Dodgers Blue Heaven: Memorabilia from Walter Alston's Estate at SCP Auction

Friday, August 05, 2016

Memorabilia from Walter Alston's Estate at SCP Auction - Some Random Awesomeness

Here is a final look at some collectibles within the Walter Alton Collection sale at SCP Auctions, and I thought I'd begin with the above game-used equipment once belonging to Hall of Fame catcher Roy Campanela. As a part of the auction descriptions for both lots shown above (Auction Link here and Auction Link Here):

Of all the players Walter Alston’s granddaughter Kim Ogle got to know growing up in the Dodgers family, her strongest bond was formed with Roy Campanella. Stoutly built in her youth, Kim favored the catcher position as a player herself. Her physical traits, style of play, and affection for her Dodgers hero earned her the nickname “Little Campy”. Big Campy, knowing Kim from his many visits to the Alston home in Oxford, Ohio as well as her presence in the dugout and on the field as Grandpa would allow, returned her affection. As a token of that affection Campanella presented his young admirer with his glove, offered here, and his full set of catchers gear, offered in the following lot.
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It was during a visit to spring training in 1959 that Kim was presented these items from Campanella directly.

These are no doubt museum worthy.

An item that I thought would look great in an Alston display is the billiard cue shown here (Auction Link). As you may know, Walter Alston was known as a fantastic pool player. He had even remarked on numerous occasions that he put himself through college playing the game. In other words, Walt was a bit of an hustler on the felt. In fact, I've read that he and fellow Dodgers Jim Gilliam and Leo Durocher, sharks themselves at pool, would routinely head to local halls while on the road - sometimes even playing ballplayers from opposing teams. From my understanding, Alston was known to be a high bettor and was capable of running 100 balls in a row.

As you can see in the inscription above, this pool cue was given to Alston by billiards legend Willie Mosconi. He had won the BCA World Championship of pool fifteen times.

Another item that caught my eye is the below original painting by noted sports artist Nicholas Volpe (Auction Link). This drawing was used as a part of the 1969 Union Oil Premium pictures given out that year.

Lastly, below is Alton's 1983 Baseball Hall of Fame Presentation PLaque given to him as a part of Hall of Fame Weekend in Cooperstown that year (Auction Link).