Phillies TTM: Week of 9/2/2013

Finally got a couple responses that would allow for a new post on my personal Phillies TTM successes.    As I mentioned last week, I have not bee overly active the past month or so, but hope to get back into a more regular mailing pattern soon.  Despite my mail lady's recent light load, I did manage to fit in two successes last week...

Bob Boone - 

I'm not sure whether or not this can be counted as a success, but I response is a response.  I originally bought this game-used bat card on ebay with the thought that I could then send it to Boone to be signed.

When I got the card I was a little disappointed that the picture had him in a Kansas City Royals uniform, something I hadn't taken note to when bidding.  Long story short, this was out for 4-5 months and came back with a personal correction from the ex-catcher himself...Oops.

Bob Kuzava - 

I have scratched my way to 12 successes on the 1950s-era Phillies project.  Kuzava was only with the Phillies for one season (1955), but according to his Wikipedia page, he was an important part of Yankees history, closing out both the 1951 and 1952 World Series for the Bombers.

A big part of the fun with this particular project is finding out about the careers of guys like Kuzava.  Before researching his playing days for my letter, I was aware of his name but knew little of his accomplishments.  Can't wait to see who I learn about next...

Chase Utley Turn Back the Clock Gear Up For Bid!

Phillies, 2013 TBTC Game Used Display

When the Phillies Authentics team released their inventory from the August 23rd, Turn Back the Clock game, one player's gear was noticeably missing: Chase Utley.  While at CBP earlier this weekend I saw a display with the missing gear at the Authentics Stand.  It turns out the uniform is the centerpiece of an online auction that ends tonight.  Here are a few highlights:


Chase Utley, TBTC Game Hat:
Comments:
I have become a small collector of game-used hats, and can really appreciate this lot.  I like collecting hats because they are generally much cheaper than jerseys, and take up less room.  These TBTC hats might just be the exception.  The team sold hats used by starter Cole Hamels and shortstop Jimmy Rollins for $199, so this Utley auction is running a little higher than retail.

# of bids: 15
Current high bid: $261
Link to bid

Chase Utley, TBTC Game Uniform:
Comments:
The Phillies did something cool with the uniforms from this game.  Instead of selling only the jersey, they offered the complete uniform: jersey and pants.  Very cool item to have, but like the hat, it is currently $400 over retail for other "like" players.

# of bids: 23
Current high bid: $1,360
Link to bid

Chase Utley, TBTC Game Helmet:
Comments:
Since Chase won the game with that dramatic bases loaded walk, this helmet is a pretty nice piece - as related to significance with the TBTC game.

# of bids: 19
Current high bid: $651
Link to bid

Check out all the Phillies Authentics auction items here.

School's In: September Phanatic of the Month

September Phanatic of the Month

"School bells are ringing loud and clear; vacation is over, school is here."  One stanza from Winifred C. Marshall's poem, "School", sums up this month's Phanatic of the Month.

Again positioned on the gold, Phanatic head base, the figurine depicts the Phanatic as a teacher, evidently giving a lesson on his home island, Galapagos.  As with previous month's offerings, the September bobble head is not lacking in detail.  Included are text on the pages of the Phanatic's book and blackboard, and a worm peeking from the apple on his desk.  Overall, it's a pretty solid design - though, it's not my favorite to date (in fact, probably one of my least favorite).  Either way, like those before it, the September Phanatic of the Month was a hot seller...

Phillies TTM: Who's Signing?

It has been a slow month TTM-wise, for me, personally.  Between vacation, my son's birthday and work commitments, I just have not been able to get too much in the mail.  During that time, my primary focus has been on continue adding to my 1950s-era player photo, on which I have been consistently adding one a week.

My limited activity doesn't mean former Phillies are not signing TTM.  The show has gone on!  Here are a few guys who have been adding successes to Phillies collectors over the past two weeks...

