Writing to a Fan -- Brooklyn Dodgers Catcher Mickey Owens

Mickey Owens is one of a long line of fantastic defensive minded catchers to wear Dodger Blue, and if not for a bungled play during the 1941 World Series he might be considered the best ever.  Nevertheless, his miscue that Fall did little to sully his reputation.  He would go on to be an All-Star four times -- even though he would only slash .257/.316/.310/.627 during those season. 

Which brings me to the letter shown above.  Featured is correspondence written by Mickey from 1991 to a fan named Jim Forrest. (eBay Auction Link)  In it he writes:

I am in the eleventh year of my retirement.  When I retired in 1980 my wife had to handle all the check writing so I have no personal checks.

The clipping you sent me were right.  I paid $2500.00.  And I learned a lesson.  After retirement from Baseball I was elected sheriff of Greene Co., Missouri in the Ozark Mountains.  Served 16 years.  During those years I was stabbed and shot at by some of Missouri's meanest criminals.

When in danger act quickly and give no quarter.  It may save you from serious injury or your life.

2016 Panini National Treasures Baseball - Some of the Dodgers Inserts, Part 2

Here is a look at even more of the Dodger cards that can be found in packs of Panini's 2016 National Treasures Baseball.  These are the remaining inserts I have yet to show.  I hope to share the base cards tomorrow.  As you can see, there are still a bunch of cards I have yet to see.  Go here to see all of my past post on this set.  Go here for a complete checklist.

Leagues Best

#9 Duke Snider                #25 Don Drysdale

They Say Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

This morning I was prepared to enjoy my day knowing that both Justin Turner and Kenley Jansen would remain in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future.  What I didn't expect to discover was an incredulous feeling in the pit of my stomach when a certain logo of a team relocating to LA was unveiled.  As you certainly know by now, the San Diego Chargers officially announced that they are moving to that new stadium in Inglewood, and in concert with that announcement they released their new re-branded logo.  Check it out below.

Looks strangely familiar... don't it?

For some reason the Chargers believed it would be a good idea build a new fanbase in the city by bastardizing the already familiar and well-loved logo of the Dodgers.  As some might say, imitation is the sincerest form of flatter, but in this case it seems more like an unjust travesty.  As a fervent Dodger fan I don't like it.

Blog Kiosk: 1/12/2016 - Dodgers Links - Some Odds and Ends

Yesterday afternoon the Dodgers officially welcomed back both Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner during a press conference at Dodger Stadium. Per a Ken Gurnick story at MLB.com:

"[Ownership was] extremely supportive of bringing these guys back," said Friedman. "I think heading into an offseason where they're at the top of the list, in terms of players, coupled with who they are and how well we know them, I think gave everyone more confidence to stretch and be creative.

"Kenley, in our minds, is the best reliever in baseball. Justin represents so much of what we value in a player."

The takeaway from the event was that both players were fervent is their desire to stay, and vocal about wanting to a win a world championship for the fans in Los Angeles.  Watch them speak about that here and here.  Doug Padilla at ESPN writes more about how they came up with their decision to stay during a haircut, here.

"Having conversations with these guys on my wedding weekend ... just to see them around meant so much to me," Jansen said. "It made a decision to leave even tougher after we sat down to talk about stuff while I was getting my haircut. When we were all together, it made it tough for me to make a decision to be in another uniform."

Photo at the very top via Jon SooHoo @Dodgers on twitter.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from the press conference.  Below are more links to check out:

• !!!! 2017 FanFest News !!!!  At 12:00 PM Noon today you can go to the Dodgers FanFest site (link here) to download a free ticket to the event.  As you know, FanFest will be held on Saturday, January 28th at Dodger Stadium.  Details regarding player autographs should be coming soon.
• This Day in Dodgers History:  In 1920 a plan developed by Charles Ebbets many years ago is finally adopted - the annual drafting of players from the minor leagues will be done in inverse order of the final standings.  In 2016 the Dodgers received Rob Segedin from the Yankees in exchange for Tyler Olson and Ronald Torreyes.  They also traded starting pitcher Joe Wieland to the Mariners for minor league infielder Erick Mejia.
• Happy Birthday, Ed Swartwood, Tom Kinslow, Dan Daub, Ed Stevens, Terry Whitfield, Mike Marshall, Chris Hatcher & Alex Wood!
  

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Robert Horry of the Lakers and Dustin Brown of the Kings

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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Laker great Robert Horry will be signing autographs on Saturday, January 14th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Sports Authentic store in the Puente Hills Mall.  Go here or here for ordering information.

Sports Authentic
Puente Hills Mall
1600 S Azusa Ave
City of Industry, CA 91748
626-581-2016

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LA Kings winger Dustin Brown will be signing free autographs for fans Saturday, January 14th from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at the Lucky Brand - The Point store in El Segundo.  Go here for information.  150 wristbands will be handed out for guaranteed autographs. More autographs will be allowed up until the 60 minutes has been completed. You will receive one autograph and one photo per person.

Lucky Brand - The Point 
850 South Sepulveda Boulevard 
El Segundo, CA, 90245 
(310)322-2409

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2016 Panini National Treasures Baseball - Some of the Dodgers Inserts, Part 1

Here is a look at more of the Dodger cards that can be found in packs of Panini's 2016 National Treasures Baseball.  Go here to see all of my past post on this set.

I should note that you should ignore the numbering scheme for each individual card shown below.  The checklist provided by Panini does not provide accurate numbering, and I have also discovered several cards that are not even on their checklist.  Why do they do this?  I dunno.  It's clearly dumb and meant to confuse collectors.

Rookie Materials Signatures

• #152 Corey Seager - redemption card
• #167 Frankie Montas - redemption card
• #209 Julio Urias - redemption card

#196 Ross Stripling                      #202 Trayce Thompson