Auction Watch: Mears Sports Auction Ending 6/2/12

Every couple months I come across some interesting Phillies-related items in the Mears Sports Auction.  This month's auction, which ends tonight at 10 p.m., had a couple good ones I thought I would share:


Dale Murphy - 1990 Louisville Slugger

Auction Description (from Mears site): Model B310 is stamped on the signature model barrel while Murphy's uniform number 3 is written in black marker on the knob. The Murph has also signed the barrel in black marker with the inscription "Game Used Bat." 


Comments: I remember the night Murphy was traded to the Phillies well.  I stayed up late listening to the radio, waiting for the rumor to become reality.  It was pretty exciting to have someone of his caliber playing for the Phillies.  Dad took me to the Vet the next night for his debut...maybe he used this bat!



Link to auction lot listing for Dale Murphy game-used bat


Wes Covingtion - Single signed baseball

Auction Description (from Mears site): Wes Covington signed this ONL (Giamatti) baseball across the sweet spot in blue ballpoint.


Comments: After his career ended, Covington wanted to get far out of the spotlight and moved to Canada.  A famed member of the 1964 Phillies, he did occasionally honor TTM requests, but overall his signature is one of the more rare from Phillies players of his era.  This is actually one of two up for bid this month.  Definitely worth a look...

Wes Covington single-signed ball

Link to auction lot listing for the Wes Covington signed baseball.

1976 NLCS Program (Cincinnati version)

Auction Description (from Mears site): Offered for auction in this lot is a program from the 1976 National League Championship Series which pitted the Cincinnati Reds against the Philadelphia Phillies. Scorecard remains unscored. 

Comments: No post-season program collection is complete without the "away" version sold during the opposing city's games.  Pre-internet I had no thought that a different, Reds version existed.  $15 seems like a selling bid, not a starting one - but, good example nonetheless.

1976 NLCS Program (Cincinnati Version)

Link to auction lost listing for the NLCS Program.

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)

Phillies TTM: Week of 5/21/12

Taylor Phillips on 1960 Sports Illustrated cover

Former Phillies pitcher, Taylor Phillips responded to my autograph request this past week.  That success marks the thirteenth autograph to-date on the 1960 Sports Illustrated cover.  Taylor pitched in 10 games during the 1960 season, posting a 1-3 won/loss record.  I always enjoy when the players write a response to my request.  Mr. Taylor wrote a short note letting me know how much he liked the cover, and how the names on it brought back a lot of great memories from his time with the Phillies.

I really need to get Art Mahaffey on this piece...I sent it out last fall to the normally reliable "PO Box" address, but it got returned "unable to forward".  If anyone has a current address for Mr. Mahaffey with a success over the past 2-3 months, please let me know...

Follower Successes:

Jamie Moyer (@BryanPhillies35)

Don't miss the opportunity to get Moyer's autograph this season.

Jamie Moyer - Pride of the Phillies

My Favorite Cards: Art Mahaffey

Art Mahaffey was a consistent contributor for the 1960s-era Phillies.  After emerging as a promising rookie during the 1960 season, he seemingly peaked over the next two seasons when he struck out (a Phillies record) 17 on April 23, 1961 and won 19 games in 1962.  And, he will always be remembered as a member of the star-crossed 1964 Phillies.  There are few guys I have met over the years that have been nicer than Mr. Mahaffey.  Below are a few favorite "cards" of his from my collection:


1960 Topps - #138

Comments - I am a big fan of the 1960 Topps cards, and the "Rookie Star" subset in particular.  Art Mahaffey is one of two Phillies featured in the subset (Frank "Pancho" Herrera is the other).  Great artwork make a great card...

Art Mahaffey - 1960 Topps

1983 Perez-Steele, Phillies Greatest Moments

Comments - This card is from the awesome 1983 SGA, "Great Phillies Moments" postcard series.  Again, one of my favorite sets...really wish the Phillies would continue the set, having Perez (or other artist) fill in the post-1983 years.

Art Mahaffey - 1983 Perez-Steele

1964 Topps - #104

Comments: The 1964 team set was one of the first pre-1975 sets I put together.  I am a collector of that ill-fated season and team and in many ways this (and the 1965) team set was my introduction to a lot of the players.  I remember picking this up at a local flea market with the Don Lock card.  If only I could go back and warn 1963 Art Mahaffey of Chico Ruiz...

