Joe Morgan Jersey Card

It has been quite some time since I've added to my really cheap (under $5) Hall of Fame relic / auto cards.  I found this one on Listia.  I was the winner for just 3,363 credits.  When I check my Listia credit conversion chart that's about 20 NASCAR cards of Joe Nemechek, Kyle Petty, and Jeff Burton.  I didn't need them, but this one I'll take.

Now, when I hear the name "Joe Morgan" I think of Cincinnati.  Did you know that he got his start with Houston and played with that club for ten years compared with only eight in Cincy?  Two with San Francisco, and a season each with Philadelphia and Oakland.

This butt-ugly card celebrates one of his years with the Giants.

2002 Topps American Pie
Through the Years Relic
Joe Morgan (card # TTY-JM)

Joe was a two time MVP, a ten time All-Star, a five time Golden Glover, and a one time Silver Slugger.  Not too shabby.  I'll keep the card.

What's with that number (4149891) on the holo-foil sticker on the back?  Is that an inventory number for Topps?

Ralph Kiner Bat Card

or

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Missing Letter

It was both a sad and happy day in Idaville. It seems that Mark had won a Hall of Fame Relic Card in an ebay auction but there was something wrong.

Mark called the famous boy detective, Encyclopedia Brown.

"What seems to be the problem?" Encyclopedia asked, when they met for peanuts and crackerjack.

"Well, I received the package a few weeks ago. The price was right and the shipping was good."

"What were they?"

"$2.00 for the card and $3.25 for the shipping."

"That's over your usual threshold, isn't it?"

"Yes," said Mark. "But it is Ralph Kiner. From Pittsburgh."

"And the Cubs and the Indians. You know, although he played in the outfield for the majority of his career he also played the number 3 position for almost 60 games in 1951."

The kid knew his stuff.

"He also lead the National League in Home Runs for his first seven seasons. And he retired over 50 years ago."

Mark nodded.

"So, what's the problem?"

Mark slipped the card out of the bubble wrapper and showed it to Encyclopedia.

The young lad took card from the toploader and examined it. "It is a nice example of a 2001 Donruss Classics, Legendary Lumber." He turned it over. "LL17. A nice card. So, what is the problem? You still haven't told me."

"Look at the front again. The jersey. It says 'PRATES'."

Encyclopedia turned it over once again. He hadn't noticed it before. The second letter of the team was missing. He thought who could have done this. There was only one person that would even consider being this cruel.

"Mark, I'll be back. I think I know who did, but I don't know if I can get the letter back."

Mark watched Encyclopedia walk towards his friend Sally. They put their heads together and spoke in hushed tones.

Soon, Bugs Meany came by. He was tossing a baseball up in the air, oblivious to what was about to happen.

"Bugs. Over here."

Bugs looked up, startled that Sally would call to him. He crossed the street.

Encyclopedia wasted no time. "Bugs, did you take the I from Mark's Ralph Kiner card?"

"I, uh, well, I, uh... Yes, I did. How did you know?"

"Why I know that you're the leader of the Tigers gang, named after the Detroit team. Ralph Kiner did not play against them until 1955 when he was with Cleveland. It could only be your dislike of anyone who played on a team that beat them in the standings. The Indians finished in second place, while the Tigers were in fifth that year."

Bugs nodded.

"And, it is well known that Mark collects Hall of Fame relic cards. I think that you watched ebay listings, saw that he won the Kiner card and hung out at the post office, waiting for it to arrive. Then, you conned the post master into giving you the package. You ran home and photoshopped the letter out, just to spite him. Is that about right?"

Bugs nodded again. He knew that he'd been caught. "It is just, well, Detroit. We can't catch a break. Look at us now."

"Detroit is leading the AL Central by 12 and a half games, Bugs."

"Oh, yeah. I forgot. Well, back in 1955 we couldn't catch a break. That's why I did it."

Encyclopedia turned to Mark. "I don't think that Bugs can undo what he did."

"I don't think that I want him to. I like the card as it is."

Bugs tossed the ball in the air again, and wandered away. Encyclopedia was glad that he was able to solve another case. Sally wondered if Encyclopedia would ever kiss her. Later that evening she would find out.

The day was success after all.

NOTE: This post was originally written on September 19, 2009.  In light of Ralph Kiner's passing I'm reposting it.

What I did on my summer vacation

"What? You've been gone? I hadn't noticed." That's what I'm expecting to hear. Well, I've been here, there, and everywhere.  I've got tons of posts in my mind's queue.  Finding time to scan and compose, that's been another story.  Enough whining on my part.  Here's one thing I did last week.

I attended the 18th Rickwood Classic.  Four other guys climbed in my van and away to Birmingham we sped.

They honored Negro League players.  I was able to get several of them to sign a postcard (not yet scanned) and I spent a few innings talking with them (audio files not yet posted).  Russell Patterson gave me his card.  He wanted to sign it but his pen had dried up.  I got his signature on the postcard.  I'm not that worried.

Russell "Crazy Legs" Patterson

About the third or fourth inning I sought out Fergie Jenkins, the Guest of Honor.  He was in an air conditioned room, signing autographs for free.  One per person.

1984 Fleer
Ferguson Jenkins (card # 494)

He was very generous with his time, posing for photos, personalizing items.

I took the opportunity to ask him about baseball cards.


This photo was pre-game.  Since the Rickwood Classic honors the Negro Leagues, the teams wear throwback uniforms.  The Birmingham Barons wore the 1948 Birmingham Black Barons uniforms.  Tennessee Smokies wore a stylized uniform of the mid-1930s Knoxville Giants.  I get a bit of credit for supplying some photos that the Smokies management used for the pattern.  And apparently I'm a "Knoxville baseball historian" according to the Smokies Radio Network.  I helped Nick Roark with some info on the Giants for a story that he did prior to the game.  I hope to work with him in the future.

After the game the fans were allowed to take the field.  I really like this photo.

One of the guys I attended the game with shot tons of photos.  They are amazing.  Cliff's photos from the day can be found at his smugmug account.  Go look.  You'll be glad you did.

Eddie Mathews Bat Card

Some time back I won this card on ebay. I don't have the exact price, but it did fall under the $5 self imposed price limit. That includes shipping as well.

2008 Donruss Playoff Prime Cuts
Eddie Mathews (card #27, numbered 09/99)

Eddie Mathews played for 17 seasons. Most of them were with the Milwaukee Braves where he covered third base. On occasion he was known to play the outfield and sometimes first base.

He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1978 on his fifth ballot. In nine seasons he was an All-Star, playing in 12 All-Star games. He led the National League in Home Runs in 1953 (47) and 1959 (46).

He didn't win any Gold Glove or Silver Slugger awards. Twice he came in second in the MVP voting. He did win a World Series rings with Milwaukee in 1957 and Detroit in 1968. His lifetime Batting Average was .271 with 512 Home Runs.

He was a three time Brave. The Boston Braves signed him as an amateur free agent before the 1949 season and played for them professionally in 1952. The he played for the Milwaukee Braves and followed the team to Atlanta.

Did Eddie Mathews have a Hall of Fame career? It might be hard to justify to some people, but he's in and I have one of his cards with a slice of his bat.

Hall of Fame Relic Card - Orlando Cepeda

2003 Topps ARTifact, Orlando Cepeda (card # AR-OC)

Cepeda, a seven time All-Star, was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1958. It wasn't until 1967 that he won the NL MVP. In 1967 he led the NL in two categories: RBI - 111 and HBP - 12. He spent eight full seasons in San Francisco before being traded to St. Louis for Ray Sadecki. Then a series of trades, releases, and signings with Atlanta, Oakland, Boston, and Kansas City. He played three games with the Athletics.  He went 0-3.  There's a career stop over to be proud of.  He was part of the 1967 World Champions team but batted rather anemically, just .103 for the series.  He was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veteran's Committee in 1999.

I won this on ebay for $1.41, plus $2.50 shipping. Under my $5.00 self imposed limit.  That was over two years ago.  I don't know why I'm just now blogging about this.  Perhaps because I haven't been showing too many cards recently.

Hall of Fame Relic Card - Tom Seaver

A few weeks ago I posted about a Frank Robinson relic card. Now it is time for the second card I purchased from that ebay seller.

