So long Ralph Kiner Max Effgen, February 7, 2014September 5, 2014 Ralph Kiner passed away yesterday and along with him a bit of baseball history. The slugging and broadcast legend lived a long and full baseball life. One of the best stories I found on Kiner was Hank Greenberg’s segement in the must-read baseball classic, The Glory of Their Times. Greenberg… Continue Reading
Boys of Summer Max Effgen, April 16, 2013September 5, 2014 My father in-law gave his Topps baseball card collection to my son. Like most boys did at the time, the cards were taped on to loose leaf paper. Here are the “Boys of Summer” 1954 Brooklyn Dodgers: Roe, Snider, Gilliam and Robinson. Continue Reading
1983 American League All Stars Max Effgen, March 1, 2013September 5, 2014 American League All Stars from the 1983 ASG. Purchased from the Halper Collection in 2000. This was my first All Star Game at old Comiskey Park. Fred Lynn hit the first, and only, Grand Slam in ASG history off of Atlee Hammaker in the 3rd inning in the 13-3 rout. Continue Reading
Whitey Ford Max Effgen, February 22, 2013September 5, 2014 Autograph from around 1982. Continue Reading
Review of Change Up: An Oral History of 8 Key Events That Shaped Baseball Max Effgen, February 12, 2013September 5, 2014 With Spring Training starting, thoughts turn to the National Pastime. I recently read Change Up. Generally it is excellent. The format of interviews with key people was quite engaging and through the first 6 changes. It was truly engaging. The last 2, Cal Ripken’s Streak and Ichiro Comes to America,… Continue Reading
The Baseball Collection Max Effgen, February 6, 2013September 5, 2014 The last few posts have featured autographed baseballs. The collection is substantial. Here is how it began. I was 9 years old. My dad and I were watching the Game of the Week. I was also sorting my baseball cards. I do not recall all the game’s details, but the… Continue Reading
No Hall of Fame call for Edgar Max Effgen, January 10, 2013September 5, 2014 Edgar’s final at bat Edgar Martinez was overlooked by the Baseball Writers of America again yesterday. Total shame. The DH rule has been in place for 40 years this season. Ironically, the rule is older than the Mariners. The statistics are real and even more impressive given the steroid fueled… Continue Reading
Thank You Ichiro! Max Effgen, July 23, 2012April 17, 2017 By far and away the most exciting baseball player I have ever seen play is Ichiro Suzuki. Traded from my Mariners yesterday. As a fan, thank you for 12 exciting seasons. Continue Reading