Blue Heaven

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training- Day 5

2012-02-26T12:45:00.002-08:00

Chad Billingsley sits with Tony Kinkela of Dodgers on Demand, via Twitter @JessRosales1.

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.

THE ARTISTS: As we near the first full squad workout, 80% of the starting rotation fired bullpens today as Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, Ted Lilly and Aaron Harang took the mound along with Jamey Wright, Fernando Nieve, Angel Guzman, Wilfredo Ledezma, Josh Lindblom, Nathan Eovaldi, Chris Withrow, Scott Rice, Ryan Tucker and Michael Antonini.

(Pic Credit: Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

SORE HORSE(S): A couple of Dodger non-roster pitchers were nursing injuries today as right-hander Shane Lindsay (right shoulder soreness) has yet to throw a bullpen this spring. RHP Ryan Tucker (stiff neck) was able to loosen up and throw his scheduled bullpen session.
THE DESCENDANTS: The Dodgers would like to welcome former right-handed reliever Tom Niedenfuer to Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Niedenfuer led the Dodgers in saves in both 1984 and 1985 and his 64 rescues from 1981-87 rank 10^th in franchise history. Of the hurlers ahead of Niedenfuer on the list, six amassed their totals after he did, including the top three of Eric Gagné (161, 2002-2006), Jeff Shaw (129, 1998-2001) and Todd Worrell (127, 1993-97). Other include No. 6 Jay Howell (85, 1988-92), No. 7 Jonathan Broxton (84, 2006-11) and No. 9 Takashi Saito (81, 2006-08). Current closer Javy Guerra is tied for 26^th on that list with 21 saves.
MY WEEK WITH PSYCHO: The Dodgers would like to welcome PRIME TICKET’s Steve Lyons, who arrived at Camelback Ranch today to shoot several pieces that will air throughout the season. Lyons will be in Arizona until March 2, interviewing Don Mattingly, Matt Kemp, Clayton Kershaw, Dee Gordon and Mark Ellis, among others. Lyons is beginning his eighth season as a member of the Dodger broadcasts, providing analysis alongside Eric Collins for all road games outside of the National League West. “Psycho” also provides analysis for PRIME TICKET’s “Dodgers Live” pre and post-game shows, where he breaks down the games with Patrick O’Neal, Jim Watson and Chris McGee.

(Pic Credit Jon SooHoo/ Los Angeles Dodgers)

THE TREE OF LIFE: The Dodgers would like to wish a very happy birthday to former outfielder and first baseman Matt Luke, who turns 42 today. Luke wore Dodger Blue in 1998 and 1999, hitting 12 home runs in just 237 at-bats. Currently, he is a member of the Dodgers Alumni Association, making community appearances and hosting autograph signings on behalf of the club.
9 AM IN LOS ANGELES: This Saturday, March 3 at 10:00 a.m. fans can purchase a limited number of Opening Day tickets as well as single-game regular season tickets at Dodger Stadium and on Dodgers.com. Prices on many advanced individual tickets for the 2012 season after Opening Day have been reduced as much as $20 per ticket. The Dodger Stadium gates will open at 9:00 a.m. and the annual On Sale festivities will include music, trivia and contests, hosted by AM 570 Fox Sports Radio. Additionally, fans that purchase at least one ticket at Dodger Stadium at the On Sale event will receive a Dodger gift.
THE HELP: On March 1, the Dodgers will hold their annual open tryout here at Camelback Ranch – Glendale, hosted by the amateur scouting department. The tryout will take place from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and potential prospects can call 323-224-1512 for details and instructions.

2012 Topps Gold Rush Wrapper Redemption- Dodgers

2012-02-26T11:00:00.001-08:00

Following up on my previous post featuring 2012 Topps cards, I now focus on several wrapper redemption cards that are just starting to arrive in the mail boxes of eager collectors. As you probably already know, Topps offered limited 5 card packs of "Gold Rush" cards with a redemption of either 50 hobby pack wrappers (packs bought at retail stores like Target or Walmart do not qualify) or 14 jumbo wrappers.

There are 50 cards in this limited set, and 4 of them are Dodgers. Check them all out below. I did not purchase any hobby packs so I won't be receiving any packs to open, but I've been checking out eBay and discovered that they are very affordable- no more than a couple of bucks a piece. The real draw to these redemption packs is that autographed versions are randomly inserted within them. Either, Kemp and Sandy Koufax autographs are available. So far, I've only seen the Andre Ethier autographed card offered for sale.

Sandy Koufax

Matt Kemp

Clayton Kershaw

Andre Ethier

eBay: Davey Lopes Complete Throwback Jersey

2012-02-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is very cool.

Up for sale through eBay is a complete 2011 Dodgers throwback jersey that was worn and signed by Davey Lopes.

