1967 Topps Bengal Belters Detroit Tigers Al Kaline & Norm Cash #216

Today's entry for my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball cards is in honor of Derek Jeter getting his 3000th hit today. He joins this Hall of Famer in an exclusive club of only 28 members. It is Al Kaline, the great Detroit Tiger who shares this card with Norm Cash as the "Bengal Belters", card number 216 in the 1967 Topps Baseball set of 609 subjects. As of July 9, 2011, I have accumulated 542 different autographs in the 1967 set.

Hall of Famer and Detroit Tiger Great Al Kaline signed this 1967 Topps Baseball card during Spring Training 2010 in Lakeland, FL. Mr. Kaline arrives at the ballpark in Lakeland around 8:30am each morning during Spring Training and on March 2nd he was right on time. There was about a dozen collectors waiting for him and he graciously signed one item per person. As you can see, he signed this with a blue sharpie and has a beautiful signature. If you have any 1967 Topps autographed cards, please let me know, as I might need them to further my collection.

Al "Mr. Tiger" Kaline played all 22 seasons in the major leagues with the Detroit Tigers from 1953 to 1974. He started his career in 1953 at the age of 18, signing as a Bonus Baby with the Tigers out of high school. Mr. Kaline mainly played right field, which he was feared for his strong throwing arm, for the Tigers but also played first base and designated hitter during the twilight of his career. He appeared in 18 All-Star games and won a World Series Championship with the Tigers in 1968 beating the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games. Al won 10 Gold Gloves awards for the defensive efforts in right field. His career statistics include a .297 batting average with 3007 hits, 399 Home runs and 1,583 runs batted in. Al Kaline was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980 on his first year of eligibility with 88.3% of the votes. After retiring from playing baseball, Mr. Kaline joined the broadcast booth for Tiger games and currently serves as a Special Assistant to the President of the Tigers.

"Stormin' Norman" Cash spent 17 seasons in the major leagues from 1958 to 1974. His career started with the Chicago White Sox in 1958 and played there for two seasons. He was part of a eight player trade with the Cleveland Indians but then was traded again before playing a game to the Detroit Tigers for Steve Demeter. Norm's career blossomed with the Tigers, winning a batting title in 1961 and a World Series in 1968. Norm Cash's career statistics include a .271 batting average, 377 Home Runs and 1,103 runs batted in. He appeared in 5 All-Star games and won the Comeback Player of the Year award twice, 1965 and 1971. Tragically, Norm passed away in 1986 when he drowned on a fishing trip in Lake Michigan. He was 51 years old at his time of death.




To read more about Al Kaline biography, go to wikipedia.com and Norm Cash at wikipedia.com.


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1967 Topps Boston Red Sox Dick Williams #161

Today's entry from my 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card set is about a former manager of the Boston Red Sox, Oakland A's, Angels, San Diego Padres, Montreal Expos and Seattle Mariners and sadly he passed away today, July 7, 2011 at age 82. It is Dick Williams, manager of the Boston Red Sox. Card number 161 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 cards.

This card was obtained through a dealer on ebay. It is one of 542 different autographs I have accumulated over the past 3 years.

Dick Williams played in the major leagues for 13 seasons from 1951 to 1964 and appeared in 1023 games for 5 different teams as an infielder/outfielder. His career statistics include a .262 batting average, 70 home runs and 331 runs batted in.



Dick Williams' managerial career began in grand fashion with the Boston Red Sox in 1967. During that season, known as the Impossible Dream season, the Red Sox who were coming off 8 straight losing campaigns, put together a young team of future stars and surprised everyone by winning the American League Pennant. They made their first World Series appearance since the 1946 season. Playing well in the 1967 World Series, the Red Sox played the St. Louis Cardinals to the brink, but came up short in the seventh and deciding game, getting beat by future Hall of Famer Bob Gibson.

