More Dodger Triple Threads

I thought I would ad a few more 2009 Dodger themed Triple Thread cards found on eBay. I really like the look of these cards. I really just wish packs were more affordable. Of course, if you only shop on eBay you can get any specific card you want without paying almost a couple hundred bucks for a two pack box. Now, on to the cards.

Duke Snider was inducted into he Hall of Fame in 1980. This "one of one" card is a pretty sweet reminder of that.

(eBay Auction Link)

In 1956, he lead the league in slugging with a .598 percentage.

(eBay Link)

You can't go wrong with a Campanella.

(eBay Auction Link)

So, what college did Andre go to? Oh yhea! ASU.

(eBay Link)

Here is a little known fact. Johnny Podres was the first ever World Series MVP. The award was first awarded during the 1955 World Series where the Dodgers beat the Yankees for the first time. Podres pitched two complete games and gave up only two earned runs.

(eBay Link)

A Short Story of a Eccentric Baseball Promotor

Terry Murray, who is currently the LA Kings head coach, played for the California Golden Seals hockey club in the Bay Area in the early 70's. He passed along a funny story about team owner Charlie O. Finley, who happened to own the Oakland A's at the time.

“It was a playoff game, but not the World Series. There was a TV timeout, and they had the usher walking down, and they had the Oakland A’s banner on a stick, and they passed it out to all of us. Charlie Finley stood up and turned around to all of us, and he said, `So, you see that TV (camera) down there? When that light comes on, on that TV, I want everybody standing up and waving that Oakland A’s banner.’ So we did. Some didn’t. I was a kid, so I was the first one up, but a bunch of the veteran guys said, `Shove it.’ The funny part about it was, now play starts, the camera turns and the usher came back and made us pass them all back.”

Baseball history is filled with characters like this. Where have they all gone?

From Rich Hammond LA King Insider Blog. BTW, if your a Kings fan and don't already know of this blog go and check it out right away. It's a daily must read.

Congrats Mr. Clutch

Our very own Andre Ethier has been named the 2009 Major League Baseball's Clutch Performer of the Year. He had 6 walk-off hits that included 4 walk-off home runs. In fact, his 4 home runs tied a Major League record. Read all about it right here.

Here are videos of all 4 of the bombs found on YouTube through DodgerFilms.

June 6, 2009

YouTube Link: DodgerFilms:

June 29, 2009

YouTube Link: DodgerFilms:

August 6, 2009.

YouTube Link: DodgerFilms:

September 15, 2009

YouTube Link: DodgerFilms:

Great Museums: The National Baseball Hall of Fame

This is a must see. For the Baseball fan, it is our Mecca. I've only been once, in 1999, when I visited Cooperstown during the Induction Ceremony for Robin Yount, George Brett and Nolan Ryan. It was crowded and packed with far more people than the little town could hold. Still, I would have gone anyway if I had known it would be such a zoo. (At the time, that weekend was the largest crowd to ever visit Cooperstown.) Hopefully, I'll have an opportunity to visit again during a normal weekend. This is an episode of Great Museums, Season 3, Episode 6.

Hat Tip: Pure Science with a Splash of Black Cat:

Check Out Marshall Fogel's Collection

Here is a great video featuring the collection of Marshall Fogel. It's a must see for the memorabilia collector in you.

Video Link: CNBC:
Hat Tip: Beckett:

Hall Of Fame Rookie Card Database

Old Cardboard has created a tool that is long overdue. They have just put up their Baseball rookie card database that includes the 5 earliest cards of every Hall of Famer. Not only does this include the Topps or Bowman rookie cards, but also includes earliest examples of players on minor league cards, obscure regional issues, limited edition photo sets and other strange collectible sets. In a sense they are showing a players true rookie collectible. Check it out here.

For instance, Walter Alston's first true card came out in 1952 in the Parkhurst set featuring primarily Canadian Minor Leaguers. Parkhurst is famous for making hockey card sets.
Don Drysdale's first true card/collectible was a team issued photo from 1956.
Tommy's first card is a minor league issue from World Wide Gum called 1950 Big League Stars. The set features only players from the International League. I find it funny how they spelled his name back then.

Videos: This Is Our Home

Here is a great Dodger video set to a great song that cheers for LA. (BTW, the Kings have been using this song for awhile now.)

