In Memoriam: 1964 Phillies Pitcher, Dennis Bennett

Dennis Bennett - P, Phillies

I was sad to hear that former Phillies pitcher, Dennis Bennett died this past weekend after a long illness.  Phillies fans probably remember him best as a starter on the star-crossed 1964 team.  With Jim Bunning, Art Mahaffey, Ray Culp and Chris Short, Bennett rounded out a strong rotation that lead to the Phils early season success that year.  Unfortunately, he was one of several players to catch the injury bug and a sore arm derailed the second half of his season.

My dad raised me on stories of guys like Bunning, Allen, Callison and Taylor and of watching games at Connie Mack Stadium.  Those stories sparked an interest in the team's of the 1960's, especially the 1964 squad.  Over the years, Dennis Bennett has been a "solid contributor" to my collection - signing balls, pictures and cards.  Many times I would include extra items for him to keep (Sports Digest with him on the cover, cards, etc) and I would always receive something extra and unexpected back from him (letters, signed pictures).  I did not know him personally, but I sure got the impression he appreciated me writing.  The fans and hobby enthusiasts lost a great guy last weekend - Thanks for everything, Mr. Bennett.

'64 Bulletin Picture - D. Bennett

Jonathan Pabelbon Majestic Store Bobble Head Revealed

Jonathan Papelbon Bobble Head (via @PhilliesMCS)

The Phillies Majestic Store at Citizens Bank Park released a picture of the Jonathan Papelbon bobble head  via Twitter (@PhilliesMCS) today.  I guess it was inevitable that there would be a bobble produced for the new closer, and this one is definitely unique.  The unconventional pose sets this figurine apart from the run-of-the-mill pitcher bobble heads we have grown used to over the past 10 years.  

In a related post, the Majestic Clubhouse stated they will be previewing the 2012 season releases tomorrow (March 27th) with a 20% discount offered all day.  Good opportunity to get a peek at some of the new items, and save a little money, too.

My Favorite Cards: Juan Samuel

Juan Samuel played for the Phillies from 1983 to June 1989 when he was traded to the Mets for Lenny Dykstra and Roger McDowell.  For most of that time, he was one of the top offensive players in the league and a main part of the Phillies lineup.  Here are some of my favorite Juan Samuel, Phillies cards:

1988 Topps Big - #67

Comments: The color of the white home uniforms against the bright greens of the old Vet turf and wall make this card stand out.  Seeing it reminds me attending Sunday games during that time.

Juan Samuel - 1988 Topps Big

1986 Fleer League Leaders - #38

Comments: This is not necessarily the most recognizable Sammy card out there, but it is one of the few cards to reflect the "Juan Samuel swing" that I remember.

Juan Samuel - '86 Fleer League Ldrs.

1984 Topps Traded - #105T

Comments: Samuel got a little playing time at the end of the NL Championship season of 1983, and even made a few appearances during the World Series.  He was poised to become a star for the team and there were few cards young Phillies fans (like myself) wanted more than this one.  

Juan Samuel - 1984 Topps Traded

1985 Donruss Diamond Kings - #23

Comments: As a fan of artist Dick Perez, I cannot leave out this gem.

Juan Samuel - '85 Donruss DK

Collectible of the Week: 1976 "Phillies Fever" Record

1976 Phillies Fever - Cover Picture Sleeve

The nation may know the 1985 Chicago Bears anthem, "The Super Bowl Shuffle", but they were actually just one of several teams who did sports-themed records in the 1970's and 80's.  In fact, the Phillies had two such records: 1975's "Ting-A-Ling Double Play No. 2" by Dave Cash and Larry Bowa, and this weeks feature, 1976's "Phillies Fever".  Most of the 1970's pre-dates my existence on this planet, but two things I have learned during my time here are that disco ruled and the 1976 Phillies were a great team.  This record combines those elements into one round piece of plastic (for our enjoyment).

This 7" vinyl single definitely has value as "just a record", but the real value is in the picture sleeve which features several stars from the Phillies.  Both the front and back are cool display items for a collector of this era (or these players).  A playing record with the well preserved picture sleeve will have considerably more value than one with a generic paper sleeve.  I have seen a couple generic sleeve versions online for $10 or less over the past year, but have not seen any with the picture sleeve.  This seems like a collectible better picked up at a flea market or yard sale than on eBay.

Label: Grand Prix
Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM
A Side: Phillies Fever
B Side: Dancin' with the Phillies (Instrumental version of the A-side, "Phillies Fever")
Featuring: Greg Luzinski, Dave Cash, Garry Maddox, Larry Bowa and Mike Schmidt

Back of '76 Phillies Fever Picture Sleeve

Phillies 2012 Promotional Schedule Review: The Winners

Back in January we go our first look at the upcoming 2012 season promotional items (discussed here), and today the Phillies gave us the first look at some of the more anticipated of their SGA's.  With little more than three weeks between us and Opening Day I figured it was time to do the full promo schedule review.  This week I will rank the "best" SGA's with the worst to follow next week...

