Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Here are some Day 1 Twitter Pics of "The National"

Following up on all of the photos I shared yesterday from the National Sports Card Collectors Convention in Cleveland, here are some more pics from today that might make you envious of everyone there. 

The show officially opened up this afternoon, with VIP ticket holders getting early entry and free autograph opportunities with former Major Leaguers Carlos Baerga, Dale Murphy and Denny McLain.  Below is Baerga, via ESPN Mint Condition on twitter:


And here is Dale Murphy with some fans, via his own twitter account.  I gotta add that I really hated Dale Murphy.  Not because he was a bad guy... Not in the least... I hated him because he always seems to kill the Dodgers.  And the way he swung that bat around, which must have been 40 inches long, just scared the living daylights out of me every time he came up to the plate.  As I now check his stats, I see that he didn't even hit us very hard, but I still feared, respected and hated the guy.


Now, on to the show.  Wheatland Auctions shares a panoramic:


WTF?  Pete Rose broke up the Beatles?  (Via VSM Sportscards on twitter)


Here's another look at Topps tiny pavilion, via SCC Trading Cards:


Leaf, on the other hand, pulled out all of the stops.  Via SCC Trading Cards:


ThoseBackPages shows us some incredible vintage cards in a case.


Here's Panini's booth, via SportsCardNews:


Here's Upper Deck, via Chris Harris of Stale Gum:


Finally, here's a game-used Babe Ruth bat at the Memory Lane booth, via Jamie Taylor on twitter:


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

Check out this Great Willard Mullin Brooklyn "Bum" Drawing at Hile High


Willard Mullin is one of my favorite all-time favorite sports artist, so whenever I run across some of his work I just can't help but share it here.  For instance, Mile High Card Co's current August 2014 auction includes an original drawing of Mullin's Brookyn Dodger "Bum" leaning over a bewildered gentleman who represents the Cardinals.  It is titled "the Diagnostician."  See it above, and check out the auction here.

This particular drawing appeared in the June 28, 1950 edition of the Sporting News (which you can see below).  Click on any pic to embiggen.

At this point in the season the Dodgers and Cardinals were still battling it out in the National League.  The Dodgers were holding on to a half game lead over the Phillies and a game lead over the Cardinals.  Unfortunately, the season wouldn't finish like that.  The Phillies would go on to win the NL, but lost to the Yankees in the World Series, four straight.
(Auction Link)

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

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Dee Gordon and Bill Buckner UPDATE!! Mota, Yeager, Johnstone, Cey, Valenzuela and Jarrin

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.

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

Dee Gordon will be at Harry's Dugout in Whittier on Saturday, August 2nd from 11:00 Am to 12:00 PM.  Go here for more information.   Also, check out the flyer below.
Harry's Dugout
10715 Beverly Blvd. 
Whittier Ca 90601 
(310) 606-1548

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

This next autograph opportunity are for readers in the Fresno area.  Former Dodger Bill Buckner will be signing autographs on Friday, August 1st at the Fresno Grizzles Baseball game.  Go here for more information.
The Fresno Grizzlies have announced Major League Baseball great Bill Buckner as the featured guest for Christian Fellowship Night on Friday, August 1st at Chukchansi Park. The Grizzlies will be playing the last of a four-game series against the Reno Aces, Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Gates will open for the general public at 6:05 p.m. (5:35 p.m. for season ticket holders).

Buckner, 64, will be tossing out the ceremonial first pitch for the Grizzlies and signing autographs along the concourse for fans. After postgame Friday Night Fireworks, presented by PG&E, the Vallejo, California native will address the crowd with a speech in the Tecate Cantina (located along the left field concourse).
Chukchansi Park
1800 Tulare St
Fresno, CA 93721
---------------------------
UPDATE:  This is big!!  Go here for information!

http://www.shopwss.com/grandopening/

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

Blog Kiosk: 7/30/2014 - Dodger Links - Vin Scully is Coming Back for 2015 and is the FCC Cracking the Whip at TWC?


Blue Heaven reader Cathy was kind enough to pass along the above photo of Tommy Lasorda signing what looks like leather "sweet spot" style baseballs for an upcoming Baseball card set while in Cooperstown this past weekend.  
(Gif via Dodger Dugout)
"It is very difficult to say goodbye," said Scully. "God willing I will be back next year. Over the years I have been blessed to have so many friends including those that sit in the stands and listen as well as those at home, who listen and watch. It is just too hard to say goodbye to all these friends. Naturally there will come a time, when I will have to say goodbye, but I've soul-searched and this is not the time."
Thank you Vin!
Wheeler specifically wants TWC to provide, within 10 days, an explanation of the arbitration process that it has proposed, how that could resolve the matter, and other steps the cable company can take to fix things if arbitration fails.  In addition, he wants FCC logounredacted copies of contracts or term sheets in SportsNet’s deal with TWC, and proposals to other pay TV distributors.
... 
Via Chairman Wheeler: "I am writing to express my strong concern about how your actions appear to have created the inability of consumers in the Los Angeles area to watch televised games of the Los Angeles Dodgers." 
The Chairman has requested a ton of information within 10 days.  A part of me feels that their (TWC's) lobbying effort has backfired.  Now, TWC is asked to provide a slew of information, and if they do that I may have to make a freedom of information act request.  I'll have to figure out that process since it's been years since I've done that.  On the other hand, TWC can just make all of that information public themselves, but I wouldn't hold my breath. 


  • FYI, the Dodgers reinstated left-handed relief pitcher Scott Elbert from the 60-day disabled list and designated him for assignment.  Per a Dodger press release:
Elbert made 15 rehab appearances (two starts) for Dodger affiliates this year, going 0-1 with a 4.26 ERA for Rookie-advanced Ogden, Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Triple-A Albuquerque as he worked his way back from 2013 Tommy John surgery. Elbert, who was originally selected by the Dodgers in the first round (17th overall) of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, last pitched in the Majors on Aug. 26, 2012 and went 3-3 with two saves and a 3.61 ERA in 120 games with the Dodgers from 2008-12.

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