Header - Baseball by the Letters

Pitcher Mark Dewey Fanned His Friends

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Mark Dewey has an all-star attitude.

I just got a one-page letter in response to questions that began with an APOLOGY for a slow response to my July letter. Collectors are counting years with some responses. A few weeks? The difference between the mystery reply or the guy who writes that your letter got lost in a pile, Dewey noted, “I was away from home all summer (working as a pitching coach) and am just getting to much of my mail.”

Dewey added a Bible verse to his signature. Additionally, he shared a smile, proving that Christians aren’t without a sense of humor. When asked about batting 1.000 for the 1994 Pirates, he responded:

“I’ve milked a lot of mileage out of this one. whenever I tell people I led the National League in hitting in 1994, they soon figure out I was 1 for 1 and say that doesn’t really count. I respond, ‘Hey, I didn’t have any say in how often I got to bat, but I produced every time.'”


Through the power of http://www.retrosheet.org/, I uncovered a personal highlight for Dewey from 1995. He fanned seven New York Mets in one relief stint. Dewey replied:

I remember it was a day game at Candlestick and the weather was sunny with strong winds (not surprising at the ‘Stick). I pitched 4-1/3 or 4-2/3 innings, I believe, and I remember thinking I sure was striking out a lot of guys, many of whom were former teammates from my time with the Mets.”


In 1996, Dewey’s final season with the Giants, he reached a career milestone with 78 appearances. What about all the extra bullpen time? Dewey wrote:

“I actually kept a journal when I played and knew exactly the number of times I warmed up without getting in the game. I don’t remember the exact number, but I believe it was about 25-30 times. The Lord blessed me with a strong body and arm, and I trained faithfully — this allowed me to enjoy all those games in 1996.”

44-Cent Stamps Safe…For Now

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We’re safe from a two-cent postal rate increase…for now.

A commission denied the USPS request this week. For anyone who thinks underdogs don’t stand a chance in the post-season, look in the mirror. Who didn’t think the 46-cent stamp January rate hike was a done deal? We are the underdogs!

Celebrate by sending out some more letters. Stock up on those FOREVER stamps, just in case.

Would Ty Cobb Write You A Letter?

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Never say never.

Yes, past history tells us that some stars never sign for free. Or, they never sign at all.

Could you imagine a star, someone with such a shocking reputation, corresponding with you?

The Atlanta newspaper uncovered some amazing Ty Cobb correspondence in August. Take a look. I believe every person I contact is capable of responding with a letter.

Billy Sample Salutes Speedster George Case

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Billy Sample still loves the game.

I admired the outfielder’s hustle during his too-short career. Hearing him broadcast was just as genuine. I felt he wasn’t showboating as a baseball scholar, but described game action like he was talking to a friend in the stands or a teammate on the bench. Even by mail, he didn’t disappoint.

I asked him about how he honed his speed, culminating in a career-best 44 steals with the 1983 Rangers. Sample wrote:

“The late George Case, who was a great base stealer in the 1940s, was a big help in the initial explosion towards the next base.”


Looking at his minor league stats, I believe Sample blossomed at bat after switching from second base to the outfield. He added:

“I signed as a second baseman, but thankfully was switched back to the outfield where I played most of my collegiate career.”


Although Sample logged just one year with the Yankees, the future broadcaster got a great introduction to the New York media circus. How was it?

“The great number of media in N.Y. seemed to make every little comment seem bigger as they were searching for something different from the next. Plus, they assign blame as easy as breathing.”


Best of all, I knew Sample had studied my letter. When I remarked in closing that my baseball “career” ended in Little League, Sample closed with a smile.

“Your Little League career was probably better than mine.”

PBS “Extra Innings” Failed This Fan

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Hmm…add cheese to the leftovers and it becomes a NEW casserole?

I couldn’t help but think that Ken Burns wanted to pump new life into his 1994 marathon documentary by adding “Extra Innings” chapters. A new complete set to buy?

Yes, I know that Pedro Martinez, Joe Torre and Ichiro were included in this sequel. Nevertheless, I saw the exercise as something I’d call “Punditpalooza.”

I gasped to see Keith Olbermann appearing. Keith wrote the backs of my SSPC “Pure Card” set, noting in a note from years ago that Bob Stinson was the only one (now there are others) who wouldn’t autograph the unlicensed card for K.O.

I found on the Olbermann blog an explanation (of sorts) on how he could appear on “Extra Innings” after blasting the original production.

This blog is about baseball STORIES. Not the shiny, sophisticated vignettes from today’s media, but the heart-felt recollections from those who lived the diamond history. If an invisible Midwest fan can glean these on-the-field memories for a couple of stamps, the famed documentarian shouldn’t have trouble reaching the same sources. For instance, Red Sox he mentioned like Kevin Millar and Curt Schilling are fellow media types, right? Did Burns think they were too shy?

Sorry, I didn’t stand up and cheer for these extra innings. I felt more in a college lecture hall than back in a ballpark. When Burns updates his update, I hope he gives more actual team members a chance to speak for themselves.