Header - Baseball by the Letters

Year: 2011

Ten From Then: Get Signers While They’re Hot!

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I have a soft spot in
my heart for the
players Topps “decapped.”
Does Short look happy
with his “traded” pose?

I don’t know if any of these players were outgoing during their careers. Letters to each were “out going” this week:

Bill Almon
Cuno Barragan
John Hetki
Ted Kasanski
Buddy Lively
Hector Lopez
Rance Mulliniks
Curt Raydon
Bill Short
Ed Wojna

Why these 10? I was trolling the “recent responses” from http://www.sportscollectors.net/. It’s the best bargain in the hobby, I must repeat. They’ve signed for others, and they’ve signed fast. I wanted to float some questions the way of 10 receptive retirees. Stay tuned…

Meanwhile, I’d appreciate any reader feedback as to what I may (or may not) have to look forward to in my mailbox from these guys.

WEEKEND UPDATE: Here’s a P.S. from Dan Cote, creator of the autograph blog “Signed D.C.” The new dad/Twins fan snared a signed Michael Cuddyer photo for his newborn daughter, after the two watched their first Twins game together on TV. Dan’s update includes:

“I did tell the whole story and even asked for a personalization to her if at all possible.


For all I know, it’s possible he didn’t even read the letter, just signed the photo. But he did retweet my twitter thank you to him this morning and added the comment “Cool story. You’re welcome!” so at least he’s read the story now.”

Dan’s actions help all of us. Any time a major leaguer can be convinced that an autograph is a personal gift (not just an item to be resold), we all win!

Tomorrow: the mystery of 1960 Yankee pitcher Hal Stowe

TTM Jody Reed Autographs Iffy, Says Stu-Man

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Super collector Stu “Stu-Man”
Clark pointed out on his
website that the newest
TTM card of Reed (right)
is nothing like the
player’s vintage autograph

My hobby heroes are collectors who’ll share what they know with others. Not just bragging about their best signatures, but news about their disappointments.

Stu “Stu-Man” Clark has been doing just that for more than 15 years online. He does all that and serves as a second grade teacher in western Massachusetts? That’s one all-star life. He even
made time to share his hobby insights with BBTL blog readers:

You blew the lid off the Jody Reed ghost-signings. You’re saving others wasted time, stamps
and ruined cards. Is this the first “ghost” you’ve busted? Any update on your discovery?

Every now and then you get a success that clearly does not match the player’s signature. I remember getting Sam Horn (former Red Sox) a few years back, and the signature was not even close to legit. As luck would have it, I tried him a few weeks later at a new address and got something legitimate.

I saw your website eons ago. You did a good job. When did you start that?
Then, I see you have a new site? Why? Differences between old and new?

I started the original website nearly 15 years ago. It was a great way to network with fellow collectors and share information. Recently, I switched over from the original site (http://www.stu-man.com/) to my new site (http://www.stumanautographs.com/) with a new design. The biggest reason for the switch? An easier interface which makes updates smoother and less time consuming. I’ve probably cut my update time in half since the switchover…

How does the Facebook page differ from your website? What types of collectors
do you collect with on each site?

The Facebook page is an extension of my site. It’s much more interactive. Collectors can ask me questions or comment on my successes. Many of the collectors that follow me on FB are also loyal followers of the website.

How long have you collected by mail? Do you remember your first autograph?
How has your collecting technique changed?

I’ve been collecting since my sophomore year in high school (1990). My first return was Todd Benzinger of the Boston Red Sox. Shortly after, I was hooked. My collecting technique hasn’t changed all that much over the years. Each year I buy 2-3 sets, and break them up for autographs. Although I aggressively collect 2 sets (1990 Upper Deck and 2001 UD Vintage) I’m working on 10-12 starter sets for which I’ve collected 100-200 cards each.

How do you make your homemade cards? How are you finding images?
Are you doing only current players, or retirees, too?

(Design by Stu Clark)

Making homemade cards is a great way to personalize your collection, especially for players who have limited cards. Using basic photo editing software, I create a design and customize it with team colors. I find the majority of the images on MLB.com under the player section. My homemade cards have mostly focused on current players at this point.

What’s been the best response from a signer regarding the homemades?
Are you providing extras, or waiting to be asked? Idea of how many “I’d like
extras” you’ve heard?

I’ve had several players write me notes asking for extras. Justin Speier of the Angels kept my cards but returned a note that said, “These are too cool to return.” So I made up a few more and he gladly signed a couple for me. Ryan Spilborgh’s dad sent me a note asking explaining that he handles his son’s fan mail and also collects his son’s cards. He asked if I could send him some duplicates.

Do you ask questions with your letters? Have you received any kind of
extra note, maybe telling about a card or photo?

In the past, I’ve sent index cards with the question, “What is your best baseball memory?” typed on it. I’ve received quite a few of those back and have made up a little album. Those are some of my favorite responses. Many players wrote about their first game in the big leagues. their performance in a big playoff game, or a memorable day in their career.

What are your collecting goals?

Aside from completing the two signed sets I am working on, I don’t have any real goals. I tend to focus my collection on players from my favorite teams, namely the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and Hartford Whalers.

Thanks, Stu, for all you do for the hobby. I hope all second graders find teachers as cool as you!

Sunday: I reveal my game plan, naming the next 10 letters I’ve sent.

Cub Vito Valentinetti Knows His Career

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Valentinetti has kept the
same autograph for a half-century.
He’ll sign VERTICALLY
to squeeze in every letter!

I never got any questions answered from pitcher Vito Valentinetti. However, I got a huge clue that I’m on the right track when writing to retired players.

He did autograph my letter. To his credit, even being in his 80s, he doesn’t miss a letter in his 17-letter name. Legible and complete!

I asked about his 1957 5-hit win against the Athletics. Instead of writing about the day, he sent me the box score from http://www.retrosheet.org/.

I had asked Valentinetti about his career-high seven strikeouts against the Yankees in 1958. Perhaps, the only reason he doesn’t brag about this win is because he didn’t go a full nine innings.

The lesson from the 1950s hurler is clear: specifics matter. ask about a season, a team, one player. The more specific your question, the better the possible answer.

Tomorrow: The legend of “Stu-Man,” veteran autograph collector.

Tigers Pitcher Howie Koplitz: ‘What A Ride!’

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Found on the Oshkosh
H.S. website. Originally a
McCarthy postcard image?

Tigers pitcher Howie Koplitz flashed candor and gratitude in his reply. I asked about his career-changing arm injury. Fresh off being named “Minor League Player of the Year” by The Sporting News in 1961, Koplitz had a bright future.

What moved me about the account was how Koplitz focuses on what he enjoyed during his career, instead of the potential that escaped him. He wrote…

“My arm problem is still a sore spot with me. It happened in Lakeland, Florida in spring training with the Tigers. The weather was very cold and windy, unlike a comfortable spring training day.

I was the pitcher in the pen ‘in the hole.’ In other words, they would only use me as a last resort. Sure enough in the ninth inning, I got the call to get ready. I went to the bullpen mound and the wind blew me off. I should have figured right there that this was not going to be a good experience.

I guess I figured that I could ‘wing it’ for one inning. But that didn’t work out too well. I went to throw a pitch and my shoulder popped. I could hear it and I could feel it.

I knew as soon as I did it that this was something serious and probably not repairable. In those days, the pitching should was still a mystery. I had never heard the term [Koplitz left a blank, although I’m sure he wanted to add ‘rotator cuff’] but I sure experienced it.

My career came to a grinding halt and it only took one pitch to do it.

Now-a-days, the medical people are much more capable, much more knowledgable in dealing with those serious injuries and do some remarkable rebuilding and repairing.

No matter how things turned out, I wouldn’t trade my 10 years in pro baseball for anything. It was a wonderful experience. I met some great people and made a ton of friends. I got to places I ordinarily wouldn’t [have] gotten to. Played in just about every state, including Puerto Rico, Dominican, Venezuela and Panama. What more could you ask for?

What a ride!

Thanks,
Howie”

Pitcher Howie Koplitz Kept The Detroit Tigers Nourished With Oshkosh Talent

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A humble, grateful face!

Many former players seem selective with adjectives.

Sure, they know stats. They know “team leading” and “career high.” However, lots of them tiptoe around feelings. Not Howie Koplitz. His letter was peppered with “delight,” “positive” and other words that express his pleasure and gratitude of a seesaw journey marking 10 years in pro ball.

Why is he so happy, not bitter, at never reaching stardom? Reading between the lines of the Koplitz letter, I went to the “Wall of Fame” page from his alma mater, Oshkosh (Wisconsin) West High School.

Imagine a school and town that size providing the Tigers two pitchers in a decade — starting with Billy Hoeft, class of 1950. The number might have been three.

Recent honoree Harold “Sog” Gauger is pictured from the class of 1954. Koplitz and Gauger combined to throw a no-hitter in the 1954 state tournament. That was one of five no-no’s “Sog” spun that year. Gauger signed with the Tigers in August. The last line is his heart-breaking bio notes that he died in an October car accident.

What might have been? Despite all the adversity Koplitz would face, I’m sure he remembered he was getting chances Gauger would never know.

Koplitz wrote:

“Dear Tom,


Thank you for the nice letter. I’m very honored to be remembered in such a positive manner. Although my Major League career was shortened, I feel that I built a lot of good memories in a short period of time.


That 1961 season in Birmingham was a pitcher’s delight. It was a case of me getting in a groove early in the season and staying there all season, which is very odd for any pitcher in any league. No matter what I did or tried to do, it turned out positive. What a positive feeling! At the completion of the Birmingham season, I was called up to the Detroit Tigers to my delight.


They could have called me up earlier, but I think they wanted to see me finish what I had started in Birmingham. That was alright with me. I think Eddie Glennon was the first person to tell me. Eddie was the general manager there. I celebrated with a couple of beers while I was packing!”

[Koplitz chose modesty here. Let me say for him: The Sporting News named him Minor League Player of the Year for his achievement. Baseball gave two MVP awards, one for each league. Only ONE player got TSN’s award!]

“About the seven straight wins to start my Major League career, I think the first one is always the most memorable. Oddly enough, the first one came in relief against the Los Angeles Angels. I remember that team very well. They were led by Albie Pearson and Steve Bilko.”

Thanks to the wonder of http://www.retrosheet.org/, here’s one more chance to enjoy that first-ever Koplitz win against the Angels.

Tomorrow: Koplitz recalls the pitch that changed everything.