Scarce Dodgers Memorabilia at REA

REA has also decided to join the Spring Baseball auction party.  Featured here are several Dodgers-related collectibles that struck out to me.

(Auction Link)

One of the hallmarks of REA is the outstanding selection of vintage (typically pre-war) cards and memorabilia.  As an example, check out the rarity below.  This is an 1889 Police Gazette cabinet card of the ever-popular William "Adonis" H. Terry.  These cards were issued as premiums that readers of the Police Gazette could purchase for a dime.  At the time, this weekly magazine was one of the more prominent periodicals in the country to provide in-depth stories on the game. 

Adonis Terry, as you may know, was a very popular Brooklyn ballplayer.  In fact, he was the franchise's first star.  Per the auction description.

He was also the first pitcher in Dodger history. Terry led the Brooklyn Grays to the Interstate Championship in 1883. Following this success, the team was admitted to the Major Leagues in 1884, and Adonis Terry became the first pitcher in the franchise's history. Over the next thirteen seasons, Terry recorded 197 wins and had four 20-win seasons. He also has the distinction of having two no-hit games. He no-hit St. Louis in 1886 and Louisville in 1888, both while pitching for Brooklyn. His 22-15 record led Brooklyn to the American Association Championship in 1889.

Kenta Maeda Dodgers Cards Now Available in Gypsy Queen

On the cusp of Maeda's debut this evening against the Padres, fans from the US to Japan can now get their very own Baseball card of him in a Dodgers uniform.  Officially released today is Topps 2016 Gypsy Queen set, and it includes three different Maeda cards to chase after (not counting the various parallels, of course).

As you likely know, Kenta does have a card in the recently released Topps Legacies set, but that is a redemption.  So, collectors do not yet have that in hand.  These Gypsy Queen cards, on the other hand, are the first of his to actually be found in packs.

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Garvey, Landreaux and an Angel (UPDATE: Bill Russell, Too!)

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities and events 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.  Please email me with any tips about upcoming events in Southern California.  As the rest of the week progresses I'll update this post with other events (if there are any) as I become aware of them.  Also, I don't always list every event below, so be sure to check my Calendar.  I always try to favor free signing events over paying events.  Click on any pic to embiggen.

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UPDATE!!!:

Former Dodger player and manager Bill Russell will be singing autographs for fans at the Garden Grove Time Warner Cable store in Garden Grove on Thursday.  Go here or here for information.

Time Warner Cable store
11935 Valley View St
Garden Grove, CA 92845

Blog Kiosk: 4/6/2016 - Dodgers Links - Drysdale Controversy, Kershaw's Changeup and Kazmir's Wonderful Night

Following up an brilliant performance by Clayton Kershaw is no easy task, but Scott Kazmir made it look easy.  After having had a trying spring, he went out for the first time as a Dodger in San Diego and blanked the Padres.  Kazmir threw six scoreless innings; allowing just one hit and recorded a string of 17 straight outs to end his evening.  Via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com:

"I just wanted to have a good start to the season, get outs early and get us to the dugout as quick as possible," he said. "Location was the key, being able to get ahead. I was happy with my fastball location and worked the other pitches off that."

Kazmir's mastery of the strike zone was fantastic.  He darted in and out, while keeping batters guessing about the speed of the pitch. 

On a side note, Yasiel Puig has looked really good at the plate.  He's having good at-bats, and as a result is seeing better pitches to hit.  Via Eric Stephen at True Blue LA:

"I'm trying to stay back on pitches, trying to not go with what they're trying to get him with," Puig said. "It has helped to make good contact with the ball."

Photo above of Scott Kazmir via Jon SooHoo/LA Dodgers 2016.  Go here to check out more pics by Jon from yesterday's game.  Below are more links to check out:

• Not exactly a great situation, eh?  Via an AP report at ESPN, "Don Drysdale's widow selling awards over objections."

"She has the legal right, but moral and decent right? Absolutely not," Drysdale said through tears by phone from her home in Hawaii. "It's not a very nice thing for someone to do. This is something that has caught me by surprise and is heartbreaking."

Meyers said timing played no part in the sale and that many of the items were in storage. She said a portion of the proceeds would go to as yet-undecided charities and the rest "to help my kids down the road."