The seller indicates that it originally came from the Dodgers Dream Foundation and is from the August 31st game against the Padres. We beat the Padres 4 to 2 that day. The jersey, pants, and hat have a MLB hologram on it.

(Auction Link)

Dodgers Sunday Videos

2012-02-26T08:00:00.007-08:00

For your viewing pleasure.

Watch Ned Colletti as he drops the opening puck during Dodger Pride Night at the LA Kings game. He also talks some hockey and Baseball.
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Clayton Kershaw look to improve.
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Don Mattingly talks about the Dodger bullpen.
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MLB Access: Beast Mode with Matt Kemp

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Dodgers Notes from Spring Training- Day 4

2012-02-25T14:30:00.001-08:00

Matt Kemp signs for fans. Pic via Jon SooHoo/ Los Angeles Dodgers.

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.

THE MEN IN THE ‘PEN: With the majority of the starting rotation throwing yesterday, the Dodger relief corps took to the mounds today with Matt Guerrier, Todd Coffey, Ramon Troncoso, Kenley Jansen, Javy Guerra, Scott Elbert, Ronald Belisario, Josh Wall, John Grabow, Alberto Castillo and Matt Chico throwing bullpens today. Starters Chris Capuano, Stephen Fife and Will Savage joined the relievers for a Saturday throw-day.
GOOD BREW: Todd Coffey threw his second bullpen session of Spring Training today as he enters his eighth Major League campaign following seasons with the Reds (2005-08), Brewers (2008-10) and Nationals (2011). Since making his debut in 2006, the 31-year-old had been one of the game’s best relievers at inducing ground balls with his 683 ground balls trailing only Chad Qualls (891), Shawn Camp (765), Matt Guerrier (732) and Mariano Rivera (692). In 69 games with the Nationals last season, Coffey posted a career-best .244 opponents’ batting average and ranked seventh in the NL by stranding 80.6% of inherited runners.

(Andre Ethier speaks with the meadia his first day in camp, via Jon SooHoo Twitter @Dodgers)

CLUBHOUSE FILLING UP: Andre Ethier had his first workout of the season today at Camelback Ranch after his 2011 season was shut down early due to September knee surgery. Despite battling the injury all season, Ethier earned his second consecutive All-Star selection, was awarded his first Rawlings Gold Glove and posted the second-longest hitting streak in franchise history with his 30-game run in April and May. Juan Uribe and Ivan De Jesus also joined the group of Dodger position players working out today at Camelback Ranch – Glendale ahead of Monday’s report date for the full squad.
GET ‘EM WHILE THEY’RE HOT: Single-game tickets will go on sale a week from today on Saturday, March 3 at 10:00 a.m. with fans having the opportunity to purchase a limited number of Opening Day tickets and as well as single-game regular season tickets at Dodger Stadium and on Dodgers.com. Prices on advanced individual tickets for the 2012 season after Opening Day – Top Deck, Reserve, Loge, Field, Right and Left Field Pavilions – have been reduced as much as $20 per ticket. Dodger fans are invited to celebrate the start of the 2012 Season in parking Lots B and P and enjoy their first Dodger Dog of the year. The Dodgers’ annual On Sale festivities will include music, trivia and contests and will be hosted by AM 570 Fox Sports Los Angeles. Additionally, fans that purchase at least one ticket at Dodger Stadium at the On Sale event will receive a Dodger gift.

(Matt Kemp & Juan Uribe, via Jon SooHoo Twitter @Dodgers)

HEY, WHY NOT?: On March 1, the Dodgers will hold their annual open tryout here at Camelback Ranch – Glendale, hosted by the amateur scouting department. The tryout will take place from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and potential prospects can call 323-224-1512 for details and instructions.
TROLLEY DODGERS: New for 2012, fans can ride a free trolley from the Westgate City Center to all Dodgers and White Sox games at Camelback Ranch – Glendale. The trolley stop is located on Westgate Boulevard right across from Yard House and drops off outside the ballpark. The trolley runs every 40 minutes starting at 11:00 a.m. with continuous service throughout and after the game.

Auction Recollection: Baseball is a Funny Game

2012-02-25T08:00:00.006-08:00

If you haven't noticed yet, I recently created a new website that features cards and collectibles that I currently have for sale. You can find it through a link in the banner at the top right side of this website titled "Blue Heaven Collectibles." Anyway, I'm pretty happy with how it looks, but am always looking for any advise on how to make it better. Over the coming weeks and months I hope to populate it with more items.

In the meantime, I wanted to fill out the remainder of this post by highlighting a vintage set that I just adore. It is from 1900 and called Mayo T203 "Base Ball Comics" and a complete set of them sold a couple of years ago at Legendary Auctions for over $1,700.00.

