Collecting Umpire Memorabilia & Autos

[gonefishin]

Just wondering if there were any members out there that collect items from MLB umpires. I realize that it's not very popular, but kind of interesting as they have been on the field for every big moment in baseball. Aside from that, there is only one person in both the NFL and MLB Hall of Fame and that honor goes to Mr. Cal Hubbard.

I don't specifically look for items, but sometimes they just come my way. Here are a couple.

[Topnotchsy]

Very cool! I collect lineup cards, which are definitely umpire related. (There's a thread on this page focused on them which I dominate a bit with my collectin obsession )

[gonefishin]

Thanks Jeff! I didn't think anyone was going to reply! Collecting umpires isn't exactly the rage right now.

I was elated when I ran across the Cal Hubbard HoF photo. He dies a short year later after his induction. I don't think there are a lot of HoF autographed items of his out there.

Interesting thread on your line up cards. I've read through it. I have some, I think they are all Athletics - some signed. When LaRussa was doing his part to help the humane society while in Oakland, he would auction off signed line up cards and donate all the proceeds. I don't think it got much press, but good for LaRussa.

[vintagesportscollector]

Here is a link to a google album with some items I have from Scotty Robb, including his season passes, cap, and a very unique personalized belt buckle.

https://goo.gl/photos/NG5bfLPkPnCLiS8M7

[gonefishin]

Amazing Joe, that's taking it to the next level.

[Lucas00]

Here is one from my snapshot collection. Augie "Gus" Donatelli. Gus is the umpire on Sports Illustrated #1 and has a 55 bowman card. He's seen here at Bill Mcgowans umpire school, assumingly as a proctor. But maybe as a student himself. I'm not sure.

Fun fact, he spent 15 months as a prisoner of war in Germany.

[drmiraculous]

I'm down for minor league umpires! Particularly the Southern Assn and Southern League, I have a gameworn SL ump shirt and a bunch of lineup cards handed to me as they walk from the field. My fave item is a signed copy of Steamboat Johnsons autobiography I picked up cheap a long time ago. I dont see much old minor league ump stuff but I always appreciate the officials who work hard at their craft trying to make the bigleagues.

[whitehse]

Originally Posted by Lucas00

Here is one from my snapshot collection. Augie "Gus" Donatelli. Gus is the umpire on Sports Illustrated #1 and has a 55 bowman card. He's seen here at Bill Mcgowans umpire school, assumingly as a proctor. But maybe as a student himself. I'm not sure.

Fun fact, he spent 15 months as a prisoner of war in Germany.

My cousin married Augie Donatelli's son. Sadly, I never got to meet Augie but I heard stories. He was a tough as nails guy who likely was hardened by his time as a POW in the war.

I imagine the family has never seen this photo. I am going to pass this along. Thanks for posting.

[Lucas00]

Originally Posted by whitehse

My cousin married Augie Donatelli's son. Sadly, I never got to meet Augie but I heard stories. He was a tough as nails guy who likely was hardened by his time as a POW in the war.

I imagine the family has never seen this photo. I am going to pass this along. Thanks for posting.

Your welcome, great tie. And feel free 👍

[NiceDocter]

Some photos...... the autographed ones came from the estate of George Barr, I got them about 40 years ago. The "first AL Game ump" I just got recently from a great Net54 collector. Interesting story about Bill Stewart in the 3 man photo.... he was not only a MLB umpire but an NHL referee and coached the Chicago Black Hawks to a Stanley Cup Championship in 1938! A busy guy no?

[gonefishin]

Amazing photos and stories!

That sheds some new light on Augie Donatelli, which I didn't know. He is one of the signers on my 1957 World Series umpire signed baseball pictured above.

Many thanks.

[Topnotchsy]

Originally Posted by gonefishin

Thanks Jeff! I didn't think anyone was going to reply! Collecting umpires isn't exactly the rage right now.

I was elated when I ran across the Cal Hubbard HoF photo. He dies a short year later after his induction. I don't think there are a lot of HoF autographed items of his out there.

Interesting thread on your line up cards. I've read through it. I have some, I think they are all Athletics - some signed. When LaRussa was doing his part to help the humane society while in Oakland, he would auction off signed line up cards and donate all the proceeds. I don't think it got much press, but good for LaRussa.

Yup. A few managers have doneinteresting things. LaRussa continued selling them to raise money (and having some players sign) during his time on the Cardinals.

From what I understand, the Twins, under Tom Kelly would have the team sign the lineup card after a win. I have 2-3 signed lineup cards from the mid-1990's. Obviously the dugout ones are less associated with umpires.

I've been fascinated by the way that formal lineup cards have been a part of the game for at least 90 years and seemingly longer than that (the earliest ones I've come across are from 1931, though I saw an old picture of Ty Cobb showing the umpire the lineup on what looks like a small piece of paper.)