not exactly pre-war, but can someone explain why Mike Witt auto's are so expensive?

[steve B]

Originally Posted by JBirkholm

It can't be Nordhagen; he's been a great signer over the years, although his recent response rate has been somewhat unpredictable (most likely due to an address change or two). Perhaps you're thinking of Doug Flynn or Ricky Wright.

Ok the memory is getting bad then. Neither of those other names seem familiar either. Nahoradny? It was a longish name, I'm feeling a trip through the old SCDs coming on. It's going to bug me till I remember or look it up.

Steve B

[Scott Garner]

Some of you that know me are aware that I collect the autographs of every pitcher that ever threw a no-hitter.
I can tell you with absolute certainty that Mike Witt was a willing signer in person during his playing days and remains that way even now. He's an extremely cordial guy that would always sign whatever you had and usually spend a minute chatting with you. Today he spends alot of his free time playing golf in south Orange County, CA. Like many players and ex-players, he's not big into signing through the mail. He doesn't frequently do paid signings, but those of you that live in So Cal, keep your eyes open at golf charity pro-ams. Witter loves to play golf and he'll sign for free if you run into him.

[novakjr]

Scott, I got a question for you. Since you collect autographs of no-hit pitchers, are you, or aren't you counting Armando Galarraga? I've been thinking about whether or not to count him in my perfect gamers.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by novakjr

Scott, I got a question for you. Since you collect autographs of no-hit pitchers, are you, or aren't you counting Armando Galarraga? I've been thinking about whether or not to count him in my perfect gamers.

Hi David,
FWIW, in my book Armando Galarraga ABSOLUTELY makes the grade as far as being a perfect game pitcher. Anyone that can get 28 outs without giving up a baserunner should be in the record books! I believe that it's a crime that he isn't going to be listed in the record books along the other 20. If not for the horrible blown call by umpire Jim Joyce on the 27th out he would be there.

That being said, I believe that the uniqueness of what this game became to all that followed the story (outstanding character and sportsmanship demonstrated by both Galarraga and Joyce) makes this one for the ages.

BTW, my personal collection of no-hit tickets and autographs includes these players that threw 9 innings of perfect game ball, but don't meet the absolute of what currently defines a "perfect game":

Babe Ruth/ Ernie Shore
Harvey Haddix
Pedro Martinez/Mel Rojas
Armando Galarraga

As an aside, I actually wrote to the Commissioner of Baseball, Bud Selig the day after the Galarraga "almost perfect" game. I was shocked that he took the time to respond back to me. I have since had both Armando Galarraga and umpire Jim Joyce also sign the letter.

Remember to always collect what you personally enjoy!!

[novakjr]

That's awesome about the letter. I was leaning towards including Galarraga with the Perfect Gamers, and I was already including Martinez, Haddix and Shore on my list.

If I remember correctly, didn't the governor of Michigan sign some bill stating that the state recognizes him as having thrown a perfect game?

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by novakjr

That's awesome about the letter. I was leaning towards including Galarraga with the Perfect Gamers, and I was already including Martinez, Haddix and Shore on my list.

If I remember correctly, didn't the governor of Michigan sign some bill stating that the state recognizes him as having thrown a perfect game?

David,
You are correct about Michigan and the Galarraga game. At least they got it right.

I'll try get a photo/scan of the letter and post it at some point in the future.

Here is my favorite early signature of Ernie Shore in my personal collection. It's a vintage 3 x 5 signed in steel-tipped fountain pen.

[vintagechris]

John Littlefield is tough from the 80's.