Card Show and Pro Shop Finds

Today my sons and I headed out to Har Mar Mall in Roseville to check out a card show there. It was smaller than usual so at first we were disappointed. However, we all found things we were interested in. My older son found a couple of inexpensive vintage cards to send out for autographs, including a 1949 Bowman Marty Marion and a 1958 Topps Bobby Thomson. He also found a nice 8x10 of Mark Buehrle that he plans to send out and a great 11x14 black and white shot of Harmon Killebrew hitting his 500th home run. He plans on getting Killebrew to sign that at TwinsFest next year.

My younger son found a few items of his favorite player, Johan Santana. He got a Stadium give away Cy Young Santana figure, a few jersey cards, and an 8x10 of Santana in a Mets uniform. When we got home, we made a Santana display in part of his room, including a jersey that I bought from a fellow collector. Not a game used jersey, just the type you would buy in a store.


I bought about 35 cards to send out to be signed, including a good amount of 1965 Topps and several 1959 Topps.

After the card show we went to the Twins Pro Shop in Roseville. We don't get over there too often so we were hoping to see some different game used items than the same old stuff we see at the Apple Valley store. They had several game used bats, but they were pretty expensive. Redmond was $100, a Gomez bat that was completely broken and taped back together was $100, and they went up from there. They actually had an Ortiz bat from when the Red Sox visited earlier this year. That was $400. Ouch. We didn't get any bats.

They also had some game used jerseys. At $150, they weren't too outrageous, but the selection was slim. They were mostly from guys not on the team any more, like Livan Hernandez, Adam Everett (who I like) and Bobby Korecky. They also had a few of the younger guys like Duensing and Buscher. We weren't willing to spend $150 on those guys, but I did get a couple of game used caps. They were tough to sort through because they didn't have names on them, just the player's number. I don't know the players numbers by heart, so we had to go look at the jerseys and t-shirts in the store to see who was who.

I bought a Brian Buscher cap from a game on September 7, 2008 when the Tigers visited the Twins at the Dome. The Tigers won 7-5. Buscher was 1-4 with an RBI but also committed an error.


I also bought a Joe Crede cap from a game played on July 3rd of this year at the Dome, also against the Tigers. Again, the Twins lost, this time 11-9, in 16 innings. Crede went 1-8, but his one hit was a home run in the 6th inning with nobody on base.


The caps were a reasonable $20, which is less than many of the new caps they sell. I might write down all the players numbers and head back to see who else is there. We know there weren't any Morneau, Span or Punto caps. They did have Cuddyer and Nathan caps for $30, which I am contemplating.

Another 1965 Topps - Johnny Orsino

Today I recevied a 1965 Topps signed by Johnny Orsino. A fellow collector on SCN arranged a signing with Mr. Orsino. For $8, I was able to add another card to my 1965 Topps set. I think this makes number 341 that I have gotten signed.

I hope to start sending out a bunch or requests this month. I received the three 1952 Topps that I bought on eBay and those will be the first to go.

Ossie Virgil

Yesterday I received a couple of cards signed by Ossie Virgil. A fellow collector from Sportscollectors.net frequently travels to the Dominican Republic and is able to get many hard to find players that are willing to sign.

I sent a 1958 and 1965 Topps. I already had a 1958 Topps that I had purchased, but I have a greater confidence level that this one is authentic, although the signatures match up pretty well.


I bought a few 1952 Topps on eBay that should be coming soon. Those will be great when they're signed.

There is a card show at Har Mar Mall this weekend. I think my boys and I will check it out on Sunday.

Full Mailbox Waiting For Me

I arrived home from my trip to find several packages waiting for me.

First, Carlton Fisk was kind enough to sign another 2008 Goudey for me, which I included along with the creased one I got back from him last time.

Next, I received a 1951 Eddie Stewart that I bought on eBay. It was very reasonably priced so I'm happy to have it.


Finally, I got back several items I sent in to a Bill Mazeroski signing that was promoted on SCN. I had him sign a 2008 Goudey, a 1965 Topps and a 16x20 picture of him hitting his famous home run to win game 7 of the 1960 World Series. I originally purchased the picture from Steiner, already signed by Johnny Blanchard.




Speaking of the 1960 World Series, I have a baseball signed by 16 members of the winning Pirates team from that year, including Mr. Mazeroski. I sent that ball one-by-one to members of that team, beginning in November of 2003 (Bob Skinner), finally getting Maz on it in October of 2006.

