Ebbets Relics - Where are they now?

[Perseus71]

Hi,

I'm new here in the forums, although I have been reading them for quite some time.

I had a question that never seems to get answered..."What happened to a lot of the auction off Ebbets Field memorabilia?"

What I know:
1) I know the lights of Ebbets field were put to use on Downing stadium
2) The clock was moved to North Carolina to McCormick Field. Although there seems to be some debate about the validity of this.
3) Cornerstone of Ebbets field foundation at the Hall Of Fame
4) Flag pole in Brooklyn at some casket company.
5) Some collector in Denver has a part of the lighting from the Rotunda

Any other interesting tidbits?

Thanks!

[dodger dynamo]

I know some of the bricks were given to former players. pee wee reese had one. battlin bake, the dodger dynamo

[donzblock]

Hi,

I'm new here in the forums, although I have been reading them for quite some time.

I had a question that never seems to get answered..."What happened to a lot of the auction off Ebbets Field memorabilia?"

What I know:
1) I know the lights of Ebbets field were put to use on Downing stadium
2) The clock was moved to North Carolina to McCormick Field. Although there seems to be some debate about the validity of this.
3) Cornerstone of Ebbets field foundation at the Hall Of Fame
4) Flag pole in Brooklyn at some casket company.
5) Some collector in Denver has a part of the lighting from the Rotunda

Any other interesting tidbits?

Thanks!

One at a time:

1. Not all of the Ebbets Field lights ended up at Downing Stadium. Vendome Gardens purchased a tier of the lights to illuminate a particularly dangerous alley behind 900 Avenue H in Brooklyn. The residents gradually became accustomed enough to the brightness to sleep through it. Eventually, night punchball was invented.

2. The Ebbets Field clock currently keeps time in a gym at a community college in Pennsylvania.

3. The HOF cornerstone is an obvious facsimile of the real one guarded by Jimmy and Jaykay in the Rotunda.

4. As has been noted before, the real Ebbets Field flagpole stands in front of the Malvern Library in Pennsylvania.

5. As for the Denver collector who imagines he has parts of the Rotunda, remember that the Colorado air is thin and that Denver brains suffer from a lack of oxygen. The Rotunda remains safely guarded by J and J in a location that for obvious reasons cannot be divulged.

As for the "tidbits" that Perseus seeks, that word could describe a collection of thimbles, but there was not a widget of Ebbets Field that could be described as a tidbit.

[Perseus71]

I know some of the bricks and seats were given out to players, but I am also curious how much archival stuff the Dodgers actually have inventory. I wasn't even born when the Dodgers left town, but it looked like they left quite a bit.

I know pieces of the rotunda were sold off, but it always is fascinating to see where things end up being.

By the way, it's sort of ironic now that Dodger stadium is considered one of the dumpiest places to watch the game. When they need a new stadium they are going to have a major problem with all the lack of land being eaten up by developers.

[Ralph Zig Tyko]

"By the way, it's sort of ironic now that Dodger stadium is considered one of the dumpiest places to watch the game. When they need a new stadium they are going to have a major problem with all the lack of land being eaten up by developers."

No one considers Dodger Stadium dumpy in any way and if they need a new stadium in the future they'd build it on the existing property...

Aside, a pox on them and their "home."

[Gary Dunaier]

1) I know the lights of Ebbets field were put to use on Downing stadium
Downing Stadium, on Randall's Island, was torn down in 2002. A new facility, Icahn Stadium, was built on the site in 2004, but the Ebbets Field lights were left in place.

[VIBaseball]

Downing Stadium, on Randall's Island, was torn down in 2002. A new facility, Icahn Stadium, was built on the site in 2004, but the Ebbets Field lights were left in place.

There was a good New York Times article about Downing and the lights in 2000. It said the original Ebbets fixtures had grown scarce by that time. I guess they`d gotten worn out.

[BoofBonser26]

One at a time:

1. Not all of the Ebbets Field lights ended up at Downing Stadium. Vendome Gardens purchased a tier of the lights to illuminate a particularly dangerous alley behind 900 Avenue H in Brooklyn. The residents gradually became accustomed enough to the brightness to sleep through it. Eventually, night punchball was invented.

