Header - Baseball by the Letters

Year: 2010

Boston Cy Young Winner Jim Lonborg Credits Pitching Coach Sal “The Barber” Maglie

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Handwriting matches!

Pitcher Jim Lonborg’s work ethic impresses me. I wrote to him to praise his 90 complete games. I asked him what role Boston pitching coach Sal “The Barber” Maglie played in his early success and 1967 Cy Young award. Lonborg replied:

“Loved Sal Maglie. Taught me how to pitch inside and when it made you more effective. We could do it more often in those days. He also taught me a cross-seam fastball that would not move as much.”

Unlike Maglie, Lonborg sported more than one nickname. Titles included:

1. Gentleman Jim
2. Lonnie
3. Doc (from his pre-med college days)

“Teammates usually called me Lonnie. The ‘Gentleman Jim’ came from media as I always answered their questions. I preferred ‘Lonnie.'”

After retirement, Lonborg became a dentist. People Magazine wrote about his transformation in 1984. Warning: beware of the magazine’s baseball (attempt at) humor.

Tomorrow: Lonborg recalls one of his best days as a HITTER, while weighing in on the DH rule.

Boston Cy Young Winner Jim Lonborg Credits Pitching Coach Sal "The Barber" Maglie

by
Handwriting matches!

Pitcher Jim Lonborg’s work ethic impresses me. I wrote to him to praise his 90 complete games. I asked him what role Boston pitching coach Sal “The Barber” Maglie played in his early success and 1967 Cy Young award. Lonborg replied:

“Loved Sal Maglie. Taught me how to pitch inside and when it made you more effective. We could do it more often in those days. He also taught me a cross-seam fastball that would not move as much.”

Unlike Maglie, Lonborg sported more than one nickname. Titles included:

1. Gentleman Jim
2. Lonnie
3. Doc (from his pre-med college days)

“Teammates usually called me Lonnie. The ‘Gentleman Jim’ came from media as I always answered their questions. I preferred ‘Lonnie.'”

After retirement, Lonborg became a dentist. People Magazine wrote about his transformation in 1984. Warning: beware of the magazine’s baseball (attempt at) humor.

Tomorrow: Lonborg recalls one of his best days as a HITTER, while weighing in on the DH rule.

Nolan Ryan’s 3rd No-Hitter No Surprise for Angels Catcher Tom Egan

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Same Swell Sig!

Teen Tom Egan began his catching career with the 1965 Angels at age 18. I wrote to Egan, asking if he ever felt uncomfortable around his older teammates.

“Yes, they treated me more like their little brother and I didn’t go out after the game.”

Egan blossomed as a power hitter, belting a career-best 10 home runs for the 1971 White Sox, matching his combined total from six prior years of part-time work. His breakout season wasn’t due to any adjustments at the plate.

“Always had the power, just got more at-bats.”

On Sept. 28, 1974, the unflappable receiver may have been the first to predict Nolan Ryan’s third career no-hitter. When did Egan’s mind switch from “good game” to “making history?” Egan replied:

“I knew he had great stuff after the first inning. When Nolan got his change and breaking ball over, the opponents had very little chance.”

 

Hauls of Shame Saving Baseball Letters

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Baseball history is only one letter away. That’s what keeps me writing.

The Baseball Hall of Fame library has housed countless historic documents, including letters. Letters from owners, players, all kinds of fabled baseball names — Cooperstown has collected them.

Sadly, some of the finest letters showcasing baseball’s history disappeared. Apparent thefts from years ago have only come to light as auction houses are seeing some of the mystery documents reappear.

A standing O goes to expert Peter J. Nash and the web team behind Hauls of Shame. Instead of simply sensationalizing tragic crimes of the past, the site is working with law enforcement and authentication talents to return these documents back to where they belong. I’m eager to see Nash’s 2011 book on the same subject.

Lucky Beavers: Finding Team Letterhead Gems

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Wear a Baseball Letter!
(Courtesy http://www.ebbets.com/)

How many autograph collectors have missed out?
Occasionally, team form letters are sent, the “too busy to sign” varieties. Or, a superstar generated a pre-print or autopenned generic response.

Those embossed letterheads are cool! Sure, “but I wanted…” is why everything hits the recycling bin. Years later, a logo catches your eye. You remember. Too late.

That’s where the cool fans at Ebbets Field Flannels come in. I love their letterhead collection. I was transfixed by Portland’s uniforms when they visited Tacoma for 1980s Pacific Coast League battles.

I’ve been a customer before. I will be again. Quality creations and great service. Ebbets Field
Flannels are all-stars.

Meanwhile, don’t forget to save the envelopes and letterheads from teams, even when the players disappoint. Someday, someone might make a T-shirt out of your consolation prize!