Phillies TTM: Week of 5/27/13

A few Phillies TTM successes from this week...

1994 Photo Cards - Jim Fregosi and Denis Menke

Jim Fregosi and Denis Menke signed photo cards

I keep plugging away at this set, and with these two additions I am now up to 10 cards in the set signed.  With the '93 team being good TTM signers, it should be easy to add a few more before the summer is out...

Adam Morgan

Adam Morgan signed photo

When I sent this photo, Morgan was still on his season-opening hot streak.  Actually, come to think of it, the timing of my letter has evenly split his season into two distinct parts: great and not-so-great.  Either way, Morgan is a legit talent and a class guy (in my book).  With the picture he included a handwritten note thanking me for the support.

Clay Dalrymple

Clay Dalrymple autographed picture

For $5, Dalrymple will sign whatever you send him.  The 1964 Phillies catcher is slam-dunk via TTM - and gives you a solid signature for your money.  I've really enjoyed closing the loop on this project...

My Collecting Story: Opening Day 1992

My feelings on Curt Schilling have changed almost by the year:

• 1993: love
• 1999: respect
• 2000: hate
• 2002-2007: loathing  
• 2012: toleration

Clearly I have some issues.  But regardless of how I have felt about him, throughout his career, Schilling has mattered.  His election to the Phillies Wall of Fame earlier this week conjured up an almost forgotten memory from a very memorable day at Veterans Stadium - Opening Day 1992.

New Uniforms

Phillies, Uniforms Through the Years poster (1992)

Beyond the normal excitement around Opening Day, the team was revealing their new uniforms for the first time anywhere.  If you remember, they had gone to great lengths to keep the new design secret - continuing to don their old duds through Spring Training and right up until the team introductions that sunny afternoon.  The "Uniforms Through the Years" poster was handed out to mark the event.

Dykstra's Injury

In his first at-bat of the season, Lenny Dykstra broke his wrist after getting hit by a Greg Maddux pitch.  After missing a lot of the 1991 season due to injury, I had hoped having a healthy Dude would give the Phis the edge they needed in 1992 (guess we know how that turned out).

Pre-Game Autographs

Curt Schilling autographed ball

So, this was the part I had almost forgotten...

A few days earlier the Phillies had traded for Curt Schilling, and I have to admit, I was probably upset that they traded "prospect" Jason Grimsley for him.  As was customary for me at games, I was positioned along the right field fence asking players for autographs when Schilling obliged.  While he was signing, I asked how he liked being a Phillie, to which he responded in the honest manner that has elicited the above emotions, "I don't know yet.  We'll see..."  Classic Schill.

How Schilling handles the induction and his return to Philly this August may change my feelings again.  The 13-year old fan in me hopes that he'll win me back, for good...

2013+: TBD

Phillies' 2013 Alumni Weekend Set

For many fans, this week's press release announcing the 2013 Phillies' Alumni Weekend festivities was merely a formality.  As far back as last Spring, speculation was abound that while worthy of the distinction, Curt Schilling's inevitable induction would be held until this year - in order to correspond with the 20-year anniversary of the 1993 Phillies amazing run to the World Series.  

Alumni Weekend is my favorite event of the season.  Not only are there interesting events happening at Citizens Bank Park, but it also tends to result in a number of autograph appearances.  Some other notable highlights of the weekend include:

• Brad Lidge retiring "as a Phillie" on Thursday, August 1st.
• Curt Schilling prints to be handed out the night of his WOF induction - Friday, August 2nd.
• Alumni Night - promised to return 50+ alums - Saturday, August 3rd.
• 1993 NL Championship team reunion, with 1993 "NL Championship" pennants being given out on Sunday, August 4th.
• Garry Maddox BBQ Cook-off on Saturday, August 3rd.

1993 Pennant SGA (8/3/13)

Curt Schilling's lifetime statistics (via Baseball-Reference.com)

Now Contributing to Philliedelphia.com!

