What Would Buck Think - More Playoff Musings

The Cubs are looking pretty good in the postseason so far.  When people talk about players/managers/coaches associated with the Cubs, names like Banks, Santo, Sandberg, Williams and Durocher come up.  A name that may get overlooked is one John Jordan "Buck" O'Neil.  He was the first African American coach in the majors.  Aside from that, he was a true ambassador of the game.  He lived to be 94 years old, passing away just over 9 years ago on October 6, 2006.

He was a true ambassador of the game, long after his playing and coaching days were over.  This can clearly be seen on Ken Burns's Baseball.  I'd like to think that if O'Neil were still around, he would be pretty pleased with how the Cubs have performed so far.  I think he would also be pleased with the showcase of youth that is going on right now in the 2015 playoffs.  So much young talent has been on display, this has really been a postseason to remember.

I'd like to think that someone who lived and breathed baseball, like O'Neil, would really enjoy the stuff we are seeing today.  Well, maybe one bat flip or a takeout slide aside...

I haven't had a lot to write about lately since I haven't had a lot of mail coming in, and I also have been engrossed in the playoffs.  Please bear with me as I continue to work to come up with content every night.  I appreciate everyone reading, though.  I hope you are enjoying these playoffs as much as I am.

Ebay Pickup - Buck O'Neil Signed Baseball

I finally got a signed baseball that I have been wanting for a long time (since the first time I watched Ken Burns' "Baseball").  I picked up this Buck O'Neil signed baseball off of Ebay for $70.00.  It is PSA/DNA authenticated.  The free shipping was nice, too.

O'Neil was a former Negro Leaguer, coach and ambassador or baseball.  He was the first African-American coach in the majors.  He passed away at the age of 94 in 2006, not too long after he was denied entry into the Hall of Fame when a special committee was appointed to research and honor past Negro Leaguers who had been passed over.  The committee allowed for 17 former players to be inducted, but O'Neil wasn't one of them.  I think, given all that he contributed to the game, he should one day be enshrined in the Hall.  That is, of course, my opinion, but I doubt you will find too many people who would disagree.  Sometimes it is a lot more than sheer numbers that gets someone inducted, but the process is in place for a reason.

I'm really glad to add this ball to my collection as it is definitely one non-Hall of Famer that I really was looking to acquire.  As it stands, I have several signed baseballs from some prominent Negro Leaguers, including O'Neil, Buck Leonard, Monte Irvin, Ernie Banks and Hank Aaron.  I want to travel to Kansas City one day and visit their museum.

Some Bargain Cards From the Card Shop

I picked up a bunch of loose cards from the bargain bin on Friday from the Kinston card shop.  I'll start with the legends of the game and go to the Orioles I got later on.

I was really surprised when I found this card for a dollar.  I didn't even know Buck O'Neil had any cards.  I had to pick it up.  This is from 2004 Topps Archives Fan Favorites.

Here is a Donruss Classics Bob Feller.  It's a nice card, but there seems to be a bit of wasted space on the card.  Maybe it's just me.  Still an awesome card of a legend.

Another Feller here in a Donruss Greats.  Not a bad card at all.  Donruss always did a good job I think.  Feller looks like he is about to mow someone down with a 100+ mph fastball.

Finally, we have a 2007 SP Legendary Cuts Jimmie Foxx.  A really nice card from a great set.  I think I might want to bust a box of these sometime soon.  I need to get more cards of Foxx; I've been reading his biography, which is a really good read.  I hope to get the rest of my pickups posted soon.

Biggest Card Regret?

I'm sure all of us have one or two cards that we have traded or sold that we wish we had held onto.  I have been selling cards on Ebay since 2006 or so and have been selling at shows for the past year.  There is one card that sticks out in my mind as one that I really wish I had not parted with.  Of course, I got a good bit of money for it (it sold for around $100 on Ebay), but that's not the point.

I pulled this awesome Buck O'Neil sweet spot auto from 2007 Sweet Spot Classic while I was still working at the card shop.  Of all the cards I have sold on ebay (I keep the scans on my computer), this one is the one I regret selling the most.  I'm not sure what Upper Deck was doing when the auto was mounted on the card, but it has a definite character of its own. 

I hope to add Buck O'Neil's auto to my collection again (on a baseball).  I would prefer to add him to my HOF collection, that is, if the Hall ever puts him in.  O'Neil's omission from the Hall is definitely the subject of much debate.

Do any of you have that one card that you wish you had not traded or sold, and what would it be??