Dodger Correspondence: Ernie Koy

(Pic Link: DayLife.com)

This time around, Monterey, CA resident Dicky Ow writes to former Dodger Ernie Koy, who spent 5 seasons as a Major Leaguer, and asks for some tips on how he can be a Major League ballplayer.

Ernie Koy broke into the "show" in superb fashion. In his first at-bat he hit a home run. During his first season in 1938 he played in 142 games and started in left field for 135 of them. He batted a healthy .299, slugged 11 home runs and drove in 76 runs. He even had a little speed as he swiped 15 bases- 2nd in the National League that season. Unfortunately, he would never again equal these numbers. He played 4 more season while being traded to the Cardinals and the Reds, then he was sold to the Phillies before the breakout of WWII. Koy would then serve his country in the Navy, but would never again play pro Baseball.

In 1960 he was elected into the University of Texas Longhorns Hall of Fame. He was a fullback and team captain of his college Baseball team. His nickname was "Chief" which reflected his American Indian heritage. His son, Ernie Koy, Jr., played pro football for the Giants in the late 60's. He is also a member of my All-Ernie Baseball team as a backup outfielder.

Anyway, click the photo below for his advice to Dicky Ow.

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Ernie's advice are really great words to live by.

1. Practice all you can
2. Self Confidence- Believe in your own ability no matter what other people think.
3. Pick out some good Baseball players and use him as an example. Watch his moves on the field.
4. Take care of your body by exercise and clean living- attend church of your belief.
5. Practice on your weakness- hitting, fielding, speed of foot and strong arm throwing.
6. Speed of foot is the best answer. If you can run and hit, any team will find a place for you.

Ernie Koy

Below is the original letter Dicky Sent to Ernie Koy

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eBay Auction Link: Koy Letter:

Matt Kemp In?

Even with Matt Kemp not winning the the All-Star vote it appears he may be in anyway. Carlos Beltran will not be going to the game due to injury so his spot has opened up, and Kemp is the likely replacement.

Manuel, who will manage the NL All-Stars, will pick Victorino if it’s his call, but he thought Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp may get in because he finished higher in the players’ vote.

“One of the things that the league office was kind of concerned about is Kemp had more player votes and that plays some kind of part in it,” Manuel said. “I have to wait and see.”

Hat Tip: Twitter:TrolleyDodger:

Dodger Correspondence: Earl Mossor

Here is another letter written to Jim from former Dodger Earl Mosser. He would only play 3 games in the majors, but played 14 years of professional ball. Earl writes a great story about his first inning of pro ball.

Dear Jim,

I guess the one thing that I will always remember in my 14 years as a pro baseball pitcher is the time that I made the big jump from class "B" baseball to the big leagues in 1951 with the Dodgers. I walked into Ebbets Field on cloud "9", and about a month later I got into my first game as a big leaguer against the Card's with two men on base and one out. I was shaking like a leaf. I get the first man out on a pop up to the infield, and guess what?

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I had never even seen the guy before, let alone pitch against him, and there he was kicking a little dirt around in the batters box, Stan "The Man". Now I was shaking even more. I said to myself, I can't run in the dugout and hide. I have to pitch to him. I said there is a guy getting a $100,000 a year and me $10,000 and I am supposed to get him out? Ha. Anyway, I worked the count to 3-2 on him and threw him a big change curve and ducked. Ha. He missed it (by) about 2 feet so I struck him out, and I was about the happiest boy in the world. I struck out "The Man", and the first time I ever saw him.

Best of Luck Jim,

Earl Mossor

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eBay Auction Link: Mossor Letter:

Vote For Kemp!

It is time to go online and vote for the most deserving of candidates. Vote for Matt Kemp!

Dodger Correspondence: Ralph Onis

While on eBay recently I came across a seller with numerous letters written by old Dodger players to a young fan. Below is one of those letters. A kid named Jim ask former Dodger catcher Ralph Onis what was his most favorite moment in Baseball and he was kind enough to respond.