Williams managed the Boston Red Sox for two more seasons, but he was fired with 9 games left in the 1969 season. After that, Dick Williams was hired by the Oakland A's in 1971 and led the very talent Athletics teams to consecutive World Series Championships in 1972 and 1973. He resigned after the 1973 season due to a conflict with controversial owner Charlie Finley. He also managed the California Angels and Montreal Expos before getting the job of skipper of the San Diego Padres in 1982. Dick Williams led the Padres from perpetual losers to Pennant Winners during the 1984 seasons. The Padres made their first of only two World Series appearances in their 42 seasons in 1984, losing to eventual winner, Detroit Tigers in five games. Williams managed the Padres for one more season before being let go prior to the start of the 1986 campaign. His last managerial position was with the Seattle Mariners from 1986 to 1988. During his 21 years as a major league manager, Williams won 1,571 games while losing 1,451.

Dick Williams was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008.

To learn more about Dick Williams' career, go to his biography at wikipedia.org.
 
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1967 Topps Steve Carlton St. Louis Cardinals Phillies Hall of Famer

Today's entry for my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball cards is one of the greatest left handed pitchers of all-time. The card is the Hall of Famer Steve Carlton of the St. Louis Cardinals. Card number 146 in the 1967 Topps Baseball set of 609 cards. As of January 26, 2011, I have accumulated 515 different autographs in the 1967 set.

Mr. Carlton signed my card on April 25, 2009 at the Moeller High School baseball card show in Cincinnati, Ohio. "Lefty" took the time to talk to me as well during the autograph and was a class gentleman. Steve was gracious enough to sign this card for me with a beautiful blue sharpie autograph. Even though he threw left handed, he signs his name with his right hand, see the picture below. Thank you Mr. Carlton.

Steve "Lefty" Carlton pitched 24 seasons in the Major Leagues from 1965 to 1988. The first 7 seasons, Steve played for the St. Louis Cardinals and then was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1972. Considered one of the most lopsided trades in history; Steve became a huge star with the Phillies, winning the first of his four Cy Young Awards that same season, by winning 27 games. That total was 46% of the team's wins, which is still a major league record. Steve also pitched for the Giants, White Sox, Indians and Twins towards the end of his career. 

Steve Carlton's career statistics include 329 wins versus 244 losses, a 3.22 earned run average, 4,136 strikeouts (most all-time by a left-handed pitcher when he retired), 254 complete games and 55 shutouts. He was named to the National League All-Star teams 10 times, won the Cy Young Award 4 times and won two World Series rings, 1967 with the Cardinals and 1980 with the Phillies. Carlton was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994 on the first ballot with 95.8% of the vote and has his number 32 retired by the Phillies. Steve was also a good hitter and was used often in a pinch hitting role. He hit 13 home runs and drove in 140 runs during his career while batting .201. A dubious record that Steve Carlton also owns is the record for career balks with 90, which is double his next closest pitcher, Bob Welch. On the postive side, Steve owns the record with 144 pick-offs by a pitcher, which is 62 more than the closest person, Jerry Koosman.

To learn more about Steve Carlton, read his biography at http://www.carlton32.com/pages/bio.html


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1967 Topps Carl Yastrzemski Boston Red Sox

Today's entry for my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball Cards is about a player who stayed with the same team his entire career of 23 seasons and ranks very high on many major league baseball statistics. It is Carl Yastrzemski, outfielder of the Boston Red Sox, card number 355 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 subjects.

This autograph was obtained from a respectable ebay seller on January 24, 2010 and it has been signed with a black sharpie. I research the autograph against other Carl Yastrzemski autographed pieces and I feel confident it is authentic. As of September 9, 2010, I have accumulated 510 different signature in the collection and I am actively pursuing the others.

Carl "Yaz" Yastrzemski played 23 seasons for the Boston Red Sox from 1961 to 1983. That is a record for longevity with one team shared with Brooks Robinson of the Baltimore Orioles. During his Hall of Fame career, Carl achieved the following statistics, .285 career batting average, 3,419 hits, of which 452 were home runs, 1,844 runs batted in and 1,845 walks and 1,157 extra base hits in his 3,308 games played. The 3,308 games played is second all-time behind Pete Rose's 3,562. Yaz was elected to 18 all-star games, won 7 Gold Glove Awards and is the last batter to win the Triple Crown, leading the American League in 1967 with the highest Batting Average, Home Runs and Runs Batted In. Carl was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989 with 94% of the vote on his first year of eligibility.

