1967 Topps Lou Burdette Los Angeles Angels

Today's entry from my 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card set is about the winning pitcher of a game even though his counterpart threw a perfect game for 12 innings. It is Lou Burdette, pitcher of the Los Angeles Angels. Card number 265 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 cards.
This card was obtained at a baseball card show in Knoxville, Tennessee from a dealer who is also compiling an autographed 1967 Topps baseball card set. Bought on October 21, 2008, it was one of the original cards in my collection.

Lou Burdette pitched in major league baseball for 18 seasons from 1950 to 1967. His career started with the New York Yankees and ended with the Angels. He also pitched for the Boston/Milwaukee Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, and the Philadelphia Phillies. His career statistics include 203 wins, a 3.66 earned run average, 1074 strikeouts, 33 shutouts and 31 saves. Lou appeared in two All-Star games (1957 and 1959) and winning one World Series while a member of the Milwaukee Braves in 1957. Lou pitched three complete games and two shutouts in the 1957 World Series and was named the World Series MVP in the victory over the New York Yankees.

Burdette was the winning pitcher on May 26, 1959 when the Pittsburgh Pirates' Harvey Haddix pitched a perfect game against the Braves for 12 innings, only to lose in the 13th. Burdette threw a 1-0 shutout, scattering 12 hits. On August 18, 1960, Lou Burdette pitched his own no-hitter against the Phillies. He missed a perfect game by hitting Tony Gonzalez with a pitch, but faced the minimum 27 batters because Gonzalez was retired by a double play. Lou Burdette was also a good hitter during his career, hitting 12 home runs and batting in 75 runs.

To learn more about Lou or Lew Burdette'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.

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...


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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.
 
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1967 Topps Reggie Smith Boston Red Sox Rookie Card

In anticipation of my 2nd annual junket to Florida for Spring Training, I wanted to share a card that was added to my 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card collection during the 1st trip in 2009. It is Reggie Smith on the 1967 Boston Red Sox Rookie Stars Card with Mike Andrews. Card number 314 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 cards.

This autograph was obtained in Clearwater, Florida while the Phillies were playing an exhibition game against the 2009 USA World Baseball Classic team. Reggie Smith was the batting coach for WBC team and was very gracious to come over to me before the started and sign my card. Reggie Smith is known in the hobby as a tough signature to get and I am very thankful he obliged my request. He signed the card with a black sharpie that I supplied. Thank you Reggie.

Reggie Smith's career in Major League Baseball spanned 17 seasons from 1966 to 1982. He played for the Boston Red Sox, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants. During his career, Reggie Smith accumulated the following statistics, 2020 base hits in 1987 games, 314 home runs, 1092 runs batted in stole 137 bases and a career .287 batting average. Reggie Smith was involved in four World Series, 1967(loss) with the Red Sox and 1977(loss), 1978(loss) and 1981(win) with the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Reggie hit 6 home runs in a total of 21 World Series games. Reggie Smith also won a Gold Glove in 1968 and was a seven-time All Star. Reggie was 2nd in the 1967 Rookie of the Year voting behind future Hall of Famer Rod Carew. In his rookie season, Reggie hit 15 home runs, drove in 61 runs and stole 16 bases.

After his playing days were over, Reggie Smith spent time as a coach, minor league instructor and player development official for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also runs Reggie Smith Baseball to help youth players develop the necessary skills to be a successful baseball player. 

To learn more about Reggie Smith, 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.

1967 Topps Jim Bouton New York Yankees

Today's entry of the 1967 Topps Autographed baseball cards is about a pitcher who could almost be known more for his words than his playing days. It is Jim Bouton, pitcher for the New York Yankees. Card number 393 in the 1967 Topps Baseball set of 609 cards.

This autograph was obtained by sending Jim Bouton a request through the mail to his home in Massachusetts. The card was sent to Mr. Bouton on July 13, 2009 with a requested donation. Jim Bouton returned the card signed 12 days later with a nice blue sharpie autograph.

