Monday, March 29, 2010

1967 Topps Gary Peters Chicago White Sox

The mailbox streak is back again! No new additions to my 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card set, so I went back into my collection to find an excellent success. It is Gary Peters, pitcher of the Chicago White Sox. Card number 310 in the 1967 Topps Baseball set of 609 cards.

This autograph was obtained with a through the mail to Gary Peters home in Florida on March 18, 2009. I received the card back 9 days later with a beautiful blue sharpie signature. Thank you Mr. Peters. If you are interested in sending through the mail (TTM) requests to players, go to sportscollectors.net for addresses of players and teams.

Gary Peters pitched in the Major Leagues for 14 seasons from 1959 to 1972 for the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox. Gary pitched a total of 12 games between 1959 and 1962, each season he was sent back to the minors to gain more experience. His first full season was 1963 with the White Sox and he proved he was ready for the big leagues. He won 19 games and posted a 2.33 earned run average for the season and was named the American League Rookie of the Year. Gary won 20 games in 1964 and was named to the American League All-star team. He also made the 1967 All-Star team. Overall, Gary Peters won 124 games, struck out 1420 batters and had a 3.25 career E.R.A. Gary was also known as an excellent batter for a pitcher, hitting 19 home runs and driving in 102 runs in his career. He was used as a pinch hitter regularly throughout his career and batted in the 6th place in the lineup on May 26, 1968, which is unheard of for a pitcher.

To learn more about Gary Peters, go to his biography on wikipedia.org.

Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

1967 Topps NL Rookies with Gary Sutherland and Don Shaw

The mailbox was empty today, but yesterday I received a nice surprise. It was a card returned from a through the mail request to Gary Sutherland, rookie 2nd Baseman/Shortstop of the Philadelphia Phillies. Card number 587 in the 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card set of 609 cards.

I mailed this card to Gary Sutherland to his home in California on February 22, 2010 and 32 days later, Gary returned the card with a blue sharpie autograph with a slight smear. I don't mind the smear too much, it kind of fits the card with the multiple creases. This autograph marks the 480th different signature that I have obtained for my collection. I still have about 150 more autographs to go to complete the set.

Gary Sutherland played 13 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1966 to 1978. His career started with the Philadelphia Phillies and ended with the St. Louis Cardinals. He also played for the Montreal Expos, the Houston Astros, the Detroit Tigers, the San Diego Padres and the Milwaukee Brewers. During his career, Gary Sutherland amassed 754 hits and a .243 career average, hit 24 home runs and 239 runs batted in. As a curious note, Gary scored the first run in the Montreal Expos franchise history on April 8, 1969 against the New York Mets.

Now it is time to contact Don Shaw and see if he would be willing to sign the card also. Wish me luck...


Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

Monday, March 22, 2010

1967 Topps Twins Team Card with Tony Oliva and Rod Carew

The empty mailbox streak of 7 days has ended in a BIG way! Today, the mailbox had a super surprise waiting for me. It was an envelope from Tony Oliva of the Minnesota Twins post marked from Fort Myers, Florida, the spring training home of the team. Enclosed in the envelope were several items including this card for my 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card set. It is the Twins Team card, number 211 in the 1967 Topps set of 609 cards. It has been signed by Tony Oliva and Rod Carew!

There is a long story behind this autograph card. The story begins during my Spring Training trip three weeks ago to Florida. On March 4, my friend Jim and I visited Fort Myers to see the Twins practice and then saw the Twins and Boston Red Sox play a game that night. Knowing that Tony Oliva was a member of the Twins front office, I had brought his 1967 Topps card, #50 just in case I ran into him. During the day, we waited for the players and coaches to arrive and we noticed that Tony Oliva and Rod Carew had driven to the ballpark together. They drove past the autograph collectors without signing any cards. I guess that was strike one. As the practice progressed, Mr. Oliva was instructing several Twins players in the batting cages along with Rod Carew. After a break in the practice, I asked Tony Oliva if he would be willing to sign my card for my collection.


