Hall of Fame Signed Baseball - Cool Papa Bell

I try to get some of the tougher to find Hall of Fame signed baseballs while I am at the National.  It is a lot easier to pick the good ones up at the show, instead of chancing it with Ebay.  This one, Cool Papa Bell, came with a really good, heartfelt story.

I spent the entire show pricing Bell baseballs (I think I counted six of them) when I wasn't waiting in line for the free signers.  I kept making notes on my memo function on my phone, and finally jumped on one on the last day of the show.

The vendor wanted $150 for this JSA certified ball.  I could have gotten a "pre-stroke" ball (Bell had two strokes before he passed away, and his signature obviously deteriorated), but those were over $300.  I asked the vendor if he had a Sunday price for this ball, and I was able to get it for $125.

It came with a copy of Bell's funeral program, as well.  It turned out, the vendor had met Bell several years before his passing, and became good friends with him.  He would visit Bell at his house in his later years, and sit around talking baseball.  The vendor ended up being a pallbearer at Bell's funeral.  His eyes welled up when talking about him, and I could tell that he truly meant something to him.  The vendor told me that of all of the Hall of Fame baseballs he sells, he enjoys selling Bell's the most, because it allows him to speak on his friendship with Bell.

James "Cool Papa" Bell (b. 1903 - d. 1991) played professional baseball (Negro Leagues, Mexican Leagues, and Independent Ball) from 1922 to 1946.  Stats are limited but, according to baseball-reference.com, he had at least 1,259 hits, 34 home runs and 167 stolen bases.  Those numbers don't do the legend of Cool Papa Bell justice.

He is widely regarded as the fastest player to ever play baseball.  It was always said that he could flip a light switch and be in bed under the covers before the light turned out.  He is also considered one of the most popular and legendary former Negro Leaguers, in the ranks of Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige.

Bell was inducted into the Hal of Fame in 1974, the fifth Negro League player to be honored, following Gibson, Paige, Monte Irvin, and Buck Leonard.

Bell is my 140th Hall of Famer on a baseball.

Hall of Fame Signed Baseball - Leon Day

I added my 117th Hall of Fame signed baseball when I got a steal at the National from the same dealer which I purchased the Greenberg ball.  Day baseballs usually sell for around $150-$200, and I got this one (JSA authenticated) for only $100.  Not a bad deal at all.  You don't see a lot of Leon Day stuff, so to be able to find this one was a treat in itself.

Day (b. 1916 - d. 1995) played in the Negro Leagues from 1934 to 1943 and 1946 to 1950 for the Baltimore Black Sox, Brooklyn/Newark Eagles, Philadelphia Stars and Baltimore Elite Giants.  He was a 7-time Negro League All Star and won the Negro League World Series in 1946 (with the Philadelphia Stars).

Day was elected to the Hall of Fame via the Veterans Committee in 1995, just six days after learning that he had been elected to the Hall.

Hall of Fame Signed Baseball - Ray Dandridge

One of the Hall of Famers that I had been looking at for some time now, but I had never jumped on (until now) was former Negro Leaguer, Ray Dandridge.  Dandridge (b. 1913 - d. 1994) played in the Negro Leagues for 8 seasons between 1933 and 1944 and also spent some time in the Mexican League. He has been regarded as one of the greatest fielding third basemen of all-time.  Dandridge was elected to the Hall of Fame via the Veterans Committee in 1987.

He has to be the cheapest that I have gotten a Hall of Famer for.  I sold a relic card to a guy on Instagram for $20 and turned around and got this ball for $33 shipped.  I was only $13 out of pocket on this one.  The ball is a Bobby Brown OAL ball and came with a PSA/DNA COA.

Dandridge is my 103rd Hall of Famer.

Hall of Fame Induction Weekend - Meeting Some Negro Leaguers

After we finished up with our signings, we all decided to check out some more shops before it was time for the parade of Hall of Famers.  In front of one of the shops were two former Negro Leaguers who were signing autographs.  The player above was Robert Scott, who was pretty cool when Drew handed him a baseball.  I'll let Drew tell that story, so make sure you are tuned in to his blog for his post.  Scott signed for us for $20, which I think was fair, considering that Negro League players weren't paid much in their day.

Scott filled up our baseballs with inscriptions, as you can see.  I thought he was a really nice guy.

The other guy signing at that table was another former Negro Leaguer, Pedro Sierra.  As you can see, he has a really awesome signature.  He also signed for $20.  He also gave Chris a signed card and told Chris that if he comes to Cooperstown next year, to show him the card again to show that he took care of it.

I don't know that we will make it to next year's induction, but I won't rule out the possibility.  I've learned that I should definitely not plan too far ahead because you never know what will happen.

On Memorial Day, Remembering John 'Mule' Miles

While I was at my parents' house this weekend, I learned that former Negro Leaguer, John 'Mule' Miles, passed away at his home in San Antonio, Texas on Friday morning.  Miles was one of the best TTM successes I got, aside from Virgil Trucks.

Not only was Miles an accomplished ballplayer, but he also served as a member of the Tuskeegee Airmen.  So, in honor of Memorial Day and while remembering all of those who serve and have served in the armed forces, I wanted to take the time to honor a man who was definitely larger than life.

Miles will definitely be missed.  My son even wrote to Miles at one point.  I put the response Chris got up so he could have it later on in the future.  It is something he can look back on and enjoy.  I'm glad I had him do it as a part of his working on his handwriting.

So, at the age of 90, Mule Miles has passed away.  He will lone be remembered by all of the fans whose lives he has touched.

Finally, I want to wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day.  Also, take the time to reflect and remember those who have fought and died for our country, those who lost family members who fought, the retired military personnel and the active military still serving today.

1951 Topps Red Back #26 - Luke Easter

Luke Easter (b. 1915 - d. 1979) played in the majors from 1949 to 1954 for the Indians.  He also played in the Negro Leagues from 1947 to 1948 for the Homestead Grays.  In his MLB career, he had 472 hits, 93 home runs and a .274 batting average.  He finished 13th in the AL MVP voting in 1953.

After his playing career was over, he went to work for the airline industry, becoming the chief union steward for TRW airlines.  He was murdered by two assailants in March 1979 outside a bank in Euclid, OH when he refused to hand over $5,000 worth of payroll checks he was transporting.

Deceased: 21

TTM Success - Herbert Simpson

I got my 67th TTM success today from former Negro Leaguer Herb 'Briefcase' Simpson.  Simpson (b. 1920) played professionally in the 1940s and 1950s.  He got his nickname of 'Briefcase' when he was playing alongside Harry 'Suitcase' Simpson.  Since they both had the same last name, and Herb Simpson was shorter, he becane 'Briefcase.'

I mailed to Mr. Simpson on November 13, 2012 and got my ball back signed today (November 23, 2012), making him a 10-day TAT.

Along with my baseball, I sent a note to Mr. Simpson asking him the following questions:

Who was the greatest hitter you ever saw? Cool Papa Bell

Who was the greatest pitcher you ever saw? Satchel Paige

What one thing do you treasure most from your playing days? Playing against Mr. Paige, Josh Gibson, Bell, Doby, Mays.

I always like to see who players admired when they were playing, so this was really interesting to read.

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.

Orioles Fan Fest Thoughts and Photos

Over the course of the next few blog posts, I will be showing off all of the stuff my son and I picked up at the Orioles Fan Fest on January 21, 2012.

Before I do that, I would definitely like to thank Ryan from "O No Another Orioles Blog" for letting my son Chris and I tag along with him to Fan Fest.  I wouldn't have gone had he not offered to accompany us and it really made the experience that much more enjoyable.  If you haven't checked out and followed Ryan's blog yet, you really should!

My son Christopher and I at the end of Fan Fest.  Take note that Chris is wearing my younger brother Adam's little league Orioles Jersey from around 20 years ago...

Here are Chris and Orioles pitcher Jason Berken.  Berken signed a 'before they were stars' card for Chris and also gave him a signed post card.

