Pre-Auction Estimates at the Phillies Memorabilia Live Auction

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Tonight the Phillies Memorabilia Live Event by Hunt Auctions took place at Citizens Bank Park.  Billed as "over 200 lots of historical memorabilia", the auction certainly offerd a nice variety from all eras of Phillies baseball.  Among the goodies were game-used equipment, autographs, rare pennants, and an impressive selection of stadium memorabilia.  In general, there was something for everyone.

One detraction from this auction was the widely exaggerated pre-auction estimates that were assigned by Hunt Auctions.  It can be assumed that auction houses use such ranges to not only provide bidders with a baseline value, but to also assign a "suggested price".  And, through the course of an auction, some items will fail to meet expectations, while other driven by a determined bidder get pushed higher than anticipated...it's not an exact science, but you would expect the "experts" to be in the ballpark.

These estimates were largely unfounded.  In fact, they were so bad that of the first 35 lots listed for bid, only six received final bids in the listed range; two received bids higher than the range; and four embarrassingly remained unsold for failing to reach their reserve price (Lot #9, Lot #17, Lot #21, Lot #43).

Here are a few of the worst misfires:

Lot #8 - Items related to Placido Polanco's 2000th Hit

Placido Polanco 2000th Hit Lot

Pre-Auction Estimate: $750-1250 
Final Bid: $175
Comments: Really, a cool lot - especially for a Polanco fan.  Unfortunately, Polanco wasn't that popular while he was here...and, well, he's no longer here.  It would be hard to image someone shelling out $1000 for it.

Lot#75 - Spring Training Press Conference Curtain

2011 Phillies Spring Training
Press Conference Curtain

Pre-Auction Estimate: $300-500
Final Bid: $25
Comments: Talk about a donkey.  I didn't like this lot even a little bit (guess no one else did either).  Who decided this could/should attract bids up to $500?


Lot #84 - Connie Mack Stadium Folding Chair

Connie Mack Stadium
Folding Chair
Pre-Auction Estimate: $200-400
Final Bid: $35
Comments: I was embarrassed for this chair.  Pulled from the wreckage of Connie Mack Stadium...it deserved better.  While I think $35 is a low price, I think someone would be insane to pay anywhere close to $200 for it.


Lot #187 - 1993 Autograph Lot

1993 Phillies autograph lot
Pre-Auction Estimate: $200-400
Final Bid: $70
Comments: The '93 Phils are my team, but, lets be honest, there was nothing special here.  Kudos to the Phillies faithful for not buying into the pre-auction hype machine, believing that this might somehow be worthy of $400.

The Five Stages Of: Ordering Phillies Phestival Tickets Edition

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The five stages of emotional progression associated with getting Phillies Phestival tickets...

Anticipation -
Last season was relatively easy for me - called and got through at 9:00.  The more I interacted on Twitter Friday morning, the greater the anticipation got for that first phone call.

Anxiety -
After 10 minutes, I knew 2013 was not going to be like 2012.  Solid busy signals.

Helplessness -
After 20 minutes, I started to mentally prepare myself for the inevitable - I was going to get shut out this year.  My redialing was robotic, and my eyes were glazed - I was at the mercy of the Phillies switchboard.

Hope -
After all but giving up, I thought back to the strategy being employed by a Twitter follower @smulls11.  He had asked for the Season Ticket Holder MVP line late Thursday night.  I thought: there may a service level guarantee...it is worth a try!

Pleasure -
I got through to the MVP wait queue on the second try.  As silly as it is, there is a level of satisfaction in securing the tickets.

After having it so easy for the past few years, this year's emotional journey definitely has made me more appreciative of end destination.  I am planning to take my son for a second year, and even got us a Mike Schmidt photo booth ticket.  Hoping to see you all there on May 16th, too.

Phillies TTM: Week of 4/1/13

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First week of the regular season got started with a nice collection of TTM successes...

