1970s baseball pinbacks

[thansen30]

For what it's worth, I've noticed three variations in the "1971" stadium pinbacks: Version one measures 2.25" across and has matte finish. Version two measures 3" across and also has matte finish. Version three measures 3.5" across and has glossy finish.
There is a similar style of pinback that shouldn't be mistaken for this group--they have different cropping, inferior printing, feature a different autograph printed in black, have a high gloss finish and an easel back. They also measure 3.5" across (see below for comparison of Billy Williams and Ron Santo versions)

[thansen30]

For what it's worth, the seven 1971 Cubs stadium pinbacks I have--most are 3" and matte; two are 3.5" and glossy

[thansen30]

The nine 1971 Redsox stadium pinbacks I have found. All are the 3.5" glossy version

[Cliff Bowman]

Originally Posted by thansen30

For what it's worth, the seven 1971 Cubs stadium pinbacks I have--most are 3" and matte; two are 3.5" and glossy

Here is a 3" Don Kessinger. I have seen the Ernie Banks pin from this set but I don't have any photos of it. I also have the 3.5" versions of Glenn Beckert and Joe Pepitone.

[thansen30]

at long last, here is the Ernie Banks pin. 3" this is the only copy i've seen after years of wondering!

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by thansen30

at long last, here is the Ernie Banks pin. 3" this is the only copy i've seen after years of wondering!

Congrats Tom!

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by thansen30

There is a similar style of pinback that shouldn't be mistaken for this group--they have different cropping, inferior printing, feature a different autograph printed in black, have a high gloss finish and an easel back. They also measure 3.5" across (see below for comparison of Billy Williams and Ron Santo versions)

A very interesting topic. IMHO, oftentimes both the "superior" or "inferior" versions have poor cropping....either too much and unequal background or not enough background.

The Mays comes both with and without facsimile sig.

[thansen30]

Picked up several Brewers 1971 stadium pinback examples on ebay. All measure 2.25" across with matte finish.

[thansen30]

Just picked up another example of Baltimore Orioles 1971 stadium pinback. Boog Powell joins Frank Robinson on the list. Are there others?

[icollectDCsports]

Originally Posted by thansen30

Just picked up another example of Baltimore Orioles 1971 stadium pinback. Boog Powell joins Frank Robinson on the list. Are there others?

I have a Brooks Robinson from this set.

[hcv123]

Hi all,

I know the origin of the pins!! But I don't recall the whole story off the top of my head. The guy who took the photos (and I believe they were a controlled setting (not sure about in a studio)) was a professional team photographer (also forget which team). Their short supply I believe is attributed to their lack of licensing. There are prints that were made from the original negatives (which STILL exist and are owned by the original photographers nephew) who runs a photo studio. They are SCARCE! I own a Clemente(pin and print), Mays, Gaylord Perry, Denny McClain. I owned a Rose print. My time is CRAZY tight right now, but I will try to get back here to fill in the blanks when I find my notes. I was chasing the origin of these pins for years and finally hit pay dirt ~2 years ago. Hope that helps.

-Howard

[thansen30]

Howard, that scenario sounds just about right; but now i have a million questions. I've been on the same search for information. Post whatever you know as soon as you can!
tom

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by hcv123

Hi all,

I know the origin of the pins!! But I don't recall the whole story off the top of my head. The guy who took the photos (and I believe they were a controlled setting (not sure about in a studio)) was a professional team photographer (also forget which team). Their short supply I believe is attributed to their lack of licensing. There are prints that were made from the original negatives (which STILL exist and are owned by the original photographers nephew) who runs a photo studio. They are SCARCE! I own a Clemente(pin and print), Mays, Gaylord Perry, Denny McClain. I owned a Rose print. My time is CRAZY tight right now, but I will try to get back here to fill in the blanks when I find my notes. I was chasing the origin of these pins for years and finally hit pay dirt ~2 years ago. Hope that helps.

-Howard

An ebay seller recently told me a similar story, right down to time being crazy tight. That person asked for me to give him a month and get back with him. I did, but got no response. I wonder if that was Howard. I'm as eager as Tom to find out more info!

[thansen30]

Post a pic, please. That's outstanding news!

[thansen30]

Post a picture of the Brooks pin if you can ...

[icollectDCsports]

Originally Posted by thansen30

post a picture of the brooks pin if you can ...

Sorry it's not better quality photo but short on time.

Brooks Pinback.jpg

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by thansen30

For what it's worth, I've noticed three variations in the "1971" stadium pinbacks: Version one measures 2.25" across and has matte finish. Version two measures 3" across and also has matte finish. Version three measures 3.5" across and has glossy finish.
There is a similar style of pinback that shouldn't be mistaken for this group--they have different cropping, inferior printing, feature a different autograph printed in black, have a high gloss finish and an easel back. They also measure 3.5" across (see below for comparison of Billy Williams and Ron Santo versions)

For this ^^^ and the fact we got Scott Garner turned on to his Vida Blue, there have been two Blues on ebay recently (I have a permanent search for a different Blue pinback). I think the first pic is the 3.5" variety.