YouTube Link: johnnyangel32:

Dodger Correspondence: Mal Mallette

Mal Mallette was another one of those athletes who went off to war to do their duty during a time in his life when he could have been seasoning his craft in the minors. Nevertheless, he played professionally for several years, but only pitched in 2 games for the Dodgers in 1950. A veritable cup of coffee.

He got into 2 games, pitching 1.1 innings, facing only 7 batters and recorded 2 strikeouts. Mallette did not give up a run. After his playing days he joined the press and spent 15 years as a reporter and editor, and worked for the American Press Institute for 21 years. Iin 2002, he was elected into the North Carolina Journalism of Fame.

He writes to young Harry the following:

My career spanned seven season after my return from WWII. I retired at age 29 because arm surgery had taken away most of my fastball. After two excellent AAA seasons at Montreal it seemed likely that I would be recalled by the Dodgers. Good Luck.

In those two great season with Montreal he won 23 games and lost 2.

(click to enlarge)

eBay Auction Link: Mal Mallette Letter:

Did You Miss U2?

If you missed the U2's concert last night at the Rose Bowl like I did, then check out their official page for the entire show on YouTube. All 2.5 hours are there for free. Of course, you could also watch it below.

YouTube Link: U2:

Card Of The Week: Cartoon Piazza

This Mike Piazza 1994 Upper Deck Fun Pack card is just goofy. It makes me laugh and smile.

Blog Kiosk: 10/25/2009

Thank goodness for hockey. The Kings young centerman, Anze Kopitar, leads the league in scoring after 11 games. I know it's early, but he has truly come into his own. This rising star and this team is ready to take the next step.

• Tommy does have a dirty mouth.
  
• Jeff Kent, along with Vince Coleman, Steve Finley, Gaylord Perry, Rollie Fingers, among other former players, participated in a vintage charity Base Ball game this past weekend in San Jose. Read all about it here.

  The last play of the game was actually pretty cool. Stogies were down 15-14 and had runners on 1st and 3rd with 2 outs. Dude ripped a ground ball that Jeff Kent stabbed at 2nd - it was the only hard grounder fielded all day. He flipped to SS just in time to get the out and save the game. He jumped for joy and was in no way kidding. He was totally excited to win a fake game of fake baseball.

• Here is a great custom made card by GCRL of a Rick Monday card that should have been made, but never was.
• I bet the cops who pulled over this guy on a motorized couch for a DUI couldn't stop laughing. More at the Star Tribune.
• HNIC

My New Favorite Twitterer

Out of the history books and into the modern word, Charley "Old Hoss" Radbourn has come out from the ashes to grace us with his superior Baseball knowledge. The old-school late 19th Century Baseball hurler has joined twitter and he loves to comment on the state of the game. He has instantly become my favorite twitterer of the moment. Check him out here (@OldHossRadbourn)

Old Hoss was one of those players that played the game like it was the grind. He was tough, surly, arrogant and vain. Charley would drink anyone under the table then beat you to a bloody pulp for not being man enough to take him down. He was difficult to like, but must have been a joy to see on the field.

"Old Hoss" was one of the best of all time on the mound. In 1884 he started 73 games and completed all of them. Yes, ALL OF THEM. He also won 59 games that year and pitched a total 678 2/3 innings. It took him only 11 seasons to win 300 games. His radiant personality, though, came out during games. In fact, he was suspended once for throwing at his own catcher and knocking him down. The catcher had committed the offense of dropping a third strike.

An interesting rumor about him is that it is said that the term "Charley Horse" originates from him and that the earliest known photo of someone showing the finger is of him. Unfortunately, I have yet to ever see this historical photograph. (UPDATE: I take that back, here it is.)

(pic link: geezerballgazette)

Now check out some of his awesome twits below.

• In 1884 I occasionally took days off from hurling. How? By playing right field. Or short stop. Today's players are poncy, preening scum.
• I hear many good things about this P. Hughes fellow. I don't see it. I knew 16-year old grenadiers in Guam with more mettle than that lad.
• This Jepsen lad reminds me of my old 'mate Jerry "Twain" Denny. Both had faces that looked like a crotch.
• The Dodgers are leaving men on base like we left Reb corpses at Antietam.

Check Out Some Triple Threads

Beckett has a recent post featuring some recent pulls submitted by readers from the just release 2009 Topps Triple Threads boxes. It includes the below Trolley Dodgers card featuring 3 Brooklyn heroes and some cut jerseys and bat pieces. Go to their post to see more.Since the above card is the only Dodger one featured I figured I would troll around eBay to see if there are more to be seen. Of course, I was not disappointed. Check out some of them below.

