OK, so I really like signed ROMLBs and have been thinking about starting a project of some kind. Originally, I just wanted to get a big display case and fill it with random HOFs and famous players. But, that is a really daunting task and something that I'm not really up for the challenge at this time. What I have decided I would rather do is a small set for my favorite team...the Braves.
I have discovered that they home plate shaped wall display cases that hold 12 baseballs and I think that would be perfect for this particular project. The cases appear to be very esthetically pleasing and they filter out 98% of the UV light so the balls should be fairly safe. I was thinking of a case like this:
Now comes the planning part where I would like some input. I have been thinking about 2 ways to do this. One would simply be to find 12 signed balls. The other would be 11 signed balls and one logo ball. I was thinking the bottom holder, where only a single ball goes would be a great place for a non-signed Rawlings Braves logo baseball. I know they are cheap plastic skinned balls...but it would add a nice visual that it is a Braves set. What do you think...12 signed or 11 signed and one logo?
I also need to come up with the players for the set...and here I would like some opinions. I want the set to represent the great players throughout Braves history. When you think of the Braves...I want the players here to be the players that come to mind as their best. For example, Babe Ruth player for the Braves for one ugly season...I don't think he would be a good fit because although he was a great player, he wasn't with the Braves. I thought the best place to start would be with the Braves' retired numbers (not including Jackie Robinson).
The retired numbers players are:
John Smoltz
Bobby Cox
Dale Murphy
Warren Spahn
Greg Maddux
Phil Niekro
Eddie Mathews
Hank Aaron
Tom Glavine
Chipper Jones
With the retired numbers, there are already 10 players. If I decide to go the logo ball route...I would only need 1 more.
A few other players come to mind that could be that 11th player (and 12th if no logo ball was used). Other players I have been considering are:
David Justice (3x all-star, '90 NL ROY, as a child my favorite player and the guy who hit the 1995 WS winning home run)
Andruw Jones (5x all-star, 10x gold glove)
Terry Pendleton ('91 NL MVP)
Of course, there might be a player or two I have failed to consider...especially older players. I would love to hear some opinions.