Header - Baseball by the Letters

Month: September 2010

Jim Greengrass Shares All-Star Salutations

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On this Labor Day, I wanted to reflect on the labor-of-love salutations.

In nearly 40 years of autograph collecting, I’m grateful to see a “Best Wishes” or “Good Luck” added to a signature. Yet this month, I’ll share a former New York Yankee who signed off his letter, “Your Pal.”

In the last year, I’ve been marveling at choice sign-offs. The above and beyond effort to preface an autograph, the surprising addition to the name you’re expecting.

So far, Jim Greengrass is my champion. “Many happy innings to you, Tom” says it all.

Readers: what’s the most memorable inscription you’ve ever received with an autograph?

George Kell Believed in Fellow Hall of Famers Brooks Robinson, Branch Rickey

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Back in 1997, I wrote to Hall of Famer George Kell to ask of two baseball personalities he befriended.

First, I wanted to know about his dealings with famed general manager Branch Rickey. I had read that Kell helped Rickey with the early formation of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. A few players who faced contract battles with Rickey complained how hard-nosed “The Mahatma” was in negotiations.

Secondly, I praised Kell for being a role model for fellow Arkansas native Brooks Robinson.

Kell replied:

“Thomas — Mr. Rickey got me involved in the FCA back in the early ’50s, and I found him to be just what he was advertised to be — a fine, outstanding Christian gentleman.

If I had anything to do with the formation of Brooks Robinson, I’m proud and flattered. He comes from a great background and is a fine role model.

Sincerely,

George Kell”

Congress Honors George Kell’s Hall of Fame Autograph Signing Talents

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Class of 1983!

George Kell was a superstar among autograph signers. This week, the U.S. Congress agreed.

On Thursday, Kell (who died in March, 2009) received an honor collectors can appreciate. The Post Office is now officially, legally named the George Kell Building.

I spoke with John Putt, Swifton’s Postmaster.

“Mister Kell was a very humble man, just another man in town,” Putt remembered. “He never wanted any special attention.”

Putt recalled that the Hall of Famer averaged 10 to 15 pieces of fan mail daily, sometimes more. “He’d pick up his mail every morning. He’d return by noon to mail everything back.” In other words, collectors always got same-day service from Kell and his post office.

Putt says that his post office did more than hold a ceremony to honor Kell. To commemorate the day, Swifton has offered a special cancellation showing a baseball and 10 stars (noting Kell’s 10 All-Star team appearances). To get the special cancellation, send to:

Post Office Dedication Cancellation
Attention: Postmaster
Swifton, AR 72471

The post office can offer the special cancellation for only 30 days, meaning all requests must be received by Friday, October 1.

I’d suggest sending Kell’s HOF postcard or a Tiger Stadium/Comerica Park postcard in a larger envelope with appropriate postage and a removable address label. Or, use a plain envelope. (More room for signatures!) Then, you’d have something that would be great to get autographed by “Skeeter” Kell, George’s younger brother. See my June 28 blog post, “Everett ‘Skeeter’ Kell Remembers George, One Hall of Fame Brother.”

In fact, you could get your Kell-cancelled collectible autographed by any diamond contemporary of his.

It’s too late to get George’s autograph. However, it’s never too late to remember that there’s still great signers out there. They do more than please hobbyists. Those autographers keep a grateful USPS in business!

What breed of humble hero was George Kell? Check out his 1983 Cooperstown induction speech here to find out.

Tomorrow: I share my 1997 correspondence with George Kell!

Twin Garland Shifflett Is One Lucky ‘Duck’

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Art by Dugald Stermer,
courtesy Good Nature Publishing

Pitcher Garland Shifflett is a league leader in my eyes. He didn’t have the longest career. Nor, did he send the longest letters. He did make every word count, showing his care in corresponding with a fan.

Shifflett tasted a bit of success in his “cup of coffee.” He earned his only career save on June 11, 1964, stopping the Tigers. (Thanks, http://www.retrosheet.org/!)

First, I wanted to decode his nickname. Shades of “Ducky” Medwick!

“‘Duck’ came from my high school years! I am bow-legged. The name stuck through my career and I had no problem with it.”


Tucked between his 1957 Senators debut and his 1964 stint with the Twins was a busload of minor league action. Why did he log all those seasons for a second chance at the majors?

“What gave me the drive to keep going was the 1st and the 15th (paydays). HA! Honestly, I just purely loved the game.”


Part of Shifflett’s return hinged on the inclusion of a new pitch. He became a knuckleballer in 1963.

“I created the pitch myself. Good catchers [Garland’s underlined emphasis] really don’t care what you throw as long as you strike the batter out.”


I closed my letter with:

 “Thank you for your time. My ‘career’ ended in Little League. However, I can close my eyes and I’m back on the field again — like it was yesterday.”
Shifflett replied:

“Thanks for your questions. I also close my eyes and I’m on the mound again!”

I’m grateful to publisher Tim Colman, the force behind Good Nature Publishing. His company offers a great print of “The Slider,” showing the proper grip. These would look great autographed by your favorite pitcher. (This is not a paid affiliate link. I’m just delighted with this art, knowing that other fans and collectors will love it, too!)

Why Pirate Ted Beard Matters

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Ted Beard is a real player and real hero.

Beard delayed his career serving as an Army medic in World War II. He faced a four-year exile in the minors before earning a comeback with the Chicago White Sox. He owns more than a dozen years of AAA experience. Others may have bigger numbers in the bigs. However, no one should doubt Beard’s determination or love for the game.

We may never know Beard’s whole story. My letter was returned with a note:

“Ted is 89 and does not remember specifics of his playing career. We are sorry that we can’t fill your request.


Laura Beard
(wife)”

Beard is still signing autographs. On http://www.sportscollectors.net/, I see he’s 51-for-51. Even if he doesn’t remember his stats, Beard hasn’t forgotten why people collect.

Look at Beard’s career highlights on the ever-amazing http://www.retrosheet.org/. Beard debuted in a 1948 doubleheader, posting a triple in both games! Yes, Mrs. Beard, there are many specifics fans will remember about your husband. You’re both winners on my scorecard.