A quick post to promote the fact that I am now a weekly contributor to the Phillies-themed blog, Philliedelphia.com.  Rest assured, this activity is not replacing The Phillies Collector blog.  Instead it will be another outlet for me to talk about Phillies memorabilia, and hopefully expose my writing to a audience that might not otherwise be seeking information on the topic.  As someone who has always wanted to write material that people read, it is a great opportunity.

Here is the link to my contributions.  Please note: all posts on Philliedelphia.com are "new content", not copied from this blog.  Also, in case you want to check back, I usually upload my posts to the site on Sunday morning...

Thanks for the support!

LIfting the Lid on Charlie Manuel

Charlie Manuel staring out from the dugout last year

Two weeks ago I bought Charlie Manuel's 2012 red hat from the Phillies.  My general thought on collecting game-used, is that items you buy should have long-lasting value - and although I do not have much game-used equipment, I couldn't resist the opportunity to add a hat connected to the team's winningest manager.  It cost a little more than the Michael Schwimmer hat, but it seems safe to assume that Ol' Cholly will be remembered a lot longer than Ol' Whatshisname...

When I opened the package I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of use the hat displayed.  Clearly he wore this hat for most, if not the whole season.  There was a lot of wear, especially on the bill which shows the marks of many nervous pulls.

One of the most interesting things for me was having the opportunity to get a good look at the trademark hat-dent that he seems to prefer.  If you have watched games, you know this look well.  After some observation, I can report: the dent is well worked, and definitely intentional.  From what I can tell, the lining has been pulled to allow the fabric to take the desired form.  I tried pushing it out, but no matter what I did, the dent always rebounded into it's original form.

Charlie Manuel 2012 Phillies hat

2013 Phillies Phesival Wrap-up

Another Phillies Phestival is in the books!  From reading through comments on social media outlets, I can tell it was a success for all.  The autograph news highlight had to be that the Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley lines opened for cash donations fairly early in the night. And, of course, for you Chad Durbin fans, the good news was the Durbin/Bastardo booth started accepting donations 20 minutes in...

Like last year, I again was splitting my evening: half Dad, half Phillies Collector.  It's a tricky line to walk, trying to fill out a few projects while keeping it fun for a 4-year old.  Luckily the Phillies helped me out by filling my ticket allotment with the likes of Durbin/Bastardo, Kratz/Frandsen, Valdez/Samuel - which I did not mind skipping if necessary.  My "big guys" were Cole Hamels and Ryne Sandberg.  Here are a few things I came away with...

Cole Hamels

Side panel - 2009 WS Team ball

I was happy to add Hamels to my 2009 World Series ball.  With this addition I now have 16 members of the National League Champs.  Being one of the few guys my son knows to see, getting Hamels was a bonus for him, too.

Ryne Sandberg
Sometimes, as a collector, you can get caught up in getting, or needing an autograph because of a certain implied value that comes with it.  It is always fun to me to meet one of baseball's immortals, and the experience with Sandberg is really much more valuable than the autograph.  For me, as Dad, it was an opportunity to relay that Ryno was "one of the best baseball players ever.."

Ryne Sandberg - single signed ball

Antonio Bastardo

2009 World Series lithograph

We zipped through this booth, and I added Bastardo to my 2009 World Series lithograph.  Although, I really wanted either Utley or Charlie Manuel to sign it, I'll take any at this point.  Bastardo brings me up to nine on this...

Chad Durbin

Chad Durbin card

I loaded up on CD back in March at the Chamber of Commerce event (so, it figures I would get this booth).  One of the things I have worked on over the years was getting 2008 photo cards signed.  I had seven or eight, but didn't have Durbin yet.  Now I have eight or nine signed...

Phillies Phestival Autograph Booth Listing Posted!

Thanks to @smulls11 for providing the photo!  Give him a follow on Twitter...

Phillies Phestival Wish List

Alright, here we are on the eve of the 2013 Phillies Phestival.  A few of us have been talking about this year's event since November or December, yet I have managed to put off planning what I need/want signed until this week.  At this point, most choices are pretty clear cut: World Series team balls are first priority (2008, then 2009), and if I have them on both of those, I'll go to the 2009 Dick Perez lithograph, then individual items.

