1967 Topps Hal Lanier #4 San Francisco Giants

Today's entry in my 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball Card collection is an infielder who later turned into a Major League Manager during the 1980's. It is Hal Lanier, second baseman for the San Francisco Giants, card number 4 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 subjects.

This autograph was obtained through a reputable dealer off of an internet auction site. Hal Lanier beautifully signed the card with a black sharpie. As of March 8, 2012, I have accumulated 571 different signatures in my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed cards.

Hal Lanier played 10 seasons in the major leagues, with the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees. His career started in 1964 with the Giants, playing second base, shortstop and third base during his time in the big leagues. He was traded to the Yankees at the end of the 1971 season and played 95 games over the next two seasons in New York. His career statistics include a .228 batting average, while hitting 8 home runs and driving in 273 runs while playing 1196 games. His best season was his rookie campaign in 1964 when he batted .274.

After his playing days were over, Hal Lanier worked as a coach and subsequently as a Major League manager for 3 seasons. He won a World Series ring as a third base coach for the 1982 St. Louis Cardinals. Mr. Lanier was hired as Manager of the Houston Astros in 1986 and led the team until 1988. Hal won the National League Manager of the Year Award in 1986 while leading the Astros to a 96-66 record and a playoff appearance. His career managerial record was 254 wins against 232 losses.

1967 Topps Chicago White Sox #609 Tommy John

Today's entry for my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball cards is one of the greatest left handed pitchers of all-time, but now is more known by the surgery that bears his name. The card is the Tommy John of the Chicago White Sox. Card number 609, which is the last card in the 1967 Topps Baseball set. As of July 8, 2011, I have accumulated 542 different autographs in the 1967 set.

Tommy John signed my card from a through the mail request that I sent him on June 18, 2011 to his home in North Carolina. He quickly autographed the card with a blue sharpie and returned it to me on June 22, 2011. Thank you, Mr. John, for the autograph and the speedy return.

Tommy John pitched 26 seasons in the Major Leagues from 1963 to 1989 and played for 6 different teams. His career started with the Cleveland Indians for two seasons, then he was traded to the White Sox, where he pitched until 1971 with modest success. After that season, Tommy was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1972 and found the National League more to his liking, winning 40 games versus 15 losses before hurting his left arm to a career threatening injury. He then tore a ligament in his left elbow; his career seemingly over, John became the first athlete to get ulnar collateral ligament reconstructive surgery. This is the elbow ligament that can be damaged by repeated throwing, and the surgery replaces it with a ligament taken from another part of the body - in John's case, his right forearm. The surgical procedure today is commonly called Tommy John surgery. Revolutionary at the time, the operation today is almost routine.

Tommy John missed the entire 1975 season while recovering from the surgery and injury, but returned in 1976 with the Dodgers. After the surgery, Tommy went on to win 164 games and pitched until he was 46 years old. He won 20 games in three out of four seasons from 1977 to 1980. After pitching for the Dodgers in 1978, Tommy signed with the New York Yankees for 4 seasons, California Angels for 3 seasons, the Oakland A's in 1985 and back again with the Yankees until he retired in 1989. 

Tommy John's career statistics include 288 wins versus 231 losses, a 3.34 earned run average, 2,245 strikeouts, 162 complete games and 46 shutouts. He was named to the All-Star teams 4 different seasons, won the Comeback Player of the Year Award in 1976 and appeared in 3 World Series, losing each while with the Dodgers in 1977 and 1978 and the Yankees in 1981.


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1967 Topps Twins Team Card with Oliva, Carew, Killebrew and Graig Nettles

Today's entry in my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball cards has a long story behind the four signatures. The newest signature on the card of that of Graig Nettles, rookie third baseman of the 1967 Minnesota Twins. The card was already signed by Hall of Famers Harmon Killebrew and Rod Carew and former Twins star, Tony Oliva.

If you want to read the blog entry about the Harmon Killebrew addition, click here.

If you want to read about the Rod Carew and Tony Oliva signatures, click here. The 1967 Topps Minnesota Twins Team card is card number 211 in the set of 609 subjects.

The Graig Nettles' signature was obtained for me by my friend and Graig's son, Mike. I have known Mike for about a year and as we have become good friends, I desired to ask Mike if he would help me with my collection. Mike and his wife, Beverly invited some friends over to watch the 2010 Tennessee/Florida College Football game at their house in Knoxville and I was honored to attend. In anticipation, I went through my collection of baseball cards and Sports Illustrated Magazines and found several Graig Nettles items. Mike offered to get his dad to sign the items for me and on September 27th, Mike called me and said he had the cards and Sports Illustrated autographed by Graig. Graig Nettles signed my cards with a black sharpie in his classic autograph.

Graig also lives in the Knoxville area now and I hope one day I will have the privilege to meet him and thank him personally for the autographs. In the meantime, I hope Graig and the entire Nettles' family understands my gratitude for helping me with my collection. This autograph is the 511th signature in my collection of 1967 Topps Baseball cards and the first card that has four signatures!

Graig Nettles' career in Major League Baseball lasted from 1967 to 1988. On September 6, 1967, Nettles was called up from the Twins' AA minor league team in Charlotte, North Carolina. He appeared in 3 games in the 1967 season with 1 double in 3 at bats. Graig played parts of two more seasons with the Twins in 1968 and 1969 before being involved in a 6 player deal with the Cleveland Indians. He started a run of three seasons with the Indians and blossomed into a star, averaging 24 home runs and 72 runs batted in. In the winter of 1972, Graig was again involved in a 6 player trade, this time with the New York Yankees. In New York, Graig played for 11 seasons, helping the team win 4 American League Pennants and 2 World Series Championships. He was named the Yankees captain from 1982 to 1984, which is a honor bestowed upon some of the Greatest Yankees. The list includes Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Thurman Munson, Don Mattingly and currently Derek Jeter.

Before the start of the 1984 season, Graig was traded from the Yankees to his hometown, San Diego Padres. His veteran leadership was instrumental with the Padres. The Padres made their first playoff appearance and won the 1984 National League Pennant before losing to the Detroit Tigers in the World Series. After three seasons with the Padres, Graig became a free agent and signed on with the Atlanta Braves in 1987 and then again with the Montreal Expos in 1988.

During his 22 year career, which ended on October 1, 1988, Graig Nettles had played in 2700 games while batting .248 with 390 home runs and 1,314 runs batted in . He still holds the American League record of home runs by a third baseman. Always a superb fielder, Graig won 2 Gold Glove Awards and had a career .964 fielding percentage. Graig continues to be remembered for his clutch performances in the post season. His glove work in the playoffs helped the Yankees gain the momentum in the 1978 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nettles appeared in 6 All-Star games during his career and won the 1981 American League Championship Series MVP award. Many people believe Graig Nettles deserves Hall of Fame consideration and I would give my vote as well.

To learn more about Graig Nettles, go to his biography at wikipedia.org.  I also encourage you to read his book, "Balls" written in 1983 with Peter Golenbeck and published before the start of the 1984 season. As Graig chronicles his career, this book gives a great insight to major league baseball from an insider's perspective.


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1967 Topps World Series Hank Bauer and Dave McNally Baltimore Orioles

Today's entry for my 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card collection is that of a manager of the 1966 World Series Champion Baltimore Orioles and World War II hero. It is Hank Bauer on the World Series subset card number 155 with pitcher Dave McNally in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 subjects.

This autograph was obtained from a dealer at the Moeller High School Baseball card show in November of 2009. An excellent card show with many dealers of vintage cards and memorabilia, you can visit their website at Cincycardshows.com. As of September 14, 2010, I have accumulated 510 different signatures in my collection. Check out some of the other cards in my previous blog entries. Mr. Bauer passed away in February of 2007 at the age of 84 to lung cancer. Unfortunately this card will not have Mr. McNally's signature due to his death in December, 2002.

