Collectible of the Week: 2001 SGA Pat Burrell Bobble Head

Pat Burrell 2001 SGA Bobble Head

It's hard to imagine a time when the Phillies promotional schedule did not include multiple bobble head giveaways, but that was the way it was prior to 2001.  For years fans had been subjected with posters and balls or hats.  That season, the team joined a number of others across Major League Baseball to replace "bean bears" with bobble heads - and history was made.

The first of two bobble promotions featured emerging star, Pat Burrell, with figurines being given to all attendees 14 and under.  The idea of having bobble heads in the image of specific players was still relatively new and the item's uniqueness, along with Burrell's popularity made this promotion an immediate hit.  Personally, I had never really had much interest in the 14-under promotions, but this one had me scheming.  Being too old to get it myself, I ended up going with my brother, and he cycled through the gates twice to secure one for both of us.

Though it is pretty simplistic when compared to today's offerings with variant jerseys, removable catching gear and creative poses, this bobble head holds its own.  It is straightforward and classic - a real pioneer in the world of Phillies memorabilia.  Not that rare on the secondary market, it can be found relatively easily for between $15-20 today.

Promotion Date: May 20, 2001
Produced by: BD&A

Alumni Night Wrap-up

Former Phillies C Ozzie Virgil at Alumni Night

Alumni Night 2012 was a mixed bag.  Some successes, some real disappointments.  My brother and I started the day at Bucks County Tech HS for the Poppel.com show.  Gotta admit, compared to the past 3 or 4 years, the signing lineup was a little weak, and it showed.  The place was pretty empty - lacking both vendors and buyers.  There were nice initial crowds for most of the signers, but no one sustained any kind of presence after 30 minutes.  For me it was a good opportunity to get some "cheaper" autographs of guys I needed on a few continuing projects.  Here is what I got:

Tony Taylor - 1964 Bulletin picture

Tony Taylor 1964 Bulletin Photo

Bobby Wine - 1960 Sports Illustrated
- I am really close to having all living roster members on this.  Coach Wine wanted me to know he joined late in the season, and missed the 23 game losing streak!

1960 Sports Illustrated Cover

Del Unser and Bob Boone - 1980 team poster

Bob Boone - 1976 team ball
- Mr. Boone commented on how he was impressed he could read all the signatures, then lamented "kids today..."

1976 Phillies Team Ball

Marty Bystrom - 1983 team picture and ball

1983 Phillies Team Ball

My brother and I had bought tickets for the Hall of Fame section.  While there is some availability to the alumni over the weekend, being up in this area is really the best way to have a chance at getting an autograph.  For the night I had packed nine team balls, and a few individual pictures and magazines I would like to have signed.  A partial list of alumni attendees had been posted on Phillies.com, so I had a little idea of who I might run into up there.  It seemed a lot more crowded than it has been in previous years - at times the crowd was two or three people deep outside the alumni suite.  That made it a little more difficult to manage.  Still, came out with a couple targeted autographs:

Garry Maddox, Bob Boone and Greg Luzinski - 1980 team picture
- Nice to add three new, "free" signatures on here.

Boone and Maddox on 1980 Team Picture

Maddox - both my 1983 team ball and team picture
- Mr. Maddox signed a couple different things for me.  His signing for free each year is a great thing for collectors of the first Golden Era in Phillies baseball.

Garry Maddox on 1983 Team Picture

Ricky Bottalico - 2002 program insert photo at the WIP tent
- He laughed when he saw this picture - "I am so young here!"  I was always a big fan of Ricky's, especially the second time around.

Ricky Bottalico 2002 Program Insert

Ricky Jordan - 1989 team ball
- Caught him in the HOF section early in the night.  Good add to the '89 team ball.

Larry Bowa - 1980 team poster
- Bo came out and signed a lot late in the night.  Getting him on the poster (pictured above) really made me feel better about the night.

Bobby Wine - 1983 team picture
- Good to add a third coach to the project.  His quote regarding 1983: "Good season.  Awful Series."

Pat Burrell - 2008 team ball
- Obviously the highlight of my night.  I was in pursuit all night.  Luckily he signed a few on his way into the suite during the middle innings.  Got lucky on this one - really excited to add it to the ball.

