Blog Kiosk: 7/11/2011

I certainly can't complain about entering the All-Star break with a 4 game winning streak. Are we on the cusp of something great, or is this a fake out of monumental proportions? (Pic Link: TwitPic @dirkremery)

• There are boycott movements are everywhere. Check out this Facebook group called 56,000 Boycott McCourt. Lofty goals, no doubt. Go here to lend your support.
  
• Fun facts from Baseball-Reference regarding Saturday's great game.
  
• Here's a great story from The Herald News about Maury Wills and his work as a Baseball instructor for the Joliet Slammers.
  
• Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts does a great rundown on Dodger highlights from the 1st half of the 2011 season.
  
• The Blue Jays Hunter takes a look at the best mustache's of the 2011 season so far.
  
• Zach Hample was at the All Star Game FanFest yesterday, and has a bunch of pics to prove it.
  
• If you don't already know, LA Kings Annual Summer Development Camp has started with some workouts and games in El Segundo. Mayors Manor has some news.
  
• Apparently, Tony Gwynn, Jr. had to shoo away a parakeet in yesterdays game. See it below.

Video Link:

eBay: Vintage Dodger Playing Cards

It's always a pleasure to see a vintage relic from the early days of Dodger Stadium. Here is a couple of circa 1962 playing card decks that feature both the new stadium and the Dodger logo on the card backs. It is unopened and consist of the original box it came in. Unsurprisingly, it is at over$20.00 eBay right now.

(Auction Link)

Daily Conlon: #167 Paul Waner - Superstitions

Here is today's Daily Conlon card of Paul Waner, #167, as he talks a bit about superstitions. As you know, Baseball is filled with daily rituals. From how you put on your uniform to other routines that boggle the mind, no sport in America is as closely tied to superstitions as Baseball.

Here, Waner explains why it prevails.

"It's the same way with superstitions. Most ballplayers know that such things are silly. But if it gives you a feeling of confidence in yourself, then it'll work. You figure, 'if it helps, why not? What have I got to lose?'"

Click the pick below to embiggen and read more

Collection: 1982 Albuquerque Dukes

Take a look back at the 1982 Albuquerque Dukes minor league set with me as I briefly reminisce about those great Dodger teams from the 80's. Many of these players, here, would occupy key positions for the club as they won pennants and a World Championship.

Above is a nerdy looking Orel Hershiser, Tom "I give up big home runs" Niedenfuer, Brian Holton, Joe Beckwith, and a pitcher who would star for other teams John Franco. Imagine what we could have done with Franco in our bullpen? Below is a sample of the reverse of the cards.
Below is Greg "Pornstache" Brock, Dave "You Always Surprised Me" Anderson and Dave "Brother of Steve" Sax.
Candy Maldonado's and Mike Marshall's cards are below.