Dodgers Blue Heaven

Collection: Chad Billingsley Solo Shot

2012-06-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

What could have been.

By the time this card was released (2009) Dodgers fans were getting a small taste of what Billingsley would eventual regress towards. He had been a very bright spot in the Dodgers rotation until then. Chad was young and had compelling strike out numbers that made you thing a potential #1 pitcher was in our midst. If only he could refine his approach, stop nibbling on the corners, and trust his stuff. Often, he was a little wild and appeared to get rattled at the wrong time. This would cause batters to get on base at an alarming rate. Still, those instances could easily be waved away as moments of youth and inexperience. Heck, worse comes to worse he would at least be a solid #2 pitcher in the rotation.

Unfortunately, that appears to have come to pass. By 2009 Billinglsey recorded his first season with an ERA above 4.00. He won only one more game than he lost, and continued to allow batters to get on base. Although he made an All-Star appearance that season, his final end-of-season totals don't scream All-Star. Still, he was young and worth the risk.

Today, he is starting to look like a bust. The same issues that hampered him in 2009 still exist today. Am I totally negative on his future with the Dodgers. Not entirely. After all, Chad is still only 27 years old and could potentially rise to the occasion and prove his naysayers wrong. Day by day, though that is starting to look unlikely.

Featured here is a 2009 Toops Unique Solo Shot autographed card of Chad Billingsley in my collection.

Kings Cards: Silver Anniversary Sheet

2012-06-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

Way back in the day (the early 90's) these 8.5" x 11" card sheets were all the rage. Upper Deck produced a boatload of them and collectors gobbled them up like they were made of gold. How could you go wrong, right? Heck, this sheet was limited to only 20,000 copies. Now that's RARE!

Man-O-Live. Those heady days of collecting always make me smile. How naive were we?

I don't exactly remember how this particular sheet was distributed- maybe at a game? Anyway, it's cool because it celebrates the 25th Silver Season Anniversary of the Los Angeles Kings, and features several current and soon-to-be Hall of Famers (Gretzky, Kurri and Blake). And since the Kings are making a run for the CUP I'm gonna over-burden you with Kings cards and collectibles over the next week or so. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Vintage PostCard Collection: The Hits of the Game

2012-06-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

Here's another vintage comic postcard. I've got a bunch of these kind of postcards. They date to the 1910's and are very inexpensive. You should never pay more than 5 bucks, or so. Furthermore, it's always better to go after a large grouping of them in an auction for an even bigger discount.

I love the flirty innuendos, and they always give me a little chuckle. Heck, sometimes they can get a little risque. So much so, I often think that maybe folks weren't so wound up back then as I had been led to believe.

Legendary Auctions: A Couple of Dodgers Goodies

2012-06-01T07:00:00.001-07:00

Vintage Baseball auctions never seem to stop. I've been a little behind when it comes to writing about some of the more exciting Dodgers related offerings, but I plan on getting caught up over the next week or so. With that said, check out a couple of great Dodgers items that were available through Legendary Auctions.

Below is a circa 1907 Brooklyn Superbas team photo cabinet card. As noted on the bottom right, it was taken in Jacksonville, Florida- likely during the Spring. I love the miss-mash of uniform styles, the wooden stadium in the background and the bored looking kid waiting eagerly for that afternoons game to start.

(Auction Link: 1907 Brooklyn Superbas)

Here is a player endorsed store model Baseball glove of Pee Wee Reese. It was produced in 1940, and is very scarce. Per the auction description:

We commonly regard Brooklyn shortstop Pee Wee Reese as a star of the post-war era, which he most certainly was. Pee Wee however hit the circuit in full stride in 1940. And though his early career was interrupted by a three-year military commitment, the community of National League baseball was in awe of this sensation from the start. Shortly into his rookie season, an obscure sporting goods concern, calling itself "Olympic," prevailed upon the phenom Reese to endorse one of their ball gloves.