Hank Bauer played 14 seasons of Major League Baseball with the New York Yankees and Kansas City Athletics. His career started in 1948 with the Yankees and he played there for 12 seasons. During his playing career with the Yankees, he was a member of 7 World Series Championship teams, including 5 straight from 1949 to 1953. If you want to read an excellent book about the 1949 season, pick up David Halberstam's "Summer of '49." It chronicles the season and pennant race between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees and gives an excellent insight to the players, including Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio and Hank Bauer. Bauer shares a record in World Series play of the longest hitting streak of 17 games with current Yankee great Derek Jeter. At the end of the 1959 season, Hank Bauer was traded to the Kansas City Athletics for slugger Roger Maris, who went on to break Babe Ruth's single season home run record in 1961. Hank playing career ended in 1961 as he was the player/manager during the 1961 season until July when he became just the manager. During his 14 seasons, Hank Bauer accumulated the following statistics, career .277 batting average, 164 home runs and 703 runs batted in.

As a manager, Hank led the Kansas City Athletics for 2 seasons (1961 and 1962), Baltimore Orioles for 5 seasons (1964 to 1968) and the Oakland Athletics in 1969. Hank Bauer was the skipper of the Baltimore Orioles in 1966 when he led them to the World Series title beating the Los Angeles Dodgers in 4 straight games. His career managerial record includes 594 wins versus 544 losses.

Before his baseball career began, Hank Bauer proudly served his country during World War II with the Marine Corps from 1942 to 1945. He enlisted one month after Pearl Harbor and fought in the Battle of Guadalcanal, Battle of Guam and Battle of Okinawa. He was awarded two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts during his service. During the Battle of Okinawa, Hank Bauer led a commanded a platoon of 64 men with only 6 surviving the Battle. Thank you Mr. Bauer for your service to our country and we all owe you for our freedoms we enjoy today.

To learn more about Hank Bauer, read his biography at wikipedia.org.


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1967 Topps Fritz Peterson New York Yankees

Today's entry for my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball cards is about a pitcher who made national news for a personal decision with another Yankees pitcher. It is Fritz Peterson, pitcher for the New York Yankees, card number 495 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 subjects.

This autograph from Fritz Peterson was obtained via Gate X Autographs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 10th, 2010. Mr. Peterson was making a personal appearance and had a private autograph session with Gate X. I sent the card to Gate X on April 30th and received it back June 10, 2010 with a beautiful blue sharpie signature from Fritz Peterson. Thank you Gate X and Mr. Peterson. As of August 30, 2010, I have built my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed card to 510 cards and counting.

Fritz Peterson career lasted 11 seasons from 1966 to 1976 with three teams. He pitched for the Yankees from 1966 to 1974, then was traded to the Cleveland Indians, where he pitched until 1976. During the 1976 season, Fritz Peterson was traded to the Texas Rangers where he ended his career that same season. His career statistics include 133 wins versus 131 losses, 1015 strikeouts and a career 3.30 earned run average. His best season was 1970 when he won 20 games for the Yankees and made the All-Star team. Fritz Peterson has the distinction of having the lowest earned run average (2.52) in the old Yankee Stadium bettering Hall of Famer Whitey Ford who was second with a 2.55 e.r.a.

In the off-season of 1972, Fritz Peterson made national news along with fellow Yankees pitcher, Mike Kekich. They had been best friends for several years and their families were very close as well. Peterson and Kekich decided to swap spouses with Mrs. Kekich marrying Fritz Peterson and Mrs. Peterson moving in with Mike Kekich. Fritz is still married to the former Mrs. Kekich. It did not work as well for Kekich, who never married the former Mrs. Peterson. During the 1973 and 1974 seasons, Fritz was roundly booed on the road by the American League fans and he never really pitched up to standard he set in the 1970 season.

After baseball, Fritz Peterson became an evangelist, sold real estate and dealt blackjack at a casino in Illinois. Quite a journey! He wrote his first book in 2009, titled "Mickey Mantle is Going to Heaven. 

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1967 Topps Ralph Houk Yankees Manager

Today's entry from my 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card set is about a former manager of the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox and sadly he passed away yesterday, July 21, 2010 at age 90. It is Ralph Houk, manager of the New York Yankees. Card number 468 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 cards.

