Players of the Past: Ray Culp, 1965 Topps

Ray Culp was a very solid starting pitcher, posting a 122-101 win/loss record, 3.58 ERA and two All-Star Game selections (1963 and 1969) across 11 Major League seasons with the Phillies, Cubs and Red Sox.

Born on August 6, 1941, in Elgin, Texas, Ray Culp's passion for baseball developed at a young age. Encouraged by his father, Ray Sr., Culp excelled as a multi-sport star at Stephen Austin High School (Austin, TX) where he was a teammate of another future Phillie, Danny Cater.  He signed with the Phillies out of high school in 1959, toiling in the minors for several years until finally making his Major League Baseball debut out of the bullpen on April 10, 1963. By May of that season, Culp was moved into the Phils' starting rotation, earning an overall record of 14-11 with a 2.97 ERA as a rookie.

During his tenure with the Phillies, Culp struggled with consistency. Injured for most of the 1964 season, he did not start a game until August and only logged eight (8) wins. While he bounced back in 1965 with 14 wins and 3.22 ERA, Culp failed to make an impact in 1966, splitting his time as both a starter and reliever. These constant ups and downs frustrated both Culp and the Phillies, and following that season he was traded to the Chicago Cubs where he played the 1967 season. After his single season in Chicago, Culp was traded to the Boston Red Sox (1968 - 1973), serving as a leader of the Boston rotation recording wins totals of 16, 17, 17  and 14 between 1968 and 1970. He retired in 1973, never reaching the postseason.

The 1965 Topps set contained 598 cards. The front of the cards feature a photo of the player, with a narrow, rounded-corner frame. The frame is wider at the bottom, providing space for both the featured player's name and position. A team pennant is at the bottom left-hand side of the bottom frame. Card backs have a blue and white color scheme and include the player's full Major League Record. Ray Culp's card from the set (#505) shows the big righthander wearing the classic white with red pinstripes home uniform while frozen in his follow through. I don't see any palm trees in the background, but it is fairly obvious the photo was taken during Spring Training in Clearwater, FL.

Reference:
SABR.org
Baseball Reference

Collectible of the Week: 2019 UTZ-Topps Card Set

In the Spring of 2019 UTZ Snacks and Topps teamed to produce a baseball card set. It’s a long tradition of co-mingling cards with food, rules by Kellogg’s in the 1970s and early 80s.

The cards were found exclusively in 12-bag Snack Packs sold in East Coast grocery stores - 4 cards per pack. The card design followed the 2019 Topps flagship, with an UTZ logo above the player’s name in the bottom left hand corner. The complete set featured 100 cards, including four (4) Phillies.

Phillies checklist:

  • Aaron Nola #6

  • Rhys Hoskins #44

  • Nick Pivetta #62

  • Jake Arrieta #68

Phillies Card Spotlight: 1990 Donruss, Tom Herr

The 1990 Donruss set arrived during a transformative era in baseball card collecting history. Upper Deck had arrived on the scene in 1989 by resetting consumer expectations cards printed on thick paper stock, featuring full color pictures on both sides - and, in a stroke of marketing genius, contained a counterfeit-proof hologram embedded in the back.

Donruss’ 1990 set was the largest produced by the company, checking in with 716 cards, including the return of notable sub-series: Diamond Kings and Rated Rookies. The card design is recognizable for its bright red color featuring faux paint splatter on either side of a full color photo. Player names are written in white script across two horizontal black lines, with position and team nickname. The action player photos are nice, but the general design features weren't additive to the photo quality - and, overall, the cards didn't seem to keep up with where the industry was moving in a post-1989 Upper Deck world.

Tom Herr, who spent most of his career with the Cardinals, arrived in Philadelphia via a trade with the Minnesota Twins in October 1988. While his best years were behind him, Herr was a solid contributor to a losing club in 1989-1990. His base card entry in the 1990 Donruss set highlights his use of a no-flap batting helmet and no-knob bat - a real throwback. Herr was traded to the Mets in August of 1990, and would split 1991 with NY and the Giants to close out his career.