(Auction Link: Pee Wee Reese Glove)

Below is the top of the original glove box that features a photo of Pee Wee Reese.

(Auction Link: Pee Wee Reese Glove)

Blog Kiosk/ Dodgers Links: 5/31/2012

2012-05-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

The Dodgers just release a couple of preview photos of the Eric Karros bobblehead to be given out on June 28th against the Mets. The likeness is amazing.

As expected, Kemp is put back on the DL today. Alex Castellanos has been called up from Albuquerque. See the Dodgers press release, here.

Castellanos, making his first appearance on a big league roster, will wear No. 49 and was hitting .379 with 10 doubles, four triples, five homers and 14 RBI in 22 games with Triple-A Albuquerque, while posting a .476 on-base percentage and a .759 slugging percentage.

Chad Moriyama takes a closer look at Castellanos, here.

Ken Gurnick at MLB.com takes a look at the upcoming draft for the Dodgers.

Assistant general manager and scouting director Logan White is excited about his first Draft for the new owners.

"It's a wonderful thing talking to Stan [Kasten, Dodgers president], and I'm unbelievably excited that he's a development-oriented person who wants us to be aggressive," said White. "I think where money will make an impact for us is internationally."

Beyond the Boxscore calculates that a Dodger has been the most valuable hitter in Baseball, and it's not Kemp. Instead, it's a certain unsung hero who much of the Dodger-blogoshere has been championing as an All-Star. That's right, it's AJ Ellis. Check out the story here. On top of that, former Dodger prospect James McDonald is ranked as the most valuable pitcher so far this season.
Tommy Lasorda shares the day he pitched 15 innings and probably threw 300 pitches. He also includes an awesome vintage photo of him as a member of the Schenectady Blue Jays in the Canadian-American League.
Nick Diunte of the Examiner.com examines Ted Reed's book about Carl Furillo titled, "Carl Furillo: Brooklyn Dodger All Star." I hadn't realized that Furillo was basically blacklisted from the game.
MLB Trade Rumors passes along the gossip that the Dodgers are calling other teams for available position players.
I kinda miss Chan Ho Park. Fortunately, Big League Stew has a update; including a video of a commercial he did that sells insurance. BTW, Park raps in the commercial. It's awesome! Check it out.
Check out the Ice Girls of the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals, via Gunaxin.
The Upper Deck Blog shares a couple of redemption cards recently claimed that feature Kings overtime scorer Anze Kopitar and defenseman Drew Doughty. Those are some great looking cards. Unfortunately, I'm not a huge hockey card collector. Who knows, though. I might have to start. Heck, with the Kings doing so well I think I'll have to share what I do have over the next coming weeks.
Check out Baseball explained on a whiteboard by a Brit, below. I found it funny and somewhat confusing, but I'm not sure I could do any better. (Hat Tip: Baseball Musings)

Video Link:

Press Photo Collection: A Ebbets Field Breakfast

2012-05-31T11:27:00.000-07:00

In our day and age when policemen are sometimes thought of as the enemy it's nice to see a cordial exchange take place that affirms that they are just our neighbors. Here is a vintage press photo from my collection featuring a policeman at Ebbets Field receiving a breakfast sandwich courtesy of an early arriving fan for a best-of-three playoff series for the National League Pennant. It is dated October 3, 1946

Collection: Edwin Jackson SPx Autograph

2012-05-31T10:45:00.000-07:00

Here is another Dodgers autograph card from the 2005 Upper Deck SPx Collection set. Don't you just love this design. It ranks as one of my favorite autograph insert subsets. On the other hand, I think they should have at least used a different photo on the reverse of the card.

Vintage PostCard Collection: We Win!!!

2012-05-31T07:00:00.001-07:00

Coming on the heals of last nights Game 1 Stanley Cup victory by the Kings I bring to you another vintage comic postcard from my collection.

WE WIN! "HURRAY"!!

Blog Kiosk: 5/30/2012

2012-05-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

Go Kings Go!!!!!

