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1969 Topps #400 Don Drysdale
1952 Topps #312 Jackie Robinson
THE DODGERS. You just have to have a soft spot in your heart for this team at one time or another. Either in their "Daffi-ness" or "Dem-Bums" Brooklyn teams, their classic 1955
World Championship Team, the Koufax/Drysdale led teams of the 1960's, the Garvey-Lopes-Russell-Cey infield of the '70's, or the '88 World Championship team of over-achievers
led by Kirk Gibson, you just have had to root for this team at one time or another. Here is our brief little tribute to the Brooklyn & Los Angeles Dodgers Teams.
World Championship Team, the Koufax/Drysdale led teams of the 1960's, the Garvey-Lopes-Russell-Cey infield of the '70's, or the '88 World Championship team of over-achievers
led by Kirk Gibson, you just have had to root for this team at one time or another. Here is our brief little tribute to the Brooklyn & Los Angeles Dodgers Teams.
<<< I didn't get to see Sandy Koufax pitch in person as I was born in 1963 (the same year he won both MVP
AND Cy Young Award). But if I had the opportunity to go back in time and see one pitcher, it would be Sandy
Koufax. It took him awhile to get going, but once he did he was perhaps the most dominating pitcher ever. Essentially,
Koufax made the Hall of Fame for just SIX seasons! During that span (1961-1966) Koufax won 129 games (against
only 47 losses), won 3 Cy Young Awards, 1 MVP Award, and pitched 4 no-hitters including a perfect game. Sandy
was dandy! This is his first bubble gum card from the 1955 Topps set and probably the most desirable Koufax card
to collectors.
AND Cy Young Award). But if I had the opportunity to go back in time and see one pitcher, it would be Sandy
Koufax. It took him awhile to get going, but once he did he was perhaps the most dominating pitcher ever. Essentially,
Koufax made the Hall of Fame for just SIX seasons! During that span (1961-1966) Koufax won 129 games (against
only 47 losses), won 3 Cy Young Awards, 1 MVP Award, and pitched 4 no-hitters including a perfect game. Sandy
was dandy! This is his first bubble gum card from the 1955 Topps set and probably the most desirable Koufax card
to collectors.
1955 Topps #123 Sandy Koufax (Rookie Card)
>>>GIL HODGES was a fixture at first base for both the Brooklyn & Los Angeles Dodger teams. Hodges hit
4 Home Runs in a game, drove in 100 or more runs in 7 consecutive seasons, clubbed 370 lifetime Home
Runs with 1274 RBI's, was the best first sacker in the National League, hit the very first HR in New York Mets
history, managed the "Miracle Mets" to their 1969 World Championship and STILL IS NOT IN THE HALL OF
FAME!!! Keep in mind Hodges also lost 3 years to the military early in his career, otherwise his stats would be
even more impressive and with over 400 HR's it is pretty much a sure thing that he would have been a Hall of
Famer. As it is, the Hall Of Fame should be ashamed that Gil Hodges is not a member.
4 Home Runs in a game, drove in 100 or more runs in 7 consecutive seasons, clubbed 370 lifetime Home
Runs with 1274 RBI's, was the best first sacker in the National League, hit the very first HR in New York Mets
history, managed the "Miracle Mets" to their 1969 World Championship and STILL IS NOT IN THE HALL OF
FAME!!! Keep in mind Hodges also lost 3 years to the military early in his career, otherwise his stats would be
even more impressive and with over 400 HR's it is pretty much a sure thing that he would have been a Hall of
Famer. As it is, the Hall Of Fame should be ashamed that Gil Hodges is not a member.
1959 Home Run Derby Gil Hodges
<<< DON NEWCOMBE was one of the few pitchers to win both the Cy Young Award AND Most Valuable Player
Award in the same year. Newcombe accomplished the feat in 1956 winning 27 games and losing only 7. Another
Dodger hurler accomplished the feat just seven years later- Sandy Koufax won both awards in 1963 for the L.A.
Dodgers. Don Newcombe won 20 or more games three times in his Dodger career. He finished his baseball
career with 139 wins against only 90 losses (.623 winning percentage). A very overlooked player and person.
This 1956 Topps #235 Don Newcombe is a great (and affordable) collectible from his Cy Young/ MVP
season. Don finished his career with the Cincinnate Redlegs so his last 2 cards picture him as a Reds player (both in
1959 and 1960. Topps also included a Newcombe card in their special "MVP" subset in both 1961 and 1975.
Award in the same year. Newcombe accomplished the feat in 1956 winning 27 games and losing only 7. Another
Dodger hurler accomplished the feat just seven years later- Sandy Koufax won both awards in 1963 for the L.A.
Dodgers. Don Newcombe won 20 or more games three times in his Dodger career. He finished his baseball
career with 139 wins against only 90 losses (.623 winning percentage). A very overlooked player and person.
This 1956 Topps #235 Don Newcombe is a great (and affordable) collectible from his Cy Young/ MVP
season. Don finished his career with the Cincinnate Redlegs so his last 2 cards picture him as a Reds player (both in
1959 and 1960. Topps also included a Newcombe card in their special "MVP" subset in both 1961 and 1975.
1956 Topps #235 Don Newcombe
What a great card this is. 1957 was the first year that Topps experimented with "combination" cards; cards that featured multiple players on the same card. This 1957 Topps #400
Dodgers' Sluggers card features Carl Furillo, Gil Hodges, Roy Campanella, and Duke Snider, complete with Ebbetts Field outfield wall advertising. This card also marks the very last
appearance of a Dodger in a Brooklyn uniform as the next year Topps showed them in their new "L.A." uniforms. Sadly it also marked Roy Campanella's last appearance as a player on a
bubble-gum card as he was tragically injured in a car accident prior to the Dodger's move to Los Angeles.
Trivia: What were the uniform numbers of the Dodger players pictured on this card? (scroll to bottom of page for answers)
Dodgers' Sluggers card features Carl Furillo, Gil Hodges, Roy Campanella, and Duke Snider, complete with Ebbetts Field outfield wall advertising. This card also marks the very last
appearance of a Dodger in a Brooklyn uniform as the next year Topps showed them in their new "L.A." uniforms. Sadly it also marked Roy Campanella's last appearance as a player on a
bubble-gum card as he was tragically injured in a car accident prior to the Dodger's move to Los Angeles.
Trivia: What were the uniform numbers of the Dodger players pictured on this card? (scroll to bottom of page for answers)
1957 Topps #400 Dodgers Sluggers (Carl Furillo, Gil Hodges, Roy Campanella, Duke Snider)
1963 Dodger Stadium Postcard
Dodger Stadium and I are about the same age; Dodger Stadium opened in 1962 and I was born in 1963. I have been to many games at Dodger Stadium and it is a beautiful ballpark with
beautiful views. Another great feature of Dodger Stadium is that they don't rely on gimmicks such as fake waterfalls, "Rally Monkeys," swimming pools, and other non-baseball garbage that I guess
some "fans" like. I like to go to a game to watch baseball and forget that other crap. If I want to see a fake waterfall or go swimming I certainly am not going to a ballpark. I can go to Disneyland or
the Pacific Ocean for that nonsense. However with a new owner I am not sure how much longer Dodger Stadium is going to be a baseball stadium. Already they are deluging the fans with
advertisements everywhere you look and it's just a matter of time before Dodger Stadium becomes "HOOTERS Ball Park" or some other corporate name like most baseball stadiums nowadays.
beautiful views. Another great feature of Dodger Stadium is that they don't rely on gimmicks such as fake waterfalls, "Rally Monkeys," swimming pools, and other non-baseball garbage that I guess
some "fans" like. I like to go to a game to watch baseball and forget that other crap. If I want to see a fake waterfall or go swimming I certainly am not going to a ballpark. I can go to Disneyland or
the Pacific Ocean for that nonsense. However with a new owner I am not sure how much longer Dodger Stadium is going to be a baseball stadium. Already they are deluging the fans with
advertisements everywhere you look and it's just a matter of time before Dodger Stadium becomes "HOOTERS Ball Park" or some other corporate name like most baseball stadiums nowadays.
1955 Bowman #169 Carl Furillo
A very underrated Dodger was "The Reading Rifle," Carl Furillo (or "Skoonj" as he was affectionately called by the Brooklyn faithful). Furillo was a fixture in right field for the Dodgers from
1946 to 1960. Over a 162 game schedule, he would have averaged 17 HR's with 95 RBI's, while batting nearly .300 (.299). In 1953, Carl won the N.L. Batting Crown with a nifty .344
average. He was also a master at playing caroms off the Ebbetts Field right field wall and he had a rifle of an arm (hence the "Reading Rifle" moniker), chalking up a career high 24 assists
in 1951. Furillo appeared in 7 World Series for the Dodgers and recorded 34 hits in those contests including a game winning hit in the 1959 series vs. the White Sox. For a complete
record of Carl Furillo's statistics click here.
1955 marked the final year of Bowman Gum's production of baseball cards. They were bought out by rival Topps Chewing Gum the following year. However Bowman went out with a bang
as they used a TV set design that remains a true classic (in fact Topps was later to copy this design on their 1966 Football and Hockey issues).
1946 to 1960. Over a 162 game schedule, he would have averaged 17 HR's with 95 RBI's, while batting nearly .300 (.299). In 1953, Carl won the N.L. Batting Crown with a nifty .344
average. He was also a master at playing caroms off the Ebbetts Field right field wall and he had a rifle of an arm (hence the "Reading Rifle" moniker), chalking up a career high 24 assists
in 1951. Furillo appeared in 7 World Series for the Dodgers and recorded 34 hits in those contests including a game winning hit in the 1959 series vs. the White Sox. For a complete
record of Carl Furillo's statistics click here.
1955 marked the final year of Bowman Gum's production of baseball cards. They were bought out by rival Topps Chewing Gum the following year. However Bowman went out with a bang
as they used a TV set design that remains a true classic (in fact Topps was later to copy this design on their 1966 Football and Hockey issues).
Trivia answers: Carl Furillo #6, Gil Hodges #14, Roy Campanella #39 (now retired by the Dodgers), and Duke Snider #4 (also retired).
Steve Garvey is not in the Hall of Fame, but like fellow Dodger first baseman Gil Hodges, should be. Garvey was the anchor at first base throughout the 1970's and early 1980's. He was an annual All-Star (I believe he won
two All-Star Game MVP awards), won the National League Most Valuable Player Award (1974), and led the Dodgers to 4 World Series (1974, 1977-78, 1981) plus he helped the San Diego Padres to the Fall Classic in 1984.
With Garvey at first, Davey Lopes at second, Bill Russell at short, and Ron Cey at third (see below), the Dodgers had a steady and reliable infield that lasted 10 years (a record). It was a good time to be a Dodgers fan! Check out
these stats: Lifetime batting average of .294 (including 7 seasons with a .300 or better average), 2599 hits (6 seasons of 200 or more hits), 440 doubles, 272 Home Runs, 1308 RBI's (including 6 seasons with 95 or more RBI's),
and a .996 fielding percentage (4-time Gold Glove winner) at first base. His post season stats are even more impressive: in 11 post season series, Garvey batted .338 with 75 hits (including 8 doubles, 3 triples, 11 home runs),
31 RBIs, 8 walks, and a .550 slugging average! Every Padres fan remembers Garvey's clutch game winning HR in the 1984 NLCS. It was a shame for us Dodger fans to see Garvey go to the Padres (and likewise, Ron Cey to the
CUBS!). The Dodgers banked on Greg Brock to take Garvey's place but that never happened. It wasn't until Eric Karros that the Dodgers finally got a steady first sacker with some power.
This 1972 Topps #686 Steve Garvey second year card (above left) was included in the high numbered series that year and as such it is one of Garvey's most expensive regular cards. It lists for $25 in ungraded NM
condition. But probably the most expensive Steve Garvey issue is the 1972 Venezuela Topps Sticker #16. It utilizes the same image as the regular Topps card but the print quality is very poor in comparison. These stickers
were printed on very fragile paper and were intended to be pasted in an album, hence even finding one is even a challenge. The above example sold for $255 in a February 2010 eBay auction!
two All-Star Game MVP awards), won the National League Most Valuable Player Award (1974), and led the Dodgers to 4 World Series (1974, 1977-78, 1981) plus he helped the San Diego Padres to the Fall Classic in 1984.
With Garvey at first, Davey Lopes at second, Bill Russell at short, and Ron Cey at third (see below), the Dodgers had a steady and reliable infield that lasted 10 years (a record). It was a good time to be a Dodgers fan! Check out
these stats: Lifetime batting average of .294 (including 7 seasons with a .300 or better average), 2599 hits (6 seasons of 200 or more hits), 440 doubles, 272 Home Runs, 1308 RBI's (including 6 seasons with 95 or more RBI's),
and a .996 fielding percentage (4-time Gold Glove winner) at first base. His post season stats are even more impressive: in 11 post season series, Garvey batted .338 with 75 hits (including 8 doubles, 3 triples, 11 home runs),
31 RBIs, 8 walks, and a .550 slugging average! Every Padres fan remembers Garvey's clutch game winning HR in the 1984 NLCS. It was a shame for us Dodger fans to see Garvey go to the Padres (and likewise, Ron Cey to the
CUBS!). The Dodgers banked on Greg Brock to take Garvey's place but that never happened. It wasn't until Eric Karros that the Dodgers finally got a steady first sacker with some power.
This 1972 Topps #686 Steve Garvey second year card (above left) was included in the high numbered series that year and as such it is one of Garvey's most expensive regular cards. It lists for $25 in ungraded NM
condition. But probably the most expensive Steve Garvey issue is the 1972 Venezuela Topps Sticker #16. It utilizes the same image as the regular Topps card but the print quality is very poor in comparison. These stickers
were printed on very fragile paper and were intended to be pasted in an album, hence even finding one is even a challenge. The above example sold for $255 in a February 2010 eBay auction!
1988 Topps Traded Tiffany #40T Kirk
Gibson
Gibson
Kirk Gibson is not in the Hall Of Fame either, but it really doesn't matter. A fan favorite in both Detroit and Los Angeles, Kirk Gibson will be
remembered forever for his heroics in both the 1984 (Tigers) and 1988 (Dodgers) World Series. How clutch was Gibson? In the 1984 AL
Championship Series vs. Kansas City, Gibson hit .417. In the World Series that same year he batted .333 with 2 HR's, 4 runs scored, and 7
RBI's. Gibson stopped a possible Padre rally in Game 1 when he threw out a runner trying to advance and he also had 3 stolen bases in that
series. His 2 HR's came in Game 5 to clinch the Series. 1988 was a banner year for Gibson. While he did not post "monster" stats, he did hit
.290 with 25 HR's and 76 RBI's. But the fans who saw Gibson play that year, along with the baseball writers both agreed that Gibson was the
NL MVP. He was the catalyst for that Dodger team and if any player should get a MOST VALUABLE PLAYER award, Mr. Kirk Gibson certainly
deserved that award. Gibson was hurt in the NL Championship series but I do remember him making a diving, miraculous catch vs. the Mets
and when I saw him do that I knew something was magical about this Dodger team. They went to the World Series against a heavily favored
Oakland A's team, featuring slugger's Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco (the AL MVP). However with ONE AT-BAT in Game 1, Kirk Gibson
won that World Series. Those who saw that game KNEW that the Dodgers were going to win that series. It was over for Oakland when
Gibson's pinch-hit, 9th inning HR off Dennis Eckersley went sailing into the right field pavilion. I have never seen a better baseball moment. That
was also Gibson's ONLY at-bat in that World Series, but it propelled the Dodgers to a Championship. If you want a terrific Kirk Gibson card,
try this 1988 Topps Traded card; the first Topps card to feature Gibson in Dodger blue. A thrilling reminder of that magical 1988 season!
remembered forever for his heroics in both the 1984 (Tigers) and 1988 (Dodgers) World Series. How clutch was Gibson? In the 1984 AL
Championship Series vs. Kansas City, Gibson hit .417. In the World Series that same year he batted .333 with 2 HR's, 4 runs scored, and 7
RBI's. Gibson stopped a possible Padre rally in Game 1 when he threw out a runner trying to advance and he also had 3 stolen bases in that
series. His 2 HR's came in Game 5 to clinch the Series. 1988 was a banner year for Gibson. While he did not post "monster" stats, he did hit
.290 with 25 HR's and 76 RBI's. But the fans who saw Gibson play that year, along with the baseball writers both agreed that Gibson was the
NL MVP. He was the catalyst for that Dodger team and if any player should get a MOST VALUABLE PLAYER award, Mr. Kirk Gibson certainly
deserved that award. Gibson was hurt in the NL Championship series but I do remember him making a diving, miraculous catch vs. the Mets
and when I saw him do that I knew something was magical about this Dodger team. They went to the World Series against a heavily favored
Oakland A's team, featuring slugger's Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco (the AL MVP). However with ONE AT-BAT in Game 1, Kirk Gibson
won that World Series. Those who saw that game KNEW that the Dodgers were going to win that series. It was over for Oakland when
Gibson's pinch-hit, 9th inning HR off Dennis Eckersley went sailing into the right field pavilion. I have never seen a better baseball moment. That
was also Gibson's ONLY at-bat in that World Series, but it propelled the Dodgers to a Championship. If you want a terrific Kirk Gibson card,
try this 1988 Topps Traded card; the first Topps card to feature Gibson in Dodger blue. A thrilling reminder of that magical 1988 season!
1973 Topps #615 Rookie Third Basemen (Ron Cey, John Hilton, Mike Schmidt)
Ron Cey (aka. "The Penguin") was a fixture for the Dodgers at third base from 1972-1982. He was nicknamed "The Penguin" because of his peculiar gait, which did somewhat resemble a
penguin's waddle. While Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt of the Philadelphia Phillies was the premier third sacker in the National League during this time, Cey provided a steady glove for the
Dodgers and put up some power numbers of his own. He hit 20 or more HR's 10 times during his career, including a high of 30 in 1977. His lifetime stats include a .261 average, 1868 hits,
328 doubles, 316 home runs, & 1139 runs batted in. The Dodgers went to the World Series four different times with Cey as their third baseman (1974, 1977, 1978, 1981) and he was
co-MVP (along with Pedro Guerrero and Steve Yeager) in the 1981 Series vs. the Yankees when he batted .350 with 7 hits and 6 RBI's. This 1973 Topps #615 Rookie Third Basemen is Ron
Cey's most expensive regular baseball card, and it's not even his rookie card! Why? Because this IS Mike Schmidt's rookie card. So expect to pay around $50 for a nice mid-grade example.
Ron Cey's rookie card was actually included in the 1972 Topps high number series (card #761 1972 Rookie Stars) and lists for $15 in ungraded NM condition.
penguin's waddle. While Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt of the Philadelphia Phillies was the premier third sacker in the National League during this time, Cey provided a steady glove for the
Dodgers and put up some power numbers of his own. He hit 20 or more HR's 10 times during his career, including a high of 30 in 1977. His lifetime stats include a .261 average, 1868 hits,
328 doubles, 316 home runs, & 1139 runs batted in. The Dodgers went to the World Series four different times with Cey as their third baseman (1974, 1977, 1978, 1981) and he was
co-MVP (along with Pedro Guerrero and Steve Yeager) in the 1981 Series vs. the Yankees when he batted .350 with 7 hits and 6 RBI's. This 1973 Topps #615 Rookie Third Basemen is Ron
Cey's most expensive regular baseball card, and it's not even his rookie card! Why? Because this IS Mike Schmidt's rookie card. So expect to pay around $50 for a nice mid-grade example.
Ron Cey's rookie card was actually included in the 1972 Topps high number series (card #761 1972 Rookie Stars) and lists for $15 in ungraded NM condition.
1964 Topps Stand-Ups Tommy Davis 1963 Topps #229 Willie Davis
During the 1960's the Dodgers appeared in 3 World Series; in no small part thanks to these two unrelated platers, Tommy & Willie Davis. Tommy Davis won back to back batting titles as a Dodger (1962- .346, 1963- .326).
In 1962 he had a monster year, batting .346, 230 hits, 27 doubles, 9 triples, 27 HRs, 120 Runs, and 153 RBIs! He also stole 18 bases for good measure. Tommy Davis played 8 seasons as a Dodger and finished his career
with over 2,000 hits and a lifetime .294 batting average.
Willie Davis played for the Dodgers from 1960-1973. Not so much a power threat, Willie still batted .284 or better in 9 different seasons as a Dodger, and provided speed on the bases and in the outfield. From 1962 to 1975,
Willie stole no less than 17 bases and finished his career with nearly 400 thefts (398). He also had 2561 lifetime hits with a respectable .279 batting average. Update March 10, 2010. Willie Davis passed away today in
Burbank California at the age of 69. Gone but not forgotten! Thanks Willie! Tim
In 1962 he had a monster year, batting .346, 230 hits, 27 doubles, 9 triples, 27 HRs, 120 Runs, and 153 RBIs! He also stole 18 bases for good measure. Tommy Davis played 8 seasons as a Dodger and finished his career
with over 2,000 hits and a lifetime .294 batting average.
Willie Davis played for the Dodgers from 1960-1973. Not so much a power threat, Willie still batted .284 or better in 9 different seasons as a Dodger, and provided speed on the bases and in the outfield. From 1962 to 1975,
Willie stole no less than 17 bases and finished his career with nearly 400 thefts (398). He also had 2561 lifetime hits with a respectable .279 batting average. Update March 10, 2010. Willie Davis passed away today in
Burbank California at the age of 69. Gone but not forgotten! Thanks Willie! Tim
1957 Topps #18 Don Drysdale RC 1963 Topps #210 Sandy Koufax
1962 Bell Brand Dodgers #4 Duke Snider
Edwin "Duke" Snider was a mainstay on the Dodgers (both Brooklyn & Los Angeles) from 1947-1962. He belted 407 home runs in his career (including 5 consecutive seasons with 40 or more home runs), batting
.295 with 1333 RBI's. He also was considered one of the premier New York centerfielders of the 1950's while with Brooklyn (hence, the song "Willie, Mickey, and the "Duke"). Snider played in 6 World Series, winning
in both 1955 (Brooklyn) and 1959 (Los Angeles). He hit 11 World Series home runs while batting a respectable .286, so he was very consistent, even in the clutch. While these numbers may not mean much in today's
steroid era, back then they did mean something. The "Duke" was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1980. I had the pleasure of meeting Duke Snider a couple of times as a kid at Dodger Stadium. This was long after he had
retired and he was (and is) a very classy individual. I still have the autographs he signed for me. Thanks Duke!
From 1960-1962, Bell Brand Potato Chips ("If it's Bell, it's Swell!") issued beautiful full color cards of Dodger players. These are tough to find in nice shape today as many suffered from grease stains, handling, etc.
Hey, back then, cards were traded and played with! Who knew that someday they might be worth money! Bell Brand also issued a set in 1958, and while very expensive, they are sepia toned with "wood" framed
borders and not as beautiful as their later efforts. This 1962 Bell Brand #4 Duke Snider is just a beauty! Card manufacturers today should take a lesson from these issues. You don't need fancy, glitzy, chrome and
refractive technology to make a great baseball card. Just look at that smile on the Duke! Priceless!
February 27, 2011 Duke Snider passed away today at the age of 84. Rest In Peace Duke!!!
.295 with 1333 RBI's. He also was considered one of the premier New York centerfielders of the 1950's while with Brooklyn (hence, the song "Willie, Mickey, and the "Duke"). Snider played in 6 World Series, winning
in both 1955 (Brooklyn) and 1959 (Los Angeles). He hit 11 World Series home runs while batting a respectable .286, so he was very consistent, even in the clutch. While these numbers may not mean much in today's
steroid era, back then they did mean something. The "Duke" was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1980. I had the pleasure of meeting Duke Snider a couple of times as a kid at Dodger Stadium. This was long after he had
retired and he was (and is) a very classy individual. I still have the autographs he signed for me. Thanks Duke!
From 1960-1962, Bell Brand Potato Chips ("If it's Bell, it's Swell!") issued beautiful full color cards of Dodger players. These are tough to find in nice shape today as many suffered from grease stains, handling, etc.
Hey, back then, cards were traded and played with! Who knew that someday they might be worth money! Bell Brand also issued a set in 1958, and while very expensive, they are sepia toned with "wood" framed
borders and not as beautiful as their later efforts. This 1962 Bell Brand #4 Duke Snider is just a beauty! Card manufacturers today should take a lesson from these issues. You don't need fancy, glitzy, chrome and
refractive technology to make a great baseball card. Just look at that smile on the Duke! Priceless!
February 27, 2011 Duke Snider passed away today at the age of 84. Rest In Peace Duke!!!