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eBay Auction Link: Onis Letter

Ralph Onis only got a "cup of coffee" in the show, but it obviously was a memory worth remembering. After all, not every player can say they have a lifetime batting average of 1.000. He played one game in 1935. He writes:

May 1935. Ebbets Fied, Brooklyn, NY. My first game, relieved Al Lopez 5th inning. Went to bat against "Left" Brant (Boston Braves) 2nd pitch hit a line drive between 3rd and shortstop for a base hit.

I am hitting 1.000 in the Big Leagues.

For a man who spent so little time in the show, it seems he appreciates being remembered. He writes that Jim's letter was no inconvenience at all.

Hunt: More Dodger Goodies

After a short break, here is my second post featuring Dodger memorabilia in Hunt's upcoming auction.

Here is an unusual item I doubt you'll find in many Dodger collector homes. This is a actual cash register from the Ebbets Field, circa 1940's- 1950's. It has the original paper identification labels and inspection labels stating,

"H.Stevens (Ebbets Field) Brooklyn".

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Auction Link: Ebbets Field Cash Register:

The September 22, 1947 issue of Time Magazine has one of the great cover art drawings ever done of Jackie Robinson. Below are some original drawings done for that issue by Ernest Hamlin Baker.

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Auction Link: Time Magazine Original Artwork:

Below is a LeRoy Neiman serigraph titled "Dodger's Centennial" completed in 1990.

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Auction Link: LeRoy Neiman 1990 Dodger Centennial:

This is a very rare postcard of the 1907 Brooklyn Baseball Club. There are 12 individual player portraits attached in a accordion style fold-out. Unfortunately, the auction does not feature pics of any of them.

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Auction Link: 1907 Brooklyn Postcard:

Since the original 1955 Championship ring belonging to Jackie Robinson remains in the hands of his family the next best thing is a salesman sample. Besides, these rings are more affordable since they feature cubic zarconia gemstone.

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Auction Link: Robinson 1955 WS Salesman Sample Ring:

Best Pack Breaking Video Ever

After watching this I can no longer watch boring pack-breaking videos of folks sitting at their dining room table. This is a must watch.

YouTube Video Link: LuboSucks:
Hat Tip: Upper Deck Twitter:

Blow-Up Doll

Did I get your attention with that title? Well, your mind is in the gutter.

Anyway, recently an unusual Dodger collectible popped up on eBay. Check it out below.This is a seldom seen early 1960's Dodger blow-up doll. It measures 17" tall and is in decent shape. Unfortunately, there is a slow leak in it, but that did not deter the collecting community. It sold for $48.76.

I had originally seen this item in a old Dodger mail order catalog from the period at the Inside the Park Collectibles blog and wondered exactly what it was. (It is the item on the left center below) At first I thought it might be a plush doll, but now I realize it is something very different. But notice, it is a little different than the item pictured below. This doll in the auction is batting while the catalog below shows a pitcher. I wonder how many different versions exist.

eBay Auction Link:

Cobb Diary a Forgery

Even the most highly regarded collector gets fooled.

Barry Halper had amassed the hobby's greatest collection of Baseball memorabilia in the world. Within his collection was Ty Cobb's diary that was eventually sold, along with other items, to the Hall of Fame. Nearly a decade later it has been deemed a fake by the FBI.

"We have found that the 1946 Ty Cobb Diary is an unreliable source, not representative of an authentic Ty Cobb artifact. Our suspicions have been confirmed by the FBI statement that 'the written entries are not consistent with the natural writing style of Tyrus R. Cobb.'

Read all about it in an article by Ernie Harwell of the Detroit Free Press.

Hat Tip: Sports Collectors Daily:

Free Admission for Jackson Impersonators

Are you a Michael Jackson fan? Did you get shut out on tickets to his memorial? Well, have no fear, go to the Long Beach Armada Baseball game on Tuesday instead. If you come dressed as Michael you get in for free.

“We wanted to take this opportunity to give Jackson’s fans an outlet to gather and remember a man who changed the landscape of music over the last 40 years,” said Golden Baseball League CEO Dave Kaval. “When you look at how many people want to attend the memorial at Staples Center, we felt the need to give people who don’t win these lottery tickets a chance to come out and honor Jackson along with other fans.”

Fans who dress up like Michael Jackson in any fashion will receive free admission to Tuesday’s game. It doesn’t matter if you’re “Black or White” just as long as the “Man in the Mirror” looks like Michael Jackson, you get in for free.

Talk about shameless promotion.

The game will feature Jackson’s music all-night long, and several appropriate-themed between-inning contests such as a moon-walking contest, a Michael Jackson dance off, as well as great prizes for the winner of a Michael Jackson look-alike contest. And considering the Armada won its last home game in walk-off fashion in the 11th inning in front of more than 2100 fans, you can bet the baseball game itself will be a “Thriller.”

That is so "Bad."

Card of the Week: Job Transfer

Above is a 1992 Upper Deck card of relief pitcher Al Osuna manning the camera. He must have had a bad outing on the mound as he looks to expand his skill set.

Blog Kiosk: 7/5/2009

I scoff at the idea that the NL West is the worst division in Baseball.

• Check out this new Dodger blog called Juan Pierre's Oversized Hat.
  
• Hee Seop Choi turns up in Korea and appears to have gotten his stroke back.

  "When I was struggling in the slump, it was really hard. I am hoping that this home run will help me turn things around and I will find my old form,'' Choi said.

  (Hat Tip: True BlueLA: Tripon)
• Imagine if Babe Ruth went to the White Sox instead of the Yankees. It was a possibility and White Sox Cards has the story.

  The only two teams that could take on Babe Ruth were the White Sox and the Yankees. The White Sox were a powerhouse and the Yankees were bad, but improving a little each year. The White Sox had a deal in place with the Red Sox for Babe Ruth. In exchange for Ruth, the White Sox would send Shoeless Joe Jackson and $60,000.

• Great photo at Shorpy's photo blog of a 1943 desegregated Marine Baseball team. Click the photo to enlarge.
• Butch Franklin, a mentally disabled Cowboys fan, recently had his home broken into and had many of his prized Cowboys collectibles stolen. Read about what the Cowboys did to help out this deserving fan.
  
• Ha! Spike Lee interviews Manny.

YouTube Link: portolainteractive:

• Troy needs a voice coach. Here is his ode to Casey Blake.

YouTube Link: TroyFromWestVirginia:

In Remembrance of Lou Gehrig

On this 70th Anniversary of the Lou Gehrig's speech at Yankee Stadium it is important to realize how fortunate we all are. To commemorate this day, ESPN shares some incredible letters written by Gehrig to his doctor during his final years. It tells of his battle with ALS. You must check it out here. Below is his famous speech.

YouTube Link: Initial Notice Black:

Happy Independence Day!

Who Do You Want to Play For?

You probably all knew this already, but Torre has the respect of the players. Last weeks issue of Sports Illustrated released the results of their weekly player poll which asked, "which manager would you most like to play for?" Unsurprisingly, Torre was 2nd on the list at 16% of 380 polled ballplayers- only to be outdone by Bobby Cox at 25%.

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This week Sports Illustrated flips it around and ask "which manager do you least want to play for?" The winner here is Lou Pinella at 26% with Ozzie Guillen coming in strong at 21%. My only thought here is that there must be something in the water in Chicago. It can't be a coincidence that they both manage there.

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The National Promos From Topps

As some of you may know the 30th Annual National Sports Collectors Convention will be taking place in late July in Cleveland, Ohio. It is the highlight event of the year and most major collectors will travel far and wide to attend. Unfortunately, I will not be going this year, but I am hopeful collectors on the 'tubes will pass along their insights and photos from the event. (Hint, Hint: Please pass along any photos and your thoughts about the show if you are attending)

As always, there will be numerous corporate sponsors setting up booths. All of the big players will be there; from Topps to Upper Deck, PSA to Beckett, NFL Players Association to Sports Card Forum. In addition, many of these sponsors will be handing out specials limited edition promotional cards that are usually made available to VIP attendees.

Topps recently unveiled their VIP promo set and it includes a couple of Dodgers. Unfortunately, one of the cards has me a little on edge.