I love the irony of this news. Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times we find out that the law firm that represented McCourt in his BK has just filed for BK themselves. Then Bill Shaikin notes that the, "McCourt Management of Dodgers Under Grand Jury Investigation." Wha???? News related to McCourt and the Dodgers just doesn't want to go away.
Orel at the Sons of Steve Garvey notes how much Dodger fans love to spell. Then DelinO at SOSG follows that up by telling us where Dodger fandom could progress towards. The latter is not a pretty sight.
Bob Lemke has a couple of great post up reminding us of the various color barriers that were still left to cross by 1952. Part 1. Part 2. Jackie Robinson is prominent in both blog entries.
True to the Blue has a recap and photos from the recent signing at Frank & Sons with Guerra, Jansen and De La Rosa.
Jerry Crasnick at ESPN notes on twitter that the Dodgers expect Lilly to miss only 2 to 3 starts.

On the heals of the Dodgers sale and the ongoing sale of the Padres comes news that the LA Kings might be available for the right price, via FoxSports. (Hat Tip: Bill Perkins)

Philip Anschutz-controlled AEG Corporation, which owns the Kings and the Kings' home arena Staples Center, and its CEO Tim Leiweke, have started marketing the team by directly calling suitors, a source told the New York Post.

A few years ago, the Kings first put themselves up for sale seeking more than $200 million, but now likely will accept less, the source said.

Go Kings Go!!!!

2012-05-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

Game 1 is tonight at 5:00 PM PST. It's a horrible start time, but what are ya going to do?

Below is this years 2012 Stanley Cup Finals commercial. It was initially featured by Greg WhyShynski at Puck Daddy. I am forever hopeful that this is the Kings year to join the boys below.

Video Link:

Mattingly on MLB Network Yesterday

2012-05-30T10:06:00.002-07:00

I had received word yesterday afternoon that Don Mattingly was slated to appear on "Intentional Talk" with Chris Rose and Kevin Millar. Unfortunately, it was at 2:00 PM PST, so I was unable to hear it live. Thankfully, the power of cyberspace strike again as the good folks at the network makes the entire interview available to view. Check it out below.

It's a long interview, so there is much to take in. The skipper chats about his own playing days, his first postseason and the rise of Matt Kemp. And be sure to take note of his nefarious past as a popcorn thief. It's a gas.
Your browser does not support iframes.
Video Link:
(Hat Tip: Tim)

Weekend Autograph Opportunities: Abbott!!!

2012-05-30T10:00:00.001-07:00

Here are this weekends autograph opportunities throughout the Southland. As always, be sure to check the Blue Heaven Calendar for other events (a link can always be found on the tab at the top of this page, just left of center), and always confirm with the establishment. Everything is subject to change. Click on any pic to embiggen.

--------------------------------

This listing is just for your information. I am not aware of any autograph guest slated to appear at the Long Beach Coin, Stamp and Collectible Expo this coming weekend, but I do know that for the first time in a decade they will have a Sports Collectibles section. This show is noted as one of the nations biggest and more important stamp & coin conventions. Heritage will be having an auction featuring coins, and Memory Lane will exhibit rare baseball cards, autographs and memorabilia; including a Ruth-signed bat. I received a free pass since I'm a PSA set Registrant, so I plan on taking a bunch of pics.

Date

May 31 - June 2

Show Hours

Thur. and Fri.: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sat.: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Public admission is $8 (good for all three days); $6 for members of any coin or stamp club; $4 for seniors 65 and older and for children ages 8 to 16. Free admission for PSA and PCGS Collector Club members, PSA and PCGS Set Registrants, PSA and PCGS Authorized Dealers and for children ages 7 and younger.

------------------------------

Former star pitcher and inspiration to all, Jim Abbott, will be all over the Southland to promote his book. Check out the cover above. There are 3 separate events to go to.

