Remembering Eric Gagne - Game Used Save Streak Glove on Auction

Do you still smile with joy when the phrase "game over" is heard?  Did you own one of those goofy t-shirts with a fake blue beard hanging off the front portrait of our record breaking closer?  Wasn't it a marvel that for several years the most important, and most exciting, part of any game was that last inning? 

Everyone would stand.  Your voice grew hoarse with every pitch thrown.  He'd whirl and spin his right leg around as if it were one of the bats that failed to connect.  And if you were lucky you'd see a little hop after he released a pitch - that's when you knew he threw a good one.

Eric Gagne was a steamrolling locomotive - coming out of nowhere to capture the imaginations of every True Blue Dodger fan in the country.  When he strolled to the mound you knew... just knew... something remarkable would happen.  And oftentimes something incredible did happen.

For three seasons, from 2002 to 2005, he was the best closer the game had ever seen.  He recorded 84 consecutive save opportunities and became the fastest pitcher to ever record 100 saves in his career.  Eric Gagne was fantastic, and regardless of the stain PED's eventually put on him, I will always remember fondly what he accomplished in Blue.

Featured in this post is a collection of items coming directly from Eric Gagne that are currently available for sale through Paragon Auctions.  Below is his game-worn glove that he wore for much of his save streak - from save #1 to 2004.  Check out the auction item here.

It is sign and inscribed, as you can see below.

Also available are his three All-Star Rings that span from 2002 to 2004:

(Auction Link: 2002)

(Auction Link: 2003)

(Auction Link: 2004)

And since I'm in a nostalgic mood I found a fun video that memorializes his streak.  Watch it below.

Video Link:

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Blog Kiosk: 5/12/2015 - Dodger Links - Olivera, Dee Gordon and the Ugliest Dodger Cap Ever Made

This moment just warmed my heart.

Former Dodger second baseman Dee Gordon came into town for the first time since being traded over the winter and received an overwhelming standing ovation from the fans.  Go here to watch a video of it.  He has gone through many ups and downs in his short Major League career, and has seemingly persevered through it all.  Ever conscious of his failings, he did what was necessary to rework his game, and in turn was reborn into the leagues most valuable lead-off hitter.

Of course, I could give you some fancy stats that indicate that his hot start this year isn't sustainable (duh!), but that would be gratuitous and ultimately irrelevant.  The only thing that really matters is that one of the "good guys" in this league is making good, and I can do nothing but continue to root for his continued success.

The above photo was taken by Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  Go here to check out more photos of yesterday's game from him.  Below are some more links to check out:

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPNLosAngeles.com, "The plan for Kenley Jansen."
• Mike Bolsinger, who was pitching in AAA for the Dodgers, is now in Los Angeles (via a tweet from David Vassegh) and is slated to pitch tonight's game.  Chris Heisey has been optioned to AAA.
• Via Earl Bloom at MLB.com, "Dodgers awaiting results of Puig's MRI." 
• Here's some interesting news about a couple of recent Cuban Dodger signees, via a tweet from Bill Plunkett.  He is expected to be in Los Angeles soon to have a physical and finalize his contract.  I wonder if it is reasonable to expect either of them to wear Blue this season.

Both #Dodgers Cuban signees IF Hector Olivera and RHP Pablo Fernandez have received visas. Cleared to travel to US. Expected later this week

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) May 11, 2015

• Clearly, the ugliest Dodger cap ever made.  Via Paul Lukas at UniWatch, an exclusive look at this years MLB 4th of July caps.

This is the kind of American flag cap you’d find at a gas station (right next to the cheap sunglasses and the air freshener thingies), but with a team logo slapped on the front. It’s tempting to call it self-parody, but it feels two or three levels more absurd than that. Come on, people — have some dignity out there.

• This story at NJ.com has me very uneasy; "Jets' salutes honor N.J. National Guard but cost taxpayers."  The idea that the military/National Guard needed to pay a sports franchise to honor those who serve is a bit unseemly.  Ya know what I mean?  Do other teams in other sports receive compensation from tax payers for their "heroes of the game?"

* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *

* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *

* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *