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!

Pitcher Garland Shifflett is a league leader in my eyes. He didn’t have the longest career. Nor, did he send the longest letters. He did make every word count, showing his care in corresponding with a fan.

Shifflett tasted a bit of success in his “cup of coffee.” He earned his only career save on June 11, 1964, stopping the Tigers. (Thanks, http://www.retrosheet.org/!)

First, I wanted to decode his nickname. Shades of “Ducky” Medwick!

Tucked between his 1957 Senators debut and his 1964 stint with the Twins was a busload of minor league action. Why did he log all those seasons for a second chance at the majors?

Part of Shifflett’s return hinged on the inclusion of a new pitch. He became a knuckleballer in 1963.

I closed my letter with:

 “Thank you for your time. My ‘career’ ended in Little League. However, I can close my eyes and I’m back on the field again — like it was yesterday.”
Shifflett replied:

“Thanks for your questions. I also close my eyes and I’m on the mound again!”

I’m grateful to publisher Tim Colman, the force behind Good Nature Publishing. His company offers a great print of “The Slider,” showing the proper grip. These would look great autographed by your favorite pitcher. (This is not a paid affiliate link. I’m just delighted with this art, knowing that other fans and collectors will love it, too!)