Randy Ready

As manager of the Gwinnett Braves, Ready has been a popular target all season.  With the season winding down, it's likely too late to mail to him.  But, it's worth noting (for next year) that he was a consistent signer all summer.

c/o Gwinnett Braves
Coolray Field
One Braves Avenue
Lawrenceville, GA 30049


Erik Kratz

Another consistent signer, Phillies catcher Erik Kratz has been responding a lot over the past month.  Unlike Ready, there is still plenty of time to get card in the mail to Kratz before the season ends...

Erik Kratz signed card

Tommy Greene

You might be saying - 'Greene's always been a willing signer.  What's the big deal?'  Well, you're right, normally reporting on Tommy Greene TTM successes would be a non-story.  But, a new address for the 1993 righty has recently emerged.  If you want to keep those autographs coming, make sure to use the new, Pennsylvania address...

P.O. Box 10

Warrington, PA 18976

Ryne Sandberg Bobble Head: Get 'Em While They're Hot

Ryne Sandberg Bobblehead

Kudos to Sports Exclusives for being first to capitalize on the Phillies recent managerial change by ramping up marketing on their Ryne Sandberg bobble head.  Over the years SE has become known for distributing unique, limited edition bobbles - including several Phillies-themed ones. And, since his rise to the Phils' top post, this 7", 2012 figurine of Ryno wearing batting practice attire - hands firmly on his hips, is hotter than ever. The base is a Phillies pennant.

The production run is limited to 144 - so, bobble head collectors may need to act quickly to make sure they have this on their selves!

You can buy it here.

Phillies Wives' - Pro Pack Review

This weekend the Phillies Wives have auctioning off gift baskets to support Phillies Charities.  While much of the action was centered at Citizens Bank Park for the Diamondbacks series, five pro-packs were offered for bid online.

With just hours remaining in the auction, I thought it would be a good time to review a couple of the more interesting lots...

Chase Utley Personalized Basket

Current bid: $460
Content Highlights: Utley signed ball, and postseason champagne bottle

Comments: In my opinion, the basket is the best of the online offerings.  There are several nice autographed pieces included, and I could definitely use the Phillies dog collar and leash.
Link to the auction

Phanatic Themed Basket

Current bid: $0 (Opening bid amount is $250)
Content Highlights: Phanatic MVP bobble head

Comments: I know there is a market for autographed Phanatic items, but I've never been interested so this lot is not for me.  Given the lack of bidding activity, it doesn't seem like I'm that unusual afterall...
Link to the auction

Children's Pro-Pack

Current bid: $350
Content Highlights: Signed Utley/Howard picture, signed Ruiz bobble head

Comments: Judging based on my son's interest, this is a pretty good assortment of goods for kids.  The package includes a few things young Phillies fans cannot resist: bobble heads and trucks. 8 bids and counting...

The rest of the online packages being offered...

Anyone bid on, or better yet, win one of the packs at a game this weekend??

Dick Allen Official Merchandise

My favorite desktop wallpaper from DickAllen15.com

A few weeks ago, former Phillies slugger Dick Allen launched an expansive online presence - complete with an official webpage, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.  I could go on about how cool it is to connect with a legend like Allen, but this is a memorabilia collecting blog, so I will TRY to stay on message...

For the purposes of this post, I'll be focusing attention on Allen's official online store.  There are a lot of interesting products for either the casual Phillies collector, or a die-hard fan of DA.  He definitely has a good team working to get his image out there - I've found myself visiting it every few days to see what new items have been added.  Here are a few highlights of their current inventory:

ROY '64 Inscribed Baseball

Price: $60
Comments:
In his rare appearances, you'll typically expect to pay $40-50 for a signed Allen baseball.  Considering you get the Rookie of the Year inscription, I feel like this is a pretty good deal...especially if you are a collector of the star-crossed season of 1964.