1948 Swell Sport Thrills #9 Greatest Catch!
(Al Gionfriddo) SP
(Al Gionfriddo) SP
Game 6 of the 1947 World Series. The New York Yankees are up 3 games to 2 to the Brookiyn Dodgers. The score is 8-5 Brooklyn,
but the Yankees are rallying. They get two runners on for the great slugger Joe DiMaggio. He belts the ball all the way to the 415 ft. sign
in centerfield. Looks like a sure home run that will tie the game. But here comes little Al Gionfriddo, all 5'-6" of him racing towards the
fence. He reaches and snags the ball before it goes over the short fence for a 3-run home run. The Dodgers go on to win the game. They
went on to lose Game 7, but moments like this were forever imprinted on the minds of the Brooklyn faithful. It was one of the great clutch
catches of all-time and If you have ever seen film footage of this catch, they also show Joe D kicking the dirt as he realizes Gionfriddo
has caught his drive. It was a rare display of emotion from the stoic "Yankee Clipper."
Al Gionfriddo only played 4 years in the big leagues, so there are very few cards (that I know of) that feature him during his playing
days. Gionfriddo did appear in at least one minor league issue, the 1950 Big League Stars set. The Big League Stars cards were
issued in Canada and feature English and French text. Needless to say, they are pretty scarce today.
The 1948 Swell Sport Thrills cards was a small set of cards that are much tougher than regular Topps cards. They featured baseball
highlights and included cards of Dodger stars Pete Reiser, Carl Furillo, and Jackie Robinson. Tough set.
but the Yankees are rallying. They get two runners on for the great slugger Joe DiMaggio. He belts the ball all the way to the 415 ft. sign
in centerfield. Looks like a sure home run that will tie the game. But here comes little Al Gionfriddo, all 5'-6" of him racing towards the
fence. He reaches and snags the ball before it goes over the short fence for a 3-run home run. The Dodgers go on to win the game. They
went on to lose Game 7, but moments like this were forever imprinted on the minds of the Brooklyn faithful. It was one of the great clutch
catches of all-time and If you have ever seen film footage of this catch, they also show Joe D kicking the dirt as he realizes Gionfriddo
has caught his drive. It was a rare display of emotion from the stoic "Yankee Clipper."
Al Gionfriddo only played 4 years in the big leagues, so there are very few cards (that I know of) that feature him during his playing
days. Gionfriddo did appear in at least one minor league issue, the 1950 Big League Stars set. The Big League Stars cards were
issued in Canada and feature English and French text. Needless to say, they are pretty scarce today.
The 1948 Swell Sport Thrills cards was a small set of cards that are much tougher than regular Topps cards. They featured baseball
highlights and included cards of Dodger stars Pete Reiser, Carl Furillo, and Jackie Robinson. Tough set.
It could be argued that perhaps the greatest pitching duo was the great Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax. Both were Cy Young Award winners and Koufax even won the N.L. Most
Valuable Player award (1963). Both pitchers were usually at the top in wins, ERA, strikeouts, complete games, and shutouts. By the time they had retired (Koufax in 1966 and Drysdale in
1969), Drysdale was the holder of the consecutive scoreless innings streak (58 - 2/3 innings, hence topped by fellow Dodger Orel Herschiser) and Koufax was the holder of the all-time
single season strikeout record (382, later surpassed by Nolan Ryan who fanned 383) and career no-hitters (4, also topped by Ryan with 7). Both had career ERAs below 3.00 (Drysdale
2.95 and Koufax 2.76), both had close to or over 200 wins (Koufax would have easily had 200 wins if not for an arthritic elbow), both were part of 6 pennant winners, 6 World Series,
and 4 World Championships. WOW!
Valuable Player award (1963). Both pitchers were usually at the top in wins, ERA, strikeouts, complete games, and shutouts. By the time they had retired (Koufax in 1966 and Drysdale in
1969), Drysdale was the holder of the consecutive scoreless innings streak (58 - 2/3 innings, hence topped by fellow Dodger Orel Herschiser) and Koufax was the holder of the all-time
single season strikeout record (382, later surpassed by Nolan Ryan who fanned 383) and career no-hitters (4, also topped by Ryan with 7). Both had career ERAs below 3.00 (Drysdale
2.95 and Koufax 2.76), both had close to or over 200 wins (Koufax would have easily had 200 wins if not for an arthritic elbow), both were part of 6 pennant winners, 6 World Series,
and 4 World Championships. WOW!
1961 Bell Brand Dodgers #30 Maury Wills 1962 Bell Brand Dodgers #19 Jim Gilliam
Both Maury Wills and Jim "Junior" Gilliam were integral parts of the Dodgers' success in the 1950's and 1960's. Wills was primarily a shortstop, taking over for a retiring Pee Wee Reese (see below). Gilliam
was a very versatile player, he could play anywhere in the infield. Wills of course is remembered for the 104 base steals in 1962, en route to the National League MVP Award. For more on Wills, see our Hall
Of Fame page. Gilliam is one of those Dodgers players who often get overlooked because the team was loaded with talent (Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges, Pee Wee Reese, Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider,
etc.) but he was terrific player for the Dodgers. At one time or another, Jim Gilliam played every position for the Dodgers except short, pitcher, and catcher. Gilliam played for only the Dodgers during his
entire career (1953-1966). He was Rookie Of The Year in 1953 and twice he finished in the top 6 in MVP balloting. His best season was probably 1956 when he batted an even .300 with 178 hits (23 doubles,
8 triples, 6 home runs), 25 steals, and 95 walks. He got on base nearly 4 times per every 10 at bats (.399 On Base Percentage). Gilliam appeared in 7 different World Series for the Dodgers including 4
Championships. He retired as a player and later became a coach under Manager Walt Alston. He was still a Dodgers coach when he died on October 8, 1978. His number, #19 has been permanently
retired by the Dodgers along with Reese (#1), Snider (#4), Alston (#24), Koufax (#32), Robinson (#42), Drysdale (#53)
was a very versatile player, he could play anywhere in the infield. Wills of course is remembered for the 104 base steals in 1962, en route to the National League MVP Award. For more on Wills, see our Hall
Of Fame page. Gilliam is one of those Dodgers players who often get overlooked because the team was loaded with talent (Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges, Pee Wee Reese, Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider,
etc.) but he was terrific player for the Dodgers. At one time or another, Jim Gilliam played every position for the Dodgers except short, pitcher, and catcher. Gilliam played for only the Dodgers during his
entire career (1953-1966). He was Rookie Of The Year in 1953 and twice he finished in the top 6 in MVP balloting. His best season was probably 1956 when he batted an even .300 with 178 hits (23 doubles,
8 triples, 6 home runs), 25 steals, and 95 walks. He got on base nearly 4 times per every 10 at bats (.399 On Base Percentage). Gilliam appeared in 7 different World Series for the Dodgers including 4
Championships. He retired as a player and later became a coach under Manager Walt Alston. He was still a Dodgers coach when he died on October 8, 1978. His number, #19 has been permanently
retired by the Dodgers along with Reese (#1), Snider (#4), Alston (#24), Koufax (#32), Robinson (#42), Drysdale (#53)
1953 Bowman Color #33 Pee Wee Reese
This is just a classic card from the classic 1953 Bowman Color set. The 1953 Bowman Color cards, with their full Kodachrome pictures, are arguably the best looking bubble gum cards from the
1950's. Most of the cards are posed shots with the player either holding a bat, glove, etc. but this one shows an "in-action" shot before "in-action" cards even came out (Topps produced special "In
Action" cards starting in 1972). Just a beautiful card and one of the key cards in the 1953 Bowman Color series. While Harold "Pee Wee" Reese enjoyed a long career as a Dodger, he really
does not have many mainstream issue cards. Most of this is due to World War II, when baseball cards were not produced. However Reese is featured in the 1941 Play Ball set (#54, rookie card),
1949-55 Bowman Gum, and 1952-53, 56-58 Topps Chewing Gum. He was also featured in some other minor and regional sets, like 1941 Double Play, 1948 Swell Sport Thrills, 1950 Drakes
Cookies, 1952 Berk Ross, 1953-55 Red Man Chewing Tobacco, 1958 Bell Brand Los Angeles Dodgers and a few others. His last regular issue card would be 1958 Topps #375, which
features him as a Los Angeles Dodger.
1950's. Most of the cards are posed shots with the player either holding a bat, glove, etc. but this one shows an "in-action" shot before "in-action" cards even came out (Topps produced special "In
Action" cards starting in 1972). Just a beautiful card and one of the key cards in the 1953 Bowman Color series. While Harold "Pee Wee" Reese enjoyed a long career as a Dodger, he really
does not have many mainstream issue cards. Most of this is due to World War II, when baseball cards were not produced. However Reese is featured in the 1941 Play Ball set (#54, rookie card),
1949-55 Bowman Gum, and 1952-53, 56-58 Topps Chewing Gum. He was also featured in some other minor and regional sets, like 1941 Double Play, 1948 Swell Sport Thrills, 1950 Drakes
Cookies, 1952 Berk Ross, 1953-55 Red Man Chewing Tobacco, 1958 Bell Brand Los Angeles Dodgers and a few others. His last regular issue card would be 1958 Topps #375, which
features him as a Los Angeles Dodger.
If you are a Dodgers fan, you have to get this card. This 1973 Topps #569 Walt Alston card featuring not
only Hall of Famer Alston, but also Jim Gilliam and Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda, on his first
appearance on a Topps card since his 1954 rookie card (1954 Topps #132). It is a terrific card featuring
the managers and coaches of the Dodger teams I grew up following. This card is also a high number
which means it is a bit tougher to find than the earlier series of cards. However it is still very cheap (most
1970's Topps cards are still bargains); you can pick one up for a couple bucks.
Walt Alston managed the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1954-1976. He took over for skipper
Charlie "Chuck" Dressen, who wanted a longer contract than the Dodger's standard 1-year offer. Alston
signed a one year contract every year for 23 years! Along the way he guided the Dodgers to 7 World
Series including 4 World Championships! So as Dodger fans, we were very spoiled with two Hall Of Fame
managers in a row (Alston and Lasorda, who took over in 1977). Tommy Lasorda got the Dodgers to the
World Series 4 times including 2 Championships (1981, 1988). It really hasn't been the same since, with I
don't know how many managers we've had since Lasorda was "retired" to the front office. One big
mistake was not giving Mike Scioscia a chance to manage the Dodgers. Instead the Angels got him
and they have been in contention every year since including a World Championship in 2002. In the
meantime we had to suffer with guys like Jim Tracy and Davey "I don't care, I won a title in 1986"
Johnson. As Charlie Brown of "Peanuts" fame would say, "Ugh!!!"
only Hall of Famer Alston, but also Jim Gilliam and Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda, on his first
appearance on a Topps card since his 1954 rookie card (1954 Topps #132). It is a terrific card featuring
the managers and coaches of the Dodger teams I grew up following. This card is also a high number
which means it is a bit tougher to find than the earlier series of cards. However it is still very cheap (most
1970's Topps cards are still bargains); you can pick one up for a couple bucks.
Walt Alston managed the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1954-1976. He took over for skipper
Charlie "Chuck" Dressen, who wanted a longer contract than the Dodger's standard 1-year offer. Alston
signed a one year contract every year for 23 years! Along the way he guided the Dodgers to 7 World
Series including 4 World Championships! So as Dodger fans, we were very spoiled with two Hall Of Fame
managers in a row (Alston and Lasorda, who took over in 1977). Tommy Lasorda got the Dodgers to the
World Series 4 times including 2 Championships (1981, 1988). It really hasn't been the same since, with I
don't know how many managers we've had since Lasorda was "retired" to the front office. One big
mistake was not giving Mike Scioscia a chance to manage the Dodgers. Instead the Angels got him
and they have been in contention every year since including a World Championship in 2002. In the
meantime we had to suffer with guys like Jim Tracy and Davey "I don't care, I won a title in 1986"
Johnson. As Charlie Brown of "Peanuts" fame would say, "Ugh!!!"