Art Mahaffey - 1964 Topps

Bobble-gate: The Roy Halladay Error? Bobblehead

The internet was buzzing nation-wide today thanks to Philadelphia sports fan, Marc Leif (follow him on Twitter @mleif). Leif tweeted a picture of the 2012 MLB Home Base Plate, Roy Halladay bobble head being sold by MLB.com (and other outlets such as Amazon.com) and set off a frenzy. The bobble head pictured on the product listing shows the right-handed, 2010 Cy Young award winner mid-windup, with a glove on his...right hand.

The oddity garnered both local and national attention, and eventually solicited a response from Major League Baseball.  MLB's official publicity department Twitter feed (@mlb_pr) tweeted the following message late this afternoon:

"Halladay bobble-gate:  Our licensee @weareFoCo says wrong photo was used on site, lefty version was just a sample that never got made."


This could have been the end of the story, but it is instead where the mystery begins.  Since the public response, MLB has pulled the product listing from their online store and reports have surfaced that orders placed earlier today were cancelled without explanation.  Is there a cover-up in action?  I found a listing for the product on Amazon.com (in fact, the pictures in the post were pulled from it) for $22.54.  I couldn't fight the urge to purchase one - call it a $30 curiosity satisfier.

Poll #1: What Era Do You Collect

Last week I posted a poll asking the question, "What era are you most interesting in collecting?"  The question was open for six days, and 13 total votes were cast:

Final Poll Results: What era are you most interesting in collecting?

Pre-1950       7%  (1 vote)

1950s-60s      0% (0 votes)

1970s-80s    15% (2 votes)

1990s-00s    15% (2 votes)

All eras         61% (8 votes)

If you regularly read the blog, you know my collection and interests span each of the post-1950 eras.  While I grew up watching the teams of the 1980s-90s, my dad raised me on stories of the players and teams he saw during the late-50's, 1960s and 1970s and I have always had an interest in those seasons as a result.  From the final tally it seems there are several others out there who, like me, were exposed to players from all eras while watching the current Phillies.

It was great to have so many of you participate and get a small insight into your preferences.  If you recorded a response for Pre-1950s, I have noticed and will make an effort to include more items in future posts related to your era, too.

Phillies TTM: Week of 5/14/12

One return to report from last week - 1970's rotation mainstay, Larry Christenson on the 1980 Team picture...

I mentioned in an earlier post that Christenson was injured during the early going in 1980, and was not present for the team picture.  Of course, he made a strong return late in the season and started Game 4 of the World Series.  Despite his physical absence in the photo, it doesn't seem possible to have a 1980 team picture without L.C.'s signature.  Up to 16 signatures through TTM on the picture - not too bad...

Larry Christenson - 1980 Team Picture

Collectible of the Week: 2004 Starting Rotation Nesting Dolls

Phillies 2004 SGA - Starting Rotation Nesting Dolls

Russian nesting doll giveaways were a trend of the mid-2000's across Major League Baseball.  Billed the heir-apparent to the bobble-head as the stadium giveaway of choice, almost every team had at least one promotion featuring them during this time.   For anyone unfamiliar with the product, nesting dolls are a series of hollowed out, bowling pin shaped figurines that vary in size and fit within each other.  Traditionally, the figurines featured the images of peasant women, but for the sports-themed promotions, they bore the likeness of popular athletes.

The Phillies, facing the challenge to fill an empty Veterans Stadium/Citizens Bank Park 81 nights of the summer, jumped on board the budding trend during the 2003 and 2004 season's adding three separate sets to their promotional schedules.  The first set (SGA - 8/17/03) featured hitting stars Jim Thome, Pat Burrell and Bobby Abreu.  Solid feedback to the first set (as mentioned in this archived article) led to two additional sets being handed out in 2004 - Phatatic set (5/23) and this week's spotlight collectible - "Starting Rotation" set (5/31) featuring Kevin Millwood, Randy Wolf, Vincente Padilla, Eric Milton and Brett Myers.

The dolls had a nice run, but obviously did not live up to expectations with fans and collectors alike.  Ultimately, I think it is their inability to be easily displayed (and, not lingering anti-Russian sentiment) that can be blamed for their failure.

Product details:

SGA Date - May 31, 2004
Produced by - Babooshkah.com (as best as I can tell, but let me know if you know better)
Production run - 20,000
Sponsored by - Motrin IB
Featured players - Kevin Millwood, Randy Wolf, Vincente Padilla, Eric Milton and Brett Myers

A look at all three sets from philliessga.com

Phillies TTM: Week of 5/7/12

Had my first multi-success week since March with returns from familiar names from the Phillies '70s-'80s teams: Dallas Green and Dave Cash.

