Card of the Day: Tommy McCarthy 2013 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions #161

PHOTOS: 4th Annual Hot Stove League Dinner & Auction

Last night the Williamsport Crosscutters presented the 4th Annual Hot Stove League Dinner & Auction at the Genetti Hotel.  This is the third dinner I have attended and it was a lot of fun.  I’m really glad the Crosscutters are affiliated with the Phillies because they have brought in some great people who tell some very entertaining baseball stories.  This was the first time the event took place without Harry Kalas who was deeply missed.  Before any interviews took place they played a short movie which was a tribute to Harry and featured some of his most famous calls.

During dinner, you could sit back and relax while listening to various guests that included Phillies broadcaster Tom McCarthy,  former Phillies pitcher Dickie Noles, Phillies hitting coach Milt Thompson, and the Phillies Asst. GM Scott Proefrock.  Throughout the evening, the Crosscutters mascot Boomer and the Phanatic made their way around to everyone’s table.  Check out some of the photos.  Click on each one to enlarge.

Phillies Asst. GM Scott Proefrock on the left, and the Crosscutters Vice President/Marketing & Public Relations Gabe Sinicropi to the right.

Phillies play-by-play announcer Tom McCarthy

Former Phillies outfielder and now hitting coach Milt Thompson

Former Phillies pitcher Dickie Noles being interviewed by Gabe.

I took one of my new bats along and got Tom McCarthy, Dickie Noles, and Milt Thompson to sign it.

Phanatic came over to say “hi”.

The Genetti Hotel has been around for 87 years.  It has seen a ton of historic figures pass through its halls.  The hotel has a bunch of photos on display of some of the celebrities who have visited.  This picture of Cy Young and Connie Mack stood out to me.  I could have gotten some autographs that night 🙂

Crosscutters 4th Annual Hot Stove Dinner Guests Announced

On January 12th, I will be attending the Williamsport Crosscutters 4th Annual Hot Stove Dinner.  This is will be the third Hot Stove Dinner I have attended.  Today the Phillies announced which guests will be attending the dinner.  The guests include: Former Phillies pitcher Dickie Noles, broadcaster Tom McCarthy, hitting coach Milt Thompson, and Asst. General Manager Scott Proefrock.  Just like past Hot Stove Dinners, these guests will talk baseball with the crowd and let you know whats in store for the upcoming season.  One of the highlights of the evening will be when the Crosscutters induct former Phillies power hitter Dick Allen into the Bowman Field Hall of Fame.  As of right now, they aren’t sure if Dick Allen will be able to attend.

I plan on taking a bunch of photos to share.  The only downside to the evening will be the absence of the late Harry Kalas who always attended these events.  I’m going to try and get Dickie Noles and Tom McCarthy to sign one of my new bats.  This event is usually sold out, but tickets are still available if you live in the area.  For more information about this event, be sure to check out the Crosscutters website.

Vintage Baseball Memorabilia Mailday

During the summer I worked at Evangelical Community Hospital located in Lewisburg, PA which is right down the street from one of my favorite card shops.  Yesturday in the mail I received a package from one of the ladies that I worked with over the summer.  She apparently saw my picture in the newspaper with the seven Heisman Trophy winners that was taken during this year’s National and decided to send me a few things for my collection.  What was inside just blew me away.

Along with a few newspaper clippings, she sent an old Washington Senators scorecard that she obtained at a game and is dated 8/4/1942.  The Senators were playing the Yankees that day and she was even able to get a few signatures.  It features signatures of the following:

• Joe McCarthy – Yankees Manager 1931 – 1946, HOF 1967
• Red Branch – Yankees Pitcher 1941 – 1942
• John Lindell – Yankees OF 1941 – 1950
• Red Ruffing – Yankees Pitcher 1930 – 1942 & 1945 – 1946, HOF 1967
• Robert “Red” Rolfe – Yankees 3B 1931, 1934 – 1942
• Jerry Priddy – Yankees 2B 1941 – 1942
• Frank Crosetti – Yankees SS 1932 – 1948
• Ernie Bonham – Yankees Pitcher 1941 – 1943

I couldn’t believe this piece when I pulled it out of the envelope.  For being 67 years old, the scorecard is in great condition.  The signatures look pretty good for being signed in pencil all those years ago.  The autographs look better in person, but I tried to get a few shots to show.  The Yankees lineup shows Joe DiMaggio and Phil Rizzuto playing that day.  You can click on each photo for a closer look.

The ads on the scorecard are funny to read.  Most of them are tobacco companies.  I specifically find it funny that back then you could purchase 6 season tickets to a Redskins home game for $9.90 per seat.  This is something that will stay in my personal collection forever.

These signatures look a lot better in person.  Pencil doesn’t always show the best on a scan.