“They’ll probably just sell the autographs on ebay.”
“They all write the same thing. It’s probably a form letter.”
“Why do they want MY autograph? They have no idea who I am.”
Your envelope has been opened. There are at least three major reasons why a signer may not pick up a pen and respond. He’s rehearsed all the reasons to say no.
How are you different? Why should that signer sign for YOU?
Before you gamble another stamp or risk a paper cut, make sure you can answer those questions.
I ask questions. Sometimes, I get answers. Other times, just clues.
I wrote to infielder Kevin Elster to ask about his autograph rule. Each signature is $1, plus a SASE. Want your three cards signed? Better include $3.
Why so reasonable? Is the money going to a charity? Is the fee to discourage “collectors” from taking advantage of a kind signer? Has the “buck a sig” rule changed the quantity or quality of fan mail? Or, do collectors not even bother with letters, just sending their money to “purchase” autographs?
I wrote a praiseworthy, polite letter. I noted that $1 was quite fair. I think some retirees have penalty fees, hoping their high prices will discourage people from writing. Or, after watching ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, they believe every signature will turn to gold (no matter how unknown they were in their brief time in baseball).
The bad news about Kevin Elster? Not a question got answered. The good news? I received three autographed cards, a gesture I appreciate. I could have received my letter back unsigned, or no envelope at all.
I won’t annoy the Elster family again with a follow-up. Instead, I’ll just theorize on the kind response, which could have meant:
1. If we send the blogger an autographed card, he’ll tell others to send in a dollar for a signature.
2. What letter asking about autograph policy? I just saw the SASE, and grabbed some signed cards for the guy.
3. The poor fan didn’t have a card or a dollar, so he made up a story about a blog in hopes of getting a reply.
In the days ahead, I’ll keep asking questions to retirees about how they view autographs and collectors. Signatures are as much a part of the game’s history as any stat.
You bet!
Jerry Casale sent a thoughtful letter addressing his debut, the integration of the Red Sox and one famous teammate.
“The first game I pitched in the bigs was my favorite. I hit a home run and struck out Roy Sievers three times, who was quite a hitter.
I was in heaven after every win.”
Casale was busy becoming Red Sox Rookie of the Year in 1959. Was the Red Sox integration a distraction, with media, pickets and the arrival of Pumpsie Green?
“I really never gave it any thought over Pumpsie Green. I think he was just another player on the team.”
Most of all, Casale took notice of the nearby superstar in the clubhouse.
“The second biggest thrill was playing with the great Ted Williams, as I had my locker next to his the last two years. He was a very special guy and I loved him. He helped me plenty.
Thanks,
Jerry Casale”
Thank you, Jerry. Thanks, too, to the dream team at http://www.retrosheet.org/. Check out the Casale player page. Jerry is a humble guy with superb handwriting. He didn’t include that his first-start dinger was a THREE-RUN BLAST! Plus, that one was of only FOUR career homers.
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| In 1955, one humble ROY |
Why did I write to Bill Virdon? I wanted to see if he really won Rookie of the Year in 1955.
Of course, he did. However, he’s always more eager to tell reporters about his pride in
being part of the 1960 World Championship. He wants to talk about his teams. His teammates.
Not himself.
Thankfully, the bespectacled Gold Glover fielded my three questions like an All-Star. His letter includes:
“1955 was a dream come true. The Cardinals gave me a chance and I was fortunate in many ways. I never really thought about it during the year.”
Not surprisingly, Virdon sidestepped my inquiry about the actual award, on-field ceremonies or a reward in the next year’s contract.
Looking closely at his season totals, I learned that Virdon’s last season playing wasn’t 1965. He added:
“In 1968, I was activated from the coaching staff and played in one game. Three at bats. Two strikeouts and a home run in the ninth to tie the score. It was a thrill, but we lost in the tenth.”
Lastly, I’ve always wanted to ask a former manager: WHY? I quoted Bobby Bragan’s assessment of the job, “Hired to be fired.” Virdon responded:
“It was enjoyable if you won. I always thought we had a chance to get to the series.
I still enjoy the game. I was blessed to be able to stay in the game so many years.”
If it’s not exciting enough to make the majors, pitcher Jack Smith found his 1962 Dodgers debut in the midst of baseball history.
Teammate Maury Wills was stealing his way to a one-year record 104 bases. From one of the best seats in the house, Smith saw how Wills victimized rival hurlers, writing:
“Maury Wills was a good base stealer and studied the pitchers and replays.”
Smith had a great assessment of his one save in 1962. Did it compare to the thrill of a complete game?
“All saves are important, even in the old days.”
Smith’s Dodgers tied the Giants with an identical record to end the regular season. For the last time ever, the National League would call for a three-game tie-breaker playoff.
In the second game, Smith watched from the mound as two future Hall of Famers faced off.
He came in to relieve after the Giants scratched out two singles, the second from Willie Mays. Smith surrendered a run-scoring single to pinch-hitter Ed Bailey. When Mays tried to advance to third, umpire Jocko Conlan seemed to switch his call from safe to out. The indecision brought a rhubarb from Mays, third base coach Whitey Lockman and manager Alvin Dark. Did Conlan flip-flop, even getting it wrong?
Smith remains diplomatic about what unfolded:
“Yes, I think it was a fair call.”
Smith got the last word on the Giants, despite their advancement to the ’62 World Series. On June 12, 1964, the transplanted Milwaukee Brave posted three innings of hitless relief in Candlestick Park.
“It was fun to pitch in the Big Leagues. Always a pleasure.”