Jimmy Rollins Figurine vs. A Car
A Jimmy Rollins figurine I bought on eBay went head-to-head with my wife's car yesterday... The car won! Luckily, it only cost a few dollars... Here is his journey in photos:
Phillies TTM: Longest Wait Ever
I received a surprise earlier this week when a TTM success from Manny Trillo showed up in my mailbox. Sent July 26, 2010, the request was assumed a lost cause long ago, and forgotten. - it is now my "longest wait ever"...
I sent the request c/o The White Sox while Trillo was still working for the team. The return was postmarked from Orlando, but I have not heard what (if any) team he is currently affiliated with. In between sending the card and today, I had a chance to meet Trillo at a Poppel show. I told him I had been waiting a long time to meet him, and that he should come back more often. He answered, "I've been around. You just need to know where to look!"
Wins from May Internet Auction
It has been a few months since I have won any items in a Hunt Auctions event - in fact, it has been a while since I have even placed a bid. Not that there have not been worthwhile lots to bid on... I've just have opted to watch from the sidelines.
The most recent internet/phone auction, which ended May 14th, had many attractive lots for Phillies collectors: autographed balls, bats, game-used uniforms and more. With so many items of interest I felt like I had an opportunity to win something that I really wanted. I focused my attention on two lots in particular: one with a signed Pride of the Phillies poster (featuring Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton) and another with signed Garltan figures of both Schmidt and Carlton. All pieces I have been trying to track down at a decent price for a while.
The two Gartlan figurines are individually numbered and signed by each player. Dating from the late-1980s, they are in excellent condition - both arriving in original packaging. The final bid was less than it would typically cost to get one of the statues on the secondary market. Sold separately, the poster is a limited run of the 1989 Pride of the Phillies SGA. It is numbered to 225 and signed in pencil by Schmidt, Carlton and artist Dick Perez. Not extremely rare, but I'd never be able to get it signed for the price I paid...
Ghosts of Phestivals Past - Part III
With a third edition, I guess "Ghosts of Phestivals Past" is now officially a pre-Phestival tradition! Of course, if you regularly visit this page, you have to know the 30th Annual Phillies Phestival will be held at Citizens Bank Park tomorrow afternoon. So here we are again, planning and plotting a path - at least as best we can without knowing who is signing at which booth yet. What better time than now to look back at some past experiences...
Carlos Ruiz (2007)
It was Ruiz's first season as a starter and though still largely unproven, I was excited to have pulled a ticket to his autograph booth. On my brother's recommendation I had purchased one of Chooch's 2006 blue warm-up jerseys at the annual Winter Sale a few months earlier and had him sign it
Von Hayes (1980-something)
Growing up watching the Phillies in the late 1980s meant thinking Von Hayes was a star. I was a big fan of his - collecting his cards and mimicking his wide-legged batting stance in wiffle ball games. This must have been 1985 or 1986 - other signatures from that day included Jeff Stone and John Felske. Ah good times...
Jimmy Rollins (2012)
The 2009 World Series, Dick Perez lithograph is one of the projects I am hoping to build on at this year's event. Cliff Lee (in 2011) was the first autograph I got on it, and since then have been adding one here and there including Rollins a few years ago. I've never had a bad experience with Rollins - and this one is especially memorable because of the attention he gave my son. Chatting him up and hitting him with a high-five request.
Check out parts 1 and 2, published the past two years:
Steve Carlton TTM Success
Wow! My latest Phillies TTM success added Steve Carlton to my 1980 Phillies photo!
The 1980 team photo was a centerfold from a nameless, early 1980s sports magazine. At some point I ripped from its staple mooring and placed it in a Rubbermaid container for safe keeping - only to rediscover it as a new TTM project about three years ago.
It has been a fun sending it around - adding some really obscure members of the team such as Larrin LaGrow or Dan Larsen. I was even able to add a few free ones during various Alumni Weekends. All the mailings have taken a toll on the photo - bent edges, small rips and stray sharpie marks tell its story! Lefty was the second paid signature (I also bought Bake McBride) - but, at the vastly reduced TTM price, I couldn't resist adding a high profile member of the World Champs!
Here are the current prices and address if you are interested in mailing an item:
- Small flat (card, 8x10 or less) $32
- Large flat (larger than 8x10) $39
- Ball $42
- Bat/Jersey $65
- One free inscription; $15 for each additional
Mail to:
Game Winner Sports 835 E 2nd Avenue #203 Durango, CO 81301
Make checks payable to: Grace Fund
'Tis Better To Have Bid and Lost, Than Never To Have Bid At All
My sincere apologies to Alfred Lord Tennyson for butchering his elegant prose... But, after being beat out on a few lots in Goldin Auction's most recent online event, the sentence came to mind...
