2004 Successes
SUCCESS DAYS IN
JULY
JULY 30 JEREMY BROWN A buddy of mine that some of my long time vistors have read about. He got drafted by the Twins in 2001 and has been at Quad City and Fort Myers the last couple of years. He had Tommy John surgery last winter and never got his arm back the way it was, resulting being released by the Twins a couple of weeks ago. I have talked to him many times and have enjoyed listening to his stories. He was the losing pitcher in the 2001 College World Series and the winning pitcher was Mark Prior. During his stay, came good friends with Tony Oliva and Orel Hershiser. His roommate was Kevin Cameron (called up to AA). During rehab, he hit Pudge in the ribs in 2003 when Ivan was in rehab; went fishing with Brad Rake; stayed with Joe Mauer and slept on his couch. The ball came from the Twins' spring training and was game used and he also tried to give me a Twins' bat also from spring training, but I could not take it. I would like to seen him in the "Big Show" but he got a taste of it, got a nice singing bonus, and has hours of stories. I held his last payroll check wishing I could be him for one day. He never made it, but I am proud of what he accomplished.
JULY 29 CRAIG WILSON This 26 year old is leading his team in HRs, RBIs, and runs so far this season. Was sent c/o the Pirates on July 9th.
ANDRE DAWSON One of my favorite players. The Hawk would get my vote for the Hall of Fame. 8 time All-Star, 8 time Gold Glove winner, and won the Most Valuable Player Award in 1987. Was sent c/o his home on July 7th.
Lifetime .279 438 HRs 1591 RBIs.
JULY 24 CECIL COOPER Former cleanup for the Brew crew. 5-time All-Star and two time Gold Glove winner. Was sent c/o Indianapolis Indians on July 11th.
Lifetime .298 241 HRs 1125 RBIs .
CHRIS WELSH Pitched from 1981-1986 for several teams. He never posted a winning season. He is currently working as a sportcaster for the Reds on Fox. Was sent c/o his home on July 10th.
Lifetime W22-L31 4.45 ERA.
JULY 23 DAVE LaPOINT Pitched from 1980-1991 for several teams. Was an average pitcher and was involved in the trade that sent Rollie Fingers, Ted Simmons, and Pete Vuckovich to the Brewers. Was sent c/o his home on July 11th.
Lifetime W80-L86 4.02 ERA.
JULY 20 GLENN BRUMMER Played only in 178 games for the Cardinals from 1981-1985. Sat a lot in the dugout during those times but it helps me fill the 1984 Topps set. Was sent c/o his home on July 3rd.
Lifetime .251 1 HR 27 RBIs.
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JULY 16 FRANK TANANA A very good pitcher that was a 3 tim3 All-Star that had 3 straight 200+ strikeout seasons. He always includes a Christian card of his own that is also autographed. Was sent c/o his home on July 7th.
Lifetime W240-L236 3.66 ERA 2,773 strikeouts.
BILL CAMPBELL Pitched from 1973-1987 for several teams. He was used as relief and was elected to the All Star team in 1977. Won 17 games in 1976 which is an AL relief record. Was sent c/o his home on July 8th.
Lifetime W83-L68 3.55 ERA.
CHUCK RAINEY Pitched from 1979-1984 for the Red Sox, Cubs, and A's. Was sent c/o his home on July 9th.
Lifetime W43-L35 4.50 ERA.
JULY 13 VON HAYES Was elected to the 1989 All-Star team and was the 1st player to hit two home runs in the first inning in MLB history. Was sent c/o home on May 5th.
Lifetime .267 143 HRs 696 RBIs.
DAVE BEARD Pitched from 1980-1989. Mainly used as middle relief and set up man. Was sent c/o home on July 3rd.
Lifetime W19-L20 4.70 ERA.
JULY 12 ROB DIBBLE Pitched from 1988-95. Former nasty boy for the Reds that was elected to the All-Star team in 1990 and 1991. Now a regular on ESPN. Was sent c/o ESPN on June 12th.
Lifetime
W27-L25 89 Saves 2.98 ERA.
NED YOST Caught behind the plate from 1980-1985 for the Brewers, Rangers, and Expos. Having a decent year as the Brew Crews' skipper. Was sent c/o Brewers last week on July 5th.
Lifetime .212 16 HRs 64 RBIs, W68-L94 .420% as a manager, does not include 2004.
JIM GOTT Pitched from 1982-1995. Struggled with injuries thru his career. An interesting note: He was Dennis Quaid's pitching coach who played Jim Morris in "The Rookie". Was sent c/o his home on July 1st.
Lifetime
W56-L74 3.87 ERA.
JULY 9 SCOTT SANDERSON
Pitched from 1978-1996 for several teams. Was elected to the All-Star team in 1991. Was an above average pitcher with good control. Was sent c/o home on June 9th.
