Blue Heaven

Card of the Week: Focus

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:12:00 +0000

This is one of the most mesmerizing cards I've ever seen. It is from the1984 Donruss set, and features old-time Dodger Ken Landreaux in the midst of checking his swing. This card always makes me a little loopy since the off-focus background reminds me of a psychedelic trip through a Grateful Dead haze.

Anyone got some incense and patchouli? How about some veggie egg rolls and grilled cheese sandwiches?

2 Dodgers Named Topps Minor League Player of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:52:00 +0000

Dee Gordon and Brian Cavazos-Galvez have been named 2009 Topps Minor League Players of the Year for their play in their respective leagues. One interesting note is that former Dodger prospect Carlos Santana, who was a part of the trade for Casey Blake, was also a winner for his outstanding play in the Eastern League. We may come to regret losing him. Anyway, from the Dodgers Press release:

Gordon won the honors in the Single-A Midwest League, batting .301 with a league-leading 73 steals and 12 triples for the Great Lakes Loons. Gordon also earned the Branch Rickey Award as the Dodgers’ Minor League Player of the Year, Midwest League Prospect of the Year, and league co-Most Valuable Player. He was also selected to Baseball America ’s Mid-Season Minor League All-Star team for all levels of play and to the league’s mid-season and postseason All-Star teams. The 21-year-old ranked among the leaders for all full-season minor league players in steals (second), in triples (tied for eighth), in hits (11th), and in runs (15th) in his second year in professional baseball after being selected in the fourth round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft.

(Pic Link: MiLB)

Cavazos-Galvez claimed the award for the Rookie-advanced Pioneer League, batting .322 with a league-leading 18 homers for the Ogden Raptors. Cavazos-Galvez, 22, won the league’s Most Valuable Player Award and was named to the league All-Star team after being selected in the 12th round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of New Mexico . He also led the circuit with 97 hits, 50 extra base hits, 59 runs, and 29 doubles, and also ranked second in the league with 63 RBI. Brian’s father, Balvino Galvez, played eight seasons in the Dodger organization, pitching in 10 games for the Dodgers in 1986, his lone Major League experience.

Blog Kiosk: 11/8/2009

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:28:00 +0000

A congratulations to Luc Robitaille on his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame this coming Monday.

"On the lighter side, the good thing about me is I never had a step (quick move up ice), so I never lost it," he said. "That's why, maybe, I was able to play 19 years."

Here is a great photo of a very young Jerry Doggett and Vin Scully, via If Charlie Parker was a Gunslinger...
The #5 Type Card Collector introduces us to the 1978 Post Cereal Steve Garvey Baseball Tips set.
Here is a great read about Maury Wills in the Washington Post. (Hat Tip: Inside the Dodgers)
Read a little bit about a recent find of some vintage soccer cards in Canada.
The Olympic medals for the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver are very cool looking. Not only that, each medal is unique from any other medal that will be given out. See the video here about how they were conceived and made. (Hat Tip: Bit Rebels)
Sports Locker meets the men of Easy Company and gets their autos at a book signing.
Wow. Check out these pics of the Martian landscape at Boston.com.
Someone pulled the Cy Young, Ty Cobb, Tris Speaker autographed card! (Hat Tip: Wax Heaven)

Gary Nickels- King of Scouts

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:19:00 +0000

(pic link: eBay)

Not only is Dodger scout, Gary Nickels, being inducted into the Midwest Scouts Association Hall of Fame in a couple of days, but he also has had an illustrious career as a print advertising pitchman for State Farm. Check it out above. Also, check out the press release below provided by the Dodgers this afternoon. One thing of special note is that he was the mentor to our guru of scouting, Logan White.

Dodger Midwest Scouting Supervisor Gary Nickels will be inducted into the Midwest Scouts Association Hall of Fame on November 7 and the Mid Atlantic Scouts Association Hall of Fame on November 14.
“ Gary is the most professional, punctual, organized and thorough baseball man I know,” said Dodger Assistant General Manager of Scouting Logan White. “I have had the good fortune to have been hired and mentored by this man when I was a young scout, and he is the epitome of a class act in all facets of life.”

The 2009 season is Nickels’ 38th as a scout, and seventh in his current position. Notable current Dodgers drafted under his supervision include Chad Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw, Scott Elbert, Blake DeWitt, Cory Wade, and A.J. Ellis. His scouting territory includes Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

The Midwest Scouts Association Hall of Fame induction will occur at the Midwest Scouts Association Banquet at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. He will be inducted along with Mike Radcliff of the Minnesota Twins and Bill Bryk of the San Diego Padres during the event’s dinner at 7:00 p.m.

