Dallas Green 1934-2017

Today we got the sad news that Dallas Green has died. I had heard he was very ill several months ago, yet it is still a bummer to get the official word.

2014 Phungo #46 Dallas Green

Never got around to posting this 2014 Phungo Card. The photo was taken during the Phillies Alumni weekend in 2013. Green can be seen greeting Gary Matthews. Johnny Briggs and Gene Garber are the players in the foreground.

In 1999 Dallas Green came to speak at the Chester County Historical Society to help promote a baseball exhibition at the museum. The above poster for the event hangs in my baseball card room right above my sorting table.

I don't remember a lot of what he said but he did mention that after his playing career was over he earned his Master Degree at University of Delaware. He also noted that Wayne Gomes was not a closer. My guess is that Green spoke for about an hour and then signed autographs for anyone who was present. When I met him we had a brief discussion about the G3-1 play.

Sources and Links
Dallas Green Index 
Baseball-ref
Philly.com (Frank Fitzpatrick)

1964 Phillies @ 50 (now 51) Dallas Green

We are struggling to get over the finish line on our 1964 Phillies Feature. Today we take a look at pitcher Dallas Green. 

1962 Topps #111 Dallas Green

I had originally planned on featuring the three Manager related cards Gene Mauch, Pat Corrales, and Dallas Green all in the same week or time frame, but that fell apart. And I got scolded by Jim From Downingtown who correctly noted that the Corrales card was not a manager card. And neither is this 1962T card of Dallas Green.

Phillies fans know that Dallas Green was the manager of the 1980 World Championship team, A team with core players that reached the playoffs several times but was unable to get to the World Series. However two things folks may not know are that 1) he is a local born and raised in Delaware and 2 he was part of the only Phillies team between the Whiz Kids and the Late 70s playoff teams to get near the Postseason.

Dallas Green spent parts of six seasons with the Phillies including 42 relief innings with the 1964 squad. The then 29 year old Green was the longest tenured member of the 64 Phillies, unfortunately he had an extremely tough campaign which resulted in a mid-season demotion to Triple-A. Green did return to the club in September, just in time to be part of the infamous collapse.

Late in the 1979 season Dallas Green's managerial career began when he took the reins of a 5th place Phillies on an interim basis. The teams 19-11 finish earned Dallas the full time position, and he led the club to their first World Championship.

Dallas Green 2015
As many know the Green family experienced a tragedy in 2011 when Christina Taylor Green, Granddaughter of Dallas, was one of six people fatally shot by a gunman who targeted congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords at a Meet and Greet event. 

MLB.com columnist Hal Bodley who was University of Delaware classmate of Dallas Green asked the former Phllies manager if it is difficult to continue in an unimportant activity like baseball when dealing with a tragedy of such magnitude. Green responded:

“[Baseball] has helped me, because you sink yourself into the work,”

And Dallas Green does remains active with the Phillies. He largely fills an ambassador role and makes it out for several fan related events every year.

2014 10 18 Dallas Green at the Fan Authentics show in Oaks PA 

I saw Dallas Green at an autograph appearance last fall. At age 80 he still appears active and healthy. Looked a lot better than Pete Rose (74) who was at the same show. 



Phungo Dallas Green Index
1961 Topps #359 (b-side only/ 2010 Heritage preview)
2014 Phungo #46 (Memorial Posting)

Dallas Green Autograph Ball (General Autograph Discussion)
2015 Topps F40-7 Andre Dawson (Props for Green on the back)


Sources and Links
MLB - Hal Bodley
1964 Phillies @ 50 Index
Baseball Ref
Year of the Blue Snow SABR Bio -  Gregory H Wolf

2015 Topps Inserts: Free Agent 40 - Andre Dawson

Delving into the 2015 Topps Insert sets a bit tonight. 

Free Agent 40 is an insert set for 2015 Topps which is dedicated to the biggest FA signings of the last 40 years. Sort of a more modern version of big trade subsets.

2015 Topps F40-7 Free Agent 40 Andre Dawson 

F40 looks like a lot of other recent insert set. A dozen Hall of Fame caliber players connected by some theme designed to be a canvas for "Hits"

This Andre Dawson card piqued my interested for a bit of text on the back.

2015 Topps F40-7 Free Agent 40 Andre Dawson (b-side)

We have a DALLAS GREEN Sighting. It is a story I have heard repeated dozens of times, but it is still cool to see it commemorated on cardboard. Dallas Green signs Andre Dawson for a half millon bucks and the Hawk goes on to have an MVP season.

Auto/Relics
Andre Dawson is one of 15 subjects in the S1 insert set, none of the 15 cards are of Phillies. Ten of the players are given the relic treatment, half of which also have autographs and auto-relic. Dawson is not among the players for which Auto or Relics were produced. 
This is all pretty familiar territory for Insert sets. I have always wanted to take a closer look into what players get into these insert sets, this will hopefully be the beginning of this analysis.