Adding to any of these items signed would make my night (and give me more time at the Phanatic playground with my son)...

2009 World Series Ball
- It would be great to get either Ryan Howard or Cole Hamels on the ball.  They are the last "big guys" I am missing.  Luckily, both will be around a while, so I should have another chance if I don't get them this year.

2009 World Series Lithograph
- Unlike Howard and Hamels, two of the guys I need for this project are (potentially) appearing at their final Phestival.  I have pulled tickets for both Chase Utley and Charlie Manuel in the past...it would be nice to add one (or both) before they leave town.

Carlos Ruiz
- I would be thrilled to have Chooch sign the 2008 World Series, Sports Illustrated cover (11/03/08) for me.  As you may know, I have many of autographed SI covers, but don't think I'd be willing to pay in-person prices for him to sign this one.

2013 Team Ball
As part of my annual routine, anyone who I don't have something single for, will go on a team ball.  I do bring balls from prior years, so there is also a little backfilling that happens, too.  Some years (see 2012) were clunkers, others (2008 or 2009) provided a good base for potentially valuable collectibles.  I have a team ball - originating from the Phestival - from every season back to 2001.

Ghosts of Phestivals Past: Part II

This Thursday will be the annual Phillies Phestival, to benefit The ALS Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter.  The Phillies have hosted the autograph party since 1984, and if it hasn't improved every year, it's certainly gotten more popular.

Through the years there have been a lot of memorable moments at the Phestival, whether it was scoring a key signature, pulling a cool item from a grab bag or chatting up a player.  Last year I introduced my son to the festivities and had a truly unique experience.  As I look forward to making some new memories this week, I'll share a few from the past...

Kevin Millwood (2004)

Kevin Millwood Signed Photo

Comments: As a Sunday-game ticket plan during the early 2000s, I had the opportunity to see Millwood pitch his no-hitter in April 2003.  As is typical during the Phestival, I found a trading partner to exchange autograph booth tickets, and got this Phan Photo signed.  One of many pieces in my collection with a personal connection.

Tony Taylor (1988)

Tony Taylor signed ball

Comments: Guess I've been collecting the 1964 Phillies for a while! A coach at the time, getting Taylor on my ball did not mean too much.  I was more interested in getting Von Hayes and Ricky Jordan.

Michael Bourn (2007)

Michael Bourn signed ball

Comments: Michael Bourn wasn't Michael Bourn when we crossed paths in 2007.  Instead, he was an occasional outfielder, and more often appeared in games as a pinch-runner than he did as a starter.  I considered skipping his booth, opting to get in line for a bigger name, but with NO ONE in line I had to stop.  It was memorable in that Bourn seemed miserable, and completely bored.  I always think of that encounter when his name is mentioned.

As I have mentioned before, it is a great event - even if you are not an autograph collector.

In case you missed it: Ghosts of Phestivals Past: Part I

2013 Bowman Baseball Released

Jesse Biddle - Bowman Prospect Autograph Card (2013)

If you even "somewhat" follow the baseball card market, you are likely aware that 2013 Bowman Baseball was released earlier this week (May 8th).  While there are base sets for each of the 30 teams, the real draw are the prospect cards, particularly, those of the Chrome Autograph variety.

In this year's set, there are twelve Phillies cards.  Inclusions are "highlighted" by one card for Darin Ruf in the base set, and two Chrome Prospect Autographs (Jesse Biddle and Roman Quinn).  As in previous years, besides the basic autograph cards, there are several additional auto variations: basic refractor (#/500), Super Refractor (#/1) and multiple refractor parallels.  The base cards are pretty nice, too (considering they don't get as much attention).  I pulled cards for Michael Young, Ruf and Carlos Ruiz in my blaster box.  Below are the checklists for both the base and Chrome Prospect Auto cards:


Phillies Base Set Checklist:
31 -   Michael Young
34 -   Ben Revere
81 -   Cliff Lee
102 - Roy Halladay
130 - Tyler Cloyd
135 - Cole Hamels
172 - Darin Ruf
190 - Ryan Howard
197 - Delmon Young
211 - Carlos Ruiz

Chrome Prospect Autograph Checklist:
BCP - JBI Jesse Biddle
BCP - RQ Roman Quinn

Reviewing Recent Ebay Purchases

It has been awhile since I have shared some of my ebay buys...