Chris with Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz.  Matusz asked Chris who is favorite Orioles were and Chris' answer was: "Brian Roberts and Tim Lincecum."  When I told Chris that Lincecum wasn't an Oriole, Matusz told him "That's ok, he is still pretty good."

Chris is getting a baseball signed by former Negro Leaguer Jimmy Bland.  He was really nice.  He asked Chris if he could keep the ball and of course Chris told him no.

Chris is now telling Chris Davis that they have the same name.  My son is 6 and still doesn't mind 'mining for gold' in public, so he turns around with his finger in his nose and I quietly whisper to him "Chris, quit picking your nose..." to which Davis responds "Oh, I didn't think anyone saw that... oh you meant your son, sorry."  Was pretty funny, for sure.

We got to meet Jim Palmer in person, which was one of the big highlights of the event.  I would love to say that I had a conversation with him, but I was too nervous to get a coherent sentence out and Tommy Hunter (seated beside Palmer) was busy telling Palmer about the virtues of his new Twitter account (follow him @TommyGoesBoom).

Chris had met Robert Andino back when we visited Durham Bulls Athletic Park for a game between the Durham Bulls and the Norfolk Tides.  He is seen here telling Andino "What's up!" which is a message Andino gave me to tell Chris when I talked to him in Norfolk a few months after our initial meeting.  Andino might be the most misunderstood Orioles player right now, but he has quickly become one of my favorites.  I think, given increased playing time, he will have a pretty solid career.

Another player that I was really excited to meet was Nick Markakis.  He was probably the most prominent current Orioles who I hadn't had a signed baseball of.  I got that taken care of at Fan Fest!

Speaking of Orioles autographs that I have been looking for, I finally got the chance to meet one of my childhood heroes, Brady Anderson.  I have been wanting an Anderson signed baseball for a long time and finally got it.

 Here is most of the stuff Chris brought home from Fan Fest.  I'll have to work with him on taking care of all of it.  Some of the stuff he had signed, he gave to me (without me asking him for it by the way).  One of the signed post cards we got went to Ryan for letting us stay with him and to help him with his Orioles autograph project.

Here is what I consider my haul from Fan Fest.  A few of the post cards and one of the balls were given to me by Chris.  He will probably get some of them back over time once he can show that he knows how to take care of all of them.  If you study the picture closely, you'll see two items that look familiar, but are different from what you might be thinking...

That being said, piece by piece (sort of), I will be posting all of the balls, etc, that I brought home.  I have enough stuff to keep me busy on this humble blog for some time to come, haha.  Also, having said that, I have a trade post with Kirk from Eutaw Street Cardboard that I will squeeze in somewhere along the way as well as any TTMs that come in...

So, you guys (hopefully) have a lot to look forward to on here.  I hope you all enjoy.

Hall of Fame Baseball - Buck Leonard

I went a little crazy on Ebay the other day.  You already saw the Virgil Trucks 1948 Leaf that I picked up.  That knocked out about half of the money I had saved.  I used the rest of it to knock off 3 Hall of Fame baseballs and a 1/1 card.  Today, I will showcase the first of the three baseballs.

I had been watching a couple Buck Leonard baseballs for a while and when I finally had the money saved, I chose this one as the one which I would add to my collection.  It looks a lot like my Johnny Mize ball, as far as the ink used on the signature.  Something really cool about the ball itself is that is it a Bart Giamatti ONL ball.  You may or may not know that Giamatti's son Paul is an actor, known for roles in Sideways and as 'Pig Vomit' in Howard Stern's 'Private Parts.'  Bart Giamatti was also the former commissioner who banned Pete Rose for life in 1989, only to die of a heart attack several days later.

Anyway, back to Leonard.  Buck Leonard was born in 1907 in Rocky Mount, NC (just an hour or so drive up I-95 from here).  He played his entire baseball career in the Negro Leagues, most notably for the Homestead Grays.  Leonard and teammate Josh Gibson were known as the 'Thunder Twins.'

