Blog Kiosk: 9/30/2016 - Dodgers Links - Kershaw, Reddick, Toles, Puig and Vin Scully

Before the start of yesterdays game a nice little moment happened between a young fan and Yasiel Puig.  As you can see in the pic above, the Dodger fan held up a sign offering to do push-ups in exchange for a bat.  Obviously, Puig couldn't help but take the bait.  So, he negotiated an exchange.  For 50 push-ups he would get one of his bats.  You can go here to watch the kid complete the task -- all the while, Puig provided all the encouragement he could muster.

BTW, the Dodgers defeated the Padres, 9-4, to remain just a couple games behind the Nationals for home field advantage during the upcoming NLDS.

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out a more pics of yesterdays game taken by Jon SooHoo.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1923 Ebbets Field in Brooklyn held Zach Wheat Day in honor of the retiring Hall of Fame outfielder.  In 1956 Don Newcombe won his 27th game of the season.  He defeated the Pirates, 8-6, at Forbes Field.  In 1999 the Dodgers Giants play the very last Baseball game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.  The Dodgers defeated the Gnats, 9-4.
• Happy Birthday. Johnny Podres, José Lima, Kenley Jansen and Nap Rucker!

Blog Kiosk: 9/5/2016 - Dodgers Links - Puig, Kershaw, Bellinger and De Leon

That wasn't a bad debut for Jose De Leon yesterday.  He went a strong six innings, allowing four earned runs on six hits and no walks.  De Leon also struck out nine Padres batters.  Per Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA:

“The line score doesn’t speak to how Jose pitched today,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters after the game. “Obviously the punch outs were great, but throwing strikes and holding base runners – picked a guy off – and even when there was the soft liner, the bunt base hit and the close play by [Travis] Jankowski that got away from him and scored a run, he kept his composure.”
...
“Remember, Jose has been a strikeout pitcher all his life,” said Jose M. De Leon, the young right-hander’s father who flew his family in from Puerto Rico for his son’s MLB debut. “But I didn’t expect that; to project that strikeout success that he had before to the big leagues. But nine strikeouts in six innings, I guess he’s going to keep doing what he has been doing all his life. He’s a strikeout pitcher.”

The rookie earned his first victory of his career and helped propel the Dodgers to a three game lead over the slumping Giants.  BTW, only two other Dodger pitchers have recorded more strike outs in their professional debut - Pedro Astacio and Kaz Ishii with ten each.  Furthermore, since 1913 only four other hurlers in the Major Leagues have recorded at least nine strike outs and zero walks in their debut.

On a side note, we also found out (via Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA) that Yasiel Puig called his three0run home run in the third inning of yesterdays game:

“He called it, he actually called it,” De Leon said of Puig’s home run. “It’s actually like the third time this year that he’s called some shots. It’s amazing.”

As a result, De Leon shared a huge hug with Puig in the Dodgers dugout after his three-run blast.

“That guy has done it so many times that it just cracks me up,” he added.

Photos above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon and Juan Ocampo from yesterdays game.  Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodger History:  In 1908 Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) pitcher Nap Rucker throws a no-hitter against the Boston Braves at Washington Park.  In 1955 Don Newcombe beat the Phillies for his 20th win of the season and hit his seventh home run of the year - breaking a National League record for homers by a pitcher. 

Some Great Dodger Memorabilia at Lelands Auctions - Koufax, Ebbets Field, Nap Rucker and Jake Daubert

Yesterday, I shared some fantastic vintage Dodger photographs currently on auction at Lelands; including a panoramic 1935 team photograph featuring an historic Baseball player (Len Koeneche) whose story is typically only known by astute Baseball historians.  Today, I feature a bunch of other Dodger memorabilia items available at Lelands.  Check them out below.

Here is a fantastic portrait painted by Southern California native and lifelong Dodgers fan Samantha Wendell.  It has a feel of a Nicholas Volpe painting (the fellow who painted all those Union Oil portraits).

