Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Nick Punto & Tim Leary



Saturday December 15, 2012

Nick Punto
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Tim Leary
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Westfield Valencia
24201 West Valencia Blvd.
Valencia, CA 91355
Location: Entrance between Lucille's BBQ and William Sonoma

True to the Blue!


Monday, December 10, 2012

Dodgers Introduce Hyun-Jin Ryu




Check out the video of the Dodgers press conference introducing Hyun-Jin Ryu




True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Jesse Orosco


Sunday January 13, 2013

Jesse Orosco
Dodgers (1988, 2001-2002)
2X World Series Champion - 1986 & 1988
2X All Star - 1983 & 1984

$25 - flats up to 16x20, baseballs, minis & figures
$35 - flats larger than 16x20, helmets, bats, jerseys, equipment, art & game used
$10 - inscriptions
Stage Time: TBA

This signing is being put on by Honabach and Sons and will take place at the SoCal Baseball and Sports Collectors Expo at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel.  Also appearing will be former Dodgers Brett Butler & Robin Ventura and current Dodgers Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzalez & Luis Cruz.

Saturday January 12, 2013
For info on Matt Kemp click here
For info on Adrian Gonzalez click here
For info on Brett Butler click here
For info on Luis Cruz click here

Sunday January 13, 2013
For info on Robin Ventura click here
For info on Paul Lo Duca click here

True to the Blue!

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Paul Lo Duca


Sunday January 13, 2013

Paul Lo Duca

4x All Star - 2003, 2004 (Dodgers) 2005 (Marlins) & 2006 (Mets)
$25 - flats up to 16x20, baseballs, minis, & figurines
$35 - flats larger than 16x20, bats, helmets, jerseys, equipment, game used & art
$10 - inscriptions
Stage Time: TBA

This signing is being put on by Honabach and Sons and will take place at the SoCal Baseball and Sports Collectors Expo at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel.  Also appearing will be former Dodgers Brett Butler & Robin Ventura and current Dodgers Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzalez & Luis Cruz.


Saturday January 12, 2013
For info on Matt Kemp click here
For info on Adrian Gonzalez click here
For info on Brett Butler click here
For info on Luis Cruz click here

Sunday January 13, 2013
For info on Robin Ventura click here

True to the Blue!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Kenny Landreaux & Fernando Valenzuela


Saturday December 8, 2012

Fernando Valenzuela
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Kenny Landreaux
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Dodgers Holiday Mall Tour
Westfield West Covina
112 Plaza Drive West
Covina, CA 91790
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Entrance near Red Robin

True to the Blue!


Saturday, December 1, 2012

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Matt Kemp


Saturday January 12, 2013

Matt Kemp

$79 - flats 8x10 and smaller
$89 - flats 16x20 and smaller, baseballs, minis, shoes, batting gloves & figures
$109 - flats larger than 16x20, art work, bats, jerseys, full size helmet, gloves, & game used
$39 - inscriptions
Stage Time: TBA

This signing is being put on by Honabach and Sons and will take place at the SoCal Baseball and Sports Collectors Expo at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel.  Also appearing will be former Dodgers Brett Butler & Robin Ventura and current Dodgers Adrian Gonzalez & Luis Cruz.

For info on Adrian Gonzalez click here
For info on Brett Butler click here
For info on Luis Cruz click here
For info on Robin Ventura click here

True to the Blue!


Thursday, November 29, 2012

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Lasorda, Yeager & Sellers


Friday November 30, 2012

Tommy Lasorda
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Steve Yeager
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Justin Sellers
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Westfield Century City
10250 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90067
12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Dining Terrace
**Purchase a 2013 Mini Plan or Season Tickets while at the mall on 11/30 and you will recieve an autographed Tommy Lasorda item**

True to the Blue!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Tommy Davis


Saturday December 1, 2012

Tommy Davis
2x All Star - 1962 & 1963
World Series Champion 1963
2x Batting Champion - 1962 & 1963


$15 - balls, flats up to & including 11x14 
$20 - large flats, figurines, minis & equipment 

$25 - helmets, bats & jerseys 
$10 - inscriptions
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

This signing is part of Hall of Fame Sports' Holiday Open House at Frank & Son.  Also appearing are former Dodgers Mickey Hatcher and Tommy John.

