Champaign, IL WCIA Morning Show

What's in your attic Central Illinois?

http://www.illinoishomepage.net/the-morning-show/vintage-sports-memorabilia/816384998

Legendary Newsman Rick Kogan Interviews Michael Osacky

Rick Kogan says, "I am one of the most interesting people in Chicago."
http://wgnradio.com/2017/08/13/baseball-in-the-attic-michael-osacky/

Gene Tunney—Prizefighter with a Pen

Chicago’s Soldier Field may be best known as the home of the Chicago Bears, but the stadium has played host to numerous events that had nothing to do with passing the pigskin.

One of the most famous among a lengthy list of concerts, soccer games, speeches and prize fights is the “Long Count” rematch between world heavyweight boxing champ Gene Tunney and Jack Dempsey in September 22, 1927.

Much has been written about this fight over the decades, and now Jay Tunney, Gene Tunney’s son tosses his hat into the ring with The Prizefighter and the Playwright, an intimate look at the legendary—but rarely documented—relationship between his father and acclaimed playwright George Bernard Shaw.

Osacky recently sat down with Jay Tunney, to talk about the book that took 10 years to write and to share snippets of his father’s story and a few life lessons he learned along the way.

Gene Tunney retired from boxing 1928 as the undefeated heavyweight champion of the world. He likely could have fought another four or five years, but he fell in love and realized that boxing and marriage didn’t mix.

Stepping out of the ring can be a challenge for many prizefighters, but retirement was just the beginning of Gene Tunney’s career.

Tunney, who was quite the businessman, quadrupled his income after his retirement. He did all the investing himself—not via mutual funds or outside sources. At his peak, he sat on the boards of directors for 12 companies. His father’s secret, Jay says, was his ability to read balance sheets.

“Mr. Gimbel of Gimbel’s department stores taught my dad how to read a balance sheet,” Jay says, noting his father used his status as a star boxer to make connections with a large network of bankers and executives.

The prizefighter was also a writer who chronicled all of his boxing victories in Man Must Fight, released in 1928.

In a fortunate twist of fate that the young Tunney discusses in his new book, George Bernard Shaw read Man Must Fight and did not like it. Shaw told Tunney the book was a dry account of how each fighter was defeated. For example, you hit a guy with a right hook, and knock him out. Another guy goes down with a left hook. Shaw wanted Tunney to humanize his life and show some emotion.

Tunney listened to the playwright and his second book, Arms for Living, turned out much better. Shaw liked that Tunney had taken his advice and the pair became fast friends.

Shaw, a prolific letter-writer, kept in touch through letters and they even went on vacations together. Tunney received constructive criticism from the respected playwright and critic, and Shaw was able to pass on his expertise to someone who was eager for feedback and guidance.

Although the world has changed dramatically in 70 years, many of  the lessons Jay learned from his father are just as relevant today as they were then. We asked Jay to share a few lessons from his dad with Parade’s readers. Here are his top four.

1. When you get knocked down, you must get back up again. In 1922, Tunney was the undefeated light heavyweight champion of the world. He fought the determined Harry Greb and lost. Tunney immediately requested a rematch to fight Greb again. The two fought a year later, but this ultimately saved Tunney’s career.
2. Marry somebody. Don’t be irresponsible. Tunney was convinced that having a spouse made you a better person, though not a better boxer.
3. Persistence and perseverance. All else can be bought be the yard.
4. Loyalty and friendships are crucial.

Thanks to Jay Tunney for sharing his memories of his father, Gene Tunney.

Buy The Prizefighter and the Playwright on Amazon.com.

The Story Behind Tony Gwynn's .394 Pale Ale

Baseball is America’s pastime. There’s nothing like sitting in the stands and watching your favorite baseball team —often with a cold beer in your hand. The game takes your mind off everyday stress and puts a smile on your face that lasts the entire day.

The connection between cold beer and baseball goes beyond the need to quench your thirst on a sun-drenched summer afternoon. In the late 1800s many baseball team owners also owned breweries. Selling beer at baseball games was good for business!

(AleSmith Brewing Company)

In 2014, just before losing his battle with cancer, Baseball Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn decided to reignite the tradition: He called Peter Zien of award-winning, AleSmith Brewery in San Diego and asked him to create a great-tasting beer—not a gimmick beer.

Peter and his wife, Vicky, met with Tony and his wife, Alicia, to taste and create a beer: Something light, but wasn’t too bitter.

