Thinking About O'Malley

I have tried to stay away from the ownership mess that seems to be circling around the Dodgers, but a rumor came to light today (via Vin Scully is My Homeboy) that has my mind going in circles.

Peter O'Malley is interested in buying back the Dodgers.

Yes, you heard it right. The O'Malley family may be the newest suitor for the team, and I couldn't be more elated.

Why, you ask?

• Well, one thing would be for sure, if they came back, we would never have to worry about our Minor League development organization. The O'Malley's were one of the first groups to really champion player development back in the day, and I suspect they would want to grow and expand the teams currents efforts.

• They have always been a fiscally prudent group, so don't expect Yankee-like spending from the O'Malley's. Some fans may look at this as a negative, but I do not. Baseball the "Dodger Way" has never been about signing overpriced veterans at exorbitant prices. The "Dodger Way" is about family. That means developing from within and keeping them in Blue. That is how you build brand loyalty. That is how you build championships. That is what I remember about the Dodgers of my youth.

• A fiscally prudent Dodgers would mean a team not laden with debt that would embarrass a Wall Street banker. Although I marvel at the financing structure undertaken by the McCourt's (trading some parking lots for the Dodgers was brilliant), I dislike that our team is owned by someone who really can't afford it.

Unfortunately, this may all come to pass. It appears that the McCourt's will ride this out as long as they can, but I hope that once the writing on the wall become more apparent they will choose to do the right thing.

Sell the team before you destroy the team.

Some Upper Deck Paintings

Upper Deck is selling some of the original artwork used to create some of their Baseball cards.

Below is a Don Drysdale painting used in the 1995 Heroes set.

(Painting Link)

This painting may have already sold. It is a great painting featuring 6 Negro League players. Roy Campanella is on the top row, on the left.

(Painting Link)

I don't think this painting was ever used for a card, but it should have been.

(Painting Link)

A Local to be Inducted Into US Hockey Hall of Fame

Have you heard of the Zamboni? Did you know it was invented in Southern California?

Inventor and local entrepreneur, Frank Zamboni, will be inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame today. He was owner and operator of Iceland skating rink in Paramount, and created the most important tool in hockey still used today. His Zamboni has become synonymous with hockey.

Video Link:

Dodger Correspondence: George Cisar

George Cisar got into 20 games for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1937. He was only 24 and was in his 4th year of professional ball. George did well in the minors as he batted a combined .344 and hit 30 home runs in 1936. As his letter below says, his career in Baseball came second to his duty in the military.

I don't know just how old you are but I imagine you would be much too young to remember 1940. That is the year I played my last games in professional ball and it was right in your home town of Anniston.

Anniston was in the South Eastern League at the time and Bill Rodda was our manager. Another Anniston boy Tom O'Brien played with us and later went to the Major Leagues (Boston Red Sox).

My career was cut short because of World War II. So, there isn't much I can tell you about Baseball, but getting a letter from Anniston brings back fond memories of friends and times I had during my summer stay there. Wishing you the best of luck and health.

He is currently the 4th oldest living Major League Baseball player.

(click to enlarge)

eBay Auction Link: George Cisar:

Another Year with Vin

Cherish the time we have.

The Dodgers have just announced that Vin Scully will be back to broadcast next year for his 61st season. Yhea!!!!

“For six decades, Dodger fans have been truly blessed to have Vin Scully on the air and we are honored that he will be back in the booth again next season,” said Dodger Owner Frank McCourt. “He has been the one constant over the years and I know that our fans will cherish every game he calls.”

...

“We have had two exciting seasons consecutively -- getting into the second round of the playoffs -- and when you get that close, you look to the next year as perhaps the one that you go all the way,” said Scully, who celebrated his 82^nd birthday on Sunday. “I’m very excited and optimistic about 2010 and the direction we’re heading and we’ll take it year-to-year after that.”

Vin Scully will continue to broadcast all home games and away games against NL West and AL West teams.

Cooperstown Voting

With the above title you probably thought I was going to add my two cents regarding the voting for the Hall of Fame. Well, that's not exactly what this post is about. After all, there are several candidates that I believe should get a good look, and a couple who have clearly been overlooked. But I digress.

This post is about the Ford C. Frick award and the current ability for fans to add 3 worthwhile broadcasters to the official ballot this year.

Fan voting started for the 2010 Ford C. Frick Award, which is presented annually for excellence in baseball broadcasting. The people are speaking and they are letting us know which broadcasters deserve to be honored with legends like Mel Allen, Red Barber, Vin Scully and Jack Buck...

From now through Dec. 31, 2009 at 5 p.m. EST, fans will choose three broadcasters to be placed on the final ballot. They and seven other finalists and will be voted on in January and the 2010 honoree will be announced in February.

Voting is only being done on Facebook. Go here.

If I may suggest some worthwhile names, please consider voting for Jerry Doggett, Don Drysdale, Al Downing and/or Ross Porter.