Summer of '09

Please redirect your attention to http://white-sox-daily.blogspot.com I will be adding posts twice per week to The Recepticle, but will be devoting my attention during ball season to my 35th & Shields blog. Thanks for your support. And Go Sox! (Does that look as bad as it sounds?)

Comiskey Park

As a kid nothing really compared to a day at the ballpark. It's a piece that has been written about for years by columnists and sport writers. Entire books cover the very subject of the experience. And for me, going to 35th & Shields three or four times a year with my dad was nothing short of heavenly.

My dad worked two jobs for quite sometime, so catching up with him at a game was most ideal for both of us. He didn't have to worry about me asking him why he had to work so much, and I didn't have to worry about him reprimanding me. He was able to be a dad. I was able to be a kid. What made our trips to Comiskey Park so genuine was the spontaneity. Dad would decide the day of the game if we were going to go. It was as though he was being a kid along with me. He also made sure we rode in style, hoping on his Honda motorcycle heading up the Dan Ryan.

The arched windows, the distressed facade and the smell of warm beer from discarded beer cans. It was all Comiskey. Dad and I saw some great games over the years and got to see some Hall of Famers as well. I remember how much he loved Carlton Fisk and how thrilled he was when Tom Seaver came to the Sox.

Three years ago my dad and I took in another game. This time at US Cellular Field. McCuddys is no more. All relics that pointed to a more tranquil game have long vanished. While the game is still...the game; something is amiss in baseball. It doesn't sit well with me, but every once in a great while something magical happens. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, deep in a meaningless season, Jermaine Dye crushed a three-run home run to tie up the game. It was at the game three seasons ago that I again felt like a child. Be sure to follow me as I follow the White Sox @ http://white-sox-daily.blogspot.com/

Keep em' comin'

My son and I got our first mail autograph back today. We sent two cards to Jim Thome less than two weeks ago. Both cards were received today in the SASE we provided. However, only one card was sent back signed. We were happy nonetheless.

My son and I learned our first important lesson in our mail autograph hobby. Always request that the player sign the card in ink. As you can or cannot see in the photo, Thome apparently used black sharpie marker to sign the card. The card itself is a glossy cardboard which does not bode well for a sustained autograph. Oh well....

We recently sent out a Upper Deck Miguel Cabrera,Carlos Quentin, and Alex Rodriguez Home Run leaders card. The card was sent to Quentin. My hope is to have all three eventually sign the card. My hope is that A-Roid will break down and sign some cards for some big kids like me.

Seek and Enjoy

With a limping market for hobby enthusiasts, I have redirected my attention to a hobby that is almost as old as collecting cards itself. Mail autographs. Most novice collectors do not know that by simply sending a SASE and a short note and a card to a player, they most likely will return the card autographed. Two weeks ago I began this activity and am awaiting my returns. I sent for Jim Thome, Josh Hamilton and most recently Carlton Fisk.

Here are some general guidelines when requesting an autograph by mail.

1) Always be courteous and keep it simple and sweet. Players do not want to hear your life story on why they are your favorite player. It's OK to include a BRIEF story of why you enjoy or enjoyed them as a player.

2) Do not forget to include a SASE. Do not assume that the player will simply have a stamping meter at their disposal for such instances.

3) Not a good idea to send a rookie card or jersey card to get signed. There is no insurance on getting these cards back and the mail guy who might collect himself may "forget" to drop it in the mailbox.

4) Three cards is the max on items to request getting signed.

5) Don't count on acquiring too many A-listers. It's always a good idea to get as many B-listers and "up and comers" as possible. An Alexi Ramirez or Longoria was probably much easier to acquire a couple years ago.

I will keep you posted on how my returns go.

"Hot Pack" update: Chipper Jones GU jersey pull. Spent $2.99

Things are getting 'Hot" already.

Today I visited Toy's R' Us for the first time in ages without my kids. I went fishing for 'Hot Packs' for the very first time in my life. I spent a total of 10 minutes searching their inventory attempting to decipher which packs held the 'inserts'.

I have to admit that the selection of cards was fairly impressive, considering the venue. The biggest obstacle was the Topps American Heritage packs, which were double-packaged to prevent against theft. I dropped $2.99 on one pack of cards that I felt had passed the "stress test."

