Spring Training Exclusive, Phillies Bobbleheads

Spring Training Exclusive Bobbleheads via @ToddZolecki

Phillies beat writer, Todd Zolecki tweeted (via @ToddZolecki) the above picture on Friday (February 22nd) with the caption, "Spring Training bobbleheads, only available at Bright House Field".  My initial thought was that this may be a first look at the 2013 Majestic Store "Exclusives", but no word yet from the Phillies.  The grouping includes three players, Cole Hamels, Chase Utley and Carlos Ruiz and a right-handed batting Phillie Phanatic.

I have not seen any of these pop-up on ebay yet, but if they are truly exclusive to Spring Training, they will definitely be a hot item back North.  Post a comment if you have any more information on the exclusives...

Update:
I have gathered a little more information from Twitter friends who have been to Clearwater.  The bobbleheads are $25 apiece, and do have a "Spring Training" stamp on the base.  So, it appears they will be a separate, exclusive release for Spring Training.  Word is they are all hand numbered with a production run of 300.  Note: The below picture of the bobble's base is from Matthew Scott's Twitter (@DaRock12283).

A look at the ST mark and hand numbering on Spring Training Exclusive bobbles

Phillies TTM: Week of 2/18/13

I am anxiously awaiting my first 2013 Spring Training success.  To date I have 16 items resting down in Florida.  My focus was mainly on younger players (DeFratus, Aumont, Rosenberg, etc) but did also send my annual request to Charlie Manuel and even hit a few former Phillies known for TTM success.  In the meantime, I have continued sending existing projects out to some of the "older" guys...

1993 World Series Program Cover - David West

After years of failures at his home address, David West recently emerged as a reliable TTM signer.  He is the latest player to accept TTM requests at his place of employment (Memphis Baseball Academy in West's case).  Since last fall, the big lefty has been turning around requests in a week or less.  I actually wrote my request to him a few months ago - but was a little nervous to send my cover to the Academy. After months of success history I figured is was safe to send it away.  This one's coming together nicely... 

Franzke/Andersen - 2013 Phillies Group Leader Bobblehead

2013 Phillies Group Leader Bobblehead Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen

I got my first look at the 2013 Phillies Group Leader bobble head today while scrolling through stories on CBSSports.com.  As released earlier this Winter, the team has decided to feature their radio broadcast team, Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen, in a dual-bobble this season.  Initially, I wasn't sure what to think about the selection.  I do love listening to the pairing on radio, but did not know if they were "worthy" of the honor.  After seeing it though, I can't wait to (hopefully) pull one from a grab bag at this year's Phestival.  What do you guys think?

Collectible of the Week: 2001 SGA Pat Burrell Bobble Head

Pat Burrell 2001 SGA Bobble Head

It's hard to imagine a time when the Phillies promotional schedule did not include multiple bobble head giveaways, but that was the way it was prior to 2001.  For years fans had been subjected with posters and balls or hats.  That season, the team joined a number of others across Major League Baseball to replace "bean bears" with bobble heads - and history was made.

The first of two bobble promotions featured emerging star, Pat Burrell, with figurines being given to all attendees 14 and under.  The idea of having bobble heads in the image of specific players was still relatively new and the item's uniqueness, along with Burrell's popularity made this promotion an immediate hit.  Personally, I had never really had much interest in the 14-under promotions, but this one had me scheming.  Being too old to get it myself, I ended up going with my brother, and he cycled through the gates twice to secure one for both of us.

Though it is pretty simplistic when compared to today's offerings with variant jerseys, removable catching gear and creative poses, this bobble head holds its own.  It is straightforward and classic - a real pioneer in the world of Phillies memorabilia.  Not that rare on the secondary market, it can be found relatively easily for between $15-20 today.

Promotion Date: May 20, 2001
Produced by: BD&A

My Collecting Story: Curt Simmons game baseballs

I am by no means an expert on game-used baseballs, but have been able to add a few to my collection over the years.  I consider these two a pair - my own "Curt Simmons collection"...