Lifetime
W163-L143 3.84 ERA.
JULY 8 WAYNE KRENCHICKI Played from 1979-1986 for several teams. Mainly used as a defensive player. Was sent c/o Camden Riversharks on June 9th.
Lifetime
.266 15 HRs 124 RBIs.
JULY 7 KEVIN HICKEY Played from 1981-1991 for the White Sox and Orioles. A pitcher that was signed out of a public tryout by the White Sox. Mainly used as a middle reliever. Was sent c/o home on June 18th.
Lifetime W9-L14 3.91 ERA.
Added two new links called Nick's Autographs Through the Mail and
Matt's Baseball Autographs .
JULY 3 DOUG DeCINCES Played from 1973-1987 and was elected to the All-Star team in 1983. He is one of only a few players ever to hit three home runs in a game twice in the same season. Was sent c/o home on June 11th.
Lifetime .259 237 HRs 879 RBIs.
MIKE VAIL Played from 1975-1984 and used as a backup. Was sent c/o home on June 13th.
Lifetime .279 34 HRs 219 RBIs.
JULY 1 DAVE STEGMAN Played only in 172 games from 1978-1984 but it helps me to fill the 1984 Topps set. Was sent c/o home on June 24th.
Lifetime .206 8 HRs 32 RBIs.
SUCCESS DAYS IN JUNE
JUNE 30 Added two new links called Autographs Through the Mail and
Kev's Graph World .
JUNE 29 TOM FOLEY Played from 1983-1995 as a back up for the Reds, Phillies, Expos, and Pirates. Was sent c/o home on June 16th.
Lifetime .244 32 HRs 263 RBIs.
TERRY FRANCONA Played from 1981-1990 and is the son of Tito Francona that played in the '50s and '60s. Was the manager for the Phillies in 1997-2000 and now is with Boston. Was sent c/o Boston on June 12th.
Lifetime .274 16 HRs 143 RBIs. W285-L363 .440% as a manager.
JUNE 26 GARY MATTHEWS Played from 1972-1987. He won the Rookie of the Year Award in 1973 and was elected to the All-Star team in 1979. He could knock the cover off the ball. Could be a ghostsigner. Was sent c/o Cubs on June 9th.
Lifetime .281 234 HRs 978 RBIs.
MATT YOUNG Pitched from 1983-1987 and 1989-1993 for several teams. He made the 1983 All-Star team. Was sent c/o home on June 11th.
Lifetime W55-L85 4.40 ERA.
JUNE 25 RICHARD DOTSON Pitched from 1979-1990 for the White Sox, Yankees, and the Royals. He made the All Star team in 1984 and his best year was 1983 when he went 22-7. Was sent c/o home on March 27th.
Lifetime W111-L113 4.23ERA.
JUNE 23 JOHN CURTIS Pitched from 1970-1984 for several teams. He was the first U.S. pitcher to defeat Cuba in the Pan American games. His best season was in 1973 when he won 13 games. Was sent c/o June 11th.
Lifetime W89-L97 3.96ERA.
JUNE 21 JOHN TUDOR Pitched from 1979-90 Red Sox, Pirates, Cardinals, and Dodgers. His best year was 1985 when he was 21-8 with a 1.93 ERA and led the National League with ten shutouts. Finished 2nd in the Cy Young Award behind Dwight Gooden. Was sent c/o June 9th.
Lifetime W117-L72 3.12ERA.
TERRY PUHL Played from 1977-1991 for the Astros and Royals. He was elected to the All-Star team in 1978. Was sent c/o June 10th.
Lifetime .280 62 HRs 435 RBIs.
JUNE 18 JIM BIBBY A decent pitcher that at times was overpowering. He spent two years in Viet Nam after he was drafted. On July 30, 1973 he no hit the A's. An All-Star in 1980 when he posted a 19-6 record. Was sent c/o home on June 9th.
Lifetime W111-L101 3.76 ERA
DERREL THOMAS Played from 1971-1985 for a lot of teams and he played every position except pitcher in his career. Was sent c/o home on June 9th.
Lifetime .249 43 HRs 370 RBIs.
JUNE 17 KEN SINGLETON Played from 1970-1984 and was an All-Star in 1977, 1979, and 1981. He could smash the ball and along with Singleton, Mickey Mantle, and Howard Johnson are the only players in major league history to have switch-hit 35 or more HR in a season. Was sent c/o home on June 9th.
Lifetime .282 246 HRs 1065 RBIs.
TOM UNDERWOOD Pitched from 1974-1984 and was a decent pitcher. Was sent c/o home on June 10th.
Lifetime W86-L87 3.89 ERA.
MIKE SQUIRES Played from 1975-1985 for the White Sox. He won a Gold Glove in 1981 and was one of the few left handed players to play third and caught a few games behind the plateWas sent c/o home on June 10th.
Lifetime .260 6 HRs 141 RBIs.
JUNE 14 MIKE PROLY Pitched from 1976-1983 for several teams during his career. Not a terrible pitcher but was not used much. Was sent c/o home on June 2nd.
Lifetime W22-L29 3.23 ERA.
CHUCK PORTER Pitched from 1981-1985 for the Brewers. He was the losing pitcher during the longest game in major-league history on May 8, 1984. It lasted 25 innings. Was sent c/o home on June 2nd also.
Lifetime W13-L13 4.15 ERA.
JUNE 5 DON MONEY Played from 1968-1983 and was elected to the All Star team in 1974, 1976-1978. He was hit the 1st homerun in Veterans Stadium. Was sent c/o home on April 3rd.
Lifetime .261 176 HRs 729 RBIs.
JUNE 2 EARL WEAVER Hall of Fame manager that was with the Baltimore Orioles from 1968-1982 and 1985-1986. He knew the game and knew how to argue with the umps. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1996. Was sent c/o home on Feb. 16th with a donation.
W1480-L1060 .583%.
SUCCESS DAYS IN MAY
MAY 29 TIM SALMON He has been busying signing his requests since he has been on the DL as reported by many collectors. He is only 35 and has 290 career home runs. My request was sent c/o spring training on Feb 24th. That makes two successes from spring training this week and I usually get more even after the post season.
GARRY HANCOCK Played only 273 games from 1978-1984 for Boston and Oakland. The reason I wrote to him was he pitched 1 1/3 innings of no hit and no walks in 1984 in a blow out game.
Lifetime .247 12 HRs 64 RBIs.
MAY 28 KEN HARVEY Having a wonderful season so far, batting .340. He signed my card and sent one of his own. It was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 24th.
MAY 27 OZZIE SMITH The best defensive shortstop of the 1980s and most likely the best ever. "Wizard of Oz" dominated baseball with his breathtaking, and often game-saving, defensive play. An All-Star in 1981-92 and 1994-96. A Gold Glove Award winner from 1980-92 and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2002. Was sent c/o Hall of Fame on May 4th.
MAY 25 ART HOWE Played as a backup and a regular for a short time from 1974-1985. He has always been a great signer and an above manager. Was sent c/o NY Mets on May 17th.
Lifetime .260 43 HRs 293 RBIs, W1058-L1046 .503% as a manager. DOES NOT INCLUDE 2004.
MAY 22 DAVE ANDERSON Played from 1983-1992 for the Dodgers and Giants. Was used as an utility man in his career. Was sent c/o his home on May 12th.
Lifetime .242 19 HRs 143 RBIs.
CHRIS CHAMBLISS Played from 1971-1988 and I have many memories of him playing for the Braves. He won the 1971 Rookie of the Year Award, elected to the All-Star in 1976, and won a Gold Glove in 1978. Was sent c/o Cincinnati Reds where he is a coach on May 14th.
Lifetime .279 185 HRs 972 RBIs.
MAY 18 AL KALINE Beautiful signature from the youngest player to win a batting title. Also the 1st player to win Gold Gloves at 2 postions. Was sent c/o Tigers on May 8th. 18-time All-Star, 3,007 hits.
Lifetime .247 349 HRs 1583 RBIs.
JOHNNY RAY Played from 1981-1990 for the Pirates and Angels. An All-Star in 1988 that signed my card that was already signed by Vance Law. Was sent c/o home on May 12th.
Lifetime .290 53 HRs 594 RBIs. .
MAY 15 DAVE HENDERSON Played from 1981-1994 and another guy that hit for power and not average. He had a good career and was elected to the 1991 All-Star team. Was sent c/o his home on May 2nd.
Lifetime .258 197 HRs 708 RBIs.
MAY 13 TONY LaRUSSA One of the most respected managers in the game. He has won over 2,000 games with many years to come. He signed my baseball but did not include "MOY with the years" as requested. It was sent c/o St. Louis on May 5th.
Lifetime W2009-L1789 .529% as a manager.
RON KITTLE Played from 1982-1991 and could knock the cover off when he did not strike out. He was elected to the All-Star team and also won the AL Rookie of the Year award in 1983. It was sent c/o home on May 3rd.
Lifetime .239 176 HRs 460 RBIs.
MAY 8 BURT HOOTEN Played from 1971-1985. In his fourth major league start, he threw a no hitter against the Phillies. Was a member of the 1981 All-Star team. Was sent c/o home on April 20th.
Lifetime W151-L136 3.38 ERA.
GOOSE GOSSAGE A great relief pitcher and maybe a future HOFer, which I think is past due. Was elected 9 times to the All-Star team. Was sent c/o home on April 22nd.
Lifetime W124-L107.