The reason I point this set out isn't because it is just a delightfully funny set that is sure to put a smile on your face. Instead, it's because I have a handful of them for sale (see them here), and recently sold a couple of them through my new website.

Frankly, I was sorry to see them go. Heck, I always get a little bit of sellers remorse when I get rid of something. It's just that the set was no longer in my sights for future completion and I figured having some extra dollars in my pocket for other cards made more sense.

Anyway, check out all 25 cards in the set in this post and laugh out loud with me.

Of special note, the fellow I sold the two T203's to is working his way through completing a master set of these. That means that he is trying to get one of each card with each corresponding back advertisement that is available. In this case, there are two different known backs- a Mayo's Cut Plug and Winner's Cut Plug. So, in total he is searching for 50 total cards. I also want to add that he has been working on this master set for 22 years. That's right, he has to be the most patient man in the world.

BTW, if you happen to have any Winner's Cut Plug cards of these let me know. I would be happy to put you in touch with him.

Mailbag: Garrett Gould Bowman Sterling Auto Card

2012-02-25T07:00:00.001-08:00

I've had this sitting on my desk for weeks, but am only now getting a chance to post about it. Here is a 2011 Bowman Sterling autographed card of Dodgers prospect Garrett Gould. I got it for a great low price of $1.38. Not too shabby, eh?

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training- Day 3

2012-02-24T14:30:00.001-08:00

Pitching drills during Spring Training (Pic via Twitter: @DylanHernandez)

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.

ClaYton’s BACK: Reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw threw his first official bullpen of the spring this morning, after being pushed back a couple of days due to mild back stiffness. Right-handed reliever Mike MacDougal also returned to the mound after being pushed back a day due to the same ailment as Kershaw. Four-fifths of the Dodgers’ projected starting rotation toed the rubber today as Aaron Harang, Chad Billingsley and Ted Lilly joined Kershaw on the hill. In addition to the aforementioned hurlers, Jamey Wright, Fernando Nieve, Angel Guzman, Wilfredo Ledezma, Josh Lindblom, Nathan Eovaldi, Chris Withrow, Scott Rice, Ryan Tucker and Michael Antonini threw bullpen sessions today.

(Kershaw during first bullpen session, piv via Jon SooHoo twitter @Dodgers)

TED’S EXCELLENT ARRIVAL: Dodger left-hander Ted Lilly reported to camp today and threw his first bullpen following a two-day absence to witness the birth of his daughter Nora on Tuesday. In addition to Lilly, new Dodger outfielder Matt Angle, who was claimed off outright waivers from Baltimore yesterday, reported to Camelback Ranch – Glendale. A few position players were also spotted in the Dodger clubhouse, including Matt Kemp, James Loney, new Dodger second baseman Mark Ellis, Jerry Sands, Tony Gwynn Jr., Alex Castellanos, Alfredo Silverio and Dee Gordon. While many position players are already in camp, the full squad does not officially report until February 27 with the first full-squad workout on the following day.
BEA GRATEFUL: The Dodgers would like to wish a very happy birthday to longtime organist Nancy Bea Hefley who will enter her 25^th season with the club in 2012. Nancy Bea has a repertoire of over 2,000 songs and last year the Dodger Sports Lab made an excellent video of our birthday girl. The video can be accessed by going to this link:

(Happy Birthday to Dodger organist Nancy Bea Hefley! Pic via twitter @Dodgers)

THE BIG BOARD: Baseball America released its 23^rd annual Top 100 Prospects list in their most recent issue and three Dodger pitchers were included in the rankings. Right-hander Zach Lee checked in at No. 62 after being 89^th on last year’s list while RHPs Allan Webster (No. 95) and Nathan Eovaldi (No. 96) appeared back-to-back on the list. The latter two are on the club’s 40-man roster and Lee was the club’s first round draft pick in 2010 (No. 28 overall).
HE’S ALWAYS WRIGHT: Dodger non-roster invitee Jamey Wright threw his second bullpen of the spring today as he looks to make the Dodgers his eighth Major League team following stints in Colorado (1996-99, 2004-05), Milwaukee (2000-02), St. Louis (2002), Kansas City (2003, ‘09), San Francisco (2006), Texas (2007-08), Cleveland (2010) and Seattle (2010-11). Wright was 2-3 with a career-best 3.16 ERA over 60 games with the Mariners last season.
HEY, WHY NOT?: On March 1, the Dodgers will hold their annual open tryout here at Camelback Ranch – Glendale, hosted by the amateur scouting department. The tryout will take place from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and potential prospects can call 323-224-1512 for details and instructions.

