This is How You Cover the National

Sports Antiques.com shows us how to cover the National Sports Collectors Convention- with tons of pics. Go there now. There are 770 photos of rare and unusual sports related antiques and memorabilia from the show. Hopefully, in a couple of weeks a complete write-up will be posted. This years Cleveland show is the 7th consecutive year they have written about the National so you should check out his other pics and stories from previous shows. Below are some of my favorite pics from Cleveland.You can't beat a couple of display cases with some nice 19th century/early 20th century items enclosed.
How Many Babe Ruth auto's do you need?
I really like this advertising piece.

Dodger Correspondence: Cal Abrams

Here, once again, is another player written note to superfan Roy. This time he hears from former Dodger Cal Abrams. Roy ask about his career highlights and star players.

Just being a major leaguer fulfilled my childhood dreams! Some of the highlights I remember were a grand slam off Ruben Gomez in 1952. Also, having several good years in the minors. A big thrill was just wearing a Dodger uniform. Willie Mays & Hank Aaron are superstars in my book.

As I look back, there were dozens of great players that I had the privilege to play with and against. I honestly believe, that the years I played in1948-1957 produced more superstars than today

That, you are probably right.

(click pic to enlarge)

As you may know, Cal Abrams was a Brooklyn born kid who played at Madison High School. So, getting to play for your hometown team must have been a thrill. Playing for the Dodgers was not all roses and cherries, though.

In 1951, his manager Charlie Dressen, who was "capable of cruelty," failed to play him on "Cal Abrams Day."

Cal Abrams wore number 18 for most of his career. The number is the Hebrew word for life. Also, like many of his peers he entered into the Army in 1942 (before his Baseball career could really start) and served in both the Pacific and Atlantic campaigns in WWII. He was awarded 2 battle stars in the Pacific, a Philippine Liberation Medal and a bronze star.

When he passed away in 1997 he was buried in his Brooklyn Dodgers uniform.

(click pic to enlarge)

Auction Link: Cal Abrams Letter:

Card of the Week: Split-Fingered

There is something graceful about a crisp black and white photo of a ball in hand. It's such a simple pose, but those in the know understand it's power. With the slightest move of a finger you create a different pitch. Those different pitches evokes a different reaction.

Put two fingers together on the seams to show a two seamer in the hands of Nolan Ryan creates a sense of power. A knuckleball thrown by Phil Neikro evokes the desire to frustrate and elude. Above we see Bob Welch's 1991 Score Baseball card featuring his split-fingered fastball grip. This pitch was just baffling. The pitch had the ability to overpower and deceive you. It came at you like a fastball, but dropped of a table at the end in an unbelievable manner. Its action is so elusive it is sometimes called a "dry-spitter."

Bob Welch used the pitch to remake himself after a 10 year career with the Dodgers.

Bob always had an excellent high, rising fastball, a hard, overhand curve, and a split fingered fastball (see foront of card). But in 1990, he concentrated more on his split-fingered then he had in the past.

He went on to win the Cy Young in 1990.

Blog Kiosk: 8/9/2009

Should I be panicking yet? Is a 5.5 game lead large enough?

• Here are some new Dodger blogs- Cat Loves the Dodgers and Duck Dodgers Bats Cleanup. Check them out.
  
• Check out this great old article about Vin Scully at SI Vault. (Hat Tip: DodgersNation)
  
• Sunshine made it in the Dodgers Magazine. Read about it here.
  
• Hank Aaron says that the 2003 list of steroids users should be released.
  
• HalosHeaven has a bunch of new Nick Adenhart memorial photos from Anaheim Stadium.
• You gotta read Bill Simmons ESPN piece about his time at the National Sports Collectors Convention last weekend- complete with a photo essay.

  Here's the micro report card: If you love sports, you have to go. You have to. You just have to. You have to. You will see things you never knew about. You will see things you never imagined. You will see things you barely remembered. You will see things that make you smile and things that make you angry. You will see things that you will want, and you will be surprised by how much you want them. You will be constantly blown away. You will be overstimulated. You will never be bored.

• Here is another ESPN article about the National; complete with a video (below) and more pics.
  

• Check out some Ferris Bueller's Day Off original cards made by Trader Crack's.
• Here is a final look at Comic-Con. Enjoys these pics of the ladies at totallycrap.com.
• This is brilliant. Unfortunately, it's all in Russian so I don't know who this is or what she titles it.

YouTube Link: proshura84:
Hat Tip: Twitter: Alyssa_Milano:

Relive Last Nights Magic

What a great comeback last night. Watch the videos below to relive the moment. Below is from the left field stands.

YouTube Link: DodgerFilms:

The LA Times interview Andre after the game.

YouTube Link: LA Times:

Here is the version seen on TV.

YouTube Link: JPsOversizedHat:

Free Dodger Dogs!

There is nothing more wonderful than to hear the words, "free Dodger Dogs!"

On Monday, September 14 the Dodgers will be giving a free Dodger Dog to everyone in attendance. Vouchers will be handed out at the turnstiles.

I guess with Pittsburgh coming to town they decided to add an extra incentive to come out.

On top of that, there is will a hot dog eating contest. You can win a seat upgrade and passes to DodgersLife "Under the Lights" event where you can take batting practice on the field.

Making the collage above has made me hungrier than you can imagine.