The result is .394 Pale Ale; named after Tony’s batting average in the strike-shortened 1994 season. This beer is 6 percent alcohol and pleasantly drinkable.

In addition to enjoying a world class beer, drinking .394 Ale helps a worthy cause too. A portion of the proceeds go to the Tony and Alicia Gwynn Foundation, which helps homeless and young people with roadblocks in their life. Gwynn always believed in taking care of your own first. Therefore, it was an easy decision to spend his free time helping the San Diego community.

If you’re in San Diego, the AleSmith Brewery is a great destination to sip award-winning beers and see the Tony Gwynn Hall of Fame Collection. Tony was an eight-time National League batting champion, 15-time All-Star, and seven-time Silver Slugger Award winner. The memorabilia on exhibit rotates on a regular basis. I asked Peter to name his favorite items currently on display.

“I like the jersey signed by every member of the 3,000-hit club. They each wrote a personal note to Tony.”  Tony’s wife Alicia prefers the invaluable. “I like the little things that fans made and sent to Tony over the course of his career. For example, a fan made a little caricature of Tony hanging off the wall. It meant a lot to him that a fan would spend his/her time and money to create something to Tony.”

Kelvin Beachum Helps Fight Childhood Hunger

Kelvin Beachum is one of the most feared offensive tackles in the NFL. He dominated the offensive line with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2012-15 and signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars during the off-season.

However, I recently found that the Beachum is more teddy bear than grizzly bear when he’s off the field.

Ending childhood hunger is one of his top priorities. Earlier this year, he traveled to Honduras to witness World Vision’s efforts to combat hunger globally. He was surprised to find that finding a clean source of water is just as difficult as finding food in the Central American country.

“We take a clean glass of water for granted,” Beachum says. “In Honduras, kids are walking miles and miles for clean water.”

I spoke with Beachum about the 13 to 17 million U.S. children who are food insecure, cultural differences around the country and the world, his career and more.

What are some of the cultural differences between Jacksonville and Pittsburgh?

Coming back to the South (Jacksonville) is big for me. I grew up in Texas and it was very country. Jacksonville is very slow, which is what I like.

Why did you visit Honduras in February and what was your biggest takeaway?

I wanted to see some of the work that World Vision is doing. Childhood hunger is a real problem, both internationally and domestically, and being able to see how another country deals with the issue was impactful. The big takeaway was seeing the different kinds of hunger and poverty in Honduras versus needs in the U.S.

Why is world hunger important to you?

I wouldn’t be the player I am without food. I have a voice to bring awareness to world hunger and I enjoy doing it.

How did you choose Southern Methodist University in Texas over other schools?

My mama told me to go there. I had numerous offers but SMU was the first school we visited. My mom loved it and so did my dad. My mom said, “This is where you should be.” [Football] wasn’t pleasant when I started at SMU. We went 2 and 22 my first two years and I wanted to transfer. But I stuck with it and went to three straight bowl games.

How has traveling the world and serving underprivileged people changed you?

It made me appreciate my daughter more—and appreciate the smaller things in life. To be able to serve others is very special.

Did you collect football cards growing up as a kid?

No, I wasn’t a big collector. I do collect jerseys and different things from places I have been—little mementos that remind me of what I have done, where I have been and what I have accomplished.

What do you like to see/do when traveling?

I love to visit local restaurants to get a feel for each city. I’m also interested in the history associated with each city.

In 2012, you were drafted in the 7th round and final round. Today, you are arguably the best offensive tackle in NFL. What advice would you give to kids in high school/college or somebody picked last in their intramural team?

Take pride in everything you do. Find out what you’re passionate about. What is your why: Find out why you are doing what you are doing and understand the sacrifices. Everything else will take care of itself.

NBC 5 Chicago Interviews Baseball In The Attic

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/cubs-fan-memorabilia-collection-398771281.html

Vintage Baseball Card Exhibit Brings Back Memories at the Met

Seeing decades’ old high-grade vintage baseball cards “out in the wild,” is the highlight of any baseball card collector. If that’s not possible, head to “The Old Ball Game: New York Baseball 1887-1977” exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

(Met Museum New York City)

The exhibit includes nearly 400 cards from the Jefferson Burdick baseball card collection. These cards exclusively feature New York baseball clubs dating back to 1887 and many are on display for the very first time.