In fact, take a good look at the Blake DeWitt card featuring some cut jerseys fashioned with the words "5 NLCS RBI." In 2008 he started at 2nd base and hammered in 5 RBI's during the series. We could have used some of that this time around. In fact, I'm willing to make the early call that he should be the heir apparent to the 2nd base job in 2010.

(eBay link)

I'm not surprised that card was made. Hollywood with Kemp, Manny and Russell Martin featured.

(eBay link)

How cool is this- Matt Kemp the Bison!

(eBay link)

This reminds us that Manny is a 12 time All Star. Some good that did for us this year. On the other hand, that is a really cool patch on the left side. What is that of?

(eBay link)

Just Manny Being Manny.

(eBay link)

Thank You For A Great Season!

First of all, congratulations to the Phillies for winning the pennant. It was a hard fought series where their experience and grit took them over the top. I give them mad props.

For the Dodgers I have nothing but thanks and gratitude for a phenomenal year. 2009 was filled with so much promise and, for the most part, this team met my expectations. We just ran into a team that refused to be beat.

All I can say is, "wait til next year!"

A Momentary Break Before the Game

While you wait for Game 5 to begin here are a couple of fun videos to keep you in the mood.

30 Ballparks and a baby.

Video Link: RedLasso:

The Dodgers Song.

YouTube Link: fuzzylogic1025:

Baseball Better Than Work

Call this a little bit of self promotion, but I wanted to point out a couple of vintage Baseball postcards that I am currently selling eBay that I thought were pretty cool. (BTW, I'm selling bunch of vintage cards right now. Check them out here.) I had originally gotten then several years ago in a large lot of memorabilia items and, only now, have gotten a opportunity to sell them online.

Both postcards feature Baseball as a central theme on the front, and have some very true statements written on the reverse.

The first card is a comic themed postcard, circa 1914, that perfectly encapsulates Baseball fandom.

"He wants his meals to be serv'd hot,
If not he'll start to scold,
Yet he sits for fourteen innings
And lets his meals get cold"

The best part is written on the reverse by the sender.
Bill writes,

"This is better than farming"

So true, so true.
Here is another postcard I'm selling that expresses a similar sentiment. On the front is old Yankee Stadium, circa 1949, but on the reverse is a longing to stay in New York watching Baseball.

"Yup, we wuz here. Having a grand time, better than carrying the mail"

This is only more proof that throughout American history, Baseball is better than most things- even warm food, producing food and work.

Why No Protest

By now you have heard of the numerous questionable calls made in last nights American League Championship Series game between the Angels and Yankees. There were a couple of calls that I usually consider just "bad luck" and being a part of the game, but there was one call that has my head scratching. It was egregious, and as Yahoo's "Big League Stew" proclaims, it is easily the worst call ever made by an umpire. If you haven't seen it yet check out the video below.

YahooVideoLink:

Now, it is obvious the umpire screwed up. The replay clearly shows that. I wonder, though, why Mike Scioscia did not play under protest. Isn't this a protestable play? Read Section 4.19 from MLB Rules:

"Each league shall adopt rules governing procedure for protesting a game when a manager claims that an umpire's decision is in violation of these rules. No protest shall ever be permitted on judgment decisions by the umpire. In all protested games, the decision of the League President shall be final. Even if it is held that the protested decision violated the rules, no replay of the game will be ordered unless, in the opinion of the League President, the violation adversely affected the protesting team's chances of winning the game. Whenever a manager protests a game because of alleged misapplication of the rules, the protest will not be recognized unless the umpires are notified at the time the play under protest occurs and before the next pitch is made or a runner is retired. A protest arising on a game ending play may be filed until 12 noon the following day with the League Office."

So as long as the umpires ruling does not adhere to league rules and was not a judgment call then it should be protestable. This game should have been played under protest.

Now, Tim McClelland, the umpire in questions, states that he thought Robinson Cano was on third base; therefore making him the safe player on the base paths. Is that considered a judgment call by the umpire, or non-adherence to the rules? Does anybody know the answer?

Card Of The Week: Sawed Off

Rob Deer was all about power. He tried to slug with the best of them in the 80's. Unfortunately, he never really came close to leading the league in homers. On the other hand, he did lead the league in being struck out four times in his career.

