Header - Baseball by the Letters

Month: May 2013

Is E-Mail Collectible? An E-Autograph?

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Reliever Pat Neshek is an exception. By e- and U.S. Mail,
he dazzles with his responses.
 

It’s a different kind of envelope to open. No paper. Just an icon.

Including your e-mail address with a fan letter could be a mixed blessing.

I love the hand-written creation of a response. I ask questions and see a retiree’s thought process. The cross-outs, the additions in another color of ink.

I’ve never included an e-mail address, thinking that a former player would only hit SEND when the answer was perfect.

Former catcher Bob Barton illustrated this perfectly. Words in the margins of my letter. Arrows leading me from one burst of thought to another insight. It was so REAL, just like the same way he’d call a game.

I think autograph collectors purchasing an autograph, requesting a special signature on a special spot using a certain pen SHOULD include an e-mail address. Someone handling the purchase could reach you quicker to double-check your wishes.

However, I’m not ready to start printing out e-mails to keep with hand-written letters.

Your thoughts?

Thank You, Monte Irvin

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A mystery: did this HOFer
once spell his first name
differently?
 

(At age 94, this barrier-breaking Giant is replying to collectors, stating that failing eyesight prevents him signing any more autographs. Here’s a copy of my response to the note:)

Dear Mr. Irvin,

Congratulations on your second retirement, this one your farewell as an autograph signer. As I stated on the envelope, I am not asking for an autograph.

This is my time to thank you for decades of service to baseball and baseball fans.

After all, you’ve signed for fans who never saw you on the field. A half-century after leaving the field, you’ve kept being kind.

While other Hall of Famers asked for fees for themselves, you raised donations for Lincoln University, your college.

Most of all, I applaud you on your finale. The note you’re now sending is an eloquent tribute to OUR game:

“I will always be a part of this great game and I trust it will continue to bring you enjoyment as a cherished sport and pastime.”

Well said, sir!

You’re part of the reason this game remains great. Thanks again.

Tom Owens

Look Out! It’s Kobe Bryant’s Mom!

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I found this gem at
www.zazzle.com

 

A prediction:

Those “My Mom Threw Out My Baseball Cards” T-shirts may be a thing of the past.

Try “Kobe Bryant’s Mom Threw Out My Collection.”

True. Imagine a parent or spouse growling, “Pick up these autographs, or I’m having Kobe Bryant’s mom call the auction house!”

New York Yankees Call Up Brother Beans!

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Rescued from the reach of Hurricane Sandy,
this labor of love is going to THE SHOW!

“Start Spreading the News!!! The Yankees called and asked Brother Beans to bring his stadium to Yankee Stadium. We did it!!! We want to thank everyone for all of your help and support. We will be at Yankee Stadium on May 14th. If you want to come with us please let us know. We are renting a bus and having tee shirts made. thank you for writing the great article to help get us on our way.”

For those of you who just tuned in…

In December, this blog reported on 86-year-old Bill Becker, wanting to share his matchstick-made model of Yankee Stadium with fellow Yankees fans.

What does this have to do with writing letters and collecting autographs?

Plenty! Dreams still come true.

 Don’t ask WHY.

Try “Why not?”

Trying is the secret.