I'm so proud, my nephew just signed a contract with Topps

Pharber · December 9, 2007 10:27PM

My nephew is a Red Sox minor league and Topps just signed him to an autograph deal. He gets about $2,500 for signing and $1 for a signed card.

nam812 · December 9, 2007 10:28PM

Congrats. 2010 Heritage here he comes.

Bosox1976 · December 9, 2007 10:31PM

Pharber · December 9, 2007 10:35PM

And I'll have him sign about a 100 extra Topps Heritage cards as well.

Karb · December 10, 2007 12:20AM

Wow that's pretty cool. Congrats

larryallen73 · December 10, 2007 12:43AM

That is extremely cool. Congrats!

zep33 · December 10, 2007 1:22AM

very cool - congrats

What's his name?

Steviedoobie · December 10, 2007 1:25AM

Your Nephew got low-balled. My Brothers best friend (I know....it sounds like a stretch)......and for you that listen to the Jim Rome Show he is known as the "bike-thief" get's 10K a year and 2 bucks a card. First one to tell me who the "bike thief" will get a Robin Yount 1981 Fleer PSA 8 card. I know....the card sucks but hey....it's free.

prscott933 · December 10, 2007 1:32AM

very cool. he should takes pictures for us of the cards before and after signing.

ColleSystem · December 10, 2007 1:51AM

<< Your Nephew got low-balled >>

I don't think so at all. As a minor league player, a bird in the hand is worth more than two in the bush. Congrats to your nephew. Very cool.

stown · December 10, 2007 2:43AM

<< 

<< Your Nephew got low-balled >>

I don't think so at all. As a minor league player, a bird in the hand is worth more than two in the bush. Congrats to your nephew. Very cool. >>

And stop trying to pi$$ on his parade.

Congrats

rajah424 · December 10, 2007 2:56AM

Congratulations to your nephew! It's a shame that other people feel the need to post moronic statements to try to steal the pride you're feeling for your nephew.

ripkenintheminors · December 10, 2007 2:56AM

<< 

<< 

<< Your Nephew got low-balled >>

I don't think so at all. As a minor league player, a bird in the hand is worth more than two in the bush. Congrats to your nephew. Very cool. >>

And stop trying to pi$$ on his parade.

Congrats

>>

co-sign.

I'll add this as well since I've worked with media relations for some minor league teams over the past few years. Although it is a business, having your own baseball card is a pretty big honor for these kids and their families. All of these guys can tell you where they were when they saw their first baseball card. Again it's a business, but you can't put a price on what it means to these guys and their families.

RipublicaninMass · December 10, 2007 3:23AM

Congrats to your nephew and as far as

Your Nephew got low-balled

Steviedoobie · December 10, 2007 3:52AM

Republican.......what's your ebay ID? Still won't tell huh?

dan8402 · December 10, 2007 3:57AM

<< Your Nephew got low-balled. My Brothers best friend (I know....it sounds like a stretch)......and for you that listen to the Jim Rome Show he is known as the "bike-thief" get's 10K a year and 2 bucks a card. First one to tell me who the "bike thief" will get a Robin Yount 1981 Fleer PSA 8 card. I know....the card sucks but hey....it's free. >>

Shawn Estes... Do I win the prize in this thread?

baseballjeff · December 10, 2007 4:03AM

<< Your Nephew got low-balled. My Brothers best friend (I know....it sounds like a stretch)......and for you that listen to the Jim Rome Show he is known as the "bike-thief" get's 10K a year and 2 bucks a card. First one to tell me who the "bike thief" will get a Robin Yount 1981 Fleer PSA 8 card. I know....the card sucks but hey....it's free. >>

Jim Everitt!

I win!

Steviedoobie · December 10, 2007 4:04AM

Dan,

I already told Ripkenintheminors he could have both cards. If he wants to give you the yount card....I'll go with it.

Pharber · December 10, 2007 10:45AM

Sorry I couldn't reply until now. I just got home. My nephew's name is Ryan Kalish. He's 19 in the low minors. Played for Lowell in the NYPenn League last year and was sensational. But he broke his hamate bone and needed surgery. Peter Gammons last week broke the news on ESPN that he was part of the proposed Johan Santana trade. Thankfully, it wasn't so because I live in Boston and want to see him at Fenway Park.

As for being lowballed, who cares. He signed for $600,000 and gets an extra $100,000 for college. Who cares about the money. How would you like to be 19 with a couple of hundred thousand in the bank?

It's the idea that he's on a baseball card. For real. Who cares about the money. It's chump change.

