December pick ups

[CW]

Count me in among those who would never send that multi-signed piece through the mail for a signature. Not only is the act of mailing it cost prohibitive and risky, but the possibility for a signer to damage the piece would be too high. That's a very cool item!

[jgmp123]

A couple additions to the HOF Collection...Brings the total to 147!!

George Weiss Signed Letter and a William Harridge Album Page (Courtesy of Jim Stinson).

[cjedmonton]

Hmm, I should reconsider my options. Since I won't be attending any HOF weekends anytime soon , I guess I should build a rapport with a trusted/esteemed board member who will be attending! Perhaps someone would be willing to act as a bailee of sorts (or at least recommend someone competent/trustworthy)?

The poster is great as is, but I see even more potential by adding to the theme.

[packs]

Just picked up this cool 1940 San Francisco Seals stamp book. I know almost nothing about it. But the book has 17 out of the 25 stamps and even more amazing 23 out of 25 autographs.

Is this thing rare?

[bender07]

Originally Posted by cjedmonton

Hmm, I should reconsider my options. Since I won't be attending any HOF weekends anytime soon , I guess I should build a rapport with a trusted/esteemed board member who will be attending! Perhaps someone would be willing to act as a bailee of sorts (or at least recommend someone competent/trustworthy)?

The poster is great as is, but I see even more potential by adding to the theme.

I do go every year but that may be too much responsibility for me! Two kids responsibility I can handle, 80 HOF sigs? I dunno

[71buc]

Originally Posted by earlywynnfan

Yay, me!!! This has been #1 on my autograph "wish list" for quite some time, but haven't had the cajones to pay $1000+ for one. Not perfect, but nice and vintage and I am very happy. Combined with the Cecil Travis bat I posted in the GU section, this has been my best Christmas ever, collecting-wise. (And it will keep on getting better when I unwrap Ron K's book!)

Ken

Wow i have a serious case jealousy developing! Congrats that is a beautiful ball.

[Cooptown]

CJ-I collect multi-signed HOF pieces. I have shown this piece on here a few times, but let me give the backstory:

I started this piece during the fall of 1989, with Bob Feller at a show. It then sat in my parent's house for the next 20+ years until I stumbled upon it in 2009. I decided then to make it a multi-signed piece. I sent to Doerr and MacPhail, since they were free TTM. As those two came back, I started sending it to more players and included cash. I have the order someplace, but guys like Sparky, Irvin, Ford, Kaline, etc. Usually between $10-$20 cash. I tracked players response times and how much the going rate was on SportsCollectors.net.

In February 2011, I sent it to Whitey Herzog with $10 cash. I used the automated postal machine in the front lobby of the Post Office, had the package weighed, put the stamp on it, and left.

I saw numerous Herzog items coming back on SCN, started to get nervous for awhile. After not getting it back for a few weeks, I honestly gave up on it. I was pretty bummed out, but knew that is the chance you take with doing TTM. I thought about writing Whitey a note inquiring about the piece, but didnt. At the beginning of April, I see a package in my mailbox. I knew immediately it was ther Herzog item. I raced to the mailbox and found that it was "returned to sender". I honestly didnt care at that point, was just happy to have it back. After looking at the front of the package, it was returned to sender because "postage was due". And actually, it had a couple of attempted delivery dates on the envelope. Not sure if that was attempted delivery back to me, or to Herzog. I was confused as to why postage was due and it was coming back to me when I specifically had the package weighed and the appropriate stamp put on there. I was just happy to have the piece back (considering I chalked it up to being completely lost) and didnt want to fight with the post office.

I have actually mailed it out to three private signings since (LaSorda with MAB, Doug Harvey with the Feller Museum, and Gary Carter with JP's right before his passing) and have added Sandberg in person. I was a nervous wreck mailing it out two more times, but I guess I was lucky.

I will be honest, I dont think your piece should go anywhere near a post office. Save the money you would be spending on mailing supplies, postage, insurance, (not to mention worrying!) and make it up to Cooperstown one year and knock out a ton IP. But whatever you do, don't put that baby in the mail.

I usually go to Induction Weekend, but ironically havent since I started this project (3 years). And while I would love to help you out, I can honestly say I would be scared to death to have that thing in my possession.

[cjedmonton]

Cooptown: that's a great piece and maybe even better backstory. Thanks for sharing your experience. How great for you to pick up where you left off after so many years.

Honestly, I was never considering sending TTM directly to a player...only through a major promoter or a reputable board member.

Either way, I understand the hassle/anxiety/risk I'd be facing, but I love a challenge!

Making the actual pilgrimage to Cooperstown is my best bet, but I can't see that happening in the near future.

I may make a separate thread to solicit a willing/recommended member who might be willing to make an arrangement on my behalf.

Thanks to all for the advice. Why can't I just leave well enough alone?

Cal, Gwynn, Rickey, Maddux, Johnson, Griffey, et al..., that's why!

[markf31]

A trio of bats

[packs]

Merry Christmas to me!

[HOF Auto Rookies]

Originally Posted by markf31

A trio of bats

Wow, that is one of the best Yaz autos I've seen

[chaddurbin]

won the lot of 10 golden press in lelands. probably overpaid but wanted a couple cards. was ok with buying raw mostly because of this board's opinion of lelands' team of authentication

[Runscott]

Yep, most of us feel really good about their expertise.

Last night I won an expensive signed letter from them, that I would never have bid on from ANY other auction house.

[stat192]

I am ending the year on a high note, picked up some nice items this week.

The first a Dazzy Vance GPC from Stinson. This goes towards my Hall of Fame Collection and MVP collection.

Also picked up a 1929 4 in 1 exhibit card with Mel Ott and Bill Terry. Whats neat about the card is that it is actually Mel Ott's true rookie card and it is also signed by Bill Terry.

Also picked up a signed Tony Perez Rookie Card for my Rookie Card collection.

Still working on a few more deals to end the year with.

[JimStinson]

Originally Posted by chaddurbin

won the lot of 10 golden press in lelands. probably overpaid but wanted a couple cards. was ok with buying raw mostly because of this board's opinion of lelands' team of authentication

Lelands IS top shelf when it comes to authentications and autographs. As mentioned previously on the board.

Also.. Every one of the cards you pictured is spot on. Nice snag !
______________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

[JimStinson]

opps ...except for the Joe DiMaggio which appears to be sis
______________________________
jim@stinsonsports.com

[Exhibitman]

Both of these fighters are virtual locks for the HOF when they are definitively retired:

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by packs

Just picked up this cool 1940 San Francisco Seals stamp book. I know almost nothing about it. But the book has 17 out of the 25 stamps and even more amazing 23 out of 25 autographs.

Is this thing rare?

It is not rare but it is not an every day item either. I usually see several each year in varying states of completion. The stamps themselves raw are actually a lot tougher to find than the booklet. And signed, it is very desirable, especially with O'Doul included. FWIW, I collect O'Doul and the signature looks dead-on correct. Nice pick!

[Big Six]

I'm pretty happy with this one...nice dark blue sig with HOF inscription. I haven't seen a lot of Lopez Perez Steele cards with inscriptions...

[stat192]

Just picked up this 1955 Bowman signed Rookie card of baseball and football Hall of Famer Cal Hubbard. You dont see these every day.

[stat192]

1959 Topps Ford Frick Rookie Card

[jgmp123]

1947-48 Red Sox Team Sheet w/Ted Williams and Joe Cronin....