MAY 7 FAILURE JOHN BURKETT I used the Southlake addy that was mailed on April 2nd and was RTS "does not live here". Took them longer than a month to figure that one. I have seen successes with that address. If you know one that works, please let me know.
MAY 3 JOHN McNAMARA Manager from 1969-1988 for different teams and did well. He has one of the smallest autos I have seen in a while. Was sent c/o home on April 4th.
Lifetime W1048-L1078 .493% as a manager.
HAL MORRIS Not a household name but he was always one of my favorites. He would always bat .300+ and give it all. Played from 1988-2000 for the Reds and Yanks. Was sent c/o home on April 11th.
SUCCESS DAYS IN APRIL
APRIL 29 JOSH FOGG Whew, a success. Fogg is having a horrible season with an 0-3 record with a whopping 10+ ERA. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 24th.
APRIL 24 WHITEY FORD Played his entire career with the Yankees in the 1950's-60's. The "The Chairman of the Board" had an outstanding career and was an 8 time All-Star. He always posted low ERAs and in his 16 seasons he was under a 3.00 ERA 11 times and his highest ERA was 3.24. He won the 1961 Cy Young when he went 25-4 and was elected to the Hall Of Fame in 1974. Was sent c/o home on Feb. 23rd with a donation. He sent a note saying in the future, refer to his website for information requesting his autograph.
Lifetime W236-L106 2.75 ERA.
MIKE GALLO Rookie only pitched 30 innings in 2003 with a 3.00 ERA as a middle man. So far this season he only has pitched 3 scoreless innings. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 27th.
APRIL 22 JESSE FOPPERT The 23 year old is on the DL and was 8-9 last year. Was sent c/o the Giants spring training on Feb. 24th.
APRIL 21 ROB DIBBLE Pitched from 1988-95. Former nasty boy for the Reds that was elected to the All-Star team in 1990-91. Was sent c/o ESPN on April 12th.
Lifetime W27-L25 89 Saves 2.98 ERA.
APRIL 17 SIBBY SISTI Played from 1939-1942, 1946-1954 for the Braves. He served in the service from '42-45. He had a small role as a coach in the movie The Natural starring Robert Redford. He included a price list with 6 different 8x10's for $5 or any 3 for $13. Was sent c/o home on April 1st.
Lifetime .244 27 HRs 260 RBIs.
APRIL 15 JOHNNY LOGAN Played from 1951-1963 for the Braves and Pirates. He was elected to the All-Star team in 1955, 1957-1959. Was sent c/o his home on April 1st.
Lifetime .268 93 HRs 547 RBIs.
APRIL 13 FAILURE JIM PERRY I sent him a baseball at the end of March and on Saturday (4 days ago) I recieved a note from him which was postmarked April 7th. In the note he asked for a small donation for signing the ball and said that if he did not hear from me and two weeks he would send ball back unsigned. Today, I recieved my baseball back unsigned which was postmarked 2 days later on April 9th. Scratched my head a while on this one. My donation was written this morning. A 1st for me.
APRIL 12 MICKEY MICELOTTA Only had a cup of coffee in the majors. Thinked he only played 3 or 4 games. Was sent c/o home on March 30th.
BILL RUSSELL Played every season with the Dodgers from 1969-1986 and was their manager from 1996-1998. Was an All-Star in 1973, 1976, and 1980. Was sent c/o home on April 2nd.
Lifetime .263 46 HRs 627 RBIs, W173-L149 .537% as a manager.
APRIL 8 LUIS RIVAS Excellent on defense but needs to be better at the plate. He is only 23 so there is time for improvement. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 21st.
HANK BAUER Former 3 time All-Star for the '48-'61 A's and Yankees. Former manager in 60's. Was sent c/o his home on March 29th.
Lifetime W594-L534 .527% as a manager.
BILL ALMON Played from 1974-88. He was the starting shortstop for San Diego in 1977, but someone called Ozzie Smith came along in 1978 and Almon was sent to the bench. He led all shortstops in batting in the AL with .301 in 1981. Was sent c/o his home on March 29th.
Lifetime .254 36 HRs 296 RBIs.
APRIL 7 JOE ALTOBELLI '78 NL Manager of the Year and '83 AL Manager of the Year as he lead thoe O's to the World Championship. He signed c/o home on March 30th.
Lifetime W 439-L 406 .520%as a manager.
RON CEY 1974, 79 All-Star signed c/o home on March 30th.
Lifetime .261 316 HRs 1134 RBIs. .
APRIL 5 BOBBY CROSBY Named Pacific Coast League Rookie of the Year and he should see a lot of playing time this saeson. Just turned 24 and could be a difference maker. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 21st.
APRIL 3. Been enjoying the last few days out of town. This is what I got when I returned. I have a ton of e-mail and will get to ya as soon as possible. Also want to say "Thank You" for visiting this site. The site got over 5,000 hits on the main page in Feb.
JEFF WEAVER Did not have much luck with the Yankees. Hope he does better with the Dodgers. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 21st.
CURT SCHILLING One of my favorite pitchers and with his new team, should do well. He signed my baseball and card that was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 25th.
BRAD LIDGE He will be the set up man for the Astros and might get the closer role if Dotel fails. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 23rd.
JIMY WILLIAMS If he don't win with Clemens and Pettitte he will be in the unemployment line this fall. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 21st.
KEVIN YOUKILIS One of the top prospects for the Red Sox. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 21st.
SUCCESS DAYS IN MARCH
MARCH 27. J. W. PORTER Played from 1952, 1955-1959 and used as a utility player and did not see much action. He always includes a note as he did with my request. Wrote about today's players and past times. Was sent c/o home on March 11th.
Lifetime .228 8 HRs 62 RBIs.
FRANK DiPINO Played from 1981-1993 for several teams. Used as a middle reliever. Was sent c/o home on Feb. 25th.
Lifetime W35-L38 3.83 ERA.
Added a new link called Kevin's Autos by Mail
MARCH 26. FRANK HOUSE Played catcher from 1950-1951, 1954-1961 for the Tigers and A's. Was sent c/o home on March 18th.
Lifetime .248 47 HRs 235 RBIs.
MARCH 23. JOE ASTROTH Played from 1945-46, 49-56 for the A's. Was usually a backup in his career. Was sent c/o home on March 13th.
Lifetime .254 13 HRs 156 RBIs.
MARCH 20. RALPH HOUK He was Yogi Berra's back-up from 1947-54. Later he replaced Casey Stengel as Yankee manager in 1961, winning World Championships his first two seasons and adding a pennant in 1963. He signed my baseball "won 1619 games" as requested. Was sent home on March 4th.
Lifetime W1619-L1531 .514% as a manager.
MARCH 17. PHIL GARNER Played from 1973-1988 and was a three time All-Star. Managed the Brewers and Tigers from 1992-2002. Was sent on March 2nd c/o home.
Lifetime .260 109 HRs 738 RBIs, W708-L802 .469% as a manager.
JAY GIBBONS Was voted the team's MVP in 2003. Had 100 RBIs last season and has averaged 25 homers last two. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
MARCH 16. SCOTT PODSEDNIK Batted .314 in 154 games as a rookie last season. Finshed 2nd in steals in the NL with 43. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
MARCH 15. JOE NIEKRO Younger brother of Hall of Famer Phil Niekro that pitched from 1967-1988. He hit one home run in his career, off brother Phil. All-Star in 1979. Was sent c/o home on March 3rd.
Lifetime W221-L204 3.59 ERA.
GARRET ANDERSON Anaheim’s all-time hits leader. One of the finest players in the game. Should add to his numbers with Vladimir in the line up. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
MARCH 12. DAN HAREN Only 23 and showed some promise in '03 but needs to improve from 3-7. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
MARK BUEHRLE He has 53 wins under his belt and he is only 24! Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
MARCH 11. MARK PRIOR If injuries do not come to Prior, he is the closest thing to be the best pitcher in the game for years to come. He will replace Pedro and Randy. A Cy Young candidate. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
TONY BATISTA He is 2nd in total HRs last four years from all 3rd basemen. Really can't make out the auto. If you know, please email me. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
MARCH 10. DAVEY LOPES Former 2nd baseman of A's and Dodgers. A 3-time All Star from 1978-1981 and winner of the Gold Glove in 1978. Was sent c/o spring training on March 1st.
Lifetime .263 155 HRs 614 RBIs.
MARCH 9. TITO FRANCONA Played from 1956-1970 and father of Terry Francona. His best two seasons were 1959 when he had a .363 average and led the AL with 36 doubles in 1960. Was sent c/o home on March 1st. He included the postcard.
Lifetime .272 125 HRs 656 RBIs.
MARCH 8. BRADEN LOOPER One of the better closers in the game. Should do well with his new team, the Mets. Ugly auto. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
AARON GUIEL Hit 15 dingers in less than 100 games in 2003. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
TIM WAKEFIELD Has won 116 games in his career. Number 3 man in rotation under Martinez and newcomer Schilling. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
MARCH 6. FRANK ROBINSON My biggest surprise so far from spring traing. A 11 time All-Star and two time winner of the MVP award in 1961 and 1966. He was 1956 ROY for my Cincinnati Redlegs and was traded in Dec. 1965 to Baltimore and one of the worst trades in the Reds’ history. A member of the 500 Homerun Club and elected to the Hall Of Fame in 1982. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
Lifetime .294 586 HRs 1812 RBIs as a player, W846-L909 .482% as a manager.
JASON JENNINGS Had a disappointing sophmore season after winning the Rookie of Year Award in 2002, still won 12 games. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
MARCH 5. KERRY WOOD Another one of my favorite young pitchers. He struck out 20 in 9 innings in 1998 and won the Rookie of the Year. Struck out 266 last season. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
BRANDON PHILLIPS Needs to improve his skills at AAA before the final call up. Only 22 years old. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
AARON HARANG Hopefully will help the Reds in the rotation. Showed some promise last season. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
JOEL PINEIRO Has 30 wins last two years. This is a 20 game winner in the future. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
FRANKLIN GUTIERREZ Dodgers have moved him up quick in the farm system. Youngest non-pitcher on the roster at the age of 21. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
BERNIE CASTRO Batted .309 at Triple A in 2003. Won top base stealer in the Southern League. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
JOSE VALENTIN Has averaged 26 homers the last 4 seasons but average has consistently dropped. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
CARLOS TOSCA Won 86 games last season. Should do well this year. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th..
Lifetime W144-L127 .511% as a manager.
MARCH 4. LARRY BOWA Former 5 time All-Star. Heat could be on early if the Phillies don't win. Has more wins than any other Philadelphia manager since 1917. Was sent c/o spring training on Feb. 20th.
Lifetime .260 99 HRs 525 RBIs as a player, W333-L360 .481% as a manager.
JOE TORRE Joe finished second (behind Billy Williams) in 1961 NL Rookie of the Year voting. He was a 8-Time All-Star and won the 1971 Most Valuable Player Award. Manager of the Year in 1982, 98 . Sent care of spring training on Feb 21st. I sent a card also which I received on March 1st.
Lifetime .297 252 HRs 1185 RBIs as a player, W1680-L1509 .527% as a manager.
MARCH 3. TOM BRUNANSKY Played from 1981-1994. He had some great years and popular with the fans in Minnesota. He made the All-Star team in 1985. This one has been gone since summer of 2003 and others have reported successes this week with around the same wait time.
Lifetime .245 271 HRs 919 RBIs.
MARCH 2. BRAD AUSMUS Not a big threat on offense but a better than average catcher. Winner of two Gold Gloves. Was sent on Feb. 20th. Spring training success.
MARCH 1. CRAIG WILSON This infielder posted 18 homeruns last season but I expect much more output this season. Was sent on Feb. 20th. Spring training success.
JOE TORRE Joe finished second (behind Billy Williams) in 1961 NL Rookie of the Year voting. He was a 8-Time All-Star and won the 1971 Most Valuable Player Award. Manager of the Year in 1982, 98 . Sent care of spring training on Feb 20th. I also sent him a ball which I look forward to.
Lifetime .297 252 HRs 1185 RBIs as a player, W1680-L1509 .527% as a manager.
SUCCESS DAYS IN FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY 29. Another year has flown by, and today is my 2nd year anniversary of my site. With the 3 years at Expage (1999-2002) and the last two at Angelfire, I have had a great time doing the site, learning more about the game and players, and making new friends. My site has had over 91,000 hits the last two years, which makes me feel honored. It has been a fun and wonderful experience to be a part of this hobby. Many of you visit my site, and I talk to a lot of you through email. You are my inspiration and motivation to write more players and to become more knowledgeable of the players and of the game. Thank you for visiting, emailing, and supporting the site and myself.
FEBRUARY 28. CHUCK HARMON Played from 1954-1957 for the Reds, Cardinals, and Phillies. He was the first African-American to play for my Cincinnati Reds. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 24th.
Lifetime .238 7 HRs 59 RBIs.
FEBRUARY 27. KEVIN MENCH He batted .320 in 125 at bats with Texas last season. If he stays healthy, this 26 year old will be productive. Broken wrist put him out last season and has a tough battle with David Dellucci to win the left field job. My first spring training success that was sent c/o Texas on Feb. 20th.
FEBRUARY 25. RAY BOONE Played from 1948-1960. He is the father of Bob Boone and grandfather of Bret Boone and Aaron Boone. A rare three generations of baseball players. He was elected to the All-Star team in 1954 and 1956. Was sent c/o his home on Feb. 9th.
Lifetime .275 151 HRS 737 RBIs.
FEBRUARY 23. BOB OLDIS Played only parts of seasons from 1953-1963. Had less than 300 at bats during that time span. Was sent c/o his home on Feb. 2nd.
Lifetime .237 1 HR 22 RBIs.
VANCE LAW Former player that is the son of Vern Law. Was elected to the All-Star team in 1988. An odd fact, he was used as a relief pitcher six times in his career. Was sent c/o his home on Jan 11th. 2nd.
Lifetime .257 71 HRs 433 RBIs.