Wednesday, May 30th (this evening)

Angels Stadium
Held in the Terrace Level Team Store prior to and during the game.
6:30 pm through 3rd inning

Saturday, June 2nd
Costco #418-Fullerton, 900 South Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Linked Information

Tuesday, June 5th

Barnes & Noble, 210 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210

7:00 PM

Linked Information

See More of Kemp in Albuquerque

2012-05-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks Evan!

Isotopes Blogger and frequent twitterer (is that a word now?) Evan at New Mexico Fan was kind enough to pass along some of his photos from Matt Kemp's 2012 debut as an Isotope this past Sunday. Check out those photos here.

As you know, he was in Albuquerque on a 2 game rehabilitation assignment. On the first day Kemp hit a home run and drove in 3 runs. On the second day, Memorial Day, Kemp made sure to leave the crowd in awe of his power. Matt belted his second home run in as many days while also recording a single and double. I don't know if the thin air in Albuquerque contributed to his stats, but I think it's fair to say that he is back. Thankfully, Evan was there to record the day on his camera, and was kind enough to forward along some additional photos for me to share with you. Check them out below.

(Photo Credit: Evan at New Mexico Fan)

Instead of the camouflage the team wore on Sunday, the Isotopes put on Dodger Blue for Memorial Day. If I'm not mistaken, the swing below resulted in Kemp's home run.

(Photo Credit: Evan at New Mexico Fan)

Evan noted that Kemp rounded third base with ease, and his hammy looked fine.

(Photo Credit: Evan at New Mexico Fan)

Press Photo Collection: Big Newk's!!

2012-05-30T08:00:00.001-07:00

Here is another press photo from my collection. This photo comes from the United Press Photo and is dated to November 21, 1956. It also appears to have been received by the Cleveland press with a date of December 12, 1956.

Don Newcombe is seen mixing a special drink at his new bar and liquor store in Newark, New Jersey. He was just named the National League MVP, and he decides to celebrate by sharing a drink he picked up during the Brooks' Tour of Japan that winter.

Scully Bobblehead Unveiled

2012-05-29T14:13:00.001-07:00

And all of Dodger Nation rejoices!

The Dodgers twitter feed just released a preview pic of the Vin Scully Bobblehead. All I can say is that it's the greatest bobble ever made. Heck, the only thing that could make it better would be a bag of Jolly Ranchers on his desk. Check it out below in all of its majesty and glory.

UPDATE:

This bobblehead will be given out to fans with the first 50,000 valid tickets on Thursday, August 30.

The only way to guarantee tickets to this game is with a season ticket plan or the 10-game Flex Plan. Individual tickets will not be made available to the general public.

UPDATE II:

Below are more pics of the Vin Scully Bobblehead, provided by the Dodgers.

Blog Kiosk: 5/29/2012

2012-05-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

I thought this would be a fun eBay auction item to look at. This is from a charity auction for Helping Humans Across America that features a game-used cap and cleats that are attributed to Tommy Lasorda during his early days as a Dodgers prospect with the Montreal Royals. (Hat Tip: UniWatch)

(eBay Auction Link)

Summer Anne Burton shares her drawing of Pee Wee Reese at Every Hall of Famer.
Don's Heroes, via Left Field Pavilion.
Dodgers name new Senior Director of Security, via Doug Miller MLB.com.

(Rich Wemmer on left, Michael Hillmann on right)

The Dodgers announced on Sunday that their senior director of security, Rich Wemmer, is retiring.

Wemmer, who joined the Dodgers in April 2011, retired from the Los Angeles Police Department in '08 after a near-40-year career in law enforcement and now will step down from his latest post, effective this Thursday. Former LAPD Deputy Chief Michael Hillmann will take over Wemmer's post for the remainder of the season.

Who woulda thunk it? After a tumultuous stay with the Angels Ken Gurnick at MLB.com tells us that "Abreu (is) Providing Veteran Leadership."
Tim Brown tells us that the Dodgers are indeed entered into the Roy Oswalt Sweepstakes, via his twitter.

