Tuesday, February 17, 2009

"I Want Jeter, Not Rodriguez"

I would like to apologize in advance for my lack of blogging the past several weeks. It's just that work and the surprising play of the LA Kings has got me concentrating on things other than Baseball. Fortunately, a recent interview happened that instigated a sports collision between the bat and the puck.

It is not often that Baseball and hockey collide, but this morning there was a clear crash that got me thinking about a potential blog post. Rich Hammond, writer of the "Inside the Kings" blog (Tony Jackson's peer at the Daily News) is in the midst of posting a lengthy interview he recently had with Kings GM Dean Lombardi.

Lombardi was asked about the status of winger Alexander Frolov as a core member of the team, but what is a core player? Lombardi went on to define "core" as player who gives to the team more than just his stats. A core player is someone who cares about winning and being a teammate. He then adds this line.
"I tell these kids, the difference between (Alex) Rodriguez and (Derek) Jeter is a huge friggin' difference. They better understand that I want Jeter, not Rodriguez."
Well said.

So who on the Dodgers do you consider a core member? Who do you consider to be "Jeter-like?"

BTW, "Inside The Kings" is, by far, the best team blog, for any team or sport, from a mainstream news source there is. Rich Hammond is a miracle worker for information-starved fans. My apologies to Dodger Thoughts.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

H&S: Jerseys, Bats and Trophies, Oh My!

Even with the slumping economy sport auctions continue unabated. Huggins & Scott recently closed their February auction that featured many Dodgers related items.

Here is a Tommy Lasorda game worn jersey that dates to the 1981 season. It even features a UNICEF patch on the left sleeve. It sold for $850.00.

This is an item I would proudly put up on my wall. Below is a game used jersey and bat of Fernando Valenzuela. In pristine condition it dates to the early to late 1980's.
A white knit button-down garment with “Dodgers” angled across the chest in solid blue twill, “34” sewn to the back in blue-on-white double twill and “VALENZUELA” arched just above in like fashion. In a style unique to the Dodgers (and temporarily copied by Montreal), the uniform number appears on the left front in red. A “W.A. Goodman & Sons” size “44” local manufacturer's label resides within the collar.
It sold for a relatively affordable $600.00.
Auction Link: Valenzuela Game Used Jersey & Bat:

Below is a game used bat used by "should be" Hall of Famer Gil Hodges. It's in great condition and sold for a lofty $2,300.00.

I always wonder how something as wonderful as this World Series trophy ends up on the auction block. Below is Derrel Thomas 1981 World Series trophy. It sold for $3,750.00.
Auction Link: 1981 WS Trophy:

I'm pretty sure I've briefly written about this set in the past. This auction features a complete 10 card set of 1952 Coca Cola Playing Tips. It features players from the Dodgers, Giants and Yankees and are very difficult to find; especially in good condition. Dodger players Pee Wee Reese, Gil Hodges and Carl Furillo are featured. The team schedule and a color drawing of the player are featured on the front. This complete set sold for $7,500.00.

Videos: If You've Got Time to Waste

Here are 2 videos of the recently unveiled Sports Museum of Los Angeles.

YouTube Videos: SoCalShooter:


YouTube Videos: losangelestimes:

Watch Snider and Maglie fool the guessers on "What's My Line."

YouTube Video: crepehanger47:

Meet Sue Falsone. She is a Dodger physical therapist and first woman in Baseball with that job.

YahooVideo Link: cobrandit:

Open For Business


The season is just about to start. Pitchers and catchers have reported. The smell of Spring is in the air. Our temporary respite has ended as the glory of Summer begins anew.

Friday, February 06, 2009

Rare Card Found by California Couple Now on Auction

As I'm sure most of you have heard, a California couple found a rare 1869 Peck & Snyder Cincinnati Red Stockings trade card that they tried to sell on eBay. As the flurry of inquiries mounted they yanked it off the online auction house and went on a national tour to show it off; including a stop at Jay Leno's tv set.

Well, they have finally consigned the card to Memory Lane Auctions and it is currently available for sale in their auction. Go here to check it out. At the time of this post it is already at $31,573.00 with over 4 days remaining.