Recent eBay Buys

2009 Clearwater Threshers SGA Bobbles

2009 Clearwater Threshers SGA Bobbles

If you ask my wife, I've been very active on eBay recently... Maybe, it's true.  The stack of broken down boxes waiting for the trash pickup is a little larger than usual.  My excuse: There have just been too many good deals to pass up!  

Actually, though she doesn't understand the idea of "collecting", my wife is generally OK with my often obsessive eBay habits.  In fact, she even exclaimed, "Oh, cute!" when I unpackaged my latest purchases: Three Clearwater Threshers, 2008 World Series Champions SGA bobble heads - Cole Hamels, Jayson Werth and Pat Burrell.  

securedownload.jpeg

These bobble heads were originally scheduled to be handed out at Threshers games over a number of dates during the Summer of 2009.  The full promotion included nine players: Cole Hamels and the regular starting eight from the Phillies Championship team, concluding with a dual bobble of closer Brad Lidge with Carlos Ruiz.  However, the promotion was doomed!  After the first two dates had passed, the Tampa Bay Rays protested that the giveaways infringed on their "territorial rights" and forced its cancellation.  This all means that only the figurines for the first two games were actually handed out as intended (Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley).  

I have been aware of these since 2009, but haven't seen too many come up for a decent price.  It would be interesting to know how they ended up in circulation after the promotion was cancelled.  The three I bought at least get me started toward completing this unusual set.  Guess I have a reason to keep scrolling through the eBay listings now...

Update: I received a message from Brian Fauerbach  on Facebook letting me know that besides the Rollins and Utley that were handed out as planned, the Threshers only ended up ordering bobble heads of Werth, Burrell, Hamels, Victorino and Howard.  Unfortunately, they never produced the dual Ruiz/Lidge  bobble.

Tips for CBP Saturdays

Another weekend, home series brings another "CBP Saturday."  The promotion honoring the stadium's first 10 years of existence has already brought notable alumnus such as Roy Oswalt, Pedro Feliz and Aaron Rowand back to town this season.  This weekend's guest will be reliever Scott Eyre - an important part of the 2008 and 2009 bullpens.

For the first couple Saturdays I wondered if the guests were signing - finally finding the right person to help supply the answer.   Thankfully he was right on the mark, helping to secure a few autographs from Oswalt.  Keeping with the spirit of this page, I am passing on the knowledge:

  • Guest names are usually made available on Wednesday or Thursday before the game.  You can either call the Phillies, or check my Facebook page to find out who to prep for.
  • Tickets are limited and handed out on a first-come-first-serve basis, so plan to get to the stadium early.
  • Ticket distribution is managed by the Phunster's (or, is it Phansters?).  They are typically by the gates (1st and 3rd base gates for Oswalt).  Just ask them for one.
  • Signings occur at the Authentics stand.  Get in line at least 15 minutes before the scheduled signing time.  

Hope this helps score a few new autographs!

Many thanks to super-collector, Mark Benedetto for the help guiding me to success on my first CBP Saturday!

Eagles Pro Shop Autograph Event Recap

On Saturday I went to the free autograph signing(s) at the Eagles Pro Shop (Rockvale Outlets, Lancaster).  Alternate plans with the family have kept me from attending the event over the past two years.  But, this year the schedule was clear, and the weather couldn't have been better.  Appearing at the event were current Eagles, Brandon Boykin, Riley Cooper, Earl Wolffe and Jon Dorenbos. Not a bad lineup for a free signing - and the crowds showed up!  

"Outside items" were allowed to be signed and in preparation I printed out a bunch of 8x10 photos.  My son brought his football - and couldn't have been more excited to meet the players.  The guys were scheduled to appear in staggered groups of two, with a cross-over at 1:30 so I planned to get there toward the end of the first to take advantage of a shorter line.  The plan worked, and I was able to cycle through the Boykin line twice.  The second session was a little slower, as Cooper and Wolffe were about 20 minutes late and the Cooper line grew to several hundred people long.  All in all the crew kept things moving and it wasn't that bad of a wait.

Next week the party moves to Cherry Hill where Tra Thomas and Malcolm Jenkins headline another autograph event.  I have details posted here...

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!"  

 

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:

'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).   

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

6a01348829760c970c01a3fcbb8b05970b-800wi.jpg

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!

The Case of the Right-Handed Daulton: SOLVED

Darren Daulton, 1989 Donruss #549

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