This card was obtained with a through the mail request to Ralph Houk's home in Florida on July 13, 2009. He graciously autographed the card with a blue sharpie and returned it to me 15 days later. Thank you Mr. Houk.

Also, I have the 1967 Topps Yankees Team card signed by Ralph Houk. Card #131 in the set and was obtained through a dealer on ebay.

Ralph "The Major" Houk played in the major league for 8 seasons from 1947 to 1954 and appeared in 91 games as a backup catcher for the Yankees' Yogi Berra. His career statistics include a .272 batting average, 54 hits and 20 runs batted in. He enjoyed the heyday of New York Yankees World Championships. He earned 6 championship rings in 7 seasons from 1947 to 1953.

Ralph Houk's managerial career began in grand fashion with the New York Yankees in 1961. During that season, Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle pursued Babe Ruth's single season home run record of 60 set in 1927. Mantle ended the season with 54 dingers while Maris caught and passed Ruth with his 61st long ball on the final day of the season. He also managed the Yankees to the championship in 1962. Houk managed the Yankees to the World Series also in 1963, but lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers. After the 1963 season, he moved into the front office of the Yankees, only to returned to managing in 1966. Ralph Houk continued to manage the Yankees until the end of 1973 season. Houk also managed the Detroit Tigers from 1974 to 1978 and the Boston Red Sox from 1981 to 1984. During his 20 year managerial career, he won 1619 games versus 1531 games. After his managerial career was over, Ralph Houk worked in the front office of the Minnesota Twins before finally retiring in 1989.



Before making it to the Major Leagues, Ralph Houk was a catcher working his way through the Yankees' farm system when the U.S. entered World War II. He enlisted in the armed forces, became an Army Ranger, and was commissioned as a lieutenant after attending officer's candidate school; he later was promoted to to major. He was a combat veteran of Bastogne and the Battle of the Bulge, and was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

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

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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 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 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.

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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.

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 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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1967 Topps Al Downing New York Yankees

Today's entry for my blog is best remembered for a home run that he gave up, but Al Downing had a nice career that lasted 17 seasons. Card number 308 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 cards.

This autograph was obtained by a through the mail (TTM) request to Al Downing at his home in California. I mailed Mr. Downing the card on November 3, 2008 and he graciously returned the card to me 14 days later. He signed the card with a nice blue sharpie autograph. Thank you, Mr. Downing.

Al Downing's career started in 1961 with the New York Yankees and pitched for the Yankees until 1969. He also pitched for the Oakland A's, Milwaukee Brewers, and his last 7 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His career statistics include 123 wins versus 107 losses, 3.22 earned run average and 1639 strikeouts. Al Downing led the American League with 217 strikeouts in 1964, made the 1967 All-Star team and pitched in 3 World Series. In 1971, Al Downing won the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award while pitching for the Dodgers.

On April 8, 1974, Al Downing gave up Hank Aaron's record breaking 715 home run. See photo below.

To learn more about Al Downing'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 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.

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 Mel Stottlemyre New York Yankees

No new autographed cards arrived in the mail today, so I went back into my collection to share this gem. It is Mel Stottlemyre of the New York Yankees, card number 225 in the 1967 Topps Baseball set of 609.

The autograph was obtained during the 2009 Spring Training season. Mr. Stottlemyre was the pitching coach for the United States team in the World Baseball Classic. The USA team was playing an exhibition game versus the Toronto Blue Jays and Mr. Stottlemyre was gracious enough to sign the card for me with a blue sharpie.

Mel Stottlemyre's career lasted 11 years, all with the New York Yankees. He made the All-Star team five times, won 164 games, had a career 2.97 earned run average, and won 20 games in a season three times.

After his playing days were over, Mel stayed involved in the game as roving instructor and pitching coach for the New York Mets, Houston Astros, New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners. He won 5 World Series Championships as pitching coach, 1986 for the Mets and 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000 for the Yankees. He still remains one of the best pitching authority in the game. Mel also had two sons, Mel Jr and Todd Stottlemyre, who also pitched in the major leagues.

To learn more about Mel Stottlemyre, go to his biography at wikipedia.com.