Bobby Thomson Passes Away

Bobby Thomson, the New York Giants slugger that hit the "Shot Heard Round the World" to win the 1951 National League Pennant, passed away yesterday at the age of 86.

I posted just a few days ago about the photo I bought autographed by Thomson and Ralph Branca, the pitcher on the mound when Thomson hit his famous home run.

Mr. Thomson was a very generous signer through the mail.  I received several autographs from him, including a 1958 Topps, 1949 and 1951 Bowmans, a 2008 Goudey, and a 1955 Sport Magazine.

My son recently sent off a couple of cards to Mr. Thomson and sadly it seems he was too late.  He had the cards sitting around for months and finally one day I set them in front of him with a pen and paper and told him to write.

It's sad to see these players from the golden age of baseball passing away.

Bobby Thomson Return and Julio Becquer Signing

Today I received a 1949 Bowman signed nicely by Bobby Thomson. I think I'm running low on other players to send to for that set.

I also received a postcard today from Tom Frantzen's in Mounds View about a Julio Becquer signing there this Saturday. I think my boys and I will head over and check it out. My older son got some hitting tips from Mr. Becquer at a Twins Clinic at the Dome a couple of years ago and had the opportunity to get his autograph afterwards.


I also read that Boof Bonser was released by the Twins today. Too bad, but he never really seemed to live up to the expectations people had for him. Hopefully he'll be successful somewhere else. Technically, the Twins "designated him for assignment". I'm not sure exactly what that means, but they had to make room for Pavano on the 40 man roster after he agreed to arbitration.

I ordered TwinsFest tickets today on the Twins website. Can't wait!

Bobby Thomson and Allie Clark

A couple of returns today including another magazine.

Bobby Thomson signed a 1955 Sport Magazine for me. He returned the $10 I had included and even returned the blue sharpie I sent.


Also, Allie Clark signed his 1949 Bowman.