Phillies TTM: Week of 2/13/12

Pretty good week for me as some of the things I sent out two weeks ago (finally) came back...

Mickey Morandini - 1993 World Series Cover

I have been working on adding signatures to this program cover since the summer, and have so far collected nine in total.  The latest addition is former second baseman, Mickey Morandini.  He is close to a TTM slam-dunk with an 88% success rate.  Looks like an address change accounted for most of the reported failures on Sports Collectors Net.  On a side note, I am thinking about removing the cover from the program - it is starting to take a beating and want to keep it in fairly good shape as I add new guys.

Mickey Morandini on the WS Cover

Chuck Bednarik Mini Duke

If you're reading this you probably already know that Concrete Charlie is an NFL legend.  He famously played both Center and Linebacker for the 1960 Champion Eagles, and knocked out fellow HOFer Frank Gifford during a game that season.  I had met Mr. Bednarik once about 10 years ago but was unfortunately unprepared to get an autograph.  And though he is a dependable TTMer, I have for whatever reason never sent a request.  I only have two other signed footballs (others are of my favorite coaches, Buddy Ryan and Joe Paterno), but this was a must-have for the collection.

Chuck Bednarik Inscribed Football

Vance Worley Signed Photo

I've written about Vanimal Fever before, and hey, I've gotta admit that I love the energy he and some of the younger players brought to the team last year.  I learned my lesson a few years ago, and after sitting out last Spring Training I've decided to target some of the young Phillies this season.  When I was thinking about who I would try to get Vance Worley was at the top of the list.  This return marks the first of what I hope is a successful February/March...to be continued...

Vance Worley Signed Photo

Follower submissions:

If you follow my Twitter account you know I am constantly on the search for the Phillies collectibles others have, or are acquiring.  Though the weekly wrap-up has focused on my personal TTM successes, I've decided to share some of the great pieces I have seen during the week...

From Matt (@bigrothy on Twitter), a Mickey Morandini signed photo.  As mentioned above, Morandini is a solid TTM bet (as evidenced by our two successes this week).

Mickey Morandini Signed Photo

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!

First Look at Lakewood Blue Claws 2012 Promotional Schedule

Today the Phillies Class A affiliate, Lakewood Blue Claws announced their full promotional schedule, full of SGAs.  Here are a few of the dates that jumped out:

Vance Worley bobble head

The latest in Lakewood's "Made the Phillies"bobble head series will be given away to fans on July 14th.  The Worley bobble is now the 14th in the series that extends back to the original Gavin Floyd which was handed out during the 2006 season.  Let's hope we look back in a couple years, and group this one with the Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels and Carlos Ruiz figurines and not those commemorating Lou Marson, Chris Roberson and Mike Zagurski.

Mickey Morandini bobble head

The Blue Claw's skipper (and former Phillie) takes bobble head form on September 1st.  Morandini was a regular with the big club for most of the 1990's, and this one is sure to be a hot item with the fans who remember the great run they had in 1993.

Jim Kaat Autograph Signing

A legit Hall of Fame candidate, Kaat was a key member of the Phillies during their NL East Championships of 1976, '77 and '78.  His signature is a must on team ball's from any of those seasons.  As luck has it, he'll be at FirstEnergy Park April 26th signing.

Check out the full promotional schedule: Blue Claws 2012 Promotions

Phillies TTM: Week of 2/6/12

Two new returns to report on this week...

Ramon Aviles: 1980 Team Picture

Mr. Aviles represents my first TTM success from outside the continental United States.  The 1980 team picture went to Puerto Rico and back in 10 days.  For anyone who might not know, Puerto Rico is a US territory and you can use the same postage as you would for any regular request.  I am really starting to fill out the left-hand side of the picture - with only Ron Reed, Hank King, Manny Trillo, Bob Walk and Herm Starrette left to get.  13 signatures in total to date - all free through TTM!

Ramon Aviles - 1980 Team Picture

Kiko Garcia: 1983 Team Project

As I wrote to Mr. Garcia in my request letter - I first came to know about him because of his 1984 baseball card.  Instantly the name "Kiko" stuck with me, and has for all these years.  He played in 81 games as a back-up infielder (splitting time at 2B, SS and 3B) during the 1983 NL Championship run.  Though on the roster, he did not see any playing time in the postseason (unfortunately).  My favorite part about this return was the hand-written note he sent back stating - "Great picture!".  Of course, I agree...and was glad he could appreciate it, too.  I just printed a 5x7 copy for him to have - that will go out this coming week.

