Header - Baseball by the Letters

Year: 2010

Slugger Mike Sandlock Made Dodgers Move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles?!?

by


“Joke.”

I don’t get credit for that one. It’s from Mike Sandlock, yet another witty catcher.

Oh, the punchline comes last. Here’s Mike, offering a fun letter at age 94:

“Remember?!

My first home run in the Polo Grounds. I saw the ball go over the Chesterfield Sign.

Second? The one in Ebbets Field, that one hit the clock in center.

They couldn’t fix it, so they moved to L.A.

Joke.

Both off the same pitcher, Harry Feldman.

P.S. – I wish I could type??”

Why is Mike Sandlock on my heroes list? He is a World War II veteran who delayed the start of his major league career. He’s been a staunch supporter of the Baseball Assistance Team, getting financial aid to disadvantaged former players. Plus, I think he could go joke for joke against Garagiola, Uecker or any other receiver!

Twin Frank Quilici’s Italian Nickname

by


One of the things I love about baseball? You can’t assume anything.

Growing up in the Midwest, it seems like Frank Quilici is a Twins tradition. Whether infielder, manager or long-time color commentator, he’s a big part of team history.

Reading about Frank, the first surprise that popped up was his nickname:

Guido.

Not being Italian, I puzzled at the accounts of teammates tagging Frank with “Guido.” Was this just a sign of more relaxed, less-politically correct times?
Try listing all ethnic nicknames for current players. Can you think of any?

I asked in a letter, along with a request for memories of Metropolitan Stadium and that 1965 A.L. Championship squad. I received a sparkling reply to my letter:

“Guido is my Dad’s name in italian. he loved baseball and we enjoyed every day that we could play catch and go to the park. Guido means ‘Guy’ in English. I was proud and happy that the guys called me my dad’s name. I was very proud of him and my mom.

Metropolitan Stadium was a big playpen for my four children. As they grew up, they loved being there and loved the people who worked for Calvin Griffith. It was like extended family. Bob Showers has a great book out called The Twins at the Met

“The 1965 team was led by our silent leader, Harmon Killebrew. Our veterans were really class guys and we played day by day, forgetting the last game and looking forward to the next.

“My life in baseball was magic but not without setbacks and fighting for everything I earned. I loved every minute that I wore a Twins uniform.

“Best of Luck. Go Twins! Frank Quilici”

Gifts For All Collectors!

by


Happy Birthday, Diana!

My wife has been a wonderful friend to me. On her birthday, she gives gifts.

Therefore, I want to follow her sterling example. Here are three tips to help anyone wanting to stand out in your correspondence with a current or former player:

1. Choose a strong question. WHY works. HOW is a close second. Let them explain a moment in baseball history to you. WHAT was your greatest thrill? Don’t expect an entire sentence to answer that one, let alone a paragraph.

2. Quote them. You’re sure to get a “the answer should be in my latest book…” Well, if you’ve read the book and wonder why they feel that way, ASK! Collectors have said that they’ve seen Dave Winfield sign in person, choosing to first autograph copies of his books before signing any cards or baseballs.

3. Learn from greeting cards! Here’s my ultimate secret. Never pass up those stray greeting card envelopes at Hallmark or stationery stores. The envelopes and the cards never match, so the store sells a pile of colorful envelopes for as little as a penny apiece. When did you ever get a bill or bad news from one of those cheery envelopes with the Hallmark logo on the back? That happy memory might make a player open your letter first.

Are there any “extra touches” you use to help increase your response rate?

Finding Updated Player Addresses

by

This is the logo I remember from when I first started collecting autographs by mail in the early 1970s.

One of the first techniques I learned was adding ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED under my return address.

Logos change. So do the times.

On a whim, I called my local post office. Essentially, the USPS voice said:

Your letter gets forwarded for one year. For the next 6 months, you’ll get your letter back with the new address label (if available).

No need to write ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED.

I’ll try to verify this in the days ahead. However, I hope it’s true. Adding those words made me feel like a bill collector trying to track down a deadbeat.

Struck Out by White Sox ‘Key’ Player

by


My wife is a gifted piano teacher. “If you’re going to make a mistake, make it a big one!” she encourages her students. In other words, don’t be timid. When swinging, go for the fences.

That’s what I did writing to another keyboard artist, Nancy Faust. She’s been the team organist for the Chicago White Sox since 1970. She’ll be retiring at season’s end. In my Hall of Fame, I’d give Nancy some real estate for introducing Steam’s Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye) as a ballpark standard.

Everybody gets three strikes. Therefore, I asked three questions:

1. You were Harry “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” Caray’s first accompanist. What are your memories of creating a new baseball tradition?
2. What are your memories of the 2005 World Championship season?
3. Besides Jack McDowell, what White Sox players have impressed you most with their musical knowledge or abilities?

My reply in care of the team included a personalized 4-by-6 color photo and a signed team-issued card. Thoughtful bonuses I received with gratitude. However, no answers.

That’s okay. I took my cuts. Play on, Nancy!