The McCourt Era is Officially Over

 

It took only one extra day.

Bill Shaikin provides the news that the sale of the Dodgers to the Magic/Kasten/Guggenheim group has closed escrow.

It's done!  Completed!  Finito! 

I'm not sure if I should dance or cry.  All I do know is that there are better times ahead.

(Tweet Link)

UPDATE:

The Dodgers just released the following:

SALE OF LOS ANGELES DODGERS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED

LOS ANGELES, May 1, 2012 - The Los Angeles Dodgers, Guggenheim Baseball Management LLC (“GBM”) and Frank McCourt today announced the completion of the sale of the Dodgers to GBM for $2 billion. As previously reported, the Dodgers’ new ownership includes Mark Walter as control person, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Stan Kasten as CEO of the organization.

The Los Angeles Dodgers stated, “The Dodgers emerge from the Chapter 11 reorganization process having achieved its objective of maximizing the value of the Dodgers through a successful Plan of Reorganization, under which all claims will be paid. The Dodgers move forward with confidence - in a strong financial position; as a premier Major League Baseball franchise; and as an integral part of and representative of the Los Angeles community.”

Heritage Auctions: Some Dodgers Goodies

This is a heck of a busy month for sports memorabilia auctions.  There is the REA auction (that I wrote yesterday, and no doubt will be posting more about it), SCP (which I will post later on) and the Heritage Auctions offering that is the focus of this post.

This particular auction ends on Cinco de Mayo and features several interesting Dodgers related items.  Check out what I ran in to.

Below is a circa 1950 Brooklyn Dodgers clubhouse chair from Ebbets Field.  It is well used, and originates from the collection of noted Dodger collector Sal Larocca.  I have written about his collection numerous times; here, here, here and here.

 (Auction Link)

This item is perfect for the Jackie Robinson collector who thought they had everything.  Well, it's likely you don't have this.  Here is Jackie's, circa 1950's, original luggage tag.  On top of that, there is no doubt about its authenticity.  It come originally from Rachel Robinson and includes a letter of provenance from her.

(Auction Link)

This belt buckle below is new to me.  It was created by Josten's for eventual mass production, but never got off the ground.  It was to be a limited production run of 1955 copies.  Instead, only one buckle is thought to exist today- this one.

(Auction Link)