Kiko Garcia - 1983 Phillies Team Project

TTM Notes:

It's been great to see some of my Twitter followers having Phillies TTM success as well...  If you have a success, please let me know and I will certainly re-tweet a picture of your item and post it (and your Twitter handle) on the next weekly update.

Also, addresses for each of my successes (as well as 100+ other addresses) are posted on Graphing Philly.  Take a look and keep up with who is signing...

Collectible of the Week: Mike Schmidt Rookie Card

1973 Topps - Mike Schmidt Rookie Card

The 1973 Topps Mike Schmidt rookie card is the most recognizable Phillies card ever produced.  As a young Phillies fan during the 1980's, Mike Schmidt was easily my favorite player.  My bedroom walls were covered with his posters, and I had all of his cards stored neatly in plastic pages (nine at a time, front only).  For me, like most other Phillies fans, the Schmidt rookie card is the "holy grail".

The set:
The complete 660-card, 1973 Topps set is a really unique - and in many ways has always been defined by its inclusion of the Schmidt card.  Many detractors of the set will point to examples of poor photography, or card design but it has always been one of my favorites.  In addition to Schmidt, the set also contained both Bob Boone and Goose Gossage's first cards and singles of 25 other HOFers (including the final cards for both Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente).  And personally, I have always liked the All-Time Leaders and Post-Season highlight card subsets - and of course, the horizontal regular issue player cards (like the sweet Willie Montanez card below).

Willie Montanez 1973 Topps

The set was originally sold in series via wax packs, rack packs, cello packs and vending boxes.  The final series (cards 529-660) have generally been considered "the hardest to find".  Coincidentally,  the Mike Schmidt card falls right in the "sweet spot" of this series (#615), and in addition to his status of the greatest third baseman of all-time contributes to the card's overall/lasting value.


Schmidt Card Vital Stats:
Manufacturer: Topps
Year: 1973
Card Number: 615
Description: Part of the "Topps Rookie Stars" subset, the card features Schmidtty as one of three future star third baseman (Ron Cey and John Hilton are the others).  While I am sure both Cey and Hilton refer to it as their rookie cards - Schmidt is the obvious attraction for MOST of the market.  Even with the depreciation in card values over the years, the Schmidt rookie still commands prices between $90-150 (or more dependent on grade).

By the way, after years of longing for that Mike Schmidt rookie of my own - my dad bought me one for my 13th birthday.  Still one of the greatest gifts ever...

Auction Watch: Reviewing My Watch List (2/8/12)

A quick check-in on some of the Phillies memorabilia I have recently been following on my ebay watch list:

Program from first night game in Major League History


Auction end date: 25d remaining
Current bid: None - buy now for $399

Description: A Cincinnati Reds game scorecard from May 5, 1935 - the first night game in Major League history.  The lineup card is noted with the event with type-written comment - "Lineup, 1st Night Game played by Cincinnati".

Comments: This scorecard is "out of my league" with a $400 price-tag - but, it is noteworthy in that it is one of those unique items that could be collected by a Phillies, Reds or Baseball collector.

Scorecard - 1st Major League Night Game

1977 Phillies License Plate (SGA)

Auction end date: 2/6/2012

Final bid: $39.99

Number of bids: 1 - Buy Now

Description: Philadelphia Phillies metal license plate measuring 11 3/4"x 6".  Depicts former mascots, Phil and Phyllis.  

Comments: Originally available as a SGA during the 1977 season, a plate in this condition - from this era easily attracts Phillies fans young and old.  I am a big fan of the nostalgia in this item.  It would look nice displayed in my Phillies room.

1977 Phillies SGA License Plate

Two Trevor May 2010 Bowman Prospects Cards

Auction end date: January 17, 2012

Final bid: $0.56

Number of bids - 3

Description: Two cards in mint, to near-mint condition.  Card number BP36.