There is something to the whole "where a kid can be a kid" tune. Toys R' Us once became a place where I couldn't wait to get to the register, jump in the car and begin tearing open packaging. Shamelessly I might add. As I tore open the packaging, I felt as though my search would be vindicated, if only I were to pull an insert.

Bill Clinton Presidential relic and monument insert. Group B. 1:925 retail packs. It has a piece of Shea Stadium outfield wall padding. It is currently selling on ebay for $26.00. Not bad for a $3.00 investment.

Step One: Admitted that I had a problem.....

Those of you who know me well enough know of my past problems with drugs and alcohol. Those of you who don't know me that well; just be glad we know each other now. It will be 10 years this upcoming August since my last major bout with that nonsense. Now a new kind of nonsense is rearing it's ugly, yet tempting head. The hobby card. Oh yea...the gold ole' hobby card.

The average pack of hobby cards will cost me $2.99. Some 25 years ago, those cards were roughly $.35 per pack. And I was guaranteed a stick of gum. Things are much different today. The market is not what it once was, and Topps pretty much has the monopoly on the industry. Since people are not buying cards like they once were, manufactures like Upper Deck having been luring suckers like me with the obligatory "insert" card. This obligation is limited to 1 insert per 6 packs or so. A common term among card jocks are "hot packs." Take for example my most recent favorite Topps production: The American Heritage lot. The base set consists of 150 cards and has several subsets. Inserts include historic chrome parallels, the standard refractors, presidential inserts, presidential patches, celebrity autos and the CREAM OF THE LOT...the presidential auto!

I was at a recent show where a kid no older than the socks on my feet, pulled a Theodore Roosevelt cut auto. Numbered 1 of 1...of course. I counted four different people that were pulling cash from their pockets trying to connive this 'pizza face' into forking over the autograph. I simply felt like knocking him out and sprinting out the show. Forget paying the guy. Sometimes I still think like a drug addict. Sorry.

There was something very special to me about that T.R auto. I have read a couple Roosevelt biographies and looking at that autograph somehow made all of what I read come alive. If only for a minute. I really enjoyed it. But what really made it great was knowing that anybody has a chance of getting such a relic; if only they drop a cool $2.99 first. So I will be spending $2.99 a couple times a week in the hopes I score a "hot pack." BTW, I've been doing a little homework on how to identify those "hot packs." I won't go into detail on my blog, however I will let you know when I score a "hit." In the meantime, I'm in the middle of a bidding war on some "hot packs" as I write this. I will update the blog on "hits" and also post videos of any pulls.

Beauty and Complexity: Part 1

I remember when I was a youngster and marveling at the height of the Sears Tower. Like absolutely any person who stood at the base of the 110 story, sleek office building..... I was in awe. I believe it took some 4 years to complete.

According to the most read book in all of human history: the Bible; the world took all of six days to complete. Six days.

Stick with me. Please.

As a father of two children I can attest to the fact that the incubation period for one human life is nine months. Sometimes it can be less. The eyes you are using to READ this took less than one year to create. Thousands and thousands are made each day. The eyes are only as good as the brain used to interpret the images. I'm assuming your brain may possibly be attempting to interpret what I am am trying to convey.

It is true that I am a Christian and I am a bit biased when it comes to the whole intelligent design versus "chance."

Between 1508 and 1512, Michelangelo "created" the beauty which is known as the Sistine Chapel. The Chapel is located within the Vatican in Rome. Micahelangelo had 6,000 square feet of ceiling to paint. He painted while standing on a scaffold, laying on a scaffold, paintbrush high above his head. During the summer months he would utilize each of the 17 hours of sunlight given to him. He sweated profusely in the summer and shivered fiercely in the winter. Until the ceiling became no more.

"Never....Never Say Never."

Since my most recent occupational separation, I have had a bit more time on my hands to help with "Dad" related activities. Don't get me wrong, I love an opportunity to get close with the kids. Changing diapers, washing ketchup stains out of shirts and picking up the 'little guy' from a buddy's house however, don't exactly qualify. I have been complaining a bit too much about these 'meaningful chores' lately. The truth is, they are completely meaningful to my kids and therefore are meaningful to me.

