[Jerry G]

Art Gaines operated a summer baseball camp in the 1960's in Hunnewell, MO. The camp was run by him and his brother, Al. Al was a scout for the Cincinnati Reds. The camp included guest instructors as varied as Joe Medwick and Jerry Buchek. They had a series of one week sessions during the summer.

One winter, I stubbled upon their booth (actually a table) at the annual boat show in St. Louis. I don't remember if it was Art or Al, but he was there at the booth in full baseball uniform. I was in 7th or 8th grade and the advice he gave me was that if you're not in the major leagues by the time you are 24, give it up.

They handed out brochures and postcards. The brochures are long gone. Probably gone as soon as my dad saw the price. The postcard had side by side pictures of Medwick and Buchek. Several years later, being the brain surgeon that I was, cut the card in half and sent it to HOF Candidate Joe to autograph.

I have no idea where the Buchek side is, but here is the Ducky autographed side.