2. The Ebbets Field clock currently keeps time in a gym at a community college in Pennsylvania.

3. The HOF cornerstone is an obvious facsimile of the real one guarded by Jimmy and Jaykay in the Rotunda.

4. As has been noted before, the real Ebbets Field flagpole stands in front of the Malvern Library in Pennsylvania.

5. As for the Denver collector who imagines he has parts of the Rotunda, remember that the Colorado air is thin and that Denver brains suffer from a lack of oxygen. The Rotunda remains safely guarded by J and J in a location that for obvious reasons cannot be divulged.

As for the "tidbits" that Perseus seeks, that word could describe a collection of thimbles, but there was not a widget of Ebbets Field that could be described as a tidbit.
What the heck? :hp

[Perseus71]

I beg to differ on my statement about Dodger stadium being a dump. It really is. Where are you from Anaheim? have you been there lately? Do you realize it is Shea Stadium built into the mountain? Do you realize that there is a lot of unpaved(dirt) parking spots around the stadium? It's rather sad and pathetic.

Anyway, it is said, somewhere, that the Dodgers have a lot of Brooklyn memorabilia archived away and none of it is displayed at the stadium. I would be curious to see what they have in storage. Anybody know anything?

[donzblock]

We tunneled successfully into their vaults a long time ago and removed all relics of any value. What we took was inventoried by Jaykay.

[DODGER DEB]

We tunneled successfully into their vaults a long time ago and removed all relics of any value. What we took was inventoried by Jaykay.


Everything was in place and OK for a long time, Professor. Now, however, I am told that WE need to address the issue of those cobblestones from Bedford Avenue that were stored on the McKeever side of OUR Rotunda......they are falling and blocking the vaults and needed space. WE don't want any of OUR precious relics to be damaged, after all it took to tunnel them to their rightful place here on the east coast? :hp

Any suggestions?

c.

[donzblock]

The cobblestones have, of course, accumulated since the demise of Jackie42 effectively prevented him from completing his repaving of Bedford Avenue. My Brooklyn-Dodger-T-Shirt-wearing students have volunteered to move them and complete the job. They are on winter recess for the next 20+ days and have time on their hands. All they ask in payment is recognition on this board. If I knew how, I would publish their picture, but alas I lack the skills to do so. Can our super moderator do it?

[DODGER DEB]

The cobblestones have, of course, accumulated since the demise of Jackie42 effectively prevented him from completing his repaving of Bedford Avenue. My Brooklyn-Dodger-T-Shirt-wearing students have volunteered to move them and complete the job. They are on winter recess for the next 20+ days and have time on their hands. All they ask in payment is recognition on this board. If I knew how, I would publish their picture, but alas I lack the skills to do so. Can our super moderator do it?

I truly wish I could, Professor, because I think everyone should see the wonderful work you've done with your students, in additon to your day job. WE are so proud of you!

However, I am sure WE have a few members, here on OUR forum, that can assist you with how to post that photo.

c.

[LeoD]

The cobblestones have, of course, accumulated since the demise of Jackie42 effectively prevented him from completing his repaving of Bedford Avenue. My Brooklyn-Dodger-T-Shirt-wearing students have volunteered to move them and complete the job. They are on winter recess for the next 20+ days and have time on their hands. All they ask in payment is recognition on this board. If I knew how, I would publish their picture, but alas I lack the skills to do so. Can our super moderator do it?

I didn't know he died, what a shame, the last time I saw him he looked pretty good for a man his age.

[LeoD]

A seat anyone?

[LeoD]

found this-- Ebbets Field, I won't advertise the company web site.



Double seat $4750.00 (plus shipping)

Single seat $2750.00 (plus shipping

[Perseus71]

thanks Leo. I appreciate it.

It would be great to see different pictures of archived memorabilia.

