1950's Mystery autographs

[Runscott]

Can anyone identify these? They came from a small autograph book that also contained Mantle, Rizzuto, Allie Reynolds, Al Rosen, Eddie Mathews, Orestes Minoso, and Chico Carrasquel.

[bender07]

I think that's Warren Giles in the first

[Michael B]

The third one looks like Cookie Lavagetto.

[Runscott]

Thanks! 2 to go.

Other than the Yankees and Paul Derringer (forgot to mention above), the others seemed to be from Chicago, Cleveland or Milwaukee. The owner of the book probably caught the Yankees when they were visiting Chicago or Cleveland. Mathews was in Boston in 1952 and Reynolds' last year was 1954, so I'm guessing these are from 1953-54.

Due to page order (discounting Mantle), I think the one that looks like the first name starts with 'E' or 'W' is probably associated with the 1953 or 1954 White Sox, but not finding anything remotely close.

[Runscott]

The third one looks like Cookie Lavagetto.

That's interesting. It's hard to make much sense of his inclusion, but he's the last autograph in the book, so no telling.

From SABR bio project: ...1951, whereupon Lavagetto quit playing and signed on with Brooklyn as a coach. When Dressen was refused a two-year contract after the 1953 season, Cookie sent owner Walter O’Malley a telegram that read: “Please accept resignation.” The loyalty Lavagetto had toward Dressen was strong, and he followed Dressen back to Oakland as a coach.

In 1955 Dressen was named manager of the Washington Senators and brought Lavagetto with him.

[r2678]

Mike Garcia?

[Runscott]

DOH!!! That completely makes sense. I was looking at the 1953-54 Indians, due to Al Rosen, but was fixated on 'E' or 'W' for the first name.

Thanks everyone.

[r2678]

The Big Bear

[Runscott]

The Big Bear

I was getting warmer when you responded. The 'M' looks sort of like the way Nolan Ryan signs 'N', so I was looking for 'N' names when you got it. Nice job.

Mike Garcia was a helluva pitcher - the Feller, Lemon, Garcia, Wynn rotation was one of the best.

The Indians were happy they were given a Lemon. For the rest of us, I recommend that when life gives you a Lemon, go find the guy that life gave the vodka to.

[Scott Garner]

I think that's Warren Giles in the first

Correct! :)