Derek Jeter signed baseball

20 years ago today, Derek Jeter hit his first major league homerun and thus began a dynasty that would win four World Series over the next 5 seasons.

Where does the time go?

In my view, earlier Jeter signatures are much more appealing and desirable than the mass-produced signatures through Steiner, which seem to have deteriorated over the past few years.

Derek Jeter signed baseball

So long, Yogi Berra

Yogi Berra was truly a one-of-a-kind American icon. An all-time great baseball player as well as a World War II combat veteran. I had the privilege to meet Yogi a few times... my only regret is not getting a photograph with him.

Rest in peace, Yogi. You will be missed.

Don Larsen, the Perfect Yankee

The World Series resumes tonight with game 6. While it has been an enjoyable series, I am rooting for Kansas City to win. Not that I am a Kansas City Royals fan, but they are a spirited, scrappy team and smaller market teams need to win once in a while to keep baseball interesting.

Hard to believe that at one time, the World Series would have been over for weeks by now.

Don Larsen was a journeyman pitcher who likely would have been largely forgotten by now if not for one extraordinary feat. It was 58 years ago that for one day he was The Perfect Yankee.

Jeter should have given fan big check for 3,000th hit

Phil Mushnick wrote an interesting article in the NY Post.

Jeter should have given fan big check for 3,000th hit - NYPOST.com

Jeter will probably make more in one month than Christian Lopez will make in his lifetime. Should he have accepted the ball for free? What say you?

Mickey Mantle signed ball: A minor grail obtained

For the past 10 years or so, I've been under the impression that I had two signed Mickey Mantle photos in my collection. Unfortunately, I recently learned they are both fakes. Well executed and deceptive fakes, but forgeries none-the-less.

Thankfully, one was purchased from a reputable dealer who issued a refund 10 years later!

So, I used the money from the refund, plus a little more, and obtained an undoubtably authentic Mantle signed baseball.

Although, this time around, I didn't wait 10 years to get it authenticated! Top-notch authenticator Richard Simon gave the ball a thumbs-up.

The Ol' Perfesser

I am very happy to add this Casey Stengel HOF Plaque to my collection.

As he occasionally did, Casey also signed and inscribed a short message on the back of the card.

Nothing like two signatures for the price of one!