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.

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.

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.

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.

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