Bobblehead of the Day: Dave Stewart Clinton Dodgers

Here's another bobblehead from the Clinton LumberKings, former Dodger Dave Stewart. Stewart pitched for the LumberKings in 1977. He appeared in 24 games and went 17-4 with a 2.15 ERA. He would go on to pitch for the Dodgers from 1981 to 1983. You can read Stewart's bio here.

This bobblehead was originally given away by the LumberKings on 6/24/2005. I picked this up a few weeks ago on the LumberKings website.

Let's take a look a Dave Stewart:

This is a good looking bobble. The eyes, the mustache even the ears and brow are very detailed. The bobblehead was made by a company called Promotional Adventures, which just happens to be located in Los Angeles.

Dave Stewart currently works as an agent. He started a sports agency called Sports Management Partners, and represents current Dodgers Matt Kemp and Chad Billingsley.

2003 Upper Deck SP Authentic Chirography Don Newcombe

I was thinking about the '55 Dodgers today, particularly Don Newcombe. In 1955, Newk went 20-5, hit seven homeruns and helped the Brooklyn Dodgers win their first World Championship.

He remains the only player in franchise history to win the Rookie of the Year(1949), Cy Young(1956) and Most Valuable Player(1956) awards. You can read Newcombe's bio here.

The Dodgers honored Newcombe with a bobblehead in 2004. You can see my post on his bobblehead here.

Today I'm gonna show Newcombe's autograph. This is a 2003 Upper Deck SP Authentic Chirography Don Newcombe #281/345. This is a pretty good looking card. I love the blue signatures on the Dodger cards, although there are some flaws in this autograph.

My goal is to get Mr. Newcombe's bobblehead autographed. He still works for the Dodgers as a "Special Advisor" to Owner Frank McCourt.

Win A 1955 Topps Sandy Koufax Rookie Card

Have you ever wanted to own a 1955 Topps Sandy Koufax rookie card? You could be the owner of the Koufax rookie and some other Dodgers from the '55 Topps set including a Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges, Jim Gilliam, Pee Wee Reese, Jackie Robinson, Sandy Amoros, Duke Snyder, and Carl Furillo.

How can you own all those cards? AJ's BBq Pitt in East Los Angeles will be holding a raffle in April to help raise money for the City of Hope Cancer Research Center .The winner of the raffle will take all the cards mentioned. I spoke with Jim, the owner of AJ's, and he gave me all the details. Here's their posting on Craigslist:

1955 Brooklyn Dodgers Memorabilia.
This is a Raffle To Help City of Hope Cancer Research Center.
1955 Sandy Koufax Rookie Card PSA Grade #4 is only 1 card in the starting lineup for this raffle.
Starting Lineup..

Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges, Jim Gilliam, Pee Wee Reese, Jackie Robinson, Sandy Amoros, Duke Snyder, Carl Furillo, 1955 World Series MVP Johnny Padres and Rookie Sandy Koufax PSA #4.

Also 1955 Pennant signed by Pee Wee Reese and World Series MVP Johnny Padres. The Pennant comes with 2 Certificates of Authenticity.

Please help raise money for City of Hope Cancer Research Center

WINNER TAKES ALL

Tickets are:
1 for $5
Or 3 For $10
TO SEE THIS ITEM PLEASE VISIT
AJ’S BBQ PITT
3691 E 3rd. St EAST L.A.
(323)263-7427
TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT AJ’S

Not only does the raffle winner get all those cards, they'll also win a 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers Pennant signed by Pee Wee Reese and Johnny Podres! They're giving away a great prize and it's all for a great cause. Hat tip to Fredy for this one.

Bobblehead Of The Day: Orel Hershiser Clinton Dodgers

From 1977 to 1979, the Dodgers had a Single-A affiliate in Clinton, Iowa. They were known as the Clinton Dodgers. They are now known as the Clinton LumberKings and are a Single-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners.

In 1979, the Dodgers drafted future Cy Young Award winner Orel Hershiser in the 17th round of the amateur draft and assigned him to Single-A Clinton. That year he made 15 appearances and went 4-0 with 4 saves and had an ERA of 2.09.


