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Harvey Meiselman

Clues to Help Find Former Major Leaguers

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Once, this and the City Directory
where the only info sources
out there. Anyone ever try
asking a reference librarian
for their favorite tools?

Where’d they go?

Many sources state that 20 percent of Americans move yearly. Sometimes, a former player may disappear without trying to.

While Harvey Meiselman tracks down baseball names in record time, it’s possible average collectors can solve mysteries, too. Here are some clues:

Retrace their glory. After checking their hometown place of birth, try looking in towns where they went to college or played in the minors. Others will settle in a suburb of their last MLB town of employment.

I loved the former Topps cards that had “born” and “resides” listings. An old media guide can provide the same hints. The “Etc” or “Personal” notes in guides for each bio can list such tidbits.

Even finding who a player married might help. Back in the 1980s, working on an assignment for USA TODAY BASEBALL WEEKLY, I puzzled over why I couldn’t reach a major leaguer by phone. Two sources confirmed the hotel the team stayed at. Well, it seems that this known player checked in using the maiden name of his wife. You’ll find cases of retired players working for family businesses of in-laws, too.
There are too many search engine sites to mention that help track down addresses. Knowing what state to look in is a great beginning. Think like an old ballplayer, and you’ll have greater chances of finding the guy.

Coming Friday: When Red Sox pitcher Bob Heffner celebrated twice against the Yankees.

Tiger Russ Sullivan Retires From Autographs

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Courtesy of http://www.tradingcarddb.com/.
This is one awesome site for
vintage card images from
rare sets.

Collectors have one less Detroit Tiger autograph to pursue.

Russ Sullivan, a reserve outfielder from 1951-53, is no longer able to sign. Sullivan’s wife contacted Harvey Meiselman, author of the 2011 Baseball Address List, to confirm that her husband’s severe memory loss prevents him from responding to fan mail.

Kudos to Harvey for doing more than saving collectors stamps. He’s allowing Mrs. Sullivan more time to spend with her ailing 88-year-old spouse.

I’m guessing that Russ Sullivan’s wife has been helping her husband correspond with collectors for years. That’s why I mailed this note:

Dear Mrs. Sullivan:

Collector friends have received word that your husband is unable to sign autographs any longer. Members in the hobby are grateful to Mr. Sullivan and YOU for your years of generosity. We know that wives and family members who help keep mail sorted and answered make our collections special.

Fans will remember Russ Sullivan for his years with Detroit, and for his kindness to fans. Likewise, we’re thankful that he’s had someone to help him honor the collectors, those people determined to preserve his legacy in Tigers history.

Sincerely,
Tom Owens

Coming Wednesday: Pitcher Bud Byerly treasures his Cardinals memories.

New Harvey Meiselman Address List Includes Warnings For Toughest By-Mail Signers

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At last, the USPS is making the majority of
new commemoratives FOREVER stamps. I’d
use these beauties on fan mail FOREVER!

I’m a slow but sure member of this hobby.

At last, I own a copy of Harvey Meiselman’s amazing 2011 Baseball Address List.

I ordered my copy Friday, July 1. Harvey e-mailed, saying he’d send the list by Priority Mail the next day. On Tuesday, July 5, the package arrived.

I’m glad Harvey added a “tough?” column. A “Y” is a warning, meaning, “Yes, the dude is tough.” Harvey studied online autograph websites, and branded the signers who’ve replied 25 percent or less with the warning.

So often, even experienced collectors lose valuable cards. It’s still okay to try a “seldom” signer. Just don’t risk your most expensive collectible with your autograph request.

I’ve used Harvey’s addresses for years. He remains the best of the hobby. Find him at http://www.sportsaddresslists.com/.

Coming Monday: Cardinals utilityman Mike Ramsey recalls a blast off future Hall of Famer Don Sutton.

Bill White Book Means Temporary Autographs

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Will he ever autograph
a card again?

I just found Bill White’s memoir Uppity at the library.

I’ve just started reading. I cheated, seeking out a review before I started.

There’s no clue in the index for the “A” word.

Autographs.

Sure enough, I’ve seen a couple of photos of the former All-Star, National League president and Yankees broadcaster at bookstores…

holding a pen!

Yes, the author has been signing for book buyers.

White made hobby news when he contacted baseball address list maker Harvey Meiselman. He wanted no more fan mail. White wanted removed from future listings. For the past decade, White signed grudgingly (at most), taking years to respond to the ultra-few lucky collectors he’d acknowledge.

When White took this huge step, the hobby world assumed it might never see a White autograph ever again. Now, the speculation grows. Will a book buyer be able to convince Bill White to autograph a card?

Coming Tuesday: Cardinals pitcher Dick Hughes compares Jack Buck and Harry Caray.

Free Minor League Player Addresses? It’s true!

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Jeff Signed in English
AND Chinese!

 There’s an offer that can’t be missed.

If you haven’t ordered Harvey Meiselman’s unbeatable 2011 Baseball Address List, he’s sweetening the deal. Buy the baseball list, and he throws in FREE his minor league baseball list. This is an $18 value as a bonus!

Minor leaguers have major memories. They don’t get the same ton of fan mail guys in Topps sets do. Therefore, they have more time to give all-star responses.

Back in January, I featured Dan Cote’s “Signed DC” blog series detailing how he’s collecting the 1983 Visalia Oaks set signed — getting autographs from minor league teammates of Kirby Puckett. Dan would ask for the card to be autographed, then include a question about playing with a future Hall of Famer. Virtually every response included a lengthy tale of that magical season.

Dan just heard from that team’s general manager, receiving a lengthy letter telling about the team and the great set Dan’s collecting. No one else besides this former general manager would know the minor league set’s history! To learn why the card is autographed in English AND Chinese, be sure to check out Dan’s latest blog update.

Meanwhile, Harvey Meiselman is offering the perfect, affordable entry into minor league autograph collecting. Try his list. You’ll be gratified by the heart-felt responses that fill your mailbox.

Coming Monday: Insight from Sam Mele, skipper of the 1965 A.L. Champion Minnesota Twins.