Comments: Ok, so these were cards on my watch list that I ended up winning.  My goal was to get a card to send to Trevor this season - two for this price (and free shipping) was a great deal for me.

Trevor May 2010 Bowman

Phillies TTM: Week of 1/30/12

Pretty slow week, with only one return - 2008 Bench Coach, Jimy Williams.

I started out with a full set of these cards, and have had several successes through the mail - Kyle Kendrick, Clay Condrey and Pedro Feliz to name a few.  I foolishly thought I may get a couple of the more prominent guys to sign during Spring Training in 2009 and 2010 - and unfortunately do not have too many more unsigned.

Jimy Williams Signed Postcard

I did get a couple things back out on Monday, so hopefully there will be more to report on next week...

Out this week were:

• 1983 Team Project - Kiko Garcia
• 1980 Team Picture - Ramon Aviles
• 1993 World Series Program Cover - Mickey Morandini
• 8x10 to Vance Worley in ST

Shameless plug...If you haven't checked out the new autograph site, Graphing Philly, take a couple minutes over the weekend.  Remember, it is updated daily with future player signing dates and TTM returns.

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

Phillies TTM: Week of 1/23/12

After a two-week pause in mailing at the end of last month, 2012 TTM in full swing.  I have steadily been sending out for the past couple weeks - and luckily the returns have been just as regular.  Here is what I got back this past week:

2010 Raul Ibanez Player Postcard

One of the fellow collectors who I follow on Twitter reported a success with Raul Ibanez via the Phillies two weeks ago.  I was a little surprised after not having seen any previous successes with him - but, have noticed the Phillies forwarding mail to some others recently (Pat Gillick and Jamie Moyer for example).  I sent a request and got the below card back signed.  I am always skeptical about the postcards that come back from the Phillies (in general they are pre-prints), but this one is definitely a real signature - and is not identical to the earlier success.  Who knows if Raul signed it for sure - but, it's nice to think it's authentic.

Raul Ibanez signed postcard

1994 Ricky Jordan Player postcard

The summer of 1993 was a great time to be a Phillies fan, and the NL Champions still stand out as my favorite team.  I have a couple '93 Phillies projects going on (some more active than others), but I have getting the 1994 5"x7" stadium cards signed over the past few years.  Ricky Jordan is a solid TTM bet, and a big part of the teams I grew up watching.  This return now gives me 10 in the set signed.  I think I will probably try picking up a few more this spring/summer.

Ricky Jordan signed postcard

1983 Team Project

Last week I added Von Hayes to the team project and immediately sent it back out to 1B Len Matuszek the next day.  5-6 days later it returned home.  Matuszek got some decent time during the 1983 Championship season, and is probably best remembered as the guy who replaced Pete Rose in 1984.  I was glad he used the silver Sharpie I sent (and returned it, too).  I got this back out today to SS Kiko Garcia, so hopefully there will be another update next week...

Len Matuszek on the 1983 Photo

Graphing Philly Launched

In case you missed it, I launched a new site dedicated to Philadelphia sports autographs this week - "Graphing Philly."  The site has a full listing of successful TTM addresses for Phillies, Eagles and Flyers players (past and present), upcoming signings and a list of recent TTM successes that is updated daily.  If you are interested in getting autographs, please bookmark the site (and visit often).

Link to the site: Graphing Philly

Link to launch announcement: Graphing Philly Autograph Site Launched

First Look at Upcoming Phillies 2012 SGA Items

Today the Phillies posted pictures of a few promotional items to be given away at Citizens Bank Park next season, they are listed below for your convenience:

2011 National League East Pennant (Opening Day) - 4/9/12


Those who attend Opening Day will receive another pennant for their man cave.  Unfortunately it will be white, not red...

2011 NL East Pennant - Phillies Opening Day SGA

Opening Night T-shirt - 4/11/12


The Phils are going back to the well again this April with the Opening Night t-shirt. I am glad to see them keep it simple with the same style used for the classic 2007, 2008 and 2009 t-shirts.

Phillies 2012 Opening Night T-Shirt SGA

Phanatic Bank (Phanatic Birthday) - 4/29/12

The latest in the bank series.  This year the Phanatic's head is served up on a plate.  Home Plate.  Clever or scary?