The Mid Atlantic Scouts Association (MASA) Hall of Fame induction will take place at its annual banquet at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen , Maryland . Nickels’ name will also be added to the Hall of Fame plaque which hangs permanently at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland .

Nickels worked for four clubs prior to joining the Dodgers in 2003. From 1999-2002, he served as the San Diego Padres’ Pro Scouting Director following nine years in Baltimore as the Orioles’ Scouting Director (1991-98) and Midwest Supervisor/Crosschecker (1989-90). He also was the Chicago Cubs’ Midwest Region Supervisor from 1982-88 and got his start in baseball as an Administrative Assistant, Scouting (1972-75) and Area Scout (1976-81) for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Dodgers Decline Garland's Option

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:37:00 +0000

(Photo courtesy of Jon SooHoo/ LA Dodgers)

We get word today that the Dodgers have declined Jon Garland's 2010 mutual option. Read about it here.

That's too bad. Garland has always been a dependable innings eater. Since 2002, he has never pitched less than 191 innings. Hopefully, the Dodgers can find some way to ink him to a new deal.

Dodger Correspondence: Lee Pfund

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:59:00 +0000

If you are a college basketball fan then you may know the name of Lee Pfund. From 1951 to 1975 he coached the basketball team at Wheaton College. Over those years he won five College Conference of Illinois (CCI) championships, captured the 1956-57 Small College National Championship and had a lifetime 362-240 (.601) record. Prior to his career as a coach, though, he played pro ball for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945.

(click pic above to enlarge)

He wrote the following.

I spent 8 seasons in professional Baseball over a period of 10 years. I was a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945. Pitched in 15 games (10 starts) before injury to my right knee ended my career there. It happened in the Red Cross Benefit game played in Wash. D.C. vs. the Senators. That year was the only year there had been no All-Star game scheduled since 1933. I was the starter and got hurt in the 2nd inning while fielding a swinging bunt on a wet field.

Since 1949 til 1975 I coached Baseball and basketball at Wheaton College in Illinois. I resigned from coaching that year to become the Executive Director of the schools Alumni Association. I have just retired as of December 31, 1987.

I have a keen interest in footbal, basketball, Baseball and golf. We have three sons. One with Bank of America in Calif., one in a men's clothing business in Wheaton and the youngest an assistant coach with the LA Lakers.

Keep well, enjoy the game and read the bible regularly.

Cordially,

Lee Pfund

His youngest Son, Randy Pfund, is currently the GM of the Miami Heat. Also, an important note is that when he played for the Dodgers he pitched with a "no Sunday" contract.

(click pic above to enlarge)

eBay Auction Link: Lee Pfund Letter:

Great Dodger Photos via Legendary Auctions

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:27:00 +0000

Legendary Auctions recently had a bunch of vintage press photos on eBay for sale. Below are some choice examples featuring our beloved boys in blue.

O'Malley and a whole cadre of Dodger fans from the old borough of Brooklyn cheer on the Dodgers before the 1963 World Series against the Yankees. The old Brooklyn cheer must have been magic since the Dodgers swept the Yankees that year.

(auction link)

Walter Alston goes through a range of emotions during the 1961 pennant race. Unfortunately, the Dodgers ended up 4 games back of the Reds.

(auction link)

Below is a Sport Magazine original photo of Duke Snider taking his whacks in the batting cage.

(auction link)

An argument and fight ensues after Don Drysdale throws a "duster" at Joe Cunningham. Dated September 4, 1959.

(auction link)

Nice wheels Sandy.

(auction link)

Out at home! June 1, 1955; Jackie Robinson is tagged out at by Del Crandall. This photo was featured in a September 1962 Sport Magazine issue.

(auction link)

Card of the Week: The Unfamiliar #37

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:34:00 +0000

This week's "Card of the Week" is in honor of the Phillies and my hope that they kick some Yankee butt. Above is Mike Schmidt's unusual 1983 Donruss Baseball card. What makes this card so strange is that he is wearing the wrong number. The Phillies faithful know him from his recognizable #20, but above he is wearing a #37 jersey.

According to Donruss, this photo was taken a couple years before in Spring Training when Mike Schmidt's jersey was stolen. So, the future Hall of Famer had to put on a loaner, and Donruss captured the moment on cardboard.