Much like Tennyson's words, the meaning of my words is quite literal, too - if you never place a bid, you will never win the prize. I don't do a lot of bidding in these big online auctions, but if I see something that I really want, I'll never hesitate to submit a bid. Taking a measured approach helps me avoid buyers remorse - and tends to help curb the "what-if" factor that creeps up when a lot sells for less than what I might have offered.
Last week, I was beat out on a couple of great lots: a pair of Connie Mack Stadium clubhouse stools and a Jimmy Rollins Game Used Jersey. To be honest, I was close on both lots - and of course disappointed that I didn't win either. But, having set a limit for myself and placing my max bids gave me the satisfaction of knowing it just wasn't meant to be.
Collecting memorabilia is fun - no need to make it a regrettable experience. If you want it, set you limit and go for it!
Memories from Millwood's No-Hitter
On April 27, 2003, Kevin Millwood pitched his way into Phillies history with a no-hitter at Veterans Stadium. As Sunday Game Plan ticket holders, I was there with my dad to see it all unfold. We have been to dozens of games together over the years, and experienced some pretty cool things - but, this game was one of the best.
A lot of people hunted down the enterprising program vendors who took stacks of booklets to sell on the main concourse. The program that day had Jim Thome on the cover - and unfortunately, it was generic and not even specific to the Phillies series against the Giants. Because of this, "no-hitter programs" are really not available. Instead Phillies collectors tend to scoop up game tickets or autographs on a no-hitter celebration photo (like I did).
Granite Run Mall Show Recap
The long-awaited Granite Run Mall autograph show finally came last weekend, April 12th. Once again I had the opportunity to set up shop in the middle of the action - which has been a great chance for me to meet readers, and promote the site. With my brother out of town for work, I recruited my dad to lend a helping hand - guess, The Phillies Collector is a family business after all! We really appreciated meeting and receiving positive feedback from so many people.
It wasn't all work though, I did make some time to build on a few projects, too. Here are some of the highlights:
1964 Phillies
I was excited to meet Tony Gonzalez, Frank Thomas and Art Mahaffey - members of the famed 1964 Phillies. It was the first time getting in-person autographs from both Gonzalez and Thomas. After exchanging mail with Mr. Thomas over the years, it was nice to finally talk to him, and thank him for all the autographs - and personal responses. They were all in a good mood and took my fandom in stride...
1993 Phillies
Terry Mulholland was one of the few members of the 1993 Phillies that I have not seen at a show before - and with all my in-progress team projects I had to make a few choices.
- First priority is to continue filling up my team ball. There wasn't much room, but Mo found a space and got me one step closer to having it complete.
- Also got my team poster signed - choosing it over the "celebration" photo.
I have recently starting getting the inside cover of a 1993 World Series photo book signed by some of the guys. Since starting it, I have found that a lot of the guys were unaware of it's existence. On Saturday, Mitch Williams took two or three minutes paging through and looking at the photos, recalling his thoughts and memories of particular moments. It was a fun experience to share it with him.
Tony Perez
Perez is the first "star" that I added to my 1983 team photo. After collecting the first six or seven autographs through the mail, I had been able to add Sarge and Larry Andersen at last year's Phestival. I probably will not add another big name for a while, but having Perez made the project seem a little more legitimate...
TTM Update - April 6, 2014
Spring Training Returns
I'm not going to sugarcoat it - this Spring Training was rough for me in terms of TTM returns. Instead of sending stacks of cards to the entire roster and hoping to get a few back, I took educated gamble and hung out on the outer fringes. The group of returns shown here is pretty representative of my target population: Darin Ruf, Jonathan Pettibone and Phillippe Aumont. I am hoping a few more may still come in over the next few weeks...
Chuck Bednarik
I've been looking to find something for a 1960 Eagles project. The guys from the team are historically great signers - and I have sent out individual items in the past, but never did a larger project. I felt pretty lucky to find this 1960 Championship program cover on eBay a few weeks ago and wasted no time in getting it out to Bednarik. This is one that will be in the family for a long time... Note: He now asks for $30 to have a non-personalized TTM autograph.
