Mientkiewicz Not Ready

Doug Mientkiewicz has been a very active twitterer. So active, in fact, it seems like there is nothing he won't twit about.

Just this past weekend he extols the virtues of America's favorite stoner rap group.

• Followed up with cypress hill. Hits from the bong!!! Nice. I love cypress hill

On another occasion he complains about being pulled over in New Mexico.

• Seriously. This getting rediculous. I'm getting checked out again for my tints. Go find a UFO or something!!!!

• I got followed for 22 miles and got pulled over for 68 in a 65 on a turn. Then he made up that I wasn't wearing my seat belt properly uncle

So, this afternoon he writes that he is in LA and preparing to workout at the stadium in front of the coaches- a kind of tryout to see if he is ready to get back onto the field.

• 3 pm pacific time is my scheduled try out in front of all the coaches! Y can I play in front of 60000 and b fine but do it in front of 4

A little nervous, I see. Unfortunately, it did not go as planned.

• Nope. I'm not ready yet. I felt a pop. It's better than it was 2 weeks ago but no there needless to say I'm crushed thanks for all ursupport

That's not a good sign. Hopefully, a little more rest will work. Fortunately, he sound like he's in good spirits.

• I'll find out how I feel tom. The pop scared the shit out of me. 4 some reason it felt better in alb. Back to the grind. Thanks again u guys

Legendary Auctions at the National

I've been a bit remiss in posting about some of the major auction houses and their wares. Have no fear, though, I am back with a wonderful mini-auction put together by Legendary Auctions and held in conjunction with the National Convention this past weekend in Cleveland.

This auction is much smaller than what you would typically find from a large auction house. Only 69 items were on the bill, and it was conducted live at the Cleveland House of Blues on Friday. For a complete list of items go here. One of the keys to the event was the sale of numerous personal Baseball items from Bob Gibson; including his first contract, first major league victory ball, 1967 World Championship ring, a game-used glove, 1971 Gold Glove Award, 1968 Cy Young Award, 1968 MVP Award, 1981 HOF Induction ring, his HOF plaque and his 2006 WS Championship ring with the Cardinals. That has got to be his entire lifetime collection of Baseball paraphernalia. See a video about the Bob Gibson Collection here.

Unfortunately, there is not one Dodger item to share (besides a game-used Jackie Robinson bat), but there is a very rare Pacific Coast League card of the Los Angeles team from 1910. Below is a Bishop & Company E221 horizontal team card of the LA PCL Baseball club. Bishop & Company was a candy company, so, no doubt, these cards were inserted into candy packages. It measures 10" x 2 3/4" and sold for a impressive $5,700.00.

Auction Link: LA PCL E221:

Here is the other major draw to this auction- The Bill Hoffer Collection. Before you read on, please watch the video below to find out more about it.

YouTube Link: bobfreedman1963:

It is incredible that this stuff still exist in such great condition. Here is the team cabinet that sold for $21,600.00.

Auction Link: 1895 Baltimore Cabinet:

Here is his authentic game-used uniform from 1895. It sold for $105,000.00.

Auction Link: 1895 Baltimore Game-Used Uniform:

I don't think I've ever seen a actual game used Baseball from a professional Baseball game dating to 1895. Wow! It sold for $28,800.00.

Auction Link: 1895 Baseball:

The Backside of Manny

On Friday it was announced that there would be a 2nd Manny bobblehead night on September 16 and I was able to share photos of it then. Above are photos of the reverse. Notice how Manny's back pockets and little red hair thingy provide the toy with a little bit of realism. Not only that, the Dodgers will be selling a Manny Bobblehead Pack that includes one ticket to 4 different games and both bobbleheads of Manny from this season for $64.00. Go here for more information.

Card of the Week: An Apple a Day...

Here is another goofy card from Upper Deck's 1992 Baseball card set. This time it features former ace pitcher Bret Saberhagen as he flips an apple into the sky. Speaking of apples- did you know that apples are good for your brain? They have phytonutrients that prevents neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinsonism.