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

[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

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[parker1b2]

2nd side of the ball reads:

The "Hall of Famer" won.
All the best
John J Cerutti
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[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by parker1b2

2nd side of the ball reads:

The "Hall of Famer" won.
All the best
John J Cerutti
Attachment 171601

Hi Jonathan,
That is a cool ball.
I'll tell you what, black ball point ink is notorious for wrecking more signed balls. It literally becomes invisible ink over time.

I'm not sure if you ever heard this fact re: Phil Niekro's 300th win game before but, Niekro was constantly ribbed by teammates that he couldn't win without his "trick" signature pitch the knuckleball.

"Knucksie" decided to make his 300th win game interesting and didn't throw his 1st knuckleball until the 9th inning, on what I believe was his FINAL OUT.
I guess that showed everyone that he could pitch a little bit. How cool is that?
Terrific historic game!

[parker1b2]

Originally Posted by Scott Garner

Hi Jonathan,
That is a cool ball.
I'll tell you what, black ball point ink is notorious for wrecking more signed balls. It literally becomes invisible ink over time.

I'm not sure if you ever heard this fact re: Phil Niekro's 300th win game before but, Niekro was constantly ribbed by teammates that he couldn't win without his "trick" signature pitch the knuckleball.

"Knucksie" decided to make his 300th win game interesting and didn't throw his 1st knuckleball until the 9th inning, on what I believe was his FINAL OUT.
I guess that showed everyone that he could pitch a little bit. How cool is that?
Terrific historic game!

Thanks Scott!! I read that somewhere about him not using the knuckleball that game. Like you said, he showed everyone he could pitch a little bit.

[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

[jbsports33]

here you go enjoy! - can you find the little dog

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by jbsports33

here you go enjoy! - can you find the little dog

No, I cant.........

[canjond]

Second row, between second and third players from the right.

[ruth-gehrig]

Here....this one's more obvious

[Runscott]

this one is LESS obvious (but it's there)

[ooo-ribay]

Originally Posted by canjond

Second row, between second and third players from the right.

There he is!