Buy It

Dick Allen - ROY '64 ball via DA15.com

Autographed Full-Sized Batting Helmet

Price: $150
Comments:
One of the more expensive items in the store, there are full-sized batting helmets from every team Allen played for represented in this collection.  This is a cool addition for a number of reasons: They're uncommon; look great on display and instantly remind you of his iconic on-field look.

Buy It

Dick Allen autographed helmet via DA15.com

Best of the Rest

• Custom t-shirts with classic images and quotes such as, "If a horse won't eat it...I don't want to play on it".  
• Personalized autographed photos.  Great way to get something unique for yourself or a fellow collector.
• FREE desktop wallpaper.  OK, the wallpapers are not technically in the store, but these are great.  I highly recommend downloading, "Messages in the Dirt".

Browse more...

Dick Allen's "Official" webpage
Follow Dick on Twitter: @DickAllen_15

Collectible of the Week: Larry Shenk Bobble Head

Former Public Relations Director, Larry Shenk, known as "The Baron", was honored by the Phillies in 2007.  At a dinner celebrating his 44th year with the team, attendees were presented with this one-of-a-kind keepsake.

The bobble head features Shenk in business casual wear, holding a notebook with his trademark headline, "Newsy Notes" in one hand and a pipe in the other.  The "sponsor nameplate" at his feet reads: Phillies.  Never intended for public consumption, this is a pretty rare find - though, patient collectors will find them on eBay or Facebook Marketplace for around $75-100 from time-to-time.

Tale of the Tape: 

• Produced by - BD&A

• Production run - 500

• Date: 8/12/2007

• Estimated value: $75+

(Former) Phillies Manager (Still) Signing Tomorrow!

2009 World Series Lithograph Project

Who said that a lost Phillies season meant no news on the memorabilia front?  The team threw me a curveball this afternoon when they announced Manager Charlie Manuel would be replaced by Ryne Sandberg, effective immediately.  The developments had me scrambling to write a "Charlie's Signing Is Cancelled" post - just in case.

Thankfully, I was able to push the delete button on that downer.  Because, late this afternoon I received confirmation from Eric Poppel that tomorrow's scheduled appearance by the winningest Manager in Phillies history IS STILL ON! With that news out of the way, here is my original post on the appearance:

Saturday morning Phillies manager, Charlie Manuel will be signing autographs at Granite Run Mall.  During his nine seasons as manager, Manuel has not a lot of appearances outside of team obligations, though since the 2008 World Series he has been in high demand (ask anyone who is missing him on their 2008 or 2009 World Series team project).

I was lucky to catch him at a car dealership during the summer of 2010, getting him to sign both of my World Series balls.  While I was a little annoyed at how slow the line was moving when I was at the end, I appreciated the time he spent talking with me, and more importantly engaging my son.  Since that time, I have started getting autographs on a 2009 World Series print - chasing Charlie all the way.  Looking forward to filling a big gap on the project...

If you go...

Where: Granite Run Mall (1067 W. Baltimore Pike  Media, PA19063)
When: 11-12:30 P.M.
Get Tickets: Poppel Autographs

Check out the list of all upcoming Phillies autograph signings.

2013 Bowman Platinum Baseball Highlights (Phillies Edition)

Bowman Platinum Baseball is back!

This release snuck up on me this year - I didn't realize it had hit the streets until browsing Wal-Mart shelves over the weekend.  I've decided not to buy the set retail this year, instead, I am going straight to the secondary market for cards I want.  It doesn't feel entirely right, but I've bought enough cards at the store to-date and think I've earned a pass here.

Instead of doing a full checklist review, I decided to review a few highlights by sharing the cards I'm either bidding on, or have already bought..

Base Set - 100 cards, mix of prospects and veterans.  There are three base card parallels: Sapphire (1:10 packs), Gold (1:5 packs) and Ruby (1:20 packs). I scooped up one of each Chase Utley version...

