Thursday, November 26, 2015

Card Of The Week - Sonny Gray 2015 Topps Museum Archival Autographs 070/399

My card of the week continues my fascination with unique pitchers with Oakland's ace, Sonny Gray.

This young kid has a long, bright future ahead of him. This year he showed what he is truly capable of, making his first All-Star appearance this year and becoming a finalist for the Cy Young Award.

He isn't going to overwhelm hitters with power, even though his fastball can get up in the 94-95mph range. His keys are all the pitches he has the ability to throw. He can throw not only a wicked, arching curve but a cutter, a slider and a changeup to add to his 4-seam fastball.

I hope Mr. Beane knows what he really has in this kid and gives him the money he deserves, otherwise, there will be plenty of teams that will be willing to offer him the cash.



Monday, November 02, 2015

Card Of The Week - Dusty Baker

My card of the week is a little different this time. This card is an original 1981 Topps Dusty Baker in Dodger Blue. This one is signed by Mr. Baker himself that I personally acquired at a grand opening of a Dick's Sporting Goods store in Sacramento, CA. Fortunately for me, this one came out in good shape, as there were two other cards that did not fare so well since, his his felt pen(not a sharpie) was failing.

Dusty Baker, although not the greatest Dodger to ever play, had his best years in Los Angeles. He was part of the Dodger team that took the 1981 World Series. He also was an All-Star that year and received the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards for his 1981 performance. Mr. Baker, known more for his managerial stats, has never managed in LA but as most remember, for the rival orange team in San Francisco. An interesting and often controversial figure in baseball, he has a knack for saying and doing some odd things. (ie. "blacks and Latinos work better in the heat")

Although an odd personality, he remains a fan favorite and is a throwback to managers of the old days.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Card Of The Week - El Duque

I apologize for not posting this sooner. It's been awhile and work has taken precedence over much these last few weeks. As some of you may know, I am an IT guy for a government institution and we have had some recent internal application changes recently and the massive repercussions involved has created plenty of overtime for me. The money is good and definitely needed but, it's tough.

Anyways....

As a follow up to my Livan Hernandez posting, my next CotW is his half-brother, Orlando Hernandez, aka "El Duque". This is the matching card from the 2014 Topps Five Star base autograph set featuring Mr. Hernandez in his signature high leg kick windup.

"El Duque" was not only known for his windup but for his use of the eephus pitch. His style and form was perfected in Cuba, where he played for Industriales of Havana, in the Cuban National Series where he helped them to win titles in 1992 and 1996. His 10 year career ERA in Cuba was an amazing 3.05 and his winning percentage is .728, the league record.

Orlando Hernandez found U.S. fame, after a long ordeal of defection from Cuba(see the documentary I referenced in my previous post), with the New York Yankees. While wearing the navy blue pinstripes, he helped them win 3 World Series titles and was named ALCS MVP in 1999. In 2003, he was traded to the Expos but did not play due to injury and surgery thereafter. In 2004, he signed a 1 year contract to go back to New York and even though still recovering from his surgery, recorded a 3.30 ERA in 15 starts. In 2005, he would be traded to the White Sox and had memorable appearances leading to Chicago sweeping the Astros for the World Series win.

El Duque would end up playing for 2 more major league teams and 2 minor league teams resulting in his retirement from the game in 2011.



Sunday, October 11, 2015

Card Of The Week - My Fascination With Unique Pitchers: Livan Hernandez

My card of the week is a 2014 Topps Five Star base autograph, numbered 032/499 of World Series Champion pitcher, Livan Hernandez.

I specifically remember watching the 1997 World Series and recall the stories told of Livan and his brother, Orlando(El Duque). I recently found the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary called, "Brothers In Exile" and it confirmed many of the stories told by commentators from Livan's rookie year with the Florida Marlins. If you get a chance to watch that one, do so.

In Livan Hernandez's rookie year, he started in Games 1 and 5 of the World Series, getting the win both times, earning him the World Series MVP title in 1997. A pitcher with a mid-90s fastball in late innings, a slider, a changeup and an extremely effective sinker, his power seemed to stun the Cleveland Indians in '97 and beating former Dodger, Orel Hershiser, in both starts.


Thursday, October 08, 2015

Clinching The NL West - Sept. 29, 2015

Hello everyone!
I've been a little busy these past two weeks. If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you know why. Bouncing from Los Angeles to San Francisco will keep you tired for sure. I did have the privilege to witness my Dodgers clinch the NL West in San Francisco, shutting out and eliminating the Giants at AT&T Park. It was truly an experience I will always remember. Clayton Kershaw was on the mound shutting down Giants batters throwing a complete 9 inning game allowing only 1 hit, 1 bb and striking out 13. He was amazing!

