Header - Baseball by the Letters

Year: 2010

Yankee Frank Tepedino’s Wish for America

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Frank Tepedino is a classic. The former Yankee has maintained his calligraphy-quality penmanship. His signature is even more elegant than that captured on his 1971 and 1975 Topps cards. I was dazzled by the content and presentation of his thoughts on the page.

Not known for his power, Tepedino tallied six dingers in his career. Most memorable?

 “First homer off Catfish. Always your first stands out.”

Huzzah for the http://www.retrosheet.org/ team, finders of Tepedino’s blast off Hunter, June 18, 1971.

He played his first game in 1967 at the age of 19 for the Yankees. How did he cope with the New York media circus?

“In the 1960s, coverage was nowhere like it is now. We were part of history, so we all enjoyed it.”

Tepedino joined another fabled New York team after his major league career ended. He’s worked as an NYC firefighter. The Brooklyn-born Tepedino was the ideal choice to throw out the first pitch before a playoff game. What memory lingers from that game?

“To see New York and the country stand up as one because of 9/11. I hope we still will do it as a nation.”

Tepedino has worked as a motivational speaker, serving with the group Winning Beyond Winning. He’s found new meaning in his career in later years.

“My life in baseball was great, but like life, we don’t let it sink in till later in life.”

Two worthwhile books detailing Tepedino’s service to baseball and his city would be
Before the Glory: 20 Baseball Heroes Talk About Growing Up and Turning Hard Times into Home Runs
and
Yankees: Where Have You Gone?

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!