Header - Baseball by the Letters

Ken Retzer: John F. Kennedy’s Batterymate

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Many people catch the President, on TV, even at a rally.

Ken Retzer caught John F. Kennedy at a ballpark in 1963.

Retzer, starting catcher for the Washington Senators, received the 1963 season’s ceremonial first pitch from JFK.

The Illinois-born receiver enjoyed another milestone that year. Behind the plate for baseball’s 100,000th-ever game, Retzer handled the historic ball that would be displayed in Cooperstown’s Hall of Fame.

I was fascinated to see Retzer’s success in hitting knuckleballers like Hall of Famer Early Wynn. He wrote me:

“I was a line drive hitter,few strikeouts. Just 31 in 1961. So that helps to hit all pitchers. Knuckleballers were hard to catch, almost like catching a butterfly.”

He seemed to wear a different uniform number yearly. Why?

“Any time I veteran player would join the team, I gave up my uniform. The last was #14 for Gil Hodges the manager.”

Twins fans should know that Retzer played a role in the team’s 1965 American League championship. When catchers Earl Battey and Jerry Zimmerman held out, owner Calvin Griffith called Retzer as a bargaining chip. Signing Retzer, who performed admirably throughout spring training, convinced the other two catchers to ink new contracts. Unfortunately, Retzer was cut a day before the season began.

Retzer deserved a World Series. He’s a World Champion autograph signer, giving all-star treatment to every fan who writes. Ask any Senators fan.

Sending thanks to autograph signers

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Thank you, Corey Hovanec.

The next autograph I ask for may be Corey Hovanec’s. Corey, without playing a single inning, may be responsible for one of the biggest victories of the 2010 season for collectors.

Corey’s post on the www.sportscollectors.net message board grabbed the attention of 585 collectors in less than three days.

How? By suggesting a cost-cutting, time-saving way to say thanks.

For years, collectors have known that autograph request letters need politeness. Ask nicely for a signature, then thank the signer. But some signers are in a league of their own. Handwritten letters. Photos they provide. Photocopied articles recounting a career highlight.

Corey went to www.vistaprint.com, finding 100 business marketing postcards that could be customized with a simple “thank you.” Corey found a special, getting 100 free, just paying about $6 for shipping and handling. That’s a deal, considering that the Post Office wants 3 cents for a blank government postcard.

The benefits continue. Easier to write than a letter. Easier for someone sorting lots of fan mail to read. Less paper to handle. Only 28 cents in postage, not 44 cents.

That’s not the clincher. Sending a thank-you after the fact, after the autograph, sends a clear message. It says, “I’m not being polite to con an autograph out of you. I expect nothing more in return. I’m truly grateful.”

Help the next hobbyist by keeping a surprised signer signing. As fans collect autographs, former players can collect our thank-you postcards. Two great hobbies.

Roy Hawes is OUR Roy Hobbs

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Roy Hawes is a working-class Roy Hobbs.

You remember that Robert Redford character in The Natural? That Roy got his second chance at glory — one more season to make good.

The real Roy Hawes got only one week.

But what a week!

Hawes was promoted to the Washington Senators, debuting Sept. 23, 1951. He went 1-for-6 in part-time duty. He performed flawless, error-free, at first base throughout the week. Back in the minors the next year, Hawes continued through the 1960 campaign, never to see the majors again.

Still, he’s cherished those magic moments. He wrote about his promotion:

“My owner at Sherman-Denison, Texas (Big State League, class B team) informed me. I was thrilled. Quite a jump. September 1950 class D to the majors in one year? God moves in mysterious ways.”

And that hit against Philadelphia Athletics pitcher Bob Hooper?

“I took the first pitch (fastball), missed the second pitch. He threw me a knuckleball on the next pitch and I singled up the middle.”

He signs:

“Good luck. God bless you and thanks for the honor. Roy Hawes, Washington Senators, 1951.”

Yes, I bolded those last four words. Those are words worth remembering. It’s my honor to know that some players savored their precious “cups of coffee,” sharing the sweet taste with any fan who asks.

One Batter at a Time, One Letter a Day

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I could envision a rookie pitcher quaking at the sight of an all-star slugger at the plate, another in the on-deck circle and a bench full of other wood-wielding beasts. How would that harried hurler cope?

Easy. One batter at a time.

As I rejoined the autograph collecting hobby, I needed such a game plan.

I started with one goal. What would each letter seek from a current or former player? I voted against another signed baseball card, instead seeking an answer to a question about each person’s baseball career.

To be honest, that was the easy part.

Choosing the people to contact became my greatest challenge. I could be alphabetical. No, thanks. How about writing to all the oldest retirees first? The window of opportunity could close faster.

Although I’m trying to stick with that strategy, I’m straying. When I read about a fascinating moment in baseball history, from last season or decades ago, I act. Especially if I uncover something relating to my own fandom.

For now, the best I’ve done is to commit to a letter a day.

I’m no Joe DiMaggio, but this is my consecutive game streak. Just one a day. More is fine. However, I know one missed day can turn into a hobby-less week. Or month.

I’ve been amazed at the candor and detail of each letter I receive. I’m sure that sticking a tape recorder in someone’s face wouldn’t produce the same quality memory. It’s up to each respondent to write his history, his way.

How do you keep your hobby growing, while keeping the rest of your life in balance?

Grant Jackson, 207 Victories?

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I just saw on the forum section of www.sportscollectors.net that relief pitcher Grant Jackson might be through.

Through? Through with answering fan mail. Some through-the-mail collectors have been getting their cards returned unsigned.

This sad turn of events comes after reviewing Jackson’s stats. Collectors had logged 207 successes for Jackson, a 96 percent success rate. Nearly everyone received a bonus in their return. Along with their requested autographed, Jackson would tuck in a signed postcard from his Pirates days.

Years ago, he sent me one when he pitched with the Orioles. Throughout his 18-year career and after, Jackson has been a rock-solid signer.

We may never know why he stopped signing by mail. His change of heart should remind collectors to make every letter count. Be individualized. Be personal. They do read what you write.

Even with younger retired players, there’s no forever. Don’t assume you can wait to get a response by mail.

What’s been your biggest disappointment, or surprise, through the mail, lately?