1973 Topps #569 Walt Alston (Dodgers Coaches: Red Adams,
Monty Basgall, Jim Gilliam, Tom Lasorda)
Monty Basgall, Jim Gilliam, Tom Lasorda)
1970 O-Pee-Chee #5 Wes Parker
I was watching the Dodgers Home Opener today (April 13, 2009) and Orlando Hudson became the first Dodger to hit for the cycle (single, double, triple, HR) at Dodger Stadium. However Hudson was not the first Dodger to hit
for the cycle. Meet Wes Parker, first baseman extraordinaries, who played for the Dodgers from 1964-1972. Parker's best year was 1970 (the year he hit for the cycle at Shea Stadium) when he hit .319 with 196 hits (47
doubles, 4 triples, 10 HR's) with 111 RBIs and 84 runs scored. He finished 5th for the NL Batting Crown, while garnering 5th place in MVP balloting. Parker also won the Gold Glove Award in 1970, en route to 6 consecutive
GG Awards at first base! Wes Parker played in two World Series (1965 & 1966, both winners) for the Dodgers. If I am not mistaken I believe Wes Parker got into acting; I remember seeing him on the TV show "The Brady
Bunch (Episode #17 "The Undergraduate," aired 1/20/70)." Wes Parker's last game was October 1, 1972. I imagine the Dodgers let him go because of up and coming first baseman Steve Garvey. Some of Parker must have
rubbed off on Garvey as he went from a lousy third baseman to a Gold Glove first baseman (Garvey won 4 Gold Glove Awards at 1B; see above). Parker played baseball in Japan and retired to pursue other interests.
Wes Parker's baseball cards are very inexpensive. However Parker was a lifelong Dodger and fan favorite here in L.A. The above 1970 O-Pee-Chee #5 Wes Parker is almost identical to the Topps card but is printed on
different card stock and the backs are printed in English & French. The O-Pee-Chee cards are also a bit tougher to find here in the States. You can pick up Parker's Topps rookie card (1964 Topps #456 Dodgers Rookie Stars
with John Werhas) for about $6 in ungraded NM condition (according to my trusty 2009 SCD Standard Catalog Of Baseball Cards, Krause Publications). The only other regular Topps Wes Parker card that might be somewhat
expensive is 1969 Topps #493a Wes Parker with the scarce "white name" variation. In 1969 Topps produced some variations in the 5th series (card numbers 440-511). Some of the player's last names were printed in white,
instead of the more common yellow. Parker's "white letter" variation lists for $60 in ungraded NM condition while the regular 1969 Topps #493b Wes Parker (last name in yellow) card lists for $2. Graded examples of course
would sell for more. Another tough Parker card, though not a "regular" Topps card is 1971 Topps Greatest Moments #30 (lists for $65 in ungraded NM). Wes Parker's last card is 1973 Topps #151. He is featured prominently
congratulating Steve Garvey after a HR on Garvey's 1973 Topps #213 card (see pic below).
for the cycle. Meet Wes Parker, first baseman extraordinaries, who played for the Dodgers from 1964-1972. Parker's best year was 1970 (the year he hit for the cycle at Shea Stadium) when he hit .319 with 196 hits (47
doubles, 4 triples, 10 HR's) with 111 RBIs and 84 runs scored. He finished 5th for the NL Batting Crown, while garnering 5th place in MVP balloting. Parker also won the Gold Glove Award in 1970, en route to 6 consecutive
GG Awards at first base! Wes Parker played in two World Series (1965 & 1966, both winners) for the Dodgers. If I am not mistaken I believe Wes Parker got into acting; I remember seeing him on the TV show "The Brady
Bunch (Episode #17 "The Undergraduate," aired 1/20/70)." Wes Parker's last game was October 1, 1972. I imagine the Dodgers let him go because of up and coming first baseman Steve Garvey. Some of Parker must have
rubbed off on Garvey as he went from a lousy third baseman to a Gold Glove first baseman (Garvey won 4 Gold Glove Awards at 1B; see above). Parker played baseball in Japan and retired to pursue other interests.
Wes Parker's baseball cards are very inexpensive. However Parker was a lifelong Dodger and fan favorite here in L.A. The above 1970 O-Pee-Chee #5 Wes Parker is almost identical to the Topps card but is printed on
different card stock and the backs are printed in English & French. The O-Pee-Chee cards are also a bit tougher to find here in the States. You can pick up Parker's Topps rookie card (1964 Topps #456 Dodgers Rookie Stars
with John Werhas) for about $6 in ungraded NM condition (according to my trusty 2009 SCD Standard Catalog Of Baseball Cards, Krause Publications). The only other regular Topps Wes Parker card that might be somewhat
expensive is 1969 Topps #493a Wes Parker with the scarce "white name" variation. In 1969 Topps produced some variations in the 5th series (card numbers 440-511). Some of the player's last names were printed in white,
instead of the more common yellow. Parker's "white letter" variation lists for $60 in ungraded NM condition while the regular 1969 Topps #493b Wes Parker (last name in yellow) card lists for $2. Graded examples of course
would sell for more. Another tough Parker card, though not a "regular" Topps card is 1971 Topps Greatest Moments #30 (lists for $65 in ungraded NM). Wes Parker's last card is 1973 Topps #151. He is featured prominently
congratulating Steve Garvey after a HR on Garvey's 1973 Topps #213 card (see pic below).
1973 Topps #213 Steve Garvey (Wes Parker in picture)
1968 Topps Original Color Negative Don Drysdale
This is one of the original color negatives that Topps contemplated using for Don Drysdale's 1968 Topps card. Instead Topps chose to use the more typical pitching pose; however "Big D" was no
slouch at the plate. In fact both Drysdale and fellow Dodger pitcher Don Newcombe each hit as many as 7 home runs in a single season. I can't recall seeing a vintage Topps card depicting a pitcher
holding a bat, but this image would have made a great baseball card! (Photo courtesy of The Topps Vault)
slouch at the plate. In fact both Drysdale and fellow Dodger pitcher Don Newcombe each hit as many as 7 home runs in a single season. I can't recall seeing a vintage Topps card depicting a pitcher
holding a bat, but this image would have made a great baseball card! (Photo courtesy of The Topps Vault)
1962 Bazooka Gil Hodges
This is a pretty scarce of Dodgers slugging first sacker, Gil Hodges. While this 1962 Bazooka Gil Hodges card does say "New York Mets" (he was traded by the Dodgers in 1962), the photo clearly shows him in a Dodgers
uniform. Topps (who produced the Bazooka cards on the bottoms of their Bazooka brand bubble gum boxes) simply airbrushed out the "LA" and color of Hodges' cap. This was a common practice with Topps on 1960's-70's
baseball cards. This problem was solved by Topps in 1972 when they produced "Traded" cards in the last series of baseball cards. Topps also produced "Traded" cards in both 1974 & 1976, and then began releasing separate
Traded card sets beginning in 1981.
Most of the 1960's Bazooka cards were issued in 3 card panels on the bottom of the Bazooka Bubble Gum boxes. They are very scarce today and most were cut out as "single" cards (or "singles") as intended. It should be noted
that the 1963 Bazooka cards were counterfeited at some point. Usually you find these counterfeits graded and slabbed by a bogus grading "service" called "FGA" ("Foremost Grading Authority"), which probably produced the
fakes to begin with. So if buying a graded 1963 Bazooka card make sure the company is a reputable one (currently SGC, PSA, and Becketts are the top graders which are still active).
uniform. Topps (who produced the Bazooka cards on the bottoms of their Bazooka brand bubble gum boxes) simply airbrushed out the "LA" and color of Hodges' cap. This was a common practice with Topps on 1960's-70's
baseball cards. This problem was solved by Topps in 1972 when they produced "Traded" cards in the last series of baseball cards. Topps also produced "Traded" cards in both 1974 & 1976, and then began releasing separate
Traded card sets beginning in 1981.
Most of the 1960's Bazooka cards were issued in 3 card panels on the bottom of the Bazooka Bubble Gum boxes. They are very scarce today and most were cut out as "single" cards (or "singles") as intended. It should be noted
that the 1963 Bazooka cards were counterfeited at some point. Usually you find these counterfeits graded and slabbed by a bogus grading "service" called "FGA" ("Foremost Grading Authority"), which probably produced the
fakes to begin with. So if buying a graded 1963 Bazooka card make sure the company is a reputable one (currently SGC, PSA, and Becketts are the top graders which are still active).
1963 Jell-O #121 Sandy Koufax (Hand cut)
Sandy Koufax was lights out in 1963, winning both the Cy Young Award AND Most Valuable Player award! He was also instrumental in the Dodgers sweeping the Yankees in the World Series, setting the tone by striking out 15
Yankees in Game 1 (a record that was eclipsed by Bob Gibson with 17 K's in the 1968 Fall Classic).
Like the Bazooka Gil Hodges above, the Jell-O & Post cereal cards of the early 1960's were also intended to be cut from the boxes. The Jell-O cards (see 1963 Jell-O #121 Sandy Koufax card above) are scarcer than the Post
cereal cards in my opinion and tougher to find in higher grades. This is because the Jell-O cards were issued one per box and took up nearly entire back of the small box. The black borders of the card were sometimes right on the
box edges and cutting them out (especially by an excited kid) presented a challenge. Most you find cut a bit short. Also the Jell-O cards would suffer damage or wear just from handling and stocking them. Creases and surface
wear are very common.
Yankees in Game 1 (a record that was eclipsed by Bob Gibson with 17 K's in the 1968 Fall Classic).
Like the Bazooka Gil Hodges above, the Jell-O & Post cereal cards of the early 1960's were also intended to be cut from the boxes. The Jell-O cards (see 1963 Jell-O #121 Sandy Koufax card above) are scarcer than the Post
cereal cards in my opinion and tougher to find in higher grades. This is because the Jell-O cards were issued one per box and took up nearly entire back of the small box. The black borders of the card were sometimes right on the
box edges and cutting them out (especially by an excited kid) presented a challenge. Most you find cut a bit short. Also the Jell-O cards would suffer damage or wear just from handling and stocking them. Creases and surface
wear are very common.
1959 Morrell Meats Gil Hodges
Morrell Meats released Los Angeles Dodgers baseball cards from 1959-1961. Morrell Meats was the supplier of hot dogs to the Los Angeles Coliseum before Dodger Stadium (and Farmer John)
started their long tradition of "Dodger Dogs." These beautiful full color cards are quite fragile and are very scare today. Lower grades are the norm for this issue. I believe the cards were actually printed
in Japan (at least it says so on the backs of a couple of these cards I have). What's interesting about these cards as well is that the background features the L.A. Coliseum, where the Dodgers played
before Dodger Stadium was built, and also some cards show the players in old Wrigley Field in Los Angeles. Wrigley Field in Los Angeles was owned by the same Wrigley who owned the Chicago
Cubs (at one time the Cubs held spring training on Catalina Island) and this stadium was used by the Pacific Coast League Los Angeles Angels team. It was also used for the 1959 TV show "Home Run
Derby." The background of this Gil Hodges card is clearly the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
started their long tradition of "Dodger Dogs." These beautiful full color cards are quite fragile and are very scare today. Lower grades are the norm for this issue. I believe the cards were actually printed
in Japan (at least it says so on the backs of a couple of these cards I have). What's interesting about these cards as well is that the background features the L.A. Coliseum, where the Dodgers played
before Dodger Stadium was built, and also some cards show the players in old Wrigley Field in Los Angeles. Wrigley Field in Los Angeles was owned by the same Wrigley who owned the Chicago
Cubs (at one time the Cubs held spring training on Catalina Island) and this stadium was used by the Pacific Coast League Los Angeles Angels team. It was also used for the 1959 TV show "Home Run
Derby." The background of this Gil Hodges card is clearly the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
To return to the HOME page click on the Brooklyn sign above
If you enjoyed the Dodgers Page, please see our Angels, Cubs and Red Sox Team Pages! Sorry but you will not see a Giants or Yankees page on my site!
1954 Wilson Franks Roy Campanella (back view)
The Dodgers had all the pieces coming together in the 1950's. They had veteran ballplayers like Pee Wee Reese, Gil Hodges, Carl Furillo and Jackie Robinson. Plus you had up and coming stars like Duke Snider, Don Newcombe,
Jim Gilliam, Johnny Podres, Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale. But perhaps the most beloved Dodger of them all was Hall of Fame catcher Roy Campanella ("Campy"). Campanella anchored the catching position and an added
plus was he could hit. Campy won 3 National League Most Valuable Player Awards (1951, 1953, 1955) in just 10 big league seasons. The Dodgers put it all together in 1955 and won their first World Championship in Brooklyn,
beating their American League rivals, the New York Yankees. Roy Campanella and the Dodgers were to move to Los Angeles in 1958 but before the move Campy was involved in a terrible automobile accident which left him
paralyzed. Yet Roy Campanella went on to write an inspirational book ("I'm Glad To Be Alive") and he continued to be used by the Dodgers as a coach up until his death in 1993. Roy Campanella was enshrined in Cooperstown in
1969.