Blog Kiosk: 2/24/2011

2012-02-24T11:00:00.004-08:00

Panini just released their 2011 Playoff Contenders Baseball set this week. Check out the above dual Kemp and Kershaw card that can be found within it.

If you don't already know, the Dodgers have a great gallery of photos available to gawk over on their website. Go here to check them out.
The Dodgers minor league team, Great Lakes Loons, will be giving out a Clayton Kershaw figurine during their game on June 12th to the first 1,000 fans. Kershaw will be featured wearing a white Loons home uniform. For more info go here.
Eric Stephen at True Blue LA has some great photos from Spring Training- Day 3.
I'm looking for some help here. Does anyone remember these female usher uniforms from the 80's? Did women wear these skimpy things at Dodger Stadium back then? I don't really remember. See it here.
The 2011 Topps Allen & Ginter Code has finally been solved, via twitter @Toppscards. UPDATE: To find out how they did it, go here for their explanation.
NewJersey.com has a nice story on the newest Yankee, Hiroki Kuroda.
To the first question, Kuroda insisted that, appearances aside, he never was afraid of pitching for the Yankees or Red Sox. Instead, he said, “I’d made a commitment to the Dodgers last year and wanted to live up to it. I wanted to win a championship and didn’t want to leave before the season was over.”

Given that loyalty, Kuroda admitted he was surprised the Dodgers didn’t aggressively pursue him. His options were the Yankees or a return to Japan – and, as he noted, “The Yankees made the best offer.”
Why am I pointing this link out, and why did I find it interesting? I don't know. All I know is that I felt a certain amount of fear knowing that Justin Beiber had worn a Dodger cap a couple of times in his videos. Flip Flop Flyball has more.
Watch this great time-lapse video of the Staples Center floor changeover from Clippers to Kings to Lakers, via LA Times.
Dodgers trainer Stan Conte calls player injury risk assessment the final frontier, via an article by Molly Knight at ESPN.
Dodger Stadium organist Nancy Bea Hefley is a Los Angeles institution. She's been playing since 1988 and now gets mic'd up for Wired.

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A Call to Arms? The Great 2012 Bidder Boycott?

2012-02-24T09:50:00.002-08:00

Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times voices the frustration felt by all in an article today titled, "Every Bidder for the Dodgers Needs to Withdraw Right Now."

What a mess. What a complete mess. It’s orchestrated by Frank McCourt, so the shock factor is nil, but still.

You wonder how any human being can be so completely clueless, but then we’ve been watching this sorry excuse for an owner for way too long now.

His latest fantasy has him selling the team but keeping the parking lots completely surrounding Dodger Stadium. Hey, now there’s a sweet deal. Thursday marked the first day the siege of the Alamo began in 1836. Getting surrounded by the enemy is never a very good idea.

So every single one of the nine remaining bidders on the team need to get out of the Dodgers pool right now. (emphasis mine)

As a fanatic True Blue Dodger fan I second this motion.

I worry, though, that the ego's that comes with billionaire status might negate any chance that they could collude. Nevertheless, I think every true Dodger fan would applause the gesture and I am certain the loyalty of the fanbase to whoever becomes the owner would become tenfold. Again, emphasis below is mine.

So listen up, you nine remaining bidders. I don’t care if you’re Magic Johnson or Stan Kroneke or gazillionaire Steve Cohen. You buy the team and are willing to let McCourt keep the parking lots, you are not wanted. You don’t deserve the Dodgers.

eBay: Vintage Maury Wills Photo Pennant

2012-02-24T09:00:00.001-08:00

The best thing about the hobby is that you are bound to run into something you've never seen before. For instance, check out this circa 1960's player pennant of Maury Wills. It is a a stadium model pennant with a photograph of Wills across the front, and it's a first for me. The pennant is fairly worn, but that is to be expected with an item like this.

(Auction Link)

2012 Topps Baseball- Dodgers Base Cards

2012-02-24T07:00:00.002-08:00

As I promised yesterday, here are scans of the Dodger base cards that can be found in the 2012 Topps Baseball Series 1 set. Click any pic to enlarge.

BTW, I have plenty of extras (including complete Dodger team sets) that I would be happy to send along to any of you. It will be on a first come first serve basis. All you have to do is ask. Either send me an email or comment here. Hey Night Owl! I got a nice little package coming your way.