He refused and said he was working. Strike two. Undeterred, I continued to follow Tony during the practice and at one point he saw me standing alone as he came out of the clubhouse and I asked if he would sign me card. Again, he refused and went back to work. I guess that was a foul ball, no third strike yet. As the practice started to wind down and the players and coaches started the leave the field, Tony was called over by a couple of fans and he started to sign some autographs. As he was signing the autographs, I asked if he would sign my card for my collection. He passed me over a couple of times, but I did not give up. Finally, he took my card and signed it with a blue sharpie that I provided. Persistence paid off.

I thanked Tony Oliva for the autograph, shook his hand and asked if he would take a picture with me and he obliged. That would have been a great story in itself, but it did not end there. After I arrived home, I decided to write Tony a letter apologizing for being so persistent in pursuit of his autograph. Enclosed with the letter, I included two 8x10s of the picture of me and Tony Oliva, two more 1967 Topps cards, the Twins Team card above and the 1966 American League Batting Leaders card, #239, and a gift card to Outback Steakhouse. I asked if he could sign one of the 8x10s and keep the other and asked he if could sign the Batting Leaders card, already signed by Hall of Famer Al Kaline and the Twins Team card. I also asked if he could have Hall of Famer Rod Carew sign the team card as well. I mailed the envelope on March 10, 2010 and received it back 12 days later with both photos signed and both cards signed. Even Rod Carew signed the team card. Thank you very much, Mr Oliva and Mr. Carew!

Tony Oliva's career lasted 15 seasons in major league baseball, all with the Minnesota Twins. He started his career in 1964, winning the American League Rookie of the Year award and named to the American League All-star for the first of eight consecutive seasons. He ended his playing days in 1978 with a career .304 batting average, 220 home runs and 947 runs batted in, 329 doubles and a total of 1917 hits in 1676 games. Tony's eight consecutive All-Star appearances to start his career broke the previous record set by Hall of Famer Joe Dimaggio of the New York Yankees. Tony Oliva won 3 batting titles during his career, 1964, 1965 and 1971 and won a Gold Glove award in 1966. The latter part of his career was hampered by injuries and there has been much debate about his place in baseball history. Considered one of the best players not in the Baseball Hall of Fame, Tony Oliva deserves his place in Cooperstown.

To learn more about Tony Oliva and his career, go to his biography at wikipedia.org.
 
Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

1967 Topps Andy Etchebarren Baltimore Orioles

The mailbox streak has reached 7 days now, I am hoping for a new addition soon. I went back into my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball cards and found a card to share. It is Andy Etchebarren, catcher of the Baltimore Orioles. Card number 457 out of 609 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set.

This autograph was obtained with a through the mail request to Andy Etchebarren on May 23, 2009 care of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Baseball team, where he was a coach. He signed the card with a black sharpie and returned it to me 13 days later with an excellent autograph.

Andy Etchebarren played Major League Baseball for 15 seasons from 1962 to 1978. His career started with the Baltimore Orioles in 1962 appearing in 2 games then he returned to the minor leagues until 1965 when he played 5 games for the Orioles. In 1966, Andy Etchebarren became the starting catcher and stayed in the majors for the rest of his career. Andy played for the Orioles until early 1975 when his contract was purchased by the California Angels and finished his career with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1978. Andy Etchebarren's career statistics include 948 games played, posting a career .235 batting average, hitting 49 home runs and driving in 309 runs. Andy was selected to the American League All-Star team in 1966 and 1967 and was a member of the Baltimore Orioles' World Championship team in 1966 and 1970. He was the last man to ever bat against Sandy Koufax, when he hit into a double play during the sixth inning of Game 2 of the 1966 World Series.

After his playing days were over, Andy Etchebarren starting a second career of coaching baseball. He coached within the Baltimore Oriole organization at many levels and currently Andy is the manager of the York Revolution.

Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

1967 Topps Ken Holtzman Chicago Cubs

Today's entry for my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball cards is the all time wins leader for Jewish pitchers even ahead of Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax. It is Ken Holtzman, pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. Card number 185 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set.

