Some Pics from Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Last night didn't end the way I had hoped.  Fortunately, all is not lost.  The Kings played well, just not well enough to win.  Am I disheartened by the Game 4 lost?  Heck, yeah!  I wanted to see a Cup celebration on our home ice.  On top of that, I've been largely unproductive at work due to this series, so I was hoping that a victory last night would allow me the comfort of no longer focusing on the next game.  Instead, I have to deal with my hockey obsession for a few more days. 

As I had written yesterday, I made sure to take a bunch of photos to share here.  Check them out below. 

I was all smiles before the game.

Then we went to the beer garden at LA Live to wash a couple of drinks down.

It was absolutely packed. From the open courtyard at LA Live to the entrance of the Staples Center folks were everywhere just milling about. 

 
Heck, even the Dodgers were there.  I gave the prize wheel a spin and won a rubber Dodgers Blue bracelet that I dutifully unwrapped and attached to my ticket lanyard.

Here is a view of the pregame entertainment.

 

  

 

This is the opening puck drop.  At this point I put my camera back in my pocket and watched the game. 

Lelands Auctions: Some Dodger Goodies

With the hoopla surrounding the LA Kings run for the Stanley Cup in full bloom I found myself procrastinating a bit when it came to Dodgers related auctions.  I plan on rectifying that soon.

Right now, Lelands is running their 2012 Spring auction that features a bunch of Dodgers memorabilia.  I've highlighted some notable items below, but have held back Dodgers collectibles from the Sal LaRocca Collection.  I'll feature those items in a future post.

I never thought a dinner program could be so cool.  This is a 1889 Brooklyn Bridegrooms dinner program that celebrates the teams championship pennant win in the American Association.  This was the soon-to-called Dodgers last year in that league (they would join the National League in 1890), and marks the beginning of a rivalry that would continue to this day.  After their pennant win they faced off against the New York Giants in a 9 game exhibition series - since dubbed the World Series.  Unfortunately, they would lose 6 of those games.

(Lelands Auction Link)

This is a 1954 program for a barnstorming exhibition game between Roy Campanella's All-Stars and the Negro American League Stars. 

(Lelands Auction Link)

This is a children's game that had Sandy Koufax as their pitchman. 

"Strike-out with Sandy Koufax" contains two Styrofoam balls and a plastic board with pegs. The object was to throw the balls and get them to stick in the highest scoring areas.

It has also been signed by Koufax, and was once a part of the Barry Halper Collection.

(Lelands Auction Link)

Jim Gilliam still holds a special place in the hearts of Dodgers fans.  This long time Dodger was a coach for the team during the 1978 Pennant winning drive.  Then, a nightmare happened.  Gilliam suffered from brain hemorrhage that took his life on September 15th- just a day after the Dodgers clinched the pennant.  Two days later, the Dodgers retired his number to honor him.  To this day, he remains the only Dodger who is not a Hall of Famer to have their number retired by the team.

Below is a Dodgers ring that was given by the team to former Dodger players as a 25th LA Dodgers Anniversary gift. 

Posthumously awarded to one-time Negro League star James Gilliam, this small-sized ring was presented to his wife in his honor.

(Lelands Auction Link)

(Lelands Auction Link)

Weekend Autograph Opportunites: Garvey at the Citadel

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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There doesn't appear to be much going on this weekend when it comes to autograph opportunities.  The only event I am aware of is at the Citadel Outlets.  Steve Garvey will be on hand to meet with fans and sign autographs. Check out information at this link, here.

DODGERS DAY MEET STEVE GARVEY
Saturday, June 9th 11:30am-12:30pm
Citadel Outlets
100 Citadel Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90040
(323) 888-1724

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Since I didn't want to leave this post with just one listing I thought I would add that the Inland Empire 66'ers (a Class A team for the Angels) is having Peter Bourjos Bobblehead night.  The first 1,500 Fans in attendance will get the above bobblehead.  Check out the Inland Empire 66'ers Promotion Schedule here for information.  Game starts at 7:05 PM.