Rest In Peace, Frank Lucchesi

Sad to learn about the passing of former Phillies manager Frank Lucchesi. He’s being widely remembered as a longtime member of the Phillies organization, including his years as the big league manager where he won the last game at Connie Mack Stadium and the first game at the Vet.

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I never had an opportunity to meet Mr. Lucchesi, but had corresponded with him via mail several times over the past 20 years. He always accommodated autograph requests and responded to questions about his time in baseball. This photo, which he signed for me several years ago, is prominently displayed by my Vet seats...

Comings and Goings... Collecting News

Upcoming Events

The Phillies recently announced dates for their annual Holiday and Authentics sales.  Collectors should anticipate having the opportunity to purchase game-used gear, autographed items and publications.   The Holiday Sale will be held in the Citizens Bank Park Majestic Store from 10-6 on Saturday, December 3rd.  The Authentics Sale will be the following weekend from 10-2 on Saturday, December 10th in the Visitors Clubhouse (a cool experience in itself)... The December Philadelphia Sportscard and Memorabilia Show (aka - Philly Show) will take place from December 2-4 at the Valley Forge Convention Center. Check back for more info as autograph guests are announced... 

 

Discounts and Stuff

The Reading Fightins are cleaning house with a number of sales on 2016 collectibles usually reserved for Holiday shopping in November. Through Sunday, October 23rd, collectors can score a free 50th Anniversary bobble head featuring either Mike Schmidt or Aaron Nola with a purchase of a $15 2016 Team Card Set (Schmidt: 2016 Update Team Card Set; Nola: Phillies Futures Game Prospect Card Set)... Sports Vault is offering a few discounts on autographed memorabilia this week.  In addition to their deals of the week which lowered prices on sized over-sized Steve Carlton and Phillie Phanatic photos, they are offering 25% off all autographed memorabilia using code SAVE25 at checkout (through 10/23)...

 

Meeting A Pair of Legends

Bobby Shantz and Curt Simmons

Bobby Shantz and Curt Simmons

Last weekend I had the opportunity to meet a pair of Philadelphia pitching legends - Curt Simmons and Bobby Shantz - at Carl's Cards in Havertown.  Amazingly, though both are in advanced age and have been active participants on the autograph circuit, it was my first time meeting either Golden Age hurler.

Upon arriving at Carl's, I found the pair busy signing 8"x 10" photos.  With the signing session winding down, most collectors had already passed through the small card shop - which meant I would have a little time to personalize my visit.  I brought an old official National League baseball that my dad found at a flea market years ago and was anxious to discuss it with the men.  

The ball is neatly inscribed, "June 12, 1949 - Phillies vs. Cards.  This ball pitched by Curt Simmons and fouled by Harry Brecheen." Approaching the signer's table I started the conversation with, 'My dad found this ball at a flea market - and, it says it was pitched by you in 1949...' Mr. Simmons cut me off, "Don't believe it!"  Followed by a laugh.  Carl read him the inscription (Mr. Simmons had forgotten his glasses), and Simmons' face softened with a smile as he admitted - "Well, I guess I could've..."  The four of us continued to examine the ball for a minute or two, covering topics ranging from how it was period-appropriate and the fact that Harry Brecheen was a "heck of a good pitcher."  Finally, the old Whiz Kid took the ball in hand and signed the side panel.

I moved down the table and presented Mr. Shantz with a Second Edition 1964 Phillies Yearbook.  Originally bought on eBay with a few signatures already on it, I have diligently added to it with new ones over the past four or five years.  With Bobby Shantz in blue Sharpie on the cover, I now have 13 autographs!   

Phanatic of the Month Bobbles Are Plentiful

Photo via Philly Chit Chat

Photo via Philly Chit Chat

The third series of the over-sized, "Phanatic of the Month" bobble heads is in full swing. Maybe you're aware, maybe you're not...