I am reminded of Dick and Rick Hoyt and the tremendous story and love this father and son team share. Dick is a miracle unto himself. He has to be. This guy, who is approaching 70 years old, has participated in nearly 90 Iron Man events with his disabled son Rick. Rick was strangled by his umbilical cord at birth. This left him brain damaged and unable to speak. Dick has pushed Rick in his wheelchair some 26.2 miles, towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming, and pedaled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars..............all on the same day! They are approaching their 100th such event together. Please visit this link to check out their video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRHxHapwirw&feature=channel .

I guess the point in all of this is quite simple. I have absolutely no excuse for not doing the "little" things which make life exactly what it is: a blessing.

TECHNICAL UPDATE

Will return on 03/30/09. CPU Spring cleaning

A Rarity

It's pose is familiar to sport fans across the country. The statue alone measures 14" long, 13 1/2" wide and weighs a bulky 25lbs. The base of the statue: 65 lbs. It's the prestigious Heisman Trophy which is awarded annually to college football's most outstanding player. The conception of the award dates back to 1935 and was the brainchild of the famed Downtown Athletic Committee of Manhattan. The award was originally named the DAC award after the Committee and was renamed the Heisman Memorial Trophy following the death of John W. Heisman, who was one of football's early pioneers.

The initial design of the trophy was modeled after New York University standout, Ed Smith. The commission for the design went to renowned sculptor Frank Eliscu. Eliscu collaborated with several players and coaches in determining the appropriate pose for such an award. The result was a combination of the side step, the forward drive and the strong arm thrust of the right arm.

I recently had an opportunity to hold Johnny Lattner's 1953 Heisman trophy. Lattner was awarded the trophy as a halfback for Notre Dame. Even though Lattner didn't lead Notre Dame in scoring or yards rushing, Lattner was a force to be reckoned with at only 195 lbs. Coming up huge for ND when it mattered most against key opponents. Picking off passes, recovering fumbles and returning punts were just a few of his specialities. Lattner showcased the trophy for years at his restaurant before it wound up in my hands and the hands of appraisers most recently. BTW: previous Heisman trophies have sold for as much as $325,000

"Look Out.....Van Horne."

I'm 6'1 and weigh a buck 85. After meeting Keith Van Horne, I can absolutely never think of myself as a 'big' guy. I even tried to stick my chest out a bit to fill out my side of the picture. Not a chance. I felt like a toy poodle next to a lion. Look at the guy. He even looks like a lion.

Keith Van Horne was among the 23 former Bears at the Chicago Sun-Times 38th sports and collectibles show. Van Horne was a member of the O line for the Chicago Bears during their glory years. A graduate of UCLA, Van Horne was probably best known for his relentless protection of Jim McMahon. McMahon's cockiness always made him a hefty target for opposing defenses. Late hits on McMahon almost always resulted in Van Horne getting pissed off. It was that type of dedication to his quarterback, that made Keith Van Horne my favorite Chicago Bear from the 1985 Super Bowl team.

Not So Wimpy

Paciorek now has my complete attention. He and I now have more in common than just our love of baseball. Paciorek and I are both officially out of work. Paciorek has been trying to land a gig since the Nationals decided not to renew his contract back in 2007. I, on the other hand was let go just before my lunch break today. Economy.....metrics...and some other BS that essentially means I, like the other 8% of Americans will be fighting to feed the kids.

When I talked to Tom on Saturday, he was more than adamant about his disdain for Jerry Reinsdorf and contempt for Harrelson. I don't blame him. People who toss others "under the bus" for the benefit of highlighting their resumes need to get a clue. From what 'Wimpy' told me, Ken Harrelson falls into this "clueless" category.

I asked Tom about the blue uniforms the White Sox wore back in 1982, and he mentioned that aside from the collar, they were quite comfortable. I talked to former Heisman winner Billy Cannon on Friday. I should have asked him about state issued prison uniforms. I digress.

'Wimpy' has the distinction of being the only player in MLB history to have 5 hits or more in a single game; having not started that game. Paciorek is one of three boys in his family to play professional ball. Jim played for the Brewers in 1987 and brother John played for the Colt .45's in 1963. Paciorek originally signed with the Dodgers in 1970. He found his way to the South Side of Chicago in 1982 and was part of 'Winning Ugly' in 1983. He batted over .300 his first two years at 35th and Shields and was traded to the Mets in 1985. Of course, the Mets won their second World Series in 1986, and by that time Paciorek was winding up his career in Texas.