Red Wings Pull It Off

The Red Wings came back and tied it up. Then Steve Tolleson, who I think had a homer to score the first run of the game, hit a single to right field to score the winning run in the bottom of the ninth. A very exciting game. The weather was perfect. I can't wait to watch the Twins play outside.



Brian Buscher was put in to pinch hit in the ninth and got a walk. I didn't realize he was back at triple A.



I was most impressed with Jose Morales. He hit well tonight and is a good catcher. As a pinch hitter, I can see him being very valuable to the Twins, perhaps as a backup to Mauer when Redmond's time with the Twins is over.

Red Wings Falling Behind

The Red Wings had a nice shut out going until the top of the sixth when Terry Tiffee smashed a two-run homer of off Humber.

The seats filled in a bit around me but it's still not crowded.


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Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

Rochester Red Wings

I am in Rochester, NY on business today. My hotel is about 8 blocks from Frontier Field so I walked over to watch the Red Wings play the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.

I just walked up and bought my ticket and got a seat 3 rows behind the Red Wings dugout. No body is sitting in the 2 seats to my left or 4 seats to my right. There's just 2 of us sitting in this row. Nobody in front of me either. Nice. Definitely close enough for a broken facial bone from a foul ball. I better pay attention.

Phillip Humber is pitching. The only guy I recognize on the other team is Terry Tiffee.
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Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

Punto and Harris

Well, I made it through the Punto line but didn't bother trying to go through a second time. The line was still pretty long with just 15 minutes left and they were tying to hurry things up. Some guy from the Twins was trying to explain to me that Gardy doesn't like the guys to be late on game days. People were trying to have Punto pose for pictures which was holding up the line. I think he noticed I was holding a camera and thought maybe I was going to slow things down.



I did take pictures, but just of them signing. Notice the coolers in back of Harris. Hopefully he warms up before game time tonight. We'll see if either of these guys play tonight. Newly acquired Orlando Cabrera will probably start at shortstop. Casilla will probalby start at second, although Punto has been hitting pretty well lately.

Punto's line is pretty long

I thought the line for Punto was pretty short but as I got up towards the "front" I realized it bends towards the back of the store and back up again. Still not horrible but not sure if I'll get through twice.

Made it to Punto's Signing

Harris signed my son's bat nicely. He joked about having to sit next to the freezers.

I made it to Punto's signing in St. Paul by about 11:45 and am already behind people who have been through the line. I think I'll be able to get through twice. At least.

11:00 and no Harris

The line is much longer now but I can't tell how long.

30 minutes To Go

The Palermo's Pizza guys are setting up the card table that Harris will sign at. There's about 20 people in line. Hopefully Harris gets here on time and I can get moving to the Punto signing.

Brendan Harris Signing

I arrived earlier than I planned for the Brendan Harris signing at the Rainbow Foods store here in Minneapolis. I was 90 minutes early and there were no other fans here. It's now 60 minutes early, and the Palermo's Pizza guy, who is the sponsor of the event, let me know that they'll be setting up a card table at the end of the Dairy Aisle. Brrr.

I got some odd looks as I walked into the grocery store with a baseball bat.

I'm now standing in the light bulb and dog food aisle, which is empty, to try to stay warm and out of people's way. Just standing here with a baseball bat. Nothing to see here, move along...

I hope for Brendan's sake, I'm not the only one that shows up. Usually with 60 minutes before a signing, there are at least 12-15 people in line.

At least I'll get through this line quickly and can have time to get to the Punto signing in St. Paul.

Oh, three people just came up and are standing in back of me. I guess I'm first in line.

Another Fathead

I got my Mauer Fathead tonight and my wife helped me put it up. It's definitely a two person job. I put it on the wall adjacent to the Morneau Fathead behind the TV. I really like they way they look and they really grab your attention when you walk in the room.


I am losing valuable wall real estate though, and I'm not sure where I'm going to hang all my framed magazines and pictures. I'd also like to buy another couple display cases but I don't know where they'd go. I doubt I'll have any luck convincing my wife to let my collection out of the basement, so I'll have to get creative.

Tribe Hill Trio - Part II

My older son decided to get all three signatures on the 1962 Topps Tribe Hill Trio. He bought a nice copy of the card at a card show a while ago and I encouraged him to start with the toughest signer, Barry Latman.