2004 Topps Tribute HOF, Tribute Relics

Tom Seaver (card # TR-TS)

Rookie of the year in 1967.  Three time Cy Young Award winner. 12 All-Star games.  He led the National League in Wins in three different decades (1969, 1975, 1981).  There are many more categories that he excelled in, but you can look them up yourself.

He won game 4 of the 1969 World Series as part of the New York Mets.  And I've got a a relic card of his.  For $4.57.

Trade with Peterson

I know that the Night Owl declared February for being the month to show trade posts without abandon. Too bad. This one completed in March so I'm going to show it in March.

Peterson, of the blog, Sign here...and here, and I traded some cards.  Not many, but enough to make it count.  I sent him some shiny chromy cards that were on his wantlist and he sent me this fantastic Catfish Hunter relic card.

Yes, it is a plain white uniform card.  And given recent shenanigans I don't even know that it was one that Catfish wore.  I know that Mr. McWilliam says that it is, but my faith in him has slipped the last few years.

But I like it.  I associate the one time perfect game hurler with the Athletics, but I'll take a Yankees' pants part.  I'm really not that picky.

2005  Sweet Spot Classic, Classic Materials
Catfish Hunter (card # CM-CH)

In previous posts about my HoF relic/auto collection I give a summary of the player's accomplishments.  I'll let you look them up yourself.  See, here's a link.  That page on baseball-reference.com is sponsored by athomeatfenway.com.  Which I read as "Atho Meat Fenway".  What a strange name.

Thanks, Peterson, for the trade.  I'm a happy man.

Trade with Rickey Henderson Collectibles

Sometime back I contacted Brad at Rickey Henderson Collectibles about a possible trade. I offered up a Starting Line Up figure, with cards.  Maybe some other cards, too.  I really don't remember.  I was looking for a Rickey relic.  Brad said that he was sure that he had some dupes and would get them out to me.  The Rickey relic and some other cards arrived a few weeks ago.  Let's see what he sent.

A few Hershiser cards that I wanted.  Some collectors only want their player wearing the uniform of a specific team.  Orel played with the Dodgers, the Mets, the Indians, the Giants and back to the Dodgers.  I'll take any of them.

1996 Score
Orel Hershiser (card # 96)

The following Donruss card, also from 1996, appears to be the same photo as the Score card.  Probably the same game and same photographer, but look at the writing on the ball.  Different position.  But I'm amazed at the consistency of Orel's pitching form.

1996 Donruss
Orel Hershiser (card #149)

I like the clean look of the back of the Donruss cards.  You can actually read the stats.  Speaking of clean, I have to clean my scanner glass.

1997 Donruss
Orel Hershiser (card #266)

And now the Rickey relic.  A very thick card with a nice slice of Rickey bat.  What?  Rickey played for Seattle?  When?  2000.  Who else did he play for?  Oakland.  Yeah, I know that.  New York.  Both teams.  San Diego?  Really?  Toronto?  Boston?  The Dodgers of Los Angeles?  Yep.  Yep.  Yep.  Anaheim?  Yep.  Back to Oakland?  Really?  Yep, a few times.

2001 Pacific Private Stock, Game Gear
Rickey Henderson (card # 158)

Brad also sent along another Hershiser and some Diamondback cards for my dad.

Thanks, Brad.

Hall of Fame Relic Card - Frank Robinson

Late last year I dove back into the ebay pool.

If you're new to this blog, here's the skinny.  I like relic cards of Hall of Famers.  But cheap relic cards.  My limit is $5.00 per card.  Delivered.  I've started a small collection of them. 

I found a seller that had quite a few available.  I put in a few bids and ended up with two cards for $9.14.  That's $4.57 each.  I hit my mark.

The first of these cards is a 2004 Topps Tribute HOF, Tribute Relics, Frank Robinson uniform.

2004 Topps Tribute HOF, Tribute Relics
Frank Robinson (card # TR-FR)

Frank entered the majors in 1956, with the Cincinnati Reds where he took home the Rookie of the Year award.  He spent ten years there, mostly in the outfield, but standing at one of the corners on occasion.

While playing for the Reds he was involved eight All-Star games, took home a Gold Glove award and was selected as the MVP in 1961.