For Mickey Hatcher info click here
For Tommy John info click here

True to the Blue!


Monday, November 26, 2012

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Tommy John


Saturday December 1, 2012

Tommy John
4x All Star - 1968, 1978, 1979, & 1980
1976 NL Comeback Player of the Year

$29 - balls and flats up to & including 11x14
$39 - large flats, minis, equipment and figurines
$49 - helmets, bats and jerseys
$15 - inscriptions
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

This signing is part of Hall of Fame Sports' Holiday Open House at Frank & Son.  Also appearing is Mickey Hatcher.

For info on Mickey Hatcher click here

True to thte Blue!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Robin Ventura


Sunday January 13, 2012

Robin Ventura

$59 - baseballs, mini helmets, figures, flats 16x20 and smaller
$89 - flats larger than 16x20, full size helmets, equipment, game used, jerseys, bats & art work
$25 - inscriptions
Stage Time: TBA


This signing is being put on by Honabach and Sons and will take place at the SoCal Baseball and Sports Collectors Expo at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel.  Also appearing will be former Dodger Brett Butler and current Dodgers Adrian Gonzalez & Luis Cruz.

For info on Adrian Gonzalez click here
For info on Brett Butler click here
For info on Luis Cruz click here

True to the Blue!



Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Ron Cey, Lou Johnson & Maury Wills


The Dodgers Holiday Mall Tour continues

Friday November 23, 2012
Del Amo Fashion Center
3525 West Carson Street
Torrance CA 90503
10am - 6pm

Ron Cey
11:30am - 1:30pm

"Sweet" Lou Johnson
2:00pm - 4:00pm

Maury Wills
4:00pm - 6:00pm

True to the Blue!




Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Free Agent Hiroki Kuroda Re-Signs with Yankees



So much for the Dodgers having the inside track on signing free agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda.  ESPN New York.com is reporting Kuroda has signed a one year deal worth $15 million plus another $1 million in peformance incentives. 

In a press release, Kuroda said the following:

"I am very happy and excited to re-sign with the Yankees.  I am very grateful for all of the interest and all of the offers that I received from the various teams that courted me. It was a tough decision for me to make, but at the end of the day, I wanted to try to win a championship with the teammates that I went to battle with last season."

True to the Blue!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Torii Hunter In and Andre Ethier Out?



The Hot Stove is burning up with Dodgers news.  There are several rumors centering around Andre Ethier and Torii Hunter.  Several outlets including ESPNLosAngeles.com and The L.A. Times  are reporting the Dodgers are interested in signing free agent Torii Hunter.  Mark Saxon of ESPNLosAngeles.com is also reporting the Dodgers are willing to discuss trading Andre Ethier.  Despite what Saxon is reporting, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports and Dylan Hernandez and Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times are reporting the Dodgers will not be trading Andre Ethier.

Saxon:
"The Dodgers' thinking is to use Hunter as an insurance policy as left fielder Carl Crawford's recovery from elbow surgery crosses into early next season, but they also have made it clear to other teams that they would consider trading Andre Ethier."

Hernandez & DiGiovanna:
"The Dodgers’ widely reported interest in Torii Hunter appears to have been overstated.
The team met with Hunter’s agent at the general managers’ meetings at Indian Wells this week. But it was Hunter’s agent who initially reached out to the Dodgers, not the other way around, according to a person familiar with the talks who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The Dodgers aren’t shopping Andre Ethier, meaning that if Hunter were to sign with them, he would be doing so to be a fourth outfielder since the team also has starting outfielder in Carl Crawford.
Asked on Saturday if that’s something he would consider, Hunter said, “That’s tough. I’m not ready for that. I have too much energy and fire for that.”
But Hunter said he would like to play with Matt Kemp, whom he called “my little brother in this game.”