2012 Phillies Phanatic Birthday Bank SGA

I'll be posting a full preview of the upcoming SGA promotions in a couple of weeks.  In the meantime, please check out the entire 2012 Promotional Schedule on the Phillies site: Phillies 2012 Promo Schedule

"Graphing Philly" - Philadelphia Autograph Resource Launched

Since starting this blog 5-6 months ago I have noticed a lot of traffic to the "Upcoming Phillies Signings" page and my Phillies TTM success reports are regularly the most viewed posts of the week.  During that time I have also received a lot of comments, questions and requests to share some of the resources I use to acquire player autographs.  It's not really a secret - I spend a good amount of time researching several TTM sites, and stay on top of announcements from local promoters.

After a few weeks in development I was proud to launch a new Philadelphia sports autographing resource, "Graphing Philly" on Monday, January 23rd.  The new site is a central repository for all the information I am digging up across the web.  It is designed for you, Philadelphia sports fans who are interested in acquiring autographs of both past and present players.  Some of the best features of the site are:

Timely updates on new and upcoming autograph signing appearances (Phillies, Eagles and Flyers)

• Currently have 30 appearances between the three teams listed
• Revisions will be made as they are announced

TTM Addresses for Phillies, Eagles and Flyers players

• Addresses listed are related to most recent successes
• Additional ones will be added as successes are reported

Daily updates on TTM successes for each team

• See who is signing, and send your memorabilia with confidence
• The list will be updated daily to include the names and addresses of players who have most recently returned TTM requests

I have been really surprised by the response I have received so far this week.  To date there have been more than 275 visitors to the site.  If you have not had a chance yet, please take some time to look around the new site, and provide feedback!

Auction Watch: Huggins and Scott 2/2/12 Auction

I took some time tonight to browse through Phillies items up for bid on the Huggins and Scott website.  The current auction contains several pieces of Phillies memorabilia and autographs.  Below are a few that I felt were worthy of highlighting:

Lot #288 Kenny Bush Personal Collection


Description:  A lot of personal items belonging to famed Phillies bat boy, Kenny Bush.  Lot includes a 1970's era warm-up jacket, 30 paycheck stubs, four photos (two personalized to Bush) and two letters from Bill Giles - including a letter notifying Bush of his termination in 1992.

Current bid:  $100

Comments: Bush was well-known as the bat boy for the 1950 Whiz Kids who continued on with the team as an equipment and clubhouse manager up through the early 1990s.  Most interesting to me is the termination letter which in part reads, "It is with great sadness that I must inform you that you will no longer be employed with the Phillies...Generally, you have not lived up to the responsibilities of your job and we just have to make a change."

Update (2/3/12): This lot ended at $375 with 12 bids.  A lot more than I would have expected - but, not totally surprised to see a personal piece of memorabilia with connections to a widely recognized member of Phillies history get so much attention.

Link to item: Bush collection

Kenny Bush - Paper items including termination letter

Lot #517 Chase Utley 2009 Game Used Alternate Home Jersey

Description (excerpt from Huggins and Scott site):  "The thick mesh cream-colored button-down garment features proper tagging and embroidered/twill identifiers, as well as an “HK” memorial patch honoring former announcer Harry Kalas. The unaltered diamond attire shows light wear and comes with an LOA on Phillies stationery"

Current bid: $210

Comments:  This is a real gem for a Phillies or Chase Utley fan.  If you are going to pay big bucks for a gamer - make sure it has correct tagging and authentication.  This has both...

Update (2/3/12): This lot ended at $900 after 15 bids.  That was $250 more than the matching Jimmy Rollins jersey got, and $710 more than Kyle Kendrick's 2010 road jersey.

Link to item: Utley Jersey

Chase Utley 2009 Alternate Home Jersey

Lot #364 Deron Johnson Autographed ONL Ball

Description: Single-signed ONL ("Feeney") ball with JSA authentication.

Current bid: $100

Comments:  Johnson played 4+ seasons for the Phillies from 1969-1973, with his best season coming in 1971 when he hit 34 home runs and drove in 95 runs.  He was also a coach for the 1983 NL Championship team.  His early death in 1992 has limited the single-signed balls in market - nice pickup for a Phillies fan who is looking for a hard to find autograph.