Carl Yastrzemski career started in the shadow of Baseball legend Ted Williams, who played left field also for the Boston Red Sox. Carl led the Red Sox after Williams retired and handed over the left field position to Jim Rice, who also played well enough to be elected to the Hall of Fame in 2009. Interestingly enough, Carl Yastrzemski was also linked to another Hall of Famer, Jim Brown of Pro Football. In high school, Carl broke Jim Brown record basketball scoring record at Long Island High School. Carl was given a basketball scholarship by Notre Dame before switching to baseball.

To learn more about Carl Yastrzemski, check out his biography at wikipedia.org.

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1967 Topps Walter Alston Los Angeles Dodgers

Today's entry in the 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card collection is about a gentleman who played 1 major league game and then went on to manage a team for 23 years. It is Walter Alston, Hall of Fame Manager of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers. Card number 294 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 subjects.

This autograph was obtained through a reputable autograph dealer on ebay.com on December 9, 2009. Mr. Alston had passed away in 1984 at the age of 72 and upon inspection of this card, I feel strongly it is the legitimate autograph of Walt Alston signed in blue ink.

Walter Alston came up to the Major Leagues on September 27, 1936 as a first baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals and struck out in his only at-bat. He never made it back to the major leagues mainly because the Cardinals had a first baseman who was a future Hall of Famer himself, Johnny "Big Cat" Mize. Walter Alston played and managed in the minor league for several years until he was named manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1954. He remained manager of the Dodgers for 23 seasons, each year signing a one-year contract. I guess he was confident in his ability to lead and did not need the security of a long-term contract. Walter was the manager of the Dodgers during both the Brooklyn years and subsequently with the Los Angeles Dodgers after their move west in 1958.

During his 23 seasons as manager, Walter Alston led the Dodgers to seven pennants and 4 World Series Championships, 1955 with Brooklyn, 1959, 1963 and 1965 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Alston managed 3658 games, winning 2040 while losing 1618 given him a .558 winning percentage. Walter was given the Manager of the Year Award six seasons and managed the All-Star team in seven seasons. Mr. Alston retired in 1976 and gave over the reins of the Dodgers to Tommy Lasorda who managed the Dodgers for 20 seasons himself until 1996. Always a developer of talent, Walter Alston managed several future Hall of Famers such as Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Duke Snider and Don Newcombe.

Walter Alston number 24 was retired by the Dodgers in 1977 and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983.


To learn more about Walter Alston, read his biography at wikipedia.org.

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1967 Topps Dalton Jones Boston Red Sox

Today's entry for my 1967 Topps Autographed card collection was a vital part of the 1967 Boston Red Sox Impossible Dream season and was originally scouted by Hall of Famer Ted Williams. It is Dalton Jones, 2nd Baseman for the Boston Red Sox, card number 139 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 subjects.

This autographed was obtained with a through the mail (TTM) request to Dalton Jones' home in Mississippi. Addresses for thousands of current and former players can be found at sportscollectors.net. I sent the card to Mr. Jones on January 9, 2009 and received it back 8 days later with a nice blue sharpie signature. Thank you, Mr. Jones.

Dalton Jones played nine seasons of Major League Baseball from 1964 to 1972. In his first 6 seasons, Dalton played for the Boston Red Sox (1964 to 1969). Then he was traded to the Detroit Tigers, where he played from 1970 to 1972 and finished his career that same year with the Texas Rangers. His manager in Texas was the same Ted Williams who had originally signed him to the Red Sox. Incidentally, Ted Williams was the boyhood hero of Dalton Jones. During Dalton's nine seasons, he hit 41 home runs, drove in 237 runs and had a career .235 batting average. His best season was the pennant winning season for the Red Sox in 1967, hitting .289 and having many valuable hit down the pennant stretch. In the 1967 World Series, Dalton hit .389 second only to Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski hitting .400. Even though the Red Sox lost the series in 7 games to the St. Louis Cardinals, the "Impossible Dream Season" will always be remembered by the Red Sox Nation.