Burdick, known as the “founding father” of baseball cards, saw the pieces of cardboard as historic artifacts and not for investment purposes.

In 1947, he advised the Museum of Metropolitan Art of his intentions to donate every card and piece of memorabilia in his collection of more than 30,000 cards to the museum. Over the course of 15 years, Burdick frequently visited the museum and painstakingly glued each card into albums and also inventoried his entire collection, which will be digitized by 2020. Burdick pasted the final card from his collection into an album at the Met on Jan. 10, 1963. The next day he checked himself into a hospital and died March of 1963.

I walked the exhibit with the fine curator of this specific exhibit, Allison Rudnick. “The joy in seeing people look at the exhibit organized around a specific theme, New York baseball, is very special,” Rudnick confided in me.

There are several different years, issues, and players represented in the display. The first cards that jumped out to me are the Cracker Jack baseball cards. Cracker Jacks were only printed in 1914 and 1915. One card was inserted into each package of the caramel coated popcorn. The oldest and largest cards on display are the 1888 Allen & Ginter baseball cards. These colorful cardboard relics are just as vibrant today as in 1888.

Many card collectors think the idea of bubble gum being inserted into packs of baseball cards originated from Topps in the early 1950s. But it was Goudey Gum Company in Boston was that first paired gum with baseball cards in 1933. There are numerous Goudey gum cards on display. The set is littered with hall of famers, including Babe Ruth. Ruth has four different cards in the set. Card #53 has a yellow background and is the most difficult card to find from the set. Rudnick did a great job of doing research and choosing exactly which cards to display for the maximum impact. It was no accident that Ruth #53 was chosen to be on display.

A few passersby in the exhibit were very familiar with the early 1950s Topps and Bowman card issues. These gentlemen remember going to the five and dime stores in the 1950s and buying the cards on display. One of the men told me, “This collection reminds me of my childhood. It was so great and much more simple back then.”

This high-quality exhibit is just one of the many exhibits at the Met. If you are in the New York area, stop by and see the cards yourself. Seeing the cards in person will leave you with a smile on your face and memories of yesteryear.

The Burdick exhibit, “The Old Ball Game: New York Baseball 1887-1977,” is on display in New York through Nov. 13 2016.

(Met Museum- New York City)

(Met Museum New York City)

(Burdick 202, 43(a-6))

(Met Museum- New York City)

Scrapbook Surprise: Vintage Old Judge Baseball Cards

At the turn of the 20th century, only the wealthy and privileged had access to a safety deposit box at banking institutions. In fact, most did not even have money deposited at a bank. They didn’t trust the banks and felt more secure with their money under the mattress.

The Old Judge Baseball Cards issued between 1887-1890 were some of the first mainstream baseball cards created. These cards depict pictures of hundreds of ballplayers pasted onto thick cardboard. The small black and white cardboard relics are widely collected today, but hard to find. Plastic sleeves and cases didn’t exist in the late 1800s. The most popular way to secure baseball cards was to glue them into a scrapbook so they wouldn’t fall out.

I recently met a lady in the suburbs of Chicago who inherited the scrapbooking gene from her mother. The beautiful scrapbook was filled elegant postcards from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Animals, presidents and cities were just a few of the many decorated subjects in the scrapbook. Additionally, there were 13 Old Judge Baseball Cards that were neatly trimmed and glued into the scrapbook. The owner, Jocelyn Tobias of Defining Moments in Chicago, is still scrapbooking today. This is a second generation business and she sells custom scrapbooks and frames for events.

The idea of baseball cards being found in a scrapbook isn’t all that rare. Cards are found from time to time in old books as well. I have seen books with false bottoms or a hollowed out inside where a baseball card can be stored. Spring and summer are times when many of these cards are unearthed as the weather breaks and garage sale season gets underway.

Being involved with vintage baseball card and sports memorabilia for nearly 20 years, I know there are still old baseball cards buried in attics. If you have any old sports collectibles buried in an attic, please call me. You could be the subject of my next featured column.

Jackie Robinson Still 'Topps' for Baseball Card Collectors in 2016

Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier on April 15, 1947, when he took the field on Opening Day for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Now, 69 years later, Major League Baseball continues to celebrate the Hall of Famer’s historic achievements.

