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Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Some Great Dodger Memorabilia at Goldin Auctions - Campy, Andre and Kershaw

Here's another great offering from Goldin Auctions to sink your teeth into.  Their current auction is now live and closes on July 12th.

Clearly, the most impressive Dodger memorabilia item is Roy Campanella's 1951 National League MVP Award.  This is the real deal!  Bidding is already at $55K.
(Auction Link)

And, how about a couple of game-used Dodger batting helmet of Andre Ethier.  It was worn in a game against the Giants on October 3, 2012 - the Dodgers last home game.

Considering his current career trajectory, this item needs to be in a museum.  Below is Clayton Kershaw's game-used uniform from his very first Major League game.  It was worn on May 25th, 2008 in a start against the Cardinals.  He went 6 strong innings; giving up just 2 runs and striking out 7.  Unfortunately, he did not receive a decision.  The Dodgers won the game 4 to 3 in the 10th inning.  Andre Ethier knocked in the game-winning run with a walk-off single - driving home Juan Pierre.
(Auction Link)

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What a Mighty Fine Day for a Kings Parade


I can now say that the 2014 Kings hockey season is officially over.

Yesterday afternoon, I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to head to downtown LA for the Kings 2014 Stanley Cup Championship parade and rally at the Staples Center.  It was a beautiful perfect day.  The sun was shining and the crowd was united in one goal - to celebrate with some of the greatest fans and gutsiest group of men the city has ever had the good fortune to call their own.

Before I share some of my pics, check out some great links that includes videos and photos from throughout the web.  (I'll update this with more links as time goes by.)
Now, on to some of my photos.  Click any pic to embiggen.  Below is a view of the crowd as I walked up.

I quickly situated myself in front of The Pantry as the buses came by.  At the front of the bus is Jeff Carter, Marian Gaborik and Mike Richards.  I think it's important to note that Gaborik came to the Kings as a trade deadline acquisition, and absolutely wowed us.  He had always been a high-octane scorer, but never seemed to find a home on a suitable line.  Then, Gaborik came to LA and was magic playing on the wing with Anze Kopitar; leading the playoffs with 14 goals.  I hope the Kings find a way to keep him in LA for at least a couple more years. 

Broadcaster Nick Nickson, Darryl Evans and Jimmy Fox are in front below.

Tanner Pearson, Tyler Toffoli, Martin Jones, Jeff Schultz and Dwight King are seen below.  Schultz was a key unsung hero during this Kings Cup run.  He came to the Kings as a veteran free agent, but didn't make the team roster.  Instead, he learned the Kings system in the minors, and played in the playoffs when the Kings D-Corps battled injuries.  Schultz was great during the Ducks series, and I believe that if not for him we might not be here today.

Coach Darryl Sutter appears to have his own bus.  He's holding the child at the front of the bus.

 Jarret Stoll, Matt Greene, Willie Mitchell and Justin Williams are below.

The Cup! Captain Dustin Brown is holding it up, but goalie Jonathan Quick blocks my view of him.  You also see LA Mayor Eric "potty-mouth" Garcetti (My nickname for him is in jest.  Frankly, he won my vote with his little outburst.) to the left of Quick and Luc Robitaille to his left.  Somehwhere in that mix below is Anze Kopitar.

Kyle Clifford, Jake Muzzin and Jordan Nolan can be seen below.

Hero defenseman with a great stick save in overtime Slava Voynov and Robyn Regehr are below.

Alec Martinez, Drew Doughty and Trevor Lewis are waving below.

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't throw in this stunning photo of Coach Sutter below.  I grabbed it off of twitter, via Yahoo Puck Daddy writer Sean Leahy.
(Shirtless Sutter, pic via Sean Leahy on twitter)

Now, on to the rally inside the Staples Center.  I watched the festivities from my season ticket seats.  If you look closely below, you can see Kings broadcaster Bob Miller and coach Sutter.

Kings GM Dean Lombardi gave a great speech, and always makes me wish the Dodgers had a guy just like him.  He's a proven leader with a keen eye towards planning.

I've written about this before, but I thought I'd mention again a "Breakfast with the GM" season ticket holder meeting he held so many years ago.  He laid out honestly and directly what was wrong with the franchise, the team as it was and what he needed to do to transform the club into a perennial winner.  He was frank and brutal, and we needed to hear that.  Then, he laid out a complete plan for success, and he has followed it to a "T".

I remember being struck by how logical it all was.  We would keep draft picks, build from within, continue to develop talent, make big necessary trades to push us to elite status, and build a culture geared towards winning and teamwork.

It worked, and now we have an opportunity to celebrate a second Stanley Cup Champion in three years.

You can watch Dean Lombardi's speech from yesterday below.

Video Link:

In the photo below, Dean asked Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown to the podium.  He then asked them which championship was sweeter - the first one or this one?  They both said in unison,
"The Next One!"

Captain Dustin Brown, who is the first American-born Captain in the NHL to win 2 Stanley Cup Championships, came to the podium and hit it out of the park.  If you missed Brown's speech watch it below.

Video Link:

Finally, they all gathered around The Cup for a group picture.


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Blog Kiosk: 6/17/2014 - Dodger Links - Billingsley, Kershaw on Bills and Grant Holmes Close to Signing


What an awesome photo of the California contingent to the 1985 National League All-Star Game roster, pic via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 1995.  Can you name them all?  Answer at the very bottom of post.  Of course, in the mix is Tony Gwynn.  RIP, Tony.
  • BTW, several Kings (names not confirmed yet) will be heading to tonight's game at Dodger Stadium with the Stanley Cup in tow.  There will be a special pregame ceremony honoring the team and their 2nd Stanley Cup Championship.  BTW, the Kings will have another parade through 3 South Bay cities (Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach) on Wednesday.  Go here for information.
  • Jared Massey at Dodgers Nation shares his recent interview with Dodger 2014 9th Round Draft Pick Matt Campbell.
JM: If you could, give us a scouting report on yourself
MC: I love throwing my fastball. No matter what the count, situation, etc. I love going to my fastball. I have a slider and a change up and I would say my change up is my favorite off speed pitch of the two.
The collective bargaining agreement allows for rehab assignments to last up to 30 days, and Elbert starting all the way down in rookie ball suggests that the Dodgers will be deliberate and methodical in his rehab.



“Bills is a good friend of mine, so I just feel bad for him,” said Clayton Kershaw, for six years a teammate of Billingsley. “I know how much he loves to complete and how much he wanted to pitch, and I can’t imagine going through that whole rehab process and finding out that news. You just try to put yourself in his shoes and be there for him the best you can, and realize it’s a pretty terrible situation.”
The player, pitcher Grant Holmes, said he has an agreement in place pending a physical. The allotted slot amount for the No. 22 pick is $1.98 million. 
  • In the photo at the very top of this post (from left to right) are: Mike Piazza, Tony Gwynn, Todd Worrell, Jose Offerman, Raul Mondesi, Barry Bonds and Hideo Nomo.

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