1965 World Series Program

Since I haven't been getting anything in the mail lately, I thought I'd share some items already in my collection. One of my favorite publications is the 1965 World Series program that was sold at Dodger stadium.

The cover has some great space-themed art with Twins and Dodgers players in Apollo-like capsules.

The inside of the program has a score card as well as pictures and short biographies of each player, coach and even the team ownership and management.

There are a lot of great ads too, including shoes, a paint store, and the Dodge Coronet.

These programs can be purchased on eBay for between $20 and $50 depending on condition.

I've considered getting the cover of this program signed by both Twins and Dodger players, but I prefer to get items signed that have the players pictures on them, so I think I'll keep this one the way it is.

Ozzie Smith Back Today

Today I got back two cards I sent to an AtommicSports signing for Ozzie Smith.

Of course, I got the 2008 Goudey signed, and also decided to have him sign his rookie card, a 1979 Topps. Check out the sideburns!


I'll have to take another look at the Goudey checklist to see who else I want to get. I passed on a Mike Schmidt signing at $50. I doubt I'll find it much cheaper, but I thought I had better uses for $50 at the time.

The only paid signing items I have left outstanding are the Jim Kaat bobblehead and 1965 Topps of Tommy John and Ryne Duren from the MLBPAA signing in March.

It's becoming clear that I will have very little time to send out requests based on my evening schedule with my kids. My goal of 365 mail requests this year is looking like it's going to be very tough.

Brooks Robinson and Del Crandall

I got back my Brooks Robinson 2008 Goudey. A member of SCN took of bunch of requests to the dugoutzone.com signing. This makes 21 signed Goudeys in my collection. I'm not sure how many more I'm going to get. I forgot that I needed Brooks on a 1965 Topps too, so I'll have to get that next time.

I also got back a 1954 Topps signed by Del Crandall. I included $3 with my request.

Some Returns Today

I finally got some returns today.

Roy Smalley Sr. signed his 1954 Topps and the 1985 Topps Father/Son card already signed by Jr. He also included a piece of paper with his picture and years he played on which he thanked me and signed his name.

I also got back the ball signed by Wade Boggs that I sent in to an MLBPAA charity event back in March. I'm still waiting for the Jim Kaat bobblehead and Tommy John and Ryne Duren 1965 Topps cards that I sent in.

Nothing New

I'm having quite a slump. Nothing in the mail, not even returns from paid signings I sent away for. I'm expecting a Brooks Robinson card as well as several items I sent to an MLBPAA signing back in March such as a 1965 bobblehead of Jim Kaat.

I've also been busy getting my boys to and from their baseball practices this week. Their seasons are gearing up with games starting in just a little over a week.

Jim Perry - Tribe Hill Trio

Today I received a return from Jim Perry, who signed the 1962 Topps Tribe Hill Trio card already signed by Barry Latman.

Now it's off to Dick Stigman to complete it. Mr. Stigman lives about 20 minutes away from me, so hopefully it will be a quick return. The card is starting to show some wear, but looks better than the scan makes it look.

It's not feeling like baseball season here in Minnesota. I just got back from my son's baseball practice. Two hours in 42 degrees, with a stiff wind and drizzle. I can barely feel my left hand, and the leather stitching in my (25 year old) glove broke.

The Twins have a day off while heading out to Boston. I'm looking forward to watching the series against the Red Sox.

More 1965 World Series Memorabilia

The Twins swept the Angels this weekend which is very surprising considering how they played against Toronto. Perkins pitched a great game today, going eight innings and giving up only two runs, despite getting hit in the leg by a line drive in the seventh inning.

I received some more 1965 Twins items from eBay this week. I got some small pennants that were sold at Metropolitan Stadium, commemorating the Twins' American League Championship. I bought a set of four which includes one of each color that was made.



This same purchase also included a rather plain pin, a souvenir from the first World Series in the Twin Cities.

1965 World Series Pennant

No returns again today. Earlier in the week, I received a 1965 World Series pennant that I bought on eBay. It's in surprisingly nice shape. I'm not sure how to display it. I think there are some plastic holders in the shape of a pennant, but I'm not sure if this one will fit.


I'm just getting ready to watch the Twins on TV after being at the game for last night's exciting game. Hopefully the Twins don't need to score 11 runs every game to win. The bullpen seems to be struggling. I know a rookie pitcher that would love to help out.

Here's 8 year old David from last season, striking out 3 batters on nine pitches.

Kubel Pulls It Out!

