A site about collecting Philadelphia sports memorabilia - by Philly sports collectors.
The Phillies Collector is the place to find information on Phillies themed memorabilia and home to the most comprehensive list of upcoming Philadelphia sports, autograph appearances and signings on the internet!
I did not do any bidding in Wednesday night's internet sale by Hunt Auctions, but I did scroll through the lots. One item in particular, lot # 1126 - "1981 Phillies, Partial Team Ball," caught my eye. It wasn't an extremely rare or valuable piece, but rather, it was interesting because it showed how current Phillies Manager, Ryne Sandberg signed his name as a rookie.
Check out the side by side of then and now:
Comparison of Ryne Sandberg autographs: 1981 vs. 2013
Steve Carlton, 2003 SGA Bobble Head
As part of the final season at Veterans Stadium the Phillies hosted several bobble head giveaway games, including June 22, 2003 - when a Steve Carlton figurine was handed out. At this point most of us have either seen, or acquired one of the standard issued SGAs...but, would you be surprised if I told you it is not the only version that was produced?
Steve Carlton Bobble Head - signed variation
Though not as widely available as the SGA, a second version has popped up here and there on the secondary market over the years. This variation looks much like the original, with the exception of a white pitching rubber - and a Steve Carlton autograph. Speculation has been that this was either a random variant inserted into the standard SGAs at the gates, or sold in the Stadium team store - but, as far as I can tell, we've never received solid confirmation of either.
Steve Carlton Bobble Head - unsigned variation
In addition to these two known bobble heads, I recently uncovered the existence of a third variant! The third version is a hybrid of the two earlier ones - same figurine, with an unsigned, white pitching rubber.
After exchanging emails with Lefty's merchandising company, Game Winner Sports, I came to find out that 3,000 of the two non-SGA variations were ordered by the Phillies specifically for Carlton. They have presumabley been selling this inventory on the Hall of Famer's official site: stevecarlton.com, for $39 (unsigned) and $79 (signed), ever since...
Phillies Hall of Famer, Mike Schmidt
The Mike Schmidt promotional appearance for The Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs (which was once postponed) has been postponed again.
This postponement, first brought to my attention by a reader, Ryan Meyer (@EpicGrapher on Twitter), was confirmed by the Mohegan Sun's official Twitter page (@MSPocono) in an earlier tweet reading: "Mike Schmidt's previously scheduled signing even on November 23 has been postponed due to a personal conflict." That post was immediately proceeded by the announcement that former Major League pitcher Dwight Gooden will be signing at the Casino that day.
Though, only officially a postponement, all mention of Schmidt has been removed from the Mogehan Sun website. It would be surprising to see the appearance rescheduled anytime soon...
Stay tuned, sports fans...
Figured it would be a good time to check in on some recently reported Phillies TTM successes...
Greg Luzinski autographed ball
The Bull, a solid TTM signer over the years, went under cover for a few weeks as requests to his primary residential address regularly came back RTS. Looks like there is a new address to send requests to during the off-season. Of course, you can always wait until next baseball season and either see him or send to him at Citizens Bank Park.
25100 Ridge Oak Drive Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Roy Sievers autograph 1964 photo
If there were a TTM Hall of Fame, Roy Sievers would surely get elected. Though his responses are a little slower these days, this old-timer is a guaranteed success. I have personally sent to Mr. Sievers a few times - and have the signed ball and photo displayed to prove it! My favorite response was a hand-written note commenting on his playing days in Philly.
11505 Bellafontaine Road Spanish Lake, MO 63138
The Phils skipper has provided fans with signed photo cards since joining the team last Spring. He will not sign the item you send, but requesters to receive a good signature back (as opposed to the standard pre-print the team likes to send out). This was Charlie Manuel's policy his last two years, as well. Collecting either Phillies or Hall of Famers? Might want to give Ryno a shot...
c/o Philadelphia Phillies, Citizens Bank Park 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Ryne Sandberg autographed Phillies photo card
Vet Stadium Seat Ornament
While browsing the internet yesterday, I stumbled across a very cool Veterans Stadium-themed collectible: Vet Stadium seat Christmas ornaments.