Roy Campanella baseball cards are extremely popular today. While his rookie card is considered to be 1949 Bowman #84, two of his more difficult issues are 1952 Topps #314, which was included in the tough high numbered
series, and this scarce 1954 Wilson Franks Roy Campanella card (above). These cards are very similar to 1954 Topps cards in appearance, however instead of a smaller black and white "action" shot of the player used on
Topps cards, the Wilson Franks cards have a package of hot dogs on the card fronts which appear to be flying in the air. Another very rare Campanella card is the 1958 Bell Brand Los Angeles Dodgers Roy Campanella, who was
included in the set even though he never got to play in Los Angeles.
Jim Gilliam, Johnny Podres, Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale. But perhaps the most beloved Dodger of them all was Hall of Fame catcher Roy Campanella ("Campy"). Campanella anchored the catching position and an added
plus was he could hit. Campy won 3 National League Most Valuable Player Awards (1951, 1953, 1955) in just 10 big league seasons. The Dodgers put it all together in 1955 and won their first World Championship in Brooklyn,
beating their American League rivals, the New York Yankees. Roy Campanella and the Dodgers were to move to Los Angeles in 1958 but before the move Campy was involved in a terrible automobile accident which left him
paralyzed. Yet Roy Campanella went on to write an inspirational book ("I'm Glad To Be Alive") and he continued to be used by the Dodgers as a coach up until his death in 1993. Roy Campanella was enshrined in Cooperstown in
1969.
Roy Campanella baseball cards are extremely popular today. While his rookie card is considered to be 1949 Bowman #84, two of his more difficult issues are 1952 Topps #314, which was included in the tough high numbered
series, and this scarce 1954 Wilson Franks Roy Campanella card (above). These cards are very similar to 1954 Topps cards in appearance, however instead of a smaller black and white "action" shot of the player used on
Topps cards, the Wilson Franks cards have a package of hot dogs on the card fronts which appear to be flying in the air. Another very rare Campanella card is the 1958 Bell Brand Los Angeles Dodgers Roy Campanella, who was
included in the set even though he never got to play in Los Angeles.
1954 Topps #132 Tom Lasorda 1950 Big League Stars #45 Tom "La Sorda" (Montreal Royals; very scarce!)
If you ever hear stories told by Dodger Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda, you know why he is called an "Ambassador" for baseball. He loves baseball. He is grateful for what baseball has
given him; as he says here he is this Italian kid who loses his pitching job to Sandy Koufax and he still ends up in the Hall of Fame. Lasorda has claimed to "bleed Dodger Blue" and having spent most of
his life in the Dodgers organization who are we to doubt him? Lasorda appeared on only one big league card as a player, this 1954 Topps #132 Tom Lasorda card. It is considered his "rookie"
card, though he did appear previously in some minor league sets (1950 Big League Stars [above right], 1952 Parkhurst and 1953 Montreal Royals Canadian Exhibit card to name a couple). For a
cheaper alternative pick up one of Lasorda's Topps cards when he was coach (1973 Topps #569, 1974 Topps #144) and later Manager (1977 Topps on up).
given him; as he says here he is this Italian kid who loses his pitching job to Sandy Koufax and he still ends up in the Hall of Fame. Lasorda has claimed to "bleed Dodger Blue" and having spent most of
his life in the Dodgers organization who are we to doubt him? Lasorda appeared on only one big league card as a player, this 1954 Topps #132 Tom Lasorda card. It is considered his "rookie"
card, though he did appear previously in some minor league sets (1950 Big League Stars [above right], 1952 Parkhurst and 1953 Montreal Royals Canadian Exhibit card to name a couple). For a
cheaper alternative pick up one of Lasorda's Topps cards when he was coach (1973 Topps #569, 1974 Topps #144) and later Manager (1977 Topps on up).
1947-1966 Exhibits 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers National League Champions
Wow what a great card this is. Clearly issued prior to the Dodgers winning the 1955 World Championship, this card features Dodgers greats Jim Gilliam, Gil Hodges, Clem Labine, Duke
Snider, Johnny Podres, Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, Don Newcombe, Carl Furillo, Walter Alston, Pee Wee Reese, Roy Campanella and more. Check out if you can see Don Zimmer and
Roger Craig, who both had some success as managers later in their careers (Craig is pictured in the second row, 4th from left; Zimmer is in the front row, 2nd from left).
Snider, Johnny Podres, Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, Don Newcombe, Carl Furillo, Walter Alston, Pee Wee Reese, Roy Campanella and more. Check out if you can see Don Zimmer and
Roger Craig, who both had some success as managers later in their careers (Craig is pictured in the second row, 4th from left; Zimmer is in the front row, 2nd from left).
| 1972 Topps #686 Steve Garvey 1972 Venezuela Topps Sticker #16 Steve Garvey |
Two key players in the Dodgers Championship team in 1955: Sandy Amoros and Johnny Podres. Amoros, a Cuban born ballplayer, had to undergo the same hardships as the African American players like Jackie Robinson,
Roy Campanella, etc. So he is not as well known as other players on that great Dodgers team. He IS remembered however for his miraculous catch in left field off Yogi Berra to thwart a Yankees rally. He also added a Home Run,
scored 3 runs, drove in 3 runs and batted .333 in that World Series. Of course Johnny Podres was the pitching hero, winning two games including the decisive game. He pitched 2 complete games, threw a shutout and had a
1.00 ERA against the New York Yankees! Podres went on to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers and finished his career with the expansion San Diego Padres. Amoros only played 7 seasons and retired with the Tigers in 1960. He
died in 1992 at the age of 62. Podres passed away in 2008. Gone but not forgotten!
Roy Campanella, etc. So he is not as well known as other players on that great Dodgers team. He IS remembered however for his miraculous catch in left field off Yogi Berra to thwart a Yankees rally. He also added a Home Run,
scored 3 runs, drove in 3 runs and batted .333 in that World Series. Of course Johnny Podres was the pitching hero, winning two games including the decisive game. He pitched 2 complete games, threw a shutout and had a
1.00 ERA against the New York Yankees! Podres went on to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers and finished his career with the expansion San Diego Padres. Amoros only played 7 seasons and retired with the Tigers in 1960. He
died in 1992 at the age of 62. Podres passed away in 2008. Gone but not forgotten!
William "Willie" Davis April 15, 1940 - March 10, 2010
1971 O-Pee-Chee #585 Willie Davis
June 20, 1973 AP Wire Photo "Scoreboard Tells The Story" (Willie Davis)
"WILLIE - D"
1947 Bond Bread Jackie Robinson (Sliding)
You just can't say enough about Jackie Robinson. Here is a great man, who served his country and just happened to excel at
sports. Yet he was threatened, jeered, taunted..., I can't even imagine what Jackie Robinson had to endure. And what is really
troublesome is the fact that this wasn't that long ago. We have come a long way but until we forget about skin color, religion,
sexual preference, etc., and consider ALL human beings as being equal we are not there yet. Probably not even in my lifetime.
We still fear others who have different "morals" than ours, different religions, everything different that we either fear or don't
understand. Who are WE to judge? If you believe in God, let him do it. We have enough problems in our own country and are
supposed to be "United" yet it seems that we are far from united. Divided even. But we have to "police" the world and impose
our government, religion, morals, etc. on other nations that have been around a lot longer than this one. Let's take care of the
problems here first people. Enough said.
Jackie Robinson and the African American players who followed after him put an end to the Negro Leagues but look at Major
League Baseball since 1947 and see what has happened. Hank Aaron becomes the All-Time Home Run Champ. Willie Mays
is 3rd on the All-Time HR list (in my opinion) and both players are considered to be perhaps the best all-around players ever.
Roberto Clemente and other Latin American players are also integrated into the big leagues and excel in their own right. Just
look at some of the great Dodgers' players starting with Robinson: Roy Campanella, Don Newcombe, Jim Gilliam, Sandy
Amoros, John Roseboro, Tommy Davis, Willie Davis. Need I go on? So it is no wonder that number 42 has been retired by
Major League Baseball as a tribute to the man who started it all, Jackie Robinson.
Jackie Robinson had a relatively short career so there are not that many regular cards of him. Topps produced cards of Jackie
in 1952-1956, Bowman included Robinson cards in 1949-1950, while Leaf produced a rookie card in 1948-49. So there are
really just a handful of regular baseball cards featuring Jackie Robinson. Swell Sport Thrills also issued a Jackie Robinson
card in 1948 (very undervalued card). Among the scarcer cards out there are these 1947 Bond Bread Jackie Robinson cards
(left). They featured different pictures of Robinson and the card backs have Robinson's endorsement of Homogenized Bond
Bread. These are quite expensive and you don't see them very often. Every baseball card collection needs to have a card of
Jackie Robinson. Your best bet is to pick up a 1954-56 Topps card as these are somewhat affordable in collector grades.
High grade examples of course will be pricey.
sports. Yet he was threatened, jeered, taunted..., I can't even imagine what Jackie Robinson had to endure. And what is really
troublesome is the fact that this wasn't that long ago. We have come a long way but until we forget about skin color, religion,
sexual preference, etc., and consider ALL human beings as being equal we are not there yet. Probably not even in my lifetime.
We still fear others who have different "morals" than ours, different religions, everything different that we either fear or don't
understand. Who are WE to judge? If you believe in God, let him do it. We have enough problems in our own country and are
supposed to be "United" yet it seems that we are far from united. Divided even. But we have to "police" the world and impose
our government, religion, morals, etc. on other nations that have been around a lot longer than this one. Let's take care of the
problems here first people. Enough said.
Jackie Robinson and the African American players who followed after him put an end to the Negro Leagues but look at Major
League Baseball since 1947 and see what has happened. Hank Aaron becomes the All-Time Home Run Champ. Willie Mays
is 3rd on the All-Time HR list (in my opinion) and both players are considered to be perhaps the best all-around players ever.
Roberto Clemente and other Latin American players are also integrated into the big leagues and excel in their own right. Just
look at some of the great Dodgers' players starting with Robinson: Roy Campanella, Don Newcombe, Jim Gilliam, Sandy
Amoros, John Roseboro, Tommy Davis, Willie Davis. Need I go on? So it is no wonder that number 42 has been retired by
Major League Baseball as a tribute to the man who started it all, Jackie Robinson.
Jackie Robinson had a relatively short career so there are not that many regular cards of him. Topps produced cards of Jackie
in 1952-1956, Bowman included Robinson cards in 1949-1950, while Leaf produced a rookie card in 1948-49. So there are
really just a handful of regular baseball cards featuring Jackie Robinson. Swell Sport Thrills also issued a Jackie Robinson
card in 1948 (very undervalued card). Among the scarcer cards out there are these 1947 Bond Bread Jackie Robinson cards
(left). They featured different pictures of Robinson and the card backs have Robinson's endorsement of Homogenized Bond
Bread. These are quite expensive and you don't see them very often. Every baseball card collection needs to have a card of
Jackie Robinson. Your best bet is to pick up a 1954-56 Topps card as these are somewhat affordable in collector grades.
High grade examples of course will be pricey.
Jackie Robinson
1933 Delong Gum Co. #10 Frank "Lefty" O'Doul
Frank "Lefty" O'Doul was one of the all-time great hitters, but he had started his major league career
as a pitcher. A sore arm ended his pitching career (this was way before surgery to correct "dead" arms) so
he became a hitter. And Lefty O'Doul could hit. His lifetime batting average? .349. That is not a typo
folks. That .349 is even better than Ted Williams lifetime batting mark of .344. However O'Doul
essentially played only 8 seasons as a hitter and started his (second) career at the age of 31. O'Doul made
the most of his time. Check out these batting marks for O'Doul from 1929-1932: .398, .383, .336, .368.
And he won only 2 batting titles (1929 and 1932)! With the Brooklyn Dodgers, O'Doul batted .340 (3
seasons) while finishing 3rd in the MVP Award in 1932. O'Doul's best season was 1929 with
Philadelphia. He batted just shy of .400 (.398) with 254 hits (including 35 doubles, 6 triples, 32 HRs)
152 runs scored and 122 RBIs! O'Doul finished 2nd in MVP that year. His on base percentage was .465,
so essentially every 10 times at bat he was getting on base somehow nearly half the time. Wow. Lefty
O'Doul had only 1 post season appearance, in the 1933 World Series with the New York Giants. He had a
hit his only at-bat with 2 RBIs. He was 36 at the time. If you figure his career statistics over a 162 game
schedule, O'Doul would have averaged 190 hits per season (29 doubles, 7 triples, 19 HRs), 104 runs
scored, 91 RBIs and a .349 batting mark. Later Lefty O'Doul became a successful manager in the Pacific
Coast League. One of the young players O'Doul mentored with the San Francisco Seals was a very
young Joe DiMaggio. Frank O'Doul is credited with helping to start organized baseball in Japan after
World War II and is in the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. But this great hitter and pioneer is not in
our Hall of Fame. Isn't that a shame?
