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!

More Photos from Don Newcombe Signing

The Don Newcombe signing at at Frank & Son was this passed Saturday June 4th.  You can check out my post and pictures here

After the signing on Saturday I got the following e-mail from Robert M.:

I was able to make the Don Newcombe signing today at Frank & Sons also.  I brought with me a great looking 11X14 black and white photo of Don with Jackie Robinson & Roy Campanella, which all 3 were all part of the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Series Champions.  Along with his auto he inscribed "55" Champs.  I also had him sign a baseball for my sports room.

Don was very cool and made sure to reach out for a handshake, which almost never happens with the current players.  Today was another great day for a collector such as myself.  GO DODGERS!

Nice additions to your collection Robert!  Take a look at his pics below.

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Steve Garvey

May 21, 2011

Steve Garvey

$20 - any item except bats & jerseys

$30 - bats & jerseys

1:00pm

He will pose for your photo at no additional charge or you can purchase a Poloroid autograph ticket for $30. After your Poloroid develops, Steve will sign it. Personalizations are no charge.

This appearance will be at Porky's Sports Cards, 21908 1/2 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills CA 91364

Thanks for the info Robert M.!

True to the Blue!



Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Tony Gwynn Jr.

I've had two posts about Matt Kemp's upcoming appearance on July 30, 2011.  The most updated information can be found on my post right here

Just announced making an appearance along with Matt Kemp at Frank & Son is Tony Gwynn Jr.

July 30, 2011

Tony Gwynn Jr.

$20 - small items - flat items & baseballs

$30 - large items - everything else

$10 - inscriptions

$8 - PSA/DNA

Time: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearance - Jerry Sands

May 28, 2011

Jerry Sands

2011 Dodger Rookie

$25 - cards, photos, balls

$35 - jerseys, bats, helmets, posters, hats

$10 - PSA/DNA Certificate of Authenticity

11:00 am

You know the baseball season is in full swing when all kinds of signings are going on.  Sands will appear at Southbay Baseball Cards, Inc., 1751 Pacific Coast Highway, Lomita CA.

True to the Blue!

Upcoming Dodger Appearances - Ramon Martinez, Lasorda & Newcombe Updates

On April 5th, I originally posted information about Tommy Lasorda's upcoming appearance linked here

At the time of my posting, his appearance time had not been set.  However, his stage time has now been set for 11:30 am - 1:00pm.

On April 30th, I posted the new date of Don Newcombe's appearance at Frank & Son linked here

At the time his appearance time was not set either.  It has now been set for 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Also just announced, appearing the same day as Tommy, is former Dodger pitcher Ramon Martinez. 

Here is all the info:

June 18, 2011

Ramon Martinez

1990 All-Star

1990 20-game winner

July 14, 1995 No Hitter

$29 -  flats, minis & balls

$39 - bats, jerseys & equipment

stage time to be announced

True to the Blue! 

Upcoming Dodger Appearances - Barajas, Carroll, Navarro

Here are three appearances coming up in the next three weeks.

Rod Barajas

Friday, May 13, 12-1 pm

MetroPCS

9070 Van Nuys Blvd

Panorama City, CA 91402

Jamey Carroll

Saturday, May 28, 12-1 pm

Sports Authority Store

13730 Riverside Drive

Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Dioner Navarro

Saturday, May 28, 12-1 pm

Kragen O'Reilly Auto Parts Store

440 East Washington Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90015

True to the Blue!

Dodger Players Sign Autographs to Benefit Tornado Relief - Recap

Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium was Cooler Bag Night as the Dodgers took on the visiting Chicago Cubs.  While the Dodgers took the loss, Andre Ethier was able to extend his hitting streak to 29-games.  Before the game several Dodgers were in Autograph Alley signing autographs to benefit Tornado Relief.  This was my first experience in Autograph Alley and I must say I was impressed.

When I reached the area behind centerfield at about 5:30pm, the line was pretty long just to get into the Autograph Alley area.  Once I reached the inside area, we were informed Lance Cormier & Jon Garland were at table 1.  Hiroki Kuroda was at table 2, Jonathan Broxton & Matt Guerrier were at table 3 and Clayton Kershaw and Blake Hawksworth were at table 4. 

There were separate lines for each player and being the Kershaw/Hawksworth line was the longest, I jumped in that one.  Some of the other lines were pretty short, so I asked the couple in front of me if they would hold my place in line and once they agreed I jumped in the Garland/Cormier line.  Once I got their autographs I got in the Broxton/Guerrier line.  I got their signatures and then got back in the Kershaw/Hawksworth line.  At this point, Tony Gwynn Jr. joined Hiroki Kuroda at his table.  I contemplated getting in that line but just stayed in the Kershaw/Hawksworth line.  I was about 10-12 people away from the front when Kershaw & Hawksworth left.

Overall is was a good experience.  Here are the pics of my autographs:

Jonathan Broxton on a 2009 All-Star Game game ball

Matt Guerrier on a Dodgers post card

Lance Cormier

Jon Garland

Pretty good additions to my collection.  I'm sure i'll get Kershaw's autograph somewhere down the line.

True to the Blue!