Header - Baseball by the Letters

Month: September 2010

Bob Powell Battled White Sox Tradition

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Bob Powell went from collegiate All-American at Michigan State to invisible bench-rider for the 1955 and ’57 Chicago White Sox.

Even Powell’s one baseball card appearance brought frustration. He wrote:

“Dear Tom,


Thanks for your letter and I’ll answer as best I can.


1. I did not like being addressed as ‘Leroy.’ Who knows why.”


(The 1956 Topps card identified him by his middle name. Look close to see his full autograph.)

“That is not me sliding as shown on the card. I don’t remember what was paid for being on the card (very little) and I cannot remember the first time I saw the card.”


Due to Powell’s signing bonus, the team had to keep him on the roster through the season. The White Sox challenged Powell to convert to pitcher for the 1957 season. Despite all the training, he never got a chance on the mound, either.

“Referring to pitching, Ray Berres was the coach to oversee pitching and was very helpful. Starting or relieving either was okay as long as one is playing. The Sox went with veterans and not rookies.”

Powell explained that his $36,000 wasn’t a bonus, but his entire contract for three years.

“‘Bonus Baby’ was anyone signing for more than $7,200 a year and I signed for three years for $36,000. At that time, the Major League minimum salary was $7,200 year. Anything over that amount was considered a bonus.”

I noted in my letter that I was touched at how he paid off the mortgage on his parents’ home and bought clothes for his siblings.

“I helped the family any way I could but the good Lord was the one to open all doors and provide.”

He closed his letter with words of faith and gratitude.

“I thank the good Lord for all of my ability and paving the way for a college degree. It has paid off in my life.


“I still correspond to mail requests and give praise to the Good Lord for all the help from different people (high school coach and grandfather mainly) who never gave up on me.


The game is sure different today (more teams and money).


God bless you, Tom, and keep up the good work.


Christian Love,
Bob Powell”

The SABR Bio Project featured a great profile of Powell, showcasing the interviewing and writing talents of member Jim Sargent.

An Important P.S. From Don Johnson

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Thanking a Fan!

Don Johnson worked both as a starter and closer in his career.

I imagine him closing games like he closed my letter:

“P.S. – Thank you for remembering me.

Your pal,
Don Johnson”

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!