Pat Burrell on 2008 Phillies Team Ball

Von Hayes - 1983 team ball
- He signed the ball walking through the hall.  Another difference this year was the presence of security with the alumni.  Von had two guys with him, but still signed as he walked by.

It should be noted that I did not see either Steve Carlton or Mike Schmidt in the HOF section at all this season.  Some of the other bigger names like McCarver, Curt Simmons, Dick Allen and Mike Lieberthal, while very polite, refused to sign.  I was also a little disappointed to not get Art Mahaffey on the 1960 Sports Illustrated cover.  Looks like I will need to send that one back up to Allentown...

All in all it was still a good night - pulling Burrell and Bowa late in the evening salvaged it for us.  I enjoyed meeting a couple "internet friends" at both the show and later at CBP.  It is always great to meet other collectors and see what they are working on.

Autograph Anatomy: Pat Burrell

One of the most difficult things for an autograph collector to do is detect the authenticity of an autograph from players who's signature style changes with time.  In Phillies history there are plenty examples of just these types of guys: Mike Schmidt, Del Ennis and Pat Burrell, to name a few.

Burrell (finally) retired as a Phillies on May 19th.  Among the festivities were his first two local signing appearances (one "private" for Hall of Fame section ticket holders, one public at Granite Run Mall) since the 2008 World Series.  Looking at pictures online after the signings I was struck by how his autograph had seemed to change again.  It was now fully legible, a far cry from his early autographed insert cards and a little better than 2004-2007.  I thought it might be interesting to take a look back at some certified examples and track the changes...

1999 - 2000

:

Comments - The signature during these years was way too small, and without his picture on the card it would be really difficult to tell who signed.

Pat Burrell, 1999 UD Inkcredible

Pat Burrell, 2000 SP Authentic Autographs

2004 - 2007

:

Comments - Finally acknowledging he has a first name, in the mid-'00s we see Burrell's signature starting to mature.  At this point he is now signing both initials, though he is only fully writing out his last name.

Pat Burrell, 2004 SP

Significant Numbers

Pat Burrell

signed Riddell Mini-helmet ('07)

2008 - 2012

:

Comments - The World Series signings in late '08 seem to be the first time he is making an effort to sign his full name.  It should be noted the team signed balls from this season still have a first initial instead of the full "Pat".  Based on the samples distributed on the web over the weekend, this seems to be pretty close to his current (see '08/'12 examples below).

Pat Burrell signed

'08 World Series ball

Pat Burrell signed '08 WS ball (via @PhilaJen)

Consistencies - 

• Shape of the uppercase "B" in his last name
• Overlap in the "LL"s in the last name

Inconsistencies - 

• First name.  Non-existent in early examples, now abbreviated on team signed items or spelled out "fully" on single-signed.
• Shape of the uppercase "P" in his first name (when present)

Auction Watch: Heritage Auction, Live May Event

Checked in with Heritage Auctions this week to find out what Phillies items are up for bid in their May Live Auction and found a couple gems.  Approximately two weeks remains before the end of internet bidding...

1981 Ryne Sandberg Rookie Season Spring Training Jersey

'81 Ryne Sandberg Phillies Jersey (HA.com)

Lot# 81413
Pre-Auction Estimate: $6,000-8,000
Current bid: $1,600

Description (from HA):  "...upon an embroidered swatch at interior collar as well.  Tail holds Wilson [size] 42 label with "81 1" embroidered year swatch, establishing this most appealing of vintages.  Zipper front remains operational, and the jersey exhibits the light wear you'd expect for limited spring training use.  Autographed on verso in 10/10 black sharpie"

Comments:  Sandberg's return to the Phillies family has made looking back at his time as a player a little less bitter.  This jersey is really a rare find.  Throughout the '70s and '80s the Phillies regularly reused jersey's by replacing nameplates as necessary throughout their minor league system.  Finding an intact issue for Sandberg with #24 is nearly impossible.  JSA cert included for the autograph.


1979 Game Ball from famed 23-22 win in Chicago

Game Used Ball from 1979 Phillies Classic

Lot# 80978
Pre-Auction Estimate: $2,000-4,000
Current bid: $650

Description (from HA): "...It was saved by Phillies General Manager Paul Owens, who penned the details artfully on the sweet spot of the ONL (Feeney) orb.  Thursday May 17, 1979, Phillies at Chicago, Phils 23 Cubs 22.  Letter of provenance from Owens' son is included."