This autograph was obtained with a through the mail request to Ken Holtzman at his home in Missouri on January 6, 2009. Mr. Holtzman signed the card with a black ballpoint pen and returned the card to me 41 days later. Thank you, Ken!

Ken Holtzman pitched 15 seasons in the major league from 1965 to 1979. He debuted with the Chicago Cubs in 1965 and stayed with the Cubs until 1971 when he was traded to the Oakland A's before the 1972 season. Ken also pitched for the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees before returning to the Cubs in 1978 and retired after the 1979 season. Ken Holtzman won 174 games in his career, striking out 1,601 batters and posting a 3.49 earned run average. He pitched two no-hitters (August 19, 1969 and June 3, 1971) and was selected to two All-Star team in 1972 and 1973. Ken Holtzman was also a key member of the Oakland A's World Series Championship run from 1972 to 1974.

To learn more about Ken Holtzman and his career, go to his biography at wikipedia.org.

Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

1967 Topps Phil Linz Philadelphia Phillies

Today's entry about my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball cards is a player probably more known for an off the field incident than his playing days. It is Phil Linz, infielder for the Philadelphia Phillies. Card number 14 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 subjects.

This autograph was obtained with a through the mail request to Phil Linz's home in Connecticut on January 6, 2009. Mr. Linz returned the card 9 days later with a nice black sharpie autograph and a musical note at the end of his name. This was in reference to famous "harmonica incident" that occurred in 1964 while a member of the New York Yankees.

Here is Jim Bouton's, author of "Ball Four", version of the harmonica incident. "On the team bus, after a Yankee loss to the Chicago White Sox, Linz was in the back playing a plaintive version of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on his harmonica. Yankee manager Yogi Berra thought the sad cowboy style mixed with a children's nursery rhyme was mocking the team. He told Linz to pipe down. Linz didn't hear and kept playing. Berra became infuriated and called back from the front of the bus, "If you don't knock that off, I'm going to come back there and kick your ass." Linz couldn't hear the words over the music, so he asked Mickey Mantle, "What he say?" Mantle responded, "He said to play it louder." This led the famous confrontation when Berra stormed to the back of the bus, slapped the harmonica out of Linz' hands, and the instrument hit Joe Pepitone's knee."

Phil Linz played 7 seasons in the major leagues from 1962 to 1968. His career started in 1962 with the New York Yankees, then went to the Phillies in 1966 and finally with the New York Mets in 1967 and 1968. As a backup infielder for his career, Phil Linz hit .235 in 519 games with 322 hits including 11 home runs and 96 runs batted in. He played in two World Series with the Yankees, both losses, in 1963 and 1964. During the 1964 World Series, Phil hit 2 home runs and started all seven games at shortstop, due to an injury to Tony Kubek. 

To learn more Phil Linz, go to his biography at wikipedia.org.

Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

Monday, March 15, 2010

1967 Topps Elroy Face Pittsburgh Pirates

The entry for my 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card collection today is a pitcher who still holds 3 major league records. It is Elroy "the Baron" Face, relief pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Card number 49 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 cards.

This autograph was obtained with a through the mail request to Elroy Face's house in Pennsylvania on December 11, 2008. Mr. Face returned the card seven days later with a nice blue autograph. Thank you Elroy!

Elroy Face pitched 17 seasons in the major leagues from 1953 to 1969. His first 16 seasons were with the Pittsburgh Pirates and then he was traded to the Detroit Tigers and then onto the Montreal Expos, where he retired in 1969.  Elroy Face's career statistics include 104 wins, 193 saves, a 3.48 earned run average and 877 strikeouts in 848 games. Elroy was selected to the National League All-Star team each year from 1959 to 1961 and was a member of the 1960 World Series Championship team with the Pirates.

Elroy Face still holds major league records with 96 career wins by a relief pitcher, 17 victories to start a season(1959) and highest winning percentage for a season (.947) also in 1959. He held other records for relief pitchers that have been broken after his retirement as the role of the reliever has been stressed much more in today's baseball. Still, Elroy Face was a pioneer in baseball as one of the original closers along with Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm.   

