Matt Kemp & Andre Ethier Autograph Signing at Frank & Son - Photos & Recap

On Saturday April 28, 2012, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier & Dee Gordon were scheduled to sign autographs at Frank & Son Collectibles Show.  Kemp was schedule to sign from 10am - 11:30am, Ethier from 11:30am - 1:00pm, and Gordon from 11am - 12:30pm.

I have several items signed by all three players and wasn't originally planning to atted this signing.  However, during the last week, I came across some items I thought were cool and wanted to get signed by Ethier and Kemp.  I arrived at Frank & Son around 9:15am and headed in to get my autograph tickets.  I have to say this was the craziest and most crowded paid signing i've been to in a very long time.  I had to wait almost half an hour in line just to get my autograph tickets.  Kemp arrived a few minutes after 10am and started signing right away.  Honabach and Sons had put up several signs stating there would be no posed photographs but people still asked and it made the line move really slow.  At around 11:10am I was still at least 75-85 spots from getting my autograph when an announcement was made that if everyone didn't get their items signed by the ending time of 11:30am, we would be offered refunds or we could leave our items and they would get signed privately.  Although, some might find this o.k., I like getting my autos in person and was a little irritated.  It was apparent Honabach and Sons had oversold the event.

I don't know how or why but Kemp agreed to stay over and sign for everyone that was left in line.  He must've stayed till at least 12:30pm.  After getting my items signed by Kemp and jumped into the line for Ethier's autograph.  Since it was close to his end time, the line was moving pretty quickly and I got up to the front of the line within about 20 minutes.  Andre was really talkative and after he signed my first item, he even extended his hand to shake hands with me and thank me for coming out.  It caught me off guard so I just said "you're welcome" and shook his hand.  As he was signing my second item, I asked him how he liked the SamBat.  He replied, "I love it!" and then I asked him if it was his first year using the SamBat and he stated he "used it a couple of years ago but they weren't using good wood".  I figure they must've been breaking on him.  As he was finishing my autograph I told him they must be using good trees now and asked if the bat was maple and he stated, "yeah, maple".  You can check out my post from the other day about Andre's use of the SamBat by clicking here

I want to give a shout out to my friend Carmen who I saw at the signing and a shout out to Steve who I also saw at the LoDuca signing last week.  I still need to get him copy of the Forbes Magazine with Kemp on the cover.  Also another shout out to Stephanie who I met in line.  It was Stephanie's first signing and she helped me pass the time as we waited over two hours in line.

Check out my pics from the signing below.

Forbes Magazine w/Beast Mode inscription

Ethier 8x10 w/Captain Clutch inscription

Ethier/Kershaw/Kemp 8x10 w/2011 Gold Glove inscription

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Juan Rivera

Photo Credit: Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images

Saturday May 26, 2012

Juan Rivera

$39 - small items: balls, flats up to & including 11x14

$49 - medium items: large flats, figurines, minis & equipment

$59 - large items: helmets, bats & jerseys

$15 - inscriptions

stage time: 10:00am - 11:30am

This Dodger signing is being put on by Hall of Fame Sports in conjunction with JD Legends Promotions and will take place at Frank & Son.  Also signing on this date at Frank & Son is Javy Guerra, Kenley Jansen and Rubby De La Rosa.  For more info on Guerra, Jansen & De La Rosa, see my post here

True to the Blue!

Dodgers Web Round Up - Scioscia Bobblehead, Dodger Signings, & More

Photo Credit: Twitter @Dodgers

Ernest at Dodgers Blue Heaven gives a sneak peek at the Mike Scioscia bobblehead. Click here 

DodgerBobble takes a look at the Jaime Jarrin bobblehead. Click here 

Evan at Opinion of Kingman's Performance has a post about Matt Kemp's adventures on the basepaths. Click here

Don't forget about this weekend's Dodger autograph signings.

Andre Ethier - Click here

Matt Kemp - Click here

Dee Gordon - Click here

Javy Guerra - Click here

True to the Blue!

Andre Ethier's New Bat

Photo Credit: Jon SooHoo

I could be wrong but it looks like Andre Ethier is using a new bat for the 2012 season.  I didn't notice the new bat during 2011 but like I previously stated, I could be wrong.  Early in his career, Ethier had a signature Easton bat.  Take a look below.

