Header - Baseball by the Letters

Year: 2012

Will Sing For Food…Or Autographs!

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Don’t know this cool set? I
found lots of singles
at www.baseballcardsoutlet.com.
 

I’ll say it again. I think it’s worth repeating:

Think of what you’re giving, not just what you should be getting.

Sure, your autograph might not appeal to a former player. There’s still ways to get noticed. It’s possible to convince someone of your sincerity.

Enter Steve Katzenmeyer, who is working to get the 121-card Elite Senior League card set (circa 1990) signed.

Don’t remember the short-lived baseball brainstorm, the idea of an Old-Timer’s Day taken seriously? Check out this summary from www.baseball-reference.com. Go on, we’ll wait for you.

Welcome back. Neat stuff, huh? Now, back to Steve’s story. He wrote:

“I’m a music teacher and musician, so I’ve written and recorded, “It Was The Senior League”, made 10 cds, sent one to each of the 10 with “Song About You Enclosed”, autographed each CD, and put a sticky note on each CD case that says, “If you like the song, will you please sign my card?”. Plus a SASE.”

Through his last update on the www.sportscollectors.net website, Steve reports that he’s down to needing only 13 signed cards. The toughest of the tough may be cracking under Steve’s musical pitch.

Steve hasn’t gotten any reviews back from former players. Frustratingly, autograph signers don’t send back notes saying, “I signed your request because…”

I hope Steve keeps writing, singing and collecting. He’s doing all three quite well.

Coming Friday: The curious case of Dirk Hayhurst.

Don’t Forget Baseball’s Team Trainers!

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Kyle Smego’s hobby legwork
yielded a return letter filled with
impressive baseball memories.

Don’t “he never” yourself out of a great collection.

For instance:

He never starred anywhere.

He never played in the majors.

He never played ANYWHERE.

Never say never. Behind that little-known name might be some classic baseball tales.

Kyle Smego, the driving force behind the “Autograph Addict” website, found that out when he acquired some vintage minor league cards. Being a true collector, he contacted EVERYONE in the set.

One of the classiest responses came from a 1980 El Paso Diablos team trainer.

Don Smelser was in the right place at the right time. He saw Tom Brunansky flirt with an epic five homers in one game. Smelser watched “The Famous Chicken” make his minor league debut, being a part of some now-classic routines. For days off, Smelser found a Hall of Famer for a golf buddy, pitcher-turned-coach Warren Spahn.

Kyle reaped this history bonanza through kindness. He began his letter offering to snare an extra card for Smelser, if the former trainer didn’t have one. A good lesson for us all: think about what you’re giving, not just what you hope to be getting.

Well done, Kyle!

Coming Wednesday: Remember the short-lived Senior League? One collector is getting tough autographs for a “song.”

Virgil Trucks + Tigers Update!

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Don’t close the
book on Virgil yet!
 

“We interrupt this broadcast to report…”

I’ve never had “news as it happens.” Until now, perhaps!

Bless you many fine readers who’ve sent get-well cards to the senior Detroit Tiger alum, Virgil “Fire” Trucks.

This tireless signer has been rehabbing on his own disabled list, from a broken leg, hoping to be well enough to field fan mail again.

Here’s a report from his daughter, Carolyn Beckwith:

“Please thank all of his fans for the cards and concern. He has read them and appreciates them so much, as do I. It is a big part of his recovery. He still of course cannot handle the fan mail for now. Maybe later and I will keep you updated on that progress.

Thank you so much for all you do.. Its appreciated so very much.”

Carolyn has noted that her Dad remains as savvy and witty as ever. The injury didn’t extend to his spirit.

Ah, but that’s not all the news.

I’ve received an e-mail from Eli Bayless, director of promotions for the Tigers. During Saturday’s game, the team will make a ballpark announcement and present photos on the scoreboard to honor the 60th anniversary of Virgil’s no-hitter against the Yankees (his second thrown in 1952).

I had e-mailed the team. I did not assume the front office had thought of everything. I sent a polite, specific note saying that Tigers fans would never get tired of celebrating a win against the Yankees!

Did my note make the difference? All I know is that someone listened to someone like me.

One letter can make a difference. Make a difference to Virgil Trucks, if you haven’t sent a card yet.

Send your get-well wishes to him in care of his daughter:

Carolyn Beckwith
55 Salser Lane
Columbiana, AL 35051

Coming Monday: An “Autograph Addict” redfines the definition of a “baseball autograph.”

Antiques Roadshow Reactions

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Thanks to all the blog faithful who responded about last week’s thoughts about “real” value in autographs.

It was not my intent to demonize this PBS staple. It’s great that people are interested in the backgrounds of their collectibles. I’ve hoped that more people would want to know who signed their baseballs, not just how many autographs are in the collection.

With that said, I wanted to add one comment and make one vow:

First, I’ve never disagreed with some collector who wants to keep quiet that he’s harboring a rare, exclusive autograph collection that could be worth zillions. I understand the fear that too much publicity could risk the security of valued memorabilia.

My problem? I’d be the person on Antiques Roadshow who hears the huge appraisal then poo-poos:

“That’s great. But I don’t care. I’d never sell it, no matter the price.”

I’ve imagined the director grimacing. “Get me more mercenary collectors!”

Meanwhile, I’ve hoped this blog would offer an alternative example for collectors. It’s my goal, even my hope, that you’ll see what I think real value is. I’d love to see all collectors bragging about the personal response they received from a retiree, how the reply exceeded all their expectations. Let the coin and stamp collectors brag about their net worth.

I take pride in finding former players who are fellow fans. Kohei Nirengi, my friend in Japan, notes in his letters that he believes that baseball is “the most beautiful game.” His sincere belief gets many letters of agreement and congratulations.

The best “autographs” in my collection today aren’t the rarest or signed by the most famous. The correspondence I’ve kept shows that my past memories of baseball are appreciated today. The response shows that I, as a fan, matter. No price guide can give me that.

Coming Friday: a Virgil Trucks update

Getting Your SASE Forwarded?

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The USPS has been kind
through the years delivering
my SASEs missing postage.
However, if moving, I want
to know I’ve done everything
to keep the autograph SAFE!

One hopeful bit of recent news on www.sportscollectors.net centered around former Seattle Mariner Alvin Davis. Collectors who wrote to the former first baseman in 2008 were seeing autograph results materialize.

I’ve been pondering how to contact a former player who takes YEARS to respond.

There’s a strong possibility I could be living in a different state in 2013. The U.S. Postal Service forwards for only six months?
My only solution has been to include in the return address section of my SASE the address of my parents. I’m sure they’ll be rooted to the same spot.
Readers, is there a better way? I’ll be grateful to share any other ideas.

Coming Wednesday: Antiques Roadshow, Part 2