This 1933 Delong Gum card of Lefty O'Doul is one of the few to picture him as a Dodger. He also
appeared in the 1933 Goudey set. Both cards are terrific. O'Doul also appeared as a manager in the
popular 1952 & 1953 Mother's Cookies Pacific Coast League cards. These cards are affordable but
expensive in high grade. For a cheaper alternative you can pick up a nice 1960 or 1961 Fleer Baseball
Greats card of Lefty O'Doul for a few bucks.
as a pitcher. A sore arm ended his pitching career (this was way before surgery to correct "dead" arms) so
he became a hitter. And Lefty O'Doul could hit. His lifetime batting average? .349. That is not a typo
folks. That .349 is even better than Ted Williams lifetime batting mark of .344. However O'Doul
essentially played only 8 seasons as a hitter and started his (second) career at the age of 31. O'Doul made
the most of his time. Check out these batting marks for O'Doul from 1929-1932: .398, .383, .336, .368.
And he won only 2 batting titles (1929 and 1932)! With the Brooklyn Dodgers, O'Doul batted .340 (3
seasons) while finishing 3rd in the MVP Award in 1932. O'Doul's best season was 1929 with
Philadelphia. He batted just shy of .400 (.398) with 254 hits (including 35 doubles, 6 triples, 32 HRs)
152 runs scored and 122 RBIs! O'Doul finished 2nd in MVP that year. His on base percentage was .465,
so essentially every 10 times at bat he was getting on base somehow nearly half the time. Wow. Lefty
O'Doul had only 1 post season appearance, in the 1933 World Series with the New York Giants. He had a
hit his only at-bat with 2 RBIs. He was 36 at the time. If you figure his career statistics over a 162 game
schedule, O'Doul would have averaged 190 hits per season (29 doubles, 7 triples, 19 HRs), 104 runs
scored, 91 RBIs and a .349 batting mark. Later Lefty O'Doul became a successful manager in the Pacific
Coast League. One of the young players O'Doul mentored with the San Francisco Seals was a very
young Joe DiMaggio. Frank O'Doul is credited with helping to start organized baseball in Japan after
World War II and is in the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. But this great hitter and pioneer is not in
our Hall of Fame. Isn't that a shame?
This 1933 Delong Gum card of Lefty O'Doul is one of the few to picture him as a Dodger. He also
appeared in the 1933 Goudey set. Both cards are terrific. O'Doul also appeared as a manager in the
popular 1952 & 1953 Mother's Cookies Pacific Coast League cards. These cards are affordable but
expensive in high grade. For a cheaper alternative you can pick up a nice 1960 or 1961 Fleer Baseball
Greats card of Lefty O'Doul for a few bucks.
1972 O-Pee-Chee #114 Bill Buckner
Bill Buckner is remembered by many for his error in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series that allowed the Mets to win. It was terrible to watch, but if you ever see that game on ESPN Classic or on DVD, the Red Sox did
just about everything they could to lose that game before Buckner's error. The main goat of Game 6 was the Boston bullpen (namely Calvin Schiraldi and Bob Stanley). They coughed up the game and Buckner's error was
the icing on the cake. Then the Red Sox lost Game 7 and the rest is history. Buckner was unfairly treated by Boston "fans" until the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series. Then "all was forgiven." Screw that, Buckner got a
raw deal. Billy Buckner started his career with the Dodgers and had many highlights including trying to catch Hank Aaron's Record Breaking 715th Home Run (he was in left field and tried to scale the left field fence to
retrieve the ball), his Batting Title (.324 with the Cubs in 1980), 2715 base hits and a lifetime .290 batting mark (well .289 but so what). Buckner played with the Dodgers from 1969 to 1976. He was traded to the Cubbies
for essentially Rick Monday who is a Dodger favorite as well and still works for the Dodgers in the broadcast booth. We remember you Billy Buck!
just about everything they could to lose that game before Buckner's error. The main goat of Game 6 was the Boston bullpen (namely Calvin Schiraldi and Bob Stanley). They coughed up the game and Buckner's error was
the icing on the cake. Then the Red Sox lost Game 7 and the rest is history. Buckner was unfairly treated by Boston "fans" until the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series. Then "all was forgiven." Screw that, Buckner got a
raw deal. Billy Buckner started his career with the Dodgers and had many highlights including trying to catch Hank Aaron's Record Breaking 715th Home Run (he was in left field and tried to scale the left field fence to
retrieve the ball), his Batting Title (.324 with the Cubs in 1980), 2715 base hits and a lifetime .290 batting mark (well .289 but so what). Buckner played with the Dodgers from 1969 to 1976. He was traded to the Cubbies
for essentially Rick Monday who is a Dodger favorite as well and still works for the Dodgers in the broadcast booth. We remember you Billy Buck!
You want a great Dodgers card for cheap try this 1981 Topps #302 Dodgers Future Stars card. You get two fan favorites on one card; Mike Scioscia and Fernando Valenzuela. Valenzuela, of course was
bigger than the Dodgers in the early 1980's. "FERNANDOMANIA" hit big time when the rookie southpaw with a tantalizing screwball won his first 8 games, including 5 Shut Outs and a 0.50 ERA. In that strike shortened
season, Fernando was the first rookie to win both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award, winning 13 games with a 2.48 ERA, and he led the NL with 11Complete Games, 8 Shut Outs and 180 Strike Outs. The
Dodgers went on to win the World Series in 1981 with Fernando winning 2 Playoff Games (Astros and Expos) and 1 World Series Game vs. the Yankees. His lifetime Post Season record was 5 Wins, 1 Loss, and a fine
1.98 ERA. Fernando was a workhorse, logging no less than 251 innings for 6 consecutive years (1982-1987). 3 times he led the league in Complete Games with a career high 20 in 1986. Pitchers today won't throw 20
Shut Outs in their careers. Regardless, Fernando is still with the Dodgers today, broadcasting Dodgers games in Spanish. You still see fans at Dodger Stadium wearing his number 34!
Mike Scioscia is another Dodger fan favorite. He was never a feared hitter like Mike Piazza was, but Scioscia came up with some big hits in his career. Even better was his defense, notably his ability to block home plate
like a tank. He was a smart baseball man and still is as Manager of the "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim." I wish the Dodgers had him. We'd be contenders every year.
While at one time this card was THE card to get, you can pick one up for a couple bucks today. I say go for it! Terrific card of two Dodgers greats!
bigger than the Dodgers in the early 1980's. "FERNANDOMANIA" hit big time when the rookie southpaw with a tantalizing screwball won his first 8 games, including 5 Shut Outs and a 0.50 ERA. In that strike shortened
season, Fernando was the first rookie to win both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award, winning 13 games with a 2.48 ERA, and he led the NL with 11Complete Games, 8 Shut Outs and 180 Strike Outs. The
Dodgers went on to win the World Series in 1981 with Fernando winning 2 Playoff Games (Astros and Expos) and 1 World Series Game vs. the Yankees. His lifetime Post Season record was 5 Wins, 1 Loss, and a fine
1.98 ERA. Fernando was a workhorse, logging no less than 251 innings for 6 consecutive years (1982-1987). 3 times he led the league in Complete Games with a career high 20 in 1986. Pitchers today won't throw 20
Shut Outs in their careers. Regardless, Fernando is still with the Dodgers today, broadcasting Dodgers games in Spanish. You still see fans at Dodger Stadium wearing his number 34!
Mike Scioscia is another Dodger fan favorite. He was never a feared hitter like Mike Piazza was, but Scioscia came up with some big hits in his career. Even better was his defense, notably his ability to block home plate
like a tank. He was a smart baseball man and still is as Manager of the "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim." I wish the Dodgers had him. We'd be contenders every year.
While at one time this card was THE card to get, you can pick one up for a couple bucks today. I say go for it! Terrific card of two Dodgers greats!
In 1961, 7-11 Convenience Markets produced a short-lived series of baseball cards. The reason the cards were short lived was perhaps their crude printing, which looks it was done in a garage
(see above example). You could make a better looking card using your computer nowadays. And check out the pink cardboard stock; what kid wants a pink baseball card? The backs are blank
on these 7-11 cards. Compared to Topps (above right) baseball cards in 1961, with full color photos, complete statistics on the back AND a piece of bubble gum, what was 7-11 thinking? And
while 7-11 envisioned more cards (at least according to the checklist card), for whatever reason it did not happen. So, ugly as they are, the surviving 1961 Seven Eleven cards are quite rare
and expensive today. Even more so than the Topps cards. "Oh Thank Heaven For Seven Eleven..." For more on 7-11 (Seven Eleven) cards and other more obscure issues, check out our ODDBALL
PAGE!
(see above example). You could make a better looking card using your computer nowadays. And check out the pink cardboard stock; what kid wants a pink baseball card? The backs are blank
on these 7-11 cards. Compared to Topps (above right) baseball cards in 1961, with full color photos, complete statistics on the back AND a piece of bubble gum, what was 7-11 thinking? And
while 7-11 envisioned more cards (at least according to the checklist card), for whatever reason it did not happen. So, ugly as they are, the surviving 1961 Seven Eleven cards are quite rare
and expensive today. Even more so than the Topps cards. "Oh Thank Heaven For Seven Eleven..." For more on 7-11 (Seven Eleven) cards and other more obscure issues, check out our ODDBALL
PAGE!
| 1961 7-11 #21 Gil Hodges (Rare!) 1961 Topps #460 Gil Hodges (Back view) |
| 1981 Topps #302 Dodgers Future Stars #302 (Mike Scioscia, Fernando - Valenzuela) |
1955 Masquerade Party #12 Pee Wee Reese
I was not aware of this issue until just recently. I was on eBay and came across this obscure 1955 Pee Wee Reese "baseball card." I had never seen one before so I went ahead and bought it
for $17. Seemed pretty cheap for a vintage Pee Wee Reese card. Anyway I started doing some research on it as I could find nothing in the Sports Collector's Digest Standard Catalog Of
Baseball Cards (Krause Publications). The Internet is an amazing thing. I found out that in 1955, a company called "Bettye-B" produced a board game called "Masquerade Party" based on a
popular Television Game Show on ABC at the time. Celebrities including Actors, Musicians, Politicians and popular Sports figures would appear in costume and the panel would try to identify
them. The game is similar. It included about 28 large game cards that displayed a costumed figure when folded. The game included "Clue Cards" which would be asked and then by correctly
identifying the answers you would unfold the tabs revealing the celebrity. The game also included a wood stand to prop up a card and a small mirror to reveal the celebrity's name (which was
printed backwards on the back of the game card). I was able to buy a complete game in used condition for about $28. It included Boxing great Jack Dempsey, as well as two baseball stars:
Leo Durocher (with wife, Actress Lorraine Day) and Pee Wee Reese. Eventually these "cards" will get documented and included in the hobby publications, but in the meantime here is an
example of the Pee Wee Reese card.
for $17. Seemed pretty cheap for a vintage Pee Wee Reese card. Anyway I started doing some research on it as I could find nothing in the Sports Collector's Digest Standard Catalog Of
Baseball Cards (Krause Publications). The Internet is an amazing thing. I found out that in 1955, a company called "Bettye-B" produced a board game called "Masquerade Party" based on a
popular Television Game Show on ABC at the time. Celebrities including Actors, Musicians, Politicians and popular Sports figures would appear in costume and the panel would try to identify
them. The game is similar. It included about 28 large game cards that displayed a costumed figure when folded. The game included "Clue Cards" which would be asked and then by correctly
identifying the answers you would unfold the tabs revealing the celebrity. The game also included a wood stand to prop up a card and a small mirror to reveal the celebrity's name (which was
printed backwards on the back of the game card). I was able to buy a complete game in used condition for about $28. It included Boxing great Jack Dempsey, as well as two baseball stars:
Leo Durocher (with wife, Actress Lorraine Day) and Pee Wee Reese. Eventually these "cards" will get documented and included in the hobby publications, but in the meantime here is an
example of the Pee Wee Reese card.