Rosenthal via Twitter:


If the price was right, I wouldn't mind the club signing Hunter as an insurance policy for Carl Crawford.  He's a good guy to have in the clubhouse but at 37 years of age, his best days are behind him.  I don't think trading Andre Ethier is a good idea.  New ownership has done a great job building its relationship with Dodger fans and getting rid of a productive player with a big following isn't the best idea.  You either love or hate all the rumors that are flying around this time of year but you have to admit, some of these rumors are interesting.

True to the Blue!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Magic Johnson Autograph Signing - Recap & Photos


On Saturday November 3, 2012, Magic Johnson made an autograph appearance at DodgerFest put on by Hall of Fame Sports  at Frank & Son.  Magic was and is my favorite basketball player and I already have Magic's autograph on a Lakers jersey but had two items I really wanted to get signed.  Therefore, I took this opportunity to get them signed.  Check out the pictures below.


Magic signed my Sports Illustrated with Matt Kemp on the cover.

I've had this Sports Illustrated since in was issued in December of 1992.

Also part of the DodgerFest, Al "the Bull" Ferrara signed free autographs for those who arrived early enough.  Check out the 8x10 photo I had him sign.


Hall of Fame Sports also gave out free gift bags to the first 300 fans in attendance at the signing on Saturday.  My gift bag included the items below.


Individual 12x18 posters of Justin Williams and Jarret Stoll of the L.A. Kings


Individual 12x18 posters of Anze Kopitar and Mike Richards of the L.A. Kings.


A black Lakers bag, a 50th Anniversary Lakers sticker, a Clippers T-shirt, an 12x18 poster of L.A. King Legend Charlie Simmer, a Kings rallly towel, a Lakers magazine, a Lakers magnet schedule, some L.A. Kings trading cards and a DVD of Showtime Boxing matches.

Also included was this 11x17 We Run LA poster featuring Magic, Ethier, Kemp & Kershaw.

True to the Blue!



Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Burt Hooton, Reggie Smith, Steve Yeager Signing - Photos & Recap

Burt Hooton

On Saturday November 3, 2012, Hall of Fame Sports presented their DodgerFest at Frank & Son.  There were 14 former Dodgers, current Dodger announcer Jaime Jarrin, and current Dodger minority owner & NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson at Frank & Son to sign autographs.  The 14 former Dodgers were Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, Bill Russell, Davey Lopes, Dave Hansen, Rick Honeycutt, Burt Hooton, Steve Yeager, Reggie Smith, Wally Moon, Wes Parker, Don Newcombe, Maury Wills and Charlie Hough.  I had several of these autographs already so I used this opportunity to work on my 1981 World Series project.  I added the signatures of Burt Hooton, Reggie Smith, and Steve Yeager to my 16x20 photo of the World Series Trophy.  I already had Bob Welch, Dave Stewart, Pedro Guerrero, Fernando Valenzuela, Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, Davey Lopes, and Bill Russell.  

I had purchased my tickets in advance and arrived at Frank & Son at 9:00 a.m. to make sure I received my free gift bag.  The will call ticket line moved pretty slow but I eventually got my tickets by 9:30 a.m.  I had some time to kill as Burt Hooton wasn't scheduled to sign until 11:30 a.m.  I passed the time checking out some of the booths and the silent auction.  I even had a chance to talk to the BobbleGraph legend himself Gabriel Y.  Once 11:30 a.m. rolled around I was in the first group that got their numbers called and got my photo signed by Burt Hooton within 20 minutes.  Burt Hooton, was really mellow and talked to fans when they came up.  He wasn't overly talkative but wasn't rude or short with fans either.  It was a pleasurable experience.

After getting the photo signed by Burt Hooton, I had more time to kill until 1:00 p.m. when Steve Yeager was scheduled to sign.  I had ticket #2 for Steve Yeager therefore, it took less than 5 minutes to get his autograph on the photo.  Steve Yeager was really cool and was chatting it up with the fans as they came up to his table.  The Reggie Smith  signing was scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m. and I was also in the first group who got their numbers called.  Reggie Smith was pretty quiet and to be honest by 2:15 p.m. I was pretty tired from being there for over 5 hours.  I pretty much said, hello and thank you to Reggie and was out of there.  Overall it was a great experience and I was glad to add 3 signatures to my project.  Check back tomorrow for part 2 of my signing experience at Frank & Son on Saturday.