(Auction Link)

I love this next item.  Featured below is a cast-iron baseball that once decorated Ebbets Field in Brooklyn.  It was rescued from its demolition and kept for safe keeping.  It measures approximately 5.5" in diameter.  A plaque reads:

"EBBETS FIELD BROOKLYN N Y C APRIL 5, 1913 - FEBRUARY 23, 1960 CAST IRON WALL FIXTURE REMOVED DURING STADIUM DEMOLITION.

(Auction Link)

Here is an early advertising piece featuring a couple old-tyme Brooklyn Dodger stars - lefty pitcher Nap Rucker and first baseman Jake Daubert.  These pieces were made for Ide Silver Collars of Troy, NY, and includes the following testimonials:

"JAKE DAUBERT IN A 'CLAYMONT' MY COLLAR TROUBLES ENDED WHEN I COMMENCED WEARING IDE SILVER COLLARS. THEY'RE COMFORTABLE AND KEEP THEIR 'STORE LOOKS' FOR A LONG TIME." and "'NAP' RUCKER IN A 'BERTRON' IDE SILVER COLLARS BELONG IN THE BIG LEAGUES. THEY FILL EVERY COLLAR WANT THAT A MAN CAN ASK FOR."

(Auction Link)

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Legendary Auctions: Dodgers Memorabilia Part 1

Legendary Auctions is about to run a new auction and provides a preview for collectors to look through.  Fortunately, there are a bunch of great Dodgers related memorabilia.  In fact, there is so much I wanted to share I decided to cut it up into a couple of post.  Here is Part 1.

Below is a 1915 Fatima cigarettes advertising poster that features three National League stars; most notably Hall of Fame Dodger Zach Wheat.  Along with Wheat, Red Smith of the Boston Braves and Gavvy Cravath of the Philadelphia Phillies represent the "'Strong Arm' Squad" of the National League.

(Auction Link)

I really love this piece.  It is a 1912 S81 (the "S" denotes a silk product) Turkish Trophies tobacco premium featuring Brooklyn Robins pitcher Nap Rucker.  It measures  6-7/8" x 8-7/8" and was attained by submitting a certain number of coupons gotten from their cigarettes.  These are exceedingly rare and beautiful.

(Auction Link)

The hardest thing about collecting autographs from deceased ballplayers is determining its authenticity.  Fortunately, with the below cancelled check signed by Jackie Robinson that is not a problem.  It comes with a letter of provenance directly from his wife, Rachel Robinson.

(Auction Link)

(Auction Link)

I decided to go on a little tangent by including a memorabilia piece from my favorite all-time hockey player.  Below is a "Team of the Century" trophy given to former LA Kings star center Marcel Dionne.  It celebrates Canada's greatest hockey team, the 1972 Team Canada club that faced off against the Russians during the famed 1972 Summit Series.  Most Americans have no clue what this event is, but in Canada it brings out memories of joy and sheer happiness.  To Canadians, their victory over the mighty Russian team was like our 1980 gold medal Olympic victory in hockey. 

Marcel was just a rookie at the time, so he didn't play a minute of any of the 8 games.  Nevertheless, he was presented with this trophy when a statue memorializing  the victory was erected at the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000.

(Auction Link)

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Old Judge: Snapshots from Ebbets Field, 1913

These photos are remarkable.

Available in Lew Lipset's Old Judge.com auction are a group of 8 photographic snapshots from Ebbets Field. I know that doesn't sound like much considering there are thousands of pics out there from its nearly 50 years of existence.

What makes this photos special is that they apparently come from 1913- the year Ebbets Field opened. On top of that, one of them has been dated on reverse as April 7, 1913. This is two days before its officially opening in Brooklyn.

From the auction description:

The photos measure about 4 1/2" x 3". According to the writing on the back, they were taken on April 7 (Daubert), May13 (Cutshaw, Hummel), May 15 (Smith, Stengel), May 16 (Miller). The photos of Wheat and Rucker are undated. It’s interesting to note the pictures have almost all different parts of the ballpark in the background.

The opening bid for these photos is steep- at $1500.00. So, I won't even think about bidding. It's way over my budget. Still, I'd love to have a closer at these beauties.