I have to say, AT&T is a nice park to clinch in. After the 7th inning, it seemed as the Dodger Blue in the crowd outnumbered that inmate orange 3:1. It was a beautiful sight. I've never been able to go to a game where a team has won a deciding game, let alone my Boys in Blue.

Thanks, Pops, for thinking of me and treating me in SF!

Here's a few shots from my experience:

Pops and I


View from our seats


Why hello Mr. Kershaw and Mr. Honeycutt


I actually had to back up to take these..



 Intensity and focus

Me and CK

 Kenley warming up..

But we won't need him tonight..

Sorry SF, this is a Dodger Blue night



Sunday, September 13, 2015

Card of the Week - Dodger/Baseball Legend Framed in Silver

I acquired this card in a trade with BayAreaFan702 some months ago. I gave up some autos and a sepia, to get it along with many others. I'm fairly sure I got the better end of the deal. Just don't tell him..haha. This is my first framed card and hope it's not the last. They are beautifully done and very unique. Topps couldn't have picked a better subject for this limited edition set. Topps from the 50s, in my opinion, are some of the most iconic sets of cards in the hobby. This one is reprinted from the 1953 Topps set and prominently shows Jackie's headshot in Brooklyn blue.

Thanks, Rodney!






Thursday, September 10, 2015

My Latest Purchase - 2015 Bowman Chrome & 2015 Topps Chrome Hobby Boxes

Hello everyone!

I decided a couple months ago to get these two boxes since I had so much success with last years sets of Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome. I made a terrible mistake though. I ended up purchasing them from Blowout Cards like I have in the past but I failed to read far enough this time. They won't fulfill an order until both items are available. SO, Topps Chrome was available about a month and a half ago but, I wasn't able to receive them until the Bowman Chrome was available last week. Oh well. I little delay is ok, except for the fact that some of the cards I received in the Bowman box, I could have had signed at the Ports games. Hopefully, some of them will be around next season.

Here is a list of some of my hits from both boxes. Sorry for the potato-quality pictures. It was late and I was only concerned with taking them quickly. If you are interested in any of them, please comment or contact me at @cpuJesse







First, let's start with the important stuff. #Dodgers
 Corey Seager, Hyun-Jin Ryu & Joc Pederson

The A's
Bobby Wahl, Matt Olsen, Trace Loehr, Josh Reddick, Sonny Gray & Stephen Vogt

Bowman Top 100 Inserts
Erick Fedde, Jesse Winker & Reese McGuire

Topps Chrome Future Stars and GoG Inserts
Michael Taylor, Brandon Finnegan & Evan Longoria

Bowman Chrome Series Next die-cut Inserts
Mike Trout & Blake Swihart

Bowman Chrome Prospect Profiles Inserts
Byron Buxton, Jose Berrios & Jameson Taillon

Topps Chrome Prism Refractor
Ryan Rua & Justin Verlander

Bowman Chrome Refractors /499
J.D. Martinez & Tyler Glasnow

Bowman Chrome Purple Refractor /250
Trevor Bauer

Topps Chrome Green Refractor /99
Brandon Crawford

Bowman Chrome Auto's
Corelle Prime & Antonio Senzatela(Purple /250)

Topps Chrome Auto's
Erik Cordier & Yorman Rodriguez(Orange /25)


Honestly, overall I am disappointed with this break. I can't be upset with Topps as I realize there are weaker boxes than others, but two? I am willing to part with anything in here in trade or FS, except the Dodgers. Anyone want to trade for Dodgers?

Monday, September 07, 2015

Card Of The Week - Top Prospect & New Dodger, Corey Seager

Last year I had the fortunate opportunity to see the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes when they came to play the Stockton Ports during their annual series in town. It just so happens that quite a few of the Dodgers' top prospects were together on the Quakes roster.  Julio Urias, Chris Anderson, Tom Windle and Corey Seager.  I knew it was a possibility beforehand to be able to see Seager since he was on the roster but he had injured a hamstring earlier and had been on the disabled list for a while. I prepared for it regardless and since I am one of the few Dodger fans that come to the local games I had a good opportunity to get him to sign. I was able to get a good variation of cards autographed and also an MLB ball. Here is one of my favorites from the group.

2013 Panini USA Baseball Champions Game Gear relic 


It's a great looking card, even though, because of the design, it's dark where he signed it, I still love this card.

Based on this young man's recent performances, he has a bright, long future ahead of him and I wish him te best.

#GoDodgers

Friday, September 04, 2015

As A Dodger Fan, I Tolerate The Giants But Their Fans..

Hello everyone!

