Huggins & Scott Auction: Dodger Rarities

Huggins & Scott just closed their recent auction and it included a couple of Dodger rarities. Below are a two 1952 Tip Top Bread labels of Gil Hodges and Duke Snider. They are very rare. These flimsy paper labels were placed at the end your loaf of bread. So they often became damaged or easily discarded. These two label are in rough condition with tears and creases throughout. Nevertheless, they sold for a lofty $850.00.

Auction Link: 1952 Tip Top Bread Labels: Snider and Hodges:

Carl Horner was one of Baseball's original photographic pioneers. He photographed them all, from Cobb to Wagner. In fact, many of his portraits fill the famous T206 set, including the rare Honus Wagner. Below is an original Carl Horner cabinet photograph that sold of Brooklyn Bridegroom/ Superbas (later to become Dodgers) left fielder Jimmy Sheckard.

Sheckard was an all star player. He could hit, steal and make great plays in the outfield. In 1903, he became the first player to lead the league in both steals and homeruns. One of only three guys to ever do it. In 1901, with the Superbas, Sheckard led the league in triples (19) and slugging (.536) while he hit .353. He also established a 20th Century first by hitting grand slams in consecutive games that year. Currently, he holds the record for double plays by a left fielder and right fielder with 12 and 14. Then, with the Chicago Cubs, he played for championship teams in 1907 and 1908.

In his 17-year career, Sheckard hit .274, with 56 home runs, 813 RBI, 1296 runs, 354 doubles, 136 triples, and 465 stolen bases in 2122 games played.

This rare photo below sold for $800.00.

Auction Link: 1904-05 Carl Horner Cabinet Photo of Jimmy Sheckard:

Swept

We got swept and it doesn't feel good. Arizona came out and just pummeled our pitchers. They had a total of 35 hits in 3 games- batting a healthy .340 for the series. They recorded 4 doubles, 3 triples and 4 homeruns. Three of those homeruns were hit by Mark Reynolds. They just got the hits when it counted. Arizona was like a roaring 18 wheeler rolling down the highway refusing to slow down. We were no match.

Estaban Loaiza was bad from the start. Chad Billingsley looked even worse. Hiroki Kurada hung in there for over 5 innings, but ultimately fell victim to the Diamondback hit machine. Did I mention that they had 35 hits?

I keep telling myself it's too early to get worried. It's too early to start complaining. Nothing can truly be gleaned from such a small sample of games. It's early, right?

So, for now, I'll hold my tongue and bask in the joy of having Baseball back after a long Winter break.