Baseball Cards

Brittle sticks of bubble gum & virgin in the same sentence? Dude, you are FUH-knee!!!!!!

Well, actually, it was two sentences, but thanks. :-)

A copy of the Mark McGwire card recently sold for a ******** $3 on ebay, not that you'd ever want to sell it.

Whenever we're watching the game and the announcers have one of those obscure Aflac trivia questions like, "who was the last left-handed pitcher under 30 to give up less than three runs on an odd-numbered day in July during a double-header versus the Milwaukee Brewers?", I always remark to Kip, "these are stupid! Who the **** KNOWS that?".

I forget - ZACK probably knows it.

I love that you got two O's in the "good card" group. (Not to mention the Mickey Tettleton trivia). What's this, you get to one game at Camden and suddenly you can't stop? Welcome aboard!

CHUCKSTER-
I probably already have 10 to 15 of those McGwire cards from my REAL collecting days, so I wouldn't refuse to part with this one...but what would be the point of selling it? I guess I'm just not that desperate for three bucks.

JESS-

I assume you're talking about a starting pitcher? And did he have to win the game? Last year, on July 25, Michael Gosling (a 24-year-old southpaw on the Diamondbacks) limited Milwaukee to two runs in six innings, but he took a no-decision...and anyway, it wasn't a doubleheader, so you stumped me.

S. HEFF-

It's no secret that Cal Ripken, Jr. has always been my favorite player, so naturally, I had to include him in the top group. As for Schilling...he did a really nice thing for me a few years ago, and I've loved him ever since, and when I saw him on that card, looking all skinny and goofy, I knew I had to include it.

Zack I already got 3 Yankees,1 cardinal and a HOF already commited to the ``Thing`` That I emailed you about

JEE-zus. I'd love to know some names, but if you can't reveal that info yet, I understand.

How about telling me about the "thing"

You will find out soon enough!!!!

Ohhh, the suspense!

An umpire has joined fources with the ``Thing``

Just got back from the Yankee game. Shortened game, but I caught 6, that's right, 6 balls. My new record. Also got autographs of Esteban Loaiza, Kirk Saarloos, Frank Thomas, and Milton Bradley. Good night, except for the game itself.

ALBERT-
Very impressive. Hopefully, it's not Frank Pulli.

CHUCKSTER-

That's a-MAZ-ing. Seriously, how the heII did you get that many balls? Left field? Right field? Thrown? Hit? Glove trick? And how/where did you get Frank Thomas?!

This was one of those days where everything went my way. I was the 1st person through the left field gate, and right as I ran into the stands, a ball came towards left field. Melky Cabrera fielded it, and I was the only person around, so he tossed it to me. A couple of minutes later Scott Proctor got a ball and tossed it to me. A little while later, probably around 5:15, I saw the A's in front of their dugout, so I went to the corner spot, and pulled the netting over me. Melky Cabrera (My new favorite player, along with Proctor who signed an autograph for me at Shea) tossed a ball towards some kids near me as he ran into the infield. It one hopped right to me. Later, an the on field security guard said there was a ball rolling in the section. It was hit, but I have no idea where it came from. I saw it about 2 rows behind me, dove over a seat and grabbed it. After the A's came out and finished throwing Kirk Saarloos threw me a ball. I then got Saarloos and Loaiza to sign cards. I went out to the start of the plexiglass, where Saarloos was randomly throwing balls up. Thanks to my height (6ft.3) I was able to grab one, my 6th. I got Thomas and Bradley to sign autographs during pregame stretching just beyond the infield. What a day, and it all happened in left field. I also got a Bernie Williams statue even though I'm only 16. Just bummed that they started playing again after my dad made the family leave during the rain delay. Thanks for offer the place for fellow snaggers to congregate Zack.

Z,

I must admit, I have lots of those late 80's early 90's cards. Too bad they made so many of them, they're really not that valuable. But, they're GREAT for getting autographed through the mail. That's another hobby of mine, I collect autographed cards through the mail (and at games).