On Friday, April 15, 2016, all players and on-field personnel will wear Number 42, and all MLB clubs will host pre-game ceremonies, including the Los Angeles Dodgers who will host Rachel and Sharon Robinson, the wife and daughter of Jackie Robinson.

The Jackie Robinson 1952 Topps Baseball Card in MINT condition sells for over $50k in the current market. 

The rare card is among 407 cards in the widely collected and highly desirable 1952 Topps baseball card set released as part of a plan to draw market share from Bowman Baseball Card Company.

Topps did two things in 1952 in route to putting Bowman out of business.   They designed a set with more cards and larger-sized cards.

They fulfilled both wishes with the 1952 set—there were 407 individual cards which each measured 2 5/8 by 3 ¾ inches.

Values of near perfect condition baseball cards from the 1952 Topps set continue to increase with many investors seeing cards as an asset class.

Additionally, baby boomers who purchased these cards during their youth are now trying to buy back their childhood memories. These people, who are at retirement age and have disposable income, are targeting key hall of famers such as Mickey Mantle, Eddie Mathews and Jackie Robinson. 

It’s difficult if not impossible to find a mint version of 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson for several reasons.

1. Kids played with their cards in the ’50s and ’60s.  No one thought about preserving these cards as investments. In fact, most kids inserted the cards into their bicycle spokes, which then made a noise as they rode down the street.

2. The technology of the printing press was very different in the 1952. Unlike today, every card was not centered top to bottom and left to right in 1952.
3. The 407 cards in the 1952 set were printed and distributed at different times throughout baseball season. Card #311 (Mickey Mantle’s rookie card) and Card #407 (Eddie Mathews’ rookie card) were distributed at the end of the season when many kids had already spent their allowances or moved on to football season, which was already underway. As a result, many of the last cards in the series were never sold.

This is a very fun set to collect. Good luck!

Marlins Man Has A Master Plan

In 2014, a man wearing a bright red Miami Marlins baseball jersey was always sitting behind home plate at some of the most watched baseball games throughout the entire year. Baseball fans who watched ESPN Sunday Nite Baseball, Fox Sports Game of the week, MLB Playoffs, and other games kept noticing this bright red jersey. 

This Marlins jersey also showed up at the Preakness, Kentucky Derby, and NFL games. Sports fans’ across the country began to ask several questions. Who is this guy? Why is he always wearing a Marlins jersey? How can he afford to attend all of these games?

In 2015, the Marlins jersey returned to sporting events across the country. But this time it was different. The Marlins jersey was seen with numerous people surrounding him at all times. Were these new fans or new friends? The big question was who are these people?

The man wearing the Marlins jersey at sporting events across the country is Laurence Leavy, an attorney from South Florida. Leavy has been a sports’ fan for several decades. For many years, Leavy would buy season ticket packages for FSU, Miami Dolphins, University of Florida, and of course the Miami Marlins.

Instead of attending these games with friends’ or clients’, Leavy enjoys buying premium tickets for strangers’. As Leavy told me, “I want to pay it forward. In 2015, I went to 301 different sporting events in 48 cities. The people who attend games with me varies. I have gone to games with firefighters, sick kids in children hospitals, seniors, etc. I get enjoyment when I see them smile. For three hours during the baseball game, their stress disappears. I am changing lives.” Leavy sure is changing lives and he has become a “celebrity” because of this. Offers are pouring in for Leavy to throw out a first pitch at MLB games, television commercial opportunities, speaking engagements, and even a baseball card.

In 2016, the story is no longer who is Marlins Man and what is he doing at every major sporting event across the country. Leavy has been embraced by fans’ across the country. They appreciate his generosity. Leavy’s message for 2016 is “to pay it forward.” “If somebody does something nice for you, please do something nice for somebody else. I was at a Yankees game and Alex Rodriguez gave a baseball to a young kid. The young kid immediately turned around and gave this ball to a disabled child. The kid who got the ball from Alex Rodriguez told his parents’ he gave the ball away because ‘Marlins Man would be proud of me’. When I heard that, I knew I was impacting lives. “

The world would sure be better if everybody embraced the “pay it forward” message. To keep track of Marlins Man and see how he is impacting lives, he can be followed on twitter. @Marlins_Man

Is This Babe Ruth’s Final Autograph?

Babe Ruth’s autograph has always been in high demand. But many fans don’t realize that Ruth was a very prolific signer. He grew up in a Maryland orphanage and would always oblige when a child asked for an autograph.