Foul ball pitched by Curt Simmons (June 12, 1949)

Every collector has passed over a piece, only to later regret not purchasing it.  For a time, this ball my one of my biggest regrets.  A familiar flea market vendor had picked up it at an estate sale, and was offering it up at $20.  I tried talking her down to $15, but walked away when she stuck at $20.  Later that afternoon I started regretting the decision.  The next flea market it was gone!  Turns out, my Dad bought the ball and it eventually became a birthday present.

1949 Phillies Game Ball

Curt Simmons' First Win baseball (September 28, 1947)

A few months ago, Hunt Auctions featured a number of Curt Simmons "win" baseballs in their Louisville Slugger Live Auction.  Most of the lots were great pieces of folk art from the 1950s, having been decorated by Phillies catcher's and later presented to the lefty.  I knew from seeing similar balls in the Robin Roberts collection that these would fetch top dollar.  Instead I focused my attention on a non-decorated, but more "historically important" lot in the auction, Simmons' first win ball.  I ended up winning as an at-large bidder in the live auction - definitely a nice addition to the collection.

New Topps Memorabilia Page

While reading the Beckett Baseball news site yesterday, I learned that Topps has recently created a direct-sale page for their memorabilia.  At first glance, the main differences between the fixed-price site and the "Topps Vault" ebay store, which has offered negatives, proofs, player contracts and artwork for years, is the star power (and price).  Though, not necessarily the case with featured Phils, there are many items related to Hall of Famers, and their iconic Topps cards.  Here is a quick look at a few Phillies pieces currently offered on the site:

1965 Ed Roebuck Original Color Transparency

1965 Ed Roebuck Color Transparency (via Topps.com)

For $45, this is a little expensive for my tastes, but you've got to give it to Topps for playing the hard-sell: (excerpt from the listing: "You know Ed Roebuck played for the Phillies in 1965 and now you know he posed for this image for Topps early that season.")

Sale Price: $45

Link to the item.

1976 Tug McGraw Published, Original Color Transparency

1976 Tug McGraw Color Transparency (via Topps.com)

Unlike the Roebuck image above, this picture "made it to the bigs" and was used as the Tugger's 1976 card image (below).  The fact that it was published makes the image more valuable, and the $125 price tag reflects that value.  This would be a cool piece for a serious Tug McGraw collector.

Fixed Price: $125

Link to the item.

1976 Tug McGraw Topps

Lenny Dykstra Signed Baseball Card Contract

Lenny Dykstra 1996 Topps contract (via Topps.com

Billed as "Dykstra's last Topps contract", 1996 also happens to be the final year he played in the Major Leagues.  Again, an interesting item for a die-hard collector of "The Dude", but I'll stick with the less-expensive contracts offered in the ebay auctions.

Fixed Price: $150

Link to the item.

Phillies TTM: Week of 2/4/13

This past week had an unintentional theme as I received two returns from former Phillies managers...

Frank Luchessi

Frank Luchessi signed photo

I found this picture while scrolling through results of a Google image search (sorry, don't remember the keywords).  It shows the Phillies lined up on Opening Day 1971 - the first game at the Vet.  Knowing that Luchessi is a good TTMer, I printed it out to send.  After about ten days it came back signed in blue Sharpie.


Nick Leyva

Nick Leyva signed 1989 Tastykake card

One of my half-started projects - 1989 Tastykake team set...
I have a few cards from this set signed, but have never really committed to finishing it off.  I noticed that Leyva had a few recent TTM successes and decided to revisit the set.  I believe he is still coaching with the Pirates - probably could catch him in Florida if interested.

Collectible of the Week: Danbury Mint 22k Gold 2008 Phillies Cards

2008 Phillies 22k Gold Cards (pictures from danburymint.com)

Fans were overrun with collecting options following the Phillies World Championship run in 2008 - of course, there were hats and t-shirts, magazines and pennants.  One of the more interesting collectibles to be produced though, was a 34-card set sold by The Danbury Mint.  The cards are standard sized, and feature Phillies players and coaches in raised, gold foil.  Each card was sold contained in a thin, plastic case.  Those who ordered through the Mint also received a red binder with card sleeves labeled with the names of the people pictured on each of the 38 cards.

