Header - Baseball by the Letters

Month: August 2010

Baseball Almanac Website Has Famous Fans: Just Ask Pitcher Daniel Hudson

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I confess. I’m a fan of Sean Holtz.

What team does he play for? OUR team?

Sean is the mastermind behind Baseball Almanac. I link to Baseball Almanac player pages whenever possible. He collects more than stats. Sean includes college attended, uniform numbers, salaries and other tidbits that connect the dots in a player’s career. I use his pages to research a former player before I send a fan letter of questions.

Most often, as noted in “Online Baseball Autograph Museum!”, my March 20 post about his extensive autograph collection, Sean includes a signed card to illustrate every possible player page.

Forget the stuff all players spout about never reading their own press. There are guys checking themselves out on the Baseball Almanac website. Imagine getting an autographed card or note out of the blue, without sending a letter or SASE, from a baseball name who knows YOU. Sean has countless fans from Major League Baseball’s past and present.

Sean wrote me:

“As for players themselves helping, it isn’t as uncommon as you would think. Last week I received a card from Daniel Hudson signed and inscribed to Baseball Almanac for his page. It’s probably the 10th or so I’ve received, unsolicited, from players just adding cards. Others update their college data, uniform numbers, salaries, and a TON more are families (wives and children) doing the same thing for the player.”

It’s small wonder Hudson sent a personalized autograph. Check out the page Sean has made for him.

Give Sean an e-mail cheer. Let him know he has other fans. Help him fill in the blanks on your favorite player pages. Baseball Almanac is a website worth bookmarking. You’ll become a wiser fan. Your collection will thank you, too.

Giants Third Baseman Jim Davenport Baffled?

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Jim Davenport could be the subject of a great science experiment.

I’ve wondered if star players would have the same quantity and quality of baseball memories that their part-time counterparts enjoy. Or, did the top-tier starters spend so much time defending their jobs that they didn’t have time to savor each game?

My three questions for slick-fielding Giant Jim Davenport included:

1. What was it like playing in Seals Stadium, as compared to Candlestick Park?

2. What did winning the 1962 Gold Glove mean to you? When did you get the news of the award, and when did you receive the trophy?


3. Aug. 10, 1958 in L.A. Coliseum. You have two homers and five hits in a 12-8 win over the Dodgers. What do you remember about that slugfest? Best day ever as a hitter?

I think my letter shocked him. I included a second sheet of paper for his reply. He began with the customary autograph:

To Tom
Best Wishes
Jim Davenport

Then, he added the intrigue:

“Tom, I don’t remember all the things you are talking about but thanks anyway.

Jim Davenport”

Never discount the experiences of any major leaguer. The least-seen player may have been the greatest observer.

Senator OFer Gil Coan Opposes Ebay

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Gil Coan played 10 major league seasons. With today’s offenses, a speedster like Coan would be an annual resident in the stolen base leaders category.

Even at age 88, he’s still fast with his wits. He shared some great memories that I’ll be posting this week. Using his own postage and envelope,  Coan gave me a beautifully autographed 8-by-10, circa 1950, of him catching a first pitch in Washington from President Harry Truman. On the back, Coan hand-lettered a description of the event.

Most importantly, Coan ended his note with a plea:

“I ask that you do not sell these items enclosed, because too often I see items I give away on Ebay and do not appreciate that.”


During the height of Coan’s career, according to Baseball Almanac, he was pulling in a modest $14,000. The expense, and time, of reproducing your own photos is significant for an 80-something. Feeling that a gift you gave is unappreciated?  I can understand how he feels. Thankfully, I didn’t see any of his gifted photos being auctioned this week.

Even if you don’t agree with me or Gil Coan, know one thing:

They are watching.

Former and current players will slam the door on the hobby. Every month, champion baseball address finder  Harvey Meiselman shares word of another former player wanting a fee. Not for charity, but for the player himself. I’d guess a majority of them have seen their autographs sell online.

When an autograph signer lavishes you with bonuses, send them a thank-you note. Then, proceed with caution as you decide what to do with the signatures. Your decision could change the hobby forever.

Twin Julio Bequer Loves Wikipedia!

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Who’s the old-timer?

I wrote to Julio Becquer (b. 1931), asking three questions. This 70-something stunned me with his reply.

“Tom – Wikipedia will give the whole history of my career and more.

Best,

Julio Becquer”

Really? Here is Mister B’s Wikipedia entry, for all you to judge.

What did I ask about? First, how did he learn English after his arrival from Cuba? What coaches or players helped him adapt? Second, I wanted to know about that game-winning grand slam on the Fourth of July, 1961. Lastly, I asked about the secrets of his pinch-hitting successes. How did he prepare during the game for his one late-inning opportunity?

Becquer included a signed photo. His signature still matches the facsimile autograph on the 1959 Topps. I wonder if he’s smiling more these days? Those are some serious-looking baseball cards!

Bob Locker Salutes Oakland Boss Charlie Finley

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That awesome mustache wasn’t the only reason I was cheering for Bob Locker with the A’s and the Cubs. I wanted a fellow Iowa native to sparkle in the bigs. When he replied, he included a photo noting that we were fellow Iowans.

I asked about his career-high 77 appearances for the 1967 White Sox. Did he ever calculate how many pitches he threw that year, including all the time he spent in the bullpen? Locker replied:

“Those were different times. I remember warming up in the second inning…again in the middle, and still going in in the seventh to close out the game. The mental aspect was the most difficult.”

What about 25.1 consecutive scoreless innings in 1968? News to Locker!

“I am astounded…I had such a streak…the media obviously didn’t (know) either.”

I asked about how Locker concluded his career with Oakland and the Cubs. This meant he was working for two fabled owners, Charlie O. Finley and Chicago’s Philip “P.K.” Wrigley. Locker wrote:

“Charlie Finley was an amazing guy. One of the great examples of free enterprise and ingenuity. Thanks to Charlie, I have two [World Series] rings and great memories.


“Never met Mr. Wrigley, but he was a benevolent owner. I actually made $53,000 but think I earned my keep in ’73. But thanks to Marvin [Miller, player’s union president] I make more than that…for the rest of my life.”

I name-dropped in the letter. Being a fellow Iowa State alum, I mentioned that I had met Locker’s college coach “Cap” Timm once. Then, I pointed out that I lived less than an hour from his old White Sox and Pilots batterymate, Jerry McNertney (who was a college teammate).

Timm’s name was circled.

“The reason I had a major league career. Great man!”

Gratitude remains central in Locker’s success. Look up “Thanks, Marvin,” an impressive website designed to get Marvin Miller elected to the Hall of Fame. Look at the player testimonials. When Cooperstown calls, Miller can say, “Thanks, Bob!” The Iowa native is pitching like the old days. Let’s hope baseball pays attention.