Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Take a Look at Some Vintage Dodger Goodies at Hake's Auctions

Hunt's isn't the only auction house running a big auction right now.  Hake's Americana & Collectibles has just opened up their 213th major auction this week and it includes some great vintage Dodger memorabilia.  Here are some of my favorites.

Below is a pinback you just don't see very often.  Here is a circa 1940's-50's Montreal Royals pin (designated PM10) complete with ribbons and a white celluloid ball charm.  As you know, the Royals were the Brooklyn Dodgers main farm club and the place where Jackie Robinson got his start within the Dodger franchise.
(Auction Link)

Speaking of Jackie Robinson, below is a vintage press photo, circa 1945, of him in a Kansas City Monarchs uniform.  This is an original Sporting News photograph. 
(Auction Link)

The below grouping of vintage photographs is absolutely incredible, and I would do almost anything to have a chance to get a closer look at them all.  This auction item includes 50 different 5"x7" original Brooklyn Superbas photographs from ”Spooner & Wells, Inc. Photographers” out of New York City.  They date from 1908 to 1910 and feature some great background shots of old stadiums; including the Dodgers old home at Washington Park II.

Of all the photos they share in the auction listing I most fascinated with two photos showing a haphazardly-looking wooden fence in the background shown directly below.  Where could those photos possibly have been taken?  I would really love to know.
(Auction Link)

(Auction Link)

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So, Why Did Logan White Leave?


Logan White leaving for the southern pastures of San Diego sure has been a shock to the system.  He had been a wizard in the scouting front office and a legend in the minds of prospect-minded Dodger fans.  So, his departure has been seen as a huge loss for the franchise. 

As I'm sure most had hoped (myself included), the combination of the Dodgers newest hire Andrew Friendman and Logan White working together appeared to be a fantastic 1-2 punch.  After all, continuity within the Dodger ranks was a major theme for Friendman during his recent press conference and one would think that this meant he wanted to retain the experience and know-how of a person like Logan White.

Unfortunately, it takes two to tango and we are left wondering what drove Logan away. 

Was it a potentially diminishing role within the club?  Did Logan find the prospect of a two headed dragon at the scouting helm unappealing?  Was the talk of continuity by Friendman just a smoke screen, and he was actually pushed out?  Or did Logan just want to experience something different - a new challenge maybe?

Only Logan White knows the true answer.  Thankfully, though, through the wonder of twitter we get a slight glimpse at his frame of mind from some established reporters.  Check out what has been shared online since White's announced departure yesterday.  

Dodger Talk host David Vassegh spoke with White and shared that personal relationships within the Padres franchise was a motivating factor:


This sentiment was echoed by OC Register reporter Bill Plunkett:


In fact, Plunkett goes further by commenting that a change in role with the Dodgers was not a major concern. 


And that both Freidman and Kasten had been stand-up throughout this process, via David Vassegh on twitter:


Eric Stephen at True Blue LA on twitter likely got to the gist of the matter.  Logan would have an expanding role with the Padres:


While at the same time, Andrew Friendman would have an opportunity to build the club without his interference.  As Bill Plunkett noted, Friedman will now have a chance to make a huge mark on the Dodgers.


Ultimately, I guess it was too much to believe that the dream team of White/Friedman could last.  They would eventually butt heads (if they hadn't already), and I'm sure Logan understood that his capacity to exert influence had naturally diminished.  This was Andrew Friedman's team now and he had every right to lead it in the direction that he saw fit.  For better or worse, the Dodgers are no longer the club that existed just a couple of years ago.  They are reborn and all we can do is hope that these changes to the front office lead to success in the future.

Pic at the very top via Ben Platt/LA Dodgers - June 2006

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Blog Kiosk: 10/28/2014 - Dodger Links - Some Odds and Ends


On this date in 1981 the Dodgers defeated the NY Yankees in Game 6 of the World Series.  They won their 5th franchise championship.  Above is a photo of their celebration, via @Dodgers_History on twitter.  As you can see, Steve Howe was on the mound to earn his first save of the series and his only playoff save of his career.  Also shown is eventual World Series co-MVP's Pedro Guerrero and Steve Yeager.  Along with third baseman Ron Cey and outfielder Pedro Guerrero they represented an offensive triumvirate that powered the Dodgers to victory.  BTW, this was the first time ever (and only time) three players were named co-MVP's for a World Series.

Below are some links to check out:
Seager has been named to the West Division roster for the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game
I understand that since 2008, the Dodgers’ drafts haven’t produced much in the way of even decent players, but with White’s responsibilities as AGM and McCourt’s refusal to put money into player development and scouting, there was only so much he could do. It’s no coincidence that since 2012 (you know, when Guggenheim took over), the Dodgers have been exceedingly active in the international market and have drafted some players with high ceilings — the way it used to be when White first started with the Dodgers.

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