As is standard with the Danbury Mint, these cards were expensive - $12.95 apiece.  The price was even tougher to swallow with fringe contributors like Les Walrond and Mike Cervanek.  Needless to say, I did not buy directly from them that Winter, but have picked up several on the secondary market at $2-3 each.  As the World Series has drifted further back in memory, I have seen fewer of these at shows and online.  If you enjoy collecting cards, I would recommend taking a look at this set.

Team Checklist:

Joe Blanton

Eric Bruntlett

Pat Burrell

Mike Cervanek

Clay Condrey

Chris Coste

Greg Dobbs

Rich Dubee

Chad Durbin
Adam Eaton

Scott Eyre
Tom Gordon

Greg Golson

Cole Hamels

JA Happ

Ramon Henderson

Ryan Howard

Geoff Jenkins

Kyle Kendrick

Brad Lidge

Ryan Madson

Charlie Manuel

Lou Marson

Jamie Moyer

Brett Myers

Jimmy Rollins

JC Romero

Carlos Ruiz

Rudy Seanez

Matt Stairs

So Taguchi

Milt Thompson

Chase Utley

Shane Victorino

Les Walrond

Jayson Werth 

Jimy Williams

There is also a sleeve labeled for Tad Iguchi...haven't seen that card yet, but it is definitely an interesting inclusion.

My Ebay Watch List: Tough Decisions

The "Buy Now" sale option on eBay offers a good opportunity for shoppers to go out and get what they want, when they want it.  Of course, when I'm shopping, I like to see a "Make an Offer" button, too!  After reaching my "watch list" limit, I spent some time and made a few hard decisions: Keep, Unwatch or Buy.  Below are few of the choices I made:

1978 Mike Schmidt, Sports Illustrated poster

Mike Schmidt Sports Illustrated Poster

I've been mulling this auction over for a few weeks. As a big fan of Schmidt's, I had a similar (later edition) Sports Illustrated poster on my bedroom wall as a kid.  The image itself is pretty good, though some spots do look like they have been "enhanced" in production.  I'd be a buyer at half-price....Unwatch.

Buy Now price: $15

1989 Score Traded, Phillies Team Set

Lenny Dykstra 1989 Score Traded

GM Lee Thomas was very busy in 1989.  He pulled the trigger on trades that moved All-Stars Juan Samuel and Steve Bedrosian off the roster and began to lay the groundwork for what would become the 1993 NL East Champions.  I thought these Score cards were very cool, and the traded design is still very appealing...Keep.

The set in the auction contains some interesting cards:

9 - Tom Herr

12 - Steve Lake

28 - Lenny Dykstra

33 - Jeff Parrett

53 - Roger McDowell

55 - Dickie Thon

60 - Randy Ready

70 - John Kruk

Buy Now price: $1.19

Hunter Pence - SGA Gray Uniform Variant

Hunter Pence SGA Gray Uniform Variant Bobble Head

The history of this SGA is well documented, and unfortunately because of Pence's trade earlier in the season, it failed to catch on with collectors.  The "standard" version has the former right-fielder dressed in the Phillies alternate home uniform.  This road gray variant has been an inexpensive target for me - the seller had it priced right to sell ($20 - free shipping)...Buy Now.

Phillies TTM: Week of 1/28/13

As I gear up for the Spring Training blitz, I continue to collect items sent out over the past few weeks...

Jamie Moyer - 2008 Phillies post card

Over the past few years Jamie Moyer has been a familiar TTM target for Phillies fans.  I started sending these cards out in Spring Training 2009 - pretty bad timing, huh?  I have been able to collect responses from six guys, including this one from Moyer.