To learn more about Dalton Jones, visit is biography at wikipedia.org.

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1967 Topps Don Sutton Los Angeles Dodgers

Today's entry in the 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card collection is that of a Hall of Fame Pitcher and now broadcaster for the Atlanta Braves. It is Don Sutton of the Los Angeles Dodgers, card number 445 in the 1967 Topps baseball card set of 609 subjects.

This autographed card was obtained in person before the Dodgers played against the Atlanta Braves on August 15, 2010. As a broadcaster for the Braves, Mr. Sutton arrives a few hours before each home game and as he walks into the ballpark, he is available to autograph items for the awaiting fans. I was fortunate enough to be in attendance of the game, which was the fourth game in four days of my 2010 Baseball weekend. Mr. Sutton signed my card with a blue sharpie I had provided. It is the 510th autograph obtained in my collection of 1967 Topps cards. Thank you, Don Sutton!

Don Sutton's career started in 1966 for the Los Angeles Dodgers and lasted 23 seasons. He pitched for the Dodgers until 1980, then went to the Houston Astros for two seasons. After the Astros, Don pitched for the Milwaukee Brewers from 1982 to 1984, the Oakland A's in 1985, the California Angels from 1985 to 1987 and finally ending his career back with the Dodgers in 1988. Always a model of consistency during his career, Don Sutton won at least 10 games in 21 of his 23 seasons. His Hall of Fame statistics include 324 wins, 58 of them shutouts, 3,574 strikeouts, a career 3.26 earned run average and 5 one-hitters. Don Sutton also was selected to four All-Star Games, winning the MVP award in the 1977 classic. Don helped his teams to the baseball playoffs in 5 seasons with 4 times his team making it to the World Series, all losing to the eventual champion. Don Sutton was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998 and had his uniform number 20 retired by the Dodgers that same year.  An interesting fact about Don Sutton is that he has the distinction of the most at-bats during his career without a home run, his 1,354 at bats is the record amongst major league baseball players.


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To learn more about Don Sutton, go to his biography at wikipedia.org.

1967 Topps Minnesota Twins Harmon Killebrew

Today's entry about my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball cards is a player who as known for his incredible power and tape measure home runs. He also hit a total of 573 home runs during his career and had retired as the leader in home runs by a right handed batter. He has been surpassed since by Willie Mays, Sammy Sosa and Hank Aaron. It is Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew, infielder for the Minnesota Twins. Card number 460 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 subjects.

This autograph was obtained on June 2, 2010 in Birmingham, Alabama during the 100th anniversary of the Rickwood Field, the oldest ballpark in America. My friend Ryan and I took a bus trip sponsored by the Tennessee Smokies Baseball Team to Birmingham to get an opportunity for the autograph and watch the game between the Smokies and the Birmingham Barons. Harmon Killebrew was a special guest for the event and threw out one of the first pitches of the game. Also in attendance were many of the former Negro League Baseball players and it was an amazing day of baseball nostalgia and history.  Mr. Killebrew agreed to sign autographs for the fans in attendance and I was fortunate enough to receive three cards from my 1967 Topps set signed. Besides his regular issue card #460, Mr. Killebrew signed card #241 American League 1966 RBI Leader, already signed by Frank Robinson and Boog Powell and the Twins Team card #212, already signed by Hall of Famer Rod Carew and Tony Oliva. If you want to know more about the Carew and Oliva autographs, read my story from my blog by clicking here. As of August 7, 2010, I have obtained 508 autographs in my 1967 Topps Baseball set.

Harmon Killebrew played 22 seasons in the major leagues from 1954 to 1975 for the Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins and the Kansas City Royals. His first appearance in 1954 was 4 days after signing the contract with the Washington Senators as a bonus baby. The bonus baby rule back in the 1950's and 1960's stated that the player must play in the major leagues for 2 years immediately after signing the contract. He was the youngest player in the major league at that time, 17 years old at his debut! During those two seasons, he had only 93 at-bats and hit 4 home runs. After the two years period expired, Harmon spent time between the minor leagues and major league for 3 seasons before return in 1959 for good.


