Header - Baseball by the Letters

Year: 2010

Marketing Guru Seth Godin Considers The Attraction Of Asking For Autographs

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“I got your letter. Why do you want MY autograph?”

I’ve never had such a phone call. Nevertheless, I mull over the question every time I prepare to write a former player. Although I’m seeking a story, not a signature, I understand how I’d get lumped in the fan mail category. What makes me different? What makes my request worthy?

I’m a daily reader who delights in the commentary of Seth Godin. Even though he’s never addressed baseball, he offers inspiration that keeps me going in my quest to reach the storytellers from baseball’s past.

This past week, he offered an essay that pondered the appeal of autographs.

How popular is Godin? He’s inspired the Seth Godin Marketing Guru action figure!

Readers: how would you explain to a player why you want his autograph?

Scrapbooks Hide Baseball Letter Treasures

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What is my holy grail?

I believe that some great baseball content is out there somewhere in a great-grandparent’s scrapbook. Past generations saved letters, pasting them (or hopefully, using photo corners) into scrapbooks. Not three-ring binders and plastic pages.

I love the vintage team logo stationery, too.

Keep watch. You may even be able to make a deal for a photocopy from a seller, or a collector who is wanting to slice up the scrapbook contents for the autographed cards and photos.

Spread the word. Keep hope. Your letter is out there!

Harry Kalas Wrote Of Richie Ashburn: “As Good A Friend As A Man Could Have”

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A Worthwhile Book!

There’s nothing wrong with vanilla ice cream. FoxSports is serving it for the NLCS broadcast. I tried ESPN radio, too.

I yearn for something more distinctive: a broadcaster who thrives on baseball. I’ve been thinking about Harry Kalas and Richie Ashburn. I never heard the pair together. But I heard Harry The K recall his long-time broadcast cohort. Before accepting the Hall of Fame’s Ford Frick Award in 2002, Kalas talked about his Phillies memories.

I sent a note of congratulations that year, asking him to keep talking about Ashburn. Kalas replied:

“Thanks for your kind letter. The Cooperstown weekend is something I will never forget.

Richie was as good a friend as a man could have. Not a game goes by that something will happen on the field that reminds me of ‘His Whitness’ and it’s always with a smile on my face and warmth in my heart.

My best wishes,
Harry Kalas”

Not to slight Giants fans…but Phillies followers might want to follow this Harry Kalas Facebook page.

Harry Kalas Wrote Of Richie Ashburn: "As Good A Friend As A Man Could Have"

by
A Worthwhile Book!

There’s nothing wrong with vanilla ice cream. FoxSports is serving it for the NLCS broadcast. I tried ESPN radio, too.

I yearn for something more distinctive: a broadcaster who thrives on baseball. I’ve been thinking about Harry Kalas and Richie Ashburn. I never heard the pair together. But I heard Harry The K recall his long-time broadcast cohort. Before accepting the Hall of Fame’s Ford Frick Award in 2002, Kalas talked about his Phillies memories.

I sent a note of congratulations that year, asking him to keep talking about Ashburn. Kalas replied:

“Thanks for your kind letter. The Cooperstown weekend is something I will never forget.

Richie was as good a friend as a man could have. Not a game goes by that something will happen on the field that reminds me of ‘His Whitness’ and it’s always with a smile on my face and warmth in my heart.

My best wishes,
Harry Kalas”

Not to slight Giants fans…but Phillies followers might want to follow this Harry Kalas Facebook page.

Don Wert Savors 1968 Tiger Glory

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Don Wert took six months to reply. As I faced my own birthday this week, I can’t help but worry about delays. I hope a retiree has been enjoying the summer or wintering somewhere warmer. However, I know that time can catch up to all players.

Who didn’t overshadow Wert in the 1960s? The capable third baseman played on Al Kaline’s team. Worse still, Brooks Robinson and Clete Boyer grabbed most headlines as the league’s top glove men.

What did becoming a 1968 All-Star mean to Wert?

“Excellence recognized.”

How could he keep defensive pace with Robinson and Boyer?

“I was quick to react and got a good jump on the balls.”

Lastly, I had to ask about the feeling of whacking the pennant-clinching hit in 1968. RELIEF seemed to be Wert’s primary emotion. He wrote:

“Glad that Kaline scored the run.”

SABR and researcher John Milner captured Wert’s career and personality with this ultimate bio.