Blog Kiosk: 1/16/2012

Matt Kemp presenting an award to Frank Robinson over the weekend at the Professional Scouts Dinner. (Pic via Jon SooHoo LA Dodgers)

• On this MLK Day go ahead and listen to Don Newcombe read a letter sent to him by Dr. King, via SiriusXM Sports.
  
• Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy was in Porter Ranch to catch Clayton and Ellen Kershaw signing their book. LEAVes of Dodger Blue went to see the Kershaw's at the Calvary Chapel South Bay in Gardena, here. Pasadena Star News was in Azusa today with a report and video from Costco.
  
• CrzBlue has a complete list of surviving Brooklyn Dodger players, here.
  
• I had the pleasure of answering some questions for Dustin's Feelin' Kinda Blue Blogger Profile feature. Check it out here.
  
• 1983 Fleer Project shows us his signed Vicente Romo card. How's that for a Dodger name from the past? Did you know that when Romo pitched for the Dodgers in 1982 it was 8 years after the last time he was on a Major League mound for the Padres?
  
• Big League Stew asked if Matt Kemp can really reach 50/50.

  No one has ever had at least 50 home runs and at least 50 stolen bases in the same season, and only two hitters have both a 50-homer season and a 50-stolen base season in their resume.

• Olbermann introduces us to 19th Century ballplayer Herman Long, and wonders if he is a Hall of Famer.
  
• Panini shares a pic of Clipper Blake Griffin signing some cards that will be in an upcoming basketball set.
  
• David Schoenfield at ESPN puts together player position ranking for the NL West Division.
  
• Remember Vicente Padilla? He had become a faint Dodger memory. Steve Dilbeck with the LA Times tells us that he just signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox.
  
• Check this older Sully post detailing his All-Negro League team.
• Watch the Kershaw's speak about their book called Arise. They are currently on a short book signing tour in LA County that ends tomorrow. Go to my autograph/events calendar for details.
  

Video Link:

Collection: Fans of the Game- Sean Astin

In a world driven by popular culture it is no surprise that this little subset was such a hit. After all, what better way to affirm your fandom than to know your favorite star would be there to back you up.

For instance, it's comforting to know that the man who played the faithful friend Sam in the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy and determined Goonie Mikey roots for the Dodgers. He'd be there to defend your honor while keeping an eye on the prize.

Here is a 2005 Leaf 'Fans of the Game' autographed card of actor Sean Astin in my collection. Donruss Leaf really hit a nerve when they asked various famous people who they rooted for. Cards still sell for a fair amount on the secondary market. Heck, I'm still looking for a Jennie Finch card at an affordable price.

eBay: Vintage Dodgers Lamp

I'm sitting at my desk staring at the end table thinking how great this lamp would look there. It would bring some light to a space that is drab. I could look over a bunch of papers knowing that the Dodger light would illuminate my work.

How sad would you be if you placed a bid only to not follow it up in time. I'm not quite sure I would have gone above the $28 it closed at, but I would have liked to have considered it. Oh well! This is just something else to add to my want list.

Here is a vintage Dodger lamp. I figure it's from the 60's since it resembles some collectible drinking glasses I've seen from that period.

(Auction Link)