Blog Kiosk: 11/1/2009

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:44:00 +0000

The McCourt drama is a case of "He Said, She Said." I am finding it hard to ignore it all, but I will do my damnedest. As a side note, I'm really starting to hate TMZ.

The 2010 NHL Draft will be held in Los Angeles in June. At least that's the current inside scoop from Rich Hammond.
Here's a great story about Ned Colletti's friendship with Toronto Leafs GM Brian Burke. (Hat Tip: Diamond Notes)
Check out the billboards that should have been from Left Field Pavilion.
Walk Off Walk writes glowingly about former Dodger top prospect Franklin Gutierrez. I agree that he is the best defensive outfielder in the game today.
Read ShysterBall's "The McCourt Divorce: Reader's Digest Version."
The Major League Players Association, a member of the ALF-CIO, supports the Employee Free Choice Act. Did you know that the MLPA was a member of the ALF-CIO?
Today is the 50th Anniversary of the hockey mask. Consider this: The game has been around for more than 100 years, so for more than half its history goalies did not wear a mask. That's crazy!
I'm not a huge fan of the Topps Triple Thread product (considering its price and all), but I will admit that this card is very cool. Finding this card is like winning the lottery. (Hat Tip: Beckett)
Donald Trump has class. He was a major investor in the USFL and a major reason for its failure. ESPN has a documentary about it and Donald responded to the producer with a great "classy" letter. Check it out here. (Hat Tip: SCD)
Doug Allen of Legendary Auctions has just started a blog. Check it out.
REA gives an early peek at a 1889 Old Judge California League card of Cornelius Doyle. Cards of this West Coast league from Old Judge are extremely (NO EXTREMELY) rare! We are probably talking six figures rare for this one card.
Bob Lemke introduces the 1937 BF104's. Before today I had never heard of this issue.
Move over T-Rex, the Pliosaur was bigger and probably meaner.
Grocery Store Musical

YouTube Link:
From the Improv Everywhere site.

More Dodger Triple Threads

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:06:00 +0000

I thought I would ad a few more 2009 Dodger themed Triple Thread cards found on eBay. I really like the look of these cards. I really just wish packs were more affordable. Of course, if you only shop on eBay you can get any specific card you want without paying almost a couple hundred bucks for a two pack box. Now, on to the cards.

Duke Snider was inducted into he Hall of Fame in 1980. This "one of one" card is a pretty sweet reminder of that.

(eBay Auction Link)

In 1956, he lead the league in slugging with a .598 percentage.

(eBay Link)

You can't go wrong with a Campanella.

(eBay Auction Link)

So, what college did Andre go to? Oh yhea! ASU.

(eBay Link)

Here is a little known fact. Johnny Podres was the first ever World Series MVP. The award was first awarded during the 1955 World Series where the Dodgers beat the Yankees for the first time. Podres pitched two complete games and gave up only two earned runs.

(eBay Link)

A Short Story of a Eccentric Baseball Promotor

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:15:00 +0000

Terry Murray, who is currently the LA Kings head coach, played for the California Golden Seals hockey club in the Bay Area in the early 70's. He passed along a funny story about team owner Charlie O. Finley, who happened to own the Oakland A's at the time.

“It was a playoff game, but not the World Series. There was a TV timeout, and they had the usher walking down, and they had the Oakland A’s banner on a stick, and they passed it out to all of us. Charlie Finley stood up and turned around to all of us, and he said, `So, you see that TV (camera) down there? When that light comes on, on that TV, I want everybody standing up and waving that Oakland A’s banner.’ So we did. Some didn’t. I was a kid, so I was the first one up, but a bunch of the veteran guys said, `Shove it.’ The funny part about it was, now play starts, the camera turns and the usher came back and made us pass them all back.”

Baseball history is filled with characters like this. Where have they all gone?

From Rich Hammond LA King Insider Blog. BTW, if your a Kings fan and don't already know of this blog go and check it out right away. It's a daily must read.

Congrats Mr. Clutch

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:50:00 +0000

Our very own Andre Ethier has been named the 2009 Major League Baseball's Clutch Performer of the Year. He had 6 walk-off hits that included 4 walk-off home runs. In fact, his 4 home runs tied a Major League record. Read all about it right here.

Here are videos of all 4 of the bombs found on YouTube through DodgerFilms.

June 6, 2009

YouTube Link: DodgerFilms:

June 29, 2009

YouTube Link: DodgerFilms:

August 6, 2009.