The 1966 season brought him to the east coast where he continued making his legacy.  1966 was a banner year, one in which he led in many statistical categories and claimed his second MVP trophy.  Oh, he also was the AL Triple Crown winner.  And the World Series MVP.  Yes, it was a good year for him.  While at Baltimore he was involved with five All-Star games.

In 1972 he changed scenery again, this time to the Dodgers of Los Angeles.  But just for one year.  Nothing spectacular there, but I'm guessing that his west coast presence set up the trade to the California Angels.

He did a bit better for the Angels in almost two full seasons, getting another All-Star game nod.

Then it was off to Cleveland for the final two-plus seasons, mostly as a Designated Hitter.

After Frank put the bat and glove away he took up managing.  He was the Manager of the Year in 1989, back with the Orioles.  He also managed the Indians, Giants, Expos, and Nationals.  Of the 17 seasons* that he managed, he had only seven non-losing seasons.  And three of those were with the Expos/Nationals.

* Not all seasons were full seasons.  More info can be found on his managerial page at Baseball-Reference.com.

Overall, a good, full life in baseball.

Prizes From Last Month

I won a contest from the guys over at Community Gum.

Okay, I'm a slacker. It has been over a month since I won and I'm just now posting about it. I'm such a slacker that I stole the image from Community Gum's site.

They bought a boatload of junk wax and invited readers to guess how many Andre Dawson cards would be in the haul. I guessed 5. I was correct, sir.

The guys over there got my cards out the door right quick.

Now, I'm wondering if I add them to my cheapo HoF cards. They aren't player relics, but it would fill two spots that I'm trying to fill. At this point I'm going to declare them HoF relic cards and go on with my life.

Dave Winfield Bat Card

2002 Topps American Pie, Through the Years, Dave Winfield (card #TTY-DW)

I picked this up a few months ago from Eddie, over at Sports Treasures. They are one of the local card shops in town. The one with the widest selection. And friendliest staffs. The store is on the north side of town, so I don't get there as often as I'd like, but when I do, it is a treat.

This is card came from the $5 case. I had done some website work on spec for Eddie. He didn't use it, but I think felt sorry for me and offered me the card. For free. I can't thank him enough, although I tried.

Well, normally I give a write up about the player featured on the card. You know, he played in 12 All-Star games in his 22 season career. He also won a mess of Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards. That sort of stuff.

Right now I'm tired, so I'll just point you over to Dave Winfield's baseball-reference.com page.

If you don't want to go over there, here's the tag...

He finally won a World Series ring with the Blue Jays in 1992.

Thanks, Eddie.

Early Wynn Jersey Card

Looking out on ebay a few weeks ago I came across this Early Wynn relic card.

2007 Upper Deck Sweet Spot Classic, Classic Memorabilia, Early Wynn (card # CM-EW)

Early Wynn spent the 1937-1941 seasons in and out of the minors. He made his Major League debut in 1939 with the Washington Senators. He enlisted in the Army in 1944 and spent the 1945 season serving the US. In December of 1948 he was traded to the Cleveland Indians where he spent the next nine seasons. In December of 1957 he was traded to the Chicago White Sox. Five years later he was released. In June of 1963 he re-signed with the Indians. He got one win that year. It was his 300th.

Over his 23 seasons, he had five seasons winning 20 or more games. Six seasons he had a losing record. He ended up with a 3.54 ERA and 15 Saves. He started 612 games and had 290 complete games. 47.3 percent.

He made it to the World Series twice. In 1954 Cleveland lost to the New York Giants. In 1959 Chicago lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers. During those two series, he gathered a 1-2 record.

He was an eight game All-Star and won the 1959 Cy Young Award, the 1959 Sporting News Major League Player of the Year and the 1959 Sporting News AL Pitcher of the Year.

He was not to be trifled with while at the plate. During 1,903 plate appearances he batted .214 including 17 Home Runs and 173 RBI. On the base path he was never caught stealing and pilfered one base. I guess if one doesn't attempt to steal, one can't get thrown out.

He ended his career with 2,334 Strike Outs. In both 1962 and 1963 he was the oldest player in the American League.

The writers elected him to the Hall of Fame on his fourth ballot, in 1972. After his playing days he did some coaching and even managed a minor league team. After that he hit the broadcast booth until the early 1980s.

He died in 1999 at the age of 79.

