Brooklyn Dodgers in Cuba

From the Daffiness Boys to a first World Championship, the history of the Dodgers has been colorful and exciting. It also happens to be replete with hilarity. The best of which likely happened in Cuba in the spring. Unfortunately, I've only read a handful of stories about their spring jaunts there, but have always wanted to hear more.

That is why I am excited about this new book being released later this month through Arcadia Publishing. It is called "Brooklyn Dodgers in Cuba," and is written by Jim Vitti, who had won the International Book of the Year Award from The Sporting News and SABR in 2004.From the Press Release:

The Brooklyn Dodgers held spring training in Havana in 1947 so Jackie Robinson could practice safely. Yet that was hardly the beginning: the Bums played in Cuba over 60 seasons, from 1900 to 1959. Ballplayers drank hard with Hemingway. Some found themselves in Cuban jails. Pitcher Van Lingle Mungo, barricaded in the Hotel Nacional with two women, fended off an angry husband (and his machete). Leo Durocher got into a brawl with an umpire, after Lippy's translator correctly cursed him in Spanish. Vin Scully watched machine gun-toting barbudas enter the room. An outfielder leaped into the stands, with a loaded gun, to chase a fan. Several players encountered Castro, who once walked onto the field in his fatigues, patted his pistol, and said to Lefty Locklin, "Tonight, we win."

Highlights of Brooklyn Dodgers in Cuba:

• Brooklyn ballplayers headed to Ernest Hemingway’s bungalow to drink all night. They donned boxing gloves to pummel each other, taking lamps, fixtures, and furniture down with them.
• Dodger rookie Ed Chandler was arrested in mid-game against the Yankees and paraded across the field in flannels and handcuffs, much to the delight of thousands of jeering, bottle-hurling fans. Another Dodger, Sam Nahem, was a lawyer, but could not spring Chandler from a night in jail. “All he was able to get me was a sandwich,” Chandler said.

Ohhh Yhea! That's what I'm talking about. I've got a review copy heading my way and plan on reviewing it right away. I've also got a interview from the author that I'm going through right now. I'll be posting that later on. Check out the website here.

2011 Heritage: Ruth as a Dodger!

Finally! A Baseball card set with Babe Ruth sporting some Dodger Blue. Of course, this isn't the first time a card like this was created, but it did take almost 50 years for them to do it again. Unfortunately, the above 2011 Heritage Ruth card is a reprint of a card that appeared in the original 1962 Topps set, so it really isn't a new card. I had hoped that if they made another Ruth as a Dodger card that they would use a better photo. I've seen plenty over the years that would look great on cardboard.

I'll also take some time to note that nearly 5 years ago I had won a Venezuelan version of the card on eBay- go and check it out here.

OOOOHHHH!... Koufax Auto's Are Showing up!

The first small group of Sandy Koufax autographed Heritage cards are showing up on eBay, and they are already at some high prices. If you ask me, this card is the "hit" of the set. So far, there are two auctions running (here & here) at $338.00 and $270.00, respectively.

With the short printed Jackie Robinson's and other Dodger cards I will be showcasing soon, I am quickly falling in love with this set.

2011 Heritage: Jackie Robinson Galore

The newest Baseball set for the 2011 season is out at your local retail store. It is Topps Heritage, and it features their old 1962 card set design. These wood bordered cards have vintage looking cardboard backs and tons of inserts and short prints to chase after. Before I get to the Dodger base cards to the set I wanted to point out some short prints that perked my interest.

There is a 10 card Jackie Robinson set highlighting his life and career. They are numbered #135 to #144 and are short printed to 1 for every 50 packs. I've read that they are showing up at a rate of about 5 to 6 per case. Below are pics of each one.

All I have left to say is that I badly want these cards.

Not only can you find a short printed Robinson, but you can also find a limited insert game-used uniform piece of Jackie Robinson.

Day 27 Spring Training Report

Here is todays lineup against the Rangers:1) Rafael Furcal (S) SS; 2) Ivan de Jesus (R) 2B; 3) Andre Ethier (L) RF; 4) Matt Kemp (R) CF; 5) Juan Uribe (R) 3B; 6) James Loney (L) 1B; 7) Rod Barajas (R) C; 8) Tony Gwynn (L) LF; 9) Clayton Kershaw (L) SP.

Of special note, Happy Birthday Mickey Hatcher!

Below are Day 27 Spring Training notes from the Dodgers:

• REMATCH: The Dodgers and Rangers meet for a second consecutive day after Texas won 5-4 yesterday in Surprise. The Dodgers were paced by Xavier Paul, who went 2-for-3 with an RBI triple, and pulled within a run in the ninth on Trayvon Robinson’s two-run single. Los Angeles will enjoy its only off day of the spring tomorrow before taking on the D’backs on Thursday at Camelback Ranch – Glendale.

• FINAL 44: The Dodgers trimmed the number of players in camp this morning by optioning RHP Jon Link and IF Russell Mitchell and reassigning RHP Roman Colon and C J.D. Closser to minor league camp. Yesterday, the Dodgers sent eight players to minor league camp including Javy Guerra, Jamie Hoffmann, John Lindsey, Carlos Monasterios and Trayvon Robinson from the 40-man roster and non-roster invitees Damaso Espino, Dee Gordon and Wilkin De La Rosa. There are now 44 players remaining in big league camp, including 21 pitchers and 23 position players.

