Night Owl Cards

Not that I needed reminding, but I read a New York Times story the other day about how it's been 30 years since the Dodgers won the World Series. Orel Hershiser was interviewed for the story and he was talking about how people still come up to him on the regular to thank him for 1988. This was the magic of 1988, he said. You win the World Series once and you'll be remembered fondly for the rest of your days. As a broadcaster for the Dodgers, Hershiser said that he wanted this year's team to experience what he does. They came so close last year, one game away, and they could have easily won the whole thing, They deserve to know what that's like. Now that the Dodgers are in first place, I think now is as good a time as any for them to win the Series. Last year's season of domination didn't work, so how about if they get in through the side door, after a season of injuries, hitting slumps and bullpen blowups? Granted, there's the matter of one week...

Vin Scully: 3-and-1. And he walked him! And look who's coming up! Ballpark announcer: No. 23, Kirk GIBSON. Scully: All year long they looked to him to light the fire and all year long he answered the demands, until he was physically unable to start tonight -- with TWO bad legs, the bad left hamstring and the swollen right knee. And with two out, you talk about a roll of the dice, this is it. If he hits the ball on the ground, I would imagine he would be running 50 percent to first base. So the Dodgers, trying to catch lightning right now. TV graphic: DENNIS ECKERSLEY  HAS NOT ALLOWED A HOME RUN SINCE AUGUST 24TH. Scully: Fouled away. You know, complaining about the fact that with the left knee bothering him he can't push off. Well now he can't push off and he can't land . Joe Garagiola: He's gonna use all arms. Look at this crowd on its feet. What a tribute. Scully: 4-3 A's. Two out, ninth inning, not a bad open...

One of the unconscious reasons that I decided to return to card collecting eight years ago was because it was a hobby I could keep under my thumb. When it comes to collecting, there are a lot of hobbies that can get away from you very quickly. I don't know how antique collectors do it. If I collected antiques, that would have to be my full-time job. There is no way I am going to fill the estate with giant objects and call it a "hobby." If I see it wherever I go, then it's officially a job. But with cards -- unless you're out of control -- you can put them in a binder, throw them in a box, close the door, and -- presto! -- people don't even have to know you have a collection. And this is very important if you happen to live with others who don't share your enthusiasm. So that's a minor reason why I collect cards and try to refrain from any other kind of memorabilia. To keep the peace. And to make sure I don't trip over anything. My hobby ...

No, that title does not refer to "Gulf Coast Rookie League" Dodgers. Everyone should know by now that it means " GarveyCeyRussellLopes " Dodgers! Direct from Jim! I always assumed that Jim named his blog in the order of which '70s Dodger infielders he liked the most. Garvey first, then Cey , then Russell, then Lopes. I'm not sure if that's right. But if I were to go by that formula, my name would be " CeyLopesGarveyRussell ." Doesn't have the same ring to it does it? Jim knew what he was doing. Anyway, I got another package from Jim. Since we're fellow Dodgers fans it gets a little difficult to find Dodgers for each other. The Dodgers he sent had about a 40 percent success rate, which is pretty darn good for two guys with a whole mess of Dodgers cards. That's batting .400, you know. I'll be sending some Dodgers back at some point and I'll be lucky to get to that 40 percent mark. So let's take a look at some that t...