Wednesday, October 07, 2015

Nifty Jackie Robinson Drawings on eBay


Here a couple fantastic illustrations I found eBay of Jackie Robinson that I wanted to point out.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

Above is a drawing, likely for a newspaper, of Jackie that highlights many of his career accomplishments on the diamond.  Check out the eBay auction here.  It is drawn by New England cartoonist Phil Bissell and is undated.  Much of Bissell's work appeared in papers such as the Herald, Boston Globe, Worcester Telegram and Gazette, but he is most remembered for creating the original mascot for the New England Patriots football club.  The mascot was named "Pat Patriot" and it remained an icon for the franchise until it was replaced in the 1990's. 

Below is an drawing of Jackie Robinson with Negro League star Judy Johnson.  Check out the eBay auction here. It was drawn by noted Baseball (and Wild West) artist Mario DeMarco.  It is undated.

DeMarco is well known to Baseball card collectors.  His work had appeared in Beckett Magazine and he was commissioned to created the first 68 drawings for a card set known as the Callahan Hall of Fame set that was originally released in 1950.  An avid fan of the game, he would often draw for himself.  Per Sandy Meindersma at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette:
After completing a picture, Mr. DeMarco would send it to the player for an autograph.

"Babe Ruth said he was keeping it, and my father would have to draw another one that he would sign," Mrs. Colorio (his daughter) said.

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Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Garvey, Russell, Abbott and Dickerson

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.

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This is a rather busy weekend; especially for Steve Garvey.  He is signing at Hall of Fame Cards in Arcadia on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM to Noon; then headed out to Pomona later that day.  As for the morning signing here is the information.  You receive (1) FREE autograph with every $50 minimum purchase. Mix & match Steve Garvey items, card packs, accessories, or just about anything in our store (not including hobby boxes).  A limited number of VIP autograph packages are available and it includes full-size replica LA Dodger batting helmet.  Go here for more information.
Hall of Fame Baseball Cards 
319 E. Foothill Blvd. 
Arcadia, Ca. 91006 
(626) 358-2448

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The California RV Show will be at the LA Fairplex in Pomona this weekend and it will feature several autograph guest of note; including Steve Garvey, Jim Abbott and Eric Dickerson.  Admission is $10 per day.  Go here for information.
California RV Show
Fairplex, Gate 9
Pomona, CA
Hat Tip: Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy

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Frank & Sons also has a couple of autograph guest coming this Saturday.  Check out the flyers below, or go here for information.  For information on how the Bill Russell tickets will be distributed go here.
Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 San Jose Avenue
City of Industry, CA 91748

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Blog Kiosk: 10/7/2015 - Dodger Links - No Uribe, Ryu on the Mend and Andre Ethier


Andre Ethier knows it's all about the right frame of mind... and a playoff beard.

BTW, it's now official.  Clayton Kershaw will pitch Game 1 and Zach Greinke will pitch Game 2.  Also, the Game 3 pitcher for the Dodgers will be Brett Anderson.  The remaining games, if needed, have yet to be determined.

The above pic via the Dodgers on twitter.  Below are more links to check out:
  • Ummm.... What?  Via Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider, "By Jiminy, cricket coming to Dodger Stadium in November."  My first thought was... "those games can take days!"  Then I found out that they'll be playing an abbreviated form of the game called T20.  I have absolutely no idea how this game is played, but I just might take a moment to learn.
  • This is actually good news for the Dodgers.  I was really afraid that Uribe would perform his usual heroics and win a game off the bench.  Now, we don't have to worry about that.  Via Vincent Samperio at Dodgers Nation, "NLDS News: Juan Uribe Won’t Face Dodgers In First Round."
  • This is good news.  Via Dylan Hernandez on twitter, Ryu has started throwing again:

  • Steiner Sports recently released their 2015 Playoff Collection that includes the below 10" x 20" collage with game-used dirt from Dodger Stadium.  Go here to check that out. They also have individual player plaques with game dirt for seven different players.
  • I'm not a particularly big fan of the Topps Bunt program, but I figure this was worth mentioning.  Topps Bunt is an app where fans collect virtual Baseball cards, and Topps recently released 20 different 2015 postseason digital cards; including the Clayton Kershaw on the right.  Ryan Cracknell at Beckett has more information here.  I'm hoping that they eventually put this on real cardboard.
  • Jane Wells of CNBC spoke with Dodger President Stan Kasten to talk playoffs, fantasy sports betting and their new Accelerator program.  Watch the video here.  On a side note, the Accelerator program is just further proof of how brilliant this Dodger ownership is.  They are leveraging their brand as a leader in the game and in sports in general to invest in start-ups that could very well lead to giant returns.  What an incredible idea - the Dodgers doing some angel investing.
  • For info on how to legally watch the MLB Playoffs online without cable go here
  • defgav at Baseball Card Breakdown, tears apart an Hanley Ramirez card - just for the giggles.  Check it out here.
  • I guess I'll take whoever wants to root for the Dodgers - for whatever reason.  Via Big Red Fury, "Why Husker Fans Need the Dodgers to Win the World Series."
Feel free to pshaw and call this idea cockamamie all you want, but if you do the research, you’ll see I’m not yanking your chain. Every time the Huskers have played in a title game or made a National Championship run, the Dodgers preceded those appearances with a World Series victory.
  • I have no doubt that the Rangers want their fans to die.  Via Kyle Newport at the Bleacher Report, "Texas Rangers Introduce Wild New Concession-Stand Items for 2015 Playoffs."  They will offering concoctions like a cotton candy dog and a large bag of Cheetos filled with meat, cheese and other taco-like fillings.
  • A must see!  In honor of Back to the Future here is Jaws 19.

Video Link:

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