The above 1992 Leaf card of Rob Deer was one of my favorites from the set. It shows both his mighty swing and the disappointment of a splintered bat in his palms. In fact, you can say that it epitomized his career. He was a "feast or famine" hitter. His powerful swing was evident for all to see, but, ultimately, it was all for naught.

Tommy Says It All

Tommy is in Philly and let's us know how he feels.

I hate the Phillie Phanatic.

(pic link: Twitpic TommyLasorda)

It may have something to do with this.

YouTube Link: LADRLZ:

UPDATE: This comes directly from Tommy's blog.

I called the front office of the Phillies and told them how I felt. They can play with kids in the stands, but running over the dummy was simply wrong, and that kids would get the wrong impression. Apparently, they didn’t care.

The next time we were in Philadelphia, I confronted the Phanatic. I told it not to use my jersey anymore, and so the next time he did, I was forced to act. I went right up to it and body slammed it to the turf.

I often wondered how it got my jersey, and then I found out how. Steve Sax would give it the jerseys because my players thought it was a funny thing to do.

That is so great. Steve Sax is my new hero.

Dodger Correspondence: Ralph Mauriello

(pic link: Baseball Almanac)

Here is another edition of vintage correspondence with an old-time Dodger player. USC graduate and former Dodger pitcher Ralph Mauriello writes to Roy and shares his main career highlights.

My career highlights were two:

1. My first (and only) major league win against Chicago, September 1958.
2. Being a member of the Dixie Series Champions of 1955, the Mobile Bears. We were in last place on July4.

Ralph only had a opportunity to pitch for the Blue Crew in three games in 1958, two of them starts. In 11.2 innings he struck out 11 (not too bad), but yielded 8 walks and 10 hits. Unfortunately, his lack of control with the big club meant a short Major League career. Nevertheless, he did find success on the diamond at one time. In 1955 with the AA Champion Mobile Bears, a Brooklyn farm club, he went 18-8 with a 2.76 ERA.

eBay Auction Link: Ralph Mauriello:

(pic link: zimbio.com: Opening Day 2008, Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images North America)

Blog Kiosk: 10/18/2009

I choose to ignore the divorce talk. After all, they are but temporary holders of the "Boys in Blue."

• Will Ohman has bee released. His option with the Dodgers for 2010 has been declined and his contract was bought out.
  
• Great pic of a Dodger fan from twitter: @DodgerLadies.
• I'm hoping for a quick recovery for rising soccer star Charlie Davies after a deadly car crash this past week.
  
• Zack Hample visited the MLB Network and has pictures to prove it.
• Here's a nice story about Josh Gibson in the NY Times. (Hat Tip: Vin Scully is My Homeboy) Below is his one and only known vintage Baseball card, a 1950-1951 Toleteros from Puerto Rico. Unfortunately, it came out several years after his death. There is no known card produced during his playing days. Vintage collectors still hope one will show up from his playing days in the Mexican Leagues, Puerto Rico, Cuba or the Dominican Leagues.
• The Topps Archives introduces us to the 1956 Topps Western Round-Up non-sport set.
• Giving credit when credit is due. T.S. O'Connell writes a great commentary about the disappointment of not getting the Olympics in Chicago.
  
• Check out these never before seen photos of the 1969 Miracle Mets.
  
• College phenom, Stephen Strasburg, pitches 3.1 innings in his professional debut in the Arizona Fall League.
  
• A Brazilian paint fight.

YouTube Link: SocialChallenge:

Yhea, I'm a geek. Stormtroopers reminisce about the Death Star.

YouTube Link: zyonasan2002:

Watch Party and a Landreaux Autograph

I'm still reeling from this afternoons come from behind victory over the Phillies when I get an email letting me know about a watch party being set-up at the ESPN Zone at LA Live for this coming Sundays game. It will be from 5 pm to 9 pm and former Dodger Kenny Landreaux will be on hand to sign autographs.

What a Game

Who would have thought that the ailing statesman, Pedro Martinez, and castoff, Vicente Padilla, would equally throw gems this afternoon. This game two, of a best of seven series, was a duel reminiscent of games experienced at Dodger Stadium in the 60's. We saw two pitchers duking it out with outstanding location and sharp pitches that staggered the batters and wowed the crowd.

It's only appropriate that both starters have true blue credentials. Pedro was born with a blue bonnet on and Vicente comes to town hoping to revive his career with the team known for cultivating great pitchers. It seemed that both were channeling the ghost of Dodger pitchers past in the home that Koufax and Drysdale built.