CHUCKSTER-
You make it sound so easy. I didn't know you had such a height advantage. I've often wondered if height would help or hurt. On one hand, a tall person can outreach other fans, but he won't get nearly as many balls thrown to him because there's no way he can pass as a kid. Congrats again on a truly great day, and thanks for sharing all the details. I think it's fun that this blog's comment section has turned into a message board of sorts for ball-snaggers.

ROSENDA-

How many autographed cards do you have? For about two years, I used to mail stuff to players, but I gave up on it long ago.

Don't give up Zack, I just got a signed card back from Tad Iguchi

Just got home from RFK... and what a game it was! hour and a half rain delay to start and then the game goes 12 innings!

the post will be up tomorrow

http://twinslove.mlblogs.com

Actually, I got my post up tonight. Check it out... different style this time. I think you did this once already, Zack. Forgive me.

http://twinslove.mlblogs.com

CHUCKSTER-
It's not that I wasn't succeeding; it was just a matter of free time/desire.

NICK-

You're forgiven because you continue to be THE MAN.

So you can mail cards and other items to players and they will send them back to you signed?

Not 100% of the time, but yes, it's been known to happen. I'll let someone else with more mailing experience give you all the details.

cards brewers tonight...im hoping for a jim edmonds autograph..because he signs alot. and 1 ball from an ump with my umpire strategy..hopefully a brewer win..i'll let everyone know how i did around midnight..wish me luck

Jays and Tigers tomorrow

Hoping for at least 1 ball and autos from Pudge Rodriguez and Kenny Rogers.

Hi Zack-

I hope you remember me. Although I don't comment as much as I did before, I still read EVERY entry. Anyways, I heading to Texas on Thursday and I'm seeing three or four games, against the Chi. White Sox and the Arizona Diamondbacks. I'm going with a friend of mine whose uncle works in a high position for the Texas Rangers. That means that we'll be able to go on the field and do some special things.

I was wondering if you and everyone else who comments can tell me who the NICE and MEAN guys are for the

Texas Rangers

Chi. White Sox

Arizona Diamondbacks

I'm going for lots of foul balls and autographs. So, I would appreciate it if any of the veteran collectors can tell me who the good/bad autograph signers are...

Thanks! Keep up the great blog!

Also, do any Hall of Famers or legends travel with these teams? I know that Mark Grace broadcasts for the Arizona Diamondbacks, but don't know anyone else.

Thanks again!

Go Dodgers!

Dodgers-

For my 1 game experience of seeing the White Sox, I came to the conclusion of saying that Jim Thome, Jose Offerman and Man Soo Lee the bullpen catcher are some real nice guys.

BERGIN & JIMMY-
Good luck to you both! Check back in and let me (and everyone else) know how it goes.

DODGERS-

I remember you. Have no fear. It's nice to know that you're still keeping up with my blog from afar. Sometimes I have to remind myself that the people who comment regularly are NOT the only ones who read this. Congrats on your Rangers connection. I hope you get to see and do some cool stuff. Here's my list of "nice" and "mean" for those three teams (including a few coaches):

NICE: Ron Mahay, Akinori Otsuka, Brad Wilkerson, Alex Cintron, Jim Thome, Scott Podsednik, Tim Raines, Art Kusnyer, Miguel Batista, Jorge Julio, Russ Ortiz

MEAN: Kevin Millwood, Matt Thornton

Yea Matt Thorton is pretty mean he gave my friend a ball however, but its only cause he missed a catch while tossing the ball with someone else and the ball ended up hitting my friend.

Can anyone help me with this question?

So you can mail cards and other items to players and they will send them back to you signed?

And where do you send the items?

Cardinals brewers at miller park tonight..and i get there a little late..i was standing by the dugout when jim edmonds predictably comes and signs autographs, hes standing right in front of me but completely ignores me and signs like 20 sigs for all cards fans..i was extremely mad... then yadiar molina and rolen do the same **** thing..after that i went by the tarps and got eckstein on the sweetspot but would only sign with a sharpie no pen..so not a complete failure..after that i went to where the umps come out before games..i had my ump info ready and sure enough jerry layne walks out and i said"congrats on your 17th year" he throws me a ball...3rd game in a row the ump trick worked..brewers win and it was an alright day...also michelle kwan was sitting first row by the cards dugout..tried to get a graph but she was heavily guarded..

