Header - Baseball by the Letters

SSPC

Look closer at that baseball card!

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MossiPostcard
Don Mossi and 15 other Detroit players, coaches (and even trainer) appeared beside new Fords in a postcard set in 1962. The stories about this day would amaze!

I loved Rich Klein’s recent “Ramblings” column on the so-fun Sports Card Daily site.

“What should I ask about in a letter?” is a common question.

Even the smallest career (or non-career) may have been depicted on at least one baseball card.

Retired players may not have great insights about teammates or opponents. However, I’m guessing they won’t forget the details surrounding one of their few card appearances.

Former Twin Jerry Terrell, more than three decades prior, loved looking at his SSPC cards. He rolled his eyes, laughed and told me that the sweaty-faced photo was from a hot Florida spring training afternoon, right after running wind sprints. 

Where was the photo taken? When (early spring training or regular season)? Who suggested the pose (player or photographer)?

The only thing better than an autographed card is one that comes with a bonus history.

 

Bob Stinson Still Loves Topps

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If this was a comic strip, I’d
add a thought balloon to
Stinson’s smirk. Imagine him
thinking, “This is just a
facsimile autograph. The
real one costs $10. Ha!”

Every autograph can tell a story.

Harvey Meiselman, intrepid compiler of baseball addresses, sent customers an update about catcher Bob Stinson.

Stinson has upped his signing fee by mail to $10 per autograph.

Back in 2010, I wrote about Stinson’s dislike of the fabled SSPC set. The 1976 edition was unlicensed. College student Keith Olbermann (long before ESPN or political fame) got his first national taste of baseball journalism, writing the card backs.

Stinson was the final holdout for Olbermann, protesting to the TV personality that the set was unlicensed.

Yes, you guessed it, Stinson’s updated policy states he’ll sign Topps cards only.

Nothing personal, Keith!

By the way, Stinson may just be repaying Topps for the huge faith the company showed in him. From 1970-72, he was on a “Rookie Stars” card…for three different teams.