Header - Baseball by the Letters

Year: 2015

Pitcher George Frazier battles autograph dealers

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Might the only autograph collectors see someday be the facsimile on Frazier’s Topps card?

George Frazier pitched for five teams from 1979-87. He’s known today as a Rockies commentator.

I think he may gain the most fame by striking out autograph dealers.

From the always-amazing www.sportscollectors.net comes word from one of Frazier’s friends. The former reliever is getting hounded in the worst way by mail, getting 20 to 30 cards monthly. The names change, but the address is the same. Yes, the addresses are matching eBay sellers with Frazier autographs. A reply of all cards personalized brought another letter Frazier asking for more autographs, leaving off the inscriptions. (After all, personalized autographs are harder to sell, right?)

Frazier is asking true collectors to limit their TTM request to 4 or 5 items. Frazier’s friend says the ex-pitcher is mulling over new responses. Requests of 10 or more items will get one autograph and he’ll start keeping duplicates.

Another former major leaguer is ready to stop signing by mail for everyone. Worse still, Frazier has access to the airwaves. His choice could be reflected by an entire Rockies organization. Or by former-player-broadcasters from other teams repeating the tale of hobby greed during broadcasts.

The baseball world is watching. Be on your best by-mail behavior.

 

Celebrating 1,000 posts with a new site!

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He batted 1.000. Plus, he blogs. Learn more at www.John Paciorek.com

At last!

“Baseball By The Letters” has its own home now, thanks to Steve and Vicki Palmquist, the talents behind Winding Oak. 

The Archives awaits, with posts dating back to 2010. I’m just getting moved in. I’m grateful to all my Blogspot followers, and hope you’ll sign up for lots more fun. Look for me twice weekly. Play ball!

 

Outfielder Jim King’s quiet excellence

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One autograph. Not a word more.

I know that I’ll never hear from 100 percent of the former players I contact with questions. However, I’m never sure when I get my letter returned with a signature. 
Jim King (1955-67) did that. In 2011, he responded in less than two weeks. 
I wasn’t alone. There were 192 successes in 203 attempts recorded on www.sportscollectors.net, the last coming in May, 2014. 
King’s February obituary from his family said little about his 18 years of pro baseball. I guessed that his survivors were just as proud of his 24 years of working for two telephone companies. 
Additionally, I smiled at seeing the cap-wearing picture of King in the obit. His cap sported no MLB team logo.
From what I read, I’m guessing the accomplished major leaguer was a soft-spoken man. The “afternoon coffee drinkers” who met at a McDonald’s were listed as his honorary pallbearers. 
When a retiree has little (or nothing) to say about his baseball career, don’t assume the worst. I’m betting many of his fellow Elkins residents never dreamed of asking King for an autograph. He may have working too hard trying to be just another coffee drinker to take the time to reflect on such a stellar career.

One surprising sign from AAGPBL autograph signers

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I’m hearing from so many who love the ladies of the AAGPBL. Even 60 years later, they’re still thrilled to sign autographs.


Nonetheless, TTM collectors need to remember only a couple of guidelines writing to “girls leaguers.” Here’s some much-appreciated insight from Carol Sheldon, an AAGPBL Players Association board member:

“They sign all the time.  The only thing they have been told to not sign is 3-by-5 index cards.  The ladies might not like it if the Logo is used, because that belongs to the league.  Most of the auto seekers may not realize that their mail was not returned because the player has passed away.  There are only about 140 or less left.”

Carol’s saying that custom-card makers may have a tough time convincing these retirees to autograph your creations if the league logo appears.

The retirees are concerned about their history and legacy.Years ago, Fritsch Cards swung a licensing deal with the association. (I’m unsure about any possible money involved.) I’ve known more than one collector who got a turndown over a custom sent, being told, “I can only sign official cards.” I’ve interpreted those worries as loyalty to Fritsch Cards, with those non-signers feeling that the company deserves special respect for keeping the AAGPBL history alive.

I’d welcome any other thoughts or insights on recent AAGPBL signers.

Meanwhile, mark your calendars for May 5. That’s the day for the re-issue of Belles of the Ballpark, the expanded history of the league written by my amazing co-author wife, Diana Star Helmer. Check out the book’s special page at Summer Game Books. You’ll have your choice of e-book or paperback. And, as Carol mentions, there’s still nearly 140 possible signers out there.




Cardinal Matt Carpenter’s grateful personalization

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I spotted some great St. Louis Cardinals candid photos on the team Facebook page Wednesday.

Most of all, there were some awesome inscriptions on the photos.
Sure, the regular season limits active players to a “best wishes” or “good luck” personalization.
Seeing the Matt Carpenter pic made me ask:
does anyone ever add “thank you” to their autographs?
Two generations prior, celebrities of all kind would thank a fan in writing when giving an autograph.
Readers: ever gotten a “thank you” autograph? I’d love to know more.