1953 Canadian Exhibits Montreal Royals #47 Carmen Mauro #50 Tom La Sorda #61 Walter Alston
In 1953 a blue tinted set of Exhibit type cards were issued in Canada featuring players of the Montreal Royals. The Montreal Royals were then the Brooklyn Dodgers top farm club. Check out the
early Tom La Sorda Canadian Exhibit card (center) and Walter Alston card (right). Topps only card of Tommy Lasorda as a player was included in the 1954 Topps set. Walter Alston's
first Topps card was issued in the 1956 Topps set; the first of many for Alston. Lasorda, of course took over as skipper for the Dodgers after Alston retired after the 1976 season. Both managers
went on to win Championships for the Dodgers; Alston led the Dodgers to Championships in 1955, 1959, 1963, and 1965, while Lasorda led the Dodgers to the World Championship in 1981
and 1988. Both managers led the Dodgers to numerous pennant winners as well. It is no wonder that both are now enshrined in Cooperstown. Since Lasorda's retirement I cannot even count how
many different managers we have had, but off the top of my head I can think of Bill Russell, Jim Tracy, Dave Johnson, Grady Little, Glen Hoffman?, Joe Torre and now Don Mattingly. I am sure I am
forgetting a few and maybe it's good that I have forgotten. Because we haven't won a World Series, or even been to one since 1988. Right now it is a sad state of affairs to be a Dodger fan, but
you have to root for the home town team thru good times and bad. Right Cubs fans???
P.S. I included the 1953 Candian Exhibit #47 Carmen Mauro card (above left) in tribute to my pal Fred Mauro who lives in Denver Colorado. Carmen Mauro was a distant cousin of
Fred and the Mauro family has quite a long history in the city of Denver. Fred is a Vietnam Veteran and I am damn proud of him. So here's to you pal! While Fred likes the Dodgers, he is a big
Yankees fan so we have our differences as far as that is concerned. What can you do.
early Tom La Sorda Canadian Exhibit card (center) and Walter Alston card (right). Topps only card of Tommy Lasorda as a player was included in the 1954 Topps set. Walter Alston's
first Topps card was issued in the 1956 Topps set; the first of many for Alston. Lasorda, of course took over as skipper for the Dodgers after Alston retired after the 1976 season. Both managers
went on to win Championships for the Dodgers; Alston led the Dodgers to Championships in 1955, 1959, 1963, and 1965, while Lasorda led the Dodgers to the World Championship in 1981
and 1988. Both managers led the Dodgers to numerous pennant winners as well. It is no wonder that both are now enshrined in Cooperstown. Since Lasorda's retirement I cannot even count how
many different managers we have had, but off the top of my head I can think of Bill Russell, Jim Tracy, Dave Johnson, Grady Little, Glen Hoffman?, Joe Torre and now Don Mattingly. I am sure I am
forgetting a few and maybe it's good that I have forgotten. Because we haven't won a World Series, or even been to one since 1988. Right now it is a sad state of affairs to be a Dodger fan, but
you have to root for the home town team thru good times and bad. Right Cubs fans???
P.S. I included the 1953 Candian Exhibit #47 Carmen Mauro card (above left) in tribute to my pal Fred Mauro who lives in Denver Colorado. Carmen Mauro was a distant cousin of
Fred and the Mauro family has quite a long history in the city of Denver. Fred is a Vietnam Veteran and I am damn proud of him. So here's to you pal! While Fred likes the Dodgers, he is a big
Yankees fan so we have our differences as far as that is concerned. What can you do.
Who is this man? (Foreground, number 74)
I'll tell you who it is; Roy Gleason. Roy Gleason came up with the Dodgers in 1963. He had exactly one big league at-bat, a double, in his career so his lifetime batting average is exactly 1.000! But that is not why we
are talking about Roy Gleason. Roy Gleason was an up and coming star for the Dodgers when he was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Vietnam. He wasn't given special treatment because he was in College or
because he was a baseball player. He didn't cry about it and he didn't split to Canada. He went to Vietnam to fight in the war. While he was over there he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. Also while he was
over there he had his 1963 World Championship Ring stolen. Roy Gleason came back from the war, and even though he was given another shot at baseball it was too late for him. He settled down and raised a family like
the rest of us regular Joe's. A few years ago, one of Gleason's children (grown up now) contacted the Dodgers and the Dodgers did a class thing. They invited Roy Gleason to Dodger Stadium to honor him before a game.
Not only did Roy Gleason get to throw out the traditional ceremonial first pitch, the Dodgers presented him with a replacement 1963 World Championship Ring. It was a special moment for Roy and his family to be sure. I
never saw Roy play, nor did I know anything about him but I do now. Some of us wish we could be somebody, a ballplayer, a fireman; whatever. The reality is most of us don't get to realize our "dreams." But a career or
fame does not make a man. Either you are a man or you aren't, and Roy Gleason is the man. God bless you Roy Gleason!
As far as I know, there were no regular baseball cards of Roy Gleason issued. Larry Fritsch (of Larry Fritsch Cards) produced a set in the late 1970's called "One Year Winners" and Roy was featured in the set in his Dodger
Blues. It is extremely affordable too. I'll post a picture of one soon. Also, Roy has written a book called "Lost In The Sun" which was published in 2005. You can purchase this book and learn more about Roy Gleason at
http://roygleason.com/home
are talking about Roy Gleason. Roy Gleason was an up and coming star for the Dodgers when he was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Vietnam. He wasn't given special treatment because he was in College or
because he was a baseball player. He didn't cry about it and he didn't split to Canada. He went to Vietnam to fight in the war. While he was over there he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. Also while he was
over there he had his 1963 World Championship Ring stolen. Roy Gleason came back from the war, and even though he was given another shot at baseball it was too late for him. He settled down and raised a family like
the rest of us regular Joe's. A few years ago, one of Gleason's children (grown up now) contacted the Dodgers and the Dodgers did a class thing. They invited Roy Gleason to Dodger Stadium to honor him before a game.
Not only did Roy Gleason get to throw out the traditional ceremonial first pitch, the Dodgers presented him with a replacement 1963 World Championship Ring. It was a special moment for Roy and his family to be sure. I
never saw Roy play, nor did I know anything about him but I do now. Some of us wish we could be somebody, a ballplayer, a fireman; whatever. The reality is most of us don't get to realize our "dreams." But a career or
fame does not make a man. Either you are a man or you aren't, and Roy Gleason is the man. God bless you Roy Gleason!
As far as I know, there were no regular baseball cards of Roy Gleason issued. Larry Fritsch (of Larry Fritsch Cards) produced a set in the late 1970's called "One Year Winners" and Roy was featured in the set in his Dodger
Blues. It is extremely affordable too. I'll post a picture of one soon. Also, Roy has written a book called "Lost In The Sun" which was published in 2005. You can purchase this book and learn more about Roy Gleason at
http://roygleason.com/home
1959 Los Angeles Dodgers Championship Parade (Coach Charlie Dressen & Manager Walter Alston sitting in lead car)
Here is a fantastic photograph of the L.A. Dodgers Championship Parade. The Dodgers had won only one prior World Series (1955) while in Brooklyn, but since coming to Los Angeles, the Boys
in Blue have won 5 World Championships (1959, 1963, 1965, 1981, 1988). Yes, it's been a long time since our last title and we have gone through some tough times. But if you think we have it
tough, try being a Cubs fan. Enough said. Oh, note the street car and rails in this photo. L.A. gave up the streetcars for God-awful BUSES that spew pollution all over the place. You would think L.A.
would have had the foresight to keep a good public transportation system here. Nope. Now, 50 years later we now have the Metro Gold Line, Blue Line, Red Line, and most of L.A. is wishing we
would have kept the streetcars to begin with.
in Blue have won 5 World Championships (1959, 1963, 1965, 1981, 1988). Yes, it's been a long time since our last title and we have gone through some tough times. But if you think we have it
tough, try being a Cubs fan. Enough said. Oh, note the street car and rails in this photo. L.A. gave up the streetcars for God-awful BUSES that spew pollution all over the place. You would think L.A.
would have had the foresight to keep a good public transportation system here. Nope. Now, 50 years later we now have the Metro Gold Line, Blue Line, Red Line, and most of L.A. is wishing we
would have kept the streetcars to begin with.
Opening Day Dodger Stadium 2011. The Dodgers and Giants rivalry has been going on since both teams were formed in New York. While the rivalry is not as big deal to the players, it certainly is to fans of both
clubs. And that is fine. But not to the point of going to a game and nearly getting killed for wearing the other teams' colors. Giants fan Bryan Stow was in the parking lot after the game to take a taxi when he was attacked
by two individuals. I am not going to call them Dodger fans. Criminals, yes. No one deserves to be in critical condition with half his skull removed and possible brain damage for wearing Giants attire. I was not at the game,
but I would like know why someone other than Stow's friends did not help. If you see a guy kicking some guy on the ground I would think you would try and do something. Not to ignore it, go to your car and try and beat
traffic so you can go home and watch TV. I am sure there were plenty of so-called "Christians" around; what about the story of the "Good Samaritan?" A better story would have been "Giants Fan Saved By Dodger
Fans" instead of "Giants fan beaten by Dodgers fans; In Critical Condition."
Stow is a father of two and a baseball fan. So when you go to bed tonight say a prayer for Bryan Stow and his family. If you were there and did nothing, say a prayer for yourself as well.
And now for some good news... April 20, 2011, Major League Baseball today announced that they will take over day-to-day operations of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This essentially is forcing "owners/idiots" Frank McCourt
and his ex-wife out of town (or at least out of Chavez Ravine). And I am sure I am not alone in saying "Good Riddance." As a Dodgers fan, I have been sick to my stomach ever since Peter O'Malley sold the team. We have
been through numerous owners since, countless Managers, and some pretty tough times. And I haven't even got to the McCourts! Frank McCourt tried to buy the Red Sox. He failed but somehow, someway, was able to buy
the Dodgers. Since McCourt took over we have seen advertising on just about every square inch of Dodger Stadium, ticket, parking and food prices going sky-high, overspending on high-priced free agents that turned out to
be either on steroids, fertility drugs, injured, or just plain "BUMS." And while the Dodgers have to watch as the Giants win the World Series, we have to read about Frank & Jamie McCourt spending $100,000 yearly on hair
cuts. Not on the team, but on hair cuts and a lavish life-style of the rich and pompous. It gets worse. Then we read how McCourt has to take out a loan to make payroll. Isn't that how he bought the team? All I can say is that
I am so happy the McCourt era is finally over. They need to get the McCourts, send them packing to a desert island with XM Radio so they can listen to Dodger games. Not that they care. They don't. But hopefully they will
kill each other, eat each other, whatever. Just please get the hell outta town!!! NEWS FLASH! May 2012... Frank McCourt is no longer the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers! Hallelujah!
clubs. And that is fine. But not to the point of going to a game and nearly getting killed for wearing the other teams' colors. Giants fan Bryan Stow was in the parking lot after the game to take a taxi when he was attacked
by two individuals. I am not going to call them Dodger fans. Criminals, yes. No one deserves to be in critical condition with half his skull removed and possible brain damage for wearing Giants attire. I was not at the game,
but I would like know why someone other than Stow's friends did not help. If you see a guy kicking some guy on the ground I would think you would try and do something. Not to ignore it, go to your car and try and beat
traffic so you can go home and watch TV. I am sure there were plenty of so-called "Christians" around; what about the story of the "Good Samaritan?" A better story would have been "Giants Fan Saved By Dodger
Fans" instead of "Giants fan beaten by Dodgers fans; In Critical Condition."
Stow is a father of two and a baseball fan. So when you go to bed tonight say a prayer for Bryan Stow and his family. If you were there and did nothing, say a prayer for yourself as well.