Tom is one of the nice guys. He isn't pretentious. There is nothing fake or deceiving behind him. What you see is what you get. Nothing Wimpy.

85' Bears Reunion

OK, so I was MIA for a couple of days. Guilty as charged. I don't have to cough up excuses since I work for myself. However, since you are probably one of a handful of people who take the time to read this blog, I will extend a simple and 'heartfelt' apology. I will be taking one weekend off of writing per month. This weekend certainly seemed ideal since I was busy out in Rosemont capturing footage for the Mounted Memories website.

Sunday afternoon was billed as a reunion of the Super Bowl Champion 1985 Chicago Bears. The cast of players included 23 of the Bears from that magical year.

In addition, Mike Ditka and Buddy Ryan were on hand. Coach Ryan was such a gentleman to talk with. It is apparent that Coach's step is a bit slower than it once was, but he was such a pleasure to meet. Coach Ryan was so elated to see members of his bruising '46' defense. Among those he shared special moments with on Sunday were Otis Wilson, Steve McMichael, Dave Duerson, Richard Dent, Ron Rivera and Gary Fencik.

Mike Ditka was in a cordial mood considering he had hundreds of pieces to sign. Coach and I talked about his autograph collection which he says includes mostly signed baseballs. Among his favorites; Stan Musial, Mickey Mantle and Ted Williams single signed balls. Of course, if you visit any of his restaurants you can get a up-close look at his Bears and Cowboys memorabilia. His favorite Bears piece he said was Walter Payton's signed photo in which 'Sweetness' breaks the all-time rushing record. More Bears stuff to come tomorrow! And if you're wondering if Ryan and Ditka shared any moments.......the water is still safely above the bridge.

AutoFraud

This machine can probably be manufactured for just under $300. It's not complex, and is certainly an aesthetic underachievement. What this machine is however, is a goldmine. This machine can take any signature and replicate it with a dangerous and cunning precision. Currently there is an estimated 80% of fraudulent autographs on the collectors market. The genesis of most frauds is the 'Autopen' machine. The machine became extremely popular in the 1940's with Presidents and U.S. Army Generals. With thousands of documents to sign each week and official signatures needed, the machine offered a time saving alternative. NASA also got heavily involved in the 'Autopen' machine.

The way the machine operates is actually quite simple. The person will sign his or her name to a document and then the paper will be sent to the Autopen company where a template will be produced. The template will be inserted in the machine and hundreds of signatures with an actual pen will be produced. The machine has now found it's way to the collector's market. There are however ways to detect a 'Autopen' autograph. Obviously, to protect yourself against a fraud is to try and attend a signing in person. If this is not possible, be absolutely certain the company is a publicly traded company. No publicly traded company would EVER knowingly put frauds on the market. Do not just accept any COA as proof that the autograph is authentic. Anybody can stick a hologram on a item or put together a word document that appears official and call it a COA. If you're going to spend hundreds of dollars or thousands...you absolutely need to protect yourself.

Hans

Honus Wagner T206. It is a rare Picasso. A piece of gold among an ocean of pennies. It is a flimsy piece of cardboard. And....it is worth an estimated $2.8 million and counting. Why such a commanding amount?

There are an estimated 50-100 Honus T206 cards in the world today. The highest grading as been a PSA 8. That card was acquired by Wayne Gretzky some years back and was recently auctioned off for $2.8 million. The fact that Wagner is a HOF player/coach isn't why the card has such value of course. The majority of Wagner cards that were produced were discarded due to his objection of the card itself. The card was a collector item from it's very early days. Theories abound on why Wagner was opposed to having his face on a "baseball card." Most believe he was opposed to kids buying tobacco products just to get a photo of a ball player. Others contend the sitting fee for doing the photo was outlandish. The original photo that card was taken from recently was auctioned for $50,000. It is important to note that the "PITTSBURGH" across the uniform was colored in by an artist. In the 1920's, the card first sold for an amazing $50. With inflation consideration, that is just around the $2.8 million it sells for today. The only other card that draws the respect of collectors is the 1952 Topps Mantle.Topps reproduced the T206 back a decade or so ago, and even those cards can sell between $50-$60. No other card will ever command the sort of attention as the Hans T206. You'll never get to own one. You'll never get to sell one. If you're one of the lucky ones though, one day you just may get to hold one.