Darin Ruf, 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen Auto Card

Darin Ruf, 2013 Gypsy Queen auto card

My 4-year old son recently began to show interest in baseball cards, and so a lot of purchases over the past few months have been for his benefit - this being one of them.  I bought the card for $5.50, which is a pretty good discount from the prices realized when packs first hit the shelves earlier this Spring.  The seller threw in a few other 2013 Topps commons, with the Ruf card on the bottom...It was worth every penny to see the excitement of "getting an autograph"...

Roy Halladay Beckett Baseball Printing Plates (set of four)

Roy Halladay, Beckett Baseball Printing Plate

This was one of those listings I have on my watch list for weeks (maybe months) before taking action.  I kept re-watching each time it got re-listed.  It tortured me.

The listing was for the complete set of four printing plates (red, blue, yellow and black) that were used to create the back cover of Beckett Baseball issue #66 (September 2011).  I remember seeing that cover and really liking the picture and thought these might look pretty decent framed up.  Eventually I decided to try the "Best Offer" option, and my 45% discount offer got accepted.  Now gotta figure out framing options (and where to put them)!

Autographed Poster

Autographed Phillies Poster

If you regularly read this blog, you know I love paper...and, I'm always searching for items that can be used as the base for new autograph projects.  Those two facts make me and this poster a match made in heaven.

The poster is pretty big (33"x21"), so I won't be hanging it up anytime soon.  But, what intrigued me was the inclusion of a few key signatures from deceased Phillies: Richie Ashburn, Robin Roberts, Eddie Sawyer, Tug McGraw and Gene Mauch.  These along with eight others give me a good start on filling in some of the blank space.  I'll be looking to add more guys from the 60s, 70s and 80s in the near future...

Phillies TTM: Week of 4/29

It has been a year or two since I have had an official 1964 Phillies team project in the works.  In the past I got a few 1964 Phillies, Bulletin 8x10s signed, but opted to focus my attention on collecting autographs on 5x7 versions instead.  I recently had a change of heart about the larger set, and figure it might be one of my last opportunities to fill in the living team members who I do not have yet.

So far it's been pretty successful...

John Herrnstein - 

John Herrnstein signed 1964 Bulletin picture

As with most of the 1964 team, I've written to Herrnstein several times over the years.  He occasionally includes a short note on the back of my request letter, thanking me for writing.  This time he added a signed index card, which I gave to my son.  He was pretty excited, and met my wife at the door that night with it in hand: "Look mom!  I got an autograph in the mail - JUST LIKE DAD!!"  Poor kid...

Jack Baldschun - 

Jack Baldschun signed 1964 Bulletin picture

Before closers were closers, Baldschun was regularly getting the job done for the Phillies.  During his five seasons with the team, he collected 59 saves, including 21 in 1964.  He is a great signer, though his responses can sometimes span months.  I was expecting a potential wait, and was surprised when it came back in 5 or 6 days!

The Many Hats of Johnny Callison...

As a four-time All Star and All Star Game MVP, Johnny Callison figuratively wore many hats for the Phillies in the 1960s: veteran leader in the clubhouse, feared middle-of-the-lineup hitter and the face of the franchise.  Evidently, he also literally wore many hats, as three attributed him (two from 1968) have made their way to auction over the past three weeks!

Hat #1 - Hunt Auctions, CBP Live Auction 4/17/13

1968 game-used Johnny Callison hat

As part of the live event at Citizens Bank Park, this hat sold for $400.  It's sweatband was stamped, "June 1968" by the manufacturer, and had "Callison" printed on the underside of the bill.  It was also autographed by Johnny on the underside of the bill. Condition is no concern with this hat - looks great.

