Firefighter Jeff Schultz Talks Autographs

A message with cards?

Ever wonder what kind of letter grade a player might give your letter?

Often, it’s just a “pass or fail” situation for collectors. As long as he signed. If there’s an extra or a personalization, that’s extra credit.

Well, Jeff Schultz shared this story in January on www.sportscollectors.net. He wrote to Jose Morales, asking for three cards to be autographed. He included two for Morales to keep.

Just two of the cards came back. The back of the envelope had the message: “Only because you are on the Fire Dept. God Bless you and your boys.”
I started thinking about the types of people who write for autographs. Jeff may never be on a trading card. He may never sign an autograph. But Morales pointed out that the retired players might admire him as much as Jeff does them. I asked Jeff about his hobby background. I’m thankful for his reply, which includes:

Q: What’s your current job title? Where do you serve? How many years service do you have?

A: I am a captain. I’ve been in public service since 1987.

Q: What’s life like for home vs. firehouse, days on and off? I ask because of whiny collectors
like me who complain about a lack of time. Your free time might be far more uncertain!

A: Home? Days off? I work 12 hours shifts plus respond on calls after my shift is over.

Q: How long have you collected? How much is TTM vs. in person? Who was your first autograph?
Do you have a specialty (sets, favorite team, etc.)

A: On and off since the 80’s. I do the MWL IP and may do AAA this year. First auto? Willie Hernandez, Steve Dillard and Mick Kelleher. I’ve talked to Dillard and Kelleher about it.

Q: What are letters you send like? Do you tell about your career?

(By the way, I think you SHOULD. I think it helps to be personal in a letter. Helps the guy understand WHY the autograph is meaningful to you.) Do you ask questions about someone’s career?

A: My letters are the same format I’ve always used, just updated my job and age. For tougher ones I send a personal letter, but it hasn’t helped.

Q:. I mentioned Frank Tepedino, who became a firefighter after baseball. Have you written to other retired players who are firefighters? Any special responses about the connection?

A: There are a lot of ballplayers who come from firefighting backgrounds. Had a 20 minute conversation with Chuck Crim before a game. No real special responses.

Q: Autograph goals?

A: Complete the 1983 Topps baseball set.

Thanks, Jeff, for all you do. I hope other humble heroes from daily life aren’t shy about mentioning their careers in letters. Players invent so many reasons not to sign. Let them know who they might be turning down.

Breaking News: Tracy Jones Delivers?!?

The website www.omgreds.com shared these specimens in
December, but reported on 12/15 that Jones wanted to
cancel his free autograph offer. Why did he go through with it?
By the way, this website looks like a great resource
for Reds autograph possibilities!

Tonight’s menu includes crow and humble pie.

I waved the red (Cincinnati Reds?) flag back in January over concerns that Tracy Jones might be toying with the affections of WLW listeners. I didn’t throw stones or call names. However, I did address that I hoped collectors wouldn’t be teased with empty promises.

Jeff Schultz reported on www.sportscollectors.net that he may be the first to find that the former outfielder came through on his promise for a postage-paid autographed card to anyone who e-mailed. Thanks to Jeff, who scored a signed 1987 Topps.

There could be good news at your door soon, too. It may not be that Publisher’s Clearinghouse guy with the balloons and the giant cardboard check. I’ll take TJ as my consolation prize.

People who keep their word get my applause. There’s a new reason for wanting a Tracy Jones autograph!

Coming Wednesday: What did the late Don Mincher teach us?

Being Bob Kipper’s Teammate

Yep! He looks like a fellow collector!

I like  the word “teammate.” Someone who gives selflessly.

I never played with the major league pitcher. But I like to think I’m on the same team as Jeff Schultz.

The http://www.sportscollectors.net/ member posted that he received 4 out of 4 cards returned autographed by the South Carolina retiree in November, all in less than 10 days.

Jeff added the mention that he enclosed 46 extras for the one-time Pirate.

Jeff knew that Mr. Kipper was a collector. He knew about the 1997 house fire that wiped out the former player’s collection. A sincere thank-you note came after the gift.

He didn’t sell Bob Kipper the cards.
He didn’t trade him extra cards.
He GAVE!

You don’t have to enclose money or extra cards when you write to former players. You know what you hope to get from the letter. Before you mail, ask yourself what you’re GIVING the person you’ve written.

Coming Thursday: Remembering Phillies broadcaster Andy Musser!