Header - Baseball by the Letters

Year: 2012

An Overdue Valentine For Pat Neshek

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My hope soared to see the image on
http://www.csnbaltimore.com. Talk
to the man, reporters! He’s much more
than a “herky jerky” hurler…

Pitcher Pat Neshek remains baseball’s best-kept secret.

This is bigger than stats. The Orioles have potential gold to prospect. Neshek is one of baseball’s few remaining personalities, in addition to being MLB’s first-ever hobby ambassador.

I spotted just one website this weekend that might have told a little bit about Neshek’s charm. Well, a correspondent critiqued Neshek’s unique pitching motion. Sigh…

Attention, Baltimore media! Go to the Pat Neshek website. Check out his message board. Talk about a fan following! He’s real. While other ad agencies are posting phoney “all about me” messages on behalf of players, the pitcher is busy reviewing new card sets (giving away the autographed inserts he pulls).

The man posts his updated spring training address, so collectors can get their fan letters sent to the proper location. He offers to trade Pat Neshek autographed cards for ones you’ve collected — for any pro sport.

Emily Post is famous for her book of etiquette. Someday, Neshek should author a book for current and former major leaguers. “How to Treat Fans and Collectors.”

Keep grabbing headlines, Pat. We’re rooting for you!

Baseball History, Beyond Card Sets

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The first-ever equipment
manager for the Twins
shared his career story.
A real book, still
available from
www.domeplus.com

Reflecting on yesterday’s post, I realized that so many noted names in baseball history get ignored by collectors.

Why? No cards! Nothing to get autographed.

I’ve yet to find anyone who’s posted news of an autograph from the following:

— Yosh Kawano, former Cubs equipment manager

— George Toma, member MLB Groundskeepers Hall of Fame
(Look it up. No kidding!)

— Gene Geiselman, former Cardinals trainer

— Ernie Hays, former Cardinals organist

— Dick Martin, former Twins trainer

Sure, I’d love to get questions answered by these guys, names I thought would be part of baseball forever.

Most of all, I want them to see my letter. I want them to know I remember.

What out-of-uniform names from team rosters would you add to the list?

My Lost Moment In Cardinals History

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In 1988, I dropped the ball.

Working for Sports Collectors Digest, I was in the press booth at Busch Stadium. I met Colin Jarrett, the engineer of the Cardinals radio broadcasts.

Realizing how many years he had worked in baseball, I asked him about some of the favorite parks he had visited.

He named some bygone venues. Then, he handed me a small photo album, with photos of ballparks paintings.

“You collect paintings?” I asked.

He snorted. “I painted those!”

Jarrett explained that he had time on road trips, and that this was a good way of remembering.

He told me he gave the paintings as gifts, or donated some for charity auctions. I believe he said that one of his works was hanging in Mike Shannon’s Restaurant.

When I asked if I could write more about him and his stunning works, Jarrett seemed to grow embarrassed. He said no.

How many times did his name get mentioned on Cardinals broadcasts? Try finding out about Colin Jarrett today.

History’s window closes quickly. Get the stories while you can.

Scott Pose Clues In Collectors

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He looks like an
all-star in this
action pose!

I read about journeyman outfielder Scott Pose in the Sunday newspaper.

What jumped out at me was an answer to people asking about his role in baseball’s past.
He said, in part:

“On occasion they will. I keep it pretty low-profile. I rarely bring it up.”

Although www.sportscollectors.net noted that he had signed 14 of 19 TTM requests, Pose has gone through long dry spells, taking months to respond.

Like Terry Mathews, discussed in yesterday’s post, Pose may have more pride in his current work (baseball analyst for Big Ten Network and Durham Bulls).

I’m guessing Pose might be skeptical of a letter raving about his 1990s playing time. Mention his current contributions, even writing to him c/o Durham Bulls, might hike your chances for a reply.
I’ll be trying him soon.

Of course, it pays to read every note in a bio. Pose is a Hall of Famer. He belongs to the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association HOF. Let’s hope my Iowa postmark gets his attention.

Coming Thursday: Tom’s newest ’10 Most Wanted’ list.

Terry Mathews, Hero After Baseball

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Mathews autographed for
pay, signing inserts
in the 1996 Leaf set.
Did the experience
sour him on the hobby?

My sadness is tinged with smiles in reading about the life of 47-year-old Terry Mathews.

Yes, he died of a heart attack. However, he knew how to win, on and off the mound.

I was gladdened by this fine tribute article.

Looking up Mathews on the www.sportscollectors.net success board, I saw that only seven TTM attempts were recorded. He answered twice, one in 2004, the last in 2009.

He’s remembered as a selfless, caring person. That attitude somehow didn’t translate to fan mail. I’m guessing that the former pitcher (and countless other retirees) assumed new identities. They have trouble relating that player on the card to the person they are today.

Link the two, and you’ll have a greater chance of getting your response.