1960 Sports Illustrated cover: Dallas Green

Dallas Green on the 1960 Sports Illustrated Cover

I have been working on this cover for a little over a year now, and so far have collected 12 signatures.  A lot of fans may only remember Dallas Green as the manager of the 1980 World Champions, but 1960 was his first of six seasons as a Phillies pitcher.  Because of his status as both the skipper of WS team, and a member of the 1964 Phillies makes "Big D" a big target for TTMers.  I already have this back out in the mail, turning it around the next day to Taylor Phillips.


1976 Team Ball: Dave Cash

1976 Team Ball: Dave Cash

The 1976 team was one of the most successful in Phillies history.  When I started getting signatures on this ball, one guy was a must - 2B, Dave Cash.  Cash came to the Phillies in 1974 as an established Major Leaguer who brought a culture of winning from Pittsburgh.  During his time in Philadelphia, Cash became a two-time All Star who gets (and deserves) a lot of credit for changing the attitude - "Yes We Can"!  Overall, Cash is a spotty TTMer - but, paying attention to recent history can payoff.  He has had almost 20 successes recorded on Sports Collectors Net since February (no failures).

Coming next week: Vance Worley Replica Glasses Night

If you look at the promotional schedules for the Phillies minor league affiliates you may think 2012 is the Year of the Vanimal.  So far, Lehigh Valley has honored the Phillies right-hander with a bobble head (5/1), and future promotions across the affiliates include gnomes (Reading - 7/25), pictures (Reading - 5/29), (another) bobble head (Lakewood - 7/14).  

The Iron Pigs continue the Vanimal lovefest when they hand out Vance Worley Replica Glasses to the first 3,000 fans to enter Coca-Cola Park on May 17th.  Iron Pigs Director of Promotions, Lindsey Knupp (@lindseyknupp) tweeted a picture of the latest Worley-themed giveaway this week, and I have to admit they are a solid SGA in a really good overall promotional schedule.  

Poll: What Era of Phillies Do You Collect?

Alright readers, the polls are open!  I am looking for feedback on the era(s) of Phillies baseball you collect.  Please take a few minutes to review the eras listed on the poll (on the right side of the main page - under the search bar) and register a vote for the one you most collect.  The results will be reviewed in an upcoming post, and help shape how future features are chosen.

Thanks for taking time to participate!

My Favorite Cards: Garry Maddox

Garry Maddox played in Philly from 1975-1986, and won the Gold Glove in Centerfield for eight consecutive seasons (from 1975-1982) earning him the moniker - "The Secretary of Defense".  Though, somehow seemingly underrated, he has always stood out as one of my favorite players from that era.   It should be noted that despite his reputation as one of the greatest outfielders of his era, not one Garry Maddox Phillies card (that I could find) actually had him in the field!

Here are a few of my favorite cards featuring "Garry Lee"...

1976 Topps - #38

Garry Maddox - 1976 Topps

Comments:  The 1976 Topps card is one of several cards from this period that show off Maddox's legendary mutton-chops.  I personally prefer this one to either the 1977 or 1980 cards - though, those both have them as the centerpiece.  This card makes me think of the '70's - and in particular the teams of 1975-1976 that taught Philadelphia how to win again. 

1981 Topps #160

Garry Maddox 1981 Topps

Comments:  When going through my mental Rolodex for post, the 1981 Topps card was the first that came to mind.  First of all, it is a great action shot of Maddox at the plate.  Secondly, this was one of my first Phillies cards.  It was one of several 1981 Topps Phillies cards that my dad gave me early on, and it along with some of those others are burned into my memory.  Bonus points for the blue away uniform.

1984 Donruss #305

Garry Maddox - 1984 Donruss

Comments: 1984 Donruss was one of the great sets of my childhood. This card is a great example of why I love these cards - simple action pose, with a tighter frame than most (compare to the 1981 card above).  You also cannot miss the 1983 Centennial logo patch on Maddox's left sleeve - instant memories. 

Note: One disappointment with the 1984 sets were the inclusion of so many players who had moved on since the previous season's World Series run (Joe Morgan, Tony Perez, Pete Rose to name a few).  

Check out some of the previous posts in the "My Favorite Cards" series:

• Lenny Dykstra

• Juan Samuel

• Pat Burrell

SGA of the Year Candidate: Harry Kalas Bronze Statue

Harry Kalas Bronze Statue SGA - Lehigh Valley, May 2012

The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs are handing out bronze Harry Kalas statues this Thursday, May 3rd.  As mentioned back in January the statue is clearly one of the highlights of their promotional schedule.  At the time no picture had been released, but here, on the eve of the giveaway date I dug one up to share.  I will not be able to be in Allentown for the game - but, you can trust that I will be picking one of these up on eBay sometime in the future.