1.  Hunter Pence Bobble Figurine  - The team has not yet released an image of the figurine, but it hardly matters.  My man's Q-Rating in Philly is through the roof and the game was an early sell-out.  Expect to see these bobbles on eBay for years to come.

2.  Phillie Phanatic Bank - I was on the fence with this one when the first pictures were released a few months ago ("Clever or creepy" was the question posed)...but, I have to admit I like it.  The Phanatic Birthday giveaways are always popular with the collectors (young and old).  My kid is going to love this and I'm sure he won't mind sharing with me.

2012 Phillie Phanatic Bank

3.  Cliff Lee Bobble Figurine - I feel the Phillies are consistently good with the bobble figurines. Seeing this reveal today made me want to close my eyes and skip the calendar to June.

Cliff Lee 2012 Bobble Head

4.  Knit Hat Day - The team has no published the design for this year's hat, but I have really liked those given away in recent years.

5. Wall of Fame Night - The annual reunion of Phillies alumni takes place the first weekend in August.  Great graphing opportunities at CBP throughout the weekend. Truly one of the highlights of my year.

The next best...

• Cole Hamels Action Figure - Ask me to rank the roster 1-25 as to who would make a good action figure and Hamels may rank last.  Still, this is sure to be an item I will want on my shelf.

• Jimmy Rollins Cooler Bag - Like the Hamels figurine, adults want what they can't have (both are available to 14 and under)...not having seen the final design I am tentatively putting this in the plus column

• Jim Thome Print - The Phillies had to do something to make the "On-Deck" more than a required purchase for season ticket holders.  Adding a print of this fan favorite is one way to do that...

Phillies TTM: Week of 3/12/12

Sometimes you send a TTM request with the expectation that it will be returned, other times you put that card in the mail fully expecting to never see it again.  This week an example of both made their way back into my mailbox...

Jim Bunning - 1964 Team Photo

Jim Bunning on 1964 Team Picture

I have been building on this project for the past couple years, and have always looked at that blank spot on Jim Bunning as some kind of failure.  With the number of signatures on the photo up to 21 now, I have become increasingly reluctant to send it out for new ones.  Bunning is just about as solid bet as they come in TTM - and getting this back (probably) closes out my TTM efforts for the picture.

I still need Ed Roebuck and Dave Bennett on the picture to complete the goal of filling out all living players appearing in the photo - but, there are a number of other guys from that season that could be had TTM (Frank Thomas, Bobby Shantz, Don Lock, Costen Shockley to name a few)...


Brad Lidge - 2009 5x7 Player Photo Card

Brad Lidge Signed Player Card

Third time is a charm with Lidge.  I have previously sent requests during Spring Training (2009 and 2011) with no luck.  The Phillies are generally bad TTMers - but, occasionally you see a return from Lidge and that kept hope alive.  I sent this card in January while Brad was still training at the Phillies facilities and he apparently took the fan mail with him across the state after signing with the Nationals.  Solid return.

Auction Watch: Hunt Auctions March 2012 Internet Auction Review

The monthly internet/phone auction run by Hunt Auctions regularly features Phillies-themed lots.  And every couple months they pull out some really cool, rare items.  Marking the auction house's 20th Anniversary, the March Auction was one of those.  Here are two of the more unique Phillies lots from my watch list that sold on Wednesday:

Robin Roberts Presentation Piece

Robin Roberts Presentational Piece (via Hunt Auctions)

Description: A 18"x35" "Greatest Phillies" presentational piece belonging to the late Hall of Famer, Robin Roberts.  Vignette features "greatest" players for each of the eight regular fielding positions, and one right-handed pitcher (Roberts) and one left-handed pitcher.  COA from Roberts family.

Final Bid: $322

Comments:
During voting that took place between April-May 1969 Roberts was not only voted as the team's all-time best right-hander, but also their best all-time player.  The selection of the "Greatest Phillies" team was part of a larger promotion run by the Baseball Writers Association of America to celebrate 100 years of Major League Baseball - with the best team of MLB's first century announced at the 1969 All-Star Game.

I think this is a unique piece, with a great story.  The fact that it was owned by Roberts, who was ranked as the "best" Phillie, makes it even better.  The final bid price seems like a steal.

Veterans Stadium Gate/Ramp Sign

Veterans Stadium Ramp Sign (via Hunt Auctions)

Description: A 30"x36"metal gate/ramp sign from the defunct Philadelphia Veterans Stadium.

Final Bid: $221

Comments:
The sign was one of several Vet pieces up for bid this month.  If you regularly read this blog you know I have an affinity for the Vet, and own a couple "relics" myself.  I bought a "You Are Here" metal sign with a stadium graphic at the Final Innings Sale in December '03 - and for that reason was interested to see how bidding ended on this lot.  This style sign is a little more available, and I have seen several sell (in this same range) over the past few years.  From experience, these metal signs are extremely heavy - I would not want to see what the shipping costs were for this one.