The Sultan of Swat died 67 years ago, but the demand for his signature is still far greater than the supply. As a collector and fan, seeing authentic Ruth signatures never gets old.

I recently met Bob, the proud owner of a unique Babe Ruth signed item. The 4×6 photo is a fairly common item signed by Ruth in the months leading up to his death in August 1948. Anytime a child asked for Ruth’s autograph in 1948, the Bambino would pull out and sign this black-and-white photo from inside his jacket.

The signed photo that Bob wanted me to inspect was a bit different.  The photo originated from Bob’s cousin who’s uncle was a priest in New York City. The priest visited Ruth in Memorial Hospital on August 16, 1948—the day he died. Ruth apparently signed a photo for him. The signed photo is not dated. However, the priest did write a note to Bob’s cousin detailing the circumstances of how the photo was obtained and dated the correspondence August 16, 1948. Bob has had the signed photo in his possession since 1967 when his aunt sent it to his mother. Bob’s mom gave the photo to Bob.

It is always exciting to see signed Babe Ruth memorabilia. I always ask people how they obtained an item.  The story behind how each item was obtained is so interesting. The letter from the priest detailing how and when Ruth signed this photo is truly spectacular and unique. The history is extremely valuable and something that will live on in perpetuity.

A Visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame

The Professional Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio was “buzzing with excitement” last week: The Class of 2015 was about to be enshrined. Attendance always swells during HOF induction weekend, as fans, family, and former players descend on the football museum.  Some museums across the country are seeing declining attendance, but this is not the case at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, located just off Interstate 77.  “Attendance is increasing,” says Joe Horrigan, Chief Communications Officer & EVP of the HOF. “We have thirteen national events that football fans love.”

Change is coming to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. According to Horrigan, a major expansion is in the works. The plan is to build a sports and entertainment complex that will create a strong fan experience and promote the history and values of the NFL. An amateur football complex with ten football fields will attract national tournaments to Canton. “We are going to be [to football] what Williamsport is to baseball,” Horrigan says. A world class training center, a hotel/convention center, retail space with restaurants, and a renovated/enhanced football museum are also part of the plan. The construction will take place over three years and should be completely finished by fall 2018.

A visit to the Pro Football HOF would not be complete without taking a tour of the museum. As a vintage sports memorabilia certified appraiser, I always enjoy seeing the old game-worn jerseys, programs, and of course helmets. The numerous interactive displays alone are worth the price of admission. The education provided by the videos is top notch. Only 10% of the collection is on display at any given time, but the HOF produces travelling exhibits at different venues including cultural institutions, allowing people who aren’t geographically close to Canton to view the fantastic collection.

As my day at the museum was ending, I asked Horrigan to name one piece of memorabilia he would like to have at the museum. “I wish I had Dwight Clark’s ‘the catch’ football,” says Horrigan. Clark’s catch in the 1982 NFC Championship game (San Francisco 49ers vs. Dallas Cowboys) signified the end of domination for the Cowboys and the start of the 49ers dynasty in the 1980s.

If you have never visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame, you are missing out.

Four Winds Field: Indiana’s Baseball “Diamond”

The summer is in full swing, and many parents are looking for fun and exciting experiences to keep their kids engaged and entertained!  Rollercoasters, amusement parks, water slides, and local festivals are the tried-and-true summer entertainment venues. And of course, let’s not forget there’s no shortage of Major League Baseball games to attend in the Midwest! Let me introduce you to the shining diamond of South Bend Indiana: Four Winds Field. The South Bend Cubs are the Single A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Admission prices for minor league baseball games are more affordable than the major league counterpart, and the rejuvenated park includes attractions which are specifically designed for families with children.

The South Bend Cubs underwent a variety of changes during the off-season. The franchise used to be the part of the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, but being so close to Chicago and having the strong brand affinity (Cubs), the organization became part of the Chicago Cubs. The genius of the field’s rejuvenation includes:

• The synthetic grass has been removed. The players are now playing on natural turf.
  • Roger Bossard, head groundskeeper for the White Sox, was brought on as a consultant to make sure the look, feel, and overall aesthetic simulates big league fields!
• The Performance Center was deliberately placed in right field. You would be hard-pressed to find a better facility in major or minor league baseball…and you certainly won’t find better batting cages. The batting cages were built for players and fans alike; fans are able to feel what it’s like to play in a state-of-the-art facility!