Phillies TTM: Week of 4/23/12

The hits just keep on rolling...

As reported in my last TTM post, I was able to put a few items in the mail last weekend.  On Thursday I got a prompt response from former Phillies pitcher, Dan Larson.  With Larson and the previous signature from Lerrin Lagrow, the right side of the 1980 team picture is starting to look a little more filled out.  Like Lagrow, Larson's inclusion was a matter of timing.  Based on the fact that Lagrow was featured on the picture I speculated the photo was taken sometime in June-July of 1980.  Unfortunately, two key players, Larry Christenson (injured) and Marty Bystrom (minors) are not depicted.  Guess I'll have to get them to sign somewhere in the area surrounding the picture...

Dan Larson on the 1980 Phillies team picture

Collectible of the Week: World Series Press Pins

World Series press pins have been manufactured for each Fall Classic since 1911.  Since then teams have designed and distributed pins to members of the press and club VIPs.  Originally meant to be worn on a jacket lapel, the pins are generally small but attractive.  As you know, the Phillies have been to seven World Series in their history - and a pin exists for each of those events (except 2009...more information on that below).

Key things to have in mind when considering purchasing a World Series pin are authenticity and condition.  Like many other vintage collectibles, reproduction pieces exist in the market.  Before plunking down any serious cash, do your homework and get familiar with the details of the pin you're looking to purchase.  For example, authentic pins will have the maker stamp on the back - find out which company made the pin that year and match it up.  It should be a red flag if the mark is missing, or it is  for a different company.  And, lastly, what is the overall condition of the pin?  Is it complete/intact?  Does it have scratching, or cracking?

Below is a quick reference for the pins distributed by the Phillies for their home World Series games:

1915

Items related to the Phillies 1915 World Series appearance command top dollar when they appear on the secondary market.  The press pin from that season is especially difficult to find in good shape/intact - with a design that features both cloth and an attached charm. 

• Manufacturer: J.E. Caldwell and Company
• Pin Type: Pin back
• Value: $8,000 - 10,000

1950

The familiar Phillies player leaning on a bat, doffing his cap was the main figure on this press pin.  He is standing on a red oval which reads, "1950 World Series Press."  These are hard to come by - and with the popularity of the Whiz Kids, an expensive collectible!

• Manufacturer: Martin Sterling
• Pin Type: Thread Post
• Value: $300-500

1980

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The design features a Veterans Stadium pin with a bronze coin charm. One side of the coin depicts the Liberty Bell surrounded by the words, "Philadelphia Veterans Stadium."  The reverse shows the Phanatic.

• Manufacturer: Balfour
• Pin Type: Needle Post
• Value: $40 - 75

1983

View fullsize

During the Phillies Centennial season, the Wheeze Kids made their way into World Series!  The press pin features the 100th Year logo - with "World Series" in gold written on the white base paths.  The team's script logo runs across the top in red.

• Manufacturer: Balfour
• Pin Type: Needle Post
• Value: $20-30

1993

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When compared to previous pins, the 1993 World Series edition is pretty plain.  The base is a gold Liberty Bell with the Phillies script logo across the middle.  Above and below reads, "World Series" in blue.

• Manufacturer: Balfour
• Pin Type: Needle Post
• Value: $40-50

2008

The 2008 pin leverages the Citizens Bank Park silhouette logo as a base.  Across the middle is that season's World Series logo on top of a red banner reading, "Fall Classic."  The Phillies script logo sits on top of the WS logo.

• Manufacturer: If you know, let me know...
• Pin Type: Needle Post
• Value: $15-20

2009

The Phillies did not have press pins created for the 2009 World Series.  In an unusual move, the team purchased stock from the CBP Majestic Store and handed them out to members of the press.  The pins featured the logos from both the Phillies and Yankees - along with the World Series logo.

Note: There are also "phantom" pins for near-miss seasons - 1964, 1976, 1977 and 1981, but I'll save those for another entry...

2012 Phillies Phestival Sale Dates

2012 Phillies Phestival - July 26th (via Phillies.com)

Phillies Charities recently posted the sale date/time for tickets to the 2012 Phillies Phestival.  This year's Phestival will be held on July 26th, and to be there you'll need to buy your tickets soon after they go on sale at 9 am on June 11th.