The Topps promos are fashioned after the vintage 1959 Topps Baseball card set and it includes only fantasy cards, or "Cards That Never Were." Roy Campanella, as you can see below, gets his very own card as Honorary Coach. The year before he suffered through a debilitating accident and would never play a game again. In recognition of his leadership to the Dodgers he became a special coach to the team at their Spring Training facility in Vero Beach, FL.
Now the card below is just wrong. Even though it's of the great Jackie Robinson I can't stand looking at it for longer than a second or two. There is a reason the card like this would never exist- because it is just wrong.

The Jackie Robinson "Card that Never Was" features him in a Giants uniform. I know, I know! Sacrilegious!

As you may know, after the 1956 season Jackie retired from Baseball after his trade to the hated Giants. The popular story is that he refused to join the team he despised. Now, Topps wonders aloud what he would have looked like in their uniform. If I was attending and picked up this card it would hard not to do something drastic.

I might literally find myself pulling out a lighter and burning it right there. The thought that a card like this actually exist makes me want to puke.
Of course, if you are attending and happen to be in possession of the card. Well... I would be happy to take it off your hands.

Hunt Auctions: The Bob Schenz Collection

Hunt Auctions has just started their recent offering that coincides with the 2009 All-Star Game Fanfest in St. Louis and it has numerous items that would make any Dodger fan green with envy. In fact, there is so much great stuff I am going to split it up into several different post.

One of the collections of interest to the Blue Nation is the personal collection of former Dodger executive Robert John Schenz. He worked for the Dodgers from 1959 to 1988 in various executive capacities; including Transportation, Stadium Club and Personnel. Check out some of his booty below.

To start, below is a large lot of 16 press pins and charms from the numerous World Series and All-Star games. Unlike many of the auctions you'll see on eBay these are the real thing.

World Series press pins: 1963, 1966, 1974, 1980, 1981 and 1988. Dodgers World Series press charms include: 1974, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981 and 1988. Other pins incl.: 1974 Oakland, 1988 Oakland, and 1967 Anaheim All-Star as well a 1978 New York World Series charm.

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Auction Link: WS & All Star Pin and Charm Lot:

Now here is the really good stuff. Here are a group of real championship rings. Not only that, they all come with the original presentation boxes. Below is his 1974 National League Championship ring. Click any of the photos for a larger pic.

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Auction Link: 1974 NLC Ring:

Below is his 1978 National League Championship ring.

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Auction Link: 1978 NLC Ring:

Below is his 1977 National League Championship ring.

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Auction Link: 1977 NLC Ring:

Below is his 1963 World Series ring.

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Auction Link: 1963 WS Ring:

Below is the 1981 World Series ring.

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Auction Link: 1981 WS Ring:

Here is the best ring of all. Below is the 1988 World Series ring.

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Auction Link: 1988 WS Ring:

If you thought the rings were great then get a load of these trophies. Below is the 1981 World Series trophy.

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Auction Link: 1981 WS Trophy:

Who wouldn't want this trophy sitting on their mantel. Below is the 1988 World Series trophy.

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Auction Link: 1988 WS Trophy:

Video: Bat Trick Real

I really had no doubt. Josh Womack is a brilliant master at flipping the bat.

YouTube Link: LongBeachArmada:
Hat Tip: Alyssa_Milano: via GetBenderNow:

The Baseball Card Rap

This is a bit risque, but entertaining for the Baseball collector in you.

YouTube Link: mray11:

Card of the Week: The Impending Crash

In my opinion the 1991 Topps Baseball set is one of the nicest and most flawless card designs Topps has put out over the last 30 years. They really outdid themselves this year. Above is one of my favorite cards from the set. After all, you can't beat Carlton "Pudge" Fisk in the process of receiving the ball so that he can block the plate as a relatively small Cecil Fielder comes storming home. I'm not sure who the Tiger is in the background holding the bat, but I do know he is motioning for Fielder to slide. A collective gasp can be imagined from the crowd behind the play. Two big men are on a collision course sure to be felt from New York to Los Angeles. Of course, these star ballplayers will feel it the most. I can't help but wonder who got the better of each other.