Pat Gillick

Pat Gillick signed photo

Three times is a charm!  My original plan for this, was to get Gillick before Spring Training, then send it down to Charlie Manuel in Clearwater.  But, a few missteps along the way derailed that plan.  My first attempt was returned due to the use of a new PO Box by Mr. Gillick (I sent to his old street address).  Try two was returned because I forgot to put stamps on the envelope (amateur)...I actually realized it about 20 minutes later, but it was too late at that point.  In hindsight, I'm glad I didn't get him earlier, since it would have been unlikely to have been returned by Manuel.

Jake Diekman

Jake Diekman signed
photo card

I was very surprised to have not received this back during Spring Training.  Seems like Jake was just holding everything until the end of camp.  I started to see returns early last week, and knew it was now just a matter of time...

Dallas Green

Dallas Green signed
photo card

There was a pretty long wait for this one from "Big D".  I didn't note the exact send date, but I would place it around August-September.  Glad to add another to my Wall of Fame collection - the extra card was also a great surprise.

Phillies SGA: The Week Ahead 4/8/13

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Kevin Frandsen Bobble Head
Lehigh Valley IronPigs SGA

After a busy opening weekend, the Phillies big club is fairly quiet on the SGA front.  The team will wrap up their home stand with the season's first Dollar Dog night on Tuesday.  There are however, several significant promotions planned by the minor league clubs:

Lehigh Valley IronPigs

Tuesday, April 9th - Kevin Frandsen Bobble Head


Reading Fightin' Phils

Friday, April 12th - Uniform blanket
Saturday, April 13th - Darin Ruf Bobble Head
Sunday, April 14th - Darin Ruf Wooden Bat


Lakewood Blue Claws

Monday - Wednesday, April 8th-10th - Magnet Schedules



2013 Citizens Bank Park Exclusive Bobble Heads

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Phillie Phanatic
2013 CBP Exclusive Bobble Head

While at Citizens Bank Park for the On-Deck Series last weekend, I spent a few minutes browsing the various stores in and around the main concourse.  One of the things I was most interested in finding were the 2013 Citizen Bank Exclusive Bobble Heads.  Manufactured by Forever Collectibles, the bobble heads had not been as widely promoted by the team this season - getting trumped by the Spring Training Exclusives, and Phanatic Bobble of the Month.


Cole Hamels
2013 CBP Exclusive Bobble Head

As you can see from the pictures, this season's line is pretty consistent with what has been offered previously.  Nice touches are the retro uniforms for Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels.  And, as promised, the Mascot Bobble (750 produced) showing the Phanatic riding his four-wheeler is a hot item - already sold out by the time I made rounds on Opening Day.

Also, I couldn't help but notice the similarity of the 2012 Shane Victorino and 2013 Jimmy Rollins Exclusives...Check it out for yourself (Rollins on the left, Victorino on the right below)...




Mike Jackson's Fast, For A Catcher



I was first exposed to the work of local artist, Mike Jackson in December of last year while innocently navigating my way through the Holiday Sale at Citizens Bank Park.  My eye caught a watercolor print being held by a fellow Phillies fan.  Getting closer I could make out some familiar faces - Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, and Charlie Manuel...I had to know what it was and where to get it.  Through conversation with the fan, I learned the poster was "Summer of Love" by Mike Jackson a.k.a. "Alright Mike" - and best of all, I could download it on his site , which I did that night!

FAST, FOR A CATCHER, Mike's latest Indy Hall (April 5th, 22 N. 3rd St.) show, drew inspiration from his deep-rooted love for the game of baseball.  According to the press release, the exhibit will feature "ink and watercolor drawings based on Mike's own memories, and memories shared by others.  It's a celebration of the idiosyncrasies and quirks of baseball, and the life we make for ourselves around it." In following Mike the past few months, I have seen several pieces that represent both the high's and low's of my own baseball experience over the past 30 years, and was happy to hear that a few of my favorites were going to be on display in the show...

Summer of Love

Summer of Love
 - Mike Jackson

"The Summer of Love drawing was done a few Februarys ago in what I remember being the most-anticipated Phillies season I've ever experienced. Some folks were printing World Series tickets that spring training, but I wanted to do something that spoke to how fun it was to be a Phillies fan at that time, and that we should just enjoy it."

