Jackie Robinson Day

Today is Jackie Robinson Day in Major League Baseball- the greatest Baseball day of the year. You know I'm right.

Ballplayers throughout the league will commemorate this great Dodger and his amazing accomplishments with all of the pomp and circumstance worthy of a hero. Players will be wearing #42, special ceremonies will open every game and Major League Baseball has unveiled a brand new site to allow us all to share how we have been inspired. It is at IAM42.com. Go and check it out.

From the MLB press release.

“Jack loved the game of baseball and the tremendous power it had and still has to bring people together,” said Rachel Robinson, Jackie’s wife and Founder of the Jackie Robinson Foundation. “I believe he would have found Major League Baseball’s decision to perpetually honor his legacy in this way both gratifying and humbling.”

‘IAM42’ is a new digital campaign designed for fans to make a personal connection to the legacy of Baseball Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson through online video sharing and social networking via Twitter and Facebook. IAM42.com features personal video tributes from more than 60 current players and legends to honor the 64^th Anniversary of Robinson’s historic moment, including Baseball Hall of Famers Ernie Banks, Lou Brock and Andre Dawson; and MLB All-Stars Jason Heyward, Prince Fielder, David Price, Mariano Rivera and David Wright. Launching on Jackie Robinson Day, fans of all ages are encouraged to share their thoughts on the enduring impact of Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier. The site will be updated throughout the year, in the lead-up to the 65^th anniversary of Jackie Robinson Day, April 15, 2012...

On top of that, the MLB Network will have a special show about Jackie this coming Saturday.

In support of Jackie Robinson Day, MLB Network will air the special Letters From Jackie: The Private Thoughts of Jackie Robinson on Saturday, April 16 at 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. ET. The special, which was produced by MLB Productions, focuses on Robinson’s role in the American civil rights movement, predominantly after he retired from baseball. Hosted by New York Yankees Center Fielder Curtis Granderson and narrated by actor Dennis Haysbert, the story is told in Robinson’s own words, through correspondence he maintained during his lifetime with political figures including Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy, and a young pen pal named Ron Rabinovitz, with whom Robinson kept in touch from 1955 to his death in 1972.

A Musical Interlude: Van Lingle Mungo

Van Lingle Mungo was a very colorful ballplayer. I've read outrageous stories about his carousing in Cuba during Spring Training to his drinking that effected his marriage and career. He was able to play 14 Major League seasons, most of which with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and is known in pop culture for a song that was named after him. After all, a tune featuring lyrics with only ballplayer names (and some unusual Baseball names at that) can only fittingly be named after the ballplayer with the strangest of names.

BTW, I was reminded of this song from a post from Number 5 Type Collection.

Anyway, enjoy the song below. It was written and performed by Dave Frishberg.

YouTube Link:

Auto Collection: Johnny Podres Sweet Spot's

Another autograph every Dodger collector should have is that of Johnny Podres. He pitched a majority of his career with the Blue Crew and was the pitcher who was able to deliver the Dodgers first World Series Championship in 1955. In my mind, his accomplishment that year is worthy of a Hall of Fame induction. Unfortunately, I'm probably the only person in the country who thinks that.

Anyway, here are a couple of 2005 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Signatures from my collection. Above is the normal signature insert card. Below is a limited variation that includes red and blue stitching. It is numbered to 40.

Blog Kiosk: 4/14/2011

OK. Most of you probably don't care, but the NHL playoffs are here. The Kings first game is tonight against the San Jose Sharks. It'll be a tough one; especially considering the recent injury of their top scorer, who also happens to be their best defensive forward- Anze Kopitar. I still have faith, though. Go Kings Go!

• Will video trading cards be the next big thing in the card hobby? Upper Deck has some video cards in a college football set called Evolution and Panini is coming out with their own version for a basketball set. See a Upper Deck break with one video card here. I wonder if Topps will jump on the bandwagon and make some cards for Baseball.
  
• GCRL remembers former Dodger Myron White.
  
• Bob Lemke points out a uncorrected error on a Don Drysdale 1995 Topps Brooklyn Dodgers Archives card. It's a pretty funny one.
• With the NHL playoffs now in full swing, here is some interesting background on the playoff beard, from the Montreal Gazette.
  
• Here is a very nice fan made Kind Playoff video, first seen on Surly & Scribe.

YouTube Link:

Collection: 1980 Albuquerque Dukes

Here is another installment of vintage Dodger minor league team sets. This time I focus on the 1980 Albuquerque Dukes who finished 2nd in South Division league standings that year and 2nd overall in the PCL standings. Even better, they completed an impressive run in the playoffs where they sweeped the Tucson Turos in a three game series in the first round, and beat the Hawaiian Islanders in the championship finals. For the first time in 8 years the Albuquerque Dukes became the Pacific Coast League Champions. Furthermore, it was the beginning of a three year championship streak for the team. Surely, this was an omen of things to come.

Like the 1979 Albuquerque Dukes set I highlighted recently, this team featured many of the same soon-to-be Dodgers. Mike Scioscia backstopped the team (see the reverse of his card below) before heading to Los Angeles midway through the season. Mickey Hatcher hit an impressive .359, Ron Roenicke batted .296 and Dave Stewart won 15 games while striking out 125 batters.

Guilty

Barry Bonds has been found guilty of one count of obstruction, via ESPN. I can't say that this excites me much. Frankly, I just don't care. That's pretty much all I can say about the matter. I have long since turned the page.

(Hat Tip: 6-4-2)