And now for some good news... April 20, 2011, Major League Baseball today announced that they will take over day-to-day operations of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This essentially is forcing "owners/idiots" Frank McCourt
and his ex-wife out of town (or at least out of Chavez Ravine). And I am sure I am not alone in saying "Good Riddance." As a Dodgers fan, I have been sick to my stomach ever since Peter O'Malley sold the team. We have
been through numerous owners since, countless Managers, and some pretty tough times. And I haven't even got to the McCourts! Frank McCourt tried to buy the Red Sox. He failed but somehow, someway, was able to buy
the Dodgers. Since McCourt took over we have seen advertising on just about every square inch of Dodger Stadium, ticket, parking and food prices going sky-high, overspending on high-priced free agents that turned out to
be either on steroids, fertility drugs, injured, or just plain "BUMS." And while the Dodgers have to watch as the Giants win the World Series, we have to read about Frank & Jamie McCourt spending $100,000 yearly on hair
cuts. Not on the team, but on hair cuts and a lavish life-style of the rich and pompous. It gets worse. Then we read how McCourt has to take out a loan to make payroll. Isn't that how he bought the team? All I can say is that
I am so happy the McCourt era is finally over. They need to get the McCourts, send them packing to a desert island with XM Radio so they can listen to Dodger games. Not that they care. They don't. But hopefully they will
kill each other, eat each other, whatever. Just please get the hell outta town!!! NEWS FLASH! May 2012... Frank McCourt is no longer the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers! Hallelujah!
1956 Topps #42 Sandy Amoros
As mentioned earlier, Sandy Amoros played an instrumental part in helping the Dodgers win their first Championship in Brooklyn (1955). This 1956 Topps #42 Sandy Amoros bubble gum card is his second card. The
larger portrait is the same as on his 1955 Topps #75 rookie card but the background "action" picture shows Amoros about ready to slide hard into home plate. The catcher? Obviously this photo was taken during the 1955
World Series; the catcher is Yankee great Yogi Berra (#8). What a lineup those teams had. Brooklyn had no less than 7 Hall of Famers: Walt Alston (MG), Roy Campanella, Don Drysdale, Sandy Koufax, Pee Wee Reese,
Jackie Robinson, & Duke Snider. Plus you had Gil Hodges (who should be in the HOF), Carl Furillo and players like Jim "Junior Gilliam, Sandy Amoros, Johnny Podres, Don Newcombe and more. The Yankees boasted future
Hall of Famers Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Mickey Mantle, Phil Rizzuto, Casey Stengel (MG), plus "gamers" like Hank Bauer, Billy Martin, and a solid pitching staff. You won't see teams like that ever again; you couldn't afford
them in today's game!
larger portrait is the same as on his 1955 Topps #75 rookie card but the background "action" picture shows Amoros about ready to slide hard into home plate. The catcher? Obviously this photo was taken during the 1955
World Series; the catcher is Yankee great Yogi Berra (#8). What a lineup those teams had. Brooklyn had no less than 7 Hall of Famers: Walt Alston (MG), Roy Campanella, Don Drysdale, Sandy Koufax, Pee Wee Reese,
Jackie Robinson, & Duke Snider. Plus you had Gil Hodges (who should be in the HOF), Carl Furillo and players like Jim "Junior Gilliam, Sandy Amoros, Johnny Podres, Don Newcombe and more. The Yankees boasted future
Hall of Famers Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Mickey Mantle, Phil Rizzuto, Casey Stengel (MG), plus "gamers" like Hank Bauer, Billy Martin, and a solid pitching staff. You won't see teams like that ever again; you couldn't afford
them in today's game!
Edwin "Duke" Snider 1926 - 2011
In Memorium
Want a very affordable baseball card of both Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale from their playing days? Check out this 1965 Topps #8 NL ERA Leaders card which features the
previous years' (1964) ERA Leaders, both wearing Dodger blue. Koufax & Drysdale were perhaps the best 1-2 pitching tandem EVER! They get my vote for sure. Both Koufax and Drysdale were
featured on numerous League Leader cards during the 1960's (Topps began League Leader cards in 1961) but this 1965 Topps card is the only one to feature just Koufax and Drysdale. It is
very affordable, around $20 in ungraded NM condition. Considering Koufax's regular 1965 Topps card (#300) lists for $100 and Drysdale (#260) for $20, this leader card is a real
bargain!!!
previous years' (1964) ERA Leaders, both wearing Dodger blue. Koufax & Drysdale were perhaps the best 1-2 pitching tandem EVER! They get my vote for sure. Both Koufax and Drysdale were
featured on numerous League Leader cards during the 1960's (Topps began League Leader cards in 1961) but this 1965 Topps card is the only one to feature just Koufax and Drysdale. It is
very affordable, around $20 in ungraded NM condition. Considering Koufax's regular 1965 Topps card (#300) lists for $100 and Drysdale (#260) for $20, this leader card is a real
bargain!!!
1949 Leaf #79 Jackie Robinson (Back view)
This 1949 Leaf Gum #79 Jackie Robinson bubble gum card is one of two Robinson "rookie cards" issued that year. Bowman Gum also issued a Jackie Robinson card in their 1949
set, but this one is the more desirable of the two. This is one of the most important cards in the hobby. As such it is a very expensive card; the above example recently sold for $400
and even graded price guides do not accurately reflect what these actually sell for. If this card were professionally graded it would sell for much more than $400. Note the text
"overprint" on the front of this card. This occurred when the printed sheets were placed on top of each other while theink was not quite dry. These are not uncommon. Also Leaf had
it's share of production problems including centering issues, photos or colors out of register, etc. Regardless this is a treasure in ANY condition!!!
Leaf Gum produced only one other major set of baseball cards, the 1960 black & white "Sports Novelties" cards, which were issued with a marble. By that time Topps Chewing Gum
Inc. had a monopoly on the bubble gum picture cards. Other manufacturers had to be more creative. Leaf used a marble, Fleer used a cherry cookie, etc. I don't know why Leaf
produced only the one major baseball set in 1948-49. These cards (along with the Bowman cards) were the first major issue after World War II. Leaf used color while the 1948
Bowman cards used simple black & white photos. The Leaf set is extremely difficult to acquire because there are many major stars like DiMaggio, Williams, Ruth, Robinson, Musial,
Spahn, etc. along with some super rare short printed cards which sell for hundreds each (& more depending on condition). Leaf also produced a Football & Boxing set in 1948; these
are very similar in design. If you would like to see some of the Leaf "Knock Out Gum" cards, check out our BOXING PAGE!
set, but this one is the more desirable of the two. This is one of the most important cards in the hobby. As such it is a very expensive card; the above example recently sold for $400
and even graded price guides do not accurately reflect what these actually sell for. If this card were professionally graded it would sell for much more than $400. Note the text
"overprint" on the front of this card. This occurred when the printed sheets were placed on top of each other while theink was not quite dry. These are not uncommon. Also Leaf had
it's share of production problems including centering issues, photos or colors out of register, etc. Regardless this is a treasure in ANY condition!!!
Leaf Gum produced only one other major set of baseball cards, the 1960 black & white "Sports Novelties" cards, which were issued with a marble. By that time Topps Chewing Gum
Inc. had a monopoly on the bubble gum picture cards. Other manufacturers had to be more creative. Leaf used a marble, Fleer used a cherry cookie, etc. I don't know why Leaf
produced only the one major baseball set in 1948-49. These cards (along with the Bowman cards) were the first major issue after World War II. Leaf used color while the 1948
Bowman cards used simple black & white photos. The Leaf set is extremely difficult to acquire because there are many major stars like DiMaggio, Williams, Ruth, Robinson, Musial,
Spahn, etc. along with some super rare short printed cards which sell for hundreds each (& more depending on condition). Leaf also produced a Football & Boxing set in 1948; these
are very similar in design. If you would like to see some of the Leaf "Knock Out Gum" cards, check out our BOXING PAGE!
| 1953 Topps #75 Sandy Amoros 1955 Topps Johnny Podres |
1965 Topps #8 1964 NL ERA Leaders (Koufax, Drysdale)
Check back soon for more DODGER cards and pictures coming soon!
1960 Topps #391 1959 World Series "The Champs Celebrate" (World Series Summary on back)
Post Script (post O'Malley Dodger teams). It is really a tough time to be a Dodger fan. First we have had ownership problems ever since Peter O'Malley sold his dad's team (whenever that
was). Then we had some real A-HOLE owners like a cable television mogul (I won't mention his name) and a "parking lot attendant" from Boston who raped the team and walked away a
BILLIONAIRE after a group including Lakers Legend Magic Johnson bought the team. Part of the fun of rooting for the Dodgers, especially in the Golden Days of Yesterday was to see these
young guys come up through the farm system (started by Branch Rickey) and stay with the team the majority of their careers. They were usually underdogs but did manage to win 1 World
Series in 1955 (their first Championship ever and against the hated Yankees!), and 2 Championships in (1963 and 1965 respectively) the 1960's. The 1970's featured a competitive team,
going to the World Series 3 times (1974, 1977-78) but losing all three times. In 1981 they finally won again (against the Yanks) and in 1988 with the help of the free agent signing of Kirk
Gibson, the underdog Dodgers beat a loaded A's team 4 games to one for their last Championship. After Gibson's heroics the Dodgers tried to sign big free agents and most turned out to be
big busts (remember Bobby Bonilla, Daryl Strawberry, Eric Davis and so many more). Now the game today is indeed different. Most promising players stay with their respective teams for 5
years, then take the money (via Free Agency) and run off to another team. That is the part I hate about baseball. There is no loyalty to the fans by either the owners or the players. So why
exactly should fans be loyal to their home town teams? Like I said, it's a different ball game now. Ok , with the "parking lot attendant" was here the fans complained about the lack of money
spent to improve the team. And it was understandable considering the reports of the McCourt spending frenzy... not on the team but themselves ($100,000+ on hair cuts in one year alone!).
Part of the reason I hated the Yankees was because they would just buy the best players. They had a seemingly endless "payroll" and could outbid any teams for whatever free agent they
wanted. Unfair? Sure. But not necessarily a guarantee of a World Series Championship either. The Yankees won back to back World Series in 1977 & 1978 but didn't win again until the early
1990's with the emergence of home grown talent like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posado and some key Free Agent signings. The Dodgers of last year have a good
crop of players who came up through the Dodger organization; namely Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp. A steal of a trade nabbed Andre Eithier. So the Dodgers opened the checkbook and
started a spending spree to "buy" a Championship. They picked up Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, and Carl Crawford from the Red Sox, Henley Ramirez from the Marlins. and just spent a
bleep load more on more starting pitching. So I can't really rag on the Yankees anymore can I? Will the Dodgers win in 2013? All I know is that if they don't win it will be highly embarrassing
for all involved.
was). Then we had some real A-HOLE owners like a cable television mogul (I won't mention his name) and a "parking lot attendant" from Boston who raped the team and walked away a
BILLIONAIRE after a group including Lakers Legend Magic Johnson bought the team. Part of the fun of rooting for the Dodgers, especially in the Golden Days of Yesterday was to see these
young guys come up through the farm system (started by Branch Rickey) and stay with the team the majority of their careers. They were usually underdogs but did manage to win 1 World
Series in 1955 (their first Championship ever and against the hated Yankees!), and 2 Championships in (1963 and 1965 respectively) the 1960's. The 1970's featured a competitive team,
going to the World Series 3 times (1974, 1977-78) but losing all three times. In 1981 they finally won again (against the Yanks) and in 1988 with the help of the free agent signing of Kirk
Gibson, the underdog Dodgers beat a loaded A's team 4 games to one for their last Championship. After Gibson's heroics the Dodgers tried to sign big free agents and most turned out to be
big busts (remember Bobby Bonilla, Daryl Strawberry, Eric Davis and so many more). Now the game today is indeed different. Most promising players stay with their respective teams for 5
years, then take the money (via Free Agency) and run off to another team. That is the part I hate about baseball. There is no loyalty to the fans by either the owners or the players. So why
exactly should fans be loyal to their home town teams? Like I said, it's a different ball game now. Ok , with the "parking lot attendant" was here the fans complained about the lack of money
spent to improve the team. And it was understandable considering the reports of the McCourt spending frenzy... not on the team but themselves ($100,000+ on hair cuts in one year alone!).
Part of the reason I hated the Yankees was because they would just buy the best players. They had a seemingly endless "payroll" and could outbid any teams for whatever free agent they
wanted. Unfair? Sure. But not necessarily a guarantee of a World Series Championship either. The Yankees won back to back World Series in 1977 & 1978 but didn't win again until the early
1990's with the emergence of home grown talent like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posado and some key Free Agent signings. The Dodgers of last year have a good
crop of players who came up through the Dodger organization; namely Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp. A steal of a trade nabbed Andre Eithier. So the Dodgers opened the checkbook and
started a spending spree to "buy" a Championship. They picked up Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, and Carl Crawford from the Red Sox, Henley Ramirez from the Marlins. and just spent a
bleep load more on more starting pitching. So I can't really rag on the Yankees anymore can I? Will the Dodgers win in 2013? All I know is that if they don't win it will be highly embarrassing
for all involved.