Check out this fantastic press photo of a young Carl Erskine from the Houston Post. The clarity and contrast between dark and light, along with what I believe is the grandstands from Ebbets Field is phenomenal. It is dated April 29, 1959, so it's clearly not a period photograph. Erskine is wearing a Brooklyn Dodgers cap and by 1959 the Dodgers had already moved to Los Angeles. I suspect this is a photograph that the Houston Post kept in their library for future use. To collectors, this photograph would be described as a Type II photo -- a picture printed from the original negative more than 2 years of the photo being shot. (eBay auction link).
Below are more links to check out:
- This Day in Dodgers History: In 1949 Don Newcombe made his first major league start, firing a five-hit shutout in a 3-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. He would go on to have a 17-8 record with 19 complete games, five shut outs and an 3.17 ERA -- winning both the Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young awards. In 1987 the Dodgers traded reliever Tom Niedenfuer to the Orioles for John Shelby and Brad Havens. Shelby would go on to have a very impactful season for the World Series Champion Dodgers the next year.
- Happy Birthday, Bill Lohrman & Tommy John!