Tony Gonzalez
Of all the signers slated to appear at next weekend's Granite Run Mall show, I am probably most interested to meet Tony Gonzalez. Though I have received several successes from the former Phillies outfielder over the years, I have never had the opportunity to meet him. Anyway, I continue to plug away at the 1964 Bulletin set - and now with Gonzalez safely in my hands, the total signed inserts stands at 18!
Through the Mail Update
Mack Burk
I have been sending around this picture of Connie Mack Stadium to guys who played for the Phillies during the 1950s for a few years now. I started with the living "Whiz Kids" and continued from there. The success with Burk (1956-58) makes signature number 17 from "the 1950s-era" on the piece. There are still a few more guys I want to mail to - but, this one is almost ready for the wall...
Herm Starrette
Hearing news that this former Phillies pitching coach was signing again (for a $5 donation) encouraged me to pick up the 1980 team photo project again. Starrette was one of the few missing pieces. Unfortunately, he has been ill - but, from the hand-written note he included in the reply, it seemed like he appreciated the letter.
March Philly Show
Another Philly Show has come and gone... I went on Sunday, the third and final day of the convention. Based on my previous experiences it is usually a good time to go - smaller crowds and dealers will to bend (a little) on prices. With a lack of marquee names in the autograph lineup, the floor was especially empty. I didn't get around to all the tables, but hit some of my usual spots with the time I had. Here is a summary of new items added to my collection:
My Goodies:
- I found a couple posters at one of my favorite Philly Show spots... The All-Time Greats, Schmidt/Carlton SGA has been around for awhile, but wasn't in my collection. Also, I liked this 2001 Spring Training/Clearwater schedule poster featuring Pat Burrell. I don't have any room to hang either - but, they're both good for future autograph opportunities.
- 1985 Official Pete Rose Baseball Card Set. Interesting odd-ball set providing a chronological retrospective of Rose's career - through his record breaking 1985 season. Of course, the Phillies cards are of particular interest, but cool photos throughout the 120-card set.
- 1993 NL Championship Pennant. Having to cut my Alumni Weekend short last season, I missed out on collecting one of these in-person. Glad to fill that void...
Autographs:
- Glenn Wilson. Wilson was a free signer with paid admission on Sunday. Though young, I clearly remember him playing with the Phillies during the mid-1980s. He was a solid player, and even represented the team at the 1985 All-Star Game. It was cool to meet him, and have him start my "1980s-era Phillies" project (which I hope to fill out via TTM).
- Lenny Dykstra. Although he has been around a lot recently, I hadn't previously had him sign my 1993 World Series program cover. Obviously, a must have for the project. His table was crowded by a gaggle of well-wishers which included a fur-clad Howard Eskin.
Filed 'E' for Error - 2013 Topps Kyle Kendrick Error Card
It's unusual that Kyle Kendrick would spark the fire of controversy. I mean, this guy is really vanilla... But, as unlikely as it would seem, after a rare variation of his 2013 Topps Series I card was confirmed by the sports card giant earlier this week, he has found himself in the middle of the latest error card dustup.
For most collectors, Kendrick's # 71 card was just another in the Phillies team set. Much like his career there was really nothing good or bad to say about it - it was simply "a card". That was until a blog post on Beckett.com this week brought to light a rare variation of the card. The "error", found only in 2013 Topps Factory sets, features an enlarged image of the original card graphic (pictured above),
In the Beckett post, Topps Director of Product Development Clay Luraschi classified it as, "an extremely rare error card" which was "found very early in the printing, removed and corrected." He does stop short of saying HOW early in printing it was identified, but simply acknowledging its existence and classifying it as "rare" may have significant impact on it's overall value. A scan of eBay listings show sales consistently in the $50-75 range.
Topps' well documented history of error/variation cards will surely result in raised suspicions. But, I for one, am leaning toward it being a legitimate mistake. It seems unlikely they would choose Kendrick for this flub. C'mon, it's Kyle Kendrick...
Reference: Beckett News 3.3.14
Through the Mail: Getting Back on the Horse
Much of the reason for starting this blog was rooted in my desire to share TTM successes - and over the years, I've shared a lot! If you have been reading since those early years you may wonder why I haven't shared many of my returns recently - honest answer: there hasn't been much to share.
Like many collectors, my engagement in TTM comes in waves. There have been months when I've sent 20-30 requests, and then there have been those (like the past 4-5) when I might send two or three. I would probably be more consistent throughout the year if I stayed away from those extreme peaks! Either way, I'm back on the upswing and have a few new successes to share:
Justin DeFratus
I'm officially on the board with Spring Training successes after receiving this one back. Interestingly, a few days after getting this card back, I also received the card I send LAST year back (signed). Wonder where it was stored all this time...
