What was your best memorabilia addition to your collection in 2014?

[byrone]

Originally Posted by parker1b2

Favorite pick up of 2014 was a game used ball from Phil Niekro's 300th win. The ball was autographed, inscribed and given to Phil by John Cerutti who was making his 1st Major League start that day against Phil. Unfortunately the signature and inscription has faded over time and rates about a 2-3, but covers two panels on ball. Ball is clearer in person.

1st side of ball reads:

Phil, To the man I had to face in my first ML start I was going for #1 you for #300 Oct 6, 1985

Attachment 171600

Remember watching Niekro's 300th win game on TV.

It was classic Billy Martin in the 9th inning

from the NY Times summary of the game...

Because the division race had ended Saturday, Manager Billy Martin punctuated the ninth inning with uncharacteristic levity. First he allowed Joe Niekro to warm up his older brother before the inning, then he had Joe go to the mound to talk to Phil after Fernandez doubled.

''Joe came out,'' Phil related, ''and asked if I wanted to walk (Jeff) Burroughs and pitch to the next guy. I said I'd just as soon pitch to Burroughs. We were friends and played together in Atlanta.''

Martin also, as a joke, had several pitchers warming up as the inning was beginning. ''I didn't expect that,'' Niekro said. ''Knowing Billy, it didn't surprise me.''

Great stuff

As an aside, very sad that John Cerutti passed away so young, he seemed like a fine guy