What's better than a autographed card of a #1 draft pick hard throwing Dodger pitching prospect? Getting the card for under a buck. Check out the newest addition to my Dodger autograph collection. This is a 2007 Bowman Sterling Certified autographed card of Chris Withrow and it was found on eBay for 99 cents. Not too shabby. And, he still has a chance to fullfill all of the promise that made with a first rounder.
Here are today's Daily Conlon card numbered #176 featuring St. Louis Cardinal utility man George "Specs" Toporcer talking about having one of the best jobs a kid can have. "Back in 1912, when I was 13 years old, I got a job posting scores in an old-fashioned corner saloon at 85th Street and 1st Avenue. The scores would come in on a Western Union ticker tape, and I'd proudly write them on a large blackboard in the back room of the saloon."Before the widespread use of radios by the masses most folks got up-to-date news of important sporting events by going to a public square or watering hole. You would watch the game in slow motion as you waited for next play to be announced.
"A 19-year-old boy who weighed 142 pounds and never had played a game of pro ball came off the field at Orange, New Jersey. I watched this kid and saw him take off his glasses and, with his hands outstretched, grope his way along the wall to the showers. My captain turned to me and said, `For God's sake, who sent him up?' " Toporcer, who never played baseball in high school, college, or the minors, is remembered as the first infielder to wear glasses in the majors.Read more from him by clicking the pic below to embiggen.
Fernando Mania is about to officially get on it's way. The Dodgers will commemorate the 30th anniversary of “Fernandomania” with a bobblehead giveaway presented by Kaiser Permanente on Tuesday, July 26 (7:10 p.m. vs. COL). Valenzuela will also make a special one-hour long appearance at “Viva Los Dodgers Day” presented by State Farm, Time Warner Cable and Chevrolet this Sunday, July 24 at 11:30 a.m. The legendary lefty will meet and sign autographs for fans.Of special note: Tommy Lasorda announced his wife Jo asked for Valenzuela's autograph, the first time she has ever requested a players signature. (Photo Credit Above: LA Dodgers)“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the fans that are so friendly and supportive even after 30 years, it really means a lot to me” said Valenzuela.
