A work of art by Bill Kearns! |
Time for one more thank-you note.
A work of art by Bill Kearns! |
Time for one more thank-you note.
A custom card is ART. The featured player should be honored, not suspicious. Explain that in your letter! |
Bob Uecker is the latest.
Even former players are concerned about autographing only “MLB authorized” photos. They want to see that hologram, in the sweet hope that the player’s association is getting some money (that we, the collectors, forked out).
The attitude goes to the extreme shown by Wally Moon, quoted by a collector as replying that he wouldn’t sign “pirated” photos.
To their defense, current and former players seem to believe they’ll help their brethren by only signing the blessed photos. There’s the assumption that you’ll be running straight to eBay and getting rich with your new autograph, so the baseball family wants its profits first.
How can you win against such bias? Try writing:
1. “I made this myself, for myself!” It’s harder to turn down Mom’s home cooking, as opposed to something that came out of a box.
2. WHY them? For example, Bill Kearns makes custom cards of Maine natives. Stress that this person is special, not just another baseball player.
3. “It’s one of a kind.” See that the potential signer knows this isn’t something you’re going to churn out by the hundreds.
There’s no guarantees. However, even with a refusal, you struck out only after you went down swinging.
One sweet custom card, created by Tim Virgilio! |
“Who do you know?”
It’s not a question I ask of collectors to see who has rubbed elbows with greatness. I want to find like-minded hobbyists who’ll bring their brands of inspiration to this blog.
I offered this question to collector Bill Kearns. He nominated fellow fan Tim Virgilio. Here is Tim’s story:
It’s time to have fun again. |
Happy New Year!
What do I want to accomplish as a fan and letter writer in 2013?
I’m grateful to Bill Kearns, who shared a scrapbook page on his Facebook site. A “while ago,” he began collecting autographs with his son.
My resolution?
I want to be that seven-year-old. I want that face. I want to look at my hobby with those eyes again.
Thank you, Bill and Jonathan.
Coming Friday: One resolution you can do for other collectors.
The ‘stache is coming! |
As a fan, I’ve always hoped that a coach would lead by example.
When I saw the new coaching staff for the 2013 Red Sox, I sought out Bill Kearns for a bit of insight.
The talented Maine ‘grapher had seen then-manager Arnie Beyeler in action with fans and collectors for four seasons. Any predictions how he might behave in Boston as first base coach?
Kudos to Christopher “Smitty on Baseball” Smith for a fine detailing of Boston’s 2013 coaching roster, found here:
Coming Wednesday — Missing out on Freddy Schmidt.