[ksfarmboy]

Here's the 2 I picked up on ebay a while back. I missed out on a Frank Robinson and Boog Powell. The seller also had a Tom Seaver.

[ooo-ribay]

They're cool. I wish we could figure out the real story. Need to get Springpin "on it."

[icollectDCsports]

Pretty simple design, but I really do like these. Some great players represented.

Still looking for the Frank Howard - Senators version.

[springpin]

Rob,

Your comment about me tracing down the story behind these pins raises another dimension in being a pinback detective. I will say for the record that Howard and his connection is the only way this story will ever be known.

All the sleuthing on pins that I have ever done involved trying to tie together scattered clues from the past. I recall one person even asking me, "Why would anyone care about such stuff?" My only answer was, "I don't know, but I do."

The new dimension in this case pertains to legal issues---the selling of licensed images. This is a pinback story that not only is not known, but perhaps some people may wish to have it remain unknown. By now I believe the statute of limitations may have expired, or perhaps more simply, no one in MLB today cares what happened 40 years ago. Then again, maybe MLB might want to make this photographer a poster child for those who defy them. I think winning the trust of this person is critical, along with perhaps the assurance of anonymity in telling the story.

By the way, I learned a lesson about these licensing laws about 10 years ago. My local minor league team hosted the league all-star game. I am friends with the GM, and asked if I could have made a 3.5" pin that listed all the teams in the league, plus some information about the all-star game itself. He said that would be great, but I could not sell them. The illegality is not the making of the merchandise, but the selling of it. So I ordered a batch of 50 pins, one for each player, one for each team GM, and a few other people. I recall it costs me about $100. I remember being a real SOB with the pinmaker, demanding the precise placement of images on the pin, and the right pattern of coloring. All minor league logos are licensed as well. As such, I did not violate the licensing laws because I did not sell the item, but the pinmaker did for selling the item to me.

[hcv123]

Originally Posted by springpin

Rob,

Your comment about me tracing down the story behind these pins raises another dimension in being a pinback detective. I will say for the record that Howard and his connection is the only way this story will ever be known.

All the sleuthing on pins that I have ever done involved trying to tie together scattered clues from the past. I recall one person even asking me, "Why would anyone care about such stuff?" My only answer was, "I don't know, but I do."

The new dimension in this case pertains to legal issues---the selling of licensed images. This is a pinback story that not only is not known, but perhaps some people may wish to have it remain unknown. By now I believe the statute of limitations may have expired, or perhaps more simply, no one in MLB today cares what happened 40 years ago. Then again, maybe MLB might want to make this photographer a poster child for those who defy them. I think winning the trust of this person is critical, along with perhaps the assurance of anonymity in telling the story.

HI guys

1) I've been going through a separation and divorce for 2 years now and have not had the time I usually devote here.
2) I am the ebay seller offering the Clemente pin. Multiples can not be bought at any price as these pins in my experience are that scarce. I own the only 2 Clemente's I have ever seen. The only reason I am offering it for sale at all is to help fund #1 I hope I sell other items to raise the needed funds.
3) As far as the back story on the pins. Due to some of the potential issues mentioned in the quote above and the persons desire for privacy, I will not be using names. Parts of the story I am piecing together from 1 and 2 parties away from the source who led me there. Here goes:

The images were taken by a professional sports team photographer. Unclear if the images were done in studio or elsewhere, but the images were all originals. The photographer knew many of the ballplayers through association with the team he was photographer for. There was intention/discussion/plans, etc of getting a license. A second hand part of the story was that the person trusted to get the license gambled and lost the money that was to be used for the license. In any case, no license was ever secured. Distribution or lack thereof is a bit puzzling - I know an earlier post said he remembers them being sold outside a stadium - it is the only time I have heard that. A small batch of pins were made in advance of securing the license. I have been told (third hand)that the photographer gave them out to friends and family. The original photographer communicated to at least one person I spoke to that he was not allowed to sell the pins without a license. I have a small print of the Clemente. A large Clemente print 18x24 (This is almost certainly the same image from behind Vera's head - shown in an earlier post) sold in a Lelands auction back in 2007 (see image - clearly from the same shoot, but slightly different image - check the bat). I spoke directly with the family member of the original photographer who apparently still owns the negatives. He was very suspect of my jubilation and questions. He really didn't shed much light except confirm he has the negatives, confirm the "licensing issue", and asked not to be contacted. It seems there will remain more questions than answers about this issue.

It would be great if someone would take charge of compiling a checklist. Anyone have time, want to work on that?

I own: Clemente, Mays, McClain, Gaylord Perry. I owned a Pete Rose photo/"pin proof".

These pins are easily discernible by the high quality of the Player image set against a color background that fades to white in its center.

Hope that helps.

Howard

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by icollectDCsports

Pretty simple design, but I really do like these. Some great players represented.

Can you take another picture of the Brooks pin when you have an opportunity since I see a bunch of other O's pins surrounding "the greatest third baseman of all time"? Love to see those other O's pins!

[71buc]

I would think it is safe to say this one could be a bit over priced?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/INCREDIBLE-S...QAAOSwHQ9WUUwb