Details on player appearances, and photo booths have not yet been announced, but I can guarantee the annual event will be one of the best times of the season to get autographs and memorabilia from the this year's team.  While there is no guarantee you will get any one particular player's autograph with a little luck you will probably end up with several great ones.  There are also a few games like "Mystery Grab Bag" and "Every Roll is a Winner" that often yield some great collectibles.

According to the Phillies Charities website, first event was held in 1984 and has raised more than $12 million for The ALS Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter's patient services and research.  It is definitely a great event for an even greater purpose.  For more information on the Phestival, or Phillies Charities, visit their page: Phillies Phestival.

Update:
Several people contacted me on Twitter to ask about price, and general set up of the Phestival.  It has changed a lot over the years as the team has improved, and added higher profile players.  From the best of my recollection, last season the tickets cost $25.

That price got you admission, and two autograph booths.  Each autograph booth usually features 2 (some may have three) members of the team.  In recent years the bigger name players like Howard, Utley, Rollins, Lee and Hamels have all been solo.  You are assigned booths at random and will not know who is at those booths until you arrive at CBP.

Over the years, one of the best parts of the night have been when the booths are opened up to attendees who do not have a ticket (for that particular booth).  For a $10 cash donation you can get a player to sign any item you have brought.  Last season, for example, they opened Cliff Lee's booth to cash buyers and I was able to get him to sign a SS OMLB, '09 World Series team ball and a '09 World Series lithograph - for $10 each.  You may have to work a little, and wait in lines - but, it does pay off.

Phillies TTM: Week of 4/16/12

I have not sent anything out in three weeks.  There are still plenty of autographs to be had, just took a pause to consider who is appearing locally and decide whether or not I could send something like the 1983 team picture project and get it back before Marty Bystrom's appearance on May 7th at Granite Run Mall.  Put a few things in the mail this weekend, so hope to see some more returns in the coming weeks.  After being shut out again during the week of April 9th I had a huge surprise show up this week...

Alex Johnson - 1964 Phillies Album, Bulletin Clipping

I bought a partial set of these 1964 Phillies Album, Bulletin clippings at a flea market a few years ago as part of a package deal.  The main get was a scrapbook of the 1955 Phillies season, and inside the front cover were 18 of these neatly clipped pictures.  They stayed there for a while until I decided I should either sell them or do something with them.  Like any good hoarder, I decided to get them autographed.  

I am not sure the date I sent this to Mr. Johnson - but, it was sometime in the Spring/Summer of 2010.  I had written it off long ago and was really surprised and excited to see it sitting in my mailbox.  Inside the envelope was the autograph, my original letter and five crisp dollar bills I had included.  With this return I have now had 14 of the original 18 pictures autographed.  

Alex Johnson - '64 Phillies Album

Follower Submissions:

Larry Bowa (@bigrothy)

Larry Bowa Signed Ball

Jamie Moyer (@BryanPhillies35)

Jamie Moyer Signed WS Ball

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

Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: 2012 Bobble Heads

Back in the dead of Winter (1/8) I took an early look at the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs promotional schedule and listed some of the "can't miss" days of the summer. Today the team released pictures of two bobble heads I can't wait to add.

Jamie Moyer HS Uniform Bobble Head - May 15th Cool that the Iron Pigs promotional staff decided to celebrate Moyer's hometown roots by honoring him in the Souterton High uniform. There definitely is a first pitch in Jamie's future after he (finally) retires. Mark your calendar for the 2020 season!

Jamie Moyer Bobble Head

Rich Thompson Bobble Head - April 23rd Unique pose will makes this one better than anticipated. Glad to see the team immortalize Rich with a bobble head...they didn't disappoint.

Rich Thompson Bobble Head

Check out the full promotional schedule here.

Hidden Gems: Phillies Game Worn Guide

I am a low-level collector of game used Phillies jerseys.  Over the past 6-7 years I have accumulated 14 contemporary jerseys (2004-2010 seasons) that were once worn by a player on the field.  There has always been a comfort level in buying them directly from the Phillies during the annual Holiday Sale - and I have a good understanding of the tagging differences between game used/game issued/BP, etc based on talking to guys at those events, but struggled to authenticate the "vintage" gear I often see at shows, or in online auctions.  If you are a collector like me, looking to add to an existing collection, or just getting started - do yourself a favor and purchase the Phillies Game Worn Guide.

Here is the stuff you need to know:

Price: $4.99
Format: Instant Download (PDF)

What is included: 51, full color pages with many detailed pictures.  The guide spans all jerseys worn by the Phillies from the 1970-2009 season - including alternate, BP and "special event" uniforms worn for games like "Turn Back the Clock" days.

How to buy: Use this link