Jim Bouton played in 10 seasons from 1962 to 1978. He started his career with the Yankees from 1962 to 1968. Then he was part of the Seattle Pilots' expansion draft in 1969 and pitched parts of two seasons with the Houston Astros. He retired in 1970 and attempted a comeback with the Atlanta Braves in 1978. His career statistics include 62 wins versus 63 losses, a career 3.57 earned run average and 720 strikeouts. Jim Bouton's best seasons were 1963 and 1964 when he won a combined 39 games and struck out 273 batters. He was named to the 1963 American League All-Star team for his efforts. Jim also participated in two World Series winning 2 games versus 1 loss.

Jim Bouton has achieved fame for his books he has written about his playing days. His first book, "Ball Four", chronicled his time in the major leagues and portrayed a behind the scenes look at the players and teams. A controversial book at that time of publishing, but it is a comical look at the real happening of a baseball team and players.

To learn more about Jim Bouton and his career, go to his official website at www.jimbouton.com.

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

1967 Topps Camilo Pascual Washington Senators

Today's subject for the blog about the 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball cards is that of Camilo Pascual, pitcher for the Washington Senators. Card number 71 in the 1967 Topps Baseball set of 609 cards.

This autograph was obtained with a through the mail (TTM) request to Camilo Pascual's home in Florida. I mailed the card on September 18, 2009 with a small donation. He autographed the card with a nice blue signature and returned the card to me 10 days later. I do not mind sending a small donation to the player or their charity as a token of appreciation for their time and attention to my request. Thank you Mr. Pascual for the autograph. As of February 23, 2010, I have 461 different autographs within the set and look forward to obtaining the balance of players, if possible.

Camilo Pascual played 18 seasons in the Major Leagues from 1954 until 1971. Originally from Cuba, Camilo started playing for the Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins franchise then went back to the new Washington Senators in 1967. He also played for the Cincinnati Reds, the Los Angeles Dodgers and finally ending his career with the Cleveland Indians in 1971. During the 18 seasons, Camilo amassed 174 career wins, had a 3.63 earned run average and struck out 2,167 batters. Camilo was named to the All-Star team in 5 seasons between 1959 and 1964. Mr. Pascual led the American League in strikeouts three seasons (1961, 1962, and 1963.)

To learn about Camilo Pascual's biography, go to wikipedia.org.
 
Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

1967 Topps Al Ferrara Los Angeles Dodgers

On Monday, February 22, 2010, the mailbox had a great prize waiting for me. It is an autographed 1967 Topps Baseball card of Al Ferrara, outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Card number 557 in the 1967 Topps Baseball set of 609 cards. It marks the 461st autograph in my collection.

The Al Ferrara autograph was obtained by sending him the card through the mail on February 12, 2010 and he quickly returned the card signed with a nice blue sharpie. Al also included a signed index card and a note about a game he played. On May 15, 1965, Dick Ellsworth was pitching a no-hitter until the eighth inning when he gave up a walk and an error, then Al Ferrara came up as a pinch hitter and he a 3-run home run. The Dodgers won the game 3-1 and Ferrara had the only hit for the Dodgers.

Al Ferrara played in the major leagues for 8 seasons from 1963 to 1971. He played for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1963 to 1968 and then he was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 1969 expansion draft. Al played for the Padres until 1971, when he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, where he ended his career that same year. Al Ferrara's career spanned 574 games during which he hit 51 home runs, drove in 198 runs and had a career .259 batting average.

Al "The Bull" Ferrara grew up in Brooklyn, New York and went to school with Joe Torre and Joe Pepitone. He participated in the 1966 World Series and was 1 for 1 in a pinch hitting appearance. Al Ferrara once played piano at Carnegie Hall and appeared on several television shows in the late 1960's. He appeared in 3 episodes of "Batman", an episode of "Gilligan's Island" and one on "Baretta."

To learn more about Al Ferrara'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.

1967 Topps Don Kessinger Chicago Cubs

Today's entry was inspired by watching him play in the 1969 baseball game yesterday that was shown on MLB Network against the Philadelphia Phillies. It is Don Kessinger, shortstop for the Chicago Cubs, card number 419 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set.

This autograph was obtained by sending a through the mail request to Don Kessinger to his home in Mississippi on July 2, 2009 and 17 days later, he returned the card signed with a beautiful blue sharpie autograph. Thank you Mr. Kessinger.

Don Kessinger played 16 seasons in the major leagues from 1964 to 1979. He played 11 years for the Chicago Cubs, 2 seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals and 3 for the Chicago White Sox, where he was the player-manager in 1979. Don Kessinger played 2078 games, accumulating 1931 hits, 14 home runs, 527 runs batted in and a career .252 batting average. Don made the All-Star teams in 6 different season from 1968 to 1974 and won the Gold Glove Award for shortstops in 1969 and 1970. Don Kessinger managed the Chicago White Sox for 131 games in 1979 before resigning as manager and retiring as a player. He was replaced by Tony LaRussa.

After leaving the Chicago White Sox, Don Kessinger went back to his alma mater, The University of Mississippi and managed the baseball team for 6 seasons and now he has his own real estate business.

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

1967 Topps Mickey Lolich Detroit Tigers

Today is February 20, 2010 and one of my best friends, Jim Zylstra, is getting married on this day. In honor of the special occasion, I am displaying a 1967 Topps Autograph Baseball card that was given to me from Jim. It is star pitcher Mickey Lolich of the Detroit Tigers. Card number 88 in the 1967 Topps Baseball set of 609 cards.

Jim was able to get this card autographed for me at a charity function that he attended and Mickey Lolich was there signing. Mickey Lolich signed the card in a bold blue sharpie. Thank you Jim and Mickey.

Mickey Lolich's career spanned 16 seasons from 1963 to 1979. He pitched most of his career for the Detroit Tigers, but also pitched for the New York Mets and San Diego Padres, where he ended his playing days in the major leagues. Mickey's career statistics include 217 wins, a 3.44 earned run average and 2832 strikeouts. A three time All-Star in 1969, 1971 and 1972, Mickey also won the 1968 World Series MVP award for the Detroit Tigers. During the 1968 World Series, Mickey won three games and allowed 5 runs in those complete games. Always a very consistent performer, Mickey won at least 14 games in 10 consecutive seasons and strikeout 200 batters in seven seasons.


Mickey Lolich ranks among the Tigers' all time leaders in many categories, including the following:

• 2,679 strikeouts is #1 on the Tigers all time list
• 39 shutouts is #1 on the Tigers all time list
• 459 games started is #1 on the Tigers all time list
• 329 home runs allowed is #1 on the Tigers all time list

Here is the great story about Mickey Lolich, just click here.

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

1967 Topps Fred Valentine Washington Senators

Since today is Sunday February 14th, 2010, as known as Valentine's Day, I found the card in my collections that was most appropriate for the day. It is Fred Valentine, outfielder for the Washington Senators. Card number 64 out of the 1967 Topps Baseball set of 609 cards.

This autographed card was obtained with a through the mail (TTM) request to Fred Valentine at his home in Washington D.C. I mailed him the card on April 7, 2009 and he returned it 9 days later with a nice personalized message and black sharpie signature. Thank you, Mr. Valentine.

Fred "Squeaky" Valentine's career lasted for 7 seasons between 1959 and 1968. His career starting with the Baltimore Orioles in 1959, then he went to the Washington Senators from 1963 to 1968 before ending his career back with the Orioles at the end of 1968. In a total of 533 games, Fred Valentine hit 36 home runs, drove in 138 runs and had a career average of .247. Fred Valentine also played quarterback at Tennessee State University and was an All American. He had four offers from pro baseball teams and three offers from pro football teams, and chose Baltimore as it was the "best" offer. He was teammates at Tennessee State with George Altman, card number 87 in the 1967 Topps Baseball set. I will post a blog about George Altman's autographed card in the near future. To learn more about Fred Valentine go to his biography by clicking here.
 
Looking for great Baltimore Orioles Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

1967 Topps Rookie Rich Nye Chicago Cubs

The streak is over! Today, I received the first 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball Card since last week. It is the Cubs 1967 Rookie Card of Rich Nye and John Upham. It is signed by Rich Nye! Card number 608 out of the set of 609 cards.

It was obtained from a reputable dealer on ebay.com and was delivered quickly. It is signed by Rich Nye with a nice blue sharpie. If possible, I will mail the card to John Upham and request his autograph as well. This autograph marks the 453rd signed card in the set.

Rich Nye's career lasted 5 seasons before being ended in 1970 with a rotator cuff injury. He played for the Chicago Cubs, Montreal Expos and St. Louis Cardinals. During his career, he won 26 games and saved 4, had a 3.71 earned run average and struck out 267 batters. His best season was 1967 when he won 13 games. After his playing days were over, Rich Nye became a commodities broker and then went on to become one of the top veterinarians for exotic animals in the United States. If you would like to read about his veterinary practice, click here.

I have found a great article about Rich Nye's pitching career by Dave Hoekstra of the Chicago Sun-Times about Rich Nye winning a game to put the Cubs in first place for the first time in 22 years. I have enclosed the article below.

"When Ex-Cub Rich Nye was a Pup" by Dave Hoekstra:

There's nothing like the first time of being in first place--at least for 22 years.
In July, 1967 Rich Nye was the Cubs starting pitcher when the Cubs held sole posession of first place for the first time since 1945.
I was 12 years old and kept a daily Cubs scrapbook from clippings in all four Chicago newspapers. I Elmer-glued stories of the Cubs coming-out period into a loose leaf notebook. One headline actually read: "CUBS WIN--TIED FOR LEAD!" The Chicago Today newspaper even offered a blank Cubs scrapbook as a promotional item.
"I pitched against Cincinnati in the (nationally televised) 'Game of the Week'," Nye recalled while grinding down a chinchilla's teeth at a suburban veterinarian office. Nye is now one of America's premiere exotic animal veterinarians. Check out this great Jon Sall video of the crafty left hander at work. During our visit, Dr. Nye saw two chinchillas, an iguana and a turtle with an abscess:

"The 'Game of the Week' was the first time my folks (in Northern California) had seen me play," he said. "I don't remember the opposing pitcher. It was a 90 degree day........

"The Cardinals had lost the first game of a double header. Then we won. We went into first place by a half a game. The Cardinals won the second game of the double header and went back into first. The next day Fergie Jenkins won and the Cardinals lost. They ran the (Cubs) flag up (atop the scoreboard) and nobody left the ballpark. We celebrated in the clubhouse."
My friend Mike Murphy, the esteemed afternoon host at WSCR-AM in Chicago was there. "He's exactly right," said Murphy, an original Bleacher Bum. "That was the 'Change The Flags Game.' In 1967 all 10 teams were in one league. Five flags on the left side, first through fifth place, five flags on the right, sixth through 10th."
The Cubs were usually on the right side, but the wrong side of the standings.
"When the game ends the guy in the scoreboard takes the flags down as they still do," Murphy said. "He comes down the little ladder to get out, padlocks the scoreboard and leaves. There's only one problem. There's 40,000 people there. And the left field Bleacher Bums say, 'Wait a minute. We want to see the Cubs flag up top. They're going on the road and it may never happen again.' So we started chanting, 'CHANGE THE FLAG!' like 'THROW IT BACK' today. The whole ballpark started chanting. But the scoreboard man had left and nobody would leave the park. They finally found someone to go back up there to hoist the Cubs flag. They didn't put all 10 back up---just the Cubs flag. Everyone cheered and finally went home."
Nye played under the grizzled watch of Cubs manager Leo Durocher. "Leo the Lip" was from a different era. "There were three or four of us who had college educations," Nye said. "Joe Niekro, who was my roommate. Kenny Holtzman. Frank Reberger. Bill Stoneman, who became General Manager of the Anaheim Angels (they were all pitchers). Leo looked as us a cocky kids off the college campus. He didn't understand how to communicate with us. Baseball wasn't necessarily going to be our career in life. He was used to the guys who came off the ranks of the minor leagues. In those days the minor leagues were huge."
Nye was selected by the Cubs in the 10th round of the 1966 draft, the 840th pick overall. He was a civil engineering graduate of the University of California/Berkley with a nearly straight-A average. Leo was straight, no chaser.
I love this story written my my old friend Ray Sons in the June 1, 1967 edition of the Chicago Daily News.
Sons began, "Handsome Rich Nye, the Cubs bright new pitching star from the land of the Hippies, is a throwback to another era....22-year-old Rich is a square with sharp corners. He shaves. He wears his blond hair cropped short. He dresses with immaculate good taste. And he works hard and thinks without the aid of "acid" or banana."
Groovy.
A young Nye could also put his foot in his mouth. From the Aug. 28, 1967 Daily News, beat writer George Vaas spoke to Nye after beating future Hall of Famer Tom Seaver 3-1 in an important double header at Shea Stadium in New York. "It was one of the most pleasing victories I've had," Nye told Vaas. "Particularly because Tom Seaver is from the University of Southern California and I'm from California. It was like carrying on the traditional rivalry between the schools."
I bet Leo loved hearing that.
Nye played with the Cubs until December, 1969 when he was traded to St. Louis for the immortal Boots Day. Boots joined the Cubs boot hill of center fielders (Cleo James, Jimmy Qualls, Don Young and even Jim Hickman). Nye's career ended later in 1970 with Montreal when he suffered a rotator cuff injury.

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1967 Topps Dick Radatz Cleveland Indians The Monster

The streak is up to 5 days now without a new addition for the 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card set. Without being discouraged, I found a card in my collection to share today. It is Dick Radatz, pitcher for the Cleveland Indians. Card number 174 out of 609 cards.

This card was obtained from a respected dealer on ebay.com on May 20, 2009. It is signed with a blue ballpoint pen. Dick Radatz passed away in 2005 after falling down a flight of stairs at his home in Massachusetts at the age of 67.

Dick "The Monster" or "Moose" Radatz career lasted 8 seasons. He played for the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers and Montreal Expos. Known for his tremendous fastball, Dick was used as a relief pitcher his entire career. He was the first pitcher to save 20 games in 4 consecutive seasons. He won the Fireman of the Year Award in 1963 and 1964. He made the American League all star team in those years as well. He still holds the single season record of strikeouts by a relief pitchers with 181 Ks in 157 innings. During his career, Dick Radatz won 52 games, saved 122, struck out 745 batters in 693 innings and had a career 3.80 earned run average.

Dick Radatz was elected to the Boston Red Sox's Hall of Fame in 1997. Find out more about his career at wikipedia.org.  

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1967 Topps Chris Zachary Houston Astros

Today marks the second day that the mailbox did not contain any new additions to my 1967 Topps Autograph Baseball card set. Nevertheless, I went into my collection and pulled out a card of a player with roots to Knoxville, Tennessee, my current hometown. It is of Chris Zachary, pitcher for the Houston Astros. Card number 212 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 cards.

This autograph was purchased at the sports card show in Detroit, Michigan by my good friend, Jim Zylstra. It has a nice signature with a black sharpie. Chris Zachary passed away in 2003 at age 59 in Knoxville, his hometown.

Chris "Zach" Zachary's career lasted 9 seasons and he played for the Houston Colt 45's/Astros, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers and finally, the Pittsburgh Pirates. His career statistics include 10 wins, 4.57 earned run average and 184 strikeouts. He appeared in 108 games during his career, mostly in relief. Chris Zachary once described himself as being "a pretty decent 10th-man on a 10-man staff." He is a member of the Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. To learn about Chris Zachary, go to his biography at wikipedia.org.

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1967 Topps Mike McCormick Washington Senators San Francisco Giants

 Monday, February 8,  2010 marks the end of the football season and I would like to congratulate the New Orleans Saints for winning Super Bowl XLIV. Now, baseball fans everywhere are getting ready for the start of the 2010 Spring Training Season.

The mailbox today had some 1967 Topps Baseball cards but no autographed 1967 cards, therefore I went back into my collection and found this gem. It is of Mike McCormick, left handed pitcher of the San Francisco Giants. Card number 86 in the set of 609 different cards.

This autograph was obtained through a written request to Mike McCormick at his address in North Carolina. I mailed the card on January 6, 2009 and 8 days later, it arrived back with a nice blue sharpie signature and a personalization "To: Doug". I like when players personalize the card, it will stay in my collection forever.

Mike McCormick's career lasted 16 seasons in the major leagues. He pitched for the New York/San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Senators, New York Yankees and finally the Kansas City Royals. His career statistics include 134 wins, a 3.73 earned run average and 1321 strikeouts. Mike made the All-Star team in 1960 and 1961. His best season as a major leaguer occurred in 1967 when he won the National League Cy Young Award and the Comeback Player of the Year Award. After being traded back to the San Francisco Giants at the beginning of the 1967 season, Mike won 22 games, had a 2.85 earned run average, threw 14 complete games, including 5 shutouts and struck out 150 batters. To learn more Mike McCormick'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.