Danny Cater
I am still working on getting these 1964 Bulletin inserts signed. With this success from Cater I am now up to 19/27! Please let me know if you know anyone who has a Callison or Mauch they want to sell...
Ron Hextall
Don't be surprised... I send out to Phillies, Eagles and Flyers! Of late I've been working on getting this team set ('90-'91 Topps) signed. This was a quick turnaround via The Flyers, with a "Best Wishes" inscription!
A Letter From Fregosi
Former Phillies manager Jim Fregosi passed away suddenly last week after suffering a stroke. Fregosi, a six-time All Star player, skippered the Phils from 1991 through 1996, winning the National League Championship in 1993. His tenure corresponded with the height of my childhood fandom, and I clearly remember both the day he was hired, as well as the day he was fired.
Since retiring from on-field duty, Fregosi had been a great friend to the collecting hobby, providing autographs via TTM on request. Over the years, he had been very generous to me personally, signing many items including team balls which were missing his autograph. Inspired by one of my favorite blogs, "Baseball by the Letters", I once sent him a set of questions related to his experiences with the Phillies - which, he promptly responded to with insight and humor. As we reflect on his life, I thought I would share those questions/responses...
Question 1:
The core set of players had been together for a couple years going into 1993. What do you think was the key to success that season?
Answer: Health! And, the additions of Jim Eisenreich and Milt Thompson were the difference makers.
Question 2:
Is there a single moment of the 1993 season that stands out as your greatest memory?
Answer: Mariano Duncan's grand slam (on Mother's Day, off Lee Smith)
Question 3:
How was the Vet as both a player and manager? Did you enjoy hitting there?
Answer: Conditions at the Vet were terrible - with rats bigger than Dykstra!
February Phanatic of the Month
Forget the snow, sleet and rain, LOVE is in the air!
The Phanatic takes the form of Cupid for this month's Phanatic of the Month release. Since we've had silhouette of the complete run for months, the design is not a surprise - but, it's nice to finally see the fully realized figurine. There have been a few stinkers in the series, but months with major holidays continue to be "on target"...
Photos via @DrBobblesWorld - give him a follow on Twitter for more bobble fun!
The Case of the Right-Handed Daulton: SOLVED
Darren Daulton, 1989 Donruss #549
On Saturday I had the opportunity to attend a public signing by former Phillies catcher, Darren Daulton at VSM Sports Card Outlet in Lancaster. While there I had a few minutes to ask Dutch a question I had been wanting to ask since 1989: Why did you pose right-handed in your 1989 Donruss card (pictured left)?
He responded immediately by laughing - saying he had never been asked about it, but remembered the exact moment it happened. According to Daulton, a photographer came up to him right before the game and asked him to pose for a quick picture. Without thinking he lifted the bat he was holding and stood in a right-handed batter stance. Snap! The picture was taken and the photographer was on his way.
Dutch said as soon as the guy started to walk away, he realized what had happened and told him, "I don't bat right-handed!" The photographer responded by assuring him the slip was not a big deal. Lo and behold, the next year that photo ended up in the Donruss set. He has a good attitude about it - calling it a one of a kind: "My only time batting right-handed"...
Preview of IronPigs 2014 Promotions
Earlier this week the Phillies Triple-A affiliate, Lehigh Valley IronPigs released their 2014 promotional schedule. The calendar is full of old favorites such as their annual Garden Gnome (Darin Ruf - June 19), and Piggy Bank (June 22) giveaways, as well as a few that may be regular features for seasons to come. Here are a few of the highlights:
Bobble Heads
As they have in previous seasons, the club will pay tribute to several former Pigs. Honestly, I wish the Phillies would follow this model with their bobbles - selecting notable players from their history. Anyway, the IronPigs will have four bobble-themed promotions featuring figurines in the likeness of Cody Asche (April 9), Jonathan Pettibone (April 10), Ethan Martin (April 28) and Cesar Hernandez (June 9).
Returning Favorites
Over the past few years, a handful of promotions have come to be expected. LHV collectors won't be disappointed to see the Garden Gnome, Piggy Bank or ironically promoted Foam Finger which celebrates Prostate Cancer Awareness.
Newcomers
Call me boring, but I have always liked "functional" stadium giveaways: t-shirts, beach towels and bat day (don't kid yourself, those bats are to use!). Along with the team's first on-field "photo night" (May 13), they will also be giving away some useful items such as Barbeque Set (June 10), and Pizza Cutter (May 14). Also of interest may be the Kevin Frandsen Wine Topper, being given away for Mother's Day (May 11).