Back to the card. Big weave, a bit of staining. Good enough for me. I won the auction with a bid of $1.04. Shipping was $3.25. You do the math.

Al Kaline Bat Card

Al Kaline spent all 22 of his seasons in the Majors with the Detroit Tigers.

2003 Topps Gallery, HOF Edition ARTifact Relics, Al Kaline (card #AR-AK)

He was selected to be in 18 All-Star games and collected 10 Gold Gloves. 399 Home Runs and a .297 lifetime Batting Average. He hit .379 in the 1968 World Series where he helped the Tigers beat the Cardinals. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980.

Back in August of last year I won this card on ebay for the cool sum of 99 cents. $3.26 S&H still kept it under my self-imposed limit of $5.

Willie Stargell Game Used Bat Card

In my quest to obtain inexpensive autograph and relic cards of members of the Hall of Fame, I ran across this 2002 Topps Gold Label Willie Stargell bat card. The actual subset title can be found between the images. It is much longer.

2002 Topps Gold Label, Class Two Platinum Memorabilia, MVP Winner

Willie Stargell (card # ACR-WS)

The wood of the bat is quite rough as if they rip cut the bat and didn't plane it at all. One can see the bat from the back, but can only touch it from the front. There's some plasticky film covering it. The positioning of the card and punching out of the window was off on the back.

I picked this up for $1.04 plus $3.95 shipping and handling. A bit steep on the transport, but it is within my pricing range ($5.00 total).

I was interested in this card because I got to see Willie Stargell and the Pirates play the Expos. It was July 25, 1974. Parc Jarry. They split the double header that night with the Expos winning the first and the Pirates winning the second. Willie almost hit for the cycle that night. I know, it is generally considered proper to hit for the cycle in a single game. This was spread out over the two games. You'd think that a man of his power and stature could get a single. Nope. But that means that he did hit a home run. That was just one out of 475.

My brother ordered a pizza at that game. From somewhere not in the park. Or parc. He had it delivered. He put the money through the fence and they slipped it under.

Willie's stats are solid, to say the least. He spent all 21 seasons with Pittsburgh, playing on two World Series winners (1971 and 1979). He was a seven time All-Star with a lifetime Batting Average of .282. 1979 was his banner year. He won the NL Babe Ruth Award, Major League Player of the Year, NL Player of the Year, NLCS MVP and the WS MVP. Nothing to sneeze at.

Cards from Core Contrarian and boys

A few weeks ago I sent out a passel of parcels. Some were thank yous, some were just gifts and only one was part of an actual trade (which I initiated and was so weak in structure that I'll probably see it consummated in the coming months).

One of the packages I sent was to the Core Contrarian. Kevin and I have an interesting blog relationship. Some months back I was wondering about my blog's worth. Not monetary. It has none. But the comments weren't appearing like I hoped they would, the hit counter wasn't spinning like my electric meter and I thought that I was wasting my time. Then, the next thing I know, Kevin has added me to his Essential Links sidebar. No, he wasn't my saviour, but that action did give me a bit of a boost.

I think that I was already following his blog at this point and would read it on a regular basis, wondering how a mind could put out that sort of entertaining blather. I'd comment on his posts and he'd reply to me in comment form.

I like reading his blog. Like a few other bloggers, Kevin and I email back and forth about stuff. Not frequently and not in great depth. Now some of you might be hurt that I don't have an email relationship with you. You'll live. I know that there are scores of good bloggers out there. I don't even read your posts. I don't have that sort of time. I'd love to, but work, family, etc, etc.

Anyhow, I got together a package for Kevin and his two boys. I focused on Detroit Tigers and Lions. After finding out that Computer Boy likes college team cards, I scraped a few of them together and sent them off. I expected nothing in return. Not because Kevin isn't a nice guy, but unless I set up a trade, my cards for your cards, I'm not looking for something. You have wants, I have some cards. If I remember to set them aside and have a few bucks for postage, you'll probably get something eventually.

Kevin emailed asking for my address because he had some cards to send my way to return the favor. I got some cards from them in Wednesday's mail.

1989 Topps, Steve Sax (card #40)

Kevin sent this one because it is on my want list. Just 15 to go.

