Listening to Vin

You have to listen to this now. Vin Scully gives a great interview about his career, opinions about Baseball, umpires, etc. Go Here.

Hat Tip: TrueBlueLA Twitter:

CSA: The Montreal Royals

Auction Link: 1953 Montreal Royals:

Clean Sweep Auctions is concluding their most recent auction tonight and they have the above rare Exhibit Supply Company 24 card set of the Montreal Royals from 1953- a farm team of the Dodgers at the time. This is probably one of the more scarce sets put out by Exhibit Supply Company since they were only released north of the border. It is also notable for having several future Major League players and a couple of Hall of Fame coach's within it. The Tommy Lasorda card is his true rookie card and includes an unusual spelling mistake (see above). Also, Walter Alston, Sandy Amoros and Don Hoak round out the set.

These cards are about the size of a postcard and were commonly found in coin operated vending machines. For a penny you got several cards to take home. They were made of hard cardboard stock so they are often found in pretty good condition. Exhibit Supply Company produced cards at the beginning of the 20th century to the late 50's, and featured everything from ballplayers to western movie heroes, wrestlers and boxers.

Going to SFO?

If you are going to be spending some quality time at San Francisco Airport then it might be worth your time to check out a museum exhibit on display at the North Wall Case of the International Terminal. It features cards and memorabilia from the eight teams of the Pacific Coast League (1903-1957)- San Francisco Seals, Oakland Oaks, Los Angeles Angels, Hollywood Stars, San Diego Padres, Sacramento Saloons, Portland Beavers and Seattle Rainiers.

I have not seen it yet, and I doubt I will. I'm not planning a trip up north anytime soon. So, if you do happen to come across it, please take some photos for me. It will remain there until the end of October.

Hat Tip to the Old Cardboard eNews #65.

Party at the Zone Tonight with Lee Lacy

I just received this notice, so I thought I would pass it along.

ESPN Zone at L.A. Live will host a Dodgers Watch Party on Wednesday at 7 p.m. as Manny and Co. travel to San Diego to face the Padres.

Former Dodger utility man Lee Lacy, who set a MLB record in 1978 with three consecutive pinch-hit home runs for the Dodgers, will be on hand to meet with fans and sign autographs. Fans will also have a chance to enjoy an All-You-Can-Eat Dodger Dogs buffet for $10.

So there you go. Free autos of Lee Lacy while you dine on Dodger Dogs at the ESPN Zone. That doesn't sound too bad. Be sure to call ahead to confirm.

Card of the Week: Big Head

Better late than never is what I like to say. Here is this week's "Card of the Week." If features our former ace Ramon Martinez in a colorful follow-through pose on his 1992 Score Baseball All-Star card.

More Than Just a Ham Sandwich

Well, first of all, I apologize for my absence from posting this past weekend. I've been out of town playing in the City of Sin. The Kings had their annual pre-season Frozen Fury hockey game at the MGM against the Colorado Avalanche, and... well, let's just say that what happens in Vegas stays there. So, that's the last you'll hear about that.
Anyway, I figured I would start this week by pointing to a great little write up on Deadspin about the habits of one Dodger player we all grew to love named Pedro Guerrero. He had a penchant for playing around. You gotta read it. It's a hilarious story that features Bill Russell as an unwitting subject.

And everybody was used to Pedro, in particular, flouting, bandying or wiggling his. He was good hitter in those days, but also wildly inappropriate, even by the standards of baseball. If you were in your interview crouch, transcribing some Dodger's quotes, you knew to jump if you felt something brushing your neck.

Now back to some regularly scheduled posting.

More Goodwin Champions

Here is another post featuring Upper Deck Goodwin Champions cards of Dodger players. These cards are a part of the base set and mini inserts of the base set. I hope to grab a few packs in the next few days, so, I'll report what I get when when I do.
Below is a very limited "one-of-one" magenta printing plate of Kuroda. A silver bordered mini insert card of Chad Billingsley.
Here is Manny in both his black bordered and regular mini insert cards.
A large group of Dodger mini cards.

legendary Auction Pics: Everything Else

Here is my last post featuring some great photos of Baseball stars from Legendary Auctions current offering. This time I take a step away from the 'Boys in Blue" and focus on some great photography.

Below is a case in point. Christy Mathewson was one of Baseballs greatest pitchers. He was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1936 as one of the first five elected into that hallowed hall. Known as "The Christian Gentleman," he finished up with 373 wins, a 2.13 ERA, 2,502 strike outs and 79 shutouts. His biggest flaw, of course, was that he played for the hated Giants for most of his career. The photo below perfectly captures the posture and demeanor of one of Baseballs most respected men.

Auction Link: Christy Mathewson:

I love this photo of Davey Jones batting in a snow storm.

Auction Link: Davey Jones Batting in a Snow Storm:

Native Americans have been in professional Baseball for a long time. They faced discrimination, but found a way to succeed anyway. Below is Chief Meyers and super athlete Jim Thorpe.

Auction Link: Jim Thorpe & Chief Meyers:

If you've seen the Baseball documentary by Ken Burns then you must remember the House of David. Below is a team portrait from 1920.

