Sunday, July 31, 2011

Matt Kemp Signing @ Frank & Sons - Recap & Photos


Yesterday, I attended the Matt Kemp & Tony Gwynn Jr. signings at Frank & Sons.  They were both scheduled to sign from 11:00am to 12:30pm.  Even though this was a paid event, I wanted to get there early to make sure I got my tickets from will call and didn't have to rush.  One good thing about paid events is they normally line up by numbers printed on your tickets.  I arrived at about 8:30 to find a line forming outside to wait to enter the Exhibit Area to get our tickets.  At around 9:00 the line moved inside.  Honabach & Sons usually sells there first 100 tickets as VIP.  I was outside of the VIP frame but was in the 50's of the regular tickets.  After the VIP lineup, my friend AD & I went to get something to drink and when we came back they started to line up 1-50.  A few minutes later they added 50-75 to the line and we moved in. 

It seemed like the line was moving slow but they were just getting the VIP tickets through the line and then ther rest of the line started moving.  Matt was chatting with fan and was posing with some fans that were leaning in from in front of the table.  For the most part there were no photos allowed with him but you could take pictures as he was signing.  My friend AD got a ball, an 8x10 and a 5x7 picture of her and Matt Kemp together signed.  He kind of rushed the "M" in Matt on her personal photo and he said "I kinda messed it up" and she replied laughing "yeah, you fu*ked it up" they both laughed and I got my items signed.  I didn't say much to Matt except for a what's up and thank you.  I was too busy dealing with the Honabach & Sons people yelling to remind me to have my stuff ready (which I did). 

Once I was done I headed home, I overheard people saying their tickets were in the 200's.  I wouldn't be surprised if they sold anywhere between 350-400 tickets for this event.  While it wasn't a free signing it was pretty reasonably priced at $39 for a small item.  Shout out to Gabriel Y. who I was in line behind to get our will call tickets.  We were finally able to pull of our trade of Dodger Swag.  I got a Fernandomania Fleece Blanket from Gabriel in exchange for a Andre Ethier Dre' Matic 90's Night Poster.  I was also behind Gabriel in line to get our autographs.  Also a shout out to Steph G. who I met at a previous signing and who I've traded Dodger Swag with before.  If you haven't checked out her FB page for Dodger Swag Trading, make sure you check it out.  Here is the link Dodger Swag Trading

Here are some pictures of Matt and pictures of my items.

Matt Kemp making his entrance

Kemp taking a seat at his table

Signing someone's baseball

He just finished signing Gabe Y's bobblehead

Signing someone's All Star Jersey

Getting ready to sign a canvas

My baseball signed by Kemp

My Dodgers Magazine signed by Kemp
(one complaint, I wasn't paying attention and he signed right across
the "Dodgers" blue on blue is not good)

My 16x20 that Ethier signed last month. Kemp added his auto & the 2011 All Stars inscription

Overall it was a good signing.  Lots of Dodgers/Kemp fans!! I hope everyone got their autographs because the line was still long when I left.  Check back later for some pics of Tony Gwynn Jr.

True to the Blue!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Wes Parker


On July 19th, I posted information on the Tim Leary signing being promoted by Hall of Fame Sports.  The signing will take place on October 1st at Frank & Sons as part of HOF Sports Dodger Days.  You can see the Tim Leary signing information linked here

Another player has been added to the October 1st signing.  See the information below.

October 1, 2011

Wes Parker
6x Gold Glove Winner 1967 - 1972
World Series Champion - 1965
$29 - flats, balls, figurines & minis
$39 - equipment, bats, jerseys & artwork
$15 - inscriptions
12:00pm - 1:00pm

 
True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Pedro Guerrero & Steve Yeager


On July 18th I posted the information on the Tommy Lasorda signing that is part of the 1981 World Series Champion Reunion signing at Frank & Sons.  The signing is being promoted by Hall of Fame Sports. You can see the post linked here

On July 20th I posted the information that Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, Davey Lopes & Bill Russell had been added to the 1981 World Series Champion reunion signing.  You can see the info linked here

Two more members of the 1981 World Series team have been added to the November 5th signing.  See the info below

November 5, 2011

Pedro Guerrero
1981 World Series Co-MVP
1982 Silver Slugger
$35 - balls & flats up to 11x14
$40 - large flats, minis, caps, figurines & equipment
$50 - bats, jerseys & artwork
$10 - inscriptions

