Phillies TTM: Week of 4/1/13

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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"...

Link: Current ebay listing

Phillies TTM: Week of 3/11/13

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).

Phillies Collectible of the Week: Victorino Hula Figurine (2007 SGA)

There is something to be said for an original.  Unencumbered by past success an original is free to test the acceptable limits, in this case, of professional baseball promotions. Perhaps no other promotion exemplifies the rise in the team's promotional creativity over the past 10 years more than this week's Phillies Collectible, the 2007 Shane Victorino Hula Figurine SGA (6/3/07).

Sure there were others, Benny Agbayani and Sid Fernandez probably being the most famous, but it could be said that Shane Victorino's popularity with Phillies officially put the state on the map (never mind the President).  Credit the Phillies Marketing team with seizing on a spark and willing it into a fire. In 2007, they recognized that Victorino's heritage made him different than other players, and though just a first year starter, gave him one of the biggest promotions of the season.  And, they hit it out of the park.

The figurine itself is great.  Modeled after the classic dashboard hula figurines (typically female), it dresses a barefoot Victorino in a grass skit, while playing a ukulele and flashing the shaka sign.  At a glance it seems more suited for a minor league affiliate, but that is part of what makes it so good.  The team continued with annual promotions related to Shane and his Hawaiian heritage, but none ever surpassed the creative heights of the original.

A Second 1964 Phillies Record?!

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

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

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.

2013 Topps Heritage Release Day: Phillies Cards

2013 Phillies, Topps Heritage Papelbon, Manuel, Revere, Rollins

Although I was not actively collecting new cards during the early 2000's, I was very aware of the popular Hertiage brand launched by Topps in 2001.  Over the years I have started collecting Phillies base cards from the various Topps products, and now look forward to the annual release of the Heritage set.  This year's cards are modeled after the great 1964 Topps base set.  And, with a nod to Phillies of that year, there are insert cards for Gene Mauch and Johnny Callison (cut auto) as well as Jim Bunning (Then and Now, with Justin Verlander) and Paul Brown (real one autographs).

2013 Phillies, Topps Heritage Darin Ruf, Tyler Cloyd Rookie

Also included in the set are the first official Phillies cards for both Ben Revere and Michael Young, as well as "Rookie Star" cards for Darin Ruf/Tyler Cloyd and Steven Lerud/Luis Antonio Jimenez.  You'll also find a selection of short prints, mini parallels and color variations.

2013 Topps Heritage Michael Young

Base Set Checklist (and mini parallels):

5   NL League Leaders (Cole Hamels)

16 Cliff Lee

72 Chase Utley

83 Carlos Ruiz

104 Jonathan Papelbon

135 Domonic Brown

157 Charlie Manuel

177 Ben Revere

226 Steven Lerud/Luis Antonio Jimenez (Star Rookies)

237 Jimmy Rollins

243 Darin Ruf/Tyler Cloyd (Star Rookies)

258 Michael Young

428 Ryan Howard (SP and mini parallel)

448 Cole Hamels (SP and mini parallel)

462 Roy Halladay (SP and mini parallel)

March Philly Show Recap

Well, another Philly Show has come and gone...

I've been attending the show for many years, but this past weekend was the first time I have gone on the third day.  Generally I go on Saturday, which could have its pro's and con's.  On the positive side, the second day usually has the bigger profile autograph signers, but that means it is pretty crowded.  Because I had some personal commitments on Saturday, I went on Sunday, which seemed to be less attended (than normal) and offered some good bargains...

Leaf Pete Rose, Living Legends Box

Pete Rose, Leaf Living Legends cards

I've been wanting to buy one of these boxes ever since they came out last year.  The box has 10 packs with six cards each, and either one autograph card or relic redemption.  The set contains 50 cards, and buying a box allowed me to fill out the set.  Even got lucky, and my auto card showed Pete in a Phillies uniform.

Ryan Howard Bobble heads

2006 SGA - Ryan Howard ROY bobble head

Sometimes you walk into a deal that you just can't pass up.  This was one of those times for me.  Despite what you might think, the show is not only for professional vendors, sometimes it's just a couple of guys trying to unload a few old things.  At one such booth I picked up four 2006/2007 Phillies SGA bobble heads for $35.

Phillies Collectible of the Week: 1959 Phillies Story Booklet

Cover - 1959 Philadelphia Phillies Story

I've recently started going through the "Phillies Collector Archives" (i.e. - Rubbermaid containers storing all my old junk) to rediscover things I put away over the years.  This week's Collectible comes from those efforts...

The 1959 Philadelphia Phillies Story booklet was released by Phillies Cigars as a promotional item prior to the 1959 baseball season.  It is one of a series produced that season for Major League clubs.  The booklet is pretty small, measuring 5" x 6.5"and contains 63 information-packed pages.  As the cover notes, it was "prepared" for Phillies by Sports Illustrated - and their writing work is as good as ever here.  Inside there is a season preview for the team, individual player profiles and an interesting mini-biography of Hall of Famer, Grover Cleveland Alexander.

This is a great item for fans like me who are interested in the teams they didn't have an opportunity to watch, or those who want to remember.  After buying the magazine, I took some time to read through the profiles and found several guys, like Johnny O'Brien, who I never knew played in Philly.  And, you're sure to appreciate the old-time writing employed throughout - such as their reference to the team's annual losing campaigns as "merely a local scandal, like the man who drinks or beats his wife."

Richie Ashburn profile in the 1959 Phillies Story