Update (2/3/12): Put this down as the surprise of the auction for me.  The lot sold for $2,000 after 45 bids.  I knew this was a pretty rare ball, but had no clue it would go for anywhere close to the final bid amount.

Link to item: Johnson ball

Deron Johnson Autograph OMLB

Check out all auction lots at: Huggins and Scott's website

Phillies TTM: Week of 1/15/12

Over the past week I received two items back:

1983 Team Project

This is the 8"x10" picture I bought online leading up to the December Philly Show.  The '83 National League Champs are actually pretty decent at signing TTM.  My plan was to have Al Holland sign at the show, then start mailing out to the other players (and pick up more here and there along the way).  My first mail target was Von Hayes.  He is a solid TTMer, especially during the season - and came through for me in about 10 days.  Not sure why he didn't use the silver Sharpie I sent, but guess that's the breaks.  Hayes was always one of my favorite players growing up, and I was glad to add him to the picture.  It is now out in the mail to 1B Len Matuszak - best known for taking over the position for Pete Rose in 1984.

Von Hayes on 1983 Team Project

1980 Team Picture

I am starting to regret not using a better picture for this project.  The picture was a centerfold from a 1981 baseball magazine, and while it is a little larger than the standard team pictures it is not a good paper stock.  Over the past year, it become a little bent and wrinkled.  Hoping that once it is complete and framed that will not be an issue.  Anyway, 1980 coach, Bobby Wine signed the picture in just about 2 weeks time.  He is the 12th signature on the picture - all free through TTM.  I am leaning toward sending it out to Ramon Aviles next...

Bobby Wine on the 1980 Team Picture

Who's Signing - A listing of the top five (in volume) Phillies TTM signers for the week (1/16-1/21)

1. Greg Luzinski - 9 returns (81% overall success rate)
2. Ramon Aviles - 3 returns (92% overall success rate)
3. Chris James - 2 returns (78% overall success rate)
4. Bobby Wine - 2 returns (97% overall success rate)
5. Kevin Saucier - 2 returns (92% overall success rate)

Note: No current Phillies were reported as successes this week.

Historically Bad Phillies Bobble Heads

Hunter Pence 2012 Bobble Head

This week the Phillies released a picture of the Hunter Pence bobble head that will be sold at Citizens Bank Park next summer.  The picture which was distributed via the Phillies' Majestic Store Twitter account (@PhilliesMCS) has been received well by the fans, and even got a positive comment from the outfielder himself - "

I like the fact that the Bobble Head has Big Eyes and a Big Smile! Thanks Philly".

It is actually a pretty good likeness of Pence, and the fact that so many people were commenting on it got me thinking how unusual that is.  I did some digging and found a couple historically bad examples:

Raul Ibanez

Production Year:  2010

Produced by: Forever Collectibles

Details: 8" tall; was part of the "Photobase" bobble head line

Comments: This looks as much like Raul as I do.  I cannot remember him ever having a mustache and goatee as depicted in this bobble head (but I could be wrong).

Raul Ibanez bobble head

Shane Victorino

Production Year: 2010

Produced by: Forever Collectibles

Details: Part of the "Big Head" bobble head line

Comments: At first glance I thought it was an example of a "good" Placido Polanco.  But, no, it's just a bad one of Shane Victorino.

Shane Victorino bobble head

Lenny Dykstra

Production Year: 2004

Produced by: Novel-T-Shirts

Details: SGA (6/20/04) for the Phillies' former AAA affiliate, Scranton Wilkes Barre Red Barons.  

Comments: Probably a result of a local producer, but the quality is just lacking on this bobble head.  Outside of the left-handed batting stance, nothing about this one looks like "The Dude".

Lenny Dykstra SWB bobble head

Ryan Howard

Production Year: 2008

Produced by: Unknown

Details: SGA (6/22/08) for the Reading Phillies.

Comments:  Shame on the Reading Phillies.  Shame!

Follow me on Twitter for more Phillies memorabilia discussion: @philscollector

Auction Watch: Preview Hunt Auction's January Auction

Bidding on items in Hunt Auction's January online auction closes tomorrow, Wednesday January 18th at 10PM (EST).  A "Phillies" keyword search of the lots produces 118 results.  Here are three pieces of Phillies memorabilia I took note of:

Lot # 923 - Assorted Phillies Postseason Memorabilia

Description (from Hunt Auctions' site): Lot of assorted Philadelphia Phillies playoffs & World Series related memorabilia, c.1976-2009 (VG-MT). 