The Utley's (Clockwise): Base, Sapphire, Gold, Ruby

It seems like Maikel Franco's finally made it in the market.  His prospect auto, refractor cards have been selling consistently in the $15-20 range (parallel versions running a little higher).  On the reverse, the market is showing signs of saturation for Jesse Biddle auto cards.  His cards can be easily purchased in the $5-range.

Parallels include: Green (#/399), Blue (#/199), Red (#/25), Gold (#/50) and Atomic (#/5) refractors.

Maikel Franco, Bowman Platinum Prospect Auto

Maikel Franco, Bowman Platinum Prospect Auto Green refractor parallel

Diamonds in the Rough spotlight some promising prospects (as identified by Baseball America).  The subset includes Lakewood's own, Carlos Tocci.  Through the years, we've seen some prospects, like Tocci payoff (Ryan Howard, Chase Utley) and some that don't (Matt Rizzotti, David Buchanan).  Here's to hoping he ends up grouped with later.

Carlos Tocci Bowman Platinum, Diamonds in the Rough

Phillies TTM: Who's Signing?

Another round of "Who's Signing?"...

There has been a nice mix of new and old signers over the past month.  From Al Raffo, a pitcher who appeared with the 1969 Phillies and is 100% in only three attempts to tried and true, Juan Samuel who has been a signing champion for 20+ years.  Below is a mix of guys from different eras that you could expect a success with:

John Russell
In the mid-late 1980s, my dad took me to card shows at the Tri-State Mall in Delaware.  It was good for me because they regularly brought in current Phillies players to sign autographs.  I mention this because, any time I see or hear about John Russell I think of seeing him at one of those shows.  I probably have 2-3 autographed 1987 Topps cards from his appearance (one is below)!

Now a coach for the Orioles, Russell should be an easy get on any late-80s memorabilia you have...

John Russell autographed card

Address:
c/o The Baltimore Orioles
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
333 W. Camden Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Ferguson Jenkins
Though he was just a footnote in Phillies history, Fergie, of course, is a Hall of Famer.  He charges $25 an autograph, but he gives you a quality signature.  I've paid $25 for a much lesser player...(that's a great segue)

Ferguson Jenkins autographed photo

Address:
3655 W Anthem Way, Ste A109
Anthem, AZ 85086
$25 Fee

John McDonald
While it shouldn't be news that John McDonald is signing, I included him in the list as a reminder that there are several current Phillies who sign TTM.  It will be interesting to see how one-time super-signers like Cody Asche and Darin Ruf adapt to life in the Major Leagues.  So far neither has fulfilled a request since suiting up with the big club...

Address:
c/o The Phillies
Citizens Bank Park
1 Citizens Bank Way
Philadelphia, PA 19148

Alumni Luncheon Posters

I am making final edits to my Alumni Night wrap-up post and realized I wasn't going to use this photo of the 1993 team collage that was distributed throughout the weekend.

Printed on a heavy stock paper, the print measures 11"x17", and features all relevant players from that season (and a few non-relevant ones, too).  They were originally handed out at the Alumni Luncheon on Thursday, but were available at the signing tables the other nights of the weekend.

Phillies Alumni Night Wrap-up

Saturday was dedicated to collecting Phillies autographs...and, collect, I did.

Card Show - Granite Run Mall

There were several area signings scheduled, but the lure of Danny Jackson at Granite Run Mall took me there.  I have been working on a 1993 team poster, and after passing up on him at Philly Show last year, still needed DJ. 

While there, I also went to First and Goal to get some more Art Mahaffey and Bobby Wine autographs.   Bobby was talkative as usual, and pointed out that he had a set of the 1964 Bulletin cards, too.  They were part of his collection that he showed the ESPN writer who penned that great piece on Johnny Callison at the All-Star break.  In addition to the '64 pictures, I had Wine sign the Phillies collage poster that I bought on ebay in the Spring.