Notice that Dee Gordon has two cards in the set. The top one is a normal base card while the card below it is an All-Star Rookie card.
Here is what the reverse of the cards look like. I'll note how lazy Topps is. The two Dee Gordon cards have the same exact back; with exception of the card number.
Here are the base cards for James Loney and possibly the last card of Hong-Chih Kuo in a Dodgers uniform.
Here is the back of the cards.
Dodger base cards of Javy Guerra and Tony Gwynn Jr.
The reverse of the cards above.
Seeing that Kemp and Kershaw had some incredible individual stats they were included in several leader cards. Check them out below. Of special note, Andruw Jones is featured in a Dodger uniform. I'm convinced Topps hates us.Here are the back of the Leader cards.
I also received seven different Golden Moments parallel cards (I now have a total of 8 of them in my personal collection). Check them out below. These are really odd looking cards, and I'm a bit on the fence as to whether I like them or not. Nevertheless, I would love to complete a Dodger team set- as you can see I'm a little short. If you have one sitting around please let me know. Maybe we can work out a trade.I still need the Kuo, Lilly, Dee Gordon normal base, and all of the leader cards (except for the Andruw Jones).

McCourt Just Won't Leave!

2012-02-23T14:45:00.007-08:00

What is this all about? Why won't McCourt just leave? Instead, he plans to torture Dodger fans for the rest of eternity. Per Bill Shaikin at LA Times.

Rick Caruso and former Dodgers manager Joe Torre have withdrawn a joint bid to buy the Dodgers, three people familiar with the sale process said Thursday.

Caruso cited owner Frank McCourt's refusal to include the Dodger Stadium parking lots in the sale, according to the people, who declined to be identified because they were not authorized to discuss the sale process.

Then Shaikin notes that there is at least one bidder willing to allow McCourt to own the parking lots. Whoever that is I say "screw you!" I would love to see a united front of all potential Dodger bidders along with a loud fan outcry demanding that everything must be for sale. For the love of God please do not let McCourt keep his filthy little fingers in town.

PLEASE!

UPDATE: LA Times now has a copy of the letter Torre's group sent to MLB. Check it out here.

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training- Day 2

2012-02-23T14:00:00.005-08:00

Javy Guerra likes his new Addidas cleats. (Pic via twitter @JavyGuerra54)

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR department sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.

HILLTOPPERS: Dodger pitchers and catchers took the field for their second official day of workouts this spring with fielding drills and bullpen sessions for 14 hurlers. Among those taking the mound this afternoon for their first bullpens of the season was newly-acquired free agent left-hander Chris Capuano, who won 11 games in 33 games (31 starts) last season for the Mets and has limited left-handed hitters to a .229 batting average in his seven big league seasons. Capuano was joined on the hill by fellow lefties Scott Elbert, Alberto Castillo, Matt Chico and John Grabow and right-handers Todd Coffey, Matt Guerrier, Ronald Belisario, Javy Guerra, Ramon Troncoso, Kenley Jansen, Will Savage, Stephen Fife and Josh Wall.
ROSTER UPDATE: Today, the Dodgers claimed outfielder Matt Angle off outright waivers from Baltimore and added him to the 40-man roster. Angle, 26, saw his first big league action in 31 games last season with Baltimore and also batted .271 with 27 steals in 30 attempts over 108 games with Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles’ seventh round selection from the 2007 draft has stolen 169 bases over his five minor league seasons and also had 11 steals in 12 attempts with the Orioles last season. To make room on the roster, right-hander Rubby De La Rosa was placed on the 60-day disabled list. In addition, right-handed pitcher and non-roster invitee Jose Ascanio has left Dodger camp after failing his physical on Tuesday. With his departure, there are now 31 pitchers in camp with Ted Lilly expected in Arizona shortly after the birth of his second child, Nora Grace, on Tuesday. While many position players are already in camp, the full squad does not officially report until February 27 with the first full-squad workout on the following day.

(Kershaw signing for fans at Cameback Ranch. Twitter: @Dodgers)

A CUTT ABOVE THE REST: Pitchers worked through their practice and bullpen sessions today under the watchful eye of Rick Honeycutt, who enters his seventh season as Dodger pitching coach and is Los Angeles’ longest-tenured uniformed coach. Since he took over as pitching coach in 2006, Los Angeles has posted a Major League-best 3.84 team ERA with the Dodgers leading the National League in ERA in both 2008 and 2009. Under Honeycutt’s tutelage last season, the Dodgers posted the Majors’ fifth-lowest team ERA (3.54) and opponents’ batting average (.241).

(Sue Falsone Twitter: @Dodgers)

IN THE TRAINING ROOM: Sue Falsone monitored the Dodgers’ workouts at Camelback Ranch – Glendale again today in her first season as the club’s Head Athletic Trainer and fifth overall season with Los Angeles after serving as the team’s physical therapist from 2007-10. Falsone makes history this season as the first female head athletic trainer in all of major professional sports and she along with Assistant Athletic Trainer Nancy Patterson will give the Dodgers the first pair of female trainers on one staff in the history of Major League Baseball. Assistant Athletic Trainer Greg Harrel and Strength and Conditioning Coach Stephen Downey will also join the Major League staff after serving on the staff at Triple-A Albuquerque last season. Ichiro Tani returns for an eighth season on the Dodger training staff in his role as massage therapist.

