Kershaw Gets A New Number

Clayton Kershaw will no longer be wearing the number 54 that he used during his debut performance against the Cardinals. Instead he will be using Mark Sweeney's old number 22, which happens to be the number of his all-time favorite player- Will Clark. Yes, that's Will Clark the former Giant.

Before you start hyperventilating with thoughts of curses and jinxes take a deep breath. Wikipedia reminds us that Will Clark played for the Texas Rangers from 1994 to 1998 (his home team) and Kershaw's admiration comes from that time period. Now I can breath. Goodness knows that's no way to start your Dodger career by honoring a former Giant.

Good luck tonight. Dodger Nation is watching.

Hat Tip: Big League Stew:

Lelands: A Shiny Satin Uniform

There are some great rare items in Leland's upcoming auction. You can find everything from a sword to a sailor cap. A collection of Hall of Famer Eddie Plank's personal photos are available along with a baseball signed by 4 Presidents (Kennedy, Hoover, Eisenhower and Truman).

My favorite Dodger item available is this 1948 jersey made of satin of the Brooklyn Dodgers. They have a reflective appearance and were used only during night games in the 1948 season. It must have been quite a sight to see the players on the field glowing. This jersey was worn by pitcher Joe Hatten. Check out the auction here.

Auction Link: 1948 Satin Dodger Uniform:

This is the rarest of all Jackie Robinson vintage pins. It is a promotional pin made in 1947 by the Brooklyn Eagle. This is the first time I've seen one. Check it out here.

Auction Link: 1947 Robinson Brooklyn Eagle pin.

There is something eerily mesmerizing about the item below. Leland's is auctioning a death mask of French General Napoleon Bonaparte.

This particular bronze casting is a descendant of the mask given by Napoleon's attendant, Madame Bertrand to one of his physicians, Francesco Antonmarchi who in turn had several copies made.

I don't quite know what to think about this thing. In a way, it's fascinating to see the face of a person I've only read about in history books, but it's starting to creep me out. Auction here.

Auction Link: Napoleon Death Mask:

Now for something more lighthearted. This is a UPI press photo of one of my favorite Munsters episodes-"Herman the Rookie." Leo Durocher signs Herman Munster to play for his Baseball team after getting whacked on the head with one of Herman's monstrous hits. Unfortunately, his teammates refuse to play because he would steamroll while stealing bases and throw the ball way too hard. They were starting to get hurt. See the auction here.

Auction Link: Herman Munster Pic: