Header - Baseball by the Letters

Year: 2015

Pitcher Jack Spring’s lasting gift to the hobby

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jack_spring_autograph
I love the Baseball Almanac website. It’s like an autograph museum!

Pitcher Jack Spring died in August at age 82. 

I received a brief reply from him in 2010.

In his final years, he was sending out this inspiring note:

“Due to being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, I find it difficult to write. My signature may appear different, but I want you to know it is my signature. I read every letter and sign everything myself. I appreciate hearing from you.”

Note that he wasn’t sending items back blank. Nor did he ask for a cash payment for autographs, even though he had medical costs to consider.

Until the end, Jack Spring reminded fans and collectors that we matter.

 

 

Is this the ultimate New York Mets collection?

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JoeMcEwing(front)Lee Harmon wowed me in 2011 with his custom cards, his writing, blogging and his one-of-a-kind collection.

Although there is a “Mr. Met,” Lee had to be “Mr. Met Collector.” Plus, his insightful profiles of each Met who signs for him make his blog a must-see stop for any Met fans wishing for a different 2015 outcome.

You think you like the Mets? Check out Lee’s devotion to the team in one of my favorite blog posts.

 

Rest in peace, Chicago Cubs

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Schwarber at the 2014 All-Star Futures game. The slugger's fan relations made a good impression on an Iowa Cubs beat writer. By Arturo Pardavila III on Flickr (Originally posted to Flickr as "Schwarber's view") [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Schwarber at the 2015 All-Star Futures game. The slugger’s fan relations made a good impression on an Iowa Cubs beat writer. By Arturo Pardavila III on Flickr (Originally posted to Flickr as “Schwarber’s view”) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Swept?

Ouch!

To ease the pain for Cubs fans, comfort yourselves with this article by Des Moines Register sportswriter Tommy Birch. He remembers those young Cubs when they played AAA ball in Iowa.

Most importantly, he has a couple of stories worth savoring. He judges the character of two current Cubs by the way they signed autographs in Des Moines.

Well done, Mister Birch.

Milo Hamilton, Gene Elston: a lesson for us all

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hamiltonTwo fabled former announcers died this month. 

Had you written to them?

“What could they autograph? I collect cards and photos.”

Did they ever write a book? That book cover image is something that will forever get an author’s heart fluttering. (Trust me. Been there. Done that.)

Make yourself a photo/custom/etc. Show them you know the book exists. They may think that you’ll be a future reader. A future notch on their royalty statement.

If you want to test-drive a book, go to your public library. It’s called Inter Library Loan. Your library can borrow from any other library in the country. You’re sure to get the book for the normal check-out time. My branch charges only $1.25 (to cover postage).

I was told by a noted author that famous announcers have been much more supportive in his requests for interviews and information than writer/reporters.

Try baseball’s voices (while you can). See if you agree.

Remembering Virgil ‘Fire’ Trucks, super signer

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We miss you, Fire!
We miss you, Fire!

Where have you gone, Virgil “Fire” Trucks?

I’d like to imagine Simon and Garfunkel singing to the fabled friend of the hobby who passed away in 2013.

I was honored that the ever-so-kind pitcher shared his thoughts with me about autographs. 

Enjoy that epic conversation-turned-blogpost, one more time.