 Cliff Lee

Cliff Lee
- Mike Jackson

"For a while, Cliff Lee was a great muse, as he seemed almost indifferent to how good he is. His nonchalance gave me a ton to work with. I did the attached drawing as the hype for Hurricane Irene built, and games were cancelled. There's always a chance another Cliff Lee drawing will pop up."

 Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen
Scott Franzke and Larry Anderson
- Mike Jackson

"I listen to most games on the radio or on my phone, so Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen are like friends during the season. I appreciate the rapport they have with each other, with Franzke playing a great straight man to Andersen's more goofy personality."

 Event Information:

 Exhibit is open from April 5th through April 29th
Opening Reception - Friday, April 5th @ Indy Hall from 5:00 - 9:00 PM

 Indy Hall
22 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia

 Download the full press release.

 Connect with "Alright" Mike Jackson:

 alrightmike.com
alrightmike.tumblr.com
twitter.com/alrightmike

Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Phillies Reception

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After a lot of consideration, my brother and I decided to check out the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Phillies reception on Friday.  The price was pretty steep for us, and based on feedback from others who attended the event in previous seasons, we were a little nervous about what we might find.  Ultimately, we decided it was worth the money for us to spend some time together, get a few autographs and partake in the buffet.  And, in the end, we were not disappointed...

Phillies Meet and Greet

The first part of the agenda was a team "meet and greet".  Attendees were split into two groups based on ticket color and instructed to go either right or left when exiting the elevators.  Autograph booths were set up on each side.   Booths for our ticket color were: Antonio  Bastardo/John Mayberry, Jr and Carlos Ruiz/Laynce Nix.  The other side had Domonic Brown/Erik Kratz and Chad Durbin holding down a solo table.  Lines went fairly quickly as attendees were held to one-item per person, per time through line.  And, key to note, attendees were not restricted to one side or another.  I did go through Durbin's line twice, since it was pretty short.  With my brother's help, I was able to add him to both my 2008 and 2009 World Series balls, and my 2009 World Series lithograph.


2009 WS ball - Antonio Bastardo

Also, while we waited for the autograph booths to open, several younger players were milling around the elevators.  From that group I started my 2013 team ball with autographs by Philippe Aumont, Freddie Glavis and Jeremy Horst.  Those were a few nice surprises for me.

Start of a 2013 Phillies Team Ball


Phillies Q and A

I wasn't sure how these would go...Again, the team had Q&A sessions set up on both sides of the suite level.  Because we spent a little more time going through the autograph lines, we missed the first coaches session, but did catch Wally Joyner, Steve Henderson and Ryne Sandberg who shared their career highlight and most embarrassing moments.  Then, we hung around for Mike Adams, Jimmy Rollins and Ben Revere.  Overall, I thought both were pretty interesting and a good experience.

After the on-field presentation, I took my stuff back to the truck and relaxed a little.  I did see a few guys signing for fans at the gates before the game, and heard that type of interaction continued on Saturday, too.  Despite not being a big fan of the "On-Deck" series, it was a great way to get back into the season, and might consider the event again next year.


2009 World Series Lithograph - added Ruiz and Durbin

How To Send a Baseball Via TTM

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A couple weeks ago I received a few comments on a Phillies TTM post asking for details on how to mail a baseball to players.  I can appreciate the question - it is one I had myself.  For years I only sent baseball cards to my TTM targets, mainly because I did not know how to package other items like balls, photos or bats.  Through a little trial and error I have come up with a fairly easy approach:

What You Need:


Two padded envelopes - two sizes, one of each 6"x9" and 8.5"x11" (avoid using the "plastic" coated envelopes, in rain or snow, the ink on the address can smear)
One plastic ziplock bag (sandwich sized)
Small piece of tissue paper
One baseball
11 Forever stamps
And, as with any average TTM request, a short (2-paragraphs/half-page), hand-written request letter to the player.

How to put it together:

Step 1: Wrap the baseball in a small piece of tissue paper.  Place the wrapped ball into the ziplock bag and close the bag.  Make sure all air is out of the bag.