Then about two seasons ago, he started swinging a signature Louisville Slugger.  Take a look at the picture.

Last year during his 30-game hitting streak, he was even seen swinging Matt Kemp's signature KEMPMAN Louisville Slugger. 

So far this year, Ethier's bat has jumped out at me twice.  First off, it's no longer a black bat.  This year he has been using a natural wood colored bat.  The first time I noticed his bat was after the home opener on April 10th when he hit the go-ahead homerun.  Later I checked the LA Times and saw this photo.

Photo Credit: Robert Gauthier/LA Times

Take note of the lighter wood color and the "bat" logo located on his bat.  After I saw the above picture, I kept noticing it on television and in other photos.  Take a look at the photo below taken during a Spring Training game against the Brewers on March 30th.

Photo Credit: Jon SooHoo

Take note in the picture above of the "bat" logo on the barrell of the bat.  Just today I saw the picture below taken Wednesday night against the Braves.

Photo Credit: Jon SooHoo

I did a little research on this bat and it is a SamBat.  SamBat was founded by Sam Holman in 1997 and was the first maple wood bat approved for the major leagues.  They claim to have 100 major league players using the SamBat and it should be noted reigning NL MVP Ryan Braun uses a SamBat.  Take a look at the SamBat logo.

I found it interesting that Ethier was using a new bat model.  As superstitious as some ball players are, I wonder how much credit he gives his bat for his fast start in 2012?

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Justin Sellers

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea / US Presswire

Update --- Due to Sellers being sent down to the minors, this signing will be rescheduled

Saturday May 12, 2012

Justin Sellers

$20 - for any autographed item

$5 - inscriptions & personalizations

time: 12:00 - 1:30pm

Northridge Sports Collectibles

9514 Reseda Blvd.

Northridge, CA 91324

(818) 518-0989

If you are one of the first 50 people to buy your autograph tickets in advance you will receive the buy one get one free special.  If you buy your autograph tickets at the door, the first ticket is $20 and the second is $15. 

True to the Blue!

MLB Commercials Featuring Matt Kemp

These commercials were played alot around Opening Day 2012 and now they are shown to encourage fans to purchase tickets.  I really like both commercials...good stuff!
"I will let Beast Mode off his leash" and "Beast Mode never sleeps" are classic!

This commercial is called Resolutions




This commercial is called The Play

Paul Lo Duca Autograph Signing - Pictures & Recap

On Saturday April 21, 2012, Hall of Fame Sports presented an autograph signing featuring Paul Lo Duca at Frank & Son Collectible Show.  Paul was scheduled to start signing at 1:00pm.  I had a few things to take care of on Saturday morning so I didn't make it out to Frank & Son until around one o'clock.  Fortunately Lo Duca was running late so there was no rush.

When I arrived there were approximately 100 people milling around waiting for the Lo Duca signing to start.  Former Dodger Dick Gray was finishing up his signing.  Lo Duca arrived around 1:30pm and after spending a few minutes back stage, he emerged and started signing immediately.  He took the time to talk with the fans and even pose for pictures.  Usually posed pictures make the line move slowly but the fans and Lo Duca kept it moving.

As you can see in the picture above I got an official MLB signed by Lo Duca on the sweet spot with the 4 Time All Star inscription.  I also added to my signed bobblehead collection and had him sign is Dodger SGA Bobblehead.  Take a look at the pictures below.  Also want to give a shout out to Steve who I chatted it up with in line.  I've seen Steve a few signings and he helped the time go by as we discussed our autograph adventures.  Also, a shout out to the famous Bobble Addict himself, Gabriel, as I saw him at the signing as well.

Take a look at some of my pics.



True to the Blue!