Growing up going to Phillies and Eagles games at The Vet during the late-80s/early-90s, made me love the place. I would often defend it to outsiders as "a dump (yes), but our dump." And when they started selling it off during the Winter of 2003, I was first in line to pick up a pair of blue seats. Since then I have bought a few pieces here and there - always on the lookout for new additions. What I've learned is it doesn't have to be expensive to be a quality collectible.
These blue, Vet Stadium seat ornaments offered by Cardz and Starz (Vineland, NJ) approximately measure 2"x2"have all the makings of a good value pickup. At a price of three ornaments for $15, you could buy a set and split them up as nice holiday gifts for other Philly sports fans - or keep them all for yourself (guilt free). One thing is sure, you won't find too many others who have this decoration adorning their tree.
Online bidding for Hunt Auctions', 10th Annual Louisville Slugger Museum Live Auction ends tomorrow night. The marquee lots have been reserved for Hall of Famer, Bill Mazeroski's personal collection, but as with previous editions, this year's event puts many desirable Phillies-themed items on the block. I have already shared a few on Facebook this week, but here are a couple more to keep your eye on...
Game Used Carlos Ruiz Jersey
This is an underperforming beauty. I'm not sure whether it is Ruiz's tenuous standing as a Phillie, or if the shine has truly rubbed off this former All Star, but there doesn't seem to be much interest in this log, to-date. At this point, it would take a lot for the jersey to climb back into the pre-auction range of $400-600. To be fair, it was probably a stretch to begin with...
Current bid: $138
Link to the lot
"Go! Phillies Go!"
As a collector of 1964 Phillies I've been familiar with these pins for years - often seeing them at flea markets or card shows. The bold, blue font screaming 1960s camp, and of course, the classic logo make it a very desirable (and, low-cost) collectible. What makes pieces like this so attractive is the fact that they aren't supposed to be around anymore. This cardboard store display would look great in any 1960s-era collection.
Current bid: $80
Link to the lot
1964 Phillies Pin Store Display
Bobby Wine, 1980 Game Uniform
Maz isn't the only former player to be in the mood to clean out his closet - joining him is long time Phillie, Bobby Wine, whose own personal collection is up for bid. There are several items from "The Wine Collection" worth mentioning, but I chose this one because of the significance the uniform has to the Phillies' 1980 Championship season. The deep blue of this "powder blue" uniform would look awesome on display, and is still well within the pre-auction range $1,500-2000. Some lucky collector may get a deal out of it...
Current Bid: $720
Link to the lot
November Phanatic of the Month Bobble Head (via @DrBobblesWorld)
In what is becoming a monthly phenomenon, the November Phanatic of the Month was released to a frenzied crowd last Friday morning. And once again, the oversized bobble heads were sold out on the first day! It is getting harder and harder to remember those early Spring months when they were available for a week (or more)...
The "William Bradford" Phanatic, shows the mascot dressed in traditional Pilgrim wear, complete with a Phillies-logo traveler's hat. While it is not surprising that the Phanatic is shown eating a turkey - it did make me laugh that "a live" Tom is watching him from behind (better watch out little buddy, you may be next!). Move over cornucopia, a new Thanksgiving Day centerpiece is here!
Ken Giles signed photo
Last month I wrote about the endless opportunities that the Arizona Fall League affords TTMers. Shortly after publishing the post I sent requests out to several Phillies minor leaguers prospects participating in the League.
With AFL play winding down, and no returns to my name, I had just about written this year off as a loss. All that changed today as I finally logged my first success - fireballer, Ken Giles. Though he is not widely included in Phillies top prospect lists, Giles opened a lot of eyes this Fall - much like Cody Asche did last year...
The Phillies Collector booth at the Granite Run Mall
Where to begin?