YouTube Link: DodgerFilms:

September 15, 2009

YouTube Link: DodgerFilms:

Great Museums: The National Baseball Hall of Fame

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:38:00 +0000

This is a must see. For the Baseball fan, it is our Mecca. I've only been once, in 1999, when I visited Cooperstown during the Induction Ceremony for Robin Yount, George Brett and Nolan Ryan. It was crowded and packed with far more people than the little town could hold. Still, I would have gone anyway if I had known it would be such a zoo. (At the time, that weekend was the largest crowd to ever visit Cooperstown.) Hopefully, I'll have an opportunity to visit again during a normal weekend. This is an episode of Great Museums, Season 3, Episode 6.

Hat Tip: Pure Science with a Splash of Black Cat:

Check Out Marshall Fogel's Collection

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:08:00 +0000

Here is a great video featuring the collection of Marshall Fogel. It's a must see for the memorabilia collector in you.

Video Link: CNBC:
Hat Tip: Beckett:

Hall Of Fame Rookie Card Database

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:08:00 +0000

Old Cardboard has created a tool that is long overdue. They have just put up their Baseball rookie card database that includes the 5 earliest cards of every Hall of Famer. Not only does this include the Topps or Bowman rookie cards, but also includes earliest examples of players on minor league cards, obscure regional issues, limited edition photo sets and other strange collectible sets. In a sense they are showing a players true rookie collectible. Check it out here.

For instance, Walter Alston's first true card came out in 1952 in the Parkhurst set featuring primarily Canadian Minor Leaguers. Parkhurst is famous for making hockey card sets.
Don Drysdale's first true card/collectible was a team issued photo from 1956.
Tommy's first card is a minor league issue from World Wide Gum called 1950 Big League Stars. The set features only players from the International League. I find it funny how they spelled his name back then.

Videos: This Is Our Home

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:51:00 +0000

Here is a great Dodger video set to a great song that cheers for LA. (BTW, the Kings have been using this song for awhile now.)

YouTube Link: johnnyangel32:

Dodger Correspondence: Mal Mallette

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:19:00 +0000

Mal Mallette was another one of those athletes who went off to war to do their duty during a time in his life when he could have been seasoning his craft in the minors. Nevertheless, he played professionally for several years, but only pitched in 2 games for the Dodgers in 1950. A veritable cup of coffee.

He got into 2 games, pitching 1.1 innings, facing only 7 batters and recorded 2 strikeouts. Mallette did not give up a run. After his playing days he joined the press and spent 15 years as a reporter and editor, and worked for the American Press Institute for 21 years. Iin 2002, he was elected into the North Carolina Journalism of Fame.

He writes to young Harry the following:

My career spanned seven season after my return from WWII. I retired at age 29 because arm surgery had taken away most of my fastball. After two excellent AAA seasons at Montreal it seemed likely that I would be recalled by the Dodgers. Good Luck.

In those two great season with Montreal he won 23 games and lost 2.

(click to enlarge)

eBay Auction Link: Mal Mallette Letter:

Did You Miss U2?

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:10:00 +0000

If you missed the U2's concert last night at the Rose Bowl like I did, then check out their official page for the entire show on YouTube. All 2.5 hours are there for free. Of course, you could also watch it below.

YouTube Link: U2:

Card Of The Week: Cartoon Piazza

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:06:00 +0000

This Mike Piazza 1994 Upper Deck Fun Pack card is just goofy. It makes me laugh and smile.

Blog Kiosk: 10/25/2009

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:14:00 +0000

Thank goodness for hockey. The Kings young centerman, Anze Kopitar, leads the league in scoring after 11 games. I know it's early, but he has truly come into his own. This rising star and this team is ready to take the next step.

Tommy does have a dirty mouth.
Jeff Kent, along with Vince Coleman, Steve Finley, Gaylord Perry, Rollie Fingers, among other former players, participated in a vintage charity Base Ball game this past weekend in San Jose. Read all about it here.
The last play of the game was actually pretty cool. Stogies were down 15-14 and had runners on 1st and 3rd with 2 outs. Dude ripped a ground ball that Jeff Kent stabbed at 2nd - it was the only hard grounder fielded all day. He flipped to SS just in time to get the out and save the game. He jumped for joy and was in no way kidding. He was totally excited to win a fake game of fake baseball.
Here is a great custom made card by GCRL of a Rick Monday card that should have been made, but never was.
I bet the cops who pulled over this guy on a motorized couch for a DUI couldn't stop laughing. More at the Star Tribune.
HNIC