Jamie Moyer Signed post card

Ron Schueler - 1976 Team Ball

I keep plugging holes on the 1976 team ball.  Until recently, Schueler has been a tough guy to get via TTM.  Seeing the success pouring in on SCN gave me the confidence to send out the ball.  With this former-Phillies reliever, 16 members of the National League East Champions have signed the ball.

1976 Phillies Team Ball Ron Schueler

Phillies Spring Training TTM Guide

So, it's that time again...We are within two weeks of the start of Spring Training, and Phillies Collectors everywhere are preparing their first round of TTM requests for the the 2013 team.  I started sending my requests earlier this week - with a few more to follow over the next week or two.  This post will help answer questions Phillies fans may have regarding Spring Training TTM...


When to send:

Across Major League Baseball, when it comes to Spring Training TTM, earlier is better...and the Phillies are no exception.  If you have not yet started sending out your letters, don't panic!  Based on previous experiences, my general rule is to have everything out by Valentine's Day, and nothing after March 1st.

Where to send:

The Phillies have two unique addresses for both the Major and Minor League camps.  It may work to only send to the MLB camp, but I have (successfully) used the Minor League address for those who on on not on the Major League camp roster.

Major League Camp -
Bright House Field
601 N. Old Coachman Road
Clearwater, FL 33765

Minor League Camp -
Paul Owens Training Facility at Carpenter Complex
651 N. Old Coachman Road
Clearwater, FL 33765

Who signs:

It's hard to predict.  Historically the Phillies have not been the best TTM targets.  However, with the recent influx of younger players, the past two years have not been too bad.  Of course, there are always surprise signers (a la Brad Lidge last year), who go on a signing-binge after many dry years.  My general recommendations are:

• Young players such as Justin DeFratus, Cody Asche, Tommy Joseph and Phillippe Aumont
• Current Phils with good TTM success rates, like Mike Stutes, Erik Kratz or Kevin Frandsen
• Former Phils with good TTM success rates, like Ty Wigginton and Juan Pierre
• Minor Leaguers.  I am sending to Justin Friend and Jiwan James
• Charlie Manuel - but only in the first few weeks of camp.  Around March 1st he switches to pre-print postcards
• Retired players who are now Major/Minor League coaches

Bad bets - 

• Anyone you might consider a "star".  Rollins, Howard, Halladay, etc will not sign TTM.  The team sends pre-print postcards with a note stating they are too busy to sign.  

Good Luck - and keep me up to date on your success by connecting with either my Twitter or Facebook pages!

My Little Corner

A lot of people have asked about where I store my collection.  The truth is, I have stuff spread out all over the place.  Over the years the "base collection" has been moved to several different locations - and currently rests in a 8x8 corner of our basement.  This picture shows off some of the pieces from my Veterans Stadium collection: figural end seats, location sign and original turnstile.

Phillies TTM: Week of 1/21/13

It has been a while since I did a straight TTM update.  Figured I would do a new one with successes from last week...

Wes Chamberlain - 1993 World Series Program Cover

This program cover has been all over the place, most recently Chicago, IL.  There were some questions about how Chamberlain (who normally personalizes TTM) would sign a "team-themed" piece.  Well folks, we have our answer...the program came back without a personalization - and a nice "#44" inscription.  Brings this project up to 15 signatures!

Super-sub: Tomas Perez

As collectors we (rightly) often focus on collecting the star players.  Most of us probably have a Mike Schmidt signed ball - and hoped to get autographs from Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley or Roy Halladay at last year's Phillies Phestival.  Star power is an important part of any collection - but, you should strive to present a balance of star/obscure.

My love for the early-2000's Phillies is well documented.  The team had come out of the depths of the late-90s and started to show signs of life under Manager Larry Bowa.  He led a team that had "some" talent and made a couple runs toward the postseason.  When I think back to those teams I am reminded of the part-time guys, like Tomas Perez, who played such a big part of their successes.  Though far from a "game-changer", I came to respect Tomas' game and role on those teams and have picked up a few things related to his time with the Phillies...

