Auto Op: Shaq!

I thought I would take a moment and remind folks that Shaquille O'Neal is having a book signing tonight and tomorrow night. Below are details. As always, be sure to contact the respective book stores for further details. Also, for more autograph/sports events in the Southland feel free to check the Blue Heaven Calender Page, here.

Monday, November 28, 2011
He'll be signing copies of Shaq Uncut
7:00 PM at Vroman's Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
626-449-5320
Ticketed event, tickets will be available when the book is released on November 15th. Tickets will be available with the purchase of your book from Vroman's only.
Book limit of 5 copies per person with ticket. No personalizations. No memorabilia. Photos from the line ok but absolutely no posed photos.
Event Link:

Tuesday, November 29, 2011
He'll be signing copies of Shaq Uncut
7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble, 1201 3rd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-260-9110
This will be a wristband event. For more details, inquire in-store or online as the event approaches.
Event Link:

Blog Kiosk: 11/28/2011

Here is a great looking 2011 Topps Triple Threads Roy Campanella card on eBay featuring a bat knob- actually, it's the end of the bat, not the nob. Still, this is pretty cool. Unfortunately, the seller wants thousands for it. (Auction Link)

• Dodgers sign reliever Wil Ledezma to a minor league contract, via MLB Trade Rumors.
  
• Opinion of Kingman's Performance reminds us of Jason Romano. I had forgotten all about his one-out punch in the outfield.
• Jonathan Broxton is not returning, via Steve Dilbeck at LA Times. This was not unexpected, but it sucks that we will end up getting nothing in return.
  
• 'Who Slipped Willie the Mickey, October 3, 1962,' is a reprinted article featured on Sunday in the SF Chronicle and originally written by Charles McCabe. It spreads a rumor about a scheme to stop the Giants rise that year. (Hat Tip: Steve Dilbeck/LA Times)

  "The outfielder signs. A big thing. Like he's giving away money or something. And while he's doing this, young Capone is walking over to his bed and putting the mickey in the oatmeal."

• Are you aching for some basketball? Well, Jesse at LA Inspiration was at the LAUNFD charity basketball game this weekend hosted by Baron Davis and Tina Thompson.
  
• Check out some pics from the Wisconsin Baseball Hall of Fame at Carson Park in Eau Claire, via Heartbreaking Cards of Staggering Genius.
  
• Are you a football collector? Check out the Vintage Football Card Gallery for a peek at what looks like photos of just about every old football card ever made.
  
• Address is Approximate. Just a fun short movie.
  

Address Is Approximate from The Theory on Vimeo.

eBay: Vintage Dodgers Salesman Samples

Here are a couple of unique vintage salesman samples for a sweatshirt featuring Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese. According to the seller they date to 1948 to 1949. Now, I'm not familiar with this item or if any actual sweatshirts were made at that time. Still, it's something that would look good in a collection, but would probably be difficult to sell since it is a bit of an unknown. For that reason, they sold for $19.49 a piece.

Are there any old-timers out there who may recall these shirts?

Jackie Robinson

(Auction Link)

Pee Wee Reese

(Auction Link)

SCP Auctions: Some Willard Mullin Brooklyn Bum Drawings, Part 1

I just can't resist the drawings of Willard Mullin. Every time one pops up I have to share it. He's a great bridge to the Dodgers of the past, and his humor and insight into that Brooklyn team makes me wish I had an opportunity to experience it.

Available in SCP's current auction are several original drawings. Below, I point out three below. I'll follow this up with additional drawings in a couple of followup post.

The below piece is titled "The Blue Streak," and it pokes fun at a losing streak only a Dodger fan could love. It looks back at a series of games from late September 1937. Here is a little snippet (click on the pic to enlarge):

1. Back in the late 20's, under uncle Robby,the Dodgers put together quite a string of 12 defeats...
   
2. ...And when they finally won one to end it the players carried Rube Ehrhardt, the pitcher, off the field on their shoulders
   
3. ...As recently as 1937 they had a chance to celebrate the ending of their record 14straight whippings
4. ...Only the PA. curfew law kept our bums from tying their all-time low last Sunday...
5. ...Now they take the unfinished string of 13 8/9 to Boston for three games...
6. ...And it'll be quite a feat to preserve and build that streak up to 16 straight against the inept Braves so we can have the big day in flatbush...
7. ...The first home game is Tuesday against the Cardinals... ...What a spot for the great event!

Be sure to check out the characters speaking. It's a gas.

(Auction Link)

This is a Independence Day themed drawing showing the Brooklyn Bum trying to light a firework symbolizing the 'Vaunted Dodger Power' underneath a colonial founding father who remarks, "Hear, ye... Hear, ye... as they are today- so they shall be!" It appears to be titled "Delayed Celebration," and must be pointing to a very slow start to the season for the Dodgers. Unfortunately, it is not dated.

(Auction Link)

This drawing is from 1945, and it features both the Brooklyn Bum and New York Giant. It is title, 'Heading West on the Cushions." I don't know if I quite get this one. Maybe it has to do with both teams having an easy go at it so far in the young season. Any insight you could provide would be great.

(Auction Link)