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Collecting Baseball Autographs: An Update

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It’s time to try again.

More than 20 years ago, I wrote this book. Long out of print, I realize that the world has changed.

However, some things stay the same. I still believe this is a great hobby, one that a newcomer can enjoy. When I had a comment posted this week for any tips, I decided to see if I could condense my advice from a book down to one feature. Here goes:

HOW TO COLLECT AUTOGRAPHS THROUGH THE MAIL

1. Always enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope
2. NEVER risk sending something you’d hate to lose. Even if the signer signs it, you have to get the item returned safely from the postal service. Because some signers get hundreds of letters a year, they may return your valuable card to a lucky, unknown collector. You could get their poor-condition common.
3. Use the most current home addresses possible. Join http://www.sportscollectors.net/. Buy the “Baseball Address List,” compiled yearly from Harvey Meiselman.
4. Send a personal letter, not a form letter. Show you know about the person you’re asking for an autograph.
5. If you send different cards, send no more than three. Two would be better. Most people who get duplicates of anything think you’re selling the extra on eBay.
6. The oldest retirees may prefer a hand-written letter. Because these people spent more time playing sports than learning how to type, they may suspect that you’re letter wasn’t real.
7. Any time you get something extra in a response (added photos, a letter, etc.), write another note of thanks. These strangers are trying to make you happy. Let them know you are.
8. Be ready to help other collectors. If you have news, share it. Likewise, don’t be shy. There are many in the hobby who remember what it was like to be a newbie. They’ll respond to a thoughtful, sincere question.

These are the basics. Print out the list, or forward the tips to someone who’d like to try TTM autographs.

Are there other tips that need to be included, readers?

Coming Friday: Hank Foiles shares his baseball story.

Tracking Down Baseball’s Brothers

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Do brothers have
similar autographs?

I heard it most recently from Dick Adams. A dream come true is one victory. Sharing that dream is sweeter still.

Someone who plays pro ball, then sees a brother achieve the same? That’s TV movie stuff!

For this week, I’ve sought out members of baseball families, including:

Sal Bando (heard from Chris)
Bud Daley
Pete Daley
Marcel Lachemann
Rene Lachemann
Joe Keough
Marty Keough
Darrell Sutherland
Gary Sutherland
Pat Underwood

Coming Thursday: Collecting baseball autographs by mail…a beginner’s guide.

A Pitch For Catcher Ed Herrmann

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Ed has kept that trademark “H”
in his autograph.

“Yes, I collected cards along with my dad. I still have most of them. Being featured on so many cards confirms that all the work I did as a kid paid off. Of course, if it weren’t for the talent and perseverance God gave me, none of it would have been possible.”

— Ed Herrmann

In 2001, the fiery catcher sent me that memory for my book Collecting Baseball Cards: 21st Century Edition.

In 2011, life has thrown Herrmann a curve.

His son Jim suffered severe injuries in a dirt bike accident.

Herrmann has remained a faithful signer for fans over the years, never demanding a fee. Even though his son’s medical bills must be daunting, Herrmann hasn’t instituted a for-pay policy.

Enclosing a couple of bucks marked for son Jim, whether you’re seeking an autograph or not, would salute the Christmas season. Even if sending money is tough, consider just sending a note. He’s sent fans his best wishes for years. Return the favor to:

Ed Herrmann
13153 Tobiasson Rd
Poway, CA 92064

If you’re sending a baseball to get signed (with a return postage-paid mailer, of course), enclose a healthy donation and ask for a “bio ball.” Ask Herrmann to list his years played, his three nicknames, his first major league hit, the date he caught Larry Dierker’s no-hitter — any career highlights he wants to fill the panels with. You’ll get a unique treasure, along with the joy of helping fuel a comeback.

Coming Wednesday: “10 Most Wanted” — Family Edition.

Don’t Dupe Anyone With Dupes

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Get them. Use them! I
found these at
http://www.post-it.com/.

I still don’t get it.

I’ve seen three types of responses tracked on hobby websites. To paraphrase, these comments include:

“Signed 8 of 8. Said he could keep some for himself, but he signed them all!”

“Kept my set card. Signed everything else. Grrr!”

“Signed only one. Kept the rest. Geez!”

Let’s call these “yo-yo givers.” They want all the cards signed, but want to save time and postage. These collectors have a hunch that the ex-player may not read the letter closely, offering a same-day return on everything in the envelope.

The solution is simple: ask Santa for Post-It Notes. Mark each card with a FOR YOU if you want the former player to keep that card.

Furthermore, spell it out in the letter. Such as, “I’ve enclosed six cards. I’ll be grateful if you sign the three unmarked cards. The remainder, marked TO SHARE, should be given to anyone you choose. Please, treat another fan who may not be as lucky as I am to have cards of you.”

If the Christmas spirit convinces the autograph signer to remove each Post-It and return the excess autographed cards to you, so be it. I’ll make sure you get moved to Santa’s “nice” list.

Coming Tuesday: A Christmas wish for Ed Herrmann.

Roy Campanella, Rolling Stones, Superfans: Dodgers Coach Mark Cresse Remembers

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Los Angeles Dodgers fans marvel at the years served by Bill Russell. Another overlooked team fixture during those many glory years was Mark Cresse.

Cresse served as bullpen coach for 22 seasons. A third-round draftee by the Cardinals in 1971, he went on to found the Mark Cresse School of Baseball.

I wrote to find out his views about Dodger Stadium, bullpen misadventures and his overlooked talent.

What did he remember most about Dodger Stadium? Interestingly, Cresse recalled the people before the sights:

“I enjoyed daily talks with the season ticket holders near me in the bullpen. I was always amazed with the passion they had for the Dodgers!”

What’s the craziest thing Cresse ever witnessed by relievers trying to amuse themselves?

“I promised Jesse Orosco that if we were ever ahead by 15 runs in a game, he could bring his stereo down to the bullpen. Sure enough, it happened and here came his giant stereo playing the Rolling Stones’ Satisfaction.”

During his years with the Dodgers, Cresse gained secondary fame as a baseball woodworker. He made lamps out of broken bats. Did any famous names ever collect his work?

“The best bat lamp I ever made was an eight-bat lamp that I made for Roy Campanella. He gave me eight bats from his last team in Brooklyn and I made him a cool table lamp.”

Coming Monday: Givings, and misgivings, by collectors at Christmas.