FEBRUARY 21. ANDRE THORNTON Another guy that could put the ball into orbit. A 2 time All-Star in 1982 and 1984 that had many injuries that held him back. Was sent c/o his home on Feb. 11th.
Lifetime .254 253 HRs 895 RBIs.
HERB SCORE Played from 1955-1962 for the Indians and White Sox. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 1955 and an All-Star in 1955 and 1956. He was never the same after he got hit in the eye by a line drive by Gil McDougald in 1957. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 16th.
Lifetime W55-L46 3.36 ERA.
FEBRUARY 19. DAN SPILLNER Played from 1974-1985. Used mainly in the bullpen. Was sent on Feb. 7th c/o his home.
Lifetime W75-L89 4.21 ERA.
FEBRUARY 17. MEL PARNELL Played from 1947-1956 for the Red Sox. Was elected to the All-Star team in 1949 and 1951. Pitched a no-hitter against the White Sox in 1956. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 21st.
Lifetime W123-L75 3.50 ERA.
FEBRUARY 14. BOBBY DOERR Former Red Sox that was a 9 time All-Star in a 10 year span. Had AL record 414 consecutive chances without an error. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1986 which he added as requested. Was sent c/o his home on Feb. 5th.
Lifetime .288 223 HRs 1247 RBIs.
CHARLIE HOUGH Not a HOFer but, an excellent pitcher with a heck of a knuckler. 1986 All-Star. Was sent c/o his home on Feb. 9th.
Lifetime W174-L157.
FEBRUARY 12. BOB LILLIS He was the manager for the 1982-1985 Astros. Was sent c/o his home on Feb. 6th.
Lifetime W276-L261 .514% as a manager.
DON LUND Played in the outfield in 1945, 47-49, 52-54 for the Dodgers, Browns, and Tigers. Was sent c/o his home on Feb. 6th.
Lifetime .240 15 HRs 86 RBIs.
FEBRUARY 9. STEVE ROGERS Played from 1973-1985. A five time All Star and the winningest pitcher in Expos history. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 21st.
Lifetime W158-L152 3.17 ERA.
MIKE BLYZKA Played in only 2 seasons from 1953-1954 for the Browns. Was sent c/o home on Jan. 28th.
Lifetime W3-L11 5.58 ERA.
FEBRUARY 8... Added two new links called MG's Autos by Mail and Apsigs .
FEBRUARY 7. DON MONEY Played from 1968-1983 and was elected to the All Star team in 1974, 1976-1978. He was hit the 1st homerun in Veterans Stadium. Was sent a while ago cause it had a $.34 stamp which he added a $.03 stamp.
Lifetime .261 176 HRs 729 RBIs.
SID HUDSON His best major league mark was 17-16 as a rookie in 1940. At age 39, he became a longtime pitching coach, instructor, and scout. 1941, 42 All-Star. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 21st.
Lifetime W104-L152 4.28 ERA.
FEBRUARY 6. MERV RETTENMUND Played from 1968-1980. Was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys but chose to play baseball. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 22nd.
Lifetime .271 66 HRs 329 RBIs.
DAVE LaROCHE Played from 1970-1983. He was elected to the All-Star team in 1976 and 1977. 1978 was his best season when he saved 25 while going 10-9 with a 2.81 ERA for the Angels. He saved 126 games lifetime. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 31st.
Lifetime W65-L58 3.53 ERA.
MORRIE MARTIN Played from 1949 and 1951-1959. He started with a bright future in the Majors but was wounded as a combat engineer in WWII. With other injuries, he never played 100%. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 26st.
Lifetime W38-L34 4.29 ERA.
COREY PATTERSON One of the Cubs' young guys that really has not played to the hype as Wood or Prior. Capable of monster numbers! This was sent c/o 2003 spring training. Many others have reported Patterson's claning off his desk before training.
FEBRUARY 4. ERNIE HARWELL Long time voice of the Tigers that was once hired by Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1981 which he added to my baseball as requested. Was sent c/o his home on Jan 20th.
FEBRUARY 4. BURT HOOTEN Played from 1971-1985. In his fourth major league start, he threw a no hitter against the Phillies. Was a member of the 1981 All-Star team. Was sent on Nov 16th.
Lifetime W151-L136 3.38 ERA.
FEBRUARY 2. STEVE KEMP Played from 1977-1988 for several teams. He made the All-Star team in 1979. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 26th.
Lifetime .278 130 HRs 634 RBIs.
DON ZIMMER Played from 1954-1965 and made the All-Star team in 1961. He was the manager for the Red Sox, Rangers, and the Cubs. The last few years he has been sitting beside Torre as the Yankee's bench coach. I still have have the image of him being thrown to the ground by Pedro in the 2003 playoffs. He signed my card which I asked him to keep and my baseball with "won 790 games" as requested. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 22nd.
Lifetime .235 91 Hrs 352RBIs as a player, W790-L754 .512% as a manager.
