Sunday: 25 January 2009

Baseball Uniforms of the 20th Century: Patches.

The Health patch was only worn for the 1942 season, part of a health and fitness awareness campaign the "Health" patch on the left sleeve. While Major League baseball wore similar patches on the left sleeves of all jerseys throughout the war years, it was only in 1942 that the word "Health" appeared, changing to striped red and white bars for the 1943 through 1945 seasons.

New products that have arrived.

12- new arrivals on the short bill 8 panel caps from the Cooperstown classics in limited amount and sizes. A little pricey at $46.95. But if your looking for the original reproductions with soft leather handbands, then you have found the place at Cooperstown Ballcap Co. Made from the original 1930's machinery. Through 1-28, we are offering 10% off your next total purchase at checkout using this "DM012810" coupon code. Just a little thank you for your continued support of preserving and sharing our baseball history to the next generation of baseball fans.

Autograph tips for the startup collection.

What to send:

• Medium blue Bic ballpoint pen -- the best is the old clear barrel stick pen. The ink seems to hold better than anything else. The first balls I had autographed were done with Sharpies, the ink stayed on well, but ink-bleed has occurred on some of them.
• Ball -- although it would be nice to send official league baseballs, they can be costly. So I have bought blemished baseballs from Rawlings. It doesn't say Official League ball on it, but they do have a very small mark near the number that shows it is a second. These wind up costing me about $3. each when buying by the case. I like these because the leather is the same as the official balls and holds the ink best. The autographs on these balls might not be "worth" as much as on an Official League ball, but it doesn't matter to me. I collect for the joy, not for the potential value.
• Postage -- Always include a return envelope with postage, the player then only has to sign the ball with the included pen, stick it back into the envelope and mail it.
• Hats -- I've also started collecting autographed baseball hats and hang them from the ceiling. I send inexpensive team hats to the players, along with a silver Sharpie for black hats or a black Sharpie for other colors.
Collecting tidbits"

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