 
Steve Yeager
1981 World Series Co-MVP
$20 - balls & flats up to 11x14
$25 - large flats, minis, caps, figurines & equipment
$35 - bats, jerseys & artwork
$10 - inscriptions



Keep checking back for stage times and more players to be announced.
So far the seven members of the 1981 World Series team have been announced.  Tommy Lasorda, Ron Cey, Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell, Pedro Guerrero & Steve Yeager.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Happy Birthday Don Drysdale - Don Drysdale Autograph


The Dodgers recognized Don Drysdale yesterday July 23rd on what would have been his 75th birthday.  His sons Darren & DJ participated in the ceremonial first pitch along with their mother and Drysdale's widow Ann Meyer Drysdale.  Drysdale spent his entire career with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers (1956-1969).  He was a 9x All Star, 3x World Series Champion, won the Cy Young Award in 1962 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.  He passed away in 1993 while on the road with the Dodgers as one of their broadcasters.

Don Drysdale's autograph was on of the first autographs I ever obtained and to tell you the truth i'm not 100% if I got it at the 1991 National Convention in Anaheim or at another big West Coast show.  I just remember being awed by Drysdale and the strength of his grip when he shook my hand.  Ever since I could remember, my dad would tell me how great it was being a Dodger fan during the 50's & 60's and watching the likes of Drysdale, Koufax, Snider, etc.  So actually getting to meet Big D was a very cool moment and my dad was there to share it with me.

In the two years before that signing we had purchased 3 Don Drysdale baseball cards.  Nothing too spectacular but cards I honestly do cherish.  I haven't collected sports cards seriously since around 1994/1995 but occasionally a card will catch my eye and i'll buy it.

Take a look below at my Drysdale cards and my Drysdale autograph.  More importantly a tip of the cap to Don on what would've been his 75th birthday.

Drysdale 1962 Topps All Star #398

Drysdale 1967 Topps #55

Drysdale 1964 Topps #120

My Drysdale 8x10 displayed with two baseball cards.

True to the Blue!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Clayton Kershaw Autograph Signing - Recap & Photos


Today was the Clayton Kershaw autograph signing at Living Spaces in La Mirada.  Kershaw was scheduled to sign from 10am-12pm.  Kershaw is having an amazing season and add to that the fact he doesn't make a lot of public appearances away from Dodger Stadium, I knew this signing was going to be packed.

I arrived at 6:00am and by my estimation there were maybe 200 people in line already.  I chatted with some folks in line and listened to my iPod for a bit because I had a long Friday.  Later in the morning Living Spaces was nice enough to provide coffee to those in line.  As time went by the line continued to grow and grow.  As the norm at most Living Spaces signings at around 8am, they began to pass out wristbands.  This cuts down on people cutting line with family & friends after 8am out of respect for those who arrive early.

Unfortunately, instead of allowing the Living Spaces staff to place the wristband on their wrist, some people began to snatch wristbands, which in turn cause alot of people to get out of line and rush toward where they were giving out wristbands.  After the commotion stopped I noticed people that were only 5 to 10 spots in front of me were now toward the front of the line with a wristband.  Also partly to blame were the Living Spaces staff who started giving out wristbands at two different spots in line.  I didn't even get a wristband.  I won't go on too long about this incident but if everyone just waits in line these things go alot smoother.  I've never seen people rush the wristbands before.  Crazy.

On to the signing.  They moved the line inside the store which left me just outside the main entrance.  After about 15 minutes my portion of the line moved just inside the courtyard just outside the front doors.  At about 10 minutes after 10:00 am I see a black car roll through the parking lot.  I couldn't tell if it was a limo or just a town car.  Anyhow, within a minute Clayton Kershaw emerges and makes his way into the store.  For the next 45 minutes my portion of the line doesn't move and I begin to worry.  Was 6:00 am not early enough?

At about 11:00am, I move inside the store and notice Kershaw is signing autographs at the complete other end of the store.  I could be cutting it close.  The clock is ticking and the line is slowly moving.  At about 15 minutes before noon i'm about 15 people away from being let into the final line.  About 10 minutes go by and they let 10 more people in.  I don't think i'm gonna make it.  Then one of the staff say 10 more people and i'm coming down the homestretch.  I get my bobblehead out of my back pack and get ready.  As i'm getting closer I hear they let 5 more people in and are probably gonna stop the signing at that point.

I got my bobblehead signed, thanked Clayton and roll out.  I didn't stick around to see how much longer the signing went but i'm pretty sure it was about done.  My guess would be there were at least 100 people still in line inside the store and another 50 or so outside the store.

