Wednesday, February 05, 2014

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Meet Vince Ferragamo in Rowland Heights

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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

This is the only event I am aware of this weekend.  Former Rams quarterback Vince Farragamo will be signing free autographs on Saturday, February 8th from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.  It will be at optometry practice of Dr. Alex Corbin Liu in Rowland Heights.  Go here for more information.

Dr. Alex Corbin Liu
19735 East Colima Road, Suite 4
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
Hat Tip: David's Autograph Signings

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

Heritage Auctions: Writing to Jackie Robinson


In 1952 a young Syracuse University student named Richard wrote to Jackie Robinson in hopes that he could provide some insight.  Although we do not know exactly what Richard asked, I think it's fair to say that he wondered why Baseball?  Why does the public follow the game so closely?

Well, Jackie does his best to provide his opinion in this letter that is now up for sale at Heritage Auctions.

Read what he had to say below:
I received your letter and I believe that the reason for the publics staunch support and interest in baseball is that it has offered complete relaxation in a very enjoyable manner.  This may appear paradoxical, as we all know how avid fans of the team become excited, elated or saddened depending on the play.  In Baseball the interest and enjoyment offers such diversion, as it is complete relaxation from the daily chores.

Spectators have passed on their enthusiasm to their children.  It appears people are more anxious for entertainment where they can relax and take their minds off emergencies.  The army has established and maintained Baseball in occupation countries as they have proven it relieves tension and makes for relaxation.

I hope the above will prove helpful for your thesis.
I think Jackie is on the ball with his assessment.  We fans follow because it's a enjoyable departure from everyday life, and as Terence Mann said in 'Field of Dreams':
It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.
A game like Baseball allows us to sit back and revel in the majesty of the play, and in the wonder of loss and gain.

As of this posting, the above letter is currently at $700.00.  I wouldn't be surprised if it reached even higher; considering its content.  BTW, I have a couple more post coming soon featuring both Dodgers and general Baseball memorabilia that are for sale; including some Civil War Baseball treasures.
(auction link)

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

2014 Topps Baseball Series 1 - Dodgers' Jumbo and Commemorative Patch Inserts

Here are some more Dodgers' inserts that can be found in 2014 Topps Baseball Series 1 packs.  This time, I show some of the jumbo and retail pack exclusive inserts.  Go here to see all of my previous post featuring this set. 

The below Framed Rookie Card reprints come in either black, gold or silver frames.

Top 25 Framed Rookie Card Reprints

#RCF-2 Sandy Koufax
 

Class Rings

#CR-1 Sandy Koufax

#CR-18 Jackie Robinson

#CR-24 Clayton Kershaw

Class Rings Gold Gems Autographs

#CRA-SK Sandy Koufax

These next group of manufactured patch cards are available only in retail packs.


Manufactured Commemorative Patch Card

#CP-17 Yasiel Puig

#CP-18 Clayton Kershaw

Rookie Card Manufactured Patch Image Card

#RCP-3 Sandy Koufax

#RCP-22 Clayton Kershaw

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

Blog Kiosk: 2/5/2014 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Guerra and the Dodger Owners by the Sparks


Yasiel Puig will be on the cover of the newest edition of ESPN Magazine; out this Friday.  Pic via @DodgersPR on twitter.
“We have a great pitching staff, a lot of bullpen arms,” Guerra said. “It’s going to be tough to crack this team, but I’m up for the challenge. It’s a great opportunity and a great time to be a Dodger.”
  • The Derrel Thomas Foundation will be hosting its 2nd Annual Positive Image Awards in Jurupa Valley, CA.  Go here for more information.  The charity dinner is on Thursday, February 20th, and it will celebrate outstanding members of the community.  (Hat Tip: Roberto Baly at Vin Scully is My Homeboy)
  • Emma at Dodger Blue World expresses her desire for game tickets issued by the Dodgers.  I think it's overwhelming that fans want their ticket stubs.
  • Via Ramona Shelburne at ESPN, Magic Johnson, Mark Walter, Stan Kasten and other Dodgers' partners have purchased the Sparks.
  • Via Lyle Spencer at MLB.com, "Forgotten pioneers: '63 Dodgers made huge impact: Season marked first time a predominantly black lineup lead team to World Series title".
  • Well.  Well.  Eli Manning and the NY Giants may be selling off fake game-used memorabilia, via a story by Kaja Whitehouse at the NY Post.  A memorabilia dealer was indicted on federal charges related to selling fake memorabilia, but they were subsequently dropped as a result of certain revelations (likely related to this lawsuit).  Remember, there have already been prosecutions and serious jail time for numerous other dealers of fake sports memorabilia.  That dealer in question is now suing the Giants and Eli.
If true, this is severely screwed up, and fraudulent.  These folks were willing to let a guy go to jail to cover up their greed and malfeasance.  Fans and collectors paid big money and premium dollars for stuff they thought were real. BTW, this could prove to be a big issue for Steiner Sports since it appears they may have placed too much trust in the Giants.

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