Rest in Peace, Dick Williams

This is somewhat late in coming, but I recently learned of the passing of Hall of Fame player and manager, Dick Williams.  Mr. Williams signed for me at the 2010 All Star Fan Festival in Anaheim.  I remember him as a very professional, if not a bit overwhelmed with the whole autographing experience of the convention.

Williams died of a ruptured aortic aneurysm at a hospital near his home in Henderson, NV on July 7, 2011.  This now marks the fifth Hall of Famer in my collection who has passed away in the last year and a half - a really sad stretch of time for baseball's alumni community.

Non-HoF Autographs: Maury Wills

While attending the recent Shrine of the Eternals ceremony for the Baseball Reliquary, I had the privilidge of meeting Dodger great Maury Wills.  Wills was being inducted by the Reliquary for his contribution to redefining the game of baseball - especially in how the stolen base was used on the field of play.

This was really a wonderful event.  Several people mentioned that Wills was the one baseball player who deserved to be in Cooperstown more than anyone else not within those sacred walls. 

You can see from my program that there are several other autographs.  None are former players, but most are connected to the baseball world in some way.  You can click on the image to see a closer shot and to get a sense of who was in attendance.

I posted another review of this event right here.

Non-HoF Autographs: Shawn Green

This evening I was able to visit a book signing at the Barnes and Noble at the Americana in Glendale.  Shawn Green was there to promote and sign his new book.

I was excited about this for several reasons - Mr. Green was both a Dodger and a Blue Jay, plus he was one of my favorite players when I was growing up.

You can read a great review of the event right here, and a bit of my own ramblings over at my other blog.

Failure #17: Stan Musial

While reading an autograph through-the-mail collectors forum, I noticed that quite a few people were having success with requests from Stan Musial through his "Stan the Man" office.  So I sent off a quick request, but all I got back was my blank 3x5 card and a postcard.

The post card is a nice souvenir.  It features a quick bio on one of baseball's greatest players, and on the back gives some details about how to obtain autographed merchandise (for a fee, of course).

Non-HoF Autographs: Ubaldo Jimenez and Matt Lindstrom

I attended my first Dodger game of the season this week and was lucky enough to snag two autographs during batting practice from the opposing team.  Pitchers Ubaldo Jimenez and Matt Lindstrom came over and signed for a few fans in the right field corner.  It probably helped that there were a few fans decked out in Rockies gear.

Jimenez has had an interesting start to his young career.  In 2010 he pitched the first no-hitter in Rockies team history, was named a National League All Star, and looked like a lock for the Cy Young award last year before falling off in the second half of the season.

Lindstrom has also had an interesting career.  He has already played for three different teams - the Marlins, Astros, and Rockies.  He is a hard throwing righty who has been closer at times throughout his career.  Additionally, he was named to the roster of the USA team for the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Non-HoF Autographs: Matt Kemp and Dave Stewart

It pays to follow other bloggers.  Today I learned through the amazing Dodger-themed blog, Vin Scully is my Homeboy, that Matt Kemp would be a surprise guest at Bank of America in Burbank for a member appreciation event.  I was able to snag his autograph on this Dodgertown baseball that I caught during batting practice at Dodger Stadium.

But that's not all!  I also recognized former MLB pitcher, Dave Stewart, who happens to be Mr. Kemp's agent, so I got him to sign the ball as well!  Mr. Stewart is most likely remembered for his pitching career with the Oakland A's, but I enjoyed watching him as a member of the World Series winning Blue Jays team from 1993.

Dave Stewart was not elected to the Hall of Fame after his career, but Matt Kemp certainly has a chance if he continues to play as well as he has played so far in his young career.

I will have a full review of the event tomorrow on my daily photo blog.

Tips on Who Signs Through the Mail (and what they charge)

A recent comment on one of my old posts passed on some good insight from an avid collector.  He has a few blogs, notably posting his collection of Hall of Famer autographs at Collecting Cooperstown.  Here is what he passed on...


Some of these guys just don't sign TTM or they do very sporadically.

I can give you a list of guys and how much they charge TTM:

Stan Musial-$100 (will send a signed picture/stats index card for free with request)
Yogi Berra-$100 (but a lot of cards signed for free lately)
Monte Irvin-$10
Whitey Ford-$40 (will sometimes sign for less, but usually at least $35)
Al Kaline-$10
Brooks Robinson-$30 (but only signs through the Dugout Zone twice a year)
Lou Brock-$85
Bobby Doerr-Free
Johnny Bench-$60
Joe Morgan-Free (but only an index card)
Ferguson Jenkins-$15
Gaylord Perry-$15
Rollie Fingers-$15
Reggie Jackson-$35 (through his Mr. October for Kids charity)
Steve Carlton-$25 (through Game Winner Sports)
Jim Bunning-Free
Earl Weaver-$20 (through the Miami Children's Hospital)
Phil Niekro-$10
Tommy Lasorda-Free (long waits, preferably c/o Dodgers but will sign at home sometimes)
Lee MacPhail-Free
Nolan Ryan-$45
Orlando Cepeda-$55
George Brett-$55
Carlton Fisk-$40
Gary Carter-$25
Paul Molitor-Free (c/o Twins, up to six month wait, probably should send a little cash...that's how I got my success)
Ryne Sandberg-$20 (home, for charity)
Tony Gwynn-$20 (San Diego St. University)
Goose Gossage-$5-10 (if gotten at home)
Dick Williams-$25
Jim Rice-$10 (c/o New England Sports Network)
Andre Dawson-$20
Whitey Herzog-Free
Doug Harvey-Free (except hof postcards, which can be purchased with his sticker of authenticity at the Bob Feller Museum)
Bert Blyleven-$40
Pat Gillick-Free