The only mistake was a curveball left high in the strike zone to Ryan Howard that he belted into the outfield stands. As is the case with these type of games it was decided by the bullpen and the late inning heroics that have been commonplace to us fans.

If you make a mistake the Dodgers will capitalize. They did it against the Cardinals when Holliday dropped that last out in game two of the NLDS, and they did it today when Utley couldn't complete a double play.

What a game!

Are You Ready!

Gates open in one hour and the game starts in under four. My palms are sweating in anticipation. After a couple of days under dark clouds and precipitation we are welcomed with bright blue skies and a expected cool comfortable evening. DodgerTownUSA gives us a early peek of a beautiful day.

(pic link: DodgertownUSA)

Oh, by the way, the Rally Towels are back!

(pic link: Dodgertown USA)

eBay: Dodger Rarities

Here are some interesting Dodger related collectibles from eBay.

Although this is the first time I've heard of the Sandy Koufax Fan Club I'm not surprised by its existence. Here is a vintage patch that probably comes form the 1960's.

eBay Auction Link: Koufax Fan Club:

This is one of the more unusual Dodger schedules I've ever seen. It comes from a local dry cleaner and features the Dodger schedule from 1967. It is designed to go into the shirt pocket and stick up like a handkerchief.

eBay Auction Link: Handkerchief Schedule:

Check out these great vintage beer coasters featuring the Brooklyn Dodger broadcaster Red Barber on WOR sports talk radio.

eBay Auction Link: Red Barber Beer Coaster:

I get a great kick from this photo of Milton Berle and Leo Durocher.

eBay Auction Link: Durocher & Berle:

Forget tickets, how about a season pass to the Brooklyn Dodgers for the 1956 season.

eBay Auction Link: 1956 Ebbets Season Pass:

Dodger Correspondence: Gordon "Babe" Phelps

After a short hiatus I'm back with another Dodger Correspondence letter from Gordon "Babe Phelps. Below he writes back to fan naming his Baseball idol.

"I guess my idol would have to be Lou Gehrig. What a small guy he was. When he passed away, I though I had lost a great friend, although he was in the American League.

We use to have a lot of talks? together while we were in Spring Training and I sure did appreciate it."

Babe Phelps was one of the more colorful Dodgers to ever play the game. Read all about him here in his SABR biography.

eBay Auction Link: Babe Phelps Letter:

RIP Captain

One of my favorite wresting characters off all time was Captain Lou Albano. He made me scream, laugh and smile. This morning he passed away. He was 76 years old.Most of you may remember him as Cyndi Lauper's father in her video "Girls Just Want To Have Fun." Watch the video here.

I remember him as a Hulk Hogan antagonist, and as a peddler of a 900 number. Watch the video below to see if it shakes out some old memories.

YouTube Link: elithecat:

Happy Birthday John Wooden

(pic link: NBC: Phil McCarten/AP)

He turns 99 today. Happy Birthday Mr. Wooden.

Help Place This Photo

One of my favorite photo blogs, If Charlie Parker was a Gunslinger, There'd Be A Whole Lot of Dead Copycats, recently posted the above pic that features Roy Campanella and Joe DiMaggio in a A's uniform shaking hands at home plate. Originally, the caption indicated that it was taken in 1959 for a East-West All Star Classic. Based upon a cursory look Dodger fans would know that this can't be true. After all, Dodger Stadium did not open until 1962. Furthermore, I don't believe that electric wheel chairs existed way back then. Unfortunately, the proprietor confirmed that the original publishing date recorded on the back of the photo states 1959. So, we are left without any answers as to it's true origins.

One comment from a reader indicated that it is probably from the 1974 World Series, but if that is so, then why is a Cardinal player standing behind DiMaggio? Not only that, DiMaggio was only a part-time coach for the A's from 1968 to 1970. So, it can't be from 1974.

Can anyone figure out when this was taken, and for what event?

UPDATE: It has been solved. It is from March 28, 1970 at a Martin Luther King Charity All-Star Game. Thanks Bob!

Card of the Week: Bad Hair Day

Let me take that back. Sammy is actually happy with his hair. Look at his giant smile and happy demeanor. Never mind the fact that the makings of an alien furry beast, that would rival any monster Hollywood could make up, is about to jump out and eat you. No, his hair looks great.