Sources and Links
2015 Topps Index
Cardboard Connection
ebay
baseball-ref

Bill Lyon Column on Dallas and Christina Taylor Green

Bill Lyon is a semi-retired columnist for the Philadelphia Inqurer.  He is a gifted writer and I have always enjoyed his articles.   

Today Mr Lyon had a special column dedicated to Dallas and Chrstina Taylor Green: 

A Grandfather's Unfathomable Loss

About a decade ago in a rather fuzzy post college era of my life I was really close friends with one of Lyon's sons.  I don't know if the son that Lyon refers to in the article is the one I knew - we pretty much lost touch after that crazy summer. 

Regardless, it goes without saying that noone should ever have to suffer through such a tragedy, whether it is a relative or friend, someone you haven't seen since in 10 years, or someone you never met who happened to once be a manager of your favorite baseball team.

Is it Real and If it is, Why Do You Want It?

Dallas Green Autographed Baseball - Authenticated by.....Me

There is an interesting Kyle Stack article running on SI.Com regarding the authentication of Baseball Memorabilia.

After reading the article, one question that runs through my head is:  Wow if the MLB has half a million items, why the heck do they all cost so much?  I mean you would think a game used ball should be like $5 if there are 200,000 of them sitting around.         


Really What We Are Buying is the Authentication, not the Game Used (Bat, Ball, Base, Rosin Bag, Turf, Tobacco Spit Bottle, etc).  As Collectors, I think we are aware of this.  The cost of Memorabilia may be driven as much by the price of authentication as by actual demand.  Essentially we are buying a piece of paper attached to the item, that claims the item is real.

Another interesting note in the article is finding out holograms were in use by Upper Deck on Baseball Cards a full Decade prior to their use of MLB authentication.  If UD could see the value of protecting their comparatively inexpensive items from counterfeiting why did MLB not see the need.  Probably at some point MLB wisely noted that authentication would dramatically increase the price of memorabilia.

What Would Team Phungo Want?
Besides perhaps a Game Used Baseball, I think I would like a Line Up Card.  I think Baseball typically run in the $25-$50 range for non-marquee games.  Line Up Cards are around $75 as I remember.  I think a Line Up card would look good in a rec room.  I like the idea of an item that is tied to a specific game and the names on the card would make for a great conversation piece - plus their is only 1 issued per game (2 if you count the other teams card).  I also think a Line Up card is the right size for display.  Jerseys, Bats, Bases and Stadium Seats would facilitate the need of a good size Man Cave, and I am not at that station in my life yet.

Dallas Green
I basically only have low end autographed items, like Baseball Cards of minor stars and non-stars (certified by the issuing card co) and ones that I secured on my own. 

The above Ball was autographed by Dallas Green following a speech he gave at a Local Historical Society several years ago.  It was from an era when I was not really into collecting sports memorabilia or cards, and that sort of makes it special to me.

Happy Holidays

I just noticed Team Phungo hit the 600 post threshold last week.  Wow!  I sort of don't believe it - I am not nearly as prolific, bright or funny as many other card bloggers, and I would never have guessed this endeavor would have lasted 600 posts.  It really wouldn't be possible without everyone else writing their own blogs and checking in here and taking an interest in what I have to say and providing feedback.    

Thanks everyone for writing and reading.  I really enjoy reading all the varied opinions and information on cards and sports and it is a nice respite from the rest of the chaos in my life.

Thanks to You All and Happy Holidays. 

Take a blogging break and enjoy the long weekend with family and friends!






     

A look back at the Originals - 1961 Topps Phillies

It is Topps Heritage Week all over the across the TradingCardBlogs (TCB) and I thought we would take a look back at the original vinage 1961 set. I am sure that somebody else will have a more comprehensive look at the set - Here I will focus on some Phils cards from the 1961 set.


1961 Topps #20 Robin Roberts

Robin Roberts is the only member of the 1961 Topps Phillies that would eventually enter the Hall of Fame. I am not particularly fond of the 1961 set, but the minimalist design has grown on me recently. The bulk of the 61 Phils cards in the Phungo collection have the same blue and yellow color scheme within the name and team sections as the Roberts card above. Some of the cards have the colors reversed (yellow player name/ blue team), while others are Yellow Green and Yellow Red.

Landscape

#491 Philadelphia Phillies Team (click to enlarge) #259 Dallas Green (b-side) (click to enlarge)

I do like the team cards in 1961 Topps. Posting the flip side of Dallas Green's card - I severely doubt that the Fightin' Blue Hens getting any props in the 2010 Heritage set.


Rookie Cards

#202 Al Neiger #144 Jim Coker

This is what the rookie cards look like sans annoying new MLB rookie card logo.