(Auction Link)

T206 Brooklyn Dodgers: Nap Rucker

One day after he had dropped out of school, Nap Rucker was working a job as apprentice printer in his home state of Georgia. While setting up some type he came across a headline that said, "$10,000 for pitching a Baseball." From there his mind was made up. He decided he would be a pitcher, and, by 1904, he was on his way as he began his professional life with the Atlanta Crackers of the Southern Association. The next year he played for the Augusta Tourist of the South Atlantic League- winning 40 games over two season. While in Augusta he roomed with Ty Cobb for a bit.

In 1906 he was drafted by Brooklyn and would pitch his first game for the borough in 1907. He instantly becoming their best hurler. Over his career he won 134 games, 38 by shutout, while recording a 2.42 ERA. Rucker's best year was in 1911 when he won 22 games. On September 5, 1908 he threw a no-hitter against the Boston Doves during the second game of a doubleheader. Nap Rucker would go on to spend his entire 10 year career with the Brooklyn Superbas, from 1907 to 1916.

Unfortunately, he would lose his fastball by 1913 and would hurt his arm in 1914. Rucker would have to get by on off speed stuff and a new pitch called the knuckleball. It is thought that he learned the knuckle from Eddie Cicotte, a teammate in Augusta and considered by many to be the pitches inventor. He retired after the 1916 season and went on to scout for the dodgers for over 15 years. Afterwords, Rucker became mayor of his hometown of Roswell, Georgia in 1935.

Goodwin Auction: A Silk Masterpiece

Goodwin & Co. always seems to have some incredible vintage Baseball collectibles and their current auction is no exception. Just check out the couple of items I've highlighted below.

This is a very rare 1911 S81 Silk premium of Brooklyn Dodger pitcher Nap Rucker. These pieces measure 7" x 9" and were produced by Helmar Cigarettes. With a redemption of 25 gift slips packaged within Helmar's Turkish Trophies tobacco products you receive your choice of a silk premium. With regards to the Nap Rucker item, I'll let the auctions own description to speak.

You can feel the energy as Rucker stands poised to rocket into his windup. Upward arcing lines sweep along his back, as twisting flannel twirls beneath his outstretched left arm. Darkness hides the pitcher’s eyes from both the batter and the viewer, to provide mystery as to the upcoming pitch. Shadows cascade down the Dodger blue of Rucker’s socks, as his legs begin their push toward a homeward kick. We believe there are few better examples of the art of the pitch than what was created for this silk showpiece.

I don't think I could have said it any better.

Auction Link:

This postcard is just incredible. Below is 1907 postcard featuring a very young Walter Johnson. As you may know, Johnson played in Southern California as a young boy in the city of Fullerton at the turn of the century. Even then he was a great pitcher. One afternoon, for Fullerton High School, he struck out an astounding 27 batters in a 15 inning performance. Later on, his family moved to Weiser, Idaho were he continued to impress fans in the Idaho State League. Soon, they started calling him the "Weiser Wonder"- as can be attributed in the below postcard. This card is the true rookie card of this Baseball legend and is one of only two known to exist. What's even better is that the postcard below was once owned by Walter Johnson. It was mailed to him by a fan and he happily kept it in his own collection.

Auction Link:

Legendary Pics: Dodgers Galore

Legendary Auctions appears to be the place to pick up some vintage early 20th Century Baseball photographs. They have original pics from Baseball photographic legends Paul Thompson and Charles Conlon, and examples from well regarded news institutions like UPI and the Detroit News. Fortunately, their impressive collection includes a ton of Dodgers. Go here to check out the entire auction offering. It's filled with the "Who's Who" of deadball era greats.

Below are a couple of nice photos of Baseball and Dodger legend Branch Rickey during his playing days with the Cardinals.

Auction Link: Branch Rickey:

Auction Link: Branch Rickey:

Here is a original Paul Thompson photograph of Hall of Famer and former Dodger Zach Wheat- from the days when the "Boys in Blue" wore pinstripes.

Auction Link: Zach Wheat:

Charles Conlon produced the Nap Rucker photo below. It has to be from 1916 since it was the only year Rucker was on the team when they wore checkered uniforms.

Auction Link: Nap Rucker:

From either 1916 or 1917, below is a Charles Conlon photograph of Chief Meyers. (Most likely from 1916, because of the little "B" on the chest.)