Phillies Game - Citizens Bank Park

The early game time necessitated that I forego other signings, and head right to CBP.  It was raining when we got there, and that pretty much closed the door on me having Garry Maddox and Greg Luzinski sign the collage poster.  My brother got The Bull to sign his 1977 Sports Illustrated, and I ended up seeing Larry Christenson, too before going inside.

Over the past five or six years, we've bought Hall of Fame level tickets for a game that weekend.  Some years have been great, others, not so special.  Walking around up there early Saturday, we were one of a handful of fans, so I thought our chances of catching a few guys might be good.  We staked out a spot at the Alumni suite, and pretty soon guys started coming through and I quickly added 4 or 5 signatures, including Tony Taylor and Kevin Stocker.

I had a few things ready to get signed, but ultimately decided to stick with filing out a 1993 NLCS celebration photo (11"x17") that I had started last year.  That seemed to work well, cutting out a lot of digging around in my backpack, or on the floor for other things.  All in all, I was able to add 12 autographs to the picture - getting everyone from Tony Longmire to Curt Schilling!

 Overall it was a great night.  Now the countdown to Alumni Weekend 2014 begins...

Phillies Alumni Weekend Signing Schedule

Alright Philly 'graphers....You've been wondering what Phillies Alumni might be signing at CBP this weekend.  I've been able to confirm the following (Disclaimer: As they say, any of this could be changed...right up to the scheduled time due to availability).

Anyway, I'll be there Saturday and Sunday...Enjoy!

Friday, August 3rd
5:45-6:15 PM

Alley Store - Kevin Stocker and Mickey Morandini
Section 111 Newsstand - Todd Pratt and Ricky Jordan
Authentics Store - Danny Jackson and Ben Rivera
HOF Club - Brad Lidge

Saturday, August 4th
2:45-3:15

Alley Store - Milt Thompson and Tony Longmire
Section 111 Newsstand - Mariano Duncan and Roger Mason
Authentics Store - Tommy Greene and David West

Sunday, August 5th
6:45-7:15

Alley Store - Jim Eisenriech and Wes Chamberlain
Authentics Store - Jim Fregosi
Ticket Window - Mitch Williams
Gate greeters - David West, Roger Mason, Ben Rivera and Tony Longmire

Special thanks to fellow Phillies collector, Steve Skalish for confirming the signings.  Make sure to give him a follow on Twitter: twitter.com/steveskalish

A Dutch Treat: Daulton Will Attend Alumni Weekend

Darren Daulton Wall of Fame Plaque

"Everybody has problems.  It's how you deal with them that separates you from everybody else."

Former Phillies All-Star catcher, Darren Daulton is/has been far from perfect - but, you've gotta give him a lot of credit for how he has dealt with his problems throughout his life/career.  The news that Dutch will be back in town for Alumni Weekend is surprising to say the least, but I guess it would be just as surprising if he didn't come - that's just the way he is.

It's been a true Philadelphia story for Daulton: A lot of lean years offensively, and physical setbacks in the late-80s; a tremendous rebound in 1992 when he won the NL RBI title and a Silver Slugger Award; and finally growing into a three time All-Star and the undeniable leader of the 1993 NL Champions.  Even after injuries again impacted his time on the field in the mid-1990s, Dutch rose once again, helping the Marlins win the World Series in 1997 (he was voted Comeback Player of the Year that season) before eventually retiring at year's end.

Popular as a player, Daulton has been equally sought out since reemerging a few years ago, regularly making public appearances in the Delaware Valley and hosting a talk show on local radio.  And, for those of us who lived through his days on Macho Row, it hurts to see him down again.  But in true form, it sounds as if Dutch is mounting yet another comeback.

I am truly looking forward to seeing Dutch and giving him a nice welcome, and a big thank you.

Listen to the 8/1/13 interview with Daulton on 97.5 here.

Help Dutch by:
Ordering a "Right On, Fight On" t-shirt here.
Proceeds from the t-shirts will go to help pay for uncovered medical bills.