The Don

If you are a collector of autographs, nobody needs to tell you that today's industry is much more competitive. Seeking autographs from athletes 20 plus years ago was surely an easier task than it has been the past decade or so. With athletes charging enormous sitting fees for shows, autographs for the "Average Joe" are getting harder to acquire. Why would a multi-millionaire, bachelor stud like Jeter take a day out of his schedule to sign autographs for 200 overweight men? Sponsors would have to make it "worth his while" to do so. Hence, players may command upwards of $100,000 to do a 2 hour signing. And tracking down A-list players or sending the SASE to the clubhouse in hopes of a return may prove futile. Yet some of the "stand up" A-lister's still take time to sign for the kids. Josh Hamilton is known among young fans to be extremely interactive and fun.

I recently spoke with a woman from Dallas who had mentioned her son is a huge Hamilton fan. Last year at a game in Arlington, the mother and 7-year old had seats behind the first base dugout. She said Josh Hamilton responded to her son calling out Hamilton's name while he was at first base. Hamilton would give "thumbs-up" to the 7-year old and eventually had a security guard walk over to the family and get their address. Two weeks later, the boy received an 8 X 10 personalized autographed photo in the mail. My first contact with a player was not as pleasant.

Sometime in the summer of 1986, a buddy and me were out at Lincoln Park Zoo. I mentioned to him that I saw someone who resembled Don Mattingly and was toying with the idea of approaching him. I then remembered that the Yanks were in town that weekend playing the White Sox. It was also at that point I remembered I had wore my Yankees hat. How perfect! As a 11 year-old kid with a Yankees hat on, I didn't even think twice about it. Mattingly, however did. I just remember him not looking at me and the words "not today" coming from just under the signature "stache." If "not today", "when"? His gorgeous wife just wanted to pacify me as she told Mattingly to cough up the signature. She even pulled a pen from her purse and The Don obliged. Like my Mattingly Topp's rookie card, I have no idea where that hat is today.

Almost Perfect

I was 10 years old in the fall of 1985 and something magical was going on in Chicago. The Chicago Bears were coming off a disappointing 24-0 defeat to the Montana led 49ers in the 1984 NFC Championship game. It would be 13 games until the Bears would lose another game. The Bears aeriel assault was led by BYU quarterback Jim McMahon and the ground game was all Sweetness. McMahon's primary targets included Dennis McKinnion and world-class sprinter Willie Gault. Jimmy "Mac" was protected by some of the most rugged linemen in the business. Bortz, Hilgenberg, Van Horne, Thayer, Covert. The Bears have not seen the likes of offensive linemen like these since. Those linemen took a personal interest in McMahon's well-being. I always thought Van Horne was the most intimidating. The guy always found a face-mask to stick his finger in when Jim was getting thrown around. Not to mention he seemed like 7 feet tall and his name was 'Van Horne.'

The defense you say? How about these names? Singletary, Wilson, Marshall, Dent, Perry, Fencik, Richardson. Buddy Ryan's 46 defense has often been regarded as one of the best in all of NFL history. The first 12 games of the season, the Bears went undefeated. It was week 13 for me that was most memorable. Monday Night Football at the Orange Bowl against the Dolphins. Dan Marino and Mark Clayton were poised to protect the 1972 Dolphins season of perfection. And protect they did. Marino was ....well... Marino in his dissection of the Bears famed 46 defense. The Bears dropped their first and only game of the 1985 season and I was absolutely crushed. I've had my fair share of cries and meltdowns in my life, but it was the first and only time I was deeply saddened by a sports team losing. Dan Marino cried me to sleep.

Needless to say, the remainder of the season and postseason was incredible. The Bears outscored their postseason opponents 92-10 and their regular season defense only allowed an average of 11 points per contest.

This upcoming weekend I'm going to be interviewing many of these guys for the Chicago Sun-Times 38th annual sports collectible show. There will be roughly 25 of he 1985 team in attendance signing autographs this Sunday. In addition, Mike Ditka and Buddy Ryan will be together for the first time in decades. It's going to be an absolute blast and I'll be there covering it. For more information go to http://www.schwartzsports.com/ .