Z,

I have about 350 different cards that are autographed. They range from low end players like George Tsamis, to tough to get players like Frank Robinson. I use a website (sportscollectors.net) and it shows the players that are accomodating.

JIMMY-
Thornton was extremely stand-offish last season at Yankee Stadium. I can't explain it.

CHAD-

See drosenda's comment above. If you're trying to get an active player's autograph, I'd mail the request to him in care of the team. Just send it right to the stadium. Those addresses are easy to find. Make sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

BERGIN-

In three days, you've gotten as many balls from umps as I've gotten in 17 years. Sorry about the Edmonds/Molina/Rolen disses. That's crappy. Maybe next time you should invest $10 in a cheap Cardinals hat.

ROSENDA-

Very impressive. (I actually have a Tsamis autograph as well.)

Oh Zack, you did it again. You insulted a former major leaguer and this time its someone I know personally. Andy Mota didn't have an illustrious career, but he is the son of pinch hitting great Manny Mota. Pardon me for getting so defensive, but I am friends with the entire family and it amazes me that you would pick Andy's card and group him with "players that no one's ever heard of." Oh Zack, you really know how to upset me. LOL!!!! By the way, Andy Mota is currently a successful player agent. His clients include, Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Lee and Magglio Ordonez just to name a few. I have a funny feeling you put that card in there to get a rise out of me. Needless to say, it worked. LOL!!!

Hey,

Be advised that there is by no means a guarantee that a player will sign and return items. This is very true for your top notch stars (A-Rod, Pedro, etc.). Use the internet to research players who will sign, otherwise you lose money on postage.

A few 'sure hits' for todays players are:

Brad Ausmus

Mike Lamb

Mark Buehrle

Oliver Perez

All 4 are very good current signers through the mail.

Hey Z, are you planning on buying that BMW you've always wanted after selling your Tsamis autograph? I sent him a manager card from the St. Paul Saints a few years ago, that's how I got his amazing autograph.

Do you send a letter along with the item asking for the item or what do you say in the letter? Do you even send a letter with it at all?

I usually send a nice letter telling them they are my favorite player; and I handwright it.

What Up Zack,

Nice cards- I have a few stashed away from the same era and after your post I went through a few binders.

Being a Yankees fan, I was shocked that I had a Manny Ramirez rookie prospect card.

It was long before he "juiced" up on cookies and hamburgers and his "man fro" was just a short crop of corn.

Bring home 3,000!

:)

G-

DA BRONX BOMBERS

http://daboogiedownbronx.mlblogs.com/

LOVE-
Just making sure you were paying attention. :-p

ROSENDA-

The Tsamis autograph is simply not for sale. I'm saving it for my grandchildren, even though that means I'll have to continue to walk five miles to and from school every day...barefoot.

CHAD-

I used to handwrite letters to all the guys.

CHUCKSTER-

I never told a player he was favorite (unless he was). I just said that I was __ years old, and that I'd recently started collecting autographs and that his signature would be a very nice addition to my collection. But hey, whatever works...

GABRIEL-

What are you trying to say about Manny?! :-)

Hey Zack-

It was just funny seeing what Manny use to look like - you know - pre-pajamas.

I looked up the card value - I can't even buy a Manny Big Mac with da change.

I DID however find one of my favorite cards - it's a card of Nolan Ryan in a tuxedo - totally cool because he is winding up with cleats, ball and glove and the classic texas ranger hat!

G-

DA BRONX BOMBERS

Here is the link to the Nolan Ryan card photo:

http://i21.ebayimg.com/04/i/07/5d/35/d4_1.JPG

Peace,

G-

When I request an autograph through the mail, I write a small note. I use the internet to look up facts about their career (www.baseball-reference.com), and say something specific about a year or accomplishment (All Star appearance). Then I say thanks, and include a postage paid envelope. Good luck!

EVERYONE-
Thanks for your comments. I will try to tell you what happened in Texas when I come back.

Also, is it true that Hank Blalock is a jerk? I heard from some collectors that he was? How about Michael Young or Mark Teixiera? Thanks.

CHAD-

I write to baseball players during the wintertime when they have lots of free time. I write many letters (most hand-written) and usually the best signers are rookies/prospects and baseball legends.