He sent the card off to Latman on June 29th and got it back today, signed nicely in blue sharpie. So far, his card is looking better than mine. Mine started getting beat up on the trip to Jim Perry, and even more so when I sent it to Dick Stigman. Mine was also signed in three different types and color of pen, so we'll see how Johnny's turns out.

Lots of Driving - Not Much Found

The boys and I did a lot of driving today. We started at Gander Mountain to get our fishing and camping gear in order. That included buying a new tent to replace the one that was shredded in yesterday morning's storm in the back yard. It also included buying two new rods to replace the ones that got broken in transit in the car.

Anyway, after that we hit The Ballpark in Apple Valley. I picked up the lot of 18 1964 Topps I won on eBay and Johnny bought an old book about pitchers.

After that, we went to Taco Bell, of course, and then Cedar Cliff Collectibles. Johnny bought several Amazing Spider-man comics, Pitfall for my old Atari system and a few game used jersey cards. David bought an Ozzie Smith MacFarlane figure and a couple of jersey cards. I didn't buy anything.

After that, we decided we'd try to find one of the "Beyond Shinders" stores. There are two of these stores, that opened after the original Shinders stores closed a few years ago. The old Shinders stores were great. They had tons of baseball cards, bobbleheads, autographs, comic books, magazines, and supplies. We went to the Beyond Shinders store in Maplewood and were very disappointed. There was very little in the store, and what was there, was very overpriced. David did buy a Johan Santana MacFarlane figure, but that was all. We won't be making that store part of our regular route.

I took a few pictures of the game used bats I bought recently. Next weekend is the Harris and Punto signings.

Evan Longoria

Today I received the games used bats I ordered, as well as the Evan Longoria balls from Steiner. I'll take pictures of the bats tomorrow and post them before I get the Punto and Harris bats signed.

I ordered a case of Ultra Pro UV protected baseball holders. I just realized that the last case I ordered wasn't UV protected. I think I'll replace all the balls I currently have out on display with the new cases, and leave the ones I have stored away in the standard holders.

The boys and I are going to make the rounds tomorrow. We'll hit The Ball Park in Apple Valley, where I one a lot of 18 1964 Topps on eBay. Then we'll hit Cedar Cliff Collectibles. The boys are looking for some more Simpsons figures to add to their collection. I don't have anything specific in mind but you never know what you'll find there.

Fathead

My Justin Morneau Fathead showed up today. It was kind of a pain getting it out of the tube, flattened out and on the wall. My wife helped me so it didn't take too long. It's huge and there's not enough wall space left in the basement where you could see the whole thing, so it's tucked behind the TV a bit.


On the TV you can see the highlights of Mark Buehrle's perfect game being played on the MLB Network. Pretty amazing. I have a few cards signed by Buehrle that he was kind enough to sign through the mail a few years ago. I wonder what his mailbox will look like on Monday.

A Lot of Buying

I've been spending a lot of money lately. I received the dozen Twins mini helmets I ordered so I'm in good shape for supplies.

I also bought a few game used bats from a guy on eBay. The bats include Nick Punto, Jason Kubel, Brendan Harris and Craig Monroe. My sons have claimed the Punto and Harris bats already. Both Punto and Harris are signing on Saturday, August 1st. My boys will be out of town, so I told them I'll try to get them signed. Unfortunately, they're signing in different cities at about the same time, so it might be tricky.

I also bought a Justin Morneau FatHead. Fatheads are life-sized vinyl cut outs that stick to your wall. So we'll add a life-sized Morneau to the basement.

I also ordered a couple of Evan Longoria signed baseballs from Steiner. They had a sale that I thought was pretty reasonable. I'll give these to the boys as well.

Speaking of the boys, their baseball seasons have wrapped up. My older son John's team was really flat towards the end of the season and didn't do well in their tournaments or playoffs. My younger son David's team played well and made it to the quarterfinals of the State Tournament before having to forfeit since they were short a kid. Long story, and heartbreaking for the kids.

I've included a picture of David pitching here. He pitched two innings in each of the games in the pool, and three innings in the first bracket game.

Now we practice on our own until Fall Ball starts in September.

Carlton Fisk - Another TTM Casualty

After an excruciating day of driving several hundred miles to pick my son up at camp and getting him to his baseball tournament game, only to watch them lose miserably, I was excited to come home to a small padded envelope in my mail box with my name and address written in my own handwriting. That is, until I opened it.

Carlton Fisk has recently begun signing through the mail for a $40 donation to a Cancer-related charity. A bargain compared to his normal show fee. I sent a 2008 Goudey to him on July 6th. I can't remember if I included a semi-rigid card holder with my request, but the card he returned to me was not in a holder, and was loose within the small padded envelope, and the card is creased across the bottom from side to side.