Requesting Mail Order autographs via Under the Radar Sports here.

August "Phanatic of the Month Bobble Head

Well, it's that time of the month again: new Phantatic bobble heads will be on sale at the Majestic Store this morning.  This month's theme is "Surfin' Phanatic", featuring the mascot dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, riding the waves atop a surf board.  

I'd expect this one to be a quick(er) seller.  With the Phils at home through the weekend, they could sell out faster than their normal 2-3 days.  You probably want to beeline to the Majestic Store if you're heading to the game tonight! 

Photo credits:

Phanatic display via @philliesphood (Twitter)

Surfin' Phanatic via @DrBobblesWorld (Twitter)

UPDATE:

@DrBobblesWorld tells us this month's figurine has both a bobble head and bobble arms!  Nice modification...

A Look at the Major League Authentication Program

Editor's Note: Since starting the blog I have received several questions about the MLB Authentication Program, and I know there are more out there.  To help answer some of the questions, I will be breaking down the Program into a few posts this week.  Hope you learn something new...

The Major League Baseball Authentication Program, which touts itself as the "most comprehensive league-wide memorabilia authentication initiative in professional sports", will put a hologram sticker on just about anything: bats, balls, uniforms, lineup cards, etc.  Since launching in 2001, the program has added a much needed sense of legitimacy to "game used" memorabilia.

"Who ARE these guys?" (greatly exaggerated Seinfeld voice)

• MLB partners with Florida-based company, "Authenticators, Inc."(AI) to inventory the ever-increasing number of game-used items.  
• AI deploys at least one representative to each Major League game, with additional authenticators manning higher profile events like the World Series or All-Star Game.  
• According to the MLB Authentication site, the authenticator staff is made up of off-duty law enforcement.  I guess it speaks to the fact that a great deal of discipline in required to receive, track and account for all the game-used gear they collect.

Holograms/Tracking

The key to the program's success is the tamper-proof hologram placed on each authenticated item.  The holograms are, as described on MLB.com, "designed to show traces of tampering if a hologram is removed."

The below images are of the current holograms MLB is using in the authentication program:

MLB holograms used since 2006 (via MLB.com)

The below image is an example of what a "broken" hologram would look like:

MLB hologram removed (via MLB.com)

• Authenticators will only validate items (via the use of a hologram) when they have personally seen it in use and/or signed.  This can cause some questions with use-classification, which I'll address later this week.
• Each hologram is labeled with an alpha-numeric code which allows MLB to easily track in its database.
• Once adhered to the item, the authenticator creates a description that will be used on the certification document.

Have memorabilia that has been authenticated by MLB?  You can search the database here.

Vintage Phanatic Items at CBP

Vintage Phanatic Memorabilia at CBP via @Phillies

Last week the Phillies Twitter account posted a photo of a Phanatic-themed display case at the Authentics stand in CBP.  I had actually stopped and looked at the display while attending a game during the White Sox series with my son. It should be noted, he didn't care about the white corduroy hat of my youth, but was fixated on the Easter-themed, Phanatic of the Month bobble head.

I am not a big collector of the Phanatic, but I know there are some of you out there.  And, with that in mind, I contacted the Phillies and was able to get a price list for the current "Vintage Phanatic" inventory.  It is impressive to see the variation listed in a few of the items.  For example, a "Phanatic with bat" keychain is available with hoop, thick band and "inside circle".

Some of the prices seem a little above market, but if you are looking for a particular piece, or variation, many collectors would willing pay top dollar...

Buttons:
Phanatic/Players - $84.99
Most Valuable Phanatic - $49.99 (I have this one somewhere!)