Signed 8x10 Phan Photo

I got this signed down the first-base line at Veterans Stadium during the 2001 season.  We were one of a few fans who had collected down there that day and Tomas spent a few minutes chatting us up.  The picture is not worth a lot of money, but it always gives me a laugh.

Tomas Perez signed 2001 Phan Photo

2002 Game-used Road Jersey

Bought this jersey at the 2004 Winter Sale - one of the first in my collection.  It is actually one of the few that almost fits me!  One man's junk...

Tomas Perez game-used road jersey

A "View" Into The Phillies 2013 Promotions

We first examined the Phillies 2013 SGAs back in November.  At that point the schedule was little more than a framework, with only a few key giveaways being named (Hamels and Ruiz bobble heads).  Over the past few weeks more specifics have been posted online...and now, with the single-game ticket sale date only two-plus weeks away, we finally get a look at a few of them:

April 6th - Kid's Opening Night (Jimmy Rollins Replica Gold Glove)

This item is replacing the tired "photo ball in a tin" promotion the team has mindlessly thrown at our children over the past few seasons.  Unlike it's predecessors, the gold glove won't likely be found in every yard sale $.25 bin...

2013 Phillies Kid's Opening Night Promotion Jimmy Rollins Replica Gold Glove

April 8th - Opening Week T-Shirt

I panned last year's offering - calling for the retirement of this annual promotion.  I think the team is breathing new life into it this season.

Phillies 2013 Opening Week Tee

June 4th - Carlos Ruiz bobble head

Here is the Phillies catcher's second SGA bobblehead (2010 was the last).  Despite the initial adverse reaction to his starring appearance in this season's promotional lineup, this will undoubtedly be one of the hottest tickets on the schedule.

Carlos Ruiz - 2013 SGA Bobble head

Phillies TTM Flashback: Bob Bowman

Bob Bowman signed 1958 Picture Pack card

This week I'm taking a look back at a nice success from 2010.  Bob Bowman was an outfielder for the Phillies from 1955-1959, collecting 159 hits, 17 home runs and 54 RBIs...and he has one of the neatest signatures I've come across...

I didn't know too much about Mr. Bowman's career when I decided to write him, but after doing a quick scan of his stats noticed a few interesting parts of his career: he was a lifetime Phillie, and finished his career as a part-time pitcher.  It is always important to know a little about a guy's career before sending a TTM request - and over the years, this type of research has taught me a lot about Phillies history.

I sent Mr. Bowman a card from the 1958 Phillies Picture Pack along with a few questions related to what I had learned about his career.  Here was my favorite question/answer from the exchange:

Question: Which park was your favorite to play in?  Why?
Answer: Connie Mack Stadium - The fans.  They were tough, but fair.

Amen.

Wes Chamberlain - 1991 Topps Error

In the history of baseball cards there are a lot of notable errors.  Some, like the occasional blank, or wrong backed cards seem to be mechanical.  Others like the notorious (multiple) Billy Ripken versions or the 1990 Donruss All-Star subset (with the black line through the star) have long been rumored to be intentional, aimed at drawing attention or value to a set.  For the most part, the Phillies have been spared in this area - except in the case of the 1991 Topps, Wes Chamberlain/Louie Meadows mixup.

There are few similarities between Chamberlain and Meadows, and this "error" smells more like an intentional mixup than a mistake.  Though they were both outfielders, Wes, of course batted and threw right-handed, while Louie was left/left.  It is also odd that Topps could misidentify a player who had appeared in their previous two flagship sets, and though new to the Phillies had been around for quite a few years.  Either way, they did and Wes Chamberlain is left with two "official" cards in the set.

I have heard that Wes will not sign the error card, which is understandable.  Has anyone ever had an experience where their request has been denied?  If so, please leave a comment - I'd be interested to hear what happened...

My Favorite Cards: 1987 Topps Traded

The 1987 Topps set was probably the most "important" set of my card collecting life.  I had infrequently collected cards during earlier seasons - having (mostly) random Phillies from previous sets.    But I was really into baseball that spring and decided to collect the set - which I did from packs and common card boxes at the card shop (thanks Mom and Dad).