Harmon "Killer" Killebrew had a breakout season in 1959, hitting 42 home runs and 105 runs batted in. He established himself as one of the premier power hitters of all-time over the next 15 seasons. His career statistics include 573 home runs, 1584 runs batted in, 2086 hits and a career .256 batting average. Killebrew appeared in 13 All-Star games during his career and 3 postseasons, 1965 World Series and 1969 and 1970 Playoffs. He led the American League in home runs 6 different seasons and hit over 40 home runs in eight seasons. In 1969, Harmon Killebrew was named the American League Most Valuable Player and in 1984 he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his fourth year of eligibility.



After his playing days were over, Harmon spent time as a television broadcaster for several team from 1976 to 1988 and has been a hitting instructor for the Minnesota Twins. To learn more about Harmon Killebrew, read his biography at wikipedia.org. 

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1967 Topps Juan Marichal Checklists San Francisco Giants

Today's entry for my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball cards is one of the many variations that were included within the set. The card is the 6th series Checklist card with Hall of Famer Juan Marichal of the San Francisco Giants. Card number 454a and 454b in the 1967 Topps Baseball set of 609 cards. This card has two variations, if you look closely at the picture of Juan Marichal, the top card shows only the right ear while the bottom card shows both ears. The cards are equally prevalent in the hobby today.

These cards were autographed on November 29, 2009 at the Moeller High School baseball card show in Cincinnati, Ohio. Juan Marichal and fellow Giants Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda were autograph guests and Mr. Marichal was gracious enough to sign these cards for me with a beautiful blue sharpie autograph. Thank you Mr. Marichal.

Juan "the Dominican Dandy" Marichal pitched 16 seasons in the Major Leagues from 1960 to 1975. The first 14 seasons, Juan played for the San Francisco Giants and then played a season each for the Boston Red Sox and finally the Los Angeles Dodgers. In his first game of his career on July 19. 1960, Juan took a no-hitter into the eighth inning
only to settle for a one-hit shut out against the Philadelphia Phillies. He did get a no-hitter three years later on June 15, 1963. Also during the 1963 season, he was the winning pitcher in one of the most amazing pitching duels in major league history. On July 2, 1963, Marichal and fellow Hall of Famer Warren Spahn each pitched 16 inning complete games with the score finally settled 1-0 by a home run by baseball great Willie Mays.

Juan Marichal career statistics include 243 wins versus 142 losses, a 2.89 earned run average, 2303 strikeouts, 244 complete games and 52 shutouts. He was named to the National League All-Star teams 9 times and was the Most Valuable Player in the 1965 All-Star game. Marichal was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983 and has his number 27 retired by the Giants.

Want to read more about Juan Marichal, go to his biography at wikipedia.org. 

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1967 Topps Larry Jansen San Francisco Giants

Today's entry is the first team card that I added to my collection of autographed 1967 Topps baseball cards. It is the San Francisco Giants Team card, #516 and it is signed by their pitching coach, Larry Jansen.

This autograph was obtained with a through the mail request that was sent to Larry Jansen's home in Oregon on September 21, 2009 and he quickly returned the card autographed 7 days later. This was one of Mr. Jansen's last autographs, he passed away on October 10, 2009 at age 89. I feel very fortunate to have this card in my collection. Thank you Mr. Jansen.

Larry Jansen's career lasted 10 seasons from 1947 to 1956. He pitched for the New York Giants and Cincinnati Reds. Larry's career statistics included 122 wins, a career 3.58 earned run average and 842 strikeouts. Larry Jansen participated in two All-Star games in 1950 and 1951. As a rookie in 1947, Larry won 21 games versus 5 losses and finished 2nd in the Rookie of the Year to future Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson. In 1951, Larry Jansen won 23 games for the New York Giants and was a vital part in the comeback against the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was the winning pitcher in a playoff game against the Dodgers, the game known as the "Shot heard 'round the world." In that game, Bobby Thompson hit the game winning home run to send the Giants into the World Series.