I've been prompted to write about this subject by an incident that I experienced yesterday. I work in a government building and since I reside in Northern California, there are many Giants fans along with A's fans. I understand that since I live here, the expectation is to be outnumbered 10:1. No problem. As soon as someone hears that I am a fan of Dodger Blue, I hear about it. Again, no problem. I have never been upset by any jibes or taunts about my favorite team. I respond with fact because no team is perfect and can work on things to be better. The Dodgers don't pay me. I do not work for the Dodgers or any of their affiliations. I have no money invested with the team. I do not own any part of the team. So, why should I get upset if an opposing fan wants to take a shot at them?

The incident I'm referring to happened recently(the day after the Dodgers swept the Giants). I was walking through a certain department and overheard a group discussion about favorite baseball teams. Since I was on my way out, I nonchalantly said a, 'Go Dodgers' and walked on. I was yelled at from across the room to come back. I knew who the person was and who they claim to be a fan of and so, I walked back and greeted this person as "2nd place". Maybe that was a little bit much but since I was being called back to be berated, I figured, 'oh well'. This so-called Giants fan proceeds to attempt to lecture me about the money the Dodgers spend, can't beat the Cardinals, 3 in 5...blah blah blah.. The same arguments the Giants fans always have. Meanwhile, I retort in my usual way of closing those arguments with, "we have it to spend, maybe the Giants need to spend some, the Cardinals won't always be a problem and we are in a new year." This person's demeanor and attitude were completely uncalled for, as anyone within earshot could hear her cliche' responses and angry tone. 

As I have been writing this, another incident came up at a Stockton Ports game and involved the same person. I was sitting there enjoying the game with my wife and friends and said person referenced my Dodger cap that I was wearing and, lo and behold, other Giants fans proceeded to chime in with, "that's a losers hat" and "we beat you last time." Obviously drunk talk, as one of the older gentleman evidently had a few. He went on to make a fool of himself in front of his quiet significant other for the rest of the evening so I paid him no mind.

Now I've heard it all and more so lately since that series. They seem to be hurt physically and emotionally by the sweep so I guess I can understand their frustration. Personally, I've not even brought it up to any of my friends that are Giants fans. I haven't had to. They seem to be the ones to remind me about it. 

Now I love the Dodgers. I love Dodger Stadium, Dodger Dogs, Cool-A-Coo's, left field pavilion, banana rally's, Vin Scully and Sandy Koufax. Nothing will ever, ever change that. But somehow, these fans seem to make it their goal to try. I will admit, I married a Giants fan. She's a beautiful, intelligent, capable person. At first, even I wanted her to be a Dodger fan. Then I realized that I would never want someone to switch their teams just because I wanted them to or felt they 'should' be one. 

Giants fans aren't all bad. My father-in-law is also one and I love the guy. We have our moments back and forth about the teams but it's all in fun. It's the ones that get downright angry or hostile that are disappointing. It goes both ways, I suppose. I'll call out a Dodger fan if they are being unreasonable about our team. But, since I'm up here, it's easy to see so many bad Giants fans. They are bad losers and even worse winners under the guise of being "passionate". I just can't imagine Giants players or ownership condoning such behavior. It also says a lot about the person. I love baseball as much as the next guy but it's not my life. I have my God, my family and much in this world to do. Baseball and the Dodgers are, in the grand existential scheme of things, a small part. Love the game, folks. Love it and your team, whoever it may be but respect it and yourself.


Sunday, August 30, 2015

Card of the Week - Yes Way Jose

My affinity for pitchers doesn't just end with the Boys in Blue. I have an appreciation for style and skill regardless of the colors they wear. (Unless it's that ugly orange and black) This weeks card is from the 2015 Topps Museum Archival Autographs collection and is numbered /99. Jose Fernandez was the 2013 NL ROY and All-Star in the same year. Although he was sidelined last year with TJ surgery, he has come back with a vengeance this year. In his first game returning from the DL this year he recorded 6 K's in 6 innings and hit a dinger. This kid has a bright and long future. This card is a welcome addition to my PC.


Monday, August 24, 2015

Card of the Week - King Kersh

Greetings Users!

How do you like the new look!? Please update your URL's to dodgerdaddy.blogspot.com and please check back often as I will be uploading more content regarding cards, Dodger news and, as always, my two cents on topics I find interesting.

I've decided to combine my weekly post of Card of the Week on my Instagram account(j_curveball) and from my twitter account(@cpuJesse) with a post here. My first post to Dodger Dad will be, none other than our ace, Mr. Clayton Kershaw. This card is from the 2014 Panini Prizm set. This is the Intuition insert Blue Mojo Prizm refractor parallel, numbered /75. Although I don't particularly seek out Panini cards often, the parallels and refractors are very nice. Over the years, Panini has outdone themselves, despite not being licensed by the MLB and therefore not showing any office team logos. The cards are very high quality and attractive. Besides, this one is of KING KERSH!