If you're just starting, you should send a letter to Hall of Fame Manager SPARKY ANDERSON (Cin. Reds and Detroit Tigers). He is known to be one of the greatest signers through the mail and he's really nice. I asked him to sign things and he sent back in four or five days (which was really quick!). Some of my friends have told me that he wrote/sent back to them in a few days or weeks...

His address is

P.O. Box 6415

Thousand Oaks, CA 91359

The last time I wrote to Sparky Anderson was last year, so I'm not sure if this is still his address. (Any veteran collectors: Please comment if he moved or the address changed...)

I hope this helps you.

And, one last thing...I use this website a lot when I send letters. However, please note that people move, so some can never reach them. That's why you never send anything valuable like jerseys or bats.

http://www.geocities.com/colosseum/court/7934/personal2.html

I also heard Harvey Meiselman's List was a good "list" of addresses.

http://www.sportsaddresslists.com/index.html

Anyone know where to get a Lastings Milledge card or have one? I would love to get his autograph on a card or baseball as he is my favorite rookie player.

Does anyone know where
Steve Carlton or Bob Gibson can be reached at? I have cards of them and want them to sign.

or Jay Buhner

What about Brandon Webb?

Hey back from the game.

1 ball 0 autos.

Got my only ball from some bullpen catcher. I first thought it was Vance Wilson because he wasn't the usual bullpen catcher, so I yelled out VANCE! and he turned around and said who? I repeated Vance Wilson? isn't that you. He replied "no, but I get that a lot". I then requested for a ball and after he was done a session with Jeremy Bonderman he gave me the ball. As for my quest for the Kenny Rogers auto, that didn't turn out too great. He tossed a lotta balls to the crowd but none to me. Funniest thing was when I was swinging my glove with string attached to it to grab a ball off the warning track. Roman Colone came up to me and said "what the **** is this" and started to laugh. In all good day. Ball streak up to 4 games now.

wow the censor He LL

Hey are there any good signers out of this lot through mail? Brandon Webb, Hank Blalock, Ivan Rodriguez, Aaron Rowand, Curt Schilling, Miguel Batista, Pat Burrell, Jermey Bonderman, Rod Barajas, Jake Peavy, Brad Lidge, Francisco Rodriguez, Jim Thome, Luis Gonzalez (Diamondbacks), Mark Buehrle, Rich Hidalgo, john Lackey, Steve Carlton, Justin Upton, Stephen Drew, Bud Selig, Roberto Clemente, Steve Carlton, Bob Gibson?

If you know where I can send items to Gibson, Carlton, and Selig please reply back to me.

Chad

http://mlblogger.mlblogs.com

GABRIEL-
That's some card. Never saw it before. Thanks.

ROSENDA-

Seems like a solid approach. No wonder you've had so much success.

DODGERS-

Thanks (on behalf of everyone) for all the info.

CHAD-

I really can't tell you about any of these guys becuase, like I said, I stopped collecting through the mail a long time ago. Hopefully, other people will have some answers for you...

JIMMY-

The censoring system is **** strict. Sorry. But hey, congrats on the four-game streak. Funny about Colon and the non-Vance catcher.

Sooo... When is the press release about the Zack-Albert secret?

Chad-I will get the website I sent mine to Brandon Webb.
Is it something you have for him to sign?i DID GET MINEBACK SIGNED. THE ANSWER AND i WILL FIND THAT ADDRESS BUT IT IS 11:00PM GOING TO BED WILL POST IT BY TOMMORROW NIGHT SHOULD I POST IT HERE OR YOUR SITE YOU POSTED? LET ME KNOW THESE ANSWERS AND I WILL HAVE THE SITE BY TOMMORROW(6/12).

tHANKS

-KAYLEE

Dodgers-
I live in Arizona and have attended many Diamondbacks games.I have found :

Nice:LUIS GONZALEZ,MIGUEL BATISTA,braNDON WEBB,sHAWN GREEN,ERIC BRYNES,JORGE JULIO,

RUSS ORTIZ,craig counsell,

johnny estrada,chad tracy.

JEff davanon,damion easley,

juan cruz,claudio

vargas,orlando hudson.

