Vintage Dodger Photos on Auction -- Koufax, Ebbets and Ruth... Oh, My!

Even with the national shutdown in effect numerous auction houses continue to operate 'business as usual' -- which should come as no surprise. Items have already been cataloged, so why not have collectors do some bidding. Whether that's wise, considering a potential downturn in values, only time will tell. Thankfully, none of that really matters to us since we can use these auctions as a little respite to change-up the day.

Right now there are two auction houses I wanted to focus on here -- Love of the Game and Hunt Auctions. Both of these companies have some fantastic vintage photographs I wanted to point out to you.

For instance, check out the above Sandy Koufax photo.

How often do you see an action photo of Sandy taking a mighty swing? It was taken by noted photographer Bud Gray and is available through Love of the Game Auctions (Auction Link). Bud had began his career as a photographer for the Navy during WWII, then as a photojournalist for the Herald Examiner and UPI, and a still photographer for Universal.

To the right is another Sandy Koufax photograph. (Auction Link) This time he is photographed during his very first no-hitter, dated June 30, 1962. On this day he struck out 13 hapless Metropolitan batters.

2020 Topps Now - Bracket Challenge - Belli, Betts and Kershaw Advance

It started with five Dodgers (Bellinger, Betts, Buehler Kershaw and Lux). Then it was four. Now, only three remain.

As you may know, Topps is running the only game in town, and it's a Bracket Challenge (like March Madness) that pits ballplayer against ballplayer. It began with 64 of the best in the league and it has now been whittled down to a "Sweet 16."

The Dodgers' to make the cut are outfielders Cody Bellinger and Mookie Betts and veteran starter Clayton Kershaw. In cepebration of their recent victories Topps has issued second round Topps Now cards for fans to add to their collection. You have about three days to order them.

The first Dodger available is Cody Bellinger (#BB2-2) and he ably beat Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu in the second round. Check out his card above. You can see the back of the card on the right. Go here to check it out and order.

Blog Kiosk: 3/30/2020 - Dodgers Links & News - Some Odds and Ends

Wow! Check out this fantastic action shot taken by the United Press (dated 5/20/1956) of Gil Hodges making a fantastic grab of a foul pop-fly. Not only does it include a great catch, but also features the Ebbets Field rightfield wall in the background. (eBay auction link)

Dodger Scooper...
Dodger 1st base,am Gil Hodges charges close to the stands to scoop a pop fly out of the air with his big glove in the 7th inning of the 1st game of the Dodgers-Cubs double header here May 20th. The ball was hit by Cub centerfielder Pete Whisenant. The Dodgers swept both ends of the twin-bill from Chcago by indentical scores of 5-3.

Below are more links to check out:

• This Day in Dodgers History: In 1966 Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale end their legendary holdout when they signed contracts for $130,000 and $105,000, respectively. The holdout last 32 days. In 1981 the Dodgers traded Mickey Hatcher (and a couple other minor leaguers) to the Twins for Kenny Landreaux. In 1988 the Dodgers signed free agent veteran catcher Rick Dempsey.
• Happy Birthday, Nig Fuller!