OT: A Beautiful Duet

I couldn't resist posting this video up. Obviously it is not Baseball related, but it is awesome. Having a new nephew has me giddily enjoying these kind of videos.

More Awards for Our Dynamic Duo- Kemp & Kershaw

With all of the hardware collected by Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw so far this season you would think it would start to get old (save the lack of a MVP plaque for Kemp). Well, it isn't old, and it's nice that this past seasons individual accomplishments have really been a great mask- covering up how poor the Dodger season was both on and off the field.

For this reason I want to celebrate the Negro League Baseball Museum's announcement that both Kemp and Kershaw have won some Legacy Awards. Kemp took home the Oscar Charleston (MVP) and Josh Gibson (Home Run Leader) Awards and Kershaw took the Bullet Rogan Pitcher of the Year Award.
From the press release:

Two centerfielders were the center of attention when the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) announced its Legacy Awards Class of 2011. Los Angeles Dodgers centerfielder Matt Kemp and New York Yankees centerfielder Curtis Granderson head a star-studded class of 2011 Major League Baseball honorees who will receive Legacy Awards from the NLBM.

Kemp and Granderson will receive the coveted Oscar Charleston Award given annually to the National League (NL) and American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP). Kemp also earned the Josh Gibson Award after leading the NL in home runs (39).

The NLBM will honor Kemp, Granderson and the rest of a stellar group of award winners in ceremonies scheduled for 8 p.m., Sat., Jan. 28, 2012 at the Gem Theater in Kansas City, MO. Proceeds from the Legacy Awards benefit the NLBM. The event is also part of the museum's yearlong Buck O'Neil Centennial Celebration.

...
"The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is proud to continue its tradition of celebrating baseball's best in the name and spirit of baseball's best. We congratulate Matt Kemp, Curtis Granderson and the other honorees receiving Legacy Awards," said Bob Kendrick, NLBM president.

"The Legacy Awards is the only baseball event of its kind that unites baseball's past and present. We believe that by honoring Major League Baseball's very best in the name of these legendary Negro Leaguers, we help fans worldwide gain a greater appreciation for just how talented the likes of Charleston and the other greats of the Negro Leagues were," Kendrick said.

Blog Kiosk: 11/23/2011

Google is amazing today. You must check it out before it goes away. Click on the image in the opening page and play along. It's an interactive cartoon that celebrates Polish science-fiction novelist, philosopher and satirist Stanislaw Lem.

• The Dodgers are apparently interested in Jerry Hairston Jr., via MLB Trade Rumors.
  
• Torre may be considering a bid to buy the Dodgers, via Bill Shaikin at LA Times.

  "There've been a number of people who've reached out and inquired, but I've made no alliance, no commitment, as of this minute," Torre told the New York Times.

• Maybe we should be glad Kemp did not win the MVP. Matt is using the snub to motivate him. Via Tony Jackson at ESPN.

  "I'm going to go 50-50 next year," he said. "I'm telling you, y'all created a monster. I'm about to get back in the weight room super tough so I can be as strong as I was last year. … Forty-forty is tough, so 50-50 will be even tougher, but anything can happen. I have to set my limits high so I can try to get to them as much as I can. I'm going to try for 50-50, which has never been done.

• High Heat Stats shows how incredible a season Kenley Jansen had last season.

  Kenley Jansen's 16.10 is just a ridiculous number. In fact, it's an all-time record (again, minimum 40 IP)

• Check out the Josh Lindblom Foundation. This is a new charity he has put together to promote awareness and raise funds for families and children in need and to provide financial support for other charitable organizations.
• MLB Trade Rumors has a nice rundown of MLB's new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
  
• From Epic Meal Time- Turbaconepicentipede. This is a disgusting mess, but strangely I wouldn't mind taking a bite. Happy Thanksgiving!
  

Video Link:

Holiday Weekend Autograph Opportunities

With the Thanksgiving holiday around the corner, there is nothing better to satisfy your collecting bug then by getting some signatures. Unfortunately, I'm not aware of any Dodgers players making an appearance, but I do know of a couple of other events worth visiting. BTW, be sure to check out the Blue Heaven Calendar for a listing of autograph events throughout the Southland.
The LA Auto Show is in full swing right now at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and various guest will be on hand to sign autographs for fans. Go here for a complete listing. Be sure to check this often. I noticed that new guest were added in the last minute this past weekend which included Dan Haren and Blake Griffin. So, who knows who else might show up this weekend. What we do know is that LPGA star Michelle Wie will be on hand at the Kia Exhibit in the West Hall.

Look out for LPGA star Michelle Wie, who will be at Kia's display @LA Auto Show to meet her fans and sign autographs on the 26th of November from 11am-1pm. And while you're there, check out the custom golf-themed Soul featuring Michelle's own artwork.

Also, former Laker Gary Payton will be signing autographs at the OC Sports Cards in Anaheim this coming Sunday. He will be there from 11am to 1pm. This is a paying event. As always, be sure to call ahead of time to confirm. Some details below.

OC Sports Cards
1238 S. Beach Blvd, Suite J,
Anaheim, CA 92804
(714) 761 - 6414

8x10's and other small items: $49.99
Basketballs / 16x20's: $59.99 PSA Authentication Included
Jerseys / Equipment / Oversize flats: $69.99 PSA Authentication Included
https://www.facebook.com/events/282434795108554/

eBay: The Celluloid Catcher

Following up on a post from last week, here is another vintage Brooklyn Dodgers pin. This time it features a ribbon attached to the reverse and a celluloid catcher hanging below. These little accoutrements really add to the beauty and scarcity of the pin. In fact, it is much tougher to find pins of this age with these additions. This item recently sold at $85.00. The pin, if sold alone, would only have been 1/3 of this price, at best.

BTW, these pins are commonly known as a PM10. It is a designation from the American Card Catalog (ACC) and usually refers to pins from the 1940's to 1950's that measure from 1.5" to 2" inches in diameter.

(eBay Auction Link)