38th Annual Sports Collectibles Convention

This Friday begins the first of a 3-day sports collectibles event at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. It will be my second show since entering the memorabilia arena last July. My blogs over the next week or so will be centered around this weekend's event.

I was introduced to the memorabilia circuit last November working our sales booth. My big sale for the weekend was a Wilson white/red Michael Jordan "retirement" autographed basketball. What made the sale memorable was the fact that the ball could not be displayed because it was deflated. I remember the interested party asking me if we had any Jordan signed items other than photos. I knew this was our only chance to sell this deflated ball. The guy bought it for just under $1000. No questions asked.

For this show however, I will be working as a cameraman/interviewer. I will be responsible for gathering video footage of athletes signing items and interacting with the crowd. Or not interacting. I have a standard set of questions to ask the guys and have a bit of flexibility when it comes to time limits. All in all, this should be quite a memorable weekend for me. I'll be certain to have pics and interviews from the show up on the blog.

Friday's guest list includes:

Roberto Clemente mentor: Monte Irvin

Heisman bust: Rashaan Salaam

"The heater from Van Meter": Bob Feller

The Heisman counterfeiter: Billy Cannon

and the Bulls Second (2nd) coming: Derrik Rose

Am I Experienced?

I intended on writing about Hendrix and his masterpiece Castles Made of Sand. No chance tonight. I'm beginning to understand why most bloggers hit the keys early before the sun is even out. My seven year-old is chewing on gum like Rosanne Barr. Meanwhile, my wife is asking me about some "date night" I apparently committed to. I was very close to screaming. It is my fault however, since I decided to postpone writing until now. The problem with the weekend has always been trying to make up for lost time with the family. As much as I love my children and am endeared to my wife, I just need a little time by myself. And "me" time should not be reserved to falling asleep and driving to work. I feel cranky and tired. I probably should swap out Jimmy's photo with another, but he looks too damn good and I'm too damn tired. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF4-r2MpRMs&feature=PlayList&p=299C75B53653B818&index=0&playnext=1

Lettuce

There has been absolutely no buzz about this blog. Everywhere I turn, nobody is talking about it. It's been driving me crazy. For weeks leading up to this momentous occasion, all I've heard is nothing.....from everybody. It's been such a "non-item" that every major media network has failed to mention this blog at least once. Even at work people have been blabbing about 'this' and 'that', but no blog mentions. It's as if that is all people are thinking about.....something other than my blog.

So what compelled me to take on this arduous task of writing to the non-masses? It all transpired about a week or so ago.

Last Tuesday I found myself waiting to buy some Skittles at a delapidated, two-pump gas station around 1:30 AM. I was not alone however. There I stood behind an African-American man who had to be in his late 60's. Well-dressed, fedora, and a money clip that held more lottery tickets than cash. It was however, the words out of this man's mouth that would catipulte me to amateur blogger. "Excuse me sir, do you happen to have a head of lettuce for sale?"

Nothing stimulates questions faster than a dumb one. My first shock was the realization that I stopped at a gas station willingly to purchase Skittles at 1:30 in the morning. My shock then quickly turned to panic when I heard this senior citizen questioning the attendant on his produce inventory. Outside in a flashy silver Cadillac was a woman smoking a 4-inch cigarette awaiting patiently for the "Lettuce Man" to return.

What happened next is still keeping me up to this hour.

As I peered in at the station attendant, I could somewhat make out his nameplate. Leon. Only I was absolutely certain that the likelihood of this middle-eastern man's name being Leon was as likely as him producing a head of lettuce from behind the counter. It was at that point he reached under his lottery machine and produced what appeared to be a fresh head of iceberg lettuce. I began to perspire heavily. I no longer wanted my Skittles. I kindly dropped the candy, walked to my car and quietly had one of what would become a series of anxiety attacks.

I've had my share of Life Lessons, but this was the crowning jewel. After leaving that filthy gas station, I knew that my life was going to change. It was time to take some risks and it doesn't matter how dumb I look doing it! I soon knew that anything was possible. And if a senior citizen in a suit can roll into a gas station after midnight to buy a head of lettuce at a gas station, I guess it's possible somebody just may read this blog.