This was one of the things that I started doing as a result of early experiences.  Originally, I used to just put the ball into the envelope without cover.  This resulted in both a smearing of the signature and, once some damage from the pen.  These materials can be reused - often.

Step 2: Address both envelopes - don't forget the return addresses.

The large envelope should be addressed to the player, and the small one will act as your return envelope and should have your address.

Step 3: Put five Forever stamps on the small (6"x9") envelope, and six stamps on the larger (8.5"x11") envelope.

Honestly, I don't know the exact required postage - but, I have used these amounts for years, and have never had any problems.  You can take the envelopes to be metered if you are nervous.

Step 4: Put the small, return envelope into the larger envelope.

Step 5: Put your request letter in the larger envelope.

Step 6: Put the ball in the big envelope.

At this point, it is a fairly tight fit.  Don't be scared to stuff it in there.


*Tip - To keep ink color continuity, and avoid the use of Sharpies, I usually provide my own pen.  To make sure the player sees it, I will clip it to the top of the return envelope.  This keeps it from getting lost somewhere in the bottom of the big envelope.

Step 7: Seal the large envelope.

I usually just use the adhesive provided on the envelope (i.e. - no additional tape, etc should be necessary).

Step 8: Mail and wait.

Hope these tips help you expand your collection of autographed baseballs...

Phillies TTM: Week of 3/18/13

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Alright, it seems like players might be clearing out some of the mail that has accumulated in their lockers over the past month or two.  Last week I received three successes back from Florida, by far my best of the Spring.  Hopefully the returns will keep rolling in after the teams head North...

Kevin Frandsen

Kevin Frandsen signed photo card

I bought the 2012 photo card set at the Winter Sale with the goal of sending out to guys during Spring Training.  I noticed a few late-season successes for Frandsen and figured he would be a good target this year.

Jiwan James

Jiwan James signed program

James has a great TTM success rate, and I've been wanting to get a request out to him for a while.  I  scooped up this program on ebay as soon as I saw it.  Whether you follow the minor league affiliates or not, you were probably aware of "The Catch" last year.  Glad to have this one in the collection.

Juan Pierre

Juan Pierre signed photo card

I was sad to see Juan Pierre leave last fall.  After years of him being a Phillie-killer, it was nice to see him in the red pinstripes.

Ephrata Lions Club Card Show Recap

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I live about an hour away from Ephrata, so driving there takes a little commitment.  But after attending the Lions Club Card Show last year, I made sure to mark this year's event on my to-do list.  Because of tee-ball practice and a few other things I needed to take care of, I didn't get there in time to see featured signer, Steve Bedrosian.  I skipped his appearance at the last Philly Show, anticipating taking advantage of the 2/$25 deal in Ephrata.  As you'll hear later, "should have been here earlier" was a common theme of the day.  Despite missing Bedrock, I still had plenty of time to walk the show and find a few cards...

Jim Bunning, 1967 Dexter Press Card

Jim Bunning
1967 Dexter Press Card

In another, "should have been here earlier" moment, I found this great card, and asked the dealer if he had any other players from the set.  He said he came with most of the other Phillies, but they had been bought up hours ago.  Potential missed opportunity, but I am still happy with this very nice card.

Topps Archives Reprints

Phillies baseball cards for TTMing

When I go to shows I am on the lookout for cards that I can send in TTM.  I couldn't resist the temptation of these four cards for $1.  None are worth too much, but I can send all four and guarantee TTM successes.  My son has begun taking an interest in my autograph returns, so I might just address the return envelopes to him and give him a head start on his own collection.

2001-2003 Reading Phillies Team Card Sets

Reading Phillies
Team Card Sets '01, '02, '03

I have very few cards from Phillies minor league affiliates, but saw a couple decent guys on top of the packs and figured it might be fun to look through for other familiar names.  After thumbing through them, I can report the only memorable members of those teams were on top.  In my final, "should have been here earlier" moment, this dealer told me he had last season's team set earlier in the day - but had sold them to another buyer.  Those are the breaks, I guess.