Charms:
Phanatic with bat charm - $19.99
Phanatic face - $19.99

Decals:
1978 - $19.99
1982 - $9.99
1992 - $4.99

Keychains:
Phanatic with bat (hoop) - $24.99
Phanatic with bat inside circle (thick band) - $24.99
Phanatic with bat inside circle (hoop) - $24.99
Phanatic face (thick band) - $24.99
Phanatic face (hoop) - $24.99

License Plates:
Phanatic pitching - $49.99

Necklaces:
Large Phanatic with bat inside circle (short) - $24.99
Large Phanatic with bat (short) - $24.99
Large Phanatic face (short) - $24.99

Pennants:
1983 - $39.99

Pins: 
1980 Veterans Stadium/World Series pin - $84.99
Phanatic with bat pin (large) - $19.99
Phanatic with bat inside circle - $19.99
Large Phanatic face - $19.99

Postcards:
1981 - $49.99
1983 Phanatic on ATV - $9.99
1983 Phanatic taunting - $9.99

Misc.:
1981 Puzzle - $49.99
1981 Rolos Phanatic face - $19.99
1981 Rolos Phanatic with bat - $19.99
1982 Activity Book - $39.99
Phanatic with bat bracelet - $39.99

Don't forgot to "like" The Phillies Collector on Facebook.  It's a great way to get your daily Phillies memorabilia fix...

My Favorite Cards: All Star Game Memories

With the All-Star Game scheduled for tomorrow night in New York, I figured it would be a good time to put together an ASG "theme" post.

When talking about All-Star Game related Phillies cards, there are many options to choose from.  From the "NL All-Star" subsets in Topps sets during the early 1980s, to game-used relics that appear in update sets these days.  There are a few cards in this category that rank high on my want list, like the 1981 Program insert cards.  But, in today's post I'll talk about two cards that meant a lot to me growing up, and that I still think of each season when the Mid-Summer Classic comes around again...

Darren Daulton -  1996 FanFest

Darren Daulton - 1996 Pinnacle FanFest Set #30
Comments: Walking into the Convention Center, I ripped open my 2-card pack of Pinnacle FanFest cards and prayed that I got the Darren Daulton "short-print".  Dutch was honored with a lenticular card that was the talk of FanFest 1996.  I had to wait almost 10 years before I came across one at a local card show.  I gladly gave the seller $5 to cross this one off the want list.

Mike Schmidt 1987 Donruss Pop-up

Mike Schmidt - 1987 Donruss Pop-Up
Comments: I couldn't have a post about Phillies All-Stars without including a card of Mike Schmidt.  These were the cards nine-year old Phillies Collectors dreamed of in 1987.  The 18-card set featured players who appeared in the 1986 All Star Game in Houston.  When set up, the cards created a three-dimensional display of the players inside the Astrodome.  I'd like to say that I kept mine in pristine condition, but truth is, I popped that card out immediately...

Phillies TTM: Who's Signing

Glenn Wilson autographed card

Here is a quick look at a few Phillies who have been signing via TTM recently...

Glenn Wilson

"Glen-bo", known for his rocket arm, was a fan favorite during the mid-late 1980s.  Interestingly, despite his popularity, he has seldom been heard from/about since leaving Philly.  An argument could be made that he is a victim of the era in which he played, since most of the mid-80s were pretty forgettable.  The two recent successes from Wilson may mean he is changing his thoughts on TTM.  But, based on his 36% success rate, this could be a small window of opportunity for collectors.

*It should be noted that both successes included a monetary donation.

324 Tara Park 
Conroe, Tx 77302


Jose DeJesus

I had a success with DeJesus last year at this address.  Judging from my own experience, and from what I've seen on SCN, he saves up requests for a month or two before responding.  Plan now and add an autograph to your collection in September.  
P.O. Box 9960 
Cidra, Puerto Rico 00739


Lou Grasmick

There are not too many guys who played for the Phillies during the 1940s left.  Grasmick had a cup of coffee with the Phils in 1948.  I have actually wanted to try and send to him in the past, but have been unable to find any photos of him.  Might be a good get for anyone who collects index card autographs.
6715 Quad Ave 
Baltimore, MD 21237