Phillies TTM: Week of 3/5/12

Last week brought one solid return... Trevor May - 2010 Bowman Prospects Card Like many Phillies fans, I have been closely watching May develop his skills over the past few years.  It won't be long before he is up with the big club.  This signed card is great success for Spring Training...glad to have received it back. In general, it has been a pretty good ST for me - though, as expected, the attempts at some of the "bigger" players - Hunter Pence, JC Romero, Chad Durbin have (so far) come up empty.  It was definitely a better plan to focus on some of the young guys instead. Follower submissions: Twitter handle: @bigrothy Return: HOF GM, Pat Gillick c/o Seattle home address Twitter handle: @mjs80377 Return: HOF P, Jim Bunning c/o home address

Collectible of the Week: Steve Carlton Gartlan Statue

Carlton Gartlan USA Figurines

Gartlan U.S.A. began production on their porcelain figurines in 1985.  Each player would (mainly) be represented in two versions – an 9” and the smaller, 5” (mini) – while in some cases a third figure was also created “Artist’s Proof”. The larger figure contains an authentic player autograph while the mini features a facsimile. The artist’s proof figurines feature both the player and artist’s signatures.

The Steve Carlton statues were released in 1989 and there are examples of each the 9", 5" and artist proof versions available: 

9” Figure – 3,290 (valued at approximately $50-75)

5” (mini) Figure – 10,000 (valued at approximately $15)

Artist’s proof - 250 (??? - couldn't find any examples)

My Favorite Cards: Lenny Dykstra

Lenny Dykstra - 1989 Topps Traded

During the early 1990's Lenny Dykstra succeeded Mike Schmidt as my favorite Phillie.  I loved his dirty uniform, the way Dan Baker announced his name over the Vet PA, and most of all the clutch hits (and homers) that lead the Phillies during the great run of 1993. It has been disappointing to see his recent failures over the past years.  With his sentencing to three years in prison yesterday I started thinking about those great cards of his that I grew up collecting.  Here are a few that I'm sure a lot of us remember...

Dr. Dirt and Mr. Clean - '91 Donruss

Dykstra - '91 Upper Deck

Dykstra - '93 Topps Gold

Phillies TTM: Week of 2/27/12

After getting no returns the previous week, the past seven (mail) days were a welcome change as I got three signatures back...

Justin De Fratus (2012 Topps)

Like many of you out there, I have been following this kid the past year or two and was glad to see if finally get some time with the big club in September.  There is a good chance he will be making an impact with the Phillies in the not so distant future.

Justin De Fratus Signed Topps 2012

Roy Sievers (1964 Team Picture)

I have been working on this picture for a while now, and this was actually the second time I have sent it to Mr. Sievers.  The picture is a centerfold in what was a giveaway program for the 1964 team's 25th Anniversary Old-Timers Game (in 1989).  Last spring I sent it to Mr. Sievers with an autograph request, and received it back with the cover signed - instead of his place in the team picture.  Sievers, who played for the Phillies from 1961-1964, is a great TTMer and happily fulfilled the second request.

Roy Sievers on the 1964 Team Picture

Gene Conley (1960 Team Sports Illustrated Cover)

Like the 1964 team picture, I have been working on this cover for a year or so - but, haven't added anyone new for a while.  Last I wrote about it, the magazine had been RTS from Art Mahaffey because of there being no forwarding address to his P.O. Box address.  Gene Conley was one of the main starting pitchers for the 1960 team and had been a target since the beginning.  He charges $5 to sign TTM.

Gene Conley - 1960 SI Cover

2012 Phillies Media Guide - Cover "Leak"

2012 Phillies Media Guide

Several Phillies beat writers posted pictures of the 2012 Phillies Media Guide on their Twitter accounts Saturday.  The cover is blue and features Phillies Manager, Charlie Manuel holding a large bottle of champagne (commemorating his franchise leading 646 wins).  I do not collect the annual Media Guides, but I know there are many who do.  As a season ticket holder, I receive one each year - but, normally only keep the most recent edition.  For me, I prefer the Guides that feature player cover art - though, few can deny that Manuel's eclipsing of Gene Mauch's long-standing franchise wins record does deserve recognition.

Roy Halladay Stadium Store Bobble Head Revealed

Roy Halladay 2012 Majestic Store Bobblehead

Twitter followers of the Citizens Bank Park Majestic Clubhouse Store (@PhilliesMCS) have steadily received new images of Phillies bobble head figurines over the past few months.  First it was Vance Worley, then Hunter Pence, Chase Utley, Carlos Ruiz, Ryan Howard...and the rest (Simpsons fans applaud).  This week produced another update - Roy Halladay.

So far I have been pretty impressed with the quality that has been displayed in these bobble heads, though for what ever reason this is probably my least favorite of the group.  I think it is the pose - wish his head was looking forward, instead of having that dead stare to the left.  Overall, the set gets high marks...I'd be interested to see what the Clubhouse Store has sold in previous seasons to compare.