"Phanatic of the Month" Bobble Heads Announced

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Phanatic, Easter Bobble Head
via @Phillies

I would be doing Phillies Collectors a disservice if I ignored the fact that the team announced a new exclusive line of Phillie Phanatic ("Phanatic of the Month") bobble heads earlier this week.  According to the press release, the line will include 12 different Phanatic's produced at a minuscule rate of 150/month.  This is certainly a niche product.  At $50 apiece it may likely be a target for die-hard bobble head or Phanatic collectors only.

Read the full  "What's Hot This Season at CBP" press release.

2013 Phillies Phestival Sale Date Announced

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Though the May 16th Phillies Phestival was announced months ago, until this morning Phillies fans were left to wonder when tickets would go on sale.  According to the Phillies site, last year's event attracted nearly 7,000 fans and raised over $850,000.  Enough of the history lesson, here are the details you want/need to know about the 2013 Phillies Phestival:

Admission Package - $30

  • One admission ticket
  • Two pre-selected autograph booth tickets
Children's Admission Ticket (ages 3-10) - $5
  • One admission ticket
  • NO autograph booth tickets
Admission Ticket Only - $15

Photo Booths:

Cliff Lee (4:30-6:30) - $45
Ben Revere (4:30-6:30) - $40

Tickets will go on sale - Friday, April 12th at 9:00AM.  Like last year, tickets will only be sold via phone.  For more information, check out the Phillies Phestival site.

Auction Watch: Hunt Auctions 3/27/13

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Next Wednesday marks the end of bidding on items in the March online auction from Hunt Auctions.  I am not targeting any specific lots, but thought I would share a few...

Lot of 1950s Phillies Yearbooks
Lot of 1950s Phillies Yearbooks

Comments: It seems like there is a decent lot of vintage yearbooks available every month.  This one with five from the 1950s is worthy of, and will end up getting a nice final bid...

Current bid: $52
Link to lot: Lot 204


Mike Schmidt Signed Lot
Mike Schmidt signed lot
Comments: I thought this was potentially a good value lot for a Mike Schmidt collector on a budget (like me).  I posted something about this on the Phillies Collector Facebook page the other day - but, every time I see something "full name" signed by Schmidt I'm reminded of the time I saw a guy ask him to sign - "Michael Jake".  Schmidt stopped signing one of the customers 12-balls and said, "I'll sign that, but I don't know who he is."

 Current bid: $47
Link to lot: Lot 412


 Ryan Howard Game Used Jersey
Ryan Howard GU Jersey
Comments: One of my major pet peeves with Hunt Auctions is that they seem to recycle items.  Now I am not a game-used collector, and I understand there are differences (years, patches, home/away, etc) between the jerseys that come up for auction, but I think there have been Howard jerseys in three of the last four months.  Ditto for name the Schmidt/Carlton poster from the 1980s...
Current bid: $990
Link to lot: Lot 10

2008 Phillies, Perez Poster: Market Shift?

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2008 Phillies - Dick Perez Poster

Since they were first awarded to early paying, full Season Ticket holders, the 2008 World Champions posters by artist Dick Perez has been a must-have item for Phillies collectors.  The 2,000 lithographs were printed on heavy stock paper and signed in pencil by Perez.  And unlike the similar 1980 World Champions poster, the 2008 version was never put into mass production.  The eye-catching drawings, and popularity of the team make it one of the best "reward prints" yet.

At first, just finding one was a tremendous challenge - and once it was found, you would have to pay a hefty price to acquire it.  Somewhere around late-2010, 2011 a few of the lithographs began finding their way to the secondary market and selling for around $200.  By December 2011 a local memorabilia dealer quoted me a price of $300 for one!  But, in recent months there has seemed to be at least one a month listed on ebay - and as the laws of supply and demand suggest, as more posters come to market, the lower prices have dropped.

I still think there is a good market for the poster, but if recent sales are to be believed, prices may be leveling off.  Last week one sold for $143, following a sale the previous week for $102.  A consistent (and sustained) reduction in price would be great news for anyone who, like me, has waited the market out for a "bargain"...