Shout out to David P. who once again was at a signing and got a nice sweet spot signature on his baseball with the 2011 All Star inscription.  Another shout out to Gabriel Y. who I exchanged texts with but because of all the chaos, we didn't have a chance to meet and again had to put off a trade we are working on.  Last shout out to Josh from Dodgerbobble blog who I finally see at a signing but was too far away for me to meet him.  Dude, our paths will cross one of these signings!

Despite the craziness I left happy because I got my bobblehead signed.  This was my first Kershaw autograph.  Take a look at the pics below

Kershaw arriving

Just before signing my bobblehead


Just after signing my bobblehead


My signed Clayton Kershaw bobblehead

Thanks for checking out my blog.  Don't forget to "follow" it and "like" it on Facebook.

True to the Blue!

Friday, July 22, 2011

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Matt Kemp MetroPCS - Update


Last Monday July 11th, I posted the information for the Matt Kemp signing scheduled for July 23rd at MetroPCS.  You can see that post here

Then on July 14th, the information about the signing was removed from the Dodgers website.  You can see that post here  Well, it looks like it is back on because the information is back up on the website.
Here is all the info.


August 26, 2011
Matt Kemp
2009 Silver Slugger
2009 Gold Glove
2011 All-Star
Metro PCS
3700 S. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles CA 90016
11am-12pm
FIRST 200 FANS ONLY
ONE AUTOGRAPH PER PERSON

True to the Blue!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

2 New Suspects Arrested in Beating of Bryan Stow


The Los Angeles Times is reporting LAPD is now of the belief parolee Giovanni Ramirez is not one of the men responsible for the Opening Day attack on Bryan Stow.  Additionally, according to The Times two new suspects have been arrested on suspicion of beating Stow.  No names have been released and LAPD has no official comment.

For more information, see the L.A. Times post here

True to the Blue!

Buyers or Sellers? Clayton Kershaw Dominant


On Sunday July 10th, the Dodgers had just finished off a sweep of the San Diego Padres and were riding a four game winning streak into the All Star break.  Due to their four game winning streak, they sat 10.5 games out of first place.  While 10.5 games out isn't something to be happy about, the team seemed to have a glimmer of hope they could make up some ground.  The post All Star break schedule opened with a six game road trip, with three games against the second place Diamondbacks and three games against the first place Giants.

The Boys in Blue started off great beating the D-Backs 6-4 to extend their winning streak to a season high five games.  However, after that brief shining moment they lost the next two to the D-Backs and the offense completely disappeared in the first two games against the Giants.  The offense was still non-existent Wednesday however, on the bright side Clayton Kershaw ran his record to 11-4, lowered his ERA to 2.72 and had 12 strikeouts.  Kershaw leads the majors with 167 K's.  He was on his A-game and delivered 8 shutout innings and Javy Guerra closed out the 9th.  After finishing the six game road trip with a 2-4 record the Dodgers sit in last place, 13.5 games out.  It appears time to call this season a wrap. 

13.5 games out of first place with the trade deadline looming on July 31st, begs the question, should the Dodgers be buyers or sellers?  Teams have shown in an interest in Jamey Carroll and Hiroki Kuroda.  Rafael Furcal & Juan Uribe could possibly be moved as well.  Only time will tell what GM Ned Colletti will do.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - "The Infield" Garvey, Lopes, Russell & Cey


I posted info on the upcoming Tommy Lasorda signing which is part of Hall of Fame Sports 1981 Dodger World Series Champion signing on November 5, 2011.  You can see that post here  Just announced to be signing along with Tommy is "The Infield", Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell & Ron Cey.  Stage times and prices to be determined.

November 5, 2011

Steve Garvey 
1974 - MVP
1974 - All Star Game MVP
1974, 1975, 1976, 1977 - Gold Glove
1978 - All Star Game MVP
1978 - NLCS MVP
1984 - NLCS MVP
10x All Star
$35 - balls & flats up to 11x14.
$40 - large flats, minis, caps, figurines & equipment
$50 - bats, jerseys & artwork
$10 - inscriptions

Davey Lopes
1978 - Gold Glove
4x All Star
$30 - balls & flats up to 11x14
  $35 - large flats, minis, caps, figurines & equipment
$40 - bats, jerseys & artwork
$10 - inscriptions

Bill Russell
3x All Star
$25 - balls & flats up to 11x14
  $30 - large flats, minis, caps, figurines & equipment
 $35 - bats, jerseys & artwork
$10 - inscriptions

Ron Cey
6x All Star
1981 World Series Co-MVP
$30 - balls & flats up to 11x14
$35 - large flats, minis, caps, figurines & equipment
$40 - bats, jerseys & artwork
$10 - inscriptions

True to the Blue!
*the picture in this post is a 16x20 I got signed on 1/30/10

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Tony Gwynn Jr.