After Larry Jansen's playing days were over, he remained close to the game by coaching and managing teams in the minors before becoming the  San Francisco Giants' pitching coach in 1961. Larry Jansen was vital in the development of two future Hall of Famers, Juan Marichal and Gaylord Perry. He was elected to the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1980.

As interesting facts, Larry Jansen allowed Mickey Mantle's first World Series hit -- a bunt single in Game 2 of the 1951 Series -- and gave up a double to Joe DiMaggio in the eighth inning of Game 6, the final at-bat of the Hall of Famer's career.
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1967 Topps Andy Kosco Minnesota Twins

Today's entry for the blog of 1967 Topps Autographed cards was once traded for yesterday's entry, Al Downing. It is Andy Kosco, outfielder for the Minnesota Twins. Card number 366 in the set of 609 for the 1967 Topps Baseball cards.

The autograph was acquired by sending Andy Kosco a through the mail, TTM, request to his home in Ohio on January 6, 2009. Andy quickly returned the card signed with a blue sharpie 9 days later. Thank you, Mr. Kosco. If you are interested in sending your own requests to players, there is a great website, sportscollectors.net that can help with addresses.

Andy Kosco's career lasted from 1965 to 1974 and he played for seven different teams. Originally drafted by the Detroit Tigers, Andy was able to make it to the major leagues as a member of the Minnesota Twins. He also played for the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, California Angels, Boston Red Sox and finally ending his career with the Cincinnati Reds. He was used as a back up outfielder during most of his career. Andy Kosco was the back up for Hall of Famers Harmon Killebrew while with the Twins and Mickey Mantle during his playing days with the Yankees. Andy's career statistics include a batting average of .236, 73 home runs, and drove in 267 runs in 658 games.

In 1973, Andy Kosco got his only shot at post-season play and went 3-for-10 for the Cincinnati Reds in the National League Championship Series. This was "The Big Red Machine" of Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Tony Perez, Dave Concepcion and Pete Rose that lost the NLCS to the New York Mets in five games.
In Game Two, the Mets' Jon Matlack held this feared lineup to two hits -- both singles by Kosco.

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Jim Fregosi 1967 Topps California Angels

 

Today's entry for the 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card collection is Jim Fregosi, shortstop for the California Angels. Card number 385 out of 609 different cards in the set.

Jim Fregosi signed this card at his home in Florida after I sent him the card through the mail on July 6, 2009. He returned the card signed with a blue autograph 10 days later. Thank you Mr. Fregosi. Looking to send items to be signed by players, to go sportscollectors.net for current addresses.

Jim Fregosi played 18 seasons in the major leagues from 1961 to 1978. His career started with the Los Angeles/California Angels where he was a 6 time all-star. In the trade bringing future Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan to the Angels, Fregosi went to the New York Mets in 1972. He also played for the Texas Rangers and Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1967, Jim Fregosi won a Gold Glove Award in 1967 as a shortstop. Jim Fregosi's career statistics include .265 career batting average, 151 home runs and 706 runs batted in. Jim Fregosi is one of 28 players (including Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig and George Brett) in major league history to have a hit for the cycle more than once. Hitting for the cycle means having a single, double, triple and home run in the same game. He accomplished the feat on July 28, 1964 and May 20, 1968.

As the California Angels were looking for a manager in 1978, the Pittsburgh Pirates released Fregosi and he became manager at age 36. Jim managed the Angels until 1981, then he also managed the Chicago White Sox from 1986 to 1988, led the Philadelphia Phillies from 1991 to 1996, winning the 1993 National League Pennant, and the Toronto Blue Jays from 1999-2000. His career managerial record is 1028 wins versus 1095 losses.  To learn more about Jim Fregosi, go to his biography at wikipedia.org.
 
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1967 Topps Johnny Edwards Cincinnati Reds

Oh no, the streak has reached four days without a new 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card. So, I went back into my collection to share an autograph for today. It is Johnny Edwards, catcher for the Cincinnati Reds. Card number 202 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 cards.

This autograph was obtained by a through the mail request to his home in Texas on December 11, 2008. Johnny Edwards signed the card with a blue sharpie and mailed it back to me 9 days later. Thank you Mr. Edwards for the quick turnaround. If you are interested in getting autographs through the mail, go to sportscollectors.net.

