Weekend Card Show With The Dodgers

In the late 80's you could find a collectible card show in Southern California any weekend of the year. Now, you are lucky to find a show once every other month. I miss this part of the hobby. There is nothing like running into old friends and collectors to share stories and to complete that nearly impossible set. This weekend (in fact, starting today) is the Naxcom Sports Collectors Expo at Hollywood Park Casino. What makes this show special is that it celebrates the Dodgers 50th Anniversary by bringing with it 17 former Dodgers to sign autograph for collectors. Check out this roster of Dodgers: Kirk Gibson, Orel Hershiser, Bill Russell, Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, Davey Lopes, Rick Monday, Don Newcombe, Joe Ferguson, Dave Anderson, Mike Davis, Rick Dempsey, Mike Marshall, Franklin Stubbs, Steve Sax, Al Ferrera and "Sweet" Lou Johnson.

Check out this link for information. Appearance schedule here.

Thank You Tommy!

The world's greatest motivator made his way to the Staples Center last night for some good old hockey fun. There is nothing like sitting on the glass at center ice to watch a crosstown rivalry, dropping a ceremonial puck and watching two grown men on skates dance around while throwing blows at each other faces. Good Times.
As we all know, Tommy can convince a group of hens that they can take on a wolf. So, last night he gave the Los Angeles Kings a pre-game pep talk that any fan can see pumped up this team like never before. They came out skating, passing and hitting hard. Defensemen who had played a bit soft all season started checking Duck players hard against the boards. The Kings took control of the game and never looked back.

Thank you Tommy. I give you the top star of the game. BTW, the Kings beat the hated Ducks, 3 to 1.

UPDATE: I just found an article about Tommy's adventure at Staples.

Before he began Lasorda paced around the room like a caged tiger, and before you could blink he had launched into a vitriolic rave.

"How much of a price are you willing to pay?" shouted Lasorda.

"Who wants it more?" he demanded.

"Those guys are in the other locker room waiting to get out there and..."

The players stormed out of the locker room and onto the ice with an unquestionable resolve; it was a charge to victory.

...

In the elevator coming down from the press box Lasorda said, "When I'm driving home tonight, I want to rest in my chair with a smile knowing I've just tasted the fruits of victory."

Pic Link: Always In Transit:
Story Link: MLB.com:

Collection: Victorian Trade Cards- Merchant's Gargling Oil

The Trade Cards below are the most common of all Baseball themed trade cards. They are commonly known as H804-7 Merchant's Gargling Oil, have 5 cards to the set, were made in the 1880's and are known to have been produced by up to 4 different printers. It comes in many different shades, colors and variations.

A vast majority of the cards were produced for Merchant's Gargling Oil which was some sort of castor oil/cough syrup/miracle drink sold at time. In fact, it is rare to find this card advertising a different product. Also, another rarity are the blue and yellow background versions produced by The Courier Lithograph Company.

Photoalbum Link: Victorian Trade Cards:

Vizcaino Back In Blue

Jose Vizcaino comes full circle. He has been hired as a Special Assistant for the 2008 season.

“Jose brings a wealth of experience and knowledge with him that will be a great asset to the Dodgers,” said Colletti. “Everyone in baseball has the utmost respect for Jose because of his character and his dedication to the game and we’re excited that he’s returning to the Dodger organization.”

Vizcaino, 39, will work on special projects in baseball operations and will serve as an on-field instructor during Spring Training. He will also instruct at the Dodgers’ academy in the Dominican Republic , Campo Las Palmas.

The Dominican Republic native came up through the Dodgers’ farm system, playing at Campo Las Palmas in the 1980s after being signed out of his hometown in San Cristobal . He made his Major League debut on Sept. 10, 1989 as the second-youngest player in the National League that season and also played for Los Angeles in 1990 before moving on to a productive career with the Cubs, Mets, Indians, and Giants.

Collection: Victorian Trade Cards- Baby Talk Part II

Below I've added more pics from my Victorian Baseball card collection. As we move closer to Opening Day I'll work on trying to scan more items from my collection.

This is one of the more colorful Baseball themed cards put together in the 1880's. They are called H804-1B Baby Talk Red Borders, and is the second of three different Baby Talk sets I've featured recently. Tobin Lithographs produced the cards in 1889. It consist of 9 cards featuring babies playing our favorite game. They are slightly smaller than a postcard and typically feature advertising stamped on the front or back of the card.
On the bottom left are the words of these young children speaking "Baby Talk." Also, these cards are unique since they refer to actual people and ballplayers. Lord Fauntleroy, a children's book writer, is given a card as well as ballplayers Cap Anson as "Baby Anson, " and Mike Kelly as "Baby Kelly."
These cards are relatively inexpensive. On eBay I would regularly see Baby Talk Red Border cards selling for between $30.00 to $60.00 a piece in EX condition. For being over 100 years old that's not too bad.

Photoalbum Link: Victorian Trade Cards:

eBay: 1888 Syracuse Stars International Assoc. Cabinet Photo

Before there was Jackie Robinson there was the Moses Fleetwood Walker.

In 1883, Fleetwood, a catcher, signed with the Toledo Blue Stockings of the Northwestern League. A year later the Blue Stockings join the American Association, which was considered a major league. Fleetwood played in 42 games in 1884 and hit .263; while his brother, Welday Walker played in six games. Until 1947, the Walkers were the only black players ever to play in the major leagues.

On eBay, recently, the above rare cabinet photo of the 1888 Syracuse Stars of the International Association came up for bidding that features the historically important Walker (top row on the left). Also featured is pitcher Robert Higgins in the bottom row on the left. Unfortunately, the owner decided to take it off of eBay and, as rumors suggest, will be available in an upcoming REA auction.

Hat Tip: VBMF:
eBay Auction Link: Syracuse Stars Cabinet Photo:

Searching For Rose Parade Pics

Since I was unable to see the parade for myself I thought I would search the 'tubes for pics of the Dodger float. First I'd like to start off with the marching band representin'.Photo Link: flickr: NoHoDamon:

Yes! 44 Days Til Pitchers and Catchers Report

Photo Link: Flickr: ryan v:

Is Garvey in a robe?

Photo Link: Flickr: tropicalphotosbylarson:

Photo Link: Flickr: Sundogg:


Photo Link: Flickr: yausser:

Photographer Yausser gets a double billing. Here he captures the great Vin Scully.

Wax Attack: 2006 Fleer Tradition

Here is the last pack I opened up for Christmas. This is the 2006 Fleer Tradition set. I pulled one Dodger, a former Dodger, a piece of a uniform and a future home run king.

I pulled out a Huston Street, Jeremy Accardo, Roy Halladay, Ken Griffey Jr., Joe Mauer, ARod, Adrian Beltre, Jeff Kent, Michael Young and a Felix Hernandez uniform card.