Well, it's been a busy seven days as I have worked toward launching the new site. Although it's been a work-in-progress over the past month or so, I was under the gun to have "the new, and improved" Phillies Collector site looking good for the big "relaunch" on Saturday.
The Poppel Show was a big day for me - and for the first time, put me on the other side of the table, as a vendor. I was there to promote The Phillies Collector site, and the services it offers: A listing of upcoming Philly sports signings, an ever-growing list of TTM addresses and of course, the blog. I was pleased to meet so many current readers, and a number of potential new ones, too.
Though much of my time was spent behind the table, it wasn't all work on Saturday. I also had an opportunity to add to a few current autograph projects, too...
Dave Hollins - 1993 Team Ball
1993 Phillies Team Ball
Though he has been away for a year, or two, Hollins is no stranger to the Poppel Show. Previously I had him sign my 1993 team poster, and the championship celebration photo. I would have had him sign the team ball, too - but I forgot it at home! I didn't leave it this time, and asked him to squeeze a signature in under Pete Incaviglia.
Mitch Williams - 1993 Team Celebration Photo
This is one of my favorite autograph projects. If you remember back a few months, I really filled it out during Alumni Weekend. Mitchy Poo's autograph was a little "fatter" than I would have hoped for - but, didn't bring my own silver pen, and was at the mercy of the promoter. Immediately after signing it, Williams threw the pen over his shoulder and said, "We need another one!"
Pedro Feliz - 2009 World Series Team Ball
2009 Phillies Team Ball
I didn't pony up to add Brett Myers to my 2008 ball, and though I thought it was overpriced, figured I should take the opportunity to add Feliz to my 2009 ball. I haven't focused as much attention on this ball recently, but Pedro was a key player, and I would have eventually paid for him somewhere along the line...
 |
| Kevin Frandsen - 2013 Topps Update |
 |
| Jonathan Pettibone - 2013 Topps Update Emerald Foil Parallel |
 |
| Laynce Nix - 2013 Topps Update |
 |
| 1960s-era Phillies Souvenir Helmet |
 |
| Interior of the helmet |
 |
| Phillies HOFer, Mike Schmidt |
 |
| Mike Proly Autographed Ball |
 |
| Jamie Moyer Signed Photo |
 |
| Billy Wagner Autographed Ball |
 |
| October, "Phanatic of the Month" bobble (via @DrBobblesWorld) |
 |
| Lenny Dykstra on the 1993 Phillies poster |
 |
| Dick Allen - 1964 Bulletin Pictures |
I am not a Mike Schmidt "super-collector", but as owner of more than 200 cards of the Phillies Hall of Fame third baseman, I thought I had seen most of what is out there. Man, was I wrong…
Schmidt cards are one of my frequent eBay searches. While browsing last weekend I came across this head-scratcher: 1972 Puerto Rican Mike Schmidt Sticker. I knew the Phillies sent him to the Puerto Rican League to work on his skills following the 1972 season - but, had never seen, or heard of this "pre-rookie" issue.
The full set contains 231, 2 1/4"x3" stickers, including some for other Hall of Famers: Tony Perez, Orlando Cepedo, Satchel Paige and Frank Robinson. As for Schmidt, only 86 of these stickers appear on the PSA Registry, Mike Schmidt card log - with only 20 (1 “PSA 10), graded 8 or better. Typical issues with the stickers in this set are predictably: worn corners, missing back paper or rips/tears.
Based on a few online auction prices I was able to find, a mid-to-high grade Schmidt sticker will easily cost $1k. An auction by Lelands last month (September 2023) featured one of the PSA '8’ graded stickers, which sold for a final bid of $1,501. And, in 2012, Goodwin and Co. auctioned off the only sticker with a PSA '10' grading label for a whopping $12,936. Needless to say, this one (at a much cheaper price) will be on my radar from here out!
 |
| Papelbon shirsey 75% off - is it a sign? |
 |
| 2013 CBP Exclusive Bobbles at $6.75! |