Harvey Meiselman remains a hobby all-star.
His stellar 2013 Baseball Address List weighs in at 213 spiral-bound pages.
I’m marveling anew at his “tough TTM” column. He tallies reported responses from online autograph sites, warning collectors about anyone with a 25 percent success rate or LOWER. This alone is a fascinating list. You’ll find many obscure names on it, not just superstars and Hall of Famers. Only the most optimistic gamblers may attempt some of these guys, knowing that anyone you send is at high risk.
Harvey includes a section for baseball personalities: owners, executives, broadcasters, reporters. Collectors of the Ford Frick and Spink Award winners from the Hall of Fame will love this assortment.
The fine lists of Negro Leaguers and AAGPBL (girls league) veterans is shrinking with time. Collectors who’ve never tried these history makers will miss out totally soon. The advancing ages from these two categories will slam shut this window of opportunity soon.
There’s a concluding rundown of all the fee signers out there. How much do they want for different items? Who should the check be made out to (or do they demand cash only)? Harvey’s details will make sure no one wastes time and postage not following the instructions of signer-sellers.
Realize that customers are buying a partnership with Harvey, not just a single directory. Make sure that he has your e-mail address, and he’ll keep your address list updated to the minute. On Monday, he sent updates on raised fees from Steve Yeager, Ron Reed and Tommy Davis. Just as important, he noted that collectors have reported that Tim Raines and Don Sutton haven’t been responding to paying collectors — those who are sending in the required fees with their autograph request.
Harvey’s list is a must-have for any serious autograph collector or student of baseball history. Reach him before the postal increase Jan. 27, and you’ll save two dollars. Tell him Baseball By The Letters sent you!
Coming Friday: My thoughts about the players who charge for autographs in 2013.