Here is the second signing the Dodgers announced today--

August 13, 2011

Tony Gwynn Jr.
Sports Authority
4950 Faculty Ave.
Lakewood, CA 90712
12pm-1pm

True to the Blue!


Upcoming Dodger Appearances - Javy Guerra


The Dodgers announced two upcoming autograph signings today. 
Here is the info on the first signing --

July 30, 2011

Javy Guerra
Video & Audio Center
1426 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
12pm - 1pm

True to the Blue!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Tim Leary


October 1, 2011 

Tim Leary
1988 Silver Slugger Award
1988 Comeback Player of the Year
1988 World Series Champion
$19 - flats, balls, figurines & minis
$29 - equipment, bats, jerseys & artwork
11:00am - 12:30pm

This signing will take place at Frank & Son and is promoted by Hall of Fame Sports.  Check back for more players to be announced.

True to the Blue!

Fernando Tribute Video

As the Fernandomania Bobblehead night approaches, there is lots of talking about & looking back on Fernando Valenzuela's rookie season.

Take a look at this tribute video produced by the Dodgers.



True to the Blue!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Clayton Kershaw


The Matt Kemp signing that was scheduled for this Saturday at MetroPCS was cancelled but it looks like there will be an alternative. 

July 23, 2011

Clayton Kershaw
10am
Living Spaces
14501 Artesia Blvd.
La Mirada CA 90638


True to the Blue!

Tip of the cap to VinScullyisMyHomeboy for breaking the info.

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Tommy Lasorda & 1981 World Series Champion Signing


Tommy did a signing through Hall of Fame Sports on June 18th, 2011.  You can read my recap and see my photos by clicking here .  Hall of Fame Sports is bringing Tommy back on November 5th as part of their 1981 World Series Champion 30th Anniversary Signing.  HOF Sports has around 20 names already confirmed and are working on more.  Keep checking back to see which other players will be signing.

November 5, 2011

Tommy Lasorda
2 time World Series Champion
2 Time NL Manager of the Year
2000 Olympic Gold Medal Manager
Hall of Fame 1997
$99 - balls & flats up to 11x14
$119 - large flats, minis, caps & equipment
$139 - helmets, bats, jerseys & artwork
$20 - inscriptions
$8 - PSA/DNA
stage time TBA
True to the Blue!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Collector's Corner - 2011 All Star Stuff


Back on May 19th, I posted info on replica Sports Illustrated covers that are a cool item to get autographed.  You can read that post here

Well it's time to highlight some other cool items.  First is the Dodgers edition of the 2011 All Star Game Program with Matt Kemp on the cover.  This program all the items i'll be talking about are available in the Dodgers.com or MLB.com shops.  It sells for $15.

The next three items are all baseballs.  The first one is the official 2011 MLB All-Star Game ball.  Something that a Dodger fan can get signed by Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Clayton Kershaw or all three!  This ball sells for $19.99.  Take a look -


The next ball is a 2011 All Star Game Homerun Derby Ball.  It would definitely be cool to get Matt Kemp's autograph on this ball!  This ball sells for $29.99.  Take a look -

The last ball is a replica 2011 All Star Game Homerun Derby Gold Baseball.  These are the balls that were used when the Homerun Derby participants were down to their final out.  This ball sells for $39.99.  Take a look -

True to the Blue!



Thursday, July 14, 2011

Matt Kemp Autograph Appearances - Update


Back on April 9th I posted the information for the Matt Kemp Signing at Frank & Sons.  You can see the original post linked here

FYI, I was at Frank & Sons on Wednesday and they are expecting to sell out of Matt Kemp autograph tickets.  Here is the information again:

July 30, 2011

Matt Kemp
2009 NL Gold Glove
2009 NL Silver Slugger
2011 All Star
$39 - small items
$59 - large items
$15 - inscriptions
Time: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

On Monday July 11th, I posted information on the Matt Kemp signing scheduled for July 23rd at MetroPCS.  You can see the original post here

As of tonight, July 14th, this signing has been cancelled.  All information has been removed from the Dodgers website.  RESCHEDULED 8/26/11

Also, don't forget Tony Gwynn Jr. will also be appearing at Frank & Sons on the same day and at the same time as Matt Kemp.  You can see all the information in my original post here

True to the Blue!