Check out the full promotional calendar...
All pictures via @porkcenter
Preview: VSM Sports Card Outlet, Vintage Card and Memorabilia Auction
VSM Sports Card Outlet's monthly Vintage Sports Card and Memorabilia auction closes this weekend (Saturday, January 18th). As we have come to expect from their previous events, up for bid are some rarely seen vintage cards and a wide selection of collectibles from Philadelphia area teams (and beyond). Here are a few lots I am keeping my eyes on:
Phillies 100th Year Anniversary Bat
1983 Phillies Centennial bat
With a limited production run - and now 30 years old - these bats are not easy to come by. It features the Phillies' "Centennial logo" and gold, facsimile autographs of the greatest names (prior to, and including 1983) in team history.
Bidding stands today at $5 Link
UPDATE: Final bid: $35 - Great value for this bat. You would expect to pay $75-100 at a large show or auction...
1960 Phillies, Jay Publishing Photo Card Set
1960 Phillies, Jay Publishing Photo Cards
Jay Publishing produced these 5"x7" photo cards during the 1950s-1960s - and the Phillies team sets feature some great names. This set includes some Whiz Kid holdovers: Richie Ashburn, Robin Roberts and Curt Simmons, as well as Manager Eddie Sawyer. It is difficult to find a complete set of these cards, and even harder to find them in "like new" condition with the original envelope.
Bidding stands today at $10 Link
UPDATE: Final bid: $20 - Another good price for a set in this condition. You could easily estimate $2-3 per card (and a few dollars higher for Ashburn and Roberts) on ebay.
2001 Phillies Team Signed Ball
Here is a good "starter ball" for the 2001 Phillies. It is not complete - but, does contain several key signatures: Jimmy Rollins, Bobby Abreu, Pat Burrell and Manager Larry Bowa. If you can get it for a decent price, it could be a ball used at future autograph signings, etc.
Bidding stands today at $20
UPDATE: Final bid: $30 - Nice way to start a 2001 team ball. No way you could build this ball with guys like Rollins, Burrell and Abreu for only $30.
Check out more listings online
If you go:
January 18, 2014 - 10 AM
Locust Grove Mennonite School
2160 Lincoln Highway East
Lancaster, PA
Phillies tease with new Utley bobble head
Chase Utley was back in town yesterday to complete the local media circuit. The often seen-not-heard Second Baseman, was unusually talkative as he navigated T.V., radio and print interviews drumming up interest in his charity and his team's upcoming campaign.
The Phillies woes at the box office have been whispered about since play ended last October - with one Phillies employee I spoke to recently even speculating season ticket sales were down as much as 20% from 2013. As a result of this slump, six-game partial plans (including Opening Day) went on sale earlier than normal. And, Monday, three-game packs, usually reserved for March were opened for pre-sale.
One of the packages made available this week is the "Bobble Head Pack" - which will give fans the opportunity to purchase tickets to one or both scheduled figurine handouts: Chase Utley on 6/10, and a still TBD player on 8/19. Catching my eye was the low-resolution, partial picture of the Utley figurine.
To my knowledge, this is the first time a photo of the bobble has been published. It looks like he is in a fielding pose, wearing the road, gray uniform. If anyone has a full image - let me know!
Interested in buying the bobble head three-pack? Click here.
Perils of Game Used: Sharks are out to deceive!
I will stop short of indicting all game-used dealers of wrong doing - but, collectors need to be aware: Sharks swim in these waters!
What's all this noise? Well, see, I woke up this morning to a tweet from a collecting newbie asking for advice on a "game-used" jersey he is considering buying. The tweet included a photo of the available garment: A 1977 Steve Carlton road jersey. After a quick examination I could confidently advise him against plunking down a few thousand dollars for the jersey.
Here are a few of the problems:
1. White zipper. The Phillies always used metal zippers.
2. Tail tagging.
- Wilson tag used dates to the 1980s.
- Carlton wore a size 46 jersey during this period of his career
3. Collar tagging
- 1977 jerseys contained a silk collar lining with the embroidered name tag attached over it.
Photos of the authentic Carlton jersey are from greyflannelauctions.com
Tips for researching on your own:
- Use old cards or Google image searches to help find pictures of uniforms used in a given period.
- Subscribe to game-used forums such as "Game Used Universe" to discuss with experts.
- Refer to final results on online auction sites to find other comparable examples.
- Keep in mind, if the price is too good to be true...it probably is!