Current bid: $62


Comments: I really like going to an auction or yard sale and throwing a bunch of stuff in a box for deal making.  A lot like this one is just that: many great items across all eras, some rare...and of course, a scrapbook thrown in for good measure.


Link to item:  Assorted postseason memorabilia on Hunt Auctions

Update (1/19/12):  I followed this lot through bidding on Wednesday night, throwing in a high bid (at one point).  As I mentioned in the original post, this listing had a lot to offer, and I'm not surprised it garnered other Phillies collector's attention.  At the end of the night, bidding closed at $266!

Assorted Phillies postseason memorabilia (via huntauctions.com)

Lot #5 - Game Used 2010 Phillies Home Jersey Worn by Roy Halladay

Description (from Hunt Auctions' site): 2010 Roy Halladay game-used and signed Philadelphia Phillies home jersey, Phillies COA (EX-EX/MT). Polyester button down jersey with "Phillies" across front, "HALLADAY" across back, "34" on back and left sleeve, and a "36" memorial patch on the right sleeve for Robin Roberts. Majestic size 50 and Cool Base tagging appear on the front bottom left. Proper "0063" pro code is on the interior wash tag.

Current Bid: $1,815

Comments: Wow!  Great piece, complete with a COA from the Phillies.  Jerseys like these make me realize there are some BIG TIME collectors out there.  Rubber-necking scenario here...following this one to see how high those bids get!

Link to item: Halladay game-used jersey on Hunt Auctions

Update:  I was not in the market for this jersey, but was really interested to see what the ceiling was.  Final bid placed was for $2,925.

2010 G/U Roy Halladay Jersey (via huntauctions.com)

Lot # 976 - Assorted Phillies '50s-'60s era statues

Description (from Hunt Auctions' site): Lot of (6) Philadelphia Phillies Robert Gould, Dairy Queen, and Transogram statues from 1955-1969 (EX-NM). Incl. (4) 1955 Robert Gould statues including Richie Ashburn (EX/MT), Smoky Burgess (EX/MT-NM), Gran Hamner (EX/MT-NM), and Curt Simmons (EX/MT-NM); 1956 Del Ennis Dairy Queen statue (EX); and 1969 Johnny Callison Transogram complete box with statue (EX-EX/MT). Range: EX-NM

Current Bid: $53

Comments: I don't know a whole lot about these statues, but have seen a few of them come and go in previous auctions.  Common problem is missing pieces, and that doesn't seem to be a concern here.  Also, how great is that Johnny Callison Transogram?!

Link to item: Phillies statues/figurines on Hunt Auctions

Update: I had a not-so-serious bid in early on Wednesday night for this lot of Phillies figurines.  Some more serious bidder walked away with them for $189.

'50s-'60s Era Phillies Statues (via huntauctions.com)

Phillies TTM: Week of 1/10/12

I sent my first mail of 2012 last weekend.  Out went the 1964 Phillies team picture to Rick Wise, 1980 Phillies team picture to Bobby Wine and the 1983 team project to Von Hayes.  I had previously sent the team picture to Mr. Wise a couple weeks ago, but got a price list back asking for a $5.00 donation.  To me, the donation is well-worth the price (Note: He requires $10 for a ball).  I received the picture back yesterday, signed nicely in blue Sharpie with a bonus Phillies Alumni 5"x7" postcard.  With this addition, I now have 19 signatures on the picture and am very close to having all living members.  Hope to close this project this spring with Roy Sievers, Jim Bunning and Ed Roebuck.

Rick Wise Alumni Postcard

Rick Wise - 1964 Team Picture

Who's Signing - A listing of the top five (in volume) Phillies TTM signers for the week (1/9-1/15)

1. Jim Bunning - 7 returns (81% overall success rate)
2. Roger Craig - 6 returns (86% overall success rate; requires $5-10 donation)
3. Jim Fregosi - 5 returns (97% overall success rate)
4. Mark Whiten - 3 returns (94% overall success rate)
5. Rudy Meoli - 3 returns (93% overall success rate)

Note: Three successes were also reported from Brad Lidge at the Phillies Spring Training address.  All three had been out there for a couple years.  Not sure what to make of it.  I know Lidge had been working out a CBP this winter, he may have moved onto Florida.