Johnny and I were the only ones that stayed to the end of the game from our group. And it's a good thing we did. Kubel hit a grand slam in the 8th to complete the cycle and go ahead by 2 runs. Nathan shut down the Angels in the top of the ninth for an 11-9 Twins win. Kubel's homer was an amazing upper deck blast to right center field.

I really didn't think the Twin's had a shot and coming back from this one, but they proved me wrong. Here's a picture of Johnny and his new hero, Kubel, from a couple of years ago.

Twin's Are Blowing It Again

I'm sitting at the Dome in the longest 7th inning I've ever seen. After coming back to tie it at three, we've given up three in this inning alone. Crain came in and gave up a few hits and a couple of walks, and just got boo'ed off the field. Now Guerrier just gave up a hit and a run. Looks like another blowout that the bullpen can't stop.
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Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

At The Twins Game

No returns in the mail today. I'm at the Twin's game right now. It's the bottom of the 5th and we've blown a two run lead and are behind by one.

At least it's not a blowout. Yet.
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Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

Returned Home To Some TTM Returns

When I got back from my trip today, I had three returns waiting for me.

First, I was relieved to see that Bobby Richardson signed and returned the 1959 Topps Run Preventers card already signed by Bob Turley and Gil McDougald. I got lucky on this one and all three of them signed it in the same color, so it looks pretty nice.

Jim Davenport signed his 1960, 1964 and 1969 Topps in black sharpie. The '69 smeared a little, but not too bad.

Lastly, Eddie Fisher signed his 1960, 1961 and 1964 Topps in ballpoint.

I don't have too many outstanding requests right now. I'll have to take some time and send out some more. I might try to send to a few current players. I find that early in the season is a pretty good time to get some successes.

The Twins have been pretty disappointing so far. They're giving up way too many runs. Tonight they face Roy Halladay and the Blue Jays, which will be a struggle, I'm sure.

Minneapolis Millers Programs

Yesterday I received a couple of Minneapolis Millers programs I bought on eBay. You can click on the images below to see larger versions.


The first one is from 1956, and has some wear and water damage, but it's still very readable. 1956 was the first year the Millers played in Metropolitan Stadium.The Miller's roster is full of players that went on to play in the majors. The ones I recognized from memory include Ozzie Virgil, Joe Amalfitano, Ed Bressoud, Gail Harris, Pete Burnside, Gil Coan, Curt Barclay and Willie Kirkland.

This particular program was for a game against Denver. Another roster full of eventual major leaguers such as Bobby Richardson, Jack Urban, Norm Siebern, Wally Burnette, Marv Throneberry, Tony Kubek and Ralph Terry.

The 1957 Program was for a game against Milwaukee. This one is in really nice shape. It's hard to believe anyone could have bought it at a game and taken it home while keeping it this nice.

The Millers roster is quite a bit different, and contains Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda. The Milwaukee roster contains quite the lineup, including Warren Spahn and some guy named Henry Aaron. Including Ed Mathews, the roster has 3 Hall of Famers on it.


The programs are full of advertisements for bars, cigarettes, beer, and local businesses. It's pretty interesting to page through. There are also interesting articles on players scattered throughout.

The concessions prices seem pretty reasonable: 25 cent hot dogs, 10 cent candy bars, and 30 cents for a bottle of beer or 15 cents for pop. Odd things at the concessions stand include milk, and a cheese sandwich. Hmmm.

Tickets range from 35 cents for Ladies on Ladies' Night (Tuesdays) for a set in the Grandstand, to $1.75 for adults for a box seat. So, a decent seat, hot dog, chips, and a beer would cost $2.45.

The souvenir's were also reasonable (at least compared to today's prices). Baesball caps were $1.00. Kid's T-Shirts were $1.00, Adults were $1.25. Pennants were 50 cents, and bincoulars were 75 cents. I wonder what those binoculars looked like!

I don't think I'll send this to be signed, even though there are plenty of players on the rosters that wouldn't be difficult to get. I think I'll just leave these as they are.

Yesterday I also received a couple of cards signed by Bud Daley. He signed his 1958 and 1960 Topps for me. The 58 is an upgrade to the one already in my collection.

I'll be out of town until Thursday, so I probably won't post another update until Friday.

Duke Snider Return

Another great return today. Duke Snider signed a 1955 Sport Magazine for me. I included $10 with my request. Duke Snider is one of my favorite retired players. I have sent to him several times and this is the third magazine of his I have in my collection.

I also got three cards back from Ray Narleski, who signed his 1956, 1959 and 1960 Topps.

Big Day For Returns

I received six returns today. Thursday is keeping up its reputation as a great day for returns.