Comments: 1979 was a huge disappointment for both the Phillies and their fans.  This mid-week classic is one of the all-time greatest games in team history.  A cool piece for any Phillies collection, and having a link to Paul Owens is clearly adding value to this ball - but, I would be surprised to see it reach the pre-auction estimate.  Stay tuned...

2008 Team Signed World Series Ball

Team Signed '08 World Series Ball

Lot# 82381
Pre-Auction Estimate: $600-800
Current bid: $150

Description (from HA):  "Twenty two signatures on an Official World Series ball from the Champs...Mounted Memories sticker.  MLB Authentic sticker. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.  Auction LOA from JSA."

Comments: There are clearly positives and negatives to this lot.  On the plus side, it does include most key signatures: Utley, Werth, Hamels, Victorino, Rollins, Lidge and Ruiz.  I wasn't able to spot the Howard signature that is touted in the site's description, and though he is clearly a legend, having Harry Kalas' autograph takes away a little from the team ball (in my opinion).  Still - $600-800 seems reasonable when compared to "buy now" prices on dealer sites.


Bidding times/dates: Heritage Auctions - May Live Auction

My Favorite Cards: Pat Burrell

In light of today's announcement that Pat Burrell will retire as a Phillie I was once again forced to reflect on his time with the team.  A huge part of the success (and failures) of the teams from 2000-2008, his imprint on the city is here to stay.  Here are some of my favorite Pat Burrell cards:

2001 Topps - #144

Comments: What a classic shot of the guy who lit up the Phillies lineup during the early 2000's.  Bonus points for the inclusion of a Topps All-Star Rookie trophy cup.

Pat Burrell - '01 Topps

1999 Topps Traded - #T44

Comments: Sentimental favorite for me.  I wasn't collecting cards (at all) in 1999 - but, was definitely excited about the prospects of Burrell helping the big club sooner than later.  That excitement drove me to pick up this card at a flea market sometime around his MLB debut in 2000.

Pat Burrell - '99 Topps Traded

2003 Upper Deck Leading Swatches - #LS-PB

Comments:  Cool, two-color, game used jersey card.  

Pat Burrell - '03 Upper Deck GU Jersey

2001 Topps Gallery - #13

Comments:  Really liked these cards...and look - The Vet!

Pat Burrell - '01 Topps Gallery

First Look at the Reading Phillies 2012 Promotional Schedule

The summer should be a busy one for the Reading Phillies.  With the Eastern League All-Star Classic game on July 10th as the centerpiece of their promotional schedule, the Phillies AA affiliate released their "Top 30 Promotions of 2012" this week.  The calendar is packed with the typical minor league draws: food discounts, theme nights and autograph sessions.  In addition, there are a few notable SGAs.  Here are some of the highlights (sorry, no pictures have been posted):

• Ryan Howard/Crazy Hot Dog Vendor Dual Bobble - April 5th
• All-Star Classic Autograph Session and Home Run Derby - July 10th
• Jimmy Rollins "Old School" Bobble - July 23rd
• Vance Worley Garden Gnome - July 25th
• Carlos Ruiz "Chooching" Train - August 14th
• Reading Phillies Team baseball card set - August 25th
• Harry Kalas Talking Bobble - August 27th

Also, collectors should take note to the "Reading Phillies Legend Photo" set that will be given away one photo at a time throughout the first part of the season.  The set features familiar faces who represented the team in the Eastern League All-Star game not so long ago:

• Freddy Galvis ('11) - April 9th
• Gavin Floyd ('04) - April 10th
• Gio Gonzalez ('06) - April 11th
• Mike Spidale ('11) - April 24th
• Michael Bourn ('05/'06) - April 25th
• Ryan Madson ('02) - May 8th
• Pat Burrell (1999) - May 15th
• Vance Worley ('09/'10) - May 29th
• Ryan Howard ('04) - May 30th

Reading Phillies Full Promotional Schedule

Thanks to Matt (follow him on Twitter: @bigrothy) for the heads up!

