Bill Mazeroski

A friend approached me recently and said he had something to give me. I was not expecting to be handed an aging napkin in a ziplock bag, but I was pleasantly surprised to see Bill Mazeroski's ballpoint pen signature on the stained napkin! 

The story goes that many years before his induction into Cooperstown in 1976 (just a few years after he finished his playing career!), Maz had visited my friend's high school. Not having any baseball-related items on hand, he grabbed a napkin and got the Pirate second basemen to sign this memento. 

I'm really happy to add this one to my collection - especially with this unique story!

Tony Oliva

Much like last year's TTM return from Larry Walker, I was shocked to get a return from another recently inducted Hall of Famer. This recent return is from long-time Minnesota Twin, Tony Oliva, who rather than signing my index card, included a baseball card. Some of our mail got damp along the way, so both the envelope and card are slightly water damaged, but it doesn't matter much for my collection since I have no plans to ever sell these items. 

Outfielder Tony Oliva was recently elected, and will be officially inducted at this summer's celebration in Cooperstown. Thanks Mr. Oliva!

 

One More for the 2022 Induction Class

It seems like more energy was spent debating whether Bonds or Clemens should have been inducted in their final year on the ballot, but when the dust had settled, David Ortiz will become the newest member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. 

Congrats to Big Papi. I don’t think he signs through the mail, but maybe I’ll have to make an attempt.