Where Was Andre When He Found Out He Was an All Star?


Andre Ethier was playing wiffle ball with his kids when he found out he made the All Star team.
Check out the video from FoxSportsWest.com:


<a href='http://www.foxsportswest.com/pages/video?UUID=48459d70-f78a-4288-a627-2d4b8981dd99&src=SLPl:embed::uuids' target='_new' title='All-Star trio'>Video: All-Star trio</a>

True to the Blue!

Video - Andre Ethier Discusses Playing in All Star Game

Check out this video courtesy of FoxSportsWest.com

<a href='http://www.foxsportswest.com/pages/video?UUID=e0bf9953-121d-4900-b092-a1cfd0065f62&src=SLPl:embed::uuids' target='_new' title='Ethier happy for NL after 5-1 win'>Video: Ethier happy for NL after 5-1 win</a>

True to the Blue!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Andre Ethier McFarlane MLB Series 28



Back on February 9th, I posted info on the McFarlane MLB Series 28 Andre Ethier figurine.  You can see my original post here

On March 6th, I posted info about the McFarlane Playmakers Series 2 Action Figures that included two separate Ethier figures.  One was Ethier in a throwing pose and the other was him in a batting pose.  You can read that post here

On April 12, I blogged about how I found a Ethier Playmaker at Toys R Us.  You can read that post right here

Well, the McFarlane MLB Series 28 figures are now available.  Last month a pre-ordered mine from Clark Toys and when I got home from work on Friday it had arrived in the mail.  I bought two, one to open and display with my other McFarlane's and one to keep in the box.  I also purchased a couple of the Playmakers Action Figures, one batting and one throwing.

Take a look at the pics below -





Here are the two McFarlane Playmakers Series 2 Action Figures.  I haven't gotten around to opening them.

True to the Blue!


Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Dodgers help National League to All Star Game Victory


The National League won its second All Star Game in a row 5-1 over the American League.  The Dodgers, who were represented by Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp & Clayton Kershaw, played a role in the National League's victory. 

In the bottom of the 4th inning, after a Carlos Beltran single, Matt Kemp singled to left field and scored on Prince Fielder's 3-run homerun.  In the top half of the 5th inning, Clayton Kershaw entered the game and pitched a 1, 2, 3 inning.  He struck out David "Big Papi" Ortiz and retired Robinson Cano & Alex Avila on ground outs.  In the bottom half of the 5th, Andre Ethier stroked an RBI single to right field that scored Rickie Weeks.

Kemp finished 1 for 2 with a walk & Andre went 1 for 1 with the RBI.

True to the Blue!

Dodgers Make Trade for Outfielder


The Dodgers have acquired Juan Rivera from the Toronto Blue Jays for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Rivera is still owed around $2.5 million for this season.  The Dodgers also designated Marcus Thames for assignment. 

So far this year, Rivera has hit .243 with 6 homeruns and 28 RBI.  In 2009, he hit 25 homers and drove in 88 runs for the Angels.

Monday, July 11, 2011

King of L.A. Swing - Mike Piazza or Vlad Guerrero?


In one of their Hot Button questions today, ESPNLosAngeles is asking Who is the King of L.A. Swing? Vlad Guerrero or Mike Piazza?  At the time I voted there were 211 total votes and Piazza had 71% of the votes.

Check out the video ESPNLosAngeles shot below.  Most of the people they asked went with Vlad Guerrero.



True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Matt Kemp




Rescheduled 8/26/11

July 23, 2011
Matt Kemp
2009 Silver Slugger
2009 Gold Glove
2011 All-Star
Metro PCS
3700 S. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles CA 90016
11am-12pm
FIRST 200 FANS ONLY
ONE AUTOGRAPH PER PERSON

True to the Blue!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Dodgers Sweep the Padres!


Behind Andre Ethier's two solo homeruns and Ted Lilly's solid 6 innings, the Dodgers swept the Padres.  Lilly struck out 7 and walked only 2 in his six innings of work.  This was the Dodgers first 3 game sweep of the season.  Additionally, it is the Dodgers first 4-game winning streak of the season.  The Boys in Blue take their 4-game streak into the All-Star Break.  While Andre Ethier, Clayton Kershaw & Matt Kemp are in Arizon for the All Star Game on Tuesday, the rest of the team is off until they open the second half of the season Friday night at Chase Field against the Diamondbacks.

True to the Blue!