[PlayJay]

I remember years ago, the HOF had a pair of Ebbets Field seats planted in the same room that housed Babe Ruth's locker. They were very worn. It was wonderful sitting in them! A pure joy.

[LeoD]

thanks Leo. I appreciate it.

It would be great to see different pictures of archived memorabilia.

Your welcome

[Ralph Zig Tyko]

You're welcome, as well, I'm sure.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I didn't know he died, what a shame, the last time I saw him he looked pretty good for a man his age.

I doubt if he passed away. There is another Brooklyn Dodgers forum, where a guy with the same name posts. He knows an aweful lot about the Dodgers. He also has a lot of documentation (pics, documents). I think that he is still alive. As a matter of fact, this person posted today.

Of course it can be someone else, but the way he writes and the way he documents, I think it must be him.

[donzblock]

Nope, old Jackie42 is gone. I visited his gravesite on the outskirts of Winchester, Virginia. His headstone faces the Blue Ridge Mountains, not too far from the trail of a lonesome pine. On the stone is etched the following:

Here lies Jackie42
(Not to be Confused With LeoD)
1901-2006
When Erasmus Thanked Him for Graduating,
His Reply Was "Your Welcome."

[LeoD]

Nope, old Jackie42 is gone. I visited his gravesite on the outskirts of Winchester, Virginia. His headstone faces the Blue Ridge Mountains, not too far from the trail of a lonesome pine. On the stone is etched the following:

Here lies Jackie42
(Not to be Confused With LeoD)
1901-2006
When Erasmus Thanked Him for Graduating,
His Reply Was "Your Welcome."

What a shame another BBF legend gone.

[Perseus71]

Very sad. Sorry to hear that.

In today's New York Times there is an article about the Ebbets Field Apartments fire and it mentions some rumbling about finally honoring its past. It's a touching article that I can only hope fuels more of a tribute at 55 Sullivan Place. In the article they show a diagram of the field overlayed on the site. Building workers at EFA contradict each other as to where homeplate was in the buildings... What a disgrace! There needs to be a Baseball preservation society formed by Major League Baseball to help insure that places like this have some connection to the past. Robert Moses and Walter O'Malley are both Brooklyn Dodger enemies for eternity, but these Brooklyn politicians haven't done anything substantial to honor their past.

By the way, I've been told, that O'Malley's grandchildren would get chastised in college on a constant basis about the grandfather's move of the Dodgers to LA.

[DODGER DEB]

Here is the link to the NY Times story today...

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/nyregion/06ebbetts.html?ex=1200286800&en=600c838dafcf4f4f&ei=5070

As I said in the other thread about this tragedy, I couldn't help but think, when I first read this story, that if OUR Ebbets Field was still standing, as it should be, whether as a ballpark, or a preserved landmark, Lt. Martinson would still be with us.

c.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Nope, old Jackie42 is gone. I visited his gravesite on the outskirts of Winchester, Virginia. His headstone faces the Blue Ridge Mountains, not too far from the trail of a lonesome pine. On the stone is etched the following:

Here lies Jackie42
(Not to be Confused With LeoD)
1901-2006
When Erasmus Thanked Him for Graduating,
His Reply Was "Your Welcome."

Sad to hear he is gone. He lived through almost all the Dodgers/Robins history.

I hope that the baseball gods will be kind to him.

[LeoD]

Sad to hear he is gone. He lived through almost all the Dodgers/Robins history.

I hope that the baseball gods will be kind to him.

He was a great human being and a credit to Brooklyn, may he rest in Brooklyn Dodger heaven.

[DODGER DEB]

While I know this is indeed a very sad time, and at the risk of sounding insensitive, does anyone know to whom JACKIE42 bequeath his photo collection?

c.

[donzblock]

The photos are in the possession of Jaykay. I am not sure how he acquired them.

[DODGER DEB]

It is, to say the least, very damp down in OUR Rotunda these days. If that is where Jaykay is keeping these precious photos, I hope he has found a place that won't damage them, after all they are rather old. Perhaps he found one of those small closet rooms, off OUR clubhouse, to store them...what do you think?