This third edition has successfully evolved the series from the themes of the past few years, finding fresh poses that have kept it interesting for collectors. So far we have seen Phoebe caring for an infant Phanatic, a weight-lifting Phanatic and tomorrow (10/1/16) the latest bobble will be released with a design celebrating the Phillies 1980 World Series championship.

Although the bobbles have been well received by the hard-core collectors, their hefty $75 price tag (a $25 increase over the 2nd Series) has kept them from crossing over as a must-buy for the casual fans. On a recent visit to the Citizens Bank Park Majestic Store I saw the evidence of this failure: a large inventory of previous month's bobbles stacked against the wall.  I was surprised Merchandising Director Scott Brandreth put himself in this position again.  After all, he cited the increased production run from 100 to 1,000 each month as the key contributor to buyer apathy - the scarcity could no longer command the premium price tag...eventually leading the team to sell remaining inventory for as low as $10 apiece.  Yet, here it is - 150 bobbles each month at an even higher retail price.

I really appreciate the series, and am pulling for it to be successful.  I know it has to be profitable to continue in the coming years.  But, $75 is too much for me to handle, so I'll sit on the sidelines until they start getting serious about moving inventory...

Update: The third series has a production run of 150, not the previously stated 1,000.  Also, I received some additional information related to pricing. The $25 increase was to bring the Phillies into alignment with other team's mascot series bobble heads.  Evidently they were "grandfathered" in at $50 for Series 2.

Philly Show Banking on Wentz

Carson Wentz's starring NFL debut for the Eagles couldn't have come at a better time for Hunt's Auctions, manager of the upcoming Philadelphia Sports Card and Memorabilia Show.  The big season-opening win came just two days after Hunt's announced they would host the rookie's first public autograph signing during their three-day event later this month (September 23-25).  

"The Philly Show" is a legendary event in east coast sports collecting - attracting hundreds of vendors and buyers alike.  In the past they have hosted Hall of Famers and Philadelphia sports legends.  But, prior to the Friday's headliner announcement, the September show's signing lineup lacked a marquee name.  Wentz fits the bill...

The signing is not, however, without potential pitfalls.  Instead of a juicy time slot on Saturday when the largest crowds are present, the QB is slated to sign from 6:00 - 7:30 on what is typically a slower, less-attended Friday night.  Also, there may be some sticker shock as prices for a signature range from $79 for flats and minis to $155 for lithographs.  Of course, Hunt's is hoping the interest among fans will make these minor issues.

I won't be able to make it out to King of Prussia for the signing on Friday, but do have interest in seeing whether or not Carson Wentz's on-field success translates into Philly Show gold...

 

From Under the Stairs

You never know what you might find under the stairs...

With our daughter approaching her first birthday later this month, I took to the basement over the weekend on a search for "next stage" toys.  As our son outgrew blocks, books and various means of mobility, I faithfully stored them away in a crawlspace under the stairs.  And, there I was - six years later, wishing I had stored the items first-stages, inward...

There, amongst the toys, were two large Tupperware containers that I had put away at some point over the past decade.  They were heavy, so I slid them out of the darkness toward the naked bulb in the middle of the space.  Lifting the lid I was surprised to find a treasure trove of old Phillies programs.  Most dated from the late-1990s and early-2000s - Randy Wolf, Scott Rolen, Mike Lieberthal, Ron Gant... But there were also several from the first games I attended at Veterans Stadium in 1983. 

Though I hadn't seen them for several years, they were instantly familiar - as these earliest remnants of my collection have well worn covers and dog-eared pages marking pages featuring Mike Schmidt.  I don't remember much about those games during the 1983-85 seasons, but the programs prove "I was there!" 

I'm going to keep the containers under the stairs, but this time keep them a little closer to the door for easier access...

JSA Signature Debut: Why?

