Header - Baseball by the Letters

Year: 2013

Bob Boone & More! Catching Up With Catchers

by

Check out Nick Diunte’s
success, to see how
the back-up backstop’s
autograph still shines!

I’ve heard from all kinds of autograph collectors, including the position hobbyists. So, here’s some updates about four names linked by job, a quartet of guys making news the hobby right now…

Applause and thanks start with collector Dan Brunetti. After two Return to Sender (RTS) rejections from Bob Boone, in care of the Nationals and later his home address, Boonie signed. I’m thinking Dan scored c/o the team.

Time is dwindling on attempts to get members of the 1950s Yankees dynasty teams. Nick Diunte, one of my favorite baseball writers, had to wait more than a year to get backup catcher Charlie Silvera, now 88. Read how Nick kindness moved the Yankee. Meanwhile, let me cast my vote for an always-worthwhile read at Nick’s “Baseball Hapenings” website.

Also, I wanted to share Ron Martin’s great summary of the career of just-deceased catcher Matt Batts, who did sign for me once. Thanks to Ron, an inspiring Reds fan and collector, noted:

“I guess that you may have heard that the former Red Matt Batts passed away this week.  He was 91 years old.  He was better known for his baseball exploits as a member of the Red Sox and Tigers’ organization but he finished his career in 1955 and 1956 with the Reds.  He was  one of Satchel Paige’s first catchers and also caught the second of Virgil Trucks’ two no-hitters.  He was also the catcher when Jack Harshman set the all time White Sox record of striking out 16 batters on July 25, 1954 against Ted Williams and the Boston Red Sox.”

Lastly, I wanted to weigh in on what seemed like an upbeat story about a retiree deciding to charge for TTM autographs. Catcher Mike Fitzgerald (1983-92) is wanting $5 for signing each baseball card, $10 for balls and other larger items. The note from baseball address king Harvey Meiselman said that the money would be used to pay off a son’s student loans.

Well, upon closer inspection at www.sportscollectors.net shows that the one-time Met and Expo hadn’t returned any requests since 2011. Collectors who’ve waited more than two years for a reply have gotten a letter from the son, indicating that, upon payment, he’ll see that his father signs the cards promptly.

In a way, it’s like a ransom note. Will peeved collectors who’ve written off Fitzgerald as a lost cause bite? Years ago, the ex-catcher sent out autographed Christian testimony cards as bonuses. Now, it’s easy to wonder if even his son and money will keep him motivated to sign.

Brad Mangin’s ‘Instant Baseball’ Book Both Beautful, Baffling

by

Instant Baseball: The Baseball Instagrams of Brad Mangin is in a league of its own.

The 161-page book can’t be judged by its cover. The book is a 6-1/2 inch square, first resembling a children’s “board” book.

Inside is a love-it-or-hate-it creation. This title will evoke strong emotions in everyone.

For me, the first reaction this frequent Sports Illustrated photographer received from me was bafflement.

Yes, there’s 240 images coveraging the 2012 season. Mangin is a Bay Area photographer who can cover all teams through his Oakland/San Francisco proximity.

Mangin writes a three-page introduction, telling how he made all the photos with his Apple iPhone and the Instagram app.

There’s even a brief mention that Bryce Harper loved the innovative look of Mangin’s Instagram images. The young outfielder agreed to pose after BP, even changing into his game uniform early.

Here’s where the book disappoints. The stories end! There’s NO captioning of each photo. The first 20 pages of photos get oh-so-brief captions on page 21-22. Ironically, the most reporting Mangin does is when he photographs photographers. He points out that it’s Robert Beck photographing Albert Pujols for Sports Illustrated.

Then, the book layout cheats some of Mangin’s best pictures. Four pictures on one page? That’s smaller than a baseball card.

And even baseball’s most artful set ever, 1953 Bowman, provided details on ALL the card backs. We didn’t have to wait for a checklist card to reveal the photo details.

Mangin does have a sense of humor. On page 77, he shoots from a low level, showing Fox TV reporter Ken Rosenthal stretching his mike to reach gigantic-by-comparison Brave Jason Heyward.

Sure, there’s lots of artful images in Mangin’s book. However, how many of you want to watch a televised game without any sound or captions?

Fledgling photographers could find inspiration in these pages. Or, fans of the Giants and A’s might like the extra peeks at their favorite teams.

For me, I want more. How do you convince a current major leaguer to hold still for a 10-second pose? Mangin has seen so much. I’m sure he has a collection of amazing stories. Even two sentences about each photo would be an incredible treat.

Instant Baseball could grow on you. For me? I’m ready for a sequel, hoping for more stories behind the shots.

Rocky Colavito? Darren Daulton? Who’s Worth The Price?

by

Applause to Harvey Meiselman, who just forwarded news of two baseball retirees now charging for signing through the mail.

Rocky Colavito wants $55 per autograph! Sure, www.sportscollectors.net has just two FREE responses logged in the last decade-plus. He hasn’t cared for fan mail for years.

Oh…his signing agent says they’ll sell you their autographed card for just $70.

I’ll buy my own card, thanks…

Colavito’s pricelist/list states that a portion of proceeds will go to his church, builders of a recent school and gymnasium. Hmmm…how big is this portion?

I’m still reeling over the extra fees imposed for inscriptions or special items ($170 for a Hartland statue, for instance). I’m steering clear of this “deal.”

The contrasting news about Darren Daulton’s $15 per TTM signature fee was less jolting. Daulton is facing a dire health forecast, dealing with a malignant brain tumor. I could envision him liking help with his mail, considering his condition.

However, the idea of Daulton costing is a shock to collectors watching the SCN site. He’s responded more than 400 times, good for 90 percent of all attempts.

My problem with this change is that even Daulton’s website says he’ll be resting at his Florida home, far from the agent’s Pennsylvania address.

Nonetheless, if you’re interested, gets more details first from Todd Schafer at Under The Radar Sports Promotions. Contact  sales@undertheradarsports.net.

L.A. Dodger Dick Gray Delighted Autograph Collectors

by
www.Baseball-Almanac.com
has an awesome collection of
autographs, including those
many of us missed out on!

Dick Gray, the man who hit the first-ever homer for the L.A. Dodgers, has died at age 81.

The ever-impressive www.sportscollectors.net noted that Gray never disappointed. He was a perfect 63-for-63.

The most common notation from collectors? Gray would add a “thanks for writing” note. Answering questions, adding requested personalizations — Gray did it all.

The part-time third baseman remained a class act, personifying the fan-friendly tradition known as “The Dodger Way.”

Hobby heroes are still out there ready to sign, but they won’t last long.

George Mitterwald Delighted Wrigley Field Fans

by

Still available on eBay: do you
think this game-used bat could
have been Mitterwald’s “Wonder Boy” bat?
Buy it now, only $795???
 

New Cub George Mitterwald stole the show early with his new team in 1974.

Check out the power-hitting highlights from the fine folks at www.Retrosheet.org. Three home runs and eight RBI in one game only begins to tell the story. Mitterwald recalled:

“My three homer, one double and eight RBI game was so memorable it is and was really hard to explain. It was only my fifth home game with the Cubs, and needless to say, a good start with a new ball club. I got at least eight standing ovations during the day. That was fun, also.”

This was an epic, fun letter from a player worth remembering. Thanks, G.M.!