Original Sandy Koufax - Nicholas Volpe 1964 Painting

I was really hoping this painting would fly under the radar.

Featured above is an original Nicholas Volpe painting of Sandy Koufax that was used to create his 1964 Union Oil player portrait. (auction link) As you may know, the Dodgers marketing partnership with Union Oil in the 1960's brought about numerous giveaways that were available at local gas stations throughout the Southland. One of the more popular of which were 8 1/2" x 11" player portraits.

These little works of art were created by Nicholas Volpe - a well regarded portrait artist who received a lifetime commission from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to create Oscar portraits.

You can check out the actual player portrait given out by Union Oil on the right. Also, this Koufax portrait was also used by Maruzen Oil in Japan for a limited edition promotion related to the Dodgers 'Tour of Japan' in 1966. You can see that here.

As I indicated above, I was hoping this painting would get overlooked at the Goldin Auction. With only a week or so left til the auctions close I decided to place a bid in hopes of adding it my my wall. At the time, there were no bids on the painting, so I figured there may a chance it gets overlooked by Koufax collectors. Unfortunately, a flurry of bids came in late, and it ended up selling for a little more than what I was willing to pay. It closed at $491 (including buyer premium). In retrospect, that price might be low.

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2017 Topps Now - Bellinger is a NL Rookie of the Year Finalist

This newest Topps Now card of Cody Bellinger is superfluous. After all, we all know he's going to win the award - to be announced this evening. So, what's the point of a "finalist" card if it's reasonably assured he'll come away the victor?

Sales, baby!

It's all about the dollars and cents.

Available right now (for at least a few more hours) is the above card. Go here to check it out. As you may know, the official winner will be announced on the MLB Network this afternoon at 3:00 PM PST. Soon thereafter you should expect a Cody Bellinger "ROY" card to be available from Topps Now.

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Blog Kiosk: 11/13/2017 - Dodgers Links - Some Weekend Odds and Ends

Dodgers alumnus Ron Cey, Manny Mota, Billy Ashley and Dennis Powell came out to Dodger Stadium on Saturday to help train 300 active duty service members and veterans in honor of Veterans Day for an afternoon of batting practice. Per Ron Cervenka at Think Blue LA:

“To watch these families come in, we have over 300 families, they’re veterans and active military,” explains Dodgers vice president of external affairs and community relations Naomi Rodriguez. “But it’s not just the actual veteran or the military, it’s their mother, and their father, and their daughter, and their grandparents. Those are the people also that are supporting our military that serve our country. 

“So when I see them walk into the stadium, there’s this …  it’s like amazing feeling in their eyes. Kids are walking into Dodger Stadium, this beautiful stadium, on the field. How many people get to walk on the field and then enjoy it the way our players enjoy it? So that, for me, is just a great way to say ‘thank you’ to them, to honor their service, and I know they look forward to coming every year.”

Photos above via @Dodgers on twitter. Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1974 Steve Garvey was named the National League MVP; receiving 13 of 22 first-place votes. Lou Brock was the runner-up. In 2003 Eric Gagne becomes the ninth reliever to be named a Cy Young winner. He recorded 55 consecutive saves this season.
• Happy Birthday, Andrew Friedman, Moose Clabaugh, Alex Kampouris, Steve Lembo, Steve Bilko, Wes Parker, Tony Abreu & Carlos Frias!