Header - Baseball by the Letters

San Francisco Giant Phil Nastu Wows A Hobbyist

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Nastu has been a faithful
autograph signer for 30-plus years!

Remember Mike “Tiger Nut” Micho? He’s shining the spotlight on one of the greatest responses I’ve ever imagined recorded by a collector.

As first shared on http://www.sportscollectors.net/, Mike relayed this fascinating story:

“Earlier this month I sent 2 cards to former Giants pitcher Phil Nastu. After nearly a month, I wondered if I`d get them back again, as usually he signs and returns cards quickly.Well, what I received back in the mail yesterday just floored me.

It seems Mr. Nastu had signed the cards quickly and had sent them back out a few weeks ago. However, the Postal Service had totally destroyed the envelope (it was ripped in half) and the cards.This pile of waste was returned to Mr. Nastu as he had placed a return address sticker on the envelope.What he did for me was unbelievable!

I received this huge white envelope in the mail yesterday, addressed from him.When I opened it, he had wrote me a short note explaining what happened. It read:

‘Michael, I received these cards I signed for you back from the Post Office. They were destroyed, so I replaced them for you. I searched the web for your correct name and address from the letter you sent me. Hopefully, I`ve sent these to the right person, since I couldn`t read the full name. If not, I tried my best. Phil’

I was shocked that he cared enough to replace the cards, search the web for my name and addy, and send everything back to me (including the destroyed cards and envelope).

He is for sure going to receive a Thank You card from me for this one! Thanks so much Mr. Nastu.”

I wrote a note of thanks to Phil Nastu, too. Hey, everyone should. When one collector wins, the hobby wins. Amazingly, I found that Mike’s story had another side…

Coming Friday: Phil Nastu replies, explaining his amazing kindness.

New Signers Don’t Last Forever. Get Your 2012 Baseball Address List From Harvey Now!

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Harvey Meiselman will be celebrating his 17th year of creating sports address lists in 2012.

He started taking orders for the 2012 edition on November 1.

He says he’ll be shipping advance orders no later than Jan. 5. Why should you order now?

Easy. I’m sure he’ll be shipping in the order the orders are received.

Every year, Harvey discovers new addresses, updates or listings of baseball names who’ve never been included before (for instance, he’ll be adding a section of current and former coaches who’ve never played in the majors).

These people aren’t used to getting mail. Chances are, the novelty of fan mail will keep them signing…for awhile. History shows a newly-found address can dry up. The signer becomes bored, or overwhelmed, with the increased mail. Or, a signing fee becomes the norm.

Get the new addresses as soon as possible. Harvey’s still the “go to” guy in this hobby. For more information, check out his website, http://www.sportsaddresslists.com/.

Coming Thursday: The most stunning TTM autograph reply of the 2011 season?

Red Sox Pitcher ‘Boo’ Ferriss Shares Blessings

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From the 2001
Anniversary Set. Ferriss
keeps amazing collectors!

Boston Red Sox pitcher Dave “Boo” Ferriss hasn’t been on the mound in more than 60 years. However, he isn’t done thanking collectors and fans.

Even six decades later, he still averages “5 to 7” autograph request letters weekly. I asked him about his devotion to signing.

“If fans think enough of me to sign for them, I think I am obligated to honor their requests. Baseball would be nothing without great fans filling the park.”


I wrote to Ferriss to see what collectors could do for him. How could we show our gratitude?

“I’m not seeking paybacks from collectors and fans. I just enjoy knowing about their love of the game.


In the past, some collectors on their own initiative have sent me donations for the support of the Delta State University Baseball Program where I enjoyed coaching 26 years. I got great enjoyment of coaching young men in college baseball, greatly rewarding.


Any such donations should be made to the delta State University Foundation, designated for the baseball program that I am still closely associated with. Gifts should be sent to me and they are tax deductible.”


No regrets. No bitterness over what might have been. This is a man filled with joy and gratitude.

“I try to give back to baseball in any way I can, for the game has been good to me and has enriched my life. The game has given me endured friendships and associations that are priceless.


The Lord has blessed me in a tremendous way.


Thanks for your very kind letter.


Best regards,
Boo Ferriss”

Ferriss remains an autograph all-star, still stunning those who write the man awaiting his 90th birthday Dec. 5.

Want to know more about this amazing alum from Fenway Park? Enjoy this fine profile by Rick Cleveland, who captured Ferriss’s career and life in book form.

Write Ferriss at
510 Robinson Dr., Cleveland, MS 38732

Thank him for his service during World War II, too. This “Boo” should be celebrated all year long, not just on Halloween.

Would Rogers Hornsby Sign TTM For You?

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I spotted this autographed magazine
page on ebay, offered for $1,234.05.
Would “Rajah” sign more in the
off-season? Hmmm….

“People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.”

— Rogers Hornsby

The more I read about “The Rajah,” the more he sounds like Billy Martin supersized. Nope, Hornsby would not have been “Miss Congeniality” on most teams. Sample the awesome collection of quotes from the Baseball Almanac website for a great taste (or distaste) of the man.

Many of you have gotten Al Worthington’s autograph. When this Christian pitcher protested teammates stealing signs, Hornsby was the first to go to challenge Worthington’s manhood in print.

I think many collectors may feel like Hornsby, the first week after the World Series ends.

Hornsby wasn’t the easiest autograph to get. However, I’m thinking he may have signed more in the off-season? After all, baseball fans can make any season baseball season (on paper, at least).

Questions I’ll be asking retirees in coming letters:

1. Did you play winter ball? Players with minimal MLB stats often sparkled on foreign diamonds. Who did they play with, and against? What was life like living outside the USA?

2. If you didn’t play winter ball, where did you work in the off-season? Imagine Joe Garagiola and Yogi Berra working together in Sears in St. Louis. Sound like a TV sitcom, or reality show? It happened! Imagine considering your status as a major leaguer a “part-time job,” needing a winter paycheck to provide for your family. Imagine being waited on by a St. Louis Cardinal or New York Yankee!

Make your by-mail plans now. This is the season for signers.

Coming Tuesday: How Red Sox pitcher Boo Ferriss gives back to baseball — and collectors.

My ’10 Most Wanted,’ Phillies Edition

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What happened to the 2011 Phillies?

I was sure this team would win it all this year. That’s what prompted me to launch a mailing to nine past Phils. Although none of these men grabbed the headlines that the current crop of players garner, they’re starring as TTM signers, according to the http://www.sportscollectors.net/ response board.

Former Phillies who’re hearing from me include:

Ramon Aviles
Wes Chamberlain
Larry Christenson
Keith Hughes
Randy Lerch
Len Matuszek
Mike Rogodzinski
Eric Valent
George Vukovich

Instead of choosing a 10th Phillie alum, I wanted Dan Baker. The PA voice of the team since 1972, he’s seen the team’s highest highs and lowest lows.

Check out the excellent interview with Baker by Joe Vallee at http://www.philly2philly.com/.

Coming Friday: Don’t miss this one. Tell your friends. Hall of Famer Bobby Doerr talks autographs!!!