Leonard was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1972 along with teammate Gibson as part of a special Negro League election.  Following his retirement, Leonard remained one of the forefront ambassadors for the Negro Leagues until his death at the age of 90 in 1997.

According to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Leonard had approximately 471 hits in 1,472 recorded at bats with a .320 lifetime average and 60 home runs.  Who knows how many hits and home runs he really would have if proper record keeping was used at the time he played.

Leonard is now my 60th Hall of Famer.

Amazing TTM Success - John 'Mule' Miles

I mailed a baseball and a letter to former Negro Leaguer John "Mule" Miles on November 7, 2011 and got the signed ball back today (November 14, 2011).

I was amazed at the inscriptions that Miles added to my ball.  He signed it on the sweet spot...

...added his position...

...added the fact that he was a Tuskegee Airman in World War II...

...inscribed his feat of hitting 11 home runs in 11 straight games in 1948...

...and added Negro League Legend.  Simply amazing TTM return.  But wait, there's more!

Mr. Miles also sent a letter in response to the one I sent.  In my letter I asked him who the toughest pitcher he ever faced was and his answer (if you can't tell from the scan) was Satchel Paige.  I thought this was a really awesome return and it is only the second letter I got back from a TTM (the other being Virgil Trucks, of course).

John "Mule" Miles was born on August 11, 1922 and lives in San Antonio, Texas.  He is an original member of the Tuskegee Airmen.  He played in the Negro Leagues from 1946 to 1949 and earned his nickname from his manager after hitting two home runs in one game which elicited the comment from his manager that Miles hit "like a mule kicks..."

Miles is my 38th TTM success.  He signed for free with a 7-day TAT.

Unfinished Business

I attempted to do a TTM to Emilio Navarro back in April, only for him to pass away while my ball was on its way from NC to Puerto Rico where Navarro had lived.

I thought getting Navarro would be cool because at the time, he was the oldest foemer professional baseball player at 105 years old. He played in the Negro Leagues, but not in the majors.

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Navarro's passing and figured that I'd never see my ball again. A few weeks passed and one of my mailers appeared in my mailbox. I opened it, thinking that it was going to be one of my HOF TTMs, but instead, a blank ball was inside. I wasn't sure what to make of it, but deduced that it was, in fact, the ball that I had sent to Navarro.

I thought about sending the ball out to someone else for TTM, but my friend Matt posed a different idea.

He said I should leave the ball the way it is. The box wasn't RTS, it was physically opened in Puerto Rico. It looks like Navarro opened the box with the intention to sign the ball, but didn't get to. So, the ball can stand as a symbol of Navarro's unfinished business and I will keep it with the rest of my autographed items. It will always have the story of ALMOST making it there in time for him to sign.

1955 Topps #156 - Joe Black

Meet Joe Black (it was too easy). Black (b. 1924 - d. 2002) was the 1952 NL Rookie of the Year. He pitched in the majors from 1952 to 1957 for the Dodgers, Reds and Senators. He also played 7 seasons for the Baltimore Elite Giants in the Negro Leagues prior to his time in the majors. He was out of baseball by 1958 and had a career record of 30-12, 222 strikeouts and an ERA of 3.91.

(DECEASED 84)

Negro League Stamp Dedication

This post is long overdue. At the end of June last year, my buddy Corbin and I went to Washington, NC to check out the USPS dedication of the new (it was new then) Negro League stamp. As a part of the event, several former Negro Leaguers were on hand for the dedication.

I heard about the event from a fellow baseball fan. I figured that it would be a good chance to see a bit of history. Corbin took pictures for me, which is why it took a bit getting the post up.

Here is local legend Carl Long signing my baseball. I got baseballs signed by each of the former players. Everyone on the list posted above appeared at the show except for one of the guys and the female player, who was one of the ones I really wanted to meet. For the most part, they were pretty receptive, but Corbin and I did get lots of funny looks, if you know what I mean. I won't explore that any further.

Here is the actual dedication and all of the former players who showed up. It was a beautiful day, and a kind of historical event. I'm not too sure why they chose Washington, NC, but I'm glad I got a chance to go.