Andrew Berlin, owner of the team, is a true living visionary, and invited me to take a tour his absolute gem of a park. It became immediately obvious that Mr. Berlin has dedicated his life to making sure the customer and employees are always happy. Mr. Berlin congratulated everybody from the bathroom attendants to the food service provider to the manager of the batting cages, as this day was very special; July 3rd 2015 set an attendance record of 8,000 attendees. He wanted to share the good fortune with everyone who helped make his vision possible.

As we continued around the park, fans approached the affable Berlin and thanked him. As I quickly found out, the renovations at the ballpark extend far outside the outfield foul poles; when Berlin purchased the team in 2011, the entire economy in South Bend was on a downturn. The city didn’t have much to look forward to in the evenings and weekends, until Four Winds Fields underwent its big change. One fan told me that Mr. Berlin is “Superman,” because the resulting job creation got the local economy booming and uplifted the entire community.

As my tour came to a close, fireworks were blasting off into the moonlit sky. It was almost as if Indiana was paying homage to Mr. Andrew Berlin, baseball visionary, and the incredible park he’s created.

Cleveland Baseball Has Never Looked So Good

 Opening Day this past April, I paid a visit to Cleveland, where the Indians are hoping to improve their on-field performance and attract more fans in the 2015 season. Like many other ballparks across the country, Progressive Field has renovated and made significant updates to their space to enhance the fan experience.

Heritage Park – which is a tribute to former Cleveland baseball players that have graced the baseball diamond – is now more readily accessible for fans and passers-by. The statues of former Cleveland Indian greats (Bob Feller, Larry Doby, and Jim Thome) are located in center field and are free for viewing.

Another major addition to Progressive Field is the Bob Feller Terrace. Feller was an 8-time All-Star, pitched 3 no-hitters, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962, and was winner of the 1948 World Series against the Boston Braves. He was born and raised on his family farm in Van Meter, Iowa, where he pitched with his father on a daily basis. Van Meter had its own Bob Feller Museum, which housed many of Feller’s baseball and Navy artifacts for many years. The museum hosted many autograph signings and attracted many fans who wanted to learn more about the Iowan native and Hall of Famer. Feller died in 2010 and the Museum saw a declining interest in subsequent years, finally closing its doors in 2014. All of Feller’s collectibles were then moved to their new permanent home at Progressive Field.

The Bob Feller Terrace is free to every visitor to the ballpark, according to Curtis Danberg, VP of Communications for the Cleveland Indians. It’s a wonderful place to watch the game, have a drink, and view some of the rare Feller collectibles, which are divided into 6 categories: Pop Culture, Post-Career, Feller Accomplishments, Military, Baseball Career, and Van Meter. Feller’s father’s original catcher’s mitt and items from Feller’s Naval service aboard the USS Alabama are included, as well as the famous bat that Babe Ruth used as a cane in 1948 when he was dying of cancer. These collectibles are true gems of baseball history and are certainly a highlight of a trip to Cleveland.

New in 2015, there is a two-story bar in right field nicknamed, “The Corner.”  For a $13 District Ticket, you get a standing room ticket, one beer, and a very good view of the field…this is by far the best deal in all of baseball! Additionally, there are a number of lively attractions in right field to entertain fans between innings. A favorite is the “Fast Pitch” machine, where fans can determine just how fast their fastball really is. Each fan eager to show off their skills can have 3 pitches for just $1. I watched Kyle Mrdinna, 13 years old, throw a lightning fast pitch that clocked in at 76 MPH, significantly faster than anybody else, including many adults!

There are many more exciting changes coming to Progressive Field in 2015, and I highly recommend that you make a trip to Cleveland to experience them on your own. Don’t miss the Bob Feller Terrace and all the wonderful history it holds…and good luck showing off your fastball!

Meet Sports Memorabilia Collector, Songwriter and Author Seth Swirsky

Seth Swirsky is a pop music songwriter, author, and world famous sports memorabilia collector. At the age of 7, Swirsky wanted to be in the Beatles. At the age of 9, Swirsky started collecting Lincoln head pennies. “At the time, you could purchase blue penny books that could be used to store and display the pennies,” says Swirsky. “It was such a thrill to find a penny that said 1944 on the reverse. I love discovery and history.”