Upcoming Dodger Appearance - The Dodgers Record Setting Infield

Saturday November 3, 2012

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 and flats up to 11x14

$40 - large flats, figurines, minis & equipment

$50 - helmets, bats & jerseys

$10 - inscription

Stage Time: 10:00am - 11:30am

Davey Lopes

1978 - Gold Glove

4x All Star

$30 - balls and flats up to 11x14

$35 - large flats, figurines, minis & equipment

$40 - helmets, bats & jerseys

$10 - inscription

Stage Time: 10:00am - 11:30am

Bill Russell

3x All Star

$25 - balls and flats up to 11x14

$30 - large flats, figurines, minis & equipment

$35 - helmets, bats & jerseys

$10 - inscription

Stage Time: 10:00am - 11:30am

Ron Cey

6x All Star

1981 World Series Co-MVP

$30 - balls and flats up to 11x14

$35 - large flats, figurines, minis & equipment

$40 - helmets, bats & jerseys

$10 - inscription

Stage Time: 10:00am - 11:30am

Hall of Fame Sports is presenting DodgerFest 2012 @ Frank & Son.  Keep checking back for stage times and prices.  Dodger Infield Super Tickets are available for $99, $119, and $139.  More Dodgers to be announced.

True to the Blue!

1959 All Star Game Dodger Cap

The above picture was the official logo of the 1959 MLB All Star Game in Los Angeles.  New Era Caps has a couple of caps commemorating the 1959 All Star Game.

Take a look at this snap-back cap with the 1959 All Star Game patch on the front.

The second cap is a fitted cap with the traditional "LA" logo on the front and the 1959 All Star Game logo on the right side of the cap.

Take a look





True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Javy Guerra

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Javy Guerra

 The Shops at Montebello

2134 Montebello Town Center Drive

Montebello, CA 90640

11am-12 pm

One item per person

The season is in full swing which means Dodger appearances in the community for free signings.
For info on another Guerra signing on May 26th, click here

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Orel Hershiser - UPDATED INFO

Saturday May 19, 2012

Orel Hershiser

3x All Star - 1987, 1988, & 1989

World Series Champion - 1988

Gold Glove Award - 1988

NL Cy Young Award - 1988

World Series MVP - 1988

NLCS MVP - 1988

Silver Slugger Award - 1993

ALCS MVP - 1995

$49 - small items

$69 - large items

$20 - inscriptions

Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm

This signing is being put on by the OC Dugout and will take place at Frank & Son Collectibles Show

Check out my recap of The Bulldog's signing from February 26, 2011.  Click here

True to the Blue!

New MLB Jackie Robinson Commercial Narrated by Vin Scully

I saw this commercial last night while watching Baseball Tonight on ESPN.  It's a great commercial honoring Jackie Robinson.  It's also great to hear Vin's voice as the narrator. 

Take a look at the video:

MLB Network's Prime 9 Vin Scully Moments - video

MLB Network highlights Vin's Prime 9 Moments

Who Caught Andre Ethier's Homerun Ball @ the Home Opener?

Like many Dodger fans, I took Tuesday off from work to go to the home opener and enjoy the opening game festivities as the Dodgers celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Dodger Stadium.  When I returned to work on Wednesday my friend & co-worker April asked me if I was at Opening Day.  Now, i'm friends with April even though she is a HUGE Yankee fan!  We always have friendly discussions about baseball, the Dodgers and the Yankees.  I proceeded to tell April, I was indeed at the home opener and it was a good game with a happy ending.  She then asked me if there was a big homerun to win the game or something like that.  I then explained to her how Andre Ethier came up in the bottom of the 8th and stroked a homerun to give the Dodgers the lead and eventually the win.

April then told me, she thought the game ended like that because her brother had mentioned to her he was at the game and his buddy had caught the game winning homerun ball.  She then pulled up a picture on her phone and showed it to me.  The picture is at the top of this post and her brother Aran is on the right and his friend who caught the ball, Jesse, is on the left.  I told April Jesse was one lucky dude!  That's definitely a ball any Dodger fan would love to have!

For the Andre Ethier Marching & Chowder Society, here is video of the homerun

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Javy Guerra, Kenley Jansen & Rubby De La Rosa

Saturday May 26, 2012

Javy Guerra

$29 - balls, flats up to & including 11x14

$39 - large flats, figurines, minis & equipment

$49 - helmets, bats & jerseys

$10 - inscriptions

stage time: 11:00am - 12:30pm

Saturday May 26, 2012

Kenley Jansen

$29 - balls, flats up to & including 11x14

$39 - large flats, figurines, minis & equipment

$49 - helmets, bats & jerseys

$10 - inscriptions

stage time: 11:00am - 12:30pm

Saturday May 26, 2012

Rubby De La Rosa

$29 - balls, flats up to & including 11x14

$39 - large flats, figurines, minis & equipment

$49 - helmets, bats & jerseys

$10 - inscriptions

stage time: 12:00pm - 1:30pm

This signing is being put on by Hall of Fame Sports as another one of their Dodger Days.  They are calling this one Dodger Heat.  The signing will take place at Frank & Son.  Hall of Fame Sports is also offering a discounted Combo Ticket for all three players.  $69 - small items  $79 - medium items and $99 - large items.  The Combo Ticket must be purchased in advance and are on sale until May 24, 2012.