1987 Fleer, Gorman Thomas (card #359)

Kevin threw in the Gorman card for fun. He's probably referring to this post. Somebody actually reads my blog.

2002 Fleer Dueling Duos, Paul Molitor and Dave Winfield (card #DD-PM2)

Kevin also knows that I like relic or auto cards of Hall of Famers. I'm not quite sure what Paul and David are dueling over. Maybe over team name trademarks. The Yankees are registered.

2007 SP Legendary Cuts, When It Was A Game, Paul Molitor jersey (card #WG-PM)

And another relic card. This is not natural. The fabric, I mean. Synthetic. I don't know if the jersey would be accepted at my local recycling center. I like the design of this card. Small photo but stately looking. I've already shared some of Mr. Molitor's career here.

On card signed Thank You Card by Kevin and both of his sons

The treasure of the package. A triple auto. And it is personalized. I have various ways of storing cards. Some get tossed into a box. Some get penny sleeves. Some get penny sleeves and toploaders. Some get screw-down cases. The Sax will join the the other 1989 Topps in a box, perhaps to be upgraded to a binder someday. The Gorman will stay in the penny sleeve/toploader combo. The Molitors will end up in screw-down cases. Those three cards will be tucked inside the Thank You card for safe keeping.

Thank you, Kevin, Computer Boy and Skate Kid. You are very generous and I value your contributions to the hobby and to my hobby.

Rod Carew Bat Card

Here's another one of those Hall of Fame Relic cards that I collect on the cheap. I picked it in an ebay auction in July for $2.26. I also won some other auctions from the same seller so the shipping was quite low.

2003 Topps Finest Rod Carew Bat

(card # FRB-RC)

Rod Carew had a 19 season career with two American League teams, the Twins and the Angels. He started off playing second base in 1967, but eventually moved to first base in 1976. He played around the infield, touched the outfield and was occasionally a designated hitter.

He started with a Rookie of the Year award and was selected as an All-Star the first 18 years that he played. In 1977 he was the AL MVP and the MLB Player of the Year.

He had a lifetime .328 Batting Average and hit .388 in 1977.

Good player, good card.

Richie Ashburn Bat Card

When I hear the name Ritchie Ashburn I don't immediately think of Cooperstown. Actually, I don't really think of anything. I'm being honest here. I'm not familiar with him or his career.

2005 Donruss Greats, Ritchie Ashburn (card # HOFS-24)

His playing career started in 1948 with the Phillies as an outfielder. He made it to the All-Star game that year and lead the league in Stolen Bases with 32. He had a .308 Batting Average over his fifteen seasons. He ended up playing for the Cubs in 1960 and 1961 and finished his career as a Met.

He was the first Mets player to make it to an All-Star game.

From Richie Ashburn's wikipedia entry...

During an August 17, 1957 game, Ashburn hit a foul ball into the stands that struck spectator Alice Roth, wife of Philadelphia Bulletin sports editor Earl Roth, breaking her nose. When play resumed, Ashburn fouled off another ball that struck Roth while she was being carried off in a stretcher. Ashburn and Roth would maintain a friendship for many years and her son later served as a Phillies batboy.

After his playing days Ashburn worked as an announcer for the Phillies until his death in 1997.

The Hall of Fame Veterans Committee elected him to the Hall in 1995.

I purchased this card on ebay about two months ago. I paid $5.00 for it, with free shipping. I do wish that Donruss could have used a photo of Ritchie as a Phillie, but I'm not complaining. Maybe a bit.

Johnny Bench Bat Card

2003 Topps ARTifact, Johhny Bench (card # AR-JBE)

Bench, a 14 time All-Star, was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1968. Two seasons later he was named the NL MVP (again in 1972). 1970 also brought him the Major League Player of the Year honor. From 1968 through 1977 he won the Gold Glove award as a catcher. His 17 seasons, all in Cincinnati, had him playing in a variety of positions, Catcher, 1B, 3B and spread out across the outfield. He played in four World Series, with the Reds winning two of them, in 1975 and 1976. He was the World Series MVP in 1976.

I won this on ebay for $1.25, plus $3.26 shipping. Under my $5.00 self imposed limit. The subtle shades on the card are relaxing. The artwork is clean. I'm glad to have this one in my collection.