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2013 Baseball Address List Shines

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Harvey Meiselman remains a hobby all-star.

His stellar 2013 Baseball Address List weighs in at 213 spiral-bound pages.

I’m marveling anew at his “tough TTM” column. He tallies reported responses from online autograph sites, warning collectors about anyone with a 25 percent success rate or LOWER. This alone is a fascinating list. You’ll find many obscure names on it, not just superstars and Hall of Famers. Only the most optimistic gamblers may attempt some of these guys, knowing that anyone you send is at high risk.

Harvey includes a section for baseball personalities: owners, executives, broadcasters, reporters. Collectors of the Ford Frick and Spink Award winners from the Hall of Fame will love this assortment.

The fine lists of Negro Leaguers and AAGPBL (girls league) veterans is shrinking with time. Collectors who’ve never tried these history makers will miss out totally soon. The advancing ages from these two categories will slam shut this window of opportunity soon.

There’s a concluding rundown of all the fee signers out there. How much do they want for different items? Who should the check be made out to (or do they demand cash only)? Harvey’s details will make sure no one wastes time and postage not following the instructions of signer-sellers.

Realize that customers are buying a partnership with Harvey, not just a single directory. Make sure that he has your e-mail address, and he’ll keep your address list updated to the minute. On Monday, he sent updates on raised fees from Steve Yeager, Ron Reed and Tommy Davis. Just as important, he noted that collectors have reported that Tim Raines and Don Sutton haven’t been responding to paying collectors — those who are sending in the required fees with their autograph request.

Harvey’s list is a must-have for any serious autograph collector or student of baseball history. Reach him before the postal increase Jan. 27, and you’ll save two dollars. Tell him Baseball By The Letters sent you!

Coming Friday: My thoughts about the players who charge for autographs in 2013.

Pete Rose TV Reality Series???

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I’ve kept it since 1973. It’s a government postcard rubber-stamped (or auto-penned?) reply from Pete Rose. The “Hi, Tom” is no match for the facsimile signature.

When I saw that Rose’s TLC reality series was using his AUTOGRAPH as a show title/logo, I remembered that he was one of the first stars ever to admit to employing a “secretary.”

I can’t find a picture of the book anywhere. But I know it existed. In a rip-off of Art Linkletter’s “Kids Say the Darnedest Things,” there was a book reprinting KID letters to Pete Rose. Teen me never wanted to see if my heart-felt request was included.

Will he talk about autographs on his new series? Sorry, I don’t have the stomach to stay tuned.

Coming Wednesday: Harvey’s here! My 2013 Baseball Address List arrives!!!

My 800th Post!

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As I stare out the window at the melting snow, waiting to send letters to spring training, I noticed another milestone.

Fresh from a New Year, I want to celebrate every day. Reaching 800 posts sounds like a good excuse for another mug of dark-roast coffee.

This year, I promise to keep sharing my ideas and mistakes with all of you. We learn from each other. Together, this hobby will remain strong.

This blog would be nothing without you, the reader. I am grateful.

What Are My Baseball Autographs Worth?

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Do I feel more like a doctor coming to share a diagnosis with a sick patient? Or am I Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men, yelling about not being able to handle the truth?
 
Either way, this isn’t an easy post to write. This is for all the strangers out there who’ve never read my blog, those surfing the Internet, hoping for a fast, free appraisal. Any blog connected to the words “baseball autographs” gets contacted in their blanket, impersonal mass mailing.
 
The latest example:
 
Hi,
I came across your email on a website while I was researching the worth of my dozen 1972 chicago cubs autographs and wanted to ask if you know anything about them or what they might be worth?
They are just on small pieces of paper but are in good shape and very readable. Tape marks are on the edges but I was hoping they would still be worth something. I have written to a couple of companies but am not getting any response.
Would appreciate any help.
Thanks,
 
If you know someone like this, and they assume you are a pricing expert, tell them for me:
 
1. Know the names of each autograph.
2. Know how the autographs were obtained. By mail? In person? In what year?
3. Describe the look and condition. (Ink? Sharpie permanent marker? Pencil? On index cards?) If it’s a flat item, try to scan the images. Or, get a photo.
 
Then, find your favorite search engine for the autographs. Who has died? Who is in the Hall of Fame? Who excelled that year? Did the autograph signer set records or win awards that year?
 
Dealers will offer anywhere from 10 to 50 percent of retail value for an autograph. As if there’s such a thing as absolute value. The best guess I would find might be for “completed items” or “prices realized” on eBay.
 
Even eBay evidence is iffy. Just because two buyers went wild fighting over an autograph once doesn’t mean the deal could be repeated. The fact is, autograph sales are emotional impulse buys. Each signature (if it’s authentic) is worth just as much or little as the buyer and seller FEELS.
 
Want to talk baseball memories? If so, I’m your guy!
 
 
 
 
 

Baseball Address 2013 List Ships!

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Harvey Meiselman has done it again.

He wrote: “Just to let you know I shipped the initial batch of orders this past Saturday, January 5th, right on schedule. 427 packages out the door.”

Although 427 collectors have a headstart on you, it’s not too late. In fact, now’s the best time to order his Baseball Address List. Because of the Jan. 27 U.S. Postal Service rate hike, Harvey has to increase his price to $37 to cover the new expense. Order before Jan. 27 to get the old $35 postage-paid deal.

Harvey has all his bases covered. Remember December’s feature about collecting Ford Frick Award honorees? Harvey’s list is the place for all the addresses.

To order or learn more, go to http://sportsaddresslists.com/.