"Every collector seeks an older style signature of their favorite athlete before they become a superstar.  Take advantage of our new, exclusive service before your anticipated prospect becomes a legend!" - spenceloa.com

James Spence Authentication (JSA) recently revealed their latest service: Signature Debut - aimed at certifying "rookie" season autographs.  JSA promises this is a new service - but, is it? I guess..technically, but then again, not really.

Without getting into a debate over whether or not their assessments are 100% accurate, JSA has established a reputation as the most recognized authenticator in the hobby.  In general, autographs they have authenticated are reasonably assumed to be "real."  While definitely a nice-to-have, the validated authenticity of an autograph also has a big impact on overall value (and resale value) of a piece, too. 

In recent years, collector's desires for this level of confirmation spawned JSA's, "Witnessed Protection Program (WPP)," which certifies that they have seen an item signed by the athlete.  There is clear difference in these two services - seen vs. unseen verification.  And again, the additional layer of verification can carry long-term monetary value. 

And, that brings us to Signature Debut... If their base services are already the industry gold-standard, what is the point of having one to note that a signature was signed during a player's rookie season?  To me, there is no difference in value proposition between Signature Debut as there is between the LOA and WPP services.  Additionally, the rules of what is and is not considered a rookie season are way too complex.  There is no way I will calculate the number of minutes a guy played in an NBA season to determine "rookie autograph" status. 

This may be a case of me not being close enough to the authentication trends, but as an average collector, Signature Debut seems to offer little but unnecessary complexity...

Thoughts of Fleer, Donruss...And, the rest...

My friend, Mike was recently researching wholesale prices on boxes of baseball cards for a Little League fundraiser.  His plan was to buy a few boxes at a reduced rate - then sell them at the concession stand for profit.  A trial run of one hobby box of Topps, Series I had garnered enough interest to make it worth his time. 

"Do either Fleer or Upper Deck have a web site?" he asked.  Like me, he had not actively collected current releases since the early 1990s, but he knew I had this page and could probably lead him in the right direction. 

"They're out of business.  In fact, Topps is currently the only company licensed to produce cards with logos," I told him.  He was floored.  Beyond that he was speechless to learn some unlicensed companies would persevere by releasing cards without team logos/names - "What's the point?!"  For Mike it was as if he had been transported from colonial times - only to find out horse-drawn carriages had been replaced by cars! 

So many years have passed since Donruss and Fleer have been around that it almost seems as though they never existed in the first place. I remember thinking that a Topps monopoly would limit creativity and ultimately predicted the eventual fall of the card industry, in total.  Instead, the introduction of inserts, parallels, autograph and relics to the sets over the past decade has taken card collecting to a whole new level I could have never imagined.  Even more, the development of product lines aimed at different level collectors has kept everyone interested in collecting new releases - no matter what their desired level of investment. 

I still have fond memories of the basic, overproduced card sets I grew up collecting, but it's a different world than Mike and I knew back in the '80s, for sure..

The Phillies Phestival Poll is Live!

I received my admission packages for this season's Phillies Phestival earlier this week - and that means this year's even is less than a month away! Despite the rough start for the ol' home team, it surely will be one of the highlights of my Summer.

For those of you who haven't previously attended the event, the Phillies will not disclose the list of players who will appear in any specific booth number until the day of the Phestival.  However, based on previous season polls we have proven they do tend to vary distribution of the autograph booths based on player status: fewer tickets are distributed for "star" players than non-stars.

In past years the poll has successfully predicted where the big names will be signing.  With more than 2,200 tickets logged for last season's Phestival, we tracked an estimated 15% of the entire distribution - still not close to being statistically significant, but not bad for little blog.  If nothing else, it is fun to see the numbers build as we get closer to the event date.

While you're here, help the cause!  Go to the poll and log the autograph booth numbers you pulled...

Guest Post: Where's the Cookie?

Editor's Note: Guest Post written by my brother, Jim.

