A Dodgers Christmas (card)

Karl Hubenthal, cartoonist and illustrator, five time Pulizer nominee and winner of multiple awards, made striking images that always remind me of those by fellow cartoonist Eddie Germano.

Hubenthal did a lot of artwork for the Dodgers organization over the years. In the 60’s and 70’s he did covers for yearbooks, world series programs, scorecards and… at least two christmas cards.

One of them (1977), I found on Ebay, some years ago, the other (1974) just recently.

1977

Santa Lasorda, or Lasorda Claus carries a presents filled bag on the cover of this card. When you open the card up we get to see who they are for. 

No surprise, the presents are for the best players of the year. 20 games winner John, manager of then year Lasorda and All Star MVP Sutton, to name a few.

All presents are placed under a tree and Tommy is busy decorating the room with the pennant. 

1974

On the front we see a group of Dodgers hoisting the pennant high in the christmas tree which has has been trimmed with ornaments describing the feats of that years players.

When you open the card you see a big present. The best a team can get. A world series championship (card says world championship, which is weird because there is no world baseball championships for teams). I love the reference to the well known and often used quote "wait till next year". 

They make a very colorful pair and both of them will be featured in the christmas displays at my home for years to come.