Auction Link: House of David:

The British police have a good laugh at Hugh Jennings as he shows off his signature dance during a Baseball world tour in 1924. "Ehh-Yah!"

Auction Link: Hugh Jennings "Ehh-Yah":

Thank goodness Ruth could hit because he sure can't slide.

Auction Link: Babe's Slide:

OT: Economic Breakdown Song

This music video was created for an Economics Final at Frontier High School in Bakersfield by four classmates. It was written on Thursday, Song recorded on Friday, Shot in 5 hours on Saturday, Edited on Monday - with a couple of pick-up shots. Final editing and mastering on Tuesday and turned in on Wednesday morning.

Not too bad for a bunch of high schools kids.

YouTube Link: JonSlagle:

Seeing Stars: More Celebs at the Ravine

Manny Ramirez hung out with his favorite cartoon Handy Manny and his voice, Wilmer Valderrama.

Photo Credit: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers

Then, Wilmer Valderrama, from That 70's Show fame, threw out the first pitch in Friday's game against the Giants.

Photo Credit: Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers

Jenna Elfman celebrates after her first pitch before the second game of the Gaints series this past weekend.

Pic Link: Have U Heard?:

Photo Credit: Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers

Card of the Week: Not This Year

Old time Dodger fans can't forget it, and modern Dodger fans are constantly reminded of it. As the old saying goes, "those who forget history are doomed to repeat it." So, I hope the Dodgers don't rest on their laurels.

Here is this weeks "Card of the Week" from 1991 Bowman Baseball #410. It commemorates the infamous "Shot Heard 'Round The World." Below is the reverse of the card. Click either pic to enlarge.

(click pic to enlarge)

If I'm not mistaken, please let me know if I'm wrong, this card along with a handful of others in the set was the first time shiny gold foil was inlaid onto a card. It was a huge development in the hobby and lead to dramatic changes in card design over the years. Below is a scan of the gold design of a globe and the words "The Shot" in the middle.

My Town This Is

As many of you already know, the Dodger are having a Star Wars Night at Dodger Stadium, on Saturday October 3rd, that will include some special goodies for the My Town Section of the stadium. Fans sitting there will get the below limited shirt. Also, the menu for the section will include

Cloneburgers with cheese, R2-BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, and Ice Sabers (popsicles).

The evening will start with autograph alley being filled with Star Wars characters. Then, a pregame show will pay tribute to the movie epic. Fans can wear costumes. But, be forwarned, no light sabers allowed.

As to be expected, some have made fun of the event. Hear Jim Rome chime in with his usually snarky comments. Hear it below. (Hat Tip: Vin Scully Is My Homeboy)

YouTube Link: BurnMonkeyBurnDotCom:

So, in honor of this special occasion, I've decided to make my own nerdy photoshop pics.

A Sunday Pic

A beautiful and warm Sunday afternoon at Bleacher Beach.

Pic Link: DodgerTownUSA:

Blog Kiosk: 9/20/2009

• Night Owl Cards puts together his All Dodger Oughts team. In other words, his team of this decade.
• Apparently, yesterday was National Collect Like A Pirate Day so Cardboard Junkie made some custom cards. GCRL makes his own card of Piazza as a pirate.
  
• This is why the Internet and blogs are so great- you get to read about the funny stories told by ballplayers before they decide to write a biography of their career. Dodger Minor Leaguer, Brian Akin, writes on his own blog about a funny story involving Chin-Lung Hu and a coffee pot. You heard me right- a coffee pot. You've got to read all about it. (Hat Tip: Diamond Notes)
• MSTI has a great photo retrospective featuring Andre Ethier's walk-off magic this year.
  
• Check out some pics of Zach's tour of the Office of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball.
• Olbermann passes along a great little tidbit about the Brooklyn Dodgers former home- Ebbets Field.

  "...The last confirmed new stadium screw-up on that level came in Brooklyn in 1913 when Charlie Ebbets opened his new home for the Dodgers. Reporters followed Ebbets to centerfield for the ceremonial raising of the flag, everybody applauded, and then some scribe asked "So, Charlie, where do we sit?" It was only then that the Dodger owner realized that Ebbets Field had been built without a press box."
• Are you an old man who sits on the porch complaining about the kids around you? Then you need to check out the first 3 "Problems With Young People" trading card set. Just awesome, and I expect more will be unveiled over the coming weeks. (Hat Tip: A Cardboard Problem)
• David Levin shows off a recent find of 32 Old Judge Cabinet cards from the late 1800's.
• And here is a video about the above Fargo Find of Old Judge Cabinets.

YouTube Link: DavesVintageBaseballCards:

• Gerorge Lopez throws out the first pitch. (Hat Tip: Vin Scully is My Homeboy)

YouTube Link: GeorgeLopezComedy:

Legendary Pics- Even More Dodgers

The Legendary Auctions catalog of photos is a treasure trove of great Dodger pics. Here is my third installment of Dodger pics from their current auction. As always, click any of the photos to enlarge.

Below is a great vintage pic from the American Press Association of Brooklyn hurler Nap Rucker. I love the contrast in this photo. Rucker is mostly in the light, but is surrounded by dark shadows.