To learn more about Elroy Face, go to his biography at wikipedia.org.

Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

1967 Topps Tito Francona Philadelphia Phillies

Today's entry never played for the Boston Red Sox but will forever be linked to the franchise because of his son. It is Tito Francona, first baseman and outfielder of the Philadelphia Phillies and father of Red Sox manager, Terry Francona. Card number 443 of the 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card set of 609 cards.

This autograph was obtained with a through the mail request to Tito Francona's home in Pennsylvania on January 29, 2009. He returned the card with a nice autograph in blue ball point pen 12 days later. Thank you, Mr. Francona.

Tito Francona played 15 seasons in the Major Leagues from 1956 to 1970. Through his career, Tito played for 9 teams including the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals, Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Oakland A's and ended his career with the Milwaukee Brewers. He finished 2nd in the Rookie of the Year voting behind future Hall of Famer Luis Aparicio. Tito Francona was selected to the American League All-Star team in 1961. His career of 1719 games included a .272 batting average, 1395 hits, 125 home runs and 656 runs batted in. In 1959, Tito hit .363 but did not win the batting title because he failed to have the proper number of plate appearances. He fell 34 plate appearance short of qualifying for the title. On July 31, 1963, he hit the third home run in a series of four consecutive home runs in a single inning against pitcher Paul Foytack of the Los Angeles Angels. This was the second time in baseball history that a team hit four consecutive home runs in a single inning.

Tito Francona's son Terry is the current manager of the Boston Red Sox and has led the Red Sox to World Series Championships in 2004 and 2007, breaking the 86 year drought.

Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

1967 Topps Clay Carroll Atlanta Braves



Today's entry in my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball cards is Atlanta Braves relief pitcher, Clay Carroll. Card number 219 in the 1967 Topps Baseball set of 609 cards.

This autograph was obtained with a through the mail request to Clay Carroll's home in Florida on July 6, 2009. The card was returned 49 days later from a Chattanooga, Tennessee postmark with a beautiful blue sharpie signatures. It is was one of the prettiest autographs I have received. It is nice to have a player take their time and give a nice autograph. Thank you Mr. Carroll.

Clay "the Hawk" Carroll's career started in 1964 with the Milwaukee & Atlanta Braves and ended in 1978 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He also pitched for the Chicago White Sox, the St. Louis Cardinals, and was best known as a reliever for 8 seasons for the Cincinnati Reds. As a member of the 1975 World Series Champion Reds, Clay was the winning pitcher in Game 7 of the series against the Boston Red Sox. Clay's career statistics include 96 wins, 143 saves, a 2.94 earned run average and 681 strikeouts in 731 games. He set the National League record for saves in a season with 37 in 1972 for the Cincinnati Reds and held that record until 1984 when Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter saved 45 games for the Cardinals. Clay Carroll was selected to the 1971 and 1972 National League All-Star teams and is a member of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. 

Looking to obtain autographs through the mail, go to sportscollectors.net and get access to addresses for players from the 4 major sports.

Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

1967 Topps Jim Piersall Los Angeles Angels


Today's entry from my 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card set is about a player who had excellent ability on the baseball diamond but sometimes was his own worst enemy due to his on-field antics. It is Jim Piersall, outfielder of the Los Angeles Angels. Card number 584 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 cards.

This autographed baseball card was obtained with a through the mail request to Jim Piersall at his home in Illinois on July 13, 2009. To my amazement, Mr. Piersall returned the card with a nice blue sharpie autograph 4 days later. A super fast turnaround, thank you Jimmy Piersall!

Jim "the Waterbury Wizard" Piersall played 17 seasons in major league baseball from 1950 to 1967. He was drafted and played for the Boston Red Sox from 1950 to 1958. He also played for the Cleveland Indians, the Washington Senators, the New York Mets and finally ending his career with the California/Los Angeles Angels. Jimmy Piersall's career statistics include a .272 batting average, 1604 base hits with 104 home runs, 591 runs batted in and 115 stolen bases. He was selected to the American League All-Star team in 1954 and 1956 and won the Gold Glove Award in 1958 and 1961.