• A TRUE HIRO: On the same day that the team is collecting donations in Los Angeles, Dodger pitcher Hiroki Kuroda announced that he will be donating $50,000 towards the relief efforts in his native Japan. Kuroda spoke to his teammates this morning during the club’s morning meeting to encourage his teammates to join him in helping the relief efforts.

(PicLink: Yfrog deth_lepus)

(Broxton)

• AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE: On this day in 2008, the Dodgers hosted the Padres at Wukesong Stadium in Beijing in Major League Baseball’s first-ever game on Chinese soil. Historically, the franchise has been at the forefront of Asian relations, becoming the first team to open an office in Asia in March 1998 and reaching countries throughout the region through partnerships, goodwill tours and clinics. The Dodgers’ signings of Hideo Nomo (Japan) and Chan Ho Park (Korea) in the 1990s helped open the door for future players in those countries and last year, Hong-Chih Kuo became the first Taiwan-born All-Star in Major League history.

• KERSH-AWESOME: Dodger Opening Day starter Clayton Kershaw makes his fourth start of the spring season and has yet to allow an earned run (two unearned) over 11.1 innings. The left-hander has limited opponents to a .175 batting average (7-for-40) with nine strikeouts. Hong-Chih Kuo will make his second appearance of the spring in relief of Kershaw and Blake Hawksworth, Ron Mahay, Oscar Villarreal, Travis Schlichting and Ramon Troncoso are also scheduled to appear. The Rangers will counter with left-hander Derek Holland.

(PicLink: Yfrog deth_lepus)

• BATTER UP: Dodger pitchers will hit for themselves starting today as team will forego the designated hitter for the rest of the spring. Clayton Kershaw will take his first hacks of the season today after leading the Majors last season with 18 sacrifice hits, which tied with Burt Hooton (1978) for the second-most sacrifices in a single season by a Dodger pitcher. Orel Hershiser set the all-time mark for a Dodger pitcher with 19 sacrifice hits in 1988.

• CRICKETS: No Dodger pitchers are slated to throw on the off day tomorrow with the exception of Vicente Padilla, who will continue to throw as a part of his rehab after having forearm surgery on February 24 to fix his right radial nerve, which was being entrapped by one of the deep muscles in his forearm.

• LEADERBOARD: Marcus Thames gave the Dodgers an early 1-0 lead yesterday with his first-inning RBI double, his fifth two-base hit of the spring. Thames is locked in a six-way tie for the Cactus League doubles lead and is batting .320 with a .520 slugging percentage in 11 Spring Training games. Tony Gwynn Jr. will get the start today in left field and ranks second in the Cactus League with a perfect six steals in six attempts. The 28-year-old is batting .321 in 12 Spring Training games.

(PicLink: Yfrog deth_lepus)

• BOYS IN BLUE: The Third Annual UMPS CARE Charities online auction is underway at UmpsCare.com, featuring priceless memorabilia and one-of-a kind experiences for teams throughout baseball. Fans can bid on a Dodger batting practice experience among the other great packages until March 20.

• PRIME TIME: Today, “Dodgertalk” hosts Joe Block and Josh Suchon will have the call of the Dodgers-Rangers game on PRIME TICKET. The pair will welcome fellow KABC personality Peter Tilden to Camelback Ranch on Thursday. Tilden will broadcast live at the ballpark from 3-6 p.m. and be joined by numerous Dodger guests throughout the afternoon.

Blog Kiosk: 3/15/2011

Today, Dodger Stadium is holding a Tsunami Relief Event. Be sure to go by the stadium today to help out. The Dodgers and NBC LA hope to help raise money for the American Red Cross Japan earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. Dodger alumni Bobby Castillo, Kenny Landreaux, Rudy Law, Al Ferrara, Jimmy Campanis and Derrel Thomas and NBC LA on-air personalities will be on hand to take donations. Donors who give $20 or more will each receive two tickets to an upcoming Spring Training exhibition game at Dodger Stadium. From 5 AM to 7PM, TODAY!

(PicLink: Plixi Los Angeles Dodgers)

• Per Vin Scully is My Homeboy we learn that the Club Level hallways are filled with Dodger memorabilia. I had wondered if Gary Cypres, whose collection fills the LA Sports Museum, would have some of his Dodger stuff placed somewhere within Dodger Stadium. The answer is yes. BTW, a part of his collection also is located within the Staple Center. I've recently discovered that they change the exhibit at Staples from time to time, so if your at Staples from time to time I suggesting stopping by to see if it has changed.
  
• From Vin Scully himself, Baseball on Television.
  
• DodgerFilms shares all 11 Ethier walk-offs.
• This is a really nice blog- "Every Hall of Famer." Summer Anne Burton is creating a drawing of every Baseball Hall of Famer. (Hat Tip: Baseball Reference) Of the ones she has done so far I like the Radbourne the best.
• What are the true origins of Baseball, from the NY Times.
  
• Night Owl Cards shows off his early 80's Dodger picture pack- which happens to be the first thing he ever purchased through mail order.
• Baseball by the Letters tells us about a 2007 Topps uncorrected error and a letter from that players Mom.
  
• If you've been anxiously watching the nuclear event in Japan unfold, but find yourself less than knowledgeable (like most of us), then check out this great write-up at Boing Boing.
  
• An interview with Ethier.

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