The summer of 1969 was a very memorable and magical year for Swirsky. Seth grew up on the east coast and was a big New York Mets baseball fan. “I started collecting cards in 1969. I wasn’t collecting just to get the Mickey Mantle and other star cards. I wanted to complete the entire set. Looking back, I loved the completion aspect of collecting cards. Collecting has a beginning, middle, and an end.”

Swirksy was a pioneer in writing to athletes. He would write to his favorite baseball players and request an autograph. Seth would always include a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) to help procure the autograph. “I wrote to Roberto Clemente, Jerry Koosman, and many others,” he remembers.

(Swirsky Mickey Ball)

Swirsky recently sold the majority of his sports memorabilia collection. However, he did keep some “favorite and unique” items that he created from scratch. Swirsky has a signed baseball with a signature from Mickey Mantle on the sweet spot and signatures from over 20 other MLB players who share the first name of Mickey. This ball was obtained by sending it in the mail to every “Mickey” who was a current or former baseball player. Swirsky recalls getting very nervous after the eighth or ninth signature, wondering, “Would I ever get the ball back?”

Today, Seth is not actively collecting anymore. However, he does still enjoy being surrounded by the unique items still in his possession. And he’s found a new career in songwriting. The Grammy-nominated hit “Tell It To My Heart,” by Taylor Dayne, was Swirsky’s first big success. “As you get older, you start to realize your talents,” he says. “I didn’t know it, but I kept pursuing the songwriting. The thrill was great to write a song and then have Smokey Robinson sing it.

Swirsky was invited to sing the National Anthem at Wrigley Field before a Cubs baseball game in 2011. “I brought my 8-year-old son to Wrigley Field. I love challenges, so I wasn’t going to say ‘no.’ I wasn’t going to be one of those people who screws up the lyrics. Ten seconds before I go on, I forget the first line. I walk onto the field and I heard the reverberation as your voice goes around the ballpark and comes back at you. Once I heard that reverb, I felt very comfortable, because I am used to the reverb when making music in the studio.”

Besides sports and music, Swirsky works as a clinical psychotherapist–a job informed by his many other enthusiasms. “I believe in following your passions and teaching your kids to follow and listen to their own,” he says. Swirsky encourages his patients to explore their passions and go with them. “Nothing replaces pure fun,” he says.

Seth still writes songs for a living, and performs as a solo recording artist and as a member of the band The Red Button. You can see pictures of his baseball collection, buy his books, or listen to his music at Seth.com

Where Have You Gone Joe DiMaggio?

Opening day for the New York Yankees in 1952 looked a little different without the bat of Joe DiMaggio in the line-up. Joltin’ Joe retired after the 1951 season. The New York Yankee faithful were still excited for baseball after winning another World Series Championship just months earlier. Mickey Mantle replaced DiMaggio in center field and the rest is history.

Opening Day of baseball 2015 is days away and once again, the Yankee faithful are having déjà vu. The sun has set on the 20 year Hall of Fame career for Derek Jeter. Regardless of who is in the line-up, the Yankee fandom comes back year after year to cheer on their team wearing pinstripes.

One of those faithful and rabid Yankee fans is long time season ticket holder Bonnie Bernstein of New York. Bonnie’s father in-law first purchased season tickets in 1957, according to the New York Yankees. Bonnie believes the tickets were first purchased years earlier, but there is no way to prove it because the Yankees didn’t start recording purchases until 1957. Her father-in-law was in the clothing business and would bring customers to watch Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Yogi Berra, and Whitey Ford grace the baseball diamond.

Nearly 60 years after Bonnie’s father-in-law first purchased Yankee season tickets; she carries on the tradition of attending as many Yankee games as she can. Her twin sons are just out of college and attended Jeter’s last home game in September. “You can’t replace those experiences,” Bonnie tells me.

The 1977 World Series Game 6 against the Dodgers is a memory all baseball fans are acutely aware of. Reggie Jackson hit three consecutive home runs off three different pitchers. “Security wasn’t as tight as it is today. I remember the stadium emptying onto the field and trampling Reggie. I also remember Paul Simon singing ‘Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?’ after Joe’s death in 1999. The last game that Paul O’Neill played at Old Yankee Stadium, Derek Jeter’s 3000th hit and many more special moments happened watching the Yankees play baseball.”

The New York Yankees franchise has won 27 World Series titles since 1923. Bonnie Bernstein who is the longest season ticket holder of the franchise also feels as if she has won the World Series many times over. She will always treasure her cherished memories and experiences that nobody can ever replicate.