Jim Piersall suffered from bipolar disorder during his playing days and that led to many interesting behaviors during his playing days. He was one of the few Americans whose battles with mental health issues were well-known in the 1950's. He eventually figured out that his issues would give him the freedom to act zany, which endeared him to fans. Some of the episodes included fighting with opponents and teammates, frequent ejections over arguing, stepping up to bat wearing a Beatles wig and playing "air guitar" on his bat, he led cheers for himself in the outfield during breaks in play, and "talked" to Babe Ruth behind the center field monuments at Yankee Stadium. Jim Piersall's life in baseball was portrayed in the movie "Fear Strikes Out" starring Anthony Perkins in 1957.

To learn more about Jim Piersall life, go to his biography at wikipedia.org and baseball-reference.com.

Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

1967 Topps Willie Davis Los Angeles Dodgers

After hearing the news today that Willie Davis has passed away, I felt is was appropriate to share with you his 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card from my collection. Willie Davis was a long-time member of the Los Angeles Dodgers and card number 160 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set. He passed away today at age 69 in his home in Burbank, California.

This autographed card was purchased through a seller on ebay.com and includes a beautiful blue signature. I purchased the card on August 4, 2009 and received it several days later.

Willie Davis played 18 seasons in the Major League, the first 14 with the Dodgers, then he played for the Montreal Expos, Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres and finally the California Angels. During his career Willie amassed 2561 hits given him a .279 batting average, hit 182 home runs, drove in 1053 runs, and stole 398 bases. He was named to two National League All-Star teams (1971 and 1973), won 3 Gold Glove Awards (1971, 1972, and 1973) and was a member of two World Series Championship teams with the Dodgers in 1963 and 1965.  

To learn more about Willie Davis and his career, go to his biography at baseball-reference.com and read this excellent story from the LA Times.

Rest in Peace, Mr. Willie Davis.

Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

Monday, March 8, 2010

1967 Topps Ron Taylor New York Mets

The mailbox today had a new addition for my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball cards from it came with a postmark from Canada. The newest entry is that of Ron Taylor, pitcher of the New York Mets. Card number 606 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 cards.

The Ron Taylor autograph was obtained with a through the mail request to his home in Canada. I mailed the card to Dr. Taylor on February 12, 2010 and he returned the card sign with a black sharpie autograph 24 days later. This marks the 466th autograph in my collection. Thank you, Ron Taylor. Wanting to send your own cards to players, go to sportscollectors.net for addresses of the major sports leagues. You can get team and player addresses.

Ron Taylor's career lasted 11 seasons from 1962 to 1972. His career started with the Cleveland Indians and he also played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, New York Mets and finally the San Diego Padres. Used mainly as a relief pitcher, Ron Taylor's career statistics include 45 wins, 72 saves, a 3.93 earned run average and 464 strikeouts. Ron won World Series championships in 1964 with the Cardinals and 1969 with the Mets. 

After Ron Taylor's career ended in 1972, he decided to pursue a medical degree from the University of Toronto, which he completed in 1977. In 1979, Dr. Taylor became the first former player to be a team physician for the Toronto Blue Jays and has filled that role for 31 years. He also has a private practice in Toronto and lectures at his alma mater. He was named to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985 for his pitching abilities, and was also named to the Canada Sports Hall of Fame in 1993. He was also named to the Order of Ontario in 2003 for his accomplishments. To learn more about Ron Taylor, go to his biography at baseball-reference.com.

Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

1967 Topps Denny McLain Detroit Tigers

As my 2010 trip to Spring Training in Florida began, I was given a new addition to my 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card collection by my good friend, Jim. It is Denny McLain, pitcher of the Detroit Tigers, card number 420 in the 1967 Topps Baseball set of 609 cards.