Legendary Auctions: Some Vintage Dodger Photos

2012-02-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

Legendary Auctions is running their March auction and it consist of several nice vintage photographs featuring the Dodgers. Check them out below.

BTW, Legendary has some nice vintage memorabilia up for sale as well, so I will be sure to highlight some of my favorites over the coming days.

Unfortunately, the below photo is not dated, but I suspect it is from either Opening Day or a World Series game. Check out the banners hanging in the stands. They were typically only out on display during those games. Anyway, it is a large photograph (11x14) and features the Brooklyn Dodgers, lead by Roy Campanella and Jackie Robinson, standing on the baseline at attention during the National Anthem.

(Auction Link)

There's nothing better than being able to purchase a nice sized lot of vintage Type 1 Dodger press photos. There are 14 pics in total, and most of them have the original press clippings pasted on the reverse. Check them all out below.

(Auction Link)

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Kareem, a King and a Galaxy

2012-02-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events, and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change.

First, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will be signing his book tonight at the ESPN Zone at LA Live. Details here.

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
ESPN Zone L.A. Live
1011 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA

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Secondly, on Friday the 24th LA Kings center Mike Richards will be signing free autographs at the Staples store in Torrance.
Details:

Staples
22025 Hawthorne Blvd
Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 540-3093
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Kings link with details:
Facebook Info:

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MLS Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year Omar Gonzalez of the LA Galaxy will be signing autographs.
You can meet him at two different places on both Saturday and Sunday. He will be at a retail center as a part of the LA Galazy Caravan and at the Cal South Soccer Nation EXPO at the LA Convention Center. The Cal South Soccer Nation EXPO will be from Saturday through Sunday. Go here for more information on the EXPO.

Saturday: (Link)
(11:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
The Home Depot
2115 N Gaffey St.,
San Pedro, CA

(2:00 PM - 3:30 PM)
Cal South Soccer Nation LA Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Sunday: (Link)
(10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
Cal South Soccer Nation LA Convention Center
1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015

(1:00 PM - 3:00 PM)
Northgate Market
11660 East Firestone Blvd
Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 863-8203

My Case Break Winnings- 2012 Topps

2012-02-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

As I had mentioned a few weeks ago, I had joined a two case group break of 2012 Topps Baseball cards. Well, I recently just received my winnings and I have to say that I'm pleased. Unfortunately, I didn't get a pin or ring card, but I did get a relic and a 1 of 1 card. On top of that, I got a whole bunch of base and insert cards that I will feature in several future post. In the meantime, I'll start by showing off the "hits."

Here is a Golden Moments relic card of Ivan DeJesus. Based on the color of the jersey, I think this may be a game-used piece from those powder blue vintage uniforms the Dodgers wore last season.
This is the reverse of the card. It notes DeJesus first career RBI.
This is my best "hit" in the case break. It is the yellow printing plate for Chad Billingsley. This is the second printing plate in my collection.
Here is the reverse of the card.

Blog Kiosk: 2/22/2012- Dodgers Stadium Anthem Auditions

2012-02-22T17:00:00.000-08:00

Do you think you can sing the anthem? Well, the Dodgers are holding open auditions for anyone who wants to sing the National Anthem at Dodger Stadium. Go here for details. It will be held on March 31st at Dodgers Stadium.

Dylan lets us know how Rubby De La Rosa is doing.
Ronald Belisario comes clean. He was stuck in Venezuela last year because he tested positive for cocaine, via Dylan at the LA Times.
Matthew Pouliot at Hardball Talk thinks Matt Kemp should bat fourth.
How can it be a good idea to stick maybe the NL’s best RBI guy immediately behind Gordon and Ellis? Gordon had a .325 OBP in 224 at-bats after arriving in the majors last season. Ellis came in at .288 in 480 at-bats with the A’s and Rockies.
The Bellingham Herald reports on Kemp's Lofty Goals.

Kemp reiterated his previously stated goal of becoming the first player in major league history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same season. He said he also wants to win the most-valuable-player award.
"You have to set your limits even higher than you want them to be," said Kemp, who last year finished a home run short of becoming baseball's fifth 40-40 player.

Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/02/21/2404166/dodgers-kemp-sets-lofty-goals.html#storylink=cpy
Stan Kroenke makes some moves that stand to benefit his Dodger bid, via ProFootballTalk NBC.
A couple of California brothers inherit a $2Mil collection of vintage comic books, via Detroit Free Press.
Rorrer, 31, of Oxnard, Calif., discovered his great uncle Billy Wright's comics neatly stacked in a basement closet while helping clear out his great aunt's Martinsville, Va., home a few months after her death. He said he thought they were cool but didn't realize until months later how valuable they were.
Here is another rare memorabilia find. A Michigan family finds a stash of rare 19th Century football cards in a farmhouse worth thousands, via Beckett.
Check out Yu Darvish throwing left handed, via Evan Grant of Dallas Morning News.
In the photo, Darvish is throwing left-handed and has his right-hand awkwardly shoved into his glove. It's not a misprint or an experiment and Darvish isn't fooling around. He occasionally plays catch left-handed to keep both of his arms strong and, therefore, equally balanced. It is one of the unique elements Darvish includes in his training.

Dodgers Notes from Spring Training- Day 1

2012-02-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

Maury Wills signs for fans at Camelback. (pic via twitter @Dodgers)

Throughout Spring Training the Dodgers PR departments sends out helpful daily notes from Camelback Ranch, and I am happy to pass them along.

SPRING FLING: Pitchers and catchers took the field for their first official workout this morning as the Dodgers opened their fourth Spring Training at Camelback Ranch – Glendale. All but one of the 33 pitchers (12 non-roster and 1 Restricted List) and all six catchers (three non-roster) reported yesterday. While many position players are already in camp, the full squad does not officially report until February 27 with the first full-squad workout on the following day.
THE NEWEST DODGER: Ted Lilly is the only member of the Dodgers’ battery yet to report to Spring Training and congratulations are in order for him and his wife, Natasha, on the birth of their second child yesterday! The newest member of the Dodger family is Nora Grace Lilly, weighing in at 7 pounds, 14 ounces.

Dodgers pitchers lining up for their throwing sessions. (pic via twitter @Dodgers)

LET’S PLAY CATCH: 12 Dodger pitchers took the mound today for their first bullpens of spring including free agent acquisition Aaron Harang. The 10-year Major League veteran led San Diego with 14 wins last season, going 14-7 with a career-low 3.64 ERA in 28 starts in 2011. Chad Billingsley joined young guns Nathan Eovaldi, Josh Lindblom, Michael Antonini and Chris Withrow on the hill in addition to non-roster hopefuls Jamey Wright, Wilfredo Ledezma, Ryan Tucker, Angel Guzman and Scott Rice.
DROP THE KER-TAIN: Yesterday, Manager Don Mattingly announced that 2011 Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw will make his second consecutive Opening Day start for the Dodgers on April 5 at San Diego. Kershaw will become the first reigning Cy Young Award winner to make an Opening Day start for Los Angeles since Sandy Koufax in 1964 and the first Dodger to make consecutive starts in the season opener since Derek Lowe from 2005-07.
BOOMER SOONER: Steve Yeager worked with the Dodger catchers this morning in his first day in his new role as the club’s catching instructor. Yeager, who was teammates with current Dodger coaches Davey Lopes, Rick Honeycutt, Ken Howell and Manny Mota and broadcaster Rick Monday, will work with the team’s catchers at Spring Training and during home games during the regular season. He will also serve as a special-assignment catching instructor for the minor leaguers when the Dodgers are on the road.
TROLLEY DODGERS: New for 2012, fans can ride a free trolley from the Westgate City Center to all Dodgers and White Sox games at Camelback Ranch – Glendale. The trolley stop is located on Westgate Boulevard right across from Yard House and drops off outside the ballpark. The trolley runs every 40 minutes starting at 11:00 a.m. with continuous service throughout and after the game.

Candy & Golf

2012-02-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

With Spring Training in full swing expect every sports memorabilia auction house to begin the new season with a bang. The bigger more established firms are ready to go, and I will certainly feature them in future post. This time, though, I wanted to start by pointing to a couple of smaller houses that had some Dodgers items I found interesting.

Below is a vintage circa 1950's candy dish featuring the Brooklyn Dodgers "Bum" on the cover. It is being offered by Inside the Park Collectibles, who I have previously featured as a knowledgeable seller of sports ceramics and bobbleheads. Of note, I am familiar with the design, but this is the first time I've seen it on this kind of item.

(Auction Link)

This is something I have never seen before, and I am uncertain as to its origin. It is being sold through Paragon Auctions. As you can see, it is a vintage golf ball made to look like a Baseball. The red seams are fading a bit, and it features the Dodger logo with Pee Wee Reese's #1 emblazoned on it. Did this once belong to Pee Wee only to be lost one sunny afternoon in the rough? Who knows?

(Auction Link)

Collection: Beltre Bowman Auto

2012-02-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

If I'm not mistaken, I think this is a rookie card for Adrian Beltre. This is a 1998 Bowman autographed card of Beltre in my collection.

