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Minnesota Twins

Catcher Tom Lundstedt’s Humble Twins Salary

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Catcher Tom Lundstedt shared a glimpse of what 1970s felt like with a small-market team when replying to my 2000 letter.

He started with the Cubs and ended with the Twins in a too-brief career that dates from 1973 to 1975. Cub fans might remember that Lundstedt was a FIRST-ROUND draft pick in 1970.

In both places, Lundstedt wasn’t overwhelmed with free-spending owners. I asked him if he ever dealt with Chicago’s P.K. Wrigley or Minnesota’s Calvin Griffith. Lundstedt replied:

“I never had any direct contact with P.K. Wrigley but Calvin Griffith’s another story. He ran the whole show – negotiated contracts, made trades, etc. I was traded to the Twins in the winter of 1974 because I had refused the Cubs contract offer.

“When I met with Calvin to negotiate, he offered less than the amount I had turned down from the Cubs. When I asked why, he said, “Because you’re catching is no damn good!” I wonder if that’s what the arbitration hearings of this era are like?

“I have come to admire Calvin as the years go by. He was a true character who really cared about the good of baseball.”

Tom Lundstedt became an all-star, even if it wasn’t in baseball. Such a victory is small wonder, considering his winning attitude. He’s a nationally-known expert on investment real estate and taxation. Check out his impressive business stats at www.tomlundstedt.com.

Imagine the outcome today if this first-round draft pick got to renegotiate that 1970 contract in Chicago!

John or Johnny Moses?

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To get a memory, you need to give a memory.

In 2002, I sent a recollection to outfielder John Moses. Not an autograph request. Just a letter of thanks.

He rewarded me with an autographed card — and much more.

I attended several games in Seattle’s Kingdome in 1992. The former Twin had joined the Mariners. Or had he?

The first time I read his name on the scoreboard, I paused. JOHNNY Moses?

Was this his idea? Did the M’s think a new start needed a new name? I suspected that someone might have thought a younger first name might add some speed or vigor to a veteran’s comeback.

I didn’t want to accuse Moses or the team of some sneaky plot. After all, I noted that my Aunt Bernice refused to call me “Tom.” Although I endured being called “Tommy,” I still felt like a Tommy at age 41.

Moses wrote back!

“Tom —

Don’t worry. My Mom called me ‘Johnny’ for 47 years now. And it has never bothered me. I was always known as ‘Johnny Mo’ around the baseball field.

Remember the great names:

Johnny Bench
Tommy Davis
Johnny Pesky
Tommy Helms

also

JOHNNY Moses

Take care.

Sincerely,
Johnny Moses”

As proof of his dual identity, he signed his 1991 Score “John” card “Johnny Moses.”

Nobel Peace Prize for Pat Neshek!

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“On the Road With Pat Neshek” is an autograph collector’s dream come true.
This NESHEK NATION blog is like getting a letter from a player every day.

This isn’t just golly-gee tales of being a major leaguer. Sure, he serves
up tidbits any Minnesota Twins fan would savor. But this isn’t common fan fare.

Neshek is pitching for us. For the hobby!

He’s asking the hard questions of his teammates. Would they sell their
own autographs on ebay if the sigs were going for $50? What would they
do with a letter that had 20 cards in it to be signed?

I see Neshek as a great autograph ambassador. On his homepage, he
offers to sign for anyone who encloses a SASE. No limits. Then, he reviews new card sets. He talks about busting packs. He is a fellow collector who celebrates the hobby wins of others. His spirit has to catch on with other players.

Don’t miss this blog. Better yet, send him a note of thanks. Too many collectors complain about the scribblers, the greedy and the non-signers. Take a break and encourage one of baseball’s best hobby role models.