This autograph was obtained by Jim on February 20, 2010 at the Lee High School fundraiser in Michigan. I mailed Jim the card and he attended the function and asked Denny McLain to sign the card. Denny autographed the card with a beautiful blue sharpie and included the 31-6, 1968 inscription. The inscription signifies one of the greatest pitching seasons in baseball history. Denny is the last pitcher to win 30 games in a season and we might never see that feat accomplished again as today's pitchers are protected and pampered.

Denny McLain pitched 10 seasons in the Major Leagues from 1963 to 1972. He was a member of the Detroit Tigers from 1963 to 1970, then was traded to the Washington Senators, Oakland Athletics and finally the Atlanta Braves. His career statistics include 131 wins, a 3.39 earned run average and 1,282 strikeouts. Denny McLain was named to the American League All-Star team in 1966, 1968 and 1969 and won the American League Most Valuable Player award in 1968 as a member of the World Champion Detroit Tigers. Denny also won consecutive Cy Young Award in 1968 and 1969. In the 1968 season, Denny won 31 games versus 6 losses, had a 1.96 era, and had 28 complete games with 6 shutouts.

To learn more about Denny McLain's career, go to his biography at wikipedia.org.


Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

1967 Topps Pete Richert Washington Senators

Today marks the end of the 2010 Florida Spring Training Baseball  junket and upon return, there was a 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card waiting in the mail. It is that of Pete Richert, pitcher of the Washington Senators. Card number 590 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609.

This autograph from Pete Richert was obtained by sending a through the mail request to his home in California on January 29, 2010. Mr. Richert returned the card signed with a thin blue sharpie autograph 34 days later. It is the 464th autographed in my collection. Thank you Pete!

Pete Richert pitched in the Major Leagues for 13 years from 1962 to 1974 for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Senators, Baltimore Orioles, St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies. His career statistics include 80 wins, a 3.19 earned run average, 51 saves and 925 strikeouts. Pete was a member of two World Series Championship teams, 1963 with the Dodgers and 1970 with the Orioles and was named to two All-star teams in 1965 and 1966.

Pete Richert's career started out on a very high note. In his debut on April 12, 1962, Pete struck out the first 6 batters he faced, including 4 in one-inning. The six strikeouts tied a record and the 4 strikeouts in the inning set a record for a pitcher in his debut. To learn more about Pete Richert, go to his biography at wikipedia.org.


Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

Monday, March 1, 2010

1967 Topps Boog Powell Baltimore Orioles

Day 2 of the 2010 Florida Spring Training Junket yielded some autographs, but no new additions to the my collection of 1967 Topps signed Baseball cards. It was close to a new success, I presented the card to Hall of Famer Tony Perez at the Florida Marlins training facility in Jupiter, Florida and explained my collection and he flat out said that he does not sign cards with no other explanation. All I can say is that I am disappointed and befuddled by that remark.

With all that said, I went back into my collection and found a card that was signed in person upon my request and it is Boog Powell, first baseman of the Baltimore Orioles. Card number 230 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 cards. Boog Powell signed the card outside of his barbecue restaurant at Oriole Park in Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland during a family trip in June of 2009. Mr. Powell signed the card with a blue sharpie autograph while talking with me about his playing days. Thanks again, Boog!

John "Boog" Powell played in the Major Leagues for 17 seasons between 1961 and 1977. Primarily for the Baltimore Orioles from 1961 to 1974, Boog also played for the Cleveland Indians (1975-1976) and ended his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1977. During Boog Powell's 17 year career, he batted .266, hit 339 home runs and drove in 1187 runs in 2042 games. Boog was named to the American League All-Star team 4 times from 1968 to 1971 and won the Most Valuable Player Award in 1970. Boog won two World Series Championships with the Orioles in 1966 and 1970 and was named the Comeback Player of the Year twice (1966 and 1975). At his retirement, Boog Powell was the Orioles all-time home run leader until he was passed by Hall of Famers Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken Jr.

To learn more about Boog Powell, go to his biography at wikipedia.org.


Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.