Don't count on Oswalt coming to Los Angeles, though. Jerry Crasnick at ESPN indicates that Texas is the most likely destination.

"I would be shocked if he doesn't go to Texas," a baseball official said. "A team is going to have to greatly outbid Texas to keep him from going there."

The Vin Scully Bobblehead to be revealed on the Dodgers twitter account today. Stay Tuned.

(Twitter Link: @Dodgers)

Don Larson's game-used jersey from his World Series perfect game will be put up for auction later on this year, via The Infield Dirt.
"Between Two Palm Trees" with AJ Ellis and Clayton Kershaw. This is a must see. (Hat Tip: Sons of Steve Garvey)

Video Link:

This video is magnificent. "Sydney Opera House 'collapses' in Spectacular Light Show," via The Guardian.

Video Link:

eBay: Fernando Press Pics

2012-05-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posted about an eBay auction, so I thought I would start up again by highlighting this great grouping of press/ advertising photos of Fernando Valenzuela. they are from the 1982 season and are marked on the reserve as coming from Creative Instrusions. An O.C. Shaw is thought to be the photographer.

(eBay Auction Link: Fernando Valenzuela)

Fernando deeply pondering the situation.

(eBay Auction Link: Fernando Valenzuela)

2012 Topps Archives- Dodgers Autographs & Relics

2012-05-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Following up on my two previous post (here & here) on the Dodgers cards within 2012 Topps Archives set, today I bring to you the Dodgers autographs and relic cards. What excited collectors most about the re-release are the Fan-Favorite Autographed cards. Many unsung heroes (and some superstars, of course) would be featured that would remind many fans why they love the game. For instance, Cardinal player Jose Oquendo has 9 different autographed cards. At first I didn't understand why, but bdj610 keenly tells us the reason. Oquendo played all 9 positions on the field in 1988- the card design used for all of his autographs.

Anyway, only three Dodgers are available. Unfortunately, the Sandy Koufax Fan Favorite autographed card is a redemption card, so a picture of it is not available. Also, there are mini autographed cards of Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw that use the 1983 Topps design, but I have yet to see any. The Kemp is a redemption card, and Kershaw has yet to be found.

All-Time Fan Favorite Autographs

FFA-BRB Brett Butler

FFA-MW Maury Wills

1956 Topps Relics Insert

56R-AE Andre Ethier

"The Time Is Now" - Go Kings Go

2012-05-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Game 1 in the Stanley Cup Finals.

I can't wait for the series to start. I'm more excited than you can imagine. In preparation for tomorrows 5PM start check out this great fan made Kings video called "The Time is Now," below.

Video Link:

Lilly Placed on DL

2012-05-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

Amid all of the speculation it has now been confirmed that Ted Lilly is hurt with a bum shoulder. From the Dodgers press release:

The Los Angeles Dodgers today placed left-handed pitcher Ted Lilly on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to May 24) with left shoulder inflammation and recalled left-handed pitcher Michael Antonini from Triple-A Albuquerque.

Michael Antonini makes another return to the Dodgers. He came up for 2 days in late April (24-25), but didn't get into a game. So, he has yet to make an official Major League appearance.

Hopefully, Lilly's shoulder problems doesn't grow to something larger. He's been very good this year, and has confidently taken over the #2 pitcher spot. Having him go down leaves a giant hole in our rotation. As has been reported elsewhere, Nate Eovaldi will be taking over Lilly's starts for the time being.

Check Out Pics of Kemp's Big Day in AAA

2012-05-28T11:20:00.000-07:00

I think it's fair to say that Matt Kemp is ready to tear up the National League again. He went 2 for 3 yesterday with a home run, two runs scored and three RBI's. Not too shabby, eh?

Well, the powers of cyberspace wins again as the local blogger, Evan of New Mexico Fan, forwarded along some pics of Kemp that were taken yesterday. Evan mentioned that Matt ran the bases well, so his hammy appears to have healed nicely. Check Kemp out in all of his camouflaged glory below.

