Results tagged ‘ Autographs ’
The Mayor Moves On: Good Luck, Sean Casey
Official word comes that former Reds first baseman Sean Casey is retiring. If your Internet is slow, your text messages crawling and your phone line busy, it’s because of the legions of friends, former teammates and active players sending best wishes to “The Mayor.” In 12 seasons with the Indians, Reds, Pirates, Tigers and Red Sox, Casey batted .302 with 130 homers and 735 RBI. He’s only 34 years old and coming off two decent years as a first baseman, DH and pinch-hitter. No question, he could help some team for another couple of years. Casey played for the Reds from 1998-2005 and was the team’s most consistent hitter during that stretch. He’ll likely be a Reds Hall of Famer some day, and not just because of what he did on the field. If you know anything about Casey–and Reds fans certainly do–you understand this decision is not about the money, as John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer pointed out, and it’s not about hanging onto the game. It’s about family first, foremost and forever. Sean and Mandi have three kids . . . Andrew (7), Jacob (5) and Carli (3), and their lives center busily around the youngsters and their activities. After he was traded by the Reds to his hometown Pirates before the 2006 season, Casey would spend time in his parents’ front yard, playing Wiffleball with kids like his father did on that spot 20-25 years before. The only difference is Casey made sure they had enough extra balls when one rolled across the street and down the sewer drain. The Reds had played in Washington and it seemed like everyone in the stadium knew Casey. Someone joked that Richmond finally conquered the Capital City because so many of Casey’s college friends had made the trek. The Astros came into town shortly thereafter and Craig Biggio was asked what it was like to be a runner on first base with Casey guarding. Biggio grinned and said, “He is standing there with that big ʻhowyadoinʼ ?ʼ smile on his face like heʼs inviting you into his house for dinner. “But you have to be prepared, too. Case is a big distraction over there. He starts talking about your wife and kids and he remembers everything . . . their names, their ages, their activities. And the next thing you know, you have forgotten you’re trying to play a game instead of standing outside having a beer with Sean Casey.” The stories of Casey’s humanitarianism goes on for volumes. Among many, many, many other contributions are “Casey’s Crew” providing high-priced tickets for disadvantaged kids for games and an anti-hunger organization called “Labels Are For Jars” he founded with talkshow host Conan O’Brien. Long before reporting to the ballpark at home or away games, Casey could usually be spotted at an area hospital, whether on official team business or showing up unannounced. His positive energy and encouragement for the sick or infirmed is astounding. Casey’s also the guy who helped spearhead major-leaguers to give up a day’s salary for Hurricane Katrina victims. He couldn’t come to the rescue of all needy kids or causes but he certainly has tried. A writer once called him a real-life George Bailey from “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Chances are you, too, know someone who was touched by Casey’s time, generosity and faith. The story that has always struck me is the time Casey helped an emotional young man he met after a game. The man said his father had died and he didn’t know what he would do because he didn’t have the money to bury him. The Mayor didn’t balk. “Two days later, I set up this card signing in Dayton,” Casey said. “We raised a lot of money, and I gave it all to him. It would have been worse if I hadn’t tried to help. It was one of those times when you just go with your gut.” He once told Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News, ”We’re all on this Earth to make a difference while we’re here. When we’re gone, we’re gone. There is scripture that says, ‘The Kingdom of God is now.’ “ True story: Casey grew up a huge Ken Griffey Jr. fan and at age 15 he pocketed some Griffey cards from a neighborhood shop. Caught with the goods and handed over to his dad, he was made to read aloud from a dictionary over and over and over the definitions of criminal, greed, selfish, thief and trust. To this day it’s an embarrassing and humbling event in his life, so Casey has never met a fan he wouldn’t sign for, a picture he wouldn’t pose for or a cause he deemed unworthy. That devotion never seemed to diminish his ability on the field, even if a few injuries (and perhaps a little lack of power with the bat) did. Now, he moves on to a new career with the Baseball Network, where some way, somehow, they will have to find a way to get Casey to stop talking when the little red light clicks off. Good Lord, the man can talk up a torrential storm. If ever there was anyone who should be paid by the word, it’s Casey. All of which reminds me of the great line by former Cincinnati Enquirer columnist Tim Sullivan, now with the San Diego Union-Tribune: “If Sean Casey Amen.
has a fault, it is that he grounds into too many double plays. Nothing else comes to mind.”
Reds Gift Guide 2008: Autographs
Fifth in a series
Since the 1870s, baseball fans have collected signatures and photos of their favorite players and teams, making autographs as much a part of the game as the Sunday matinee.
