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: