Header - Baseball by the Letters

Pitcher Don Johnson’s Yankee Finale

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Former pitcher Don Johnson enjoyed a memorable roadtrip during the 2010 season.

Identical Signature 56 Years Later!
He participated in the Yankee Old-Timers’ Day honoring the 1950 champions. Johnson visited a “new” Yankee Stadium, but still felt at home.

I wrote him, asking if it was fun. Only fun? Johnson replied, sharing how much the time meant to him.

“It was a ball putting on that uniform again. It brought back a lot of good memories.

“That was my last hurrah.”

More than 60 years later, Johnson still kicks himself for failing to get Babe Ruth’s autograph. Read what he missed in this New York Times article.

Tomorrow: What does it feel like to be on a baseball card? A former Chicago White Sox player shares some surprising answers.

Lonnie Smith Injured Phillie Phanatic?

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Regardless of whether you love it or hate it, David Raymond has authored baseball history.

From 1978-1993, Raymond performed as the first Phillie Phanatic. These days, he’s the visionary behind Raymond Entertainment Group. Does your team’s mascot need a makeover? How about more character depth and backstory? What about spinoff characters?

I asked Raymond to look back at his years on the diamond. His responses:

1. My favorite players over the years were Willie Stargell, Tug McGraw, Tony Pena and, of course, Tommy Lasorda!

2. I was very, very lucky over my 25 years of performing. My worst injury was a tiwsted ankle and knee when Lonnie Smith tackled me when he played for the Cardinals.

3. The Mascot Hall of Fame was one of our greatest decisions at Raymond Entertainment. We have received over 10 million media impressions over the years and countless numbers of fans now recognize that mascots are skilled performers, not just ‘kids in suits.’!

“Best wishes,
The Phillie Phanatic

David Raymond”

Here’s the official bio of the Phanatic from the Phillies. See what the Mascot Hall of Fame offers as the Phanatic’s tribute. Discover who jokingly called Raymond a “green transvestite!”

The Ideal Autograph Alternative to Index Cards

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Art by Dugald Stermer,
courtesy Good Nature Publishing

Publisher Tim Colman may have a future in the majors. At least, as a major league autograph signer.

He e-mailed a kind note after providing an illustration for the Friday post about converted knuckleballer Garland Shifflett.

Tim signed his note “Best Pitches.” Classic!

I had to show his company’s great “slider” art, too, also by Dugald Stermer.

Any current or former pitcher would flip to see this art. Note the room on the artwork for an autograph? I could imagine getting a few notes on pitching technique after someone saw this snazzy rendition.

If you’ve been to the Hall of Fame Museum gift shop in Cooperstown, you may have seen Dugald’s creations.

Check out Tim’s Good Nature Publishing website. Buy a quantity. Your collection will never be the same!

Jim Greengrass Shares All-Star Salutations

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On this Labor Day, I wanted to reflect on the labor-of-love salutations.

In nearly 40 years of autograph collecting, I’m grateful to see a “Best Wishes” or “Good Luck” added to a signature. Yet this month, I’ll share a former New York Yankee who signed off his letter, “Your Pal.”

In the last year, I’ve been marveling at choice sign-offs. The above and beyond effort to preface an autograph, the surprising addition to the name you’re expecting.

So far, Jim Greengrass is my champion. “Many happy innings to you, Tom” says it all.

Readers: what’s the most memorable inscription you’ve ever received with an autograph?

George Kell Believed in Fellow Hall of Famers Brooks Robinson, Branch Rickey

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Back in 1997, I wrote to Hall of Famer George Kell to ask of two baseball personalities he befriended.

First, I wanted to know about his dealings with famed general manager Branch Rickey. I had read that Kell helped Rickey with the early formation of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. A few players who faced contract battles with Rickey complained how hard-nosed “The Mahatma” was in negotiations.

Secondly, I praised Kell for being a role model for fellow Arkansas native Brooks Robinson.

Kell replied:

“Thomas — Mr. Rickey got me involved in the FCA back in the early ’50s, and I found him to be just what he was advertised to be — a fine, outstanding Christian gentleman.

If I had anything to do with the formation of Brooks Robinson, I’m proud and flattered. He comes from a great background and is a fine role model.

Sincerely,

George Kell”