The Home Opener is Finally Here - Dodger Dogs, Nancy Bea Hefley & Game Day Traditions

The Dodgers 2012 Home Opener is finally here.  Everyone in Dodgertown has been patiently waiting for this day when we celebrate 50 years of Blue Heaven on Earth.  I can't wait to get to the Stadium and enjoy my first Dodger Dog of the season and I look forward to hearing Nancy Bea Hefley on her organ.

I've got my tickets, my new New Era fitted Dodger cap, and some sunflower seeds.  Once at Dodger Stadium, i'll include a Dodgers Magazine, a Dodger Dog & a cold drink.  Those are my game day musts.

What are your game day musts?  What do you HAVE to have while at Dodger Stadium?


Here's Nancy Bea Hefley's rendition of Take Me Out to the Ballgame



True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Dee Gordon

Saturday April 28, 2012

Dee Gordon

$29.99 Flats & Baseballs and other small items

  $39.99 Bats and Jerseys

  $10 Per inscriptions

  $10 for PSA

Stage time: 10:30am -12:30pm

This signing is being put on by The OC Dugout and will take place at Frank & Sons. 

Also appearing at Frank & Sons on April 28th are Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier.  For info on the Kemp signing, see my post here and for info & prices on the Ethier signing, click here

True to the Blue!

Dodgers Go for Sweep Today Against Padres

At 1:05pm down at Petco Park, the Dodgers go for the sweep against the Padres.  The Dodgers are 3-0 to start a season for the first time since sweeping the Diamondbacks at home in 1999.  They last time they started a season 4-0 was 1981, when they won their first six games.

Aaron Harang gets the start for the Dodgers facing Clayton Richard.  Richard is 4-1 against the Dodgers with a 2.58 ERA.

True to the Blue

Dodgers Beat Padres 6-5 in 11 Innings

Matt Kemp congratulates A.J. Ellis after his homerun

Photo: Dodgers.com

The Dodgers picked up their third win in a row against the Padres to start the season. 

Highlights:

Dee Gordon 3 for 4 with 2 runs, 1 RBI and 3 steals

Matt Kemp 2 for 4 with 2 RBI

Andre Ethier 1 for 4 with 2 RBI

A.J. Ellis hit his first homerun of the season

A.J. Ellis scored the winning run on Dee Gordon's 11th inning single

Javy Guerra picks up his 2nd save of the season

The Boys in Blue go for the series sweep on Sunday.

True to the Blue!

Video of Matt Kemp's Opening Day Homer

Take a look at Matt Kemp's Opening Day homer



True to the Blue!

50 Moments for the 50th Anniversary of Dodger Stadium - Finley's Slam Wins the Division

On October 2, 2004, after tying the Giants at 3 runs a piece in the bottom of the 9th, Steve Finley's grand slam wins the game.

This is one of my favorite bat flips/bat drops of all time.



True to the Blue!

Matt Kemp McFarlane MLB Series 29 Figure Released

McFarlane Toys released their MLB Series 29 figures this week.  Series 29 includes Alex Rodriguez, Adrian Gonzalez, Starlin Castro, Cliff Lee, Josh Hamilton, Thurman Munson and Matt Kemp.  This is Kemp's debut as a McFarlane figure.

True to the Blue!



Matt Kemp - "Juan Pierre Taught Me the True Definition of Beast Mode"

True to the Blue!

Matt Kemp on his 2010 season - "I sucked, I was bad."

Chris Connelly of ESPN's E:60 gives a behind the scenes look at Matt Kemp.  While disussing his 2010 season and critics blaming his poor season on his relationship with Rihanna, Kemp said, "I can't blame my relationship at that time on the way I played in 2010, I sucked, I was bad"

Later in the interview Kemp talks about how tough it for African-American's to break into the big leagues and states, "I'm trying to make baseball cool for African-Americans"




True to the Blue!