MLB Centenarians

[Archive]

Posted By: Jodi Birkholm

One of my autograph subsets is MLB centenarians. I have them all, aside from a fellow named Charlie Emig. I had a complete collection until it was discovered that Mr. Emig died in 1975. Has anyone seen an example of his autograph? I believe that this somewhat recent discovery also makes Emig the last surviving 19th century player, as well as the last Louisville Colonel. Seeing as he languished in obscurity, I'm sure there aren't any examples.

The list is as follows:

John Daley
Charlie Emig
Red Hoff
Ralph Miller
Rollie Stiles
Ralph Erickson
Milt Gaston
Bob Wright
Ed Gill
Charlie Gibson
Paul Otis
Karl Swanson (DOB debatable, but a centenarian either way)
and, perhaps, Connie Marrero

[Archive]

Posted By: J. McMurry

That's a very interesting subset. I have a couple of Paul Otis 3x5's, but I'm sorry to say that I cant help with the one you're looking for.

[Archive]

Posted By: Jodi Birkholm

I should also add that I would be interested in any biographical material on Emig (if there is any). I'm scheduled to pass through Oklahoma City in less than a week, so I may pay a visit to their main library to see if I can dig up any genealogical information. He's only been deceased for 31-32 years--somebody still living in that area must have known him.

[Archive]

Posted By: Max Weder

Jodi

I don't think Connie is yet a centarian. A friend in Vancouver runs baseball tours to Cuba (http://www.cubaballtours.com ) He just visited Marrero a week or so ago. Connie is apparently still alive with vivid memories of the pitches he threw, and chomping on an everpresent cigar.


Max

[Archive]

Posted By: CS Bolay

Afraid I can be of no help on Emig, but ah, old Karl Swanson; that name brings back nice memories. Wonderful old fellow, wrote me a note on the INSIDE of a security envelope. Had a pic he sent along, asked like 2-3 bucks for printing costs, which I happily sent.

Sad to think how that generation of great oldtime mail signers is almost completely gone now. These guys from the 60s-on just don't interest me as much as the Bill Werbers, Karl Swansons and Dutch Fehrings of the past.

Gosh, I miss the old collecting days, when the autograph hobby was at least somewhat more innocent and not quite as money-driven...Never have that back.

[Archive]

Posted By: Jodi Birkholm

I hear you, buddy. I knew Karl and Bill, as well as a ton of others from that era. I too went the way of the money--it's almost as if it was either "take that road" or get out of the hobby. At least it allows me to work from wherever I want, but I do miss the days of waiting for the mail to come with a fistful of replies from guys who played alongside Ruth and Cobb, none of them even considering charging for the pleasure of hearing from a fan.

[Archive]

Posted By: Jodi Birkholm

Max,

How interesting! I'll have to check out his site. Yes, I believe Marrero is revered in a Dihigo-like way down there. Still smoking those cigars, is he? Are there any photos you can post? I would love to see 'em! Also, perhaps you could get your friend to ask Connie his true age. It's been a matter of uncertainty for 60 years!

EDIT: Just found the Marrero pics. THANKS!

[Archive]

Posted By: George Dreher

Jodi, here are the oldest surviving individuals in that region with the same last name. You might try them. Maybe in a family album there are still handwritten letters?

Jules Emig (age 67)
2724 N Monroe St
Stillwater, OK
(405) 743-4623

Jean P. Emig (age 75)
lives in Oklahoma City
address and phone number unknown

[Archive]

Posted By: Jodi Birkholm

Thanks George. I might give it a try!

[Archive]

Posted By: Max Weder

Jodi

I will ask Kit about the age again, as I knew he and I have talked about it before.

As for Connie, here's a painting my spouse did of him for Kit. Hope you enjoy

Max

[Archive]

Posted By: Jodi Birkholm

Max,

Very nice! I see your wife was more charitable to Marrero's age/wrinkles than Topps was!!! His 1953 Card made him out to resemble a freeze-dried Bambino!

You should get Kit to have Conrado sign a copy of the painting! How cool would that be?

[Archive]

Posted By: Max Weder

Jodi
On the last tour, someone snapped this photo in Havana, with a Cuban holding one of Jennifer's promo carcs

?v=0

Kit does get signed Conrado material, as he is always looking to give book to Connie and to the older Cuban ballplayers.

[Archive]

Posted By: Jodi Birkholm

I guess I could follow your link and ask him who else he has dealt with, but perhaps you might know of some of the other former MLBers he has befriended down there. Actually, there aren't many left, and most of them don't have up-to-date addresses. Not that it would help much, as mail service isn't very reliable in that part of the world.

[Archive]

Posted By: Max Weder

Jodi

I'm in contact with Kit fairly regularly and will ask him as well. Last week, Vanity Fair was in town taking photos of him and Cuban memorabilia for a story on the tours. Not sure what issue it will make it to press, but should be interesting.

Max

[Archive]

Posted By: Jodi Birkholm

The old Cubanos (pre-Castro MLB debuts) still reportedly living there include:

Marrero
Rene Valdes (whereabouts unknown)
Freddie Rodriguez
and one other whose name I can not recall

I don't think there are any others from the old days left in Cuba.