Collectible of the Week: Pat Burrell Figurines

With the news of Pat the Bat's impending retirement I reflected (briefly) on his time with the Phils this week.  Though I am sure many fans will say Burrell never lived up to the hype, few can deny the impact he had on the team during his time in Philadelphia.  Love him or hate him - he was ours (and many times, the best we had) for nine seasons.

Is there a better way to pay tribute to #5 than by looking back at some of the memorabilia that was released during his time with the Phillies?  His playing career took off the same time that McFarlane figurines and SGA bobble heads did - and much of what is in the market reflects that fact.  This week I decided to take a look back at some memorable Pat Burrell (non-bobble head) figurines.

Produced by: Hasbro
Year Issued: 2001
Series: Starting Lineup - 2

Comments: Pat's debut in this series marked his first and only appearance in Starting Lineup-form.  Pretty decent depiction of him, and the card was definitely a bonus.

2001 Starting Lineup - Burrell

Produced by: McFarlane
Year Issued: 2003
Series: MLB Series 5

Comments: This one blew me away when I first saw it.  Jump back in time to 2003 when "realistic" figurines like the McFarlane's did not exist.  They changed the game - and I still love having this one on my shelf.

McFarlane - MLB Series 5 Burrell

Produced by: McFarlane
Year Issued: 2003
Series: Big League Home Run Challenge

Comments: OK, so after my glowing comments on the MLB Series 5 figurine you probably would figure I would love this one too...but, I don't.  I was really disappointed when McFarlane repackaged the original - in a non-Phillies uniform - for this series.  Still, his appearance beside the likes of A-Rod, Giambi and Piazza demonstrates the popularity he had.

McFarlane - Home Run Challenge Burrell

Produced by: McFarlane
Year Issued: 2005
Series: 3" Mini (SGA)

Comments: Issued as a stadium giveaway for fans 14-under on July 17, 2005, this dual figure package was a pretty hot item.  You can't beat 2-for-1, and these mini's add a little variety to the display of standard 6-inch figurines.

Burrell/Wagner dual McFarlane

My Collecting Story: Phillies Weekend Wrap-up

On the heels of last weekend's Philly Show, this week's Holiday Sale and Poppel.com signing just about drained my last dollar of 2011.  The annual sale held by the Phillies is a good place to pick up some game used jerseys, hats and bats, as well as a load of autographed items.  Normally you find the goods from second-tier players like Eric Bruntlett or Mike Sweeney featured - but, this year there seemed to be a nice selection from stars like Pat Burrell, Jayson Werth and Jimmy Rollins.  In past years I have been able to pick up a couple unique items that build on my collection without breaking the bank (Carlos Ruiz '07 BP jersey, Ruiz '08 batting helmet, Brett Myers and Randy Wolf game worn hats and a few game used bats). This year's big item was a Jayson Werth game-used alternate home uniform from the 2008 season.  Complete with dirt stains, this instantly becomes my best gamer!

Jayson Werth Alt. GU Jersey

Also, I picked up a "Four Aces" Group Leader bobble-head and a few nice signed pieces that will fit nicely into my collection - a Billy Wagner single-signed ROMLB and 12 assorted autographed 8x10 player photos.  The 8x10's include Scott Rolen, Pat Burrell, Aaron Rowand, Jamie Moyer and Jayson Werth.  I am looking forward to handing a couple of these pictures in the Phillies room immediately!  Larry Andersen was wandering around the CBP store and I caught him to sign the 1993 World Series program cover - glad I didn't pay to get him last weekend!

Autographed Phillies Player 8x10 Photo Cards

Billy Wagner SS ROMLB

Phillies Four Aces Bobble Head

Larry Andersen on the '93 WS Program

After the Holiday Sale I shot up 95 to Bucks County Technical HS for the Poppel.com card show. The show brought in two 2008 Phillies (Greg Dobbs and Chad Durbin) - but, at $30 a piece, after all I have spent over the past 6 days I had to pass on both.  Instead I took the budget route and decided to add two signatures to my ongoing 1993 Phillies poster - Wes Chamberlain and Ben Rivera.  I have met both in the past, but wasn't sure I was going to have the shot to get them on the poster.  At $15 each, they fit the budget and helped me get a little closer to completing this project.

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