Auction Link: Chief Meyers:

Once again, I can never get enough of Babe Ruth in a Dodger uniform. I think I like this photo the best since it shows Ruth in the 1st base coaches box during a game. This is a UPI Press Photo.

Auction Link: Babe Ruth:

Legendary Pics- Even More Dodgers

The Legendary Auctions catalog of photos is a treasure trove of great Dodger pics. Here is my third installment of Dodger pics from their current auction. As always, click any of the photos to enlarge.

Below is a great vintage pic from the American Press Association of Brooklyn hurler Nap Rucker. I love the contrast in this photo. Rucker is mostly in the light, but is surrounded by dark shadows.

Auction Link: Nap Rucker Photo:

The man with the greatest Baseball name ever conceived is featured below. His name is Van Lingle Mungo and he pitched for the Dodgers for 11 years. If his name didn't exist I don't think a writer could ever come up with a name like his. Below he is showing his unusual windup.

Auction Link: Van Lingle Mungo:

Considering Kevin Baxter's recent story and various blog post on the 'tubes about it, this photo below seems to be quite timely. Below is a pic of the famous brawl between John Roseboro and Juan Marichal. Click here to see a couple more photos from the happening.

Auction Link: The Fight Photo Collection:

Sandy Koufax is enjoying a some champagne after the Dodgers swept the Yankees in the 1963 World Series. This was the first time the Yankees were ever swept, 4 in a row, in the Fall Classic.

Auction Link: Koufax & Champagne:

Sandy Koufax interview Don Drysdale in 1968 after Don had broken the record for consecutive scoreless innings.

Auction Link: Drysdale & Koufax Photo Lot:

The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

This lot consist of various photos featuring Tommy Lasorda. First, the Dodger team celebrates their clinching of the 1977 Western Divisional Championship. The photo below shows a despondent Lasorda after their crushing defeat at the hands of the Yankees in the World Series a year later.

Auction Link: Tommy Lasorda Photo Lot:

Don Drysdale shows off his draw as John Russell stands nearby for a filming of the show Lawman. Check out even more photos here.

Auction Link: Drysdale Photo Lot:

B&L Auctions: Rare Pre-WWII Brooklyn Cards

I've gotten a little behind in posting about some recent auctions so I'll do my best to catch up. Fortunately, there have been some outstanding items featuring Dodger players available to gaze at.

Brockelman and Luckey Auctions recently concluded their summer offering. This is a new auction service run by a couple of fellow collectors. They feature some very rare pre-WWII Baseball cards, including the below 1887 Kalamazoo Bats card. This card features one of Brooklyn's favorites. Wilbert Robinson (playing the catcher in the card below) managed the Brooklyn Baseball Team from 1914 to 1931 and was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1945. He was so beloved in the borough they started calling the team the Robins in his honor. This was during the age when teams were known for their location and league rather than by a team name. The below card sold for an astounding $31,337.00.

Auction Link: 1887 Kalamazoo Bats Wilbert Robinson:

Here is another rare 19th Century Baseball card featuring a Brooklyn player. Below is a 1887 Old Judge card of outfielder Ernie Burch of the Brooklyn Grays. He played for the team for only two years from 1886 to 1887 and professionally for only 3 years. This card is notable for it's horizontal photo. On top of that, the mini-photo adds to it's rarity. It sold for $3,245.00.

Auction Link: 1887 Old Judge Ernest Burch:

Nap Rucker played in Brooklyn for his entire career from 1907 to 1916. He won 134 games and had and ERA of 2.42. He recorded an no-hitter in 1908 and won 22 games for the team in 1911. Below is his 1911-14 Brunners Bread card. It sold for an affordable $100.00.

Auction Link: Brunners Bread Nap Rucker:

eBay Buys: Some Recent Vintage Dodger Buys

Below are two items I recently won on eBay. They are 1911 T332 Helmar Stamps produced by the American Tobacco Company. They measure 1 1/8 by 1 3/8 inches and would be inserted in packs of Helmar Cigarettes. Fortunately, they are not very pricey and can be had for as little as $15.00 each. For being nearly 100 years old that's not too bad. Nap Rucker and George Bell are now a part of my collection.