Hat #2 - SCP Auctions, Internet Auction - 4/28/13

1960s game-used Johnny Callison hat

This hat made Hat #1 look like a steal with a final bid tally of $1,253.  It was not attributed to any one particular season, but had heavy use and a "6" written on the underside of the bill.  Unlike Hat #1, it was signed by Callison on top of the bill.

Hat #3 - Hunt Auctions, May Internet Auction - ends May 29th

1968 game-used Johnny Callison hat

Noted in this lot description is again, the presence of a manufacturer's date stamp, "1968" - which gives the buyer an exact timeframe for usage.  As with Hat #1, this hat also has "Callison" printed on the underside of the bill, and is signed on that underside, as well.  Condition is a huge factor with this piece though...seems like Johnny's dog might have gotten to it - along with some ripping on the front, the white button from the top of the hat is missing.

A Notorious Phillies-Indians Connection

Man, that Cleveland series was brutal! Not that we can call it a season, but I did not expect those two games after sweeping the Mets last weekend.

The short stay in Cleveland had me thinking about Phillies-Indians player connections, and there is none more notorious than Von Hayes.  In December of 1982, Hayes was famously traded from Cleveland to the Phillies for Manny Trillo, Julio Franco, George Vukovich, Jerry Willard and Jay Baller.

Growing up during his prime with the Phils, Hayes was always one of my favorite players.  And, if you look at his numbers, he turned out to be pretty productive with a lot of very bad teams.  Nonetheless, he never lived up to the hype from the trade (in the eyes of some fans).

Here is how the trade played out through 1983 Topps and Topps Traded...

Von Hayes - 1983 Topps #325 and 1983 Topps Traded #40T

Manny Trillo - 1983 Topps #535 and 1983 Topps Traded #116T

Phillies Prospect, Cody Asche Pitching In

Phillies prospect, Cody Asche

After a very solid 2012  regular season, and a successful stint in the Arizona Fall League, many see Phillies farmhand, Cody Asche as the favorite to eventually succeed Michael Young as the team's everyday third baseman.  Now with the team's AAA affiliate, Lehigh Valley IronPigs, he is currently batting .292, with five doubles.

As his prospect status rises, so does his interest with collectors.  And, Asche has met this interest head-on, regularly fulfilling autograph requests both at the stadium and in the mail - making him one of the most fan-friendly prospects in the system.

Because of this history, it was no surprise to see him use his budding celebrity to help a fan in need.  I recently learned Asche will be signing autographs in Lancaster on Saturday, May 4th to benefit a local boy.  Per lancasteronline.com, all proceeds from his signing will be used to help pay for the fan's medical expenses and adaptive equipment.  If you are in the Lancaster-area, you should definitely consider attending the signing: meet a top prospect and support a good cause.

Event details:

Location: Days Inn Suites - 1492 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA
Time: Cody will be signing from 10:00-11:30
Price: $15 all items
* Balls, 8x10 photos and cards will be available for purchase at the event

2013 Phillies Phestival Poll!

Alright, even though I have not yet received my tickets to this year's Phillies Phestival, they are definitely reaching fans this week...so, it's time to start tracking what we got!

For those of you who haven't previously attended the event, or didn't read this blog last summer, the Phillies will not disclose the list of players who will appear in any specific booth number.  Going into last year's event, I thought it might be fun to see if we could make any best guesses of which booths are "premier players" based on the number of tickets distributed.  For example, we might assume that the number of tickets available for Chase Utley will be limited, while the booth with Kevin Frandsen and Steve Henderson will be more widely distributed. Based on the results of last year's poll, the exercise was a good predictor of "booth quality".  

Next time you visit the site, make sure to log your booth numbers in the poll. Thanks for participating!