But what was long a harmless hobby is now a very large business. Sports memorabilia is a $1 billion industry in great part because the public is so willing to pay big bucks for access to their favorite players, past and present. Many older players make as much money signing autographs as they did playing the game, and for that reason there’s little shortage of signed materials in the marketplace.
That’s why this segment of “The 12 Days of a Redlegs Christmas” deals with autograph items–at least, on a peripheral scale. The obvious is taken for granted: as a Reds fan, you want or already have something signed by your favorite players. The goal here is not to be an all-inclusive price guide or catalog listing, but to point out a few items or themes that might make good holiday gifts.
In some instances the omission of a player or item is done on purpose, like team-signed baseballs, especially for the 1940, 1975-’76 and 1990 world championship teams (photo, above). Every true fan wants one of these balls; the reality is the cost and rarity means you will likely have to buy them through an auction unless you get lucky at a show or through a dealer you trust.
No item is suggested here unless there is a direct source for you to buy right away as a holiday gift. You’ll pay upwards of $40-$80 for most active players to sign a ball or photo–unless you attend RedsFest in December (see item below). But there’s also some autographed items in other parts of this series, including an upcoming installment on cards, where signed “memorabilia” cards are the current rage and often much cheaper options to signed balls, bats, photos and equipment.
Pete Rose Signed Items
The most popular and infamous player in Reds history is not only baseball’s all-time hits leader but one of its most prolific autographers. There are hundreds of Rose-signed items on the market and choosing the right one is a matter of subjective preference–a signed ball, bat, photo, cap or Dowd Report–you name it, you pay it and Pete will sign it. Here’s the proof: “Sorry I Bet on Baseball” signed ball that is, umm, certainly unique. There’s all sorts of themes by which to buy Rose-signed items–his 15 times on Sports illustrated covers is the most of any baseball player–including his 44-game hitting streak, being MVP, a batting champion, three-time World Series winner and, of course, the Hit King. How to make to simple? Nothing says “Pete!” more than a signed bat. A personal favorite remains the signed front page poster of the Cincinnati Enquirer the day after he broke Cobb with hit 4,192. Price: $134.99
“The Great Eight” Signed Photo
There’s not one Reds fan who doesn’t appreciate and respect the Big Red Machine era, so you can’t go wrong giving that special fan a 16-by-20-inch photo signed by the eight players–Bench, Rose, Concepcion, Morgan, Perez, Foster, Geronimo and Griffey–who comprised the “Great Eight” starting lineup. This popular and increasingly valuable image makes a simple statement of historical greatness by lining up the players by position. Price: $455 at Onlinesports.com; $799 at www.ceisports.com.
Also: Look for a new 16-by-20 collage poster of the Great Eight that features the players in-action and with their signatures. Gaudy-looking piece with a gaudy price tag: $699 at Ironcladauthentics.com.
Idea Dept.: As the price of collecting the Great Eight continues to rise, more fans have been seeking ways to buy them cheaper. Buying a single-signed ball of each player can be done for about $400. Finding signed cards of their 1975 and ’76 Topps issues is even cheaper.
The Living Hall of Famers
There are three terrific and (relatively) inexpensive autograph collectibles to commemorate the enshrinement of Frank Robinson, Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Tony Perez and Sparky Anderson. The first is a Hall of Fame gold postcard that depicts their actual Cooperstown plaque. These cards have long been popular items for HOFers to autograph. The other great item is the Perez-Steele art postcards that can be autographed or paired with a cut signature. Either way, these are A-plus-plus gifts at a cost usually under $50 each. The plaque and Perez-Steele cards can be found on eBay and most larger shows such as RedsFest. A new item growing in popularity is the official Hall of Fame baseball. The player usually adds his HOF year to his signature. Visit Ironcladauthetics.com for a good selection of Reds-signed HOF balls. Pick up one of the balls and ask announcer Marty Brennaman to sign one, too. Signed balls and photos of the living HOFers range from $80 to $130 each at any number of web-based autograph sites.
The Dead Hall of Famers
Edd Roush, Eppa Rixey and Ernie Lombardi were extremely popular players in their day and they maintain a steady collectibility today. Their signed 3-by-5 index cards, vintage and memorabilia cards, album sheets and photos are fairly common on eBay. But you’ll notice that single-signed balls by these players are extremely tough finds: Roush, $250; Rixey, $3,500; and Lombardi, $1,400. Or, take my cue and put together a nice Perez-Steele card with a cut signature and have matted and framed, like I did here with Edd Roush. Cost: around $60.