Check out the photos below.

Burt Hooton

Burt Hooton and Jaime Jarrin sharing a moment

Reggie Smith

Reggie Smith (I kept missing him when he was looking up!)

Steve Yeager


Sorry about the flash! On the left side is Bob Welch, Dave Stewart, Pedro Guerrero, Fernando Valenzuela and Steve Yeager.  On the right is Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell, Burt Hooton and Reggie Smith.

True to the Blue!


Saturday, November 3, 2012

Andre Ethier ASU Tailgate


On October 27, 2012, Arizona State University (ASU) hosted the UCLA Bruins during ASU's homecoming weekend.  The Fox Sports West cameras were there as Andre Ethier and his friends & family tailgated before the football game.  Gotta like seeing a superstar athlete keeping it real by busting out the EZ-Up, chairs and camping grills.  Also, Dre stays true to his Mexican-American roots and busts out the chorizo and homemade tortillas.  Check out the video below.




True to the Blue!

Friday, November 2, 2012

Mark McGwire Close to Becoming Dodgers Hitting Coach


NBCSports Hardball Talk  and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch are reporting the Dodgers and Mark McGwire are close to finalizing a deal making McGwire the teams new hitting coach.  

From the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

"McGwire is leaning toward accepting the position with Dodgers manager Don Mattingly's staff because of geography. McGwire and his family live in Orange County and McGwire has long emphasized the role his wife and children play in career decisions."

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Mickey Hatcher


Saturday December 1, 2012

Mickey Hatcher

1988 - World Series Champion w/Dodgers
2002 - World Series Champion w/Angels

$20 - balls and flats up to & including 11x14
$25 - large flats, minis, equipment and figurines
$35 - helmets, bats and jerseys
$10 - inscriptions
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This signing is part of Hall of Fame Sports' Holiday Open House at Frank & Son.  Keep checking back for additional autograph guests.

True to the Blue!



Thursday, November 1, 2012

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - DodgerFest



Here is a list of all the Dodgers signing on Saturday as Hall of Fame Sports presents their DodgerFest at Frank & Son.  Click on the links to go to my posts with prices and stage time information.

For info on Wes Parker click here
For info on Maury Wills click here
For info on Don Newcombe click here

For info on Burt Hooton click here
For info on Magic Johnson click here 
For info on Reggie Smith click here
For info on Wally Moon click here
For info on Steve Yeager click here
For info on Rick Honeycutt click here
For info on Dave Hansen click here
For info on Jaime Jarrin click here
For info on Charlie Hough click here
For info on "The Infield" click here

True to the Blue!



Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Wes Parker


Saturday November 3, 2012

Wes Parker

6x Gold Glove Winner
1965 World Series Champion
$29 - balls and flat items up to & including 11x14
$39 - large flats, figurines, minis & equipment
$49 - helmets, bats & jerseys
$15 - inscriptions
Stage time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

This signing is part of Hall of Fame Sports DodgerFest at Frank & Son. See below for other former Dodgers who will be signing.

For info on Maury Wills click here
For info on Don Newcombe click here

For info on Burt Hooton click here
For info on Magic Johnson click here 
For info on Reggie Smith click here
For info on Wally Moon click here
For info on Steve Yeager click here
For info on Rick Honeycutt click here
For info on Dave Hansen click here
For info on Jaime Jarrin click here
For info on Charlie Hough click here
For info on "The Infield" click here

True to the Blue!


Monday, October 29, 2012

Upcoming Autograph Appearance - Shane Mosley


Saturday February 9, 2013

Sugar Shane Mosley

IBF Lightweight Champion (135 lbs)
WBC Welterweight Champion (147 lbs)
WBC Light Middleweight Champion (154 lbs)
WBA Light Middleweight Champion (154 lbs)

$39 - flats up to & including 11x14
$49 - large flats, figurines, minis & ring bells
$59 - gloves, trunks, robes, belts & art
$20 - inscriptions
$59 - Photo Op
Stage Time: 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

For all you boxing heads out there, this signing is being put on by Hall of Fame Sports and will take place at Frank & Son.