Johnny Edwards' career lasted 14 season between the Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros. He was a three-time all star with the Reds in 1963, 1964 and 1965 and won 2 Gold Glove awards for the Reds. He was replaced after the 1967 season with the arrival of future Hall of Famer Johnny Bench. His career batting statistics include a .242 batting average, 81 home runs, 1,106 hits and 524 runs batted in. Johnny was known for his fielder more than his batting, leading the National League in fielding percentage 4 times during his career. During his career, Johnny Edwards was the catcher for two no-hitters, Jim Maloney's 10 inning gem in 1965 and Ray Washburn's no-no in 1968 while with the Cardinals.  To learn more about Johnny Edwards and his biography, click on his name.

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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.

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

1967 Topps Hall of Famer Lou Brock St Louis Cardinals

In honor of this being Super Bowl Sunday, I wanted to share a super addition to my 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball Card set. It is of Hall of Fame outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, Lou Brock. Card number 285 out of the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 cards.

This card was obtained as a gift from my very good friend and baseball enthusiast, Jim "Z" Zylstra. He sent the card to Lou Brock requesting an autograph and Lou graciously signed the card in a beautiful blue sharpie. Lou is an example of a player who knows how to sign a card, signature is very legible and centered in the card.

Lou Brock's career started in 1961 with the Chicago Cubs. He played there until 1964, when he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. In a trade that history calls one of the most lopsided, Brock, Jack Spring and Paul Toth went to the Cardinals in exchange for Ernie Broglio, Bobby Shantz and Doug Clemens. Lou Brock's career blossomed in St. Louis; winning 2 World Series Championships (1964 and 1967), elected to 6 All-Star games and having his number 20 uniform retired by the Cardinals in 1979. His career statistics are very impressive, 3023 hits, .293 batting average, 149 home runs, 900 runs batted in and at the time, the record 938 stolen bases. He led the league in stolen bases eight times and broke Maury Wills single season stolen base record of 104 by stealing 118 bases in 1974. Lou Brock ended his career in 1979 as a member of the Cardinals and in 1985 he was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

To learn more about Lou Brock's fabulous career, go to wikipedia.org.

Looking for great baseball apparel and collectibles, go to dugoutdug.com.

1967 Topps Ron Hansen Chicago White Sox

The mailbox today yielded no new additions to my set of 1967 Topps Autographed baseball cards. Therefore, I went back into my collection to share this card. It is Ron Hansen, shortstop, of the Chicago White Sox. Card number 9 in the 1967 Topps Baseball Card set of 609 cards.

This autograph was obtained through the mail. I sent the card to Ron Hansen at the home in Maryland on December 11, 2008 and I received it back signed on December 18, 2008. A very quick turnaround and a beautiful blue sharpie autograph.

Ron Hansen's career lasted 15 seasons with stints with the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Washington Senators, New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals. Ron battled back injuries most of his career and missed part of several seasons. He also served 6 months as a Marine in 1962 as part of the Cuban Missile Crisis. His career statistics include a .234 batting average, 106 home runs and 501 runs batted in. His best season was 1960 as he made the All-Star team and was named American League Rookie of the Year as a Baltimore Oriole.

Ron was part of two notable trades. In 1963, he was traded with future Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm from the Orioles to the Chicago White Sox for future Hall of Famer Luis Aparicio. His other notable trade was a curious move, in 1968, Hansen was sent to the Senators at pre-season in a deal for infielder Tim Cullen. Then on August 2, he was shipped back to the White Sox for Tim Cullen, making them the only two players in MLB history to be traded for one another twice in the same season. To read more about Ron Hansen, go to wikipedia.org.

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1967 Topps Rusty Staub Mets Houston Astros

The streak is over! There were three different 1967 Topps Autographed cards in the mailbox today. The favorite of the three is that of Rusty Staub, outfielder of the Houston Astros. Card number 73 out of the set of 609 cards. The reason I chose Rusty Staub as the favorite is because finding his autographed card is difficult.

The 1967 Topps Autographed Rusty Staub was obtained from a respected dealer on ebay and arrived in quick time. This marks the 447th autographed card in my collection, still many more to go.

Rusty "Le Grande Orange" Staub's career lasted 23 years and he played on five different teams. His career started in 1963 for the Houston Colt 45's/Astros, then Montreal Expos, New York Mets, Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers. He retired in 1985 with a .279 career batting average, 2716 hits, 292 home runs and 1466 runs batted in. Rusty was named to 6 All-Star teams, inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame and the Montreal Expos retired his uniform number 10.

Rusty, Ty Cobb and Gary Sheffield share the distinction of being the only players to hit home runs before turning 20 years old, and after turning 40 years old. To learn more about Rusty Staub and his biography, go to wikipedia.org.

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1967 Topps Phil "Vulture"Regan Los Angeles Dodgers

Today's addition to my 1967 Topps Autograph Baseball card set is Phil "the Vulture" Regan of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Card number 130 in the set of 609.

This autographed was obtained on August 8th, 2009 after sending him the card care of the St. Lucie Mets, where Mr. Regan was the pitching coach. He returned the card signed beautifully with a black sharpie.

This was my second attempt through the mail to get Phil Regan's autograph. On the first attempt I mailed the card to his home address in Michigan on March 18, 2009. After the season ended and 182 days after sending the card, Phil Regan send me the card back also signed with a black sharpie. I thought it was lost forever.

Phil Regan's career lasted 13 years and played for the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox. Mainly used as a reliever throughout his career, he posted 96 wins, 92 saves and a 3.84 career ERA. His best season was 1966 for the Dodgers when he had 14 wins versus 1 loss. He gained the nickname of "the Vulture" from his teammate and Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax
because he would come into a game late with the team losing or tied and the team would rally and win, resulting a Regan getting the Vulture win.

After his playing days were over, Phil Regan continued his involvement in baseball by being a coach, scout and eventually a Major League Manager for the Baltimore Orioles in 1995.

To learn more about Phil Regan's career, go to wikipedia.com.

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1967 Topps Hall of Famer Steve Carlton Phillies

Today, I am still on vacation in California, but I wanted to share this awesome addition to my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball cards. One of the all-time great left-handed pitchers the game has ever seen, Steve "Lefty" Carlton of the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies and later in his career the Minnesota Twins, White Sox, Giants and Indians.

Card number 146 out of 609 in the set, this autograph was obtained in person at the Moeller High School Baseball card show in Cincinnati, Ohio back in May 2009. See the picture below that I took of Steve Carlton autographing items for the collectors. I gladly drove from Tennessee to Ohio and paid the fee they were charging because Carlton was also one of my favorite players growing up. I learned something interesting watching him autograph items, Lefty actually writes right-handed. Who knew!

His career statistics are amazing, 329 Wins, 4136 Strikeouts, 4 Cy Young Awards, 2 World Series championships, 10 all-star appearance and the Philadelphia Phillies retired his uniform number 32. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994 with 96% of the votes. To learn more about Steve Carlton's career, go to wikipedia.com.

Please check back and see other entries from my collection, I have over 440 different autographed cards from the 1967 Topps Baseball set and adding more on a regular basis.

1967 Topps Hall of Famer Eddie Mathews Braves Astros

Today's entry into my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball cards is related to my current trip to California. Eddie's family moved to California when he was 6 years old and he lived here after his playing days were over and died in La Jolla, California, near San Diego in 2001 at age 69.

Card number 166 in the set was purchased from a reputable collector in 2009 and was the first deceased Hall 0f Famer to be added to my collection. Eddie played 17 seasons in the Major Leagues with most of his time playing for the Boston/Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, winning a World Series in 1957 versus the New York Yankees. He ended his glorious career playing for the Houston Astros and as a member of the Detroit Tigers 1968 World Series Champion team.

Mr. Mathews career statistics are amazing, 512 home runs, before the steroid era, drove in 1453 runs, made the all-star team 9 times, and had his uniform #41 retired by the Atlanta Braves. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978, Eddie Mathews still remain one of the greatest third baseman to have played the game. To learn more about Eddie career, go to his biography.

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