I think I will send another one and include this so they can see what happened. Hopefully they'll sign another card to replace this damaged one.

Supplies

I don't have any new items to share. I did receive a 1976 Sports Illustrated I bought on eBay. The cover has a nice picture of Carlton Fisk tagging out some Yankee at the plate. I recently sent a card out to Fisk. If that comes back, I'll sent the magazine too.

After the Denard Span signing last weekend, I decided I needed to restock my autograph supplies. I was down to one bat and no mini helmets. I placed an order with andersonkpt for a dozen of the Metrodome commemorative baseballs and 6 bats. That order arrived today, but I only got 7 of the balls. Maybe they're sold out?

I also ordered a dozen mini helmets on eBay. Those haven't yet arrived. When I get those, I should be in good shape for a while, probably until TwinsFest next January.

Denard Span in Person

Today my younger son and I headed out to Family Fresh Market in Hudson, Wisconsin (about a 30 minute drive) to go see Denard Span. He was scheduled to start signing at 11:30. We arrived at about 9:30 and were about 12th in line.

Rather than have us stand around and be in the way of all the shoppers, they gave us numbered tickets to come back later and get in line. We bought my son a "giant cookie" and went and sat in the car for about a half an hour. My son didn't really seem to trust the whole ticket system and wanted to go back and stand in line, so we did.

My older son was playing in his second State Tournament game so he couldn't make it. He won his first game last night, and had a 2-RBI bloop single to center field to help his team to an 11-8 victory. Today didn't go quite as well, although he had a solid single, stole second, and then third, and scored on a passed ball. They lost 6-3. He's a catcher, and also had a nice play where he caught an attempted bunt and threw back to first base to catch the runner who had left early. He has one more game this evening, and if they win, he'll have some games tomorrow.

Anyway, since he couldn't make it, the first time through the line I got a bat signed for him. My younger son got a ball signed. Since we were so close to the front of the line, and Denard showed up a little early, we were through the line before it was even scheduled to start. We went back to the car and I got a bat for myself, and my son got a 2008 Topps Heritage card. The line was pretty long by this time but we thought we'd give it a try.

We got through the line a second time and there was still about 15 minutes left. Denard recognized my son and said, "Back again"? After getting through the second time, there was still 15-20 minutes left, so we decided to go through one more time.

Again, Denard recognized my son and asked him if he was cutting in line (jokingly). We had a successful morning, getting through the line three times and getting two bats, a ball, a mini helmet and two baseball cards signed. Well worth the drive and the wait, and a fun day for my son to meet his favorite player.

Span and Casilla

Today I received a couple of signed cards that I bought from a fellow SCN contact. I bought an Alexi Casilla signed 2007 Topps and a Denard Span signed 2008 Topps.


Speaking of Span, my younger son and I are going to go to a signing he is doing on Saturday while my older son plays his State Tournament games. I'll get a bat signed for him since he can't go.

Tomorrow my family and I are going to the Twins/Yankees game at the Dome. The Yankees creamed us last night but lead just by a run tonight, since Joe Mauer just hit a solo home run (to left field of course) to pull within one.

Moose

Today my son got back a 2000 Fleer Greats of the Game (a set he's collecting) signed by Bill "Moose" Skowron. He included $5 cash with his request.

Mr. Skowron returned this request quickly, as it was sent just 7 days ago.

Carlos Gomez Jersey Day at the Dome

My kids and I showed up nearly three hours early to the Dome today since it's Carlos Gomez Jersey Day. My boys each got a jersey.

Oddly, Gomez is not in the starting lineup.

Display Cases

I spent a long time looking for some reasonably priced display cases to store my collection in. A web search for display cases yields many large, wooden display cases with glass fronts that cost several hundred dollars, and several hundred more to ship.



Luckily, we have an Ikea reasonably close to our home. I found a tall, thin glass case that is very affordable. I have four of these cases. One in my basement and one in each of my sons' rooms, as well as one yet to be assembled. These cases are just $60, and a small light can also be purchased for about $12 more.

They are easily assembled, but do require two people to hold pieces in place while they are secured. They are by far the most economical case I found. They store a lot of items without taking up a lot of floor space.