Video Blog: 1967 Topps Baseball Card Set

YouTube Video

CBS- How much Ernie Banks Memorabilia is for sale?

Thank you CBS for interviewing me on January 26th.
See the link below which will take you to the video

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/01/26/expert-says-many-owners-of-ernie-banks-memorabilia-unlikely-to-sell/

Andrew Berlin; Owner of the South Bend Cubs and Owner of a Legacy

Synagogues and ballparks typically have nothing to do with each other.  In South Bend Indiana there is one exception.  An abandoned synagogue built in 1901 as the city’s first Jewish house of worship has been renovated and reborn as the team store for the South Bend Cubs’ minor league baseball team.  In 1901, the synagogue was located at the center of town complete with kosher butcher shops and bakeries that you could smell from miles away.  The community quickly flourished and experienced incredible growth.  Accountants, lawyers, and many other small businesses migrated to South Bend.  After many decades of prominence, the neighborhood changed as most do.  The synagogue closed and remained a forgotten about piece of history until Andrew Berlin purchased the empty building.

When Berlin purchased the then named Silver Hawks in 2011, the synagogue was vacant and was located just outside the stadium walls. He poured more than $4 million of his own money into stadium improvements designed to increase ticket sales (which it did), and originally planned to build a new team store.

Instead of building a team store, Berlin spent  $1 million renovating the synagogue, including $40,000 for restoring the original chandelier alone; tore down the left field wall; and pushed the fence out and around the building to bring it into the ballpark – even though that effort was much more costly than new construction. 

According to Andrew Berlin, Owner of the South Bend Cubs’, “Our fans absolutely admire the synagogue and respect it’s admittance into the National Registry of Historic Places.”   Berlin met with three rabbis (orthodox, conservative, and reformed) before renovation to gain their approval and ask what the Jewish community would like to see in the renovation.  Once a synagogue is no longer used as a synagogue, it ceases to be a synagogue.  The community of South Bend was excited to see the vacant rat infested building returned to a beautiful edifice.  Miraculously, no graffiti or vandalism was discovered at the revered temple. 

Berlin told me, “One day I want to be bar-mitzvahed here.” 

The Art of Antiquing: What’s Old is New Again

“Old is something that you did not see at your grandmother’s, “says Terry Kovel.  Terry and her husband Ralph have co-authored 97 books about antiques.  The vintage collectibles and antiques industry was very fragmented when Terry Kovel and her husband Ralph started going to antique shows in the early 1950’s.  “We saw lots and lots of ashtrays and silver with marks at the bottom of the pieces.  Nobody knew what they meant and there certainly wasn’t a book or guide to look up these markings” Kovel tells me.  Unbeknownst to Terry, Ralph had contacted a book publisher to pitch a new book on silver marks.  Ralph calls Terry three months after the initial pitch with the book publisher and tells Terry he just received a $500 advance and the book is going to print.  “I remember asking Ralph who was going to write and do all the research.  Ralph tells me that he would need my help.  I immediately told him I would do so, but only if my name is listed as a co-author,” according to Terry.  This first book titled, Kovels’ Dictionary of Marks: Pottery and Porcelain, 1650–1850, is still in print.

The antiques and collectibles market is constantly changing and shifting as tastes, supply/demand, and other variables come and go.  However, Terry is quick to point out the one thing that hasn’t changed is top condition brings top price in almost any instance across all the antique categories.  Many more people collect today than 20 years ago before the internet.  “That red handkerchief at a local antique show was $200 before the internet.  Now it might be $50-$75 because everybody looks in their attic and finds them,” according to Terry. 

One of the hottest categories of antique collecting today is technology antique enthusiasts.  People collecting transistor radios, electric fans, and some of the first computers are in high demand.  Additionally, beer can collectors are willing to pay high prices for that rare and unique vintage beer can. 

“As for my favorite find, I bought a sugar caster by Paul Revere Sr. in the 1960’s.  A sugar caster is basically a big pepper shaker.  That caster costs $15 and is worth thousands of dollars today.  It is currently on loan at a museum so that it can be properly displayed and for people to view.” 

The 2015 Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide is now available which includes over 35,000 up to date listings.  Today, Kovel’s Antiques and Collectibles newspaper column is syndicated nationwide to over 120 newspapers and online.