Thursday, April 23, 2015

Baseball News From Around The Leagues - Frustrated Edition

As frustrated with the no-calls, blind umps, and BS calls I am, I must write..

Awful officiating last night, yes, on both sides. The same pitch from Kershaw or Bumgarner was randomly being called a strike or ball. But, the 2 plays that are completely frustrating were Aoki's running off the base path and Blanco running into 3rd base coach Kelly. The baseline or base path can be argued all day, however, when your whole body is 5 feet north of 1st base and you are reaching for the bag, you are off the path. I don't care who you are.
As far as Blanco and Kelly blatantly running into each other, that was the 3rd out and should have gone into extra innings. The really bad thing was that the umpire never made a call at all so Donnie couldn't even challenge the call. The only consolation I have it that it's early and to watch vaGiants fans delude themselves is even better.
#RantOver

And now some news!













Wednesday, April 22, 2015

DodgerPenguin Has Added The Prizes To The #KershawWalletCardContest






It has been announced! DodgerPenguin has announced the potential prizes you can win from his #WalletCard contest. Check it out over at his blog.. #KershawWalletCardContest

I have not yet acquired a Clayton Kershaw auto so this contest is of great interest to me. As a northern California Dodger fan, not much in the way of the Boys in Blue crosses my path. I have to be active on twitter and eBay to catch some good stuff. Thank the IT gods for social media.

I will be making my best effort to keep on top of this contest so, if you are interested, you will have to catch me.


#GoDodgers

#Section117

Thursday, March 19, 2015

A Very Nice Trade From A Bay Area Fan

I recently made a trade with BayAreaFan702 to acquire some very nice Dodgers cards that he seemed to not care about..haha. What are we going to do with these jints fans? I can't complain about the guy too much since he has been extremely generous and very easy to do business with. My hats off to you sir. I appreciate it immensely.

The envelope was loaded with beautiful Dodger Blue and here are the highlights...

2014 Bowman Chrome Yimi Garcia Short Print

 2014 Topps Triple Threads Jackie and Sandy and Topps Museum Sandy

Just to show off a few of the outstanding cards sent my way.

A throwback to DodgerPenguin's post about his silver frame Jackie.


Much appreciated and much needed additions to my ever growing collection of beautiful Dodger Blue. There were more sent along but time prevented me this morning from getting too many pictures. Thanks again, Rodney. I hope to trade with you again in the future.

Monday, February 02, 2015

Our Newest Top Prospect, Grant Holmes

Thank the interwebnets for ebay. I had hoped with the last box of Bowman Draft that I purchased, I would be getting some chrome or refractor Dodger love inside. Sadly, I only received a base Corey Seager and a base Julio Urias. So, as we all know what we do in those situations, I searched ebay. I was fortunate to find extremely low prices on these 3 cards.

Grant Holmes' Stats via Baseball-Reference

Grant Holmes' Stats via MiLB.com



dude just needs to cut his hair..


Friday, January 09, 2015

Fernandomania! My 1st Auto Of El Toro

Just like my buddy, DodgerPenguin , I have been perusing eBay for awhile and came across something that I had to have. Fernando Valenzuela was one of the greatest lefties in Dodger history and one of my personal favorites as a kid. My father and I enjoyed watching that, now iconic, windup as he looked towards the sky before hurling a devastating screwball. He was Mexican, chubby and came from nothing and we loved him for it.

2014 Topps Five Star Fernando Valenzuela 184/199




El Toro will be added to my growing collection of Dodgers pitchers and also what I call my, 'oddball pitchers' collection. I love pitchers that have something unique about them and Mr. Valenzuela was definitely that.

If you haven't watched ESPN's 30 For 30 on Fernando Nation , you should.

#Section117
#GoDodgers

Thursday, January 08, 2015

DodgerPenguin Has A New Contest..And It's A BIGGIE!

DodgerPenguin being the strange, unique and amazing individual he is, is starting a new contest based on a contest he had been a part of a year ago with The Dutch Card Guy . It's going to be a long one but, from what it sounds like, well worth it. (ie. AUTO CARDS of KERSHAW and KEMP!)

Go check out the details on his page at: DodgerPenguin Card Contest.

This should be fun! I certainly hope to be a winner and I wish all the other contestants the best. May the best blogger win! GO GET EM!


#Section117
#GoDodgers

Friday, January 02, 2015

My Current eBay Auctions

Hello baseball fans! I have a few eBay auctions up right now with card lots from several different players and teams. Please go check them out and bid if you are interested. My sellers name is: ronintech209





Barry Bonds lot of 6 cards, incl. Fleer, UD and Score from 97-06 (I will throw in an extra Bonds card if you mention that you got the link from this page)











Purchase any of these lots and mention that you got the link from my blog and I will send you some bonus cards.