Signed Riverfront Stadium Seat Back
One of those overpriced, contrived collectibles that drives me nuts. But there is a certain novelty to this back from a Riverfront Stadium red seat that includes a numbered faceplate and the signatures of Rose, Morgan, Bench and Perez. Needs more autographs, especially at this price: $699 at Fan’s Edge.
For the Love of Vada Pinson
There a growing revisionist interest in former Reds great Vada Pinson, whose statistics make him a borderline Hall of Famer. Pinson died of a stroke in 1995 at age 57 and over the past few seasons there’s been a curious tick in his collectibility. Problem is, there’s not a lot of signed materials and what’s out there is a bit pricey for a non-HOFer. Prices: ball, around $350; photo, $100-200 at Quality Autographs and Memorabilia.
Brandon Phillips Signed Gold Glove Ball
Want something really unique and a piece Phillips will be overjoyed to sign? Pick up a commemorative Rawlings Gold Glove baseball and have Phillips sign and put the year on the sweet spot. Gold Glove balls are not that easy to find–surely a dealer will offer them at RedsFest–and they offer a chance to get a player-signed item unlike the norm. The Gold Glovers generally like to sign these balls because they signify a great accomplishment. Price: Around $20 for the ball at Anacondasports.com.
Redlegs at FanFest
There isn’t a better time or more cost-effective way to get autographs of current and some former players than RedsFest held Dec. 12-13 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown. At $20 for a two-day pass, you can get any item signed free as long as you can bear the lines. This year’s show is perhaps the biggest for autograph seekers with a lineup that includes young stars many fans desire–Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Johnny Cueto, Voltron and Phillips–plus old-timers George Foster, Eric Davis, Jim Maloney, Lee May and Mario Soto, and so many more, including minors stars.
Ted Kluszewski Signed Items
Despite Big Klu being a terrific signer through the mail, the emotion and devotion he evoked from Reds fans is reflected by the small number of his autographs on the market. Fans simply do not resale Big Ku items very often. It’s very difficult to locate his single-signed ball ($500) unless you visit the sports memorabilia auction houses. Instead, look for one of his many signed cards he returned to fans through the mail, which have decent value if they are graded. Price: Around $100. Check out the selection at KHW Hall of Fame Gallery.
Gateway Cachet Envelopes
If you’re looking for something different, easy to find, inexpensive and yet limited, dated full-color silk cachets from the Gateway Stamp Co. have been around since 1977 to commemorate some event in history, politics or sports. You can usually find these items, which have a U.S. Post Office postmark for the date of the event and oftentimes an autograph, for less than $50. The Reds have good representation with cachets of Bench, Morgan and Perez going into the Hall, Tom Seaver’s 3,000th strikeout, Tom Browning’s perfect game (right), Mario Soto making the 1983 All-Star team, Jim Maloney at Crosley Field, Eric Davis hitting the big Game 1 homer in the 1990 World Series, and a handful of Pete Rose issues, including one for being banned from baseball. Check eBay for the best prices.
Johnny Vander Meer Signed Photo
Arm issues and wildness limited his potential but Mr. Double No-Hitter made his name in 1938 on being the only pitcher to throw back-to-back no-hitters. Afterward, the Reds asked him to change his number to 00 but he flatly refused. Vander Meer was very popular on the autograph tour in the 1990s so his autographed items are plentiful and affordable. Most popular: signed photo of him pitching in the second no-hitter. Price: Around $40 for a signed photo, up to $230 for a signed ball with inscription. Try Claremontshows.com
The 5 Most Difficult Reds Autographs to Buy
1.) Bid McPhee
19th century Reds second baseman was voted into the Hall of Fame in 2000, sending high-end collectors swooning. They have found almost nothing, not even cancelled checks. It’s believed his wife handled most all correspondence. Price: $10,000 and up . . . for a cut signature.
2.) Pat Moran
Manager of the 1919 champions died unexpectedly from kidney disease in 1924 at age 48. He left behind little correspondence and few autograph albums (popular at the time) with his auto are known to exist. He’s high on the wish list of high-end baseball collectors. Price: Up to $9,500 for a 3×5 cut.
3.) Harry Wright
The mastermind player and manager behind professional baseball in Cincinnati and one of the game’s early visionaries died at age 61 of pneumonia. His signatures usually come from old score sheets or business letters. Price: Up to $7,500
4.) Willard Hershberger
The signature of the backup catcher who committed suicide late in the 1940 championship season is so rare and desired that his autograph on a team-signed ball or autograph page can add hundreds to the value. A simple cut signature starts at around $350.