My New Favorite Twitterer

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:34:00 +0000

Out of the history books and into the modern word, Charley "Old Hoss" Radbourn has come out from the ashes to grace us with his superior Baseball knowledge. The old-school late 19th Century Baseball hurler has joined twitter and he loves to comment on the state of the game. He has instantly become my favorite twitterer of the moment. Check him out here (@OldHossRadbourn)

Old Hoss was one of those players that played the game like it was the grind. He was tough, surly, arrogant and vain. Charley would drink anyone under the table then beat you to a bloody pulp for not being man enough to take him down. He was difficult to like, but must have been a joy to see on the field.

"Old Hoss" was one of the best of all time on the mound. In 1884 he started 73 games and completed all of them. Yes, ALL OF THEM. He also won 59 games that year and pitched a total 678 2/3 innings. It took him only 11 seasons to win 300 games. His radiant personality, though, came out during games. In fact, he was suspended once for throwing at his own catcher and knocking him down. The catcher had committed the offense of dropping a third strike.

An interesting rumor about him is that it is said that the term "Charley Horse" originates from him and that the earliest known photo of someone showing the finger is of him. Unfortunately, I have yet to ever see this historical photograph. (UPDATE: I take that back, here it is.)

(pic link: geezerballgazette)

Now check out some of his awesome twits below.

Check Out Some Triple Threads

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:11:00 +0000

Beckett has a recent post featuring some recent pulls submitted by readers from the just release 2009 Topps Triple Threads boxes. It includes the below Trolley Dodgers card featuring 3 Brooklyn heroes and some cut jerseys and bat pieces. Go to their post to see more.Since the above card is the only Dodger one featured I figured I would troll around eBay to see if there are more to be seen. Of course, I was not disappointed. Check out some of them below.

In fact, take a good look at the Blake DeWitt card featuring some cut jerseys fashioned with the words "5 NLCS RBI." In 2008 he started at 2nd base and hammered in 5 RBI's during the series. We could have used some of that this time around. In fact, I'm willing to make the early call that he should be the heir apparent to the 2nd base job in 2010.

(eBay link)

I'm not surprised that card was made. Hollywood with Kemp, Manny and Russell Martin featured.

(eBay link)

How cool is this- Matt Kemp the Bison!

(eBay link)

This reminds us that Manny is a 12 time All Star. Some good that did for us this year. On the other hand, that is a really cool patch on the left side. What is that of?

(eBay link)

Just Manny Being Manny.

(eBay link)

Thank You For A Great Season!

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:18:00 +0000

First of all, congratulations to the Phillies for winning the pennant. It was a hard fought series where their experience and grit took them over the top. I give them mad props.

For the Dodgers I have nothing but thanks and gratitude for a phenomenal year. 2009 was filled with so much promise and, for the most part, this team met my expectations. We just ran into a team that refused to be beat.

All I can say is, "wait til next year!"

A Momentary Break Before the Game

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:04:00 +0000

While you wait for Game 5 to begin here are a couple of fun videos to keep you in the mood.

30 Ballparks and a baby.

Video Link: RedLasso:

The Dodgers Song.

YouTube Link: fuzzylogic1025:

Baseball Better Than Work

noreply@blogger.com (ernest) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:44:00 +0000

Call this a little bit of self promotion, but I wanted to point out a couple of vintage Baseball postcards that I am currently selling eBay that I thought were pretty cool. (BTW, I'm selling bunch of vintage cards right now. Check them out here.) I had originally gotten then several years ago in a large lot of memorabilia items and, only now, have gotten a opportunity to sell them online.

Both postcards feature Baseball as a central theme on the front, and have some very true statements written on the reverse.

The first card is a comic themed postcard, circa 1914, that perfectly encapsulates Baseball fandom.

"He wants his meals to be serv'd hot,
If not he'll start to scold,
Yet he sits for fourteen innings
And lets his meals get cold"

The best part is written on the reverse by the sender.
Bill writes,

"This is better than farming"

So true, so true.
Here is another postcard I'm selling that expresses a similar sentiment. On the front is old Yankee Stadium, circa 1949, but on the reverse is a longing to stay in New York watching Baseball.

"Yup, we wuz here. Having a grand time, better than carrying the mail"

This is only more proof that throughout American history, Baseball is better than most things- even warm food, producing food and work.