On August 16, 2003, the LumberKings gave away Orel Hershiser bobbleheads. I bought my bobblehead on the LumberKings website a few weeks ago. I'm not sure if this is the same bobblehead that was given away in 2003.

Let's take a look:

Is this the nicest bobblehead in the world? No, but it's nice to have Orel Hershiser in the collection. I'm hoping one day the Los Angeles Dodgers will honor the Bulldog with a bobblehead. Maybe in 2013, for the 25th anniversary of the 1988 World Series team.

Hat tip to Gabriel for this one.

First Look: Clayton Kershaw Bobblehead

We're getting our first look at the Clayton Kershaw bobblehead today. This will be the first of six bobbleheads the Dodgers give away in 2011.

picture via dodgers.com

Presented by Bank of America, this bobblehead will be given to the first 50,000 fans in attendance when the Dodgers play the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, May 17.

This is a pretty cool looking bobblehead. Not sure if it really looks like Clayton, but I like the stance. I'm also excited to finally see a new Dodger bobble!

2006 Upper Deck Artifacts Auto-Facts Maury Wills

Another Dodgers auto card. This is 2006 Upper Deck Artifacts Auto-Facts Maury Wills #d 145/150. He's another one of my favorite all-time Dodgers. You can read Wills' bio here.

Back in September, Maury Wills made an appearance at the LA County Fair's Dodger Day. I had an opportunity to meet Wills, but passed so I could meet Steve Garvey. Hopefully I'll get another chance to meet the Dodger legend. In the meantime, I've got his autograph on a card.

Bobblehead News

Tennessee shooting range cancels Kiffin bobblehead shooting. A gun store in Kingston, Tenn., that had planned to hold an event where Tennessee football fans could shoot at bobbleheads of former Vols coaches Lane Kiffin and Monte Kiffin had a change of heart.

Instead, for a $5 donation, one of the bobbleheads could be taken home. The event, which was held last Saturday, coincided with the one-year anniversary of Kiffin's departure from Knoxville to become head coach at USC.

Bobblehead video game coming soon. According to the Entertainment Software Rating Board, 2K Sports is releasing a game called MLB Bobblehead Pros. Here's how they describe the game:

This is a baseball simulation game in which players compete using "bobblehead doll" versions of real major league players. Players can customize teams, set up player positions and pitching styles, and run through entire seasons with various teams.

The game will be rated "E" for Everyone, and will be on Playstation 3 and XBox 360. I can't wait to get this one.

Oakland A's to give away MC Hammer bobbleheads. Many MLB teams have put out their 2011 promotional schedules. One of those teams is the Oakland Athletics, who will be giving away three bobbleheads this year. One of those three bobbleheads will be of former A's batboy MC Hammer.The big question is: Will it be wearing genie pants? We'll have to wait and see.

Anaheim Angels release promotional schedule. Another one of those MLB teams to put out their promotional schedule is the Anaheim Angels. They'll be giving away three bobbleheads in Anaheim this season: Kendry Morales(May 24), Dan Haren(June 28) and an Angels Gnome(August 18). I'm assuming the last one will look like a garden gnome.

I used to go to all the Angels bobblehead nights, but I stopped doing that three years ago. It's just too tough for me to drive the 50 miles to Anaheim from the valley during the week. It takes over 2 hours on a weekday. Maybe I'll start going again this year.

Doug Melvin bobblehead fetches $3,050. Back in October, I mentioned that Comedy Central was auctioning a Doug Melvin bobblehead. The bobblehead, which had been signed by a long list of stars, including Clint Eastwood, Ben Affleck, Dr. Phil, Andre Agassi, and Courtney Cox, was being auctioned for the New York Center for Autism. I've been meaning to give an update on this auction. The bobblehead sold for $3,050. Not bad at all.

The bobblehead first appeared on Comedy Central's 'Night Of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Concert For Autism Education'. It was hosted by Jon Stewart, and featured numerous celebrities, including George Clooney, Tom Hanks, and Jimmy Kimmel. You can see my original post here.

Dodgers News And Notes

The Dodgers and Chad Billingsley have agreed to a deal. The Dodgers and pitcher Chad Billingsley avoid arbitration, and agree to a one-year pact. The deal is worth $6.275 million. Bills went 12-11 with a 3.57 era in 2010.