5.) Paul Derringer
The great pitcher of the 1940 champions, Derringer was moody and temperamental, and hated signing. He often refused mail requests even 40 years after he retired. Very difficult to find on a single-signed ball. Price: around $300 for a signed photo, about $950 for a single-signed ball.
Holy Grail! 1919 Reds Team-Signed Ball Surfaces
Monday afternoon I received an e-mail from an old editor friend who strongly advised me to watch “Antiques Roadshow” that night. He said there would be a Reds item on the show that would blow me off my feet. “You’ve never seen anything like this!” he teased. Sure enough, while the Roadshow was in Louisville last summer, a man walked in with three old baseballs. One was for a 1950s Reds team, another was for a 1920s Reds team, and the other contained 26 bold signatures on a ball with some discolorization but was clearly in good shape for its age. And on the sweet spot, someone long ago had drawn a little pennant flying to the left and had scribbled in “National League Champions 1919,” then drawn another flag to the right with the words “World Champions 1919.” Likewise, appraiser Simeon Lipman of Christies just couldn’t believe his eyeballs. “It was pretty incredible,” Lipman said. “Something like this is truly rare. The [Honus] Wagner [T206] card is out there, maybe 50-60 of them, and it’s considered rare. But a 1919 Reds-signed baseball? They’re basically non-existent.” Most pricing guides don’t list team balls before 1920 because the balls are so rare, or simply don’t exist. Autograph baseballs didn’t take off until the mid-1920s, when Babe Ruth became an American icon. And whenever a team-signed ball before 1920 surfaces, it’s usually a “presentation” or “trophy” ball, meaning the ball was signed for some special event or person. That’s why Lipman said on the show there were fewer than five 1919 Reds balls. He knows of one other, and he checked some appraisers who came up with two others. But apparently none as complete as the one seen on the Roadshow. Most baseball fans know the story of Shoeless Joe Jackson and the 1919 Chicago White Sox, who allegedly gave into gamblers and tossed the World Series to the underdog Reds. It’s a story of curiosity, fact and fiction, and along the way one of the best Reds teams ever has been discredited, if not summarily dismissed, as world champions. The owner of the 1919 Reds baseball said he was 13 years old when a friend of his mother’s was moving away and gave him some sports memorabilia. That was around 1970. Since, he has kept the ball in a little curio, not realizing the full historical significance of the ball–or its value. He said his wife almost sold the ball for $200 a few years ago. Lipman appraised the 1919 ball at around $45,000-$50,000, which would make it one of the elite team-signed baseballs in sports memorabilia. It’s truly a museum piece. The only known 1916 Boston Red Sox team ball is in the Hall of Fame. The king of all team-signed balls, a 1919 Black Sox ball with 22 signatures, sold at auction in 2000 for a record $93,666 for team balls. An 1869 Red Stockings trophy game ball sold at auction for just over $61,000. To further enhance the value of the 1919 Reds ball, history is also beginning to step back and take a closer, more favorable look at this team, as Hall of Fame outfielder Edd Roush always claimed it should. They won 96 games with a pitching-heavy staff and defense that allowed the fewest runs in the league. Historians in recent years have begun to review these Reds as fully capable of winning the Series, Black Sox Scandal aside. As someone who loves Reds memorabilia and has a decent stash of their collectibles, the existence of the 1919 ball is a tremendous–if not financially troubling–discovery. I do answer to a higher god and her pissy li’l dog. Just a few weeks ago I posted some images of my Reds team-signed balls for their other World Series-winning teams–1940, 1975-’76 and 1990. C. Trent Rosecrans commented, ” . . . I’m guessing 1919 is a tough get.” Said I: “To the best of anyone’s knowledge, a 1919 Reds team ball does not exist. And if it did . . . whoa! The price would head north toward six figures.” And now one surfaces, like magic, perhaps the holiest of Reds grails. Ms. R curiously asked if I would be a bidder if the ball came up for auction. I seriously would. I’d take out a second mortgage to pay the bill. And the reason is because of the 1919 team’s historical significance, and the rarity, completeness and condition of the ball. Plus, packaging all five Reds championship team baseballs would comprise one helluva retirement portfolio. The stock market may rollercoaster, but a collectible such as this 1919 Reds ball? It’s only going up-up-up over time.
My jaw fell wide open. Ms. R said, “honey, do you have one of those balls?” Uh, no. Yet right out of nowhere this walk-of-life fellow strolls in with a 1919 Cincinnati Reds team-signed baseball containing all the key players, manager Pat Moran and owner August Herrmann.
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