MEAnJOSE VALVERDE DO NOT MESS WITH HIM.HE HAS HIS OWN STRANGE WORLD I GOT LOTS OF STORIES ON HIM.

Yes I have a rookie card I would like for him to sign. Post it on whichever you prefer. I would prefer you post it here because others might want to know.

Thanks,

Chad

NICK-
That's not for me to decide.

ANDY-

That's interesting about Valverde. I haven't had any contact with him. He's always seemed fine from a distance. I'd like to hear some of those stories...

CHAD-

I agree. Others might want to know. I like how this has turned into a big discussion.

does anybody know any good signers on the twins because im going to three games at the metrodome and im pretty psyched to get mauer, Torri(again), joe nathan, maybe santana if he signs and for sure rookie fransisco liriano..

Rondell White has always been nice. Nick Punto was great when he first came up, but I haven't seen him lately. I don't know many of the Twins. You know, I just haven't had much contact with anyone in the American League (because of how unpleasant Yankee Stadium has become and because of my refusal to go there more than a few times a year). But you should definitely try to get Boof Bonser, just because he has the greatest name, and you should also go for Francisco Liriano because he's going to be an absolute stud.

Hey,

Since I'm the blog's biggest Twins fan, let me give my input here.

Great Twins signers are:

Joe Nathan (signs forever, very accomodating)

Jesse Crain

Matt Guerrier (hurt, may not be there)

Scott Baker (when he's in the majors)

Shannon Stewart

Good signers (almost always sign if asked)

Juan Castro

Juan Rincon

Lew Ford

Willie Eyre

Tony Batista

Michael Cuddyer

Okay signers (not bad guys, just seemed to be a bit annoyed, but they signed)

Justin Mourneau

Kyle Lohse

These guys were hard to get, due to popularity:

Johan Santana (but I got him!)

Torii Hunter

Joe Mauer

These guys don't seem very accomodating:

Brad Radke

Carlos Silva (I got lucky though, I was one of 2 people waiting during his bullpen session)

There's my rundown, I hope it helps. If a player isn't listed, I have not had a specific experience trying to get them to sign.

Well, Nick is quite the Twins fan, so he'll probably be mad at me due to my '#1 Twins fan claim', but check out this picture to decide!
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/5563/dscn16193rz.jpg

Is that YOU in the pic? My lord. That's some serious devotion right there. Or maybe "insanity" is a better word. Of course, I say that lovingly. :-)

Nice list of all the Twins players. Imagine if everyone who reads this blog made/shared a similar list for their favorite team. It'd be the ultimate 2006 autograph reference guide.

alright, i would consider myself the biggest brewer fan here..just out of curiosity what brewers autographs would you guys want on the sweet spot?
Heres my list

Best Signers:

Chris Capuano(signs 20-30 every game!)

Geoff Jenkins(nice guy

Ben Sheets(really easy to get)

Good Signers:

Carlos Lee

Jeff Cirillo

Chad Moeller

Doug Davis

Decent signers:

Prince Fielder(signs 1-5 right before games)

Dave Bush

Bad Signers(never sign)

Damian Miller

Derrick Turnbow(i got him)

Bill Hall

Corey Koskie

Brady clarke

Rickie Weeks(really hard but have it)

Chad-
Here is the place where you can send a letter and your item to Brandon Webb!!

Attn:BRANDON WEBB

401 e. JEFFERSON ST.

PHOENIX,AZ 85001

I SENT TUFF HERE AND DID GET IT BACK SIGNED HOPE THIS HELPS.

-KAYLEE

Andy-How long ago did you send the Webb? He's a great player and I would love to add him to my collection.
Drossenda/Nick-I just looked at the Yankees schedule and I will see the Twins 2 of the 3 games they are in town. I could go to all 3 games but I'm not missing my OREGON DUCKS OPENER v. STANFORD to see a game w/ no BP at Yankee Stadium. Hope I can get some autographs.

Bergin-I just sent a card to Capuano, I hope he signs it.

Chuckster-I sent something to him this year about a month ago so that address should work

ZACK-HAVE YOU EVER SEEN VALVERDE PITCH AT HOME?

