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Posted By: Ted Zanidakis

Love that check signed by Joe Wood......I think it is one of the safer ways to collect old timers'
autographs. I have a few checks of old BB players, also.

Frank, I know that you know....but, for others....Smoky Joe was destined for the HOF, but after
his amazing 1912 season he fell breaking his right thumb and injuring his arm and shoulder. Even
though his won-lost record continued to be fine (1913-15), his pitching performance was deter-
iorating as he developed serious arm trouble.

He was sold to Cleveland for $15,000 and switched to playing the outfield. Ended up with a .283
Batting Average (which is higher than a lot of present HOFers).

I'd like to see him in the HOF, too. Gentleman Walter Johnson once credited Smoky Joe's fastball
to be as fast as his.

TED Z