The Dodgers are reportedly close with their two other remaining arbitration-eligible players, first baseman James Loney and pitcher Hong-Chih Kuo. Kuo, who made $975,000 last season, is seeking $3.075 million, while the club filed at $2.55 million. Loney, who made $3.1 million last year, is asking for $5.25 million while the club filed at $4.7 million.

Dodgers Sign Gabe Kapler. The Dodgers have signed the 35 year-old journeyman to a minor-league contract, that includes an invitation to their major-league spring training camp.Kapler hit .210 with 2 homeruns and 14 rbi in 14 plate appearances in 2010.

Dodger Stadium Gets Supercross Makeover. AMA Monster Energy Supercross series takes over Dodger Stadium this Saturday at 7pm. Vin Scully Is My Homeboy has the pictures.

Thanks To The Card Investor And I'm Ballsy

I wanted to say thanks to a couple of great card blogs, I'm Ballsy and The Card Investor.

Are No, over at I'm Ballsy, sent me a couple cards last week, a 2010 Topps Update Hong-Chih Kuo All-Star Game Workout Jersey and a 2010 Upper Deck Pure Heat Manny Ramirez. Thanks Arno!

The Card Investor held a contest back in December, The Great Card Set Giveaway. He sent me a complete 2008 Donruss Threads base set. Thanks to The Card Investor!

You can check out I'm Ballsy here and The Card Investor here.

Dodgers Sign Marcus Thames

According to Dylan Hernandez of  LATimes.com, the Dodgers have reached an agreement with free agent outfielder Marcus Thames.

Thames, who will be 34 on opening day, is expected to provide the right-handed bat in a left-field platoon that will include Jay Gibbons.

Thames hit .288 with 12 home runs and 34 runs batted in in 82 games for the New York Yankees last season. He batted .300 with five home runs and 14 RBIs against left-handers.


Over nine major-league seasons, including six with the Detroit Tigers, Thames has hit .248 with 113 home runs and 294 RBIs. Thames’ deal is expected to be finalized on Tuesday.

I can't say I'm exactly thrilled with this signing, but there really isn't much left on the market. The article also mentions the Dodgers are close to signing Gabe Kapler to a minor league contract.

Dodgers Pride Night At Staples Center

Thursday night, the Los Angeles Kings hosted Dodgers Pride Night at Staples Center. Dodgers' Manager Don Mattingly dropped the ceremonial first puck before the game and former Dodger Billy Ashley was on hand signing autographs.

This was a special night for me because I got to take my wife and sons to their first hockey game. The Kings played the St. Louis Blues. When we arrived at Staples, we could feel the Dodger vibe. Fans were walking around wearing Dodger blue and Kings purple and black.

The first thing we did when we got there was look for Billy Ashley. He was tough to find. We were told he would be signing in the main concourse. So we walked over there, but he wasn't there. So we just kept walking, and eventually we ran into his signing table. We walked straight up to him and asked him if he was signing yet, and he said yes. I asked him how he was doing and he told us he was trying to stay awake. He was very nice, he signed a card, a hat and a ball for us.

After we met Ashley, we went and watched the Kings and Blues warm up. We were able to go right up to the ice, and I think that's when my wife and kids fell in love with hockey.

After watching the two teams warm up, we went up to our seats. We got there just in time to hear the National Anthem. Then it was time for the dropping of the ceremonial puck. Don Mattingly came out wearing a Kings jersey. The Dodger fans gave him a nice round of applause.

Then it was game time. My wife and kids really got into it. Hockey is one of those sports that you have to see live to really appreciate.They told me they wanted to come back to catch a few more games this year. I can't wait to come back to Staples with my family to see the Kings, but what I'm really anxious for is that first Dodger game.

2005 Upper Deck Edwin Jackson Trilogy Generations Future Auto

Five years ago yesterday(I was too tired from the Kings game to post this on Friday), the Dodgers traded pitcher Edwin Jackson and minor-leaguer Chuck Tiffany to Tampa Bay for  Danys Baez and Lance Carter. Since then, Jackson has been traded three more times, from Tampa Bay to Detroit, Detroit to Arizona, and finally from Arizona to the Chicago White Sox. You can read Edwin's bio here.