In closing, I am very close to the launch of a new "autograph" page for the site.  It will have successful TTM address for the Phillies, Eagles and Flyers as well as listing of recent TTM successes and upcoming signings for all three teams.  I am really looking forward to sharing the work and your feedback.

Collectible of the Week: 1964 Phillies Press Guide

It has been at least a couple of weeks since I mentioned the 1964 Phillies, so figured you might be due for a new post on them.  Despite the great September collapse, there were several memorable moments during that season and it bore many pieces of Phillies memorabilia: A phantom World Series program, phantom World Series tickets, Johnny Callison on the cover of SI, Jim Bunning's perfect game program/ticket and those great Pointer pictures distributed by the Inquirer (to name a few).  At the top of the heap, the cream of the crop though is the 1964 Press Guide.  

1964 Phillies Press Guide (via HuntAuctions.com)

Prior to 1964 the Phillies did not publish official statistical guides for their media partners.  At that time they were the only Major League team to not have a "Press Guide" detailing their roster and playing schedule.  After a request to have one printed for the upcoming 1964 season was denied by Phillies management (too expensive they said), media-guru, Larry Shenk rolled up his sleeves and manually assembled 300 in his own living room.  His wife threw in an assist by hand-coloring each cover.

The Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society has a great piece on the Press Guide (Link to the full article).  It details the process the Shenk's undertook in creating the booklets:

"Shenk typed by hand a master stencil for each page of the guide, fitted the stencils one at a time around the mimeograph machine’s inked drum and produced multiple duplicate copies of each page. A laborious task was made even more onerous by the fact that two pages of the guide could be typed onto a single stencil. This was economical, but every copy mimeographed from each stencil had to be cut in half by hand to separate the two pages. With the mimeographed pages of the guide printed and cut, Shenk now faced the grueling task of collating and binding all of the pages for each of the guides."

Stats on the Press Guide:

Number produced: 300

Number still existing: ?? - It has been estimated at only a dozen or more have survived

Number of pages: 58

Size: 4 1/8"x 8 1/2"

Value: I found two examples of these sold at auction:

• August 23, 2002, Hunt Auctions sold for $2000
• November 11, 2011, Estimated between $500 - $750, one sold by Hunt Auctions fetched $650

Vance Worley Bobble Head Design Decided!

2012 Vance Worley Bobble Head Choices

Unless you have been away from this planet for the past year, you are well aware of the impact Vance Worley has made on both the Phillies starting rotation, and the team's fan base.  Complete with a fresh nickname and hair style (not to mention, one pretty good rookie season), the pitcher's Q-Rating is sky-high in the 215.  No one can deny the splash he made on the field (11-3, 3.01 ERA), but he has also been equally successful in memorabilia market.  Personal appearances were scattered throughout the area last season, and stores stocked Worley t-shirts beside those for Utley, Howard and Halladay by season's end.  (Heck, even my three-year-old son knows him!)  

On the heels of last week's announcement that the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs 2012 promotional lineup would include two Worley-themed items, the Citizens Bank Park Majestic Store gave fans an opportunity to choose the uniform the right-hander will wear in his first, official Phillies bobble-head.  The uniform choices were fairly obvious, white home, gray away and home alternate.  Since the "contest" was first released on January 6th, Phillies fans have furiously cast votes via Twitter (tagged: #Worleybobble) to decide which version bobble head would be produced.  A search of the tag shows that voting was actually pretty mild.  In fact, The Vanimal himself could not be prodded to vote (maybe he just couldn't decide).  In the end, the fans have spoken and shelves at CBP will be stocked with the home, red pinstripe version.  If what we have seen so far this calendar year holds, it seems like there will be a whole lot more Vance to go around this season.