Phillies Oddballs: 1971 Arco Set

1971 Phillies Arco Oil Set (via ebay)

The 1971 Phillies Arco Set was the first of the many 1970s oddball sets I collected.  At the time I was unaware of it's existence, and was both surprised and thrilled to find "some kind of rare" Chris Short card at a flea market.  Since then, I pieced together a complete set through online and card show purchases.  

While the 13-card set is not as rare as I might have originally thought, it is a nice representation of the team from that era and still has a strong secondary market.  At shows, you can expect to pay $25-30 for a complete set, and a scan of listings on ebay show singles have recently sold for $4-10 apiece.  The cards which were sold at Arco gas stations, are 8x10", and feature white bordered color photos of the players.  The front also has the player name and facsimile autograph.  Backs are fairly non-descript: Player/Team names, career highlights, statistics and, of course, an Arco logo.

Card checklist (unnumbered):
Larry Bowa
Jim Bunning
Roger Freed
Terry Harmon
Larry Hisle
Joe Hoerner
Deron Johnson
Tim McCarver
Don Money
Dick Selma

Phillies TTM: Week of 4/15/13

It was (thankfully) a busy week for my mail lady...

Erik Kratz -

Erik Kratz - signed postcard

So, the Spring Training successes continue to filter in...I sent this card out in mid-February.  This return leaves me with only four (pending) failures: DeFratus, Manuel, Horst and Savery.  All of whom I figured would be slam dunks...

The Ephrata Trio -

Signed cards - Dick Groat, Curt Simmons, Larry Bowa

I bought all three of these cards at the Ephrata Lions Club show in March with TTM in mind.  I have a ton of Bowa and Simmons stuff around, but could not resist the temptation.  All three came back within two days of each other.

Jim Bunning -

Jim Bunning signed 8x10

I have a few of these 1964 Bulletin "prints" signed already, but figured I should start filling in the gaps. Surprisingly, I didn't already have Bunning completed.  Hope to finish this project up this summer...stay tuned...

May "Phanatic of the Month" Bobble Head

Mother's Day Phanatic Bobble Head

This weekend is the Phillie Phanatic's annual birthday celebration.  And, knowing Phoebe Phanatic is on a plane en route to Philadelphia for tomorrow night's festivities, it seems appropriate to take a look at the May, "Phanatic of the Month" bobble head, which is all about Mom.

The second of a planned twelve Majestic Store exclusives, the bobbles advance the calendar a few weeks to Mother's Day.  The mascot is standing on a gold, Phanatic head base (same one used for the April figurine) while holding a bouquet of flowers in one hand and balloons in the other.  At his feet is a silver, "World's Best Mom" trophy.

As we found out last month, the $50 price tag is not enough to scare away the die-hards; the Easter version sold out within a few days.  And, word-is, there is an issue with shipping that is further limiting the already small 150/month production runs.  If you are interested in buying one of these for your mom, I recommend you make a trip to the CBP Majestic Store this weekend.

Photo via twitter.com/DrBobblesWorld

Where Are They Now?: The Mike Schmidt Retired Number Banner

The banner as Lot #11 (9/2011)

We last saw the Mike Schmidt Retired Number banner in September 2011, when it was part of Hunt Auctions monthly online auction. I featured it as a Collectible of the Week on this very page!  At that point I reminisced about the days when it hung against the black tarp in left field at Veterans Stadium, and noted that it had originally been part of the 2003 Final Innings Sale.  A truly unique item, hindered by its enormity.  Despite it's size, the banner still managed to pull in a whopping $2,265 in that online auction.

Well, it's back...or, it was back.  The banner popped up again as lot #163 in the Phillies Memorabilia Live Auction which was held this week at Citizens Bank Park.  This time, it was paired with its fellow retired number banners for Richie Ashburn and Robin Roberts.  I suspect the buyer couldn't find a place to "display it properly", or maybe they already had Ashburn and Roberts and decided to clear out some space.  Who knows.  Either way, the resale proved to provide a handsome profit for the 2011 buyer, as bidding ended at $2,900! A great investment, indeed.

The banner as Lot #163 (4/2013)