The card design is very memorable for anyone in my general age range (30-35 years), and as is typical with Topps Traded, this 132-card set from '87 features the same wood panel frame layout and yellow back design as the flagship set.  The Phillies made a few roster (and managerial) changes during the season.  As a result there are five cards in the team set.  Here is a quick look at them...

Lance Parrish
Parrish was a legitimate star when he signed with the Phils before the 1987 season.  There were a lot of expectations for the team, expectations that were never met.  I really like the look of this card; Topps must have liked it, too...they used the same photo for Lance's 1988 card.

Lee Elia
Elia may have been the one to gain the most from the disappointing season.  After the team stumbled out of the gate, Manager John Felske was soon fired and replaced by the longtime Phillie coach.  Of course, Elia didn't last that long either...

Jeff Calhoun
In the time before there were bullpen specialists, there was Jeff Calhoun.  The left-handed reliever was picked up in early April and pitched in 42 games (finishing 15), and posted a 1.48 ERA.  Today Calhoun would be a millionaire with a 15 year career - in his day, after posting those stats, he was out of baseball in 1988.

Chris James
Fair or not, Chris James was an example of the failed Phillies farm system.  During the years I was growing up there were a string of them - Bruce Ruffin, Jeff Stone, Ricky Jordan to name a few.  I liked CJ and like this card, though.

Wally Ritchie
Not flashy, Ritchie was a dependable lefty out of the bullpen for a few years.

Check out some of my other favorite cards in these previous posts.

Ironpigs Preliminary 2013 Promotional Schedule

It's that time of year again...Phillies minor league affiliates have begun releasing their preliminary promotional schedules.  First to the plate is the team's AAA affiliate, Lehigh Valley Ironpigs, who released their calendar yesterday afternoon.  I was very impressed with last season's lineup and this year is probably as good, if not better...

Here is what you need to be aware of in 2013:

Bobble heads
It's difficult without seeing pictures, but would rank this year's bobble head class as on-par with those handed out in 2012.  There doesn't appear to be a stand-out like Jamie Moyer's Souderton HS bobble, but still solid.

Kevin Frandsen (April 9th)
Tyler Cloyd (May 7th)
Erik Kratz (May 21st)
Barbie Q (mini) (May 26th)
Ryan Howard (July 8th)

Returning Favorites
The piggy banks have become one of my favorite LV items to collect.  Rally Towels never go out of style...kids can bring them back each game!

Rally Towels (May 23rd)
Piggy Banks (July 21st)

Best of the Rest
This is where the Ironpigs have really stepped it up.  It is evident that all promotional ideas were considered by the marketing/promotions team.  In addition to the Piggy Bank, these are the items I am most looking forward to this season.

FeRROUS & FeFe Salt and Pepper shaker set (April 10th)
Scoreboard Clock (July 18th)
"Pigs to the Bigs" T-shirt (April 7th)
John Mayberry Commemorative Glass (April 20th)

Check out the Press Release from the Iron Pigs for full promotional details

Hat Day!

Today is not an official "holiday" and it may not be marked on your wall calendar, but every year January 15th is reserved for  Hat Day.  To celebrate I figured I would share a few Phillies-related hats from my collection...

1980 World Champs!

1980 World Champions Hat
This hat is from my childhood, and it's been through the ringer!   The story goes, this hat flew into my dad's lap from the upper level of Veterans Stadium during a game.  Guess he's lucky the person wearing it didn't follow...

Brett Myers 2007 game-used hat
I bought this at the Holiday Sale following the 2007 season.  I have never been the biggest fan of his - but you can't deny the impact he had on the team that season.  This was my first game-used hat.

Brett Myers game-used hat

1960s child's hat
I don't know too much about this one...Saw it at Philly Show last year and thought it was really cool.  It is "child-sized" and has a patch with the old 50s-60s era logo.  Inside has a leather headband.  Let me know if you know any thing more about it.

1960s Phillies child-sized hat