The highlight of the day is the 1956 Sports Illustrated signed by Whitey Ford, in an amazing five days! I included $25 with my request.

I got a total of eight signed cards back today.

Roy Sievers signed a 1960 and 1962 Topps.

Tom Satriano signed his 1965 Topps.

Ray Crone signed his 1955 and 1958 Topps. I already have a signed 1958 Topps from him, but this one is definitely an upgrade.

Grady Hatton signed his 1955 Topps.

Johnny Kucks signed his 1960 and 1962 Topps.


The Twins pulled out a win last night, but then lost the series finale this afternoon. Glen Perkins started out by giving up a run in the first, but then held the Mariners scoreless for another 7 innings. Unfortunately, the Twins couldn't score and got shut out, 2-0.

I'd say Perkins' performance was the bright spot, since the other starters' ERAs are greater than 5, and Slowey's is 7.5!

The Twins go to Chicago tomorrow. R.A. Dickey is starting for the Twins. Who?

Hankyu Braves

Today I got my first autograph from the Hankyu Braves. Without even trying! I got a return from Daryl Spencer who signed my 1959 and 1960 Topps. In my letter, I mentioned his career playing in Japan. He sent me a cool card, published by Baseball Magazine, of him with the Hankyu Braves. He also included a couple of photocopied sheets with his career highlights on them. Cool stuff.

I have an overflowing scrapbook of items that players sent me in addition to what I sent them to sign. Some included business cards, handwritten letters, additional pictures or newspaper clippings. I need to organize it better.

The Twins had an exciting win last night, but look like they're struggling tonight against the Mariners. Morneau and Span hit homers, but we're still losing 4 to 5 in the 5th.

Catching Up On Returns

I got four returns yesterday, but none today (Tuesday, of course).

Jimmie Hall signed two 1965 Topps and a 1969 Topps. I had offered the extra '65 for him to keep, but he signed it and returned it.

Jerry Kindall signed his 1959 and 1960 Topps.

Andy Pafko signed his 1949 Bowman. I really love these old cards! I have a little of 30 signed.

Gil McDougald signed the 1959 Topps Run Preventers card that Bob Turley recently signed. Now it's off to Bobby Richardson to complete it. Mr. Richardson sometimes takes several months to return, but his success rate is very high. I'll be happy to get it back.

What was with the Twins last night? Not a good start to the season. Bedard pitches for Seattle tonight and he's tough too. Redmond is out after getting hit with a broken bat, so we're down to a single catcher in Jose Morales. Better get Drew Butera on a plane from Rochester if Red will be out for long.

Assembling the Basement

I started putting the basement back together yesterday. I got all my 1987 Twins bobbleheads back into their case.

I also put back the 1965 Twins display case, which includes several signed bobbleheads, some signed baseballs, some programs from the World Series as well as a Yearbook and a few American League Championship pennants.

I also put up a small shelf in between two of the Metrodome banners that is currently holding signed bobbleheads of Nathan and Koskie. It was difficult to start putting holes back in the walls after all the work it took to patch and paint them!

My sons had a hitting lesson with Billy Mauer at the Mauer Baseball school today. They learned a lot and Billy is very good with the kids. It was indoors, of course, since it was snowing here this morning. Will Spring ever arrive?

I'm ready for the Twins opener tomorrow against Seattle. Unfortunately, I'll miss the first hour or so since my son has Scouts. Maybe I'll sit in the car and listen to it on XM ;-)

Signing Events Returns

I got a couple of returns today from two different signing events.

From AtommicSports, I got a package back from a couple different signings.

The items I got signed include:

A ball, 1965 Topps and 2008 Goudey from Lou Brock.


A 2008 Goudey from Jim Palmer.

A 2008 Goudey from Bob Gibson.

A 2000 Fleer Greats of the Game from Red Schoendienst (for my son Johnny).



I also got back a ball and 1965 Topps signed by Dean Chance from a signing held at the Bob Feller Museum on March 28th.

Another Return Today

Just one return today. Jim Bolger signed his 1958 and 1959 Topps for me.

I have a couple of magazines ready to go out tomorrow. A 1955 Sport Magazine is off to Duke Snider, and a 1956 Sports Illustrated is headed to Whitey Ford.

I'm also getting a ball and 1958 Topps ready to send to a SCN member who is going to a Hank Aaron signing. The signing isn't until June, but I'll get this stuff to him in plenty of time. I've been waiting to get this 1958 Topps signed by Aaron, but the prices I've seen have been way too high. This signing is more "reasonable", and probably the only chance I"ll have to get it signed.