My Craigslist Deal Worked Out Great - Twins Bobbleheads

The Craigslist deal I had set up fro the lunch hour today worked out great. I bought three bobbleheads. Two from 2000, including Oliva and Puckett, and Carew, which was given out in 2001.


The bobbleheads from 2000 really started the bobblehead craze across the county. Here's a short article about them.

Killebrew was the first, and still sells for over $100. I was unable to find any completed auctions on eBay for these three to get an idea of the actual value, but there are several listed at "Buy It Now" prices for single bobbleheads close to what I paid for all three. Considering I didn' have to pay shipping, I think I came out okay.

A Couple More '58s and C.C.

I bought a couple of PSA Authenticated signed 1958 Topps from Mickey's a few days ago and they arrived today. I bought Bill Tuttle and Pedro Ramos. Both are in pretty nice shape with clear signatures.

I also received a signed C.C. Sabathia 2007 Allen & Ginter that I bought from a contact on SCN.

For the first time ever, I answered a Craigslist ad. Some guy is selling three of the older SGA Twins bobbleheads that were sponsored by Mountiain Dew. These include Tony Oliva, Kirby Puckett and Rod Carew. I'm meeting him at lunch tomorrow (at a Taco Bell) to buy them. If I disappear tomorrow, point the police to my email account for the details ;-) I'll let you know how it goes.

A Finished Multi-Signed Card and Finally, Jim Kaat

Yesterday I received a return from Dick Stigman, which completes my 1962 Topps Tribe Hill Trio card including Barry Latman and Jim Perry. The card got pretty scuffed during the trip to Perry and back, but it still looks okay. My older son has this card and is thinking about starting it. Anyone else thinking about it should send to Latman first, as he is the toughest of the three to get. Stigman and Perry are excellent signers through the mail.

I also FINALLY got back my Jim Kaat bobblehead from the MLBPAA signing that was supposed to take place in March. I received it back, but it was unsigned, so I had to send it in again for another event last weekend. I am still missing my 1965 Topps Tommy John card from that event. I'm not sure what will happen with that. I have had pretty decent luck with these signings in the past, even though return times were slow. After this fiasco, I'll have to carefully consider whether or not to send another item to their events.

This completes my 1965 Twins bobblehead set as I now have Kaat, Killebrew, Oliva, Quilici, Grant, Perry and Pascual. The set has a total of ten, but three of the players are no longer with us including Battey, Allison and Versalles.

Duke Snider Return - 1959 Topps

A rare return today as I haven't sent out many requests at all. 10 days ago I sent a 1959 Topps to Duke Snider along with $5 cash.

I received the card back today signed nicely in blue sharpie. Along the lines of my "autographs every collector should have", Duke is at the top of the list. He's a great signer for a very small fee. In fact, he doesn't have a formal fee. Collectors have just continued to send along a fee to encourage him to keep signing.

Hank Aaron!!

Yesterday I got back a couple of Hank Aaron signed items that a contact from sportscollectors.net took to a Steiner signing for me.

Although it wasn't cheap, it was less than I had expected it would be, and I was able to add Aaron to my 1958 Topps set. This makes 340 different out of 494 issued in the set that I have signed in my collection. I have a page with my '58 collection here.

I also got a ball signed. There is a very small smudge in the "H" of "Hank", but not too bad. Considering the price and the fact that it's Steiner authenticated, I'm really happy to have it in my collection.

This makes three Aaron autographs in my collection now. I purchased a 16x20 of Aaron and posted it last Fall.

More Must-Have Autographs - Phil Niekro

Next on my list of autographs that every collector should have is Phil Niekro. Niekro, a knuckleballer, pitched in the majors until the age of 48. Phil and his brother Joe won 538 games combined, beating out Jim and Gaylord Perry for the highest combined wins for brothers. 318 of those wins were Phil's.

Twins fans may remember Joe for the emery board incident in 1987 in which the umptire caught him doctoring up the ball which resulted in being ejected from the game and a ten game suspension. Unfortunately, Joe died suddenly in 2006.

Phil was a 5-time All Star (in three different decades), a 5-time Gold Glove winner and was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

Phil used to be hit-and-miss through the mail, signing for free about half of the time. I must have sent a dozen requests over5 years and never got a successful return. I purchased a signed ball at a mail-in signing event in 2006.

Recently, he has begun signing ttm for a fee. He charges $10 for cards and $20 for balls. Very reasonable for a Hall of Fame player. I had him sign my 2008 Goudey back in January. I just purchased his 1965 rookie card on eBay, which I'll send out as soon as I get it.