Special Cards
#479 Jim Konstanty MVP #219 Gene Mauch

1961 Topps has quite a few special cards sprinkled throughout the set.

In 1961 Topps issued a subset of the last 10 MVP winners from each league. From what I have seen Heritage augments this concept a little by including Post Season Series MVPs in this years set. This is probably a good idea, or else Topps ran the risk of producing a subset dedicated to steroid use (Bonds, A-Rod, Giambi, Tejada)

Gene Mauch is featured on one of the Manager cards which have their own design. Other subsets included World Series Cards, All-Stars, League Leader Cards and a highlights series similar to "Baseball Thrills" from the 1959 Topps set.

etc...
#522 Dick Farrell

In his review of 2010 Topps Heritage, Dave over at Fielder's Choice has come out with the most positive endorsement of photoshop on baseball cards. Personally I find it phony but do enjoy spotting the continuity errors that crop up when cards are modified.

With the advent of Photoshop gems like this Dick Farrell card, which is about 99% Phillies card with a smidgeon of Dodger influence accenting a bottom corner could be "a thing of the past".

Phungo Reader Salute, STS Results, and Pat Burrell

Today's reader salute goes out to fellow Phils Phan PTBNL who had a big 3 run inning in the Spot the Sig! contest Sunday. PTBNL was at a cosiderable advantage, he had just posted a Frank Robinson auto at Auto-matic for the People - so not only was he familiar with the auto it was likely fresh in his mind. I already had the STS! auto mapped out, and considered withdrawing the Robinson, but decided to leave it in the contest.

PTBNL has been an active participant in Spot the Sig!, often getting his guess in early on Sunday Nights. He was also gracious enough to come up w/ some suggestions for places to go when my girlfriend and I took a recent mini-vacation in Virginia. Thanks PTBNL and Phungo Salutes you!

My favorite PTBNL entry at Auto-Matic for the People was for a Pat Burrell Auto. The post is definitely worth a read, it is both heartfelt and interesting.

In honor of PTBNL's Burrell fandom I post one of my favorite Burrell cards:

2004 Fleer Authentix #50 Pat Burrell
Phillies Ticket Stub April 12th 2004

As I noted in my blog bat around post several weeks ago, I like cards that commemorate games that I have attended. The date noted on this card is opening day of the 2004 season. Unfortunately the Phils lost the game, but I still enjoy the look of the 2004 fleer Authentix cards. There is a bit of shiny chominess (didn't come through in the scan) which helps the card look a little sharper.

Pat's days in Philadelphia are likely over, I hope that he goes somewhere he can continue a productive career. He's had his ups and downs in Philadelphia, but he is a World Champion an nobody can take that away from him.

Back to this weeks autos. The Frank Robinson card is part of a Hillshire Farms series produced in 1999. I first became aware of them via a Dayf post also on Auto-matic for the people. And he is correct, I believe you can likely pick up each of the Hillshire farms autos for under 10 bucks on ebay, possibly even 5 including shipping.

1999 Hillshire Farms Home Run Heroes Frank Robinson

As for Dallas Green, he came and spoke at the Chester County Historical Society a few years back. I only remember two things Dallas said that night, one was that he completed a masters degree at University of Delaware and the second was he said "Wayne Gomes is not a closer". He was right.

PTBNL as I mentioned earliar had a big inning and I am going to have to sort all this out.
First up he got the single for getting the Frank Robinson auto so Utley Drives in Victorino. This is followed by Ryan Howard getting a big triple, must of been one of those towering pop ups that bounced off of the top of the wall (driving in Utley)- And then Howard comes home has the cutoff man throws wildly to 3rd base as PTBNL gets the Red and Green Bonus. 3 runs for PTBNL.

There was one other bonus to hand out as Night Owl found the 1974 John Ellis card. The Night Owl crew is doing a good job of working on manufacturing a run, coming through on their third bonus question. Night Owl was also inspired to create an amusing post on the cartoons of 1974 topps. Definitely check it out. With the bonus, the busy Matt Kemp has stolen 3rd.

Here is the rest of the John Ellis card:

1974 Topps #128 Johne Ellis (Reverse)

I do have a couple of questions for this weeks winners. 1) PTBNL, you sounded defeated but went back in there and figured out the Dallas Green auto, how'd you come up with it? searching ebay or going through old cards for facsimile autos? and Night Owl, did you know that cartoon was from 1974 topps?. Every time topps has the cartoons they are different but I don't know if I could pick out one year from another based on just the toon portion of the card.

I hope everybody enjoyed this weeks seasonal Spot the Sig! and it helped to get everyone into the holiday spirit. Next week will probably be a lot more basic.

Here are the current STS! standings

PTBNL - repsresentin those Fightin Phillies - 4 Runs - bases empty
Stats on the Back - Mets - 1 Run in - Man on 3rd
Cardboard Junkie - Braves - 1 Run in - Man on First
Cardboard Addiction - Bosox - Man on First
Night Owl - Dodgers - Man on 3rd
A Cardboard Problem - Yankees - on Deck

For further information regarding the Phungo Spot the Sig! contest click here and join the party - you just may find yourself with a stack of cards come spring training!

Stop back Sunday night for the next edition of Spot the Sig! 

Links
Phungo HoF index Frank Robinson