True to the Blue!



Clayton Kershaw and Andre Ethier Finalists for Gold Glove Awards



Clayton Kershaw and Andre Ethier have the opportunity to repeat as Gold Glove Award winners at their respective positions.  The winners will be revealed on the 2012 Rawlings Gold Glove Award Announcement Show on Tuesday October 30th on ESPN2.  Kershaw is a finalist along with Bronson Arroyo and Mark Buehrle and Ehtier is a finalist with Jay Bruce and Jason Heyward.





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True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Maury Wills


Saturday November 3, 2012

Maury Wills


$25 - balls and flats up to & including 11x14
$35 - large flats, figurines, minis, equipment 
$45 - helmets, bats & jerseys
$15 - inscriptions
stage time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

This signing is part of Hall of Fame Sports DodgerFest at Frank & Son. See below for other former Dodgers who will be signing.

For info on Don Newcombe click here
For info on Burt Hooton click here
For info on Magic Johnson click here 
For info on Reggie Smith click here
For info on Wally Moon click here
For info on Steve Yeager click here
For info on Rick Honeycutt click here
For info on Dave Hansen click here
For info on Jaime Jarrin click here
For info on Charlie Hough click here
For info on "The Infield" click here

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Don Newcombe


Saturday November 3, 2012

Don Newcombe

$39 - balls and flats up to & including 11x14
$49 - large flats, figurines, minis, equipment 
$59 - helmets, bats & jerseys
$20 - inscriptions
stage time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm


This signing is part of Hall of Fame Sports DodgerFest at Frank & Son. See below for other former Dodgers who will be signing.

For info on Burt Hooton click here
For info on Magic Johnson click here 
For info on Reggie Smith click here
For info on Wally Moon click here
For info on Steve Yeager click here
For info on Rick Honeycutt click here
For info on Dave Hansen click here
For info on Jaime Jarrin click here
For info on Charlie Hough click here
For info on "The Infield" click here

True to the Blue!


Friday, October 26, 2012

Bill Walton Autograph Signing - Recap


Back on September 26, 2012, Bill Walton was scheduled to make an appearance at the OC Sports Grill to promote Azunia tequila.  He was scheduled to be there from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.  Being that I work 5 minutes away from the OC Sports Grill, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get an autograph from a 2x NBA Champion, a 2x All-Star, 3x Naismith College Player of the Year, and 2x NCAA Champion.  I arrived early at around 5 pm and was surprised to see Walton and one of his handlers getting some supplies out of their car.  I walked into the OC Sports Grill still unsure if he would be signing any and all items.  I was assured by staff there he would sign my basketball and was encouraged to purchase a drink featuring Azunia tequila. I had two margaritas and must say the tequila was pretty good.  As soon as Walton walked in he ordered up some nachos and starting eating.  I was again surprised there weren't a lot of fans waiting in line for a signature.  There were more fans in Angels gear waiting to head over to Angels Stadium than there were to see Bill Walton.

I spotted a veteran of the autograph game Mr. BobbleGraph himself Gabriel from Gabriel and Jareth's Autograph Bobblehead Collection waiting at a table for the signing to get started.  We chatted for a few minutes and decided it was time to go up to Bill Walton and get our autographs.  We saw only one other person getting an autograph.  Walton was kind enough to sign my official NBA Spalding game ball and included a Hall of Fame '93 inscription.  He also signed a flyer promoting the event for me.  He asked if I had any more items and at that moment I wish I had come better prepared.  I only asked him to sign one more flyer for my co-worker who graduated from UCLA and is part of the Bruin faithful.  As time passed more and more people went up for autographs and for photos with the basketball legend.  I noticed some fans even left and went to a nearby Sports Authority to get some basketballs for Mr. Walton to sign.  Over all it was great experience. No drama, no cutting and definitely no long lines!  Take a look at my autographs in the pictures below.

Here's the 8x10 flyer

Here is my official NBA game ball with the Hall of Fame '93 inscription

True to the Blue!