Does anyone have a Lasting Milledge, Chris Capuano, Francisco Rodriguez, Justin Upton, Jake Peavy, Brad Lidge, Stephen Drew, Sparky Anderson rookie cards or just any kind of baseball card of them? If you do, maybe we could work something out?

Chad-sorry I got all the old-timers like:Carlton Fisk,Don Mattingly,Buddy Bell,Orel Hershiser,Nolan Ryan,Kirby Puckett,Tommy John and many more.....I got others too.Give me a list if you want any and we can work something out???????
-kaylee

I might be abloe to help you out with Brad Lidge and Jake Peavy. Maybe a couple of cards of each.

Chuckster-DID YOU GET MY ANSWER about the address?????

ya

Chuckster- That's awesome what are the cards exact name? (ex: Fleer 1971 #142 Roberto Clemente)

My biggest wish (Actually it's a pretty small wish is: Lastings Milledge 2004 Topps #680

My real big wish: To get all MLB team's caps.

If you think you can help me with any of these then post back to me

Chad

http://mlblogger.mlblogs.com

ANDY-I will add my baseball card wishlist on my blog later.

I have spare Indians and Phillies and Angels hats. I'm sorry about the cards, but this is what I have to offer
2003 Bazooka Jake Peavy

2004 Topps Jake Peavy

2005 Topps Opening Day Jake Peavy

Everyone my baseball card wishlist is up!

Chad

http://mlblogger.mlblogs.com

Is it 2006 opening day Jake peavy because I can't find 2005 online.

Nope its a 2005 Opening Day Card

I like the 2004 Topps Jake Peavy the most.

Read my newest entry about the baseball card wishlist. Read the bottom about how you can work out a deal with me.

Chad

http://mlblogger.mlbogs.com

Send me an email Chad.

This has turned into the quite the card collecting forum.

http://twinslove.mlblogs.com

(new post)

CHAD-I have a Don Mattingly Topps #700 (not sure year) He is in a yankees uniform.Let me know if your interested
-Kaylee

Hey everyone! Check out my Top 7 Most Wanted Cards!

Chad

http://mlblogger.mlblogs.com

Yes I am interested... What should we work out. I will only do trades or buy it. Unless you want to do it for free...

I mean unless you would want to DONATE it is what I meant to say.

Is it in good condition?

Well I donot know you can see a crease down the middle of it and is old.If you,want it I will be willing to donate

Ok thanks... Do you want me to email you my adress?

Chad

Why don't you want it signed?

As we approach the century mark, I would like to say... goodnight.

It is 2:30. Why am I up? I do not know.

Woo, go 100 comments.

Um. Wow. I was at work all day. Then at my writing group all evening. Then with some friends all night...so it's been about 16 hours since I've checked in. This is completely out of hand (in a good way). I love it. I'm delighted that all you guys have been able to connect here in the comments section. I won't take the time to respond to everyone...don't really think I need to...but to answer that one question from Andy about Valverde...no, I've never seen him pitch at home, and I have no idea why you're asking. Do tell. To everyone else...I'm going to bed now. At some point today, I'll be posting an entry with plans for my next game(s).

some of the brewers were very hard to get but i did get miller x2, hall, weeks, and koskie x2 when i did milwaukee in april

Can any1 tell me the name of the Detroit Tigers bullpen catcher

Thanks

Jimmy-does Todd maulding sound right?

Andy- Do you want me to send you my address? For the Don Mattingly Card.

I mean Kaylee, SORRY

Ya chad
Kaylee

Does anyone here have those Deck Boxes sold by ultra pro for baseball cards?

I love this "message board"

Chad

I love Carlos Beltran, who just homered to give the Mets (and Glavine) a 3-2 lead over Philly.

thank you Zack that is good because in chad's contest I have the mets beating philly what inning?
-kaylee

The Mets are now leading, 4-3, in the top of the fifth...

5-4 now 6 homers in that slugfest.

Now it's 9-7 Mets in the 9th...with *eight* combined homers.

That place is SUCH a bandbox.

I have Lastings Milledge Topps 2003 Rookie

He was on a card THREE years ago? Props to Topps.

hello my name is Shana and I need some ones help. My husband has some old cards and we can't find any info on them any where. Could some help me PLEASE.