(Pic Credit: Evan at New Mexico Fan)

UPDATE: Here are more pics from Evan's twitter account @newmexicofan.

(Pic Credit: Twitter @newmexicofan)

Vintage Postcard: They Can't Strike Him Out!

2012-05-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Check out this great vintage postcard from my collection.

Happy Memorial Day!

I think it's fair to say this postcard is very timely. It features a slugging President (Abe Lincoln?) at the ballpark while donning a Team USA jersey.

2012 Topps Archives- Some Dodgers Inserts

2012-05-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

Following up my post from a couple of days ago, here are some of the Dodgers inserts found in 2012 Topps Archives. Stay tuned, I'll feature some of the Dodgers autograph/ relic inserts later on.

Fashioned after the 1958 Topps insert set, two different Classic Combos cards are available.

Classic Combos Inserts

#58-KK Clayton Kershaw - Sandy Koufax

#58-KR Matt Kemp - Jackie Robinson

You can never go wrong with stickers. I really like these giant floating heads. Unfortunately, only Kershaw is available.

1967 Topps Stickers Inserts

#67S-CK Clayton Kershaw

In 1968 Topps created a test set called 3-D. It was never released widely to the public, but surviving samples have gained quite a cult following. Vintage versions sell for a huge premium today. These remind me of the old Sportsflics cards from the 80's and the Kellogg sets from the decade before.

1968 Topps 3-D Insert

#683D-MK Matt Kemp

Blog Kiosk/Dodgers Links: 5/27/2012

2012-05-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

Panini provides more preview pics of a new card product made just for kids. It is called 2012 Triple Play Baseball, and it features many MLB stars in animated glory. It will be affordable (at just 99 cents a pack), and will include inserts like stickers and usable eye black. Watch out for it in July. Check more pics at Panini's blog, here. Of note, I think the Kemp card below more looks like Kobe Bryant than "Bison."

I know I'm late on this, but it's better late than never. You gotta send AJ Ellis to the All-Star Game. He deseres it. Go here to vote. There is also a online campaign. Check out ajellis2kc.com.
Check out this Isotopes lineup to Sunday's game, via twitter @AbqTopes.
Eephus Blue came up with a great new Dodgers design and future trending twitter meme- #Gwinning! Via twitter @EphusBlue.
That is awesome!

(Twitter Link: @dodgerscribe)

Could Nathan Eovaldi be Headed Toward Relief Role with Dodgers? Eric Stephen Via True Blue LA.
David was at Friday's game and got a bunch of Astro's signatures at the end of the evening.
Left Field Pavilion makes a great graphic celebrating AJ Ellis.
Mattingly intends to give Kemp some real rest, via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times.

But from now on, Mattingly said Kemp has to be prepared to sit out an occasional game. No streak means no pressure to play him every day.

“I think it makes it easier to say, 'Matt, we need to give you a day. It’s the right day. We’re going to take care of you,'" Mattingly said. "At that point, I know he’ll fight me, but at that point I’ll probably play my manager card."

Watch AJ Ellis' get a face full of shaving cream and a hose down.

<br>  <A href="http://www.foxsportswest.com/pages/video?videoid=00ec95b7-2ab7-40cd-a4c6-3b470d9c813e&src=v5:embed:syndication:&from=shareembed-syndication" target="_new" title="Ellis hits walk-off, Dodgers win">Video: Ellis hits walk-off, Dodgers win</A><br>

Video Link:

Vintage Postcard Collection: Instructions

2012-05-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

Not only am I an avid Baseball card collector, but I also like to pick up a random vintage postcard, as well. In fact, I don't think a Baseball collection is complete without a handful of comic postcards within it. They are inexpensive and funny to boot. I'll share some of the vintage postcards in my collection over the coming months.

Above is a circa 1910's comic postcard featuring a couple having an important talk. Title "Discussions," it appears to show that it is the woman who really controls the game.