Auction Link: Nap Rucker Photo:

The man with the greatest Baseball name ever conceived is featured below. His name is Van Lingle Mungo and he pitched for the Dodgers for 11 years. If his name didn't exist I don't think a writer could ever come up with a name like his. Below he is showing his unusual windup.

Auction Link: Van Lingle Mungo:

Considering Kevin Baxter's recent story and various blog post on the 'tubes about it, this photo below seems to be quite timely. Below is a pic of the famous brawl between John Roseboro and Juan Marichal. Click here to see a couple more photos from the happening.

Auction Link: The Fight Photo Collection:

Sandy Koufax is enjoying a some champagne after the Dodgers swept the Yankees in the 1963 World Series. This was the first time the Yankees were ever swept, 4 in a row, in the Fall Classic.

Auction Link: Koufax & Champagne:

Sandy Koufax interview Don Drysdale in 1968 after Don had broken the record for consecutive scoreless innings.

Auction Link: Drysdale & Koufax Photo Lot:

The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

This lot consist of various photos featuring Tommy Lasorda. First, the Dodger team celebrates their clinching of the 1977 Western Divisional Championship. The photo below shows a despondent Lasorda after their crushing defeat at the hands of the Yankees in the World Series a year later.

Auction Link: Tommy Lasorda Photo Lot:

Don Drysdale shows off his draw as John Russell stands nearby for a filming of the show Lawman. Check out even more photos here.

Auction Link: Drysdale Photo Lot:

Topps Sterling Preview

Topps high-end card set filled with autographs and cut uniform pieces galore will be going live in January. It is called 2009 Topps Sterling, which sounds weird since it actually will begin its distribution in 2010, but I digress.

Beckett.com has a bunch of preview pics from the set including Ruth, Mantle, Cobb and Pujols. Above is a Jackie Robinson card that will be found in boxes next year.

Celeb Pics From Yesterdays Game

A big thanks to the Dodger PR group for passing along these photos of some celebrity sightings at the Dodger game yesterday afternoon. Comedian George Lopez threw out the first pitch and Ian Ziering was spotted in the crowd.

Photo Credit: Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers
Photo Credit: Juan Ocampo/LA Dodgers

What A Find

As the year comes quickly to a close I started to wonder if any new finds might pop up. Well, no sooner said than done, we get a one-of-a-kind find of a 1893 Baseball card. Actually, it was originally found in the 90's, but remained unknown to hobby experts until recently.

One afternoon, Mike Gazo went to work on his Moms bathroom. A typical remodel job for a do-it-yourself handyman. As he tore down the walls he discovered something unusual. The above Just So Tobacco card of Hall of Famer Buck Ewing was nailed to a crossbeam. It was an unusual find for the casual collector that he was. He had no idea what it was or knew who this person was staring back at him. He took it home and casually showed off to friends for over a decade.

"I just thought it was a cool card," he recalled. "I wasn't much for the internet back then so I just took it around. Had it in the glove box of my car. I showed it to a few local collector friends and some dealers but they didn't seem to know much about it. They thought it might be worth $100 or so. I kept it in my sock drawer. Sometimes it sat on my coffee table. My friends who collected when I did used to be amazed when we ran across something like a 1960 Willie Mays. We never had any tobacco cards."

Little did he know that he found an extreme rarity hobby experts wondered even existed. The Just So Tobacco set is one of the scarcest ones around. Only discovered in the 60's, few examples have lasted the test of time.

Mike's card is an original and this particular player had never been seen before. Only 15 different cards are known (now 16), and it is believed more exist. Most cards have only a single example. Unfortunately, a complete checklist may never be known. It will be auctioned next year in REA's next auction and may reach into the high five figures. Click the below links for even more detail on this incredible find.

Source Story: SCD & Lemke:

Legendary Pics- Part 2

Here is my second follow up to my recent post featuring Dodger pics from Legendary Auctions current photo auction. There are so many great photos, I couldn't keep it to just one post. Check them out below.

The Ebbets Field facade in color.

Auction Link: Ebbets Field in Color:

Baseball pioneer Branch Rickey with Jackie Robinson.

Auction Link: Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson:

Here is Jackie in a very familiar football pose.

Auction Link: Jackie and Football:

I think this is one of the better photos in the auction. The Brooklyn Bums took ten straight. They Dood it!

I recognize Jackie Robinson, Joe Black, Duke Snider, Gil Hodges and Walter Alston, but who is the guy in the middle with the giant smile?

Auction Link: The Bums Dood It:

Here is a great shot of Ted Williams joking around with Roy Campanella and Duke Snider.

Auction Link: Duke , Ted & Campy:

We are only missing the Giant.

We're talkin' baseball
Talkin' baseball
The Scooter, The Barber and The Newk,
They knew 'em all from Boston to Dubuque,
Especially Willie, Mickey and The Duke.

Auction Link: Mickey and the Duke:

This photo is hilarious. Gil Hodges lifts a couple boxes of Wheaties while donning those shiny satin Dodger uniforms from 1948.

Auction Link: Hodges and Wheaties:

Gil Hodges is framed just right.

Auction Link: Framing Hodges: