm sure, desperately want this "1 of 1" Ryu card.
(auction link)
----------------------------

I have a brief Yasiel Puig Superfractor update.

I was able to get in contact with the owner of the card, and here is what he said:
What went from an offer to buy my son a pack of cards, turned to the purchase of a full jumbo box based on his reminding/convincing me of his lucky picks for me in the past with retail blaster boxes from Target. Truth be told, this box was a bit out of my price range, but it was an opportunity to share something that I love with my Amazing Son!
I was hoping for a Puig but never imagined pulling the superfractor. I am planning on having the card graded and slabbed for its protection.
I'd like to see this card surpass the Strasburg superfractor but am not driven by greed, but base it's value on his limited cards available, his 5 tools, his being in the company of DiMaggio, his playing for the Dodgers in a Huge Market in Los Angeles, and the excitement and joy that he brings to the game day in and day out. No lottery numbers and the money most likely will go to help pay for college, I'm sure.
The auction has since closed, and it appears the owner will have it graded in anticipation of a future sale.  As for what it's worth, I really don't have a clue.

BTW, in case you're wondering what the lottery number mention above is all about... Well, I asked him if he purchased some lottery tickets that afternoon, and whether he could pass the numbers along to me.  I figured it was worth a shot.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

A Yasiel Puig Gypsy Queen Card? It's Only Available at the National Sports Collectors Convention


In April Topps released their Gypsy Queen set, but it didn't include a Yasiel Puig card.  This isn't surprising since he had yet to play a Major League game and only current players are allowed in their MLB card sets. 

Well, over the weekend, Topps decided to fix that.  They announced on twitter a new limited edition Puig Gypsy Queen card that can only be had at the upcoming National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago.  All you have to do is go to the Topps booth with a box of their 2013 WBC Tribute cards, and open them up in their presence.  In return, you get the above Puig card.


This figures on being one of his scarcest cards of the year.  Only 100 cards per day of the show will be given out.  Since the show runs from Wednesday to Sunday this week only 500 cards have been made.


Wow!  I would love to be there.


* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 7/29/2013 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Ryu and Dee Gordon


I love this group of pics featuring Puig's home run.  Photo via Dodgers tumblr.  Check out even more pics from yesterday afternoon from Jon SooHoo here.
"He's adjusted very well and is pitching very well," Park told MLB.com from Cooperstown, N.Y. "I think he enjoys it very much. I'm very proud and enjoy watching him."
  • Naver.com has a whole bunch of pics focused on the matchup between Ryu and Choo.
  • "Choo-Ryu matchup a big draw for S. Korean population, via Mark Sheldon at MLB.com.
"I like to see a lot of Korean fans because I've played in Cleveland and Cincinnati, where there aren't a lot of Korean people," Choo said. "It's quiet -- no media, no fans. But here, it's like a small Korea."
“At first it was tough because I’m aggressive, I like to play hard, stuff like that,” Gordon said. “So it was tough at first but I’ve got good coaches who are helping me a lot. I’m just glad they’re taking the patience and time with me.”
“Obviously, it’s still going on, his temperature’s going up and down,” Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly said of the .289 hitter who’s stolen 10 bases this season. “Still fighting off an infection … sometimes antibiotics kick in and you know you’re good.”
"We're trying to corral it a little bit, but without putting too many restrictions on him," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "As you get into big games, any game can be the game it costs you, so we just want him to understand situations." 
  • Below is the best tweet of the day:



* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Boom Goes the Dynamite! Puig Hits a Walk-Off Homer


Somehow, Puig always seems to be a major factor in every game he plays. 

This afternoon, he struck out 3 times, but managed to get the meat of the bat on the ball when it counts the most.  In the 11th inning of a scoreless game, he pummeled a 0-1 fastball to the left field pavilion.

It was walk-off magic.

Watch this moon shot below.  The pics above are via Jon SooHoo.  Check out even more great photos from this afternoon here.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Sunday Dodger Videos: A Fernando Flashback, Puig Hits it Out of Stadium and Ryu on a Game Show

Here are this Sunday's Dodger Videos.

Here's a flashback video for you.  10/23/81: Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela strikes out Lou Piniella to finish his complete game and gets the Dodgers a win in Game 3 of the 1981 World Series.

Video Link:

DodgerFilms captured some Dodgers batting practice and captures Yasiel Puig hitting it out of the park.

Video Link:


Watch an episode of a Korean game show called Running Man that features Hyun-Jin Ryu and Shin-Soo Choo playing some psychic supernatural Baseball.  (Hat Tip: Reddit CrayonShinChan)

Video Link:


* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Blog Kiosk: 7/27/2013 - Dodger Links - Jansen on Twitter, Logan White and Greinke Disappointed in Braun


Hyuim-Jin Ryu and Shin-Soo Choo shake hands during a press conference yesterday.  Today the Korean superstars will face off against each other for the first time.  Pic via @Dodgers twitter.
One year later, the farm system is stirring with signs of life. The Yasiel Puig phenomenon is the quick payoff for what promises to be a reopening of a foreign pipeline of talent the Dodgers originally discovered, then abandoned.

More subtle, but no less important, is a sea-change in Draft approach from high-risk, high-reward high schoolers to more projectable college talent that should allow the Dodgers to more quickly fill more holes from within, which had become a frustration in recent years.
 "The main thing is, yeah, he lied to us," Greinke said. "He forced us to lie for him, threw people under the bus in order to help himself out and didn't care, blamed others for his mistakes and it’s just a lot of things you don’t expect from people."

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Happy Birthday, Bugs Bunny! A Born Blue Dodger Fan


I just thought I'd make note that everyone's happy rabbit, "Bugs Bunny", turns 73 years old today.  As the story goes, Bugs was born underneath Ebbets Field in Brooklyn on July 27th, 1940; which makes him a Dodger fan by birthright. 

In celebration, I've put up the classic film "Baseball Bugs" below for you to enjoy.  It was produced in 1946 and current resides in the public domain.

BTW, the card above is from the 1990 Upper Deck Comic Ball "Looney Tunes" card set.  At one time I had the complete set in my collection; including the colorful official albums.  Unfortunately, I can't seem to find it.  My memory is a little fuzzy, but I may have given it to a young cousin many moons ago in order to given a child a little smile.  I think it worked. 

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Friday, July 26, 2013

The Yasiel Puig Superfractor Rookie Card Has Been Pulled and It's For Sale!


This card probably ranks as the #1 pull of the year.

I was cruising around eBay during lunch and came across this beauty.  Up for sale with a $30,000.00 "Buy It Now" price is the above 2013 Bowman Chrome Mini Superfractor rookie card of Yasiel Puig.  It was pulled out of a Jumbo box just a couple of weeks ago.

Wow!

Someone is about to cash in.

A Superfractor is a seeded parallel card numbered to just one copy of each player in the set.  In this case, they are the Chrome Mini cards that can be found in packs of 2013 Bowman Baseball.  As you can see in the pic below, it is marked as a "1 of 1".  The fronts are super shiny with prismatic embellishments, and they are considered the cream of the crop when it comes to rookie cards.

Past Superfractors have sold for thousands of dollars.  In May of 2010 the Stephen Stasburg 2010 Bowman Chrome Superfractor sold on eBay for $16,403.  Then, that same Strasburg resold soon after at $21,403.  The 2010 Bowman Team USA Bryce Harper Superfractor sold for $12,500 in 2010.  The 2006 Bowman Chrome Superfractor of Clayton Kershaw showed up on eBay in 2012 at a "Buy It Now" price of $17,500, but does not appear to have sold.

There's no telling how high the Puig card can go, but based on the above sales it's clear it'll be in the 5 figures. How much higher is anybody's guess.

Check out the Yasiel Puig Superfractor card auction right here.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Get a Puig Photo and Meet Former Dodger Al Ferrara at the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Game on Sunday


This Sunday's Rancho Cucamonga Quakes games looks like a big winner for fans.  The first 1,500 fans will receive a commemorative Tremor & Yasiel Puig photo at the game.  On top of that, former LA Dodger Al Ferrara will be on hand to meet with fans for a autograph session.  He will be signing from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.  Gates open at 4:05 PM.  Go here for more information.

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Try These On for Size: SCP Auctions a Bunch of Dodger Gamers

I've just been ga-ga over SCP's current auction of Dodger memorabilia.  On Tuesday I featured collectibles belonging to former short stop Bill Russell, and yesterday my post had items belonging to Steve Garvey and Rick Dempsey.  Today, I show a bunch of game-used Dodger uniforms going back to 1970.  Check them out below.

I think this is the best of the bunch.  This a 1978 Dodger road uniform of Jim Gilliam.  He is the only Dodger to have his numbered retired by the team who is not a Hall of Famer.  As I'm sure you know, he passed away just before the start of the 1978 World Series match-up against the Yankees.
(Auction Link)

Below is a 1970 Steve Garvey rookie home uniform.
(acution link)

Below is a 1975 Don Sutton game-used jersey.
(Auction Link)

Below is a 1976 Ron Cey game-used uniform.  I love the National League Centennial patch on the sleeve.
(Auction Link)

The Bulldog is featured in the uniform below.  Here is a Orel Hershiser's 1991 gamer.
(Auction Link)


* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 7/26/2013 - Dodger Links - Vin Scully, Lilly DFA'd and Brian Wilson?


Check out Vin Scully in the press box during his bobblehead give-away night.  Pic via @dodgers twitter.

“We didn’t want to do this,” Mattingly said. “We all love Teddy. He just couldn’t stay healthy.

“It just gets to the point where we had to make a decision.”
“I don’t see it happening, there’s not that type of group of players out there,” Colletti said. “It’s a really thin market, more than in past years.”
  • Ryu, Choo to meet in all-Korean pitcher-batter duel in MLB, via Yonhap News.  There's a great photo of Ryu peering in to watch Choo's press conference.
  • Are the Dodgers thinking about signing Brian Wilson?  Bill Plunkett mentioned on twitter yesterday that the Dodgers saw him pitch.

  • "Dodgers Could Be Last Team To Strike Gold With Local TV Deal," via Wendy Thurm at FanGraphs.
  • "Nate Silver, data, and storytelling: ESPN's new hire could transform sports television.," via Douglas Alden Warshaw at CNN Money.
  • This is for the Kings fan who miss your favorite palyers.  Drew Doughty's shared a bunch of pics from his Grand Slam for Cancer softball game this past weekend on facebook, here.
  • Dodger fans give Vin Scully a standing ovation on his bobblehead night in the MLB video below.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Thursday, July 25, 2013

SCP Auctions: More Dodger Goodies

Along with the Bill Russell Collection I featured a couple of days ago, SCP Auctions has available for sale more Dodgers memorabilia items worth taking note of; including collectibles from Steve Garvey and items from former Dodger catcher Rick Dempsey.  Check my favorites below.  Be sure to click any pick to embiggen.

This is the first time I've seen this kind of commemorative Dodger Baseball, so I'm unsure of its origins.  This was within Garvey's personal collection and has been signed by him.
(Auction Link)
(Auction Link)

Here is another Stave Garvey item.  Below is his game-used 3rd baseman glove.
(Auction Link)

It's easy to forget that Rick Dempsey was a part of the 1988 World Series Champion Dodgers.  He joined the club as a free agent to be their backup catcher.  Better regarded as a defensive specialist he went on to have one of his finest offensive season of his career that year.  Per Phil Gurnee at True Blue LA:
Splitting time with Mike Scoscia, Dempsey tore up left handed pitching, posting a career best 129 OPS+. Rick only had 198 plate appearances but he made the most of them, hitting 13 doubles, and seven home runs.
Below is his 1988 World Series Championship ring.
(Auction Link)

(Auction Link)

The Jackie Robinson bust below is just plain cool looking.  From the auction description:
From Bret Saberhagen's personal collection comes this 18-inch high near-lifesize bronze bust of Jackie Robinson by acclaimed artist and sculptor Palmer Murphy. Murphy's work is well known within the sports memorabilia hobby, including producing a number of different busts and even some of the "modern" Hartland statues, but these spectacular bronze pieces issued by the Hall of Fame remain among his most notable entries in the sports field.
(Auction Link)

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *