Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax Auravision Records - Listen to the Interviews

I thought I'd add to the growing checklist I've been compiling of vintage Dodger cards by talking a bit about an unusual card set that doubles as a 33 1/3 RPM record.  It is known in the hobby as the 1964 Auravision set.  It was a premium item that were originally available to fans and collectors as a mail-in offer on the boxes of Milk Duds.  There are 16 records/cards available, they measure 6 3/4" x 6 3/4" and feature a five-minute interview conducted by broadcaster Marty Glickman -- who did pre- and post-game shows for the Brooklyn Dodgers for 22 years. 

As you may know, Glickman is famous in his own right.  He was a world class sprinter on the 1936 US Track & Field Olympic team, but was replaced on the US 400-meter relay (along with another athlete) in the last-minute.  The reason for this appears to be rather nefarious.  You see, Glickman is Jewish and so was the other sprinter who was replaced.  With the Olympics being held in Adolph Hitler's Germany that year many believed they were removed in order to not embarrass the antisemitic leader. 

As for the Auravision set, there are two Dodger players in it: Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax.  The Drysdale card is above and the Koufax is below.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

Fortunately, a helpful collector provided a recording of the interviews of the Dodger legends on youtube, so check that out below.

BTW, Sports Collectors Digest shares a fascinating story about these cards.  Check that out here.  Apparently, a former ballplayer has thousands of these hidden away, and he claims to have gotten them from a man connected to the mob.  As veteran collectors know, this set is far from rare.  They are plentiful and can be purchased at very affordable levels.  On eBay you can purchase a Drysdale or Koufax record for as little as $10 a piece.

Here is a recording of both the Koufax and Drysdale records.  A big thanks to Mr. Wide World of Zombies (I love your name) for sharing these.

Video Link:

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2015 Topps Triple Threads - The Dodgers Autograph Triple Relic Cards

Take a look at all of the Dodger triple relic cards below.  Several of them include relic pieces spelled out in creative ways.  I think my favorite of the bunch below is the Nomar Garciaparra card that says, "HBP HBP HBP" - which is strange 'cause he didn't exactly lead the league in that category.  Although, getting plunked 59 times in a 14 year career is a healthy number.  Go here to check out all of my past post on this set.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

Autographed Relics (#/18)

#TTAR-AG1 Adrian Gonzalez

Blog Kiosk: 9/24/2015 - Dodger Links - Scully, Ellis and Chase Utley

Chase Utley had quite a game. 

He got off to a fast start, by leading off for the Dodgers with a home run, and never let let off the gas.  Then drove in the go-ahead run in the 8th inning with a double.  Via Steve Bourbon at MLB.com:

"I'd like to be in the lineup anywhere," Utley said. "Just try to have good at-bats wherever you are in the lineup."

Utley definitely contributed with his play in last night's game, but as Don Mattingly notes he's been an even bigger force in the clubhouse.  Via Mark Saxon at ESPN:

"Chase has made a big difference for us since he came -- his tone, the way he plays, his preparation," Mattingly said. "It's been an addition in attitude and the way you go about your business, for sure. Sometimes, you can't measure everything. You look at batting average or whatever with guys; some of it's coming from different areas that are important to your ball club."

Photo above via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2015.  You can see more pics from yesterday's game by Jon on his blog here.  BTW, the Dodgers "Magic Number" is now at 5!  Below are more links to check out:

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Vin Scully: World-record broadcaster."

During pregame ceremonies at Wednesday’s game at Dodger Stadium, the Hall of Fame broadcaster was given a surprise presentation by Guinness World Records recognizing him for the longest career as a sports broadcaster for a single team. The record stands at 65 years, 5 months and 22 days, which dates back to April 1, 1950.

• Want to know what's it like to catch two aces?  AJ Ellis lets us know.  Via Ellis at the Players' Tribune, "Catching Aces."  This is a must read.  Awesome stuff!

On Kershaw: He pulled me aside and said, “Hey, you’re going to catch Clayton in these starts. We want you to work with him, and mentor and shepherd him.”

I was an older guy for that level, already 26. I think that’s what my role was in the Dodgers organization at the time: helping pitchers develop. Coaches trusted the work I did. Clayton didn’t have a slider yet, and they wanted him to develop a changeup, too. I remember he was warming up before his first start, working on that changeup. It was a very inconsistent pitch for him, and he was having trouble throwing it, missing high and away.

On Greinke: I learned quickly what’s important to Zack and not to waste his time with trivial stuff. We have a mutual love for how the game works and how decisions are made. He is interested on an intellectual level in game management and pitch sequencing. He loves the deeper-level analytics and is really involved in our defensive shifting. It’s also a question of reading Zack and knowing when he wants some space and when he’s ready to engage.

• Rachel Robinson, wife of Jackie, extended her condolences to the Berra Family on facebook:

"My family and I very much mourn the passing of Yogi Berra. We of course admired Yogi’s contribution to the game. And Yogi and his beloved Carmen and I enjoyed a lasting relationship -- often greeting each other through the years with a humorous exchange of “He was out”/ “He was safe” related to that first game of the 1955 World Series. I extend my love and deepest sympathy to Dale, Tim and Larry and their families. Farewell, dear Yogi." 

• Topps is currently polling collectors to see who they want to be card #1 in next years flagship Baseball card set.  Go here to cast your vote.  I obviously chose Clayton Kershaw.  BTW, take a look at a mock-up of the 2016 Topps Kershaw card on the right.
• Via Josh Carpenter at Sports Business Daily, "Minding My Business With Dodgers VP/Ticket Sales David Siegel."

Exec I most admire: MLB Senior VP/Baseball Operations KIM NG. Being a female minority in a typically male-dominated industry, the fact that she’s been able to be an Assistant GM for two teams and now with the league, I’ve always admired her business and political acumen and being able to navigate all those challenges. She’s been a great source of support for me. 

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