Maybe Jaykay can shed some light on this mystery.

c.

[jaykay]

Thanks so much for thinking of me. It's always nice to be remembered.

Shedding light has never been one of my talents or virtues, no matter how far back you want to go. I've been away from the Rotunda for so long that I can barely recall the day it was lowered beneath the soil. However, Professor Block, who had other commitments that day and could not attend, should be reminded that the edifice (if I may employ a bit of Latin) was not dismantled and reconstructed below, but rather descended in one fell swoop (or one swell foop, as some would have it), achieving status as one of the engineering marvels of the century. The structure was dry the last time I visited, but clearly Dodger Deb has been in the area more recently. She will no doubt elaborate if urged. Professor Block, as sly and outspoken as they come, will elaborate even if not urged - in fact, especially if not urged. I bear no man ill will (women are an entirely different matter, as my marital ledger will attest), so that I wish Jackie42 nothing but peaceful contentment wherever he is. I find it a bit troubling to speak of someone whose status (i.e., deceased or living) remains a matter of some doubt, and would hope that the more knowledgeable among us can settle things at the first opportunity. Like the rest of us, he did his best. I know absolutely nothing of his photos' whereabouts, but wish them well. If Dodger Deb fears that they may be corrupted by Rotunda dampness (or dry rot, which I'm told is even worse), she might take a blow dryer on her next visit and do what she can to preserve yet another irreplaceable momenti (Latin plural of momento).

That's about it, friends. I just heard second (and last) call for breakfast. See you on Opening Day.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

It is, to say the least, very damp down in OUR Rotunda these days. If that is where Jaykay is keeping these precious photos, I hope he has found a place that won't damage them, after all they are rather old. Perhaps he found one of those small closet rooms, off OUR clubhouse, to store them...what do you think?

Maybe Jaykay can shed some light on this mystery.

c.

You guys are talking about the Rotunda. May I ask what that is? Is it just your club house that you have called that way?

[LeoD]

Is this the Rotunda or Grand central station?

[DODGER DEB]

You guys are talking about the Rotunda. May I ask what that is? Is it just your club house that you have called that way?

No, YBF, it is not OUR clubhouse. It is the beautiful front entrance to OUR Ebbets Field. It is a huge semi-circle open entrance corridor of ticket windows and entrance doors, built of the most incredible white (and some color) italian marble you ever saw. It had a huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling in the center, of which the lights were shaped like baseballs. It was truly one magnificent place. God, how I loved that place!

I am tyring to locate the one photo WE have of it. Does anyone remember on which thread it was posted on a few years ago?

c.

[DODGER DEB]

Is this the Rotunda or Grand central station?

It really doesn't look like OUR Rotunda. One point: On the huge high wall behind the Rotunda (inside the ballpark), there was a huge sign that said "Next Game DODGERS vs________". This wall is blank.

Also, since Skoonj, Campy, and Gil have luggage, it's probably either Grand Central, or Penn Station.

c.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

No, YBF, it is not OUR clubhouse. It is the beautiful front entrance to OUR Ebbets Field. It is a huge semi-circle open entrance corridor of ticket windows and entrance doors, built of the most incredible white (and some color) italian marble you ever saw. It had a huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling in the center, of which the lights were shaped like baseballs. It was truly one magnificent place. God, how I loved that place!

I am tyring to locate the one photo WE have of it. Does anyone remember on which thread it was posted on a few years ago?

c.

I know that the entrance had a rotunda shape. I must have misunderstood you.

I have seen a photo on the net. It is in the thread "Our Ebbets Field History!", page 4, post #97. (long live Google :clapping)

[LeoD]

http://www.walteromalley.com/images/biog_ss/ss_rotunda_ebbets.jpg

The rotunda at Ebbets Field was part of Charles Ebbets’ vision for his new ballpark. The rotunda features a marble floor that reads “Ebbets Field” around a large baseball and a signature chandelier, which was comprised of baseball bats and globes with painted stitching to resemble baseballs. In the center of this photo, the 1949 schedule of the Brooklyn--New York Football Yankees of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) is highlighted.

[DODGER DEB]

Thanks, YBF, for the link.

That is the photo! Thanks for posting it, LeoD.

c.

[LeoD]

Thanks, YBF, for the link.

That is the photo! Thanks for posting it, LeoD.

c.

Its my pleasure.

[donzblock]

I've been away from the Rotunda for so long that I can barely recall the day it was lowered beneath the soil. However, Professor Block, who had other commitments that day and could not attend, should be reminded that the edifice (if I may employ a bit of Latin) was not dismantled and reconstructed below, but rather descended in one fell swoop (or one swell foop, as some would have it), achieving status as one of the engineering marvels of the century.

Yes, it was lowered in one fell swoop, just as Jaykay writes, but that is only half the story. If it had been simply lowered, the Rotunda would be easy to locate. The real engineering miracles occurred immediately after the lowering when the Rotunda made a series of right and left turns and concluded with a uey. Those maneuvers saved it from the looting that the Egyptian tombs suffered. Jaykay's omissions were deliberate, but my additions will in no way endanger the Rotunda.

[2Chance]

I'm saddened to hear about Jackie42. I had many opportunities to chat with him (via PM) when he was a regular, and he shared some of the greatest photos. He seemed like a great person.

The ranks are thinning too much around here these days.

[LeoD]

I'm saddened to hear about Jackie42. I had many opportunities to chat with him (via PM) when he was a regular, and he shared some of the greatest photos. He seemed like a great person.

The ranks are thinning too much around here these days.

I knew him well, he was the most loving, decent, kind, knowledgeable, generous, handsome, modest human being I ever met.

[DODGER DEB]

Yes, it was lowered in one fell swoop, just as Jaykay writes, but that is only half the story. If it had been simply lowered, the Rotunda would be easy to locate. The real engineering miracles occurred immediately after the lowering when the Rotunda made a series of right and left turns and concluded with a uey. Those maneuvers saved it from the looting that the Egyptian tombs suffered. Jaykay's omissions were deliberate, but my additions will in no way endanger the Rotunda.

Are WE to think that these engineering marvels were also responsible for the left bent cave (under Montgomery Street) that lead to Jimmy Hoffa's hideaway, or did Jaykay shovel that part out all by his lonesome, and then cover the door leading to it with those cobblestones from Bedford Avenue?

We've been away from all these crucial facts for sometime, so they need to be updated for all the "newies" on OUR forum, Professor. Agree?

c.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I'm saddened to hear about Jackie42. I had many opportunities to chat with him (via PM) when he was a regular, and he shared some of the greatest photos. He seemed like a great person.

The ranks are thinning too much around here these days.

Don't worry. I didn't plan to die any time soon...:rolleyes::D

[donzblock]

Are WE to think that these engineering marvels were also responsible for the left bent cave (under Montgomery Street) that lead to Jimmy Hoffa's hideaway, or did Jaykay shovel that part out all by his lonesome, and then cover the door leading to it with those cobblestones from Bedford Avenue?

We've been away from all these crucial facts for sometime, so they need to be updated for all the "newies" on OUR forum, Professor. Agree?

c.

Jaykay's efforts were herculean and took quite a bit out of him (it's not easy to alphabetize), but the tunneling was done by machine. If you gave Jaykay a shovel, he would regard it as a metaphor.

Jackie42 had all the cobblestones, and I believe he took to the grave the location of the remaining ones and the knowledge of who did what to the ones that are still visible.

I left a faux cobblestone on his gravesite outside Winchester in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

[LeoD]

Jaykay's efforts were herculean and took quite a bit out of him (it's not easy to alphabetize), but the tunneling was done by machine. If you gave Jaykay a shovel, he would regard it as a metaphor.

Jackie42 had all the cobblestones, and I believe he took to the grave the location of the remaining ones and the knowledge of who did what to the ones that are still visible.

I left a faux cobblestone on his gravesite outside Winchester in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Jackie told me that the cobble stone's are with his children and grandchildren, but where they will not tell me, I think they are going to try to auction them off.

[donzblock]

Then we will have to check Ebay for cobblestone auctions and hope that collectors will be asleep when these items go off. I am guessing that the cobblestones will provide Jackie42's survivors with a handsome inheritance.

[Perseus71]

This thread should be about relics of Ebbets field, so any contributions or pictures to this would be greatly appreciated. I really wish someone would post up pictures of the original Schaefer clock at that other ballfield in the South or at that gym.

[JohnCropp]

if OUR Ebbets Field were still standing, as it should be, whether as a ballpark, or a preserved landmark, Lt. Martinson would still be with us.

c.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x254/suchgreatheight77/jim_halpert.jpg

[DODGER DEB]

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x254/suchgreatheight77/jim_halpert.jpg


PLease explain this photo!

c.

[hit_sign_won_nothing]

I can understand your pain.
I've never been to Brooklyn, never seen the Dodgers and was born 15 years after the bums left town. I'm a English based baseball fan who follows the Blue Jays but the Dodgers were my first introduction to baseball. A friend gave me 'The boys of summer' to read and I was hooked on the Brooklyn Dodgers story.
I am a committed supporter of Oxford United Football Club here in the UK. For those of you that know English 'soccer', you will know that Oxford's old stadium - The Manor Ground - was demolished in 2001 to make way for a hospital and the team moved into a new, souless, character-less stadium. I grew up on the Manor Ground terraces, experienced more joy and pain than in any other area of life even though 95% of other supporters would tell you that it was a dump. When we left it was like losing a dear family member and it is no longer a joy to go to football matches. Just after the ground closed there was the obligatory auction to sell of bits of it. On my humble police officer salary all I could afford was a bunch of toilet signs made in yellow and blue - the club colours!
Since the stadium was flattened - nearly seven years ago - I have not been back to see what is there, except for one occasion when I was a passenger in a car driving up the main road. I averted my eyes, I did not want to see the space where my beloved Manor Ground once stood. As far as I am concerned the stadium still stands and the memories remain.
There is no memorial to my old stadium and I don't expect anyone in power to change that.
God bless all old sporting arenas - they have a special place in the fabric of our society.
They are where we gathered to cheer, boo, laugh and cry together.
There used to be a ballpark...

[donzblock]

I can understand your pain.
I've never been to Brooklyn, never seen the Dodgers and was born 15 years after the bums left town. I'm a English based baseball fan who follows the Blue Jays but the Dodgers were my first introduction to baseball. A friend gave me 'The boys of summer' to read and I was hooked on the Brooklyn Dodgers story.
I am a committed supporter of Oxford United Football Club here in the UK. For those of you that know English 'soccer', you will know that Oxford's old stadium - The Manor Ground - was demolished in 2001 to make way for a hospital and the team moved into a new, souless, character-less stadium. I grew up on the Manor Ground terraces, experienced more joy and pain than in any other area of life even though 95% of other supporters would tell you that it was a dump. When we left it was like losing a dear family member and it is no longer a joy to go to football matches. Just after the ground closed there was the obligatory auction to sell of bits of it. On my humble police officer salary all I could afford was a bunch of toilet signs made in yellow and blue - the club colours!
Since the stadium was flattened - nearly seven years ago - I have not been back to see what is there, except for one occasion when I was a passenger in a car driving up the main road. I averted my eyes, I did not want to see the space where my beloved Manor Ground once stood. As far as I am concerned the stadium still stands and the memories remain.
There is no memorial to my old stadium and I don't expect anyone in power to change that.
God bless all old sporting arenas - they have a special place in the fabric of our society.
They are where we gathered to cheer, boo, laugh and cry together.
There used to be a ballpark...
Yep, and those toilet signs in yellow and blue would probably be misunderstood by most people but not by those who rooted for Oxford United at the Manor Ground. And I'm sure that someone out there has some Ebbets Field stalls that will bring a handsome price on Ebay. If I am not mistaken, the Rotunda loos remain in pristine condition, thanks to Jaykay and Jimmy.