Auction Watch: Reviewing my Watch List (1/9/12)

Checking up on my Ebay Watch List to see how some of the Phillies memorabilia I was following ended:

Final Game at Veterans Stadium Ticket -

Auction End Date: 12/31/2011

Number of Bids: 6

Final Bid Amount: $36

Description of the auction lot:  The Phillies used a larger format ticket for the Final Innings series against the Braves - this one measures 3.5"x8".  The ticket was also embossed with the Veterans Stadium stamp, which was done at the gates as the ticket holder entered the game.

Comments:  For me this was a bittersweet piece of Phillies history.  I was a Sunday game plan holder at the time, and had this game as part of my package.  Of course, there was a lot of excitement around moving to Citizens Bank Park, but there was a huge part of me that was sad to see the Vet go.  I have seen this ticket go for a lot more on ebay before.  I think two things hurt it's sales potential:

1. It was titled, "Final Game at Veterans Stabium Ticket."  You have to spell "stadium" right.
2. It was set to end on New Year's Eve.  I know I was not around when it closed, and I'm sure a lot of other potential buyers weren't either.

Final Game at Vet Stadium

Roy Oswalt Autographed Baseball (with JSA authentication) - 

Auction End Date: 1/7/2012

Number of Bids: 12

Final Bid Amount: $28.50

Auction lot description:  An Official Major League Baseball signed by former Phillies pitcher, Roy Oswalt.  The ball was described as being autographed during a private signing session, and included a JSA hologram.

Comments:  Even though he was the "least Ace-ish" of the Phillies "Four Aces" rotation, no one can deny the fact that Roy Oswalt has been a very good pitcher for the past 10+ years.  As recently as October, local promoters were getting three times this sale price for his autograph at appearances.  This item caused quite a bit of conversation when shared on Twitter.  I said I would go to $40 - but, eventually decided to sit it out.  Great buy for someone out there...

Roy Oswalt autographed OMLB

1987 Donruss Opening Day, Lance Parrish card -

Auction End Date: 1/17/2012
Number of Bids: 0
Final Bid Amount: None - Still available

Auction lot description:  Lance Parrish was card #153 of this 272 card set that featured the starting lineups from each Major League team.  The card design was similar to the regular issue 1987 Donruss set, except for the maroon border (also had differentiated numbering - with "OD" prefix).

Comments:  This lot also brought up some childhood memories of mine.  As a 10-year old Phillies fan, this set was a must have - and Lance Parrish (the big offseason free agent signing) was one of the biggest stories of Spring Training.  Of course, the Phillies quickly fell off pace of the divisional leaders and eventually finished the season in 4th place (in the NL East).  One of the biggest disappointments was our new catcher (pictured below).  But, let's face it...not too many live up to our expectations.  Note: Another inclusion in this set was Mike Easler who started in left-field on Opening Day.  OK, now go take a TUMS.

Lance Parrish '87 Donruss Opening Day

Hidden Gems: Beyond the Dugout (Game Used Items)

For Sale: This hat, and these shoes!

Beyond the Dugout is a site that came to my attention as a result of a tweet sent by Phillies prospect, Michael Schwimer yesterday:

for those of you asking for some of my game used stuff from either UVA or some Phillies stuff please contact @beyondthedugout

Needless to say if I see game-used and Phillies in a tweet, I am checking out the site.  I took a little time to browse the site, and while a lot of the product in inventory is related to minor league prospects there is also a pretty good roster of solid Major Leaguers.  Among the Major League group are familiar names like Drew Stubbs,  Carlos Gonzalez and Elvis Andrus.  Of particular interest to me were the collections for Phillies P, Michael Schwimer and A's Outfielder/former Phillies minor leaguer, Michael Taylor.  There is a wide selection of items for both players.  Both have game used jerseys, cleats and hats available.  Schwimer's equipment, which includes some collegiate items from his days at UVA, has not been priced.  But you can make an offer on any item by emailing Beyond the Dugout at: orders@beyondthedugout.net.

Beyond the Dugout touts themselves as an outlet for players to unload some of the unwanted equipment from prior seasons, while making some extra money and connecting with their fans in a unique way.  From what I have seen, and through my personal interactions with them over the past two days - this seems to be a professional operation.  Check it out and place an order on some Phillies game used gear.

Main Site: Beyond the Dugout
Direct to the M.S. Goods: Michael Schwimer Collection
Direct to the M.T. Goods: Michael Taylor Collection