Phillies TTM: Week of 3/11/13

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Another week, and two more success from Spring Training to report.  As March starts winding down, the rate of success has historically slowed, too.  I won't dwell on my lack of returns (too much), but I'd have to have a very busy final two weeks to get to a respectable success rate this year.  Anyway, here are successes number three and four...

Trevor May

Trevor May - signed
2011 Topps Heritage Minors

I have be semi-working on getting the Phillies 2011 Heritage Minors team set signed over the past two years.  Unfortunately, after a slew of trades over that time, few of the players included in the set still play for the organization.  Always liked Trevor May, wish him well in Minnesota.

Ty Wigginton

Signed Ty Wigginton
2011 Phillies Photo card

Threw this card out there (along with one to Juan Pierre) with the hopes they would be signing this Spring.  Wigginton is with St. Louis this season, and also has good in-season TTM numbers (if you're interested).



A Second 1964 Phillies Record?!

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Go! Phillies Go! - The "Other" 1964 Phillies record

Earlier today I posted a picture of a 1964 "Go-Go Phillies" 45RPM record recorded by The Umpires on The Phillies Collector Facebook page.  I have had my copy for years, and until a few hours ago did not know a second 1964 Phillies record existed.  While looking for some recent sale amounts for the original record, I came across this listing on Ruby Lane for "Go Phillies Go, The Rise of the Exciting 1964 Phillies".

A couple of interesting things I can tell by looking at the pictures available in the listing are that unlike The Umpires' musical tribute, this record seems to be spoken word - with input from Richie Allen, Johnny Callison, Jim Bunning, Gene Mauch, Clay Dalrymple and Dennis Bennett.  The cover also mentions autographed 8"x10" photos of each - would really love to see what those look like!

Back cover

Phillies Oddballs: 1976 Phillies Safelon Bags

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1976 Phillies Safelon Lunch Bags

After years of seeing these white plastic bags with drawings of Phillies players on ebay - and not knowing much about their origins, I recently added one to my collection.  Measuring 6"x13" the bags are extremely thin.  So thin, it's difficult to imagine that they could actually successfully function as a lunch bag.  Now that I had one, I figured I better find out what they really were...Here are some findings:

Production Year: 1976
Produced by: Safelon Corporation
Players featured: 
  • Larry Bowa
  • Dave Cash
  • Jim Lonborg
  • Greg Luzinski
  • Tug McGraw
  • Mike Schmidt
Note: Each bag contains the image of two different players.  The one I purchased was a Mike Schmidt/Jim Lonborg, but after looking around online I was able to find at least one other Schmidt version (paired with Tug McGraw).  My thought is that there is one bag version for each possible player combination - though, this is unconfirmed.

Packaging: Bags were packaged 40 to a package, with one cardboard player disc (per package).  The discs are identified by the Safelon ad on the back.

Front/Back of Mike Schmidt, Safelon MSA disc

As mentioned earlier, the Phillies Safelon bags are frequently available on the secondary market, and not necessarily a rare item.  I'm not sure I will be collecting the full set, but the added knowledge that there are multiple player pairings provides me with an interest in continuing to at least collect different Schmidt variations.


Phillies TTM: Week of 2/24/13

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After a few weeks wait, I can finally say that I have a few Phillies Spring Training TTM successes!  I ended up putting three more minor league cards in the mail last weekend (my last to Clearwater this year), and have sent 19 items to the team's Spring Training home in total.  These two returns aren't making my overall success rate look too much better, but it's a start...

BJ Rosenberg - 2012 Phillies player postcard

BJ Roseberg signed
Phillies postcard
Rosenberg epitomizes the player I targeted this Spring.  I bought the team postcard set at the Holiday Sale in December, and sent to any guy who is a fringe major leaguer included (sorry Ty Wigginton, I lumped you in there, too).


Tommy Joseph - single signed baseball

Tommy Joseph single-signed ball
If you've watched the team at all this Spring, you've gotta love this guy.  He won me over when he stepped in and asserted himself as a leader at Reading last year, and continues to impress whether it's been at the Arizona Fall League or Spring Training camp.  I was very happy to get this return.