SUCCESS DAYS IN JANUARY
JANUARY 31. LOU PINIELLA Sweet Lou was an All-Star in 1972 and won the 1969 Rookie of the Year. He played from 1964-1984 and has managed since 1986. One of my favorite managers and I wished he was still in Cincy. Was sent c/o home on Jan. 20th.
Lifetime .291 102 HRs 766 RBIs as a player, W1382-L1234 .528% as a manager.
BILLY TAYLOR Played as a reserve from 1954-1958 for the New York Giants and Detroit. Was sent c/o home on Jan. 23rd.
Lifetime .237 7 HRs 26 RBIs.
JANUARY 29. JOHN WOODEN One of the best coaches (if not the best) in any sport. Helped UCLA to win 10 NCAA Championships. I only collect baseball autographs but I had to add him to my collection. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 20th.
JANUARY 28. BILL CONSOLO Played from 1953-1962 for the Red Sox and the Senators. Used as a reserve and pinch runner. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 21st.
Lifetime .221 9 HRs 83 RBIs.
JANUARY 27. NED GARVER Pitched from 1948-1961. Made the All-Star team in 1951 when he won 20 games in a season for the Browns which lost 100 when he went 20-12. The rest of the pitching staff won only 32. Was sent on Jan. 12th.
Lifetime W129-L157 3.73 ERA.
GENE CONLEY A three time All-Star in 1954,55, and 1959. An interesting note: He played basketball for the Boston Celtics in the off season. Was sent to his home on Jan. 7th.
Lifetime W91-L96 3.82 ERA.
JANUARY 26. JOE NUXHALL REDS broadcaster and played in the big show when he was 15 and went back to high school after 1 season. Returned to the majors later. All-Star in 1955, 56. Was sent to his home on Jan. 5th.
Lifetime W135-L117.
JANUARY 24. BEN McDONALD Pitched from 1989-1997 for the Orioles amd Brewers. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 11th.
Lifetime W78-L70 3.91 ERA.
BOB ROSS Pitched two years in the Army and pitched in the majors 1950, 51, & 1956. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 11th.
Lifetime W0-L2 7.17 ERA.
JANUARY 22. TONY BARTIROME Only played in 1952 season with the Pirates. Served in the service, then played in the minors. Returned in 1986 with Atlanta as a coach. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 9th.
Lifetime .220 0 HRs 16 RBIs.
JANUARY 20. HAROLD BAINES One of my favorite players that I enjoyed watching play. He was a 6 time All-Star and drove in more runs as a designated hitter than anyone in American League history. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 12th.
Lifetime .289 384 HRs 1628 RBIs.
SID HUDSON His best major league mark was 17-16 as a rookie in 1940. At age 39, he became a longtime pitching coach, instructor, and scout. 1941, 42 All-Star. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 12th also.
JANUARY 15. TOMMY BYRNE Pitched from 1943-1957. Sometimes used as a pinch hitter and he had 18 homers in his career. Was sent c/o his home on Jan 3rd.
Lifetime W85-L69 4.11 ERA.
HAL BROWN Pitched from 1951-1964. His best pitch was the knuckleball which he could pinpoint. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 2nd.
Lifetime W85-L62 3.81 ERA.
EDDIE PELLAGRINI Played from 1946-1954. One of the 50 or so players to knock a homer in his first at bat. Was sent c/o his home on Jan. 2nd.
Lifetime .226 20 HRs 133 RBIs .
JANUARY 10. SHAWON DUNSTON The first pick in 1982’s draft by the Cubs. 1988, 90 All-Star. Has played with 6 different teams and currently with the Giants. Sent to his home on Dec. 18th.
BILL MATLOCK Russ, A fellow collector sent me a 8/10 of Matlock. Very nice piece and a thank you to Russ.
JANUARY 7. ED BAILEY 5 time All-Star that played for many teams from 1953-1966. Was sent to his home on Jan 2nd. This is my first success that has been sent in 2004.
Lifetime .256 155 Hrs 540 RBIs.
JANUARY 5. STEVE KLINE Played 1970-1974 and the 1977 season with the Yankees, Indians, and the Braves. Had a wonderful start going 16-9 with a 2.40 ERA for New York in 1972. Injuries cut his career short. Was sent to his home on Nov. 18th.
Lifetime W43-L45 3.27 ERA.
TERRY LaBONTE Only NASCAR cards that I have ever sent and did for a friend. Was sent to his club in October of 2002. If you are interested in one of the cards, e-mail me.
JANUARY 3. JACK DITTMER Played 1952-1957 for the Braves and Tigers. Used as a backup. Signed my 53 Topps Archives c/o his home on Dec. 7th.
Lifetime .232 24 HRs 136 RBIs.
Email: baseball_autographs@hotmail.com