Jackson's biggest career highlight came last year. While with the Diamondbacks, he threw one of the most taxing No-Hitters ever against the Tampa Bay Rays, throwing 149 pitches to accomplish the feat.

So, on the anniversary of the Dodgers trading  Edwin, I'd thought I'd post his autograph. This is a 2005 Upper Deck Edwin Jackson Trilogy Generations Future Auto #'d 19/99.

Hong-Chih Kuo Get's A Bobblehead in 2011

Today, the Dodgers announced who would get one of the two remaining mystery bobbleheads in 2011. So, who is it? The Dodgers have decided to go with Hong-Chih Kuo. Back in October, when I made my 2011 bobblehead predictions, I named Kuo as one of my bobble picks.

I think this is the right move. Kuo had an amzing 2010 season, and deserves  to be honored with a bobblehead. 

So, who will get that last bobblehead on August 9? I'm gonna say Chad Billingsley or they may honor someone else from the 1981 World Series team. 

2001 Upper Deck Legends Of New York Carl Erskine Auto/Jersey

One of my favorite Dodgers of all time is Carl Erskine. I meant to post this card last month on his birthday, and it completely slipped my mind.

Oisk played his entire career with the Dodgers,  from 1948-1959. You can check out his bio here.

This is a 2001 Upper Deck Legends of New York autographed, game used jersey SDJ-CE.  The blue on-card signature looks amazing on any Dodger card, but it really stands out on this one. I think UD did a great job on the design of these cards.

George Lopez Dreams Of Bobbleheads

Last week I posted a scene from an episode of the "George Lopez Show" called the "Unnatural". George tells his son Max about his 1978 All-Star baseball and the players that signed it, Jim Palmer, Joe Morgan, Rod Carew and Steve Garvey. George has a bobblehead of each of those players on the shelf next to the ball. You can watch that scene here.

In the second part of the episode, George has a dream. In that dreams he talks to the bobbleheads. Check it out:

Player Appearance: Steve Sax

Former Dodger second baseman Steve Sax made an appearance today at Canter's Deli in Los Angeles. Sax was scheduled to make a business presentation at 1:00 pm. He followed that up with an autograph session for his book "Shift".

I got there a bit early, 2 hours early to be exact. When I walked in, I saw Steve setting up for his business presentation. I walked up to him and asked him when the event was to begin, and he told me 1pm. He introduced himself to me and shook my hand. Then he introduced me to his associates and asked me if I wanted to join them in the bar area for lunch. How could I say no?

So, we went to the bar, and there was pastrami and rye bread and pickles on the table. It was an amazing spread. If you haven't been to Canter's, you gotta try it. The food is so good. Steve introduced me to Canter's owner Gary Canter, who is a one of the funniest people I've ever met. He told us a few stories that were straight out of old Hollywood. We ate, chatted and watched the Chiefs/Saints game. It was a great time. Before I knew it, it was 12:30.

Sax went back to the presentation area, and finished setting up. I noticed a few Dodgers fans come in. He started signing. That's when I asked him to sign my baseball cards. I also bought his book. He signed that for me as well. Just then, Roberto from Vin Scully Is My Homeboy came in. We chatted a bit, then he took a picture of Saxy and me. I also got to meet a couple readers of my blog, Mike and Gus. It was great meeting both of you in person!

Finally, 1 o'clock had arrived, and Sax began his presentation. He was talking about ACN, which is a telecommunications company that provides services such as local and long distance calling, Internet, wireless, home security, satellite TV and video phones. It was an interesting one-hour presentation. While Sax was talking, Dodger fans were starting to trickle in. I already had my autographs, so I split as soon as he was done.

Before I left, I had to stop at the Canter's bakery, which is just as amazing as the deli. I had to get their cheesecake. It's so damn good.

I had a great time today. I don't think I will ever forget my experience. I can say I had lunch with Steve Sax! Thanks again to Roberto from Vin Scully Is My Homeboy for all the info on today's event. Thanks to Gary Canter for all the food and drinks. And of course, thanks to Steve Sax. It was very nice meeting you.