Adrian Beltre came to us in a fairly unexpected way. He was signed by the Dodgers as a 130 pound 15 year old out of Campo Las Palmas at the Dodgers Santo Domingo Baseball academy in 1994. As you probably realize, that is too young to sign a MLB contract. In fact, when MLB found out about our indiscretion they immediately suspended our Dominican operations for one year. Nevertheless, Beltre stayed with the franchise and would soon become our everyday third baseman.

In 1998 Adrian entering his first year in Dodger Blue, and if I remember correctly he wowed the fans with his glove and showed some promise with his bat. He had belted 7 home runs in under 200 at-bats. As time would tell, he was better than good on defense, but always fell a little short of our offensive expectations.

Then, 2004 came and the all important contract year was at hand. Could he finally break out and become the superstar we all had envisioned?

Well, the short answer is yes, but that year would prove to be a career year for Beltre. He slammed a league leading 48 home runs with 121 RBI's and a .334 batting average. His efforts would lead us to a NL West title and a second place showing for himself in the MVP awards race. Then, he would spend the following winter chasing dollar signs. The Seattle Mariners came calling, and our dreams of having an All-Star caliber mainstay at third base was over.

Wow! Watch Kershaw's Perfect Game from High School!

2012-02-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

Watch a superstar in the making. A couple of days ago a video popped up on YouTube featuring Clayton Kershaw's perfect game from May 19, 2006 as a member of the Highland Park Scots. It was during the Texas High School 4A State Playoff game versus Northwest. Kershaw was a senior, and he absolutely dominated. He struck out everyone he faced and even hit a home run. UPDATE: Just to note. The game ended after only 5 innings- presumably due to a mercy rule.

Video Link:

Blog Kiosk: 2/21/2012

2012-02-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peek at the Matt Kemp autographed card from Panini's 2011 Limited Baseball set, via The Knight's Lance.

Check out another Panini post with some preview pic from their Playoff Contenders Baseball set that is being released this week.
Dodgers closer Javy Guerra is ready. Via Javy's twitter.
Kemp and Gwynn did their best to lure Prince Fielder to LA, via Dylan Hernandez at LA Times.
Gwynn said Fielder asked him about what it was like to play in Los Angeles. In particular, Fielder wanted to know how the ball travels at Dodger Stadium.

“I lied to him, actually,” Gwynn said.

He said he told Fielder, “It’s not that bad once June rolls around.”
Bill Shaikin reports that Spring Training in Arizona has not been as profitable as they would have hoped.
Forbes says that several large funds are interested in joining the bidding; including KKR (please, no!), Highbridge Capital, and Providence Equity Partners.
Peter O'Malley is out of the bidding, via Bill Skaikin.
Check out Craig Calcaterra's great article in Harball Talk focused on the old United States Baseball League.
I'm not a Rick Santorum fan, but his story about meeting reliever Kent Tekulve is very funny, via Big League Stew.
DodgerFilms prepares for the 2012 Baseball Season in their own way. Watch "Our Spring Training."

Video Link:

A Collectors Paradise: "This Is My Home"

2012-02-21T11:20:00.000-08:00

This is the essence of collecting.

Check out this great video put together by Departure Arrival Films called "This Is My Home." I'll let them describe what the video is all about.

On an unseasonably warm November night in Manhattan on our way to get ice cream, we stumbled upon what appeared to be a vintage shop, brightly lit display window and all. As we began to walk in, a man sitting out front warned us that we were welcome to explore, but nothing inside was for sale. Our interests piqued, we began to browse through the collections the man out front had built throughout his life. This is a story of a man and his home.

This Is My Home from Mark on Vimeo.

(Hat Tip: Reddit)

News From the First Day of Spring

2012-02-21T09:50:00.000-08:00

It's just the first official day of Spring Training, as pitchers and catchers were to report today, and there is already news pertinent to the upcoming Baseball season.

Per a @Dodgers tweet, Kershaw will be our Opening Day starter. No real surprise there.

(Tweet Link: @Dodgers)

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Eric Stephen of True Blue LA is also at Camelback Ranch and reports that part of our lineup is set. Dee Gordon will lead off and Kemp will bat third. Seems a bit early to be announcing this, but I'm not surprised by this at all.

(Tweet Link: @TrueBlueLA)

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Per Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times, the closers job is Javy Guerra's job to lose.

(Tweet Link: @DylanHernandez)

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In some bad news, reliever Blake Hawksworth will not be ready to start the season due to offseason surgery.

(Tweet Link: @Dodgers)

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In news that this old Dodger fan welcomes. Per Ken Gurnick, Steve Yeager has been hired to

work with Dodgers catchers in Spring Training and when the team is at home during the season and will serve as a special-assignment catching instructor in the Minor Leagues when the team is on the road.

(Tweet Link: @KenGurnick)