With the World Series right around the corner (which – as a former MLB fan – I couldn’t care less about), I guess it’s appropriate to bring you an interesting artifact.
While I was serving as ASC President, I got the peculiar urge to ask some of our more prominent members to sign a couple of baseballs that I kept on my desk at the Clubhouse. They all thought that was a bit strange but nonetheless did as I asked. As you’ll see in the photos, the signatures are generally legible; to be sure, here are the names on display:
Victor Kemper
Haskell Wexler
Richard Moore
Owen Roizman
Vittorio Storaro
William Fraker
Gerry Hirschfeld
Stephen Burum
Alfred Taylor
No matter how you cook it, that’s quite an All-Star team!
They’re also a small sample; many more were collected over time. With most of them gone now, I’m incredibly grateful that they played along. Conversely, I couldn’t help thinking about those who somehow missed their chance to join this group. I know it wasn’t for their opposition to the idea. They more likely didn’t pass through my door during the time I was on this kick. But looking over the two baseballs, maybe the fact that their absence evoked as much warmth as did the actual signers is an indication of how just powerful these unusual touchstones are.
I promise…you won’t see either of them showing up on Ebay anytime soon!
Unlike MLB, these all stars ain’t Woke!
Refreshing, isn’t it, Russ? I used to be a huge Yankees fan. Forget about their lousy season this year…I just can’t even watch the game at all anymore.
Super enjoyed this o e Richard…
Such a cool way to momento our legends!
Big hug…Crescenzo ♥️
Great balls! AllStars!
For the first time that I can remember, both the Mets and the Yankees were in last place during the final week of August.
…and the way they played this year, Mets and Yanks both belong there!
I had Dodgers season tickets for over a decade. I watched Garvey, Lopes, Russel and Cey rule the infield. Dusty danced in the outfield. I’ve seen the sunset at Wrigley and watched the Green Monster devour balls at Fenway. I loved the Kobe era with Jack in the stands. The only sports I watch now is the golf channel….even that is boring….no personalities. I will watch any movie anytime that your DP all stars shot. I’ve only seen 3 movies at the cinema in the last two years. Is this the end of our civilization? Thank you for keeping it alive for just awhile longer.
Russ – I’m not only done with baseball, I’m done with ALL sports. It’s a real shame what’s happened to everything.
Agree. Very depressed. At least we lived in some very good times.
We certainly did. But don’t be depressed. We’re never going to give up the fight!
Right On!!!!!
Richard, What an amazing collection of signed balls by your heroes!
Major League Baseball has definitely changed in recent years .
The crazy high salaries, rule changes, etc. You have brought memories
back for me from times past. Going to Chicago White Sox games, 1960s at the
original Comiskey Park. And at one time you could sit in the bleacher
seats at Wrigley for $2. I once caught a ball at Comiskey Park in the mid
1970’s. Back then you could easily meet the players coming out of their
locker room. I got the same ball signed by many players coming out while
sometimes holding their beers as they signed ball. Many came out smoking cigarettes.
We went to the Diamondbacks 7th World Series game in 2001
when they beat the Yankees (sorry Richard). Our 10 year old niece
was with us and she was randomly selected to throw out the first pitch
with Senator John McCain. He had a bad arm from military action.
They chose a young girl and boy to accompany him on the mound.
Good Memories! Go Diamondbacks as they return 22 years later.
Treasure your HOF collection of baseballs!
Ken – I had so many similar experiences from the same period…what a great time to have been a kid. Though I’ve totally lost interest in the modern game, those memories will be with me until the end!