When my wife’s aunt passed away six years ago, she left a box of Phillies items to our family. In the box was a paper bag of newspaper clippings dating from the 1950s-60s, including 18 of the 25 artist Jim Ponter’s drawings printed in editions of the Philadelphia Bulletin during September 1964.  Each numbered 5x7” clipping features two drawings (a headshot and an action pose) and brief biography of the specified player.  Not a Picasso, but not bad for a Phillies collector like me…

I was familiar with the set of drawings from seeing them at shows, and though some had condition issues, I decided to try and get as many signed, as possible. I began the process by sending letter through the mail – nailing down some quick successes from players who sign for free such as John Herrnstein, Jim Bunning and Bobby Wine.   Then paying for others such as Rick Wise, Frank Thomas and Johnny Briggs. Over the course of three years I was a perfect 16 for 16 in returns from living players!

Collectors may note the companion set to the newspaper player photos: unnumbered 8x10” color versions printed on heavy stock paper.  There are 28-different drawings of 27 players – a variation of Jim Bunning exists with a head shot wearing a hat.  Available only through mail-order, these drawings seem to be more readily available on the secondary market, but are also generally more expensive than the newspaper version.  A complete set can sell for a few hundred dollars – with the Bunning variant serving as the most rare and expensive single card.

After buying 13 of the color cards at a local flea market I went back to the box of clippings where I had previously seen a mail order checklist to see who I was still missing.  Once found, the checklist revealed an oddity with the set – there was no option to order a Cookie Rojas drawing.  One of my 13 was a Rojas – so, it begs the question: How did he get distributed?  I have never read about, or heard from other collectors about Cookie being rare, so my only guess is that he was included when the complete set was ordered… but have no confirmation on this theory.  

Over the past year or two I have been scouring different places for the rest of the “Ponter drawings” collection.  I was fortunate to pick up a few on eBay and I am always able to get a couple at the Philly Show. To date I have been lucky to also assemble a partial set of 21 – and am currently saving up to buy the Bunning’s and Dick Allen.  I haven’t figured out the whole “Cookie Rojas checklist omission” yet but it’s just another reminder of why collecting is so much fun…

Manny Trillo Visits Carl's Cards

The only controversy connected with former Phillies second baseman, Manny Trillo is his inclusion as one of the five traded for Von Hayes in 1982.  During his tenure in Philly, Trillo was awarded an NLCS MVP (1980), three gold gloves (1979, 1981, 1982) two Silver Slugger Awards (1980, 1981) and appeared in two All-Star Games (1981, 1982) and one World Championship (winning in 1980).  That would be enough for most careers – but, for the former-Phillie, it was just a small part of a 16-year career that spanned 1973-1989.

Mr. Trillo was back in the Delaware Valley last weekend, checking in at Carl’s Cards and Collectibles in Havertown.  It has been a few years since he was here.  In fact, it’s been so long that in the time since I last met him I have started and almost completed two full 1980 team projects – a team photo and the Reunion poster.  And from the sounds of it, I must not have been the only one looking for him.   “So many people have asked for him that we knew we needed to make it happen,” Lauren Henderson of Carl’s Cards told me. 

For those who have not had the pleasure, Trillo is a welcoming autograph guest – posing for pictures, starting conversations and shaking hands.  A small shop with an old-time feel, Carl’s Cards provides the perfect setting for such interactions.  With autograph guests wedged in opposite the main showcase and surrounded by team-specific memorabilia – signings are an intimate affair.  And, unlike the convention hall signings, customer-guest interactions are encouraged.  It was nice to stop and chat for a minute.

Not knowing when I would catch him next, I brought three different 1980 projects for Mr. Trillo to sign: the 1980 Reunion poster, and team picture and a new project started during last summer’s Alumni Weekend.  The team photo has been a labor of love, with all but one other autograph coming via TTM (including Steve Carlton).  I am now down to four living players.  I’ve made similar progress on the Reunion poster – needing a different combination of four players.  Since I have never mailed the Reunion poster, it has been much more expensive to assemble.