He is special and always has been special. When he was playing T ball, five of us uncles used to try to throw whiffle balls past him and he clobbered every pitch. Even at that age you knew where he was headed. When he does break into the majors, here's some free advice: get his rookie card.

Clemaz · December 10, 2007 10:55AM

<< When he does break into the majors, here's some free advice: get his rookie card. >>

I will make sure I do. That is awesome I hope he makes it.

rpcoletrane · December 10, 2007 11:02AM

<< Sorry I couldn't reply until now. I just got home. My nephew's name is Ryan Kalish. He's 19 in the low minors. Played for Lowell in the NYPenn League last year and was sensational. But he broke his hamate bone and needed surgery. Peter Gammons last week broke the news on ESPN that he was part of the proposed Johan Santana trade. Thankfully, it wasn't so because I live in Boston and want to see him at Fenway Park.

As for being lowballed, who cares. He signed for $600,000 and gets an extra $100,000 for college. Who cares about the money. How would you like to be 19 with a couple of hundred thousand in the bank?

It's the idea that he's on a baseball card. For real. Who cares about the money. It's chump change.

He is special and always has been special. When he was playing T ball, five of us uncles used to try to throw whiffle balls past him and he clobbered every pitch. Even at that age you knew where he was headed. When he does break into the majors, here's some free advice: get his rookie card. >>

Well spoken, may he have the best of luck! Steviedoobie: Shame on you for trying to ruin someones post!

RipublicaninMass · December 10, 2007 11:06AM

<< Republican.......what's your ebay ID? Still won't tell huh? >>

sorry, I have nothing you want to bid on anyways.

Plus you are already on my blocked bidder list for soft positives, and feedback extortion...it honestly doesn't get much lower than that. How again did you respond to a buyer AFTER he left you (seller) feedback...that just aint too bright

Pharber · December 10, 2007 11:11AM

Hey, no bad feelings. He wasn't whiz*ing on my parade. It didn't bother me at all. I usually just post on the Topps Heritage posts. They are the only new cards I collect. (I have the sets of my youth -- most of '56, all of '57, 58, 60 and 61). I understand how things are on the boards and what to expect. But I find that Collective Universe boards are the best -- by far -- when it comes to making trades as well as friends. I just thought I share some wonderful news that everyone would like in their families.

DrJ · December 10, 2007 11:30AM

Congrats on the success of a family member. I will be keeping my eye on your nephew's progress. I had a buddy who was also in the Red Sox system but never made it past A ball. It is very very tough to make it to the majors, but it looks like your nephew has as good a shot as anybody.

J

Pharber · December 10, 2007 11:36AM

Thanks Doc,
I didn't realize how much fun it would be to root for a family member. You get a lot of inside information and understand what goes on in the organization. It is enlightening.

itzagoner · December 10, 2007 11:41AM

way to go kid!

hope ya make it to the show......

Pharber · December 10, 2007 11:49AM

When you get to my age -- the first game I saw was the Red Sox vs. Yankees in 1958 -- you realize that the real joy is not the destination. It's the voyage. Isn't that so with card collecting, too? Once you complete a set, it isn't as much fun as putting it together, chasing cards and making deals?

Goodsport40 · December 10, 2007 12:09PM

That's great, Pharber. What an honor to play in the minors. I went to HS with a guy who played in the Phillies organization. He had a blast even though he never got out of A ball. What an incredible experience. Hope to see him at Fenway, too.

Robert

WinPitcher · December 10, 2007 12:17PM

That is great!

Steviedopie who are you?

Steve

1neatstuff · December 10, 2007 1:04PM

congrats that has got to be very cool

TNP777 · December 10, 2007 3:14PM

Paul - great news, thanks for sharing. I know how thrilling it is to root for a family member in professional sports. My nephew missed the cut a couple weeks ago at Q School for the PGA. This was his third attempt (he made it on tour his first time) and was in contention until the last day of the tourney. Most of us found out after that he had jacked up a couple of his ribs while sneezing during a practice round and had been slicing a lot of his tee shots. He was one shot out of contention (top 25 places and ties) going into day six, but a +1 put him four shots back by the end. He'll spend another year on the Nationwide and try again next year.

Geordie

Pharber · December 10, 2007 10:01PM

Hi Geordie,
Q School is the toughest road in pro sports bar none. I'm a 6-handicapper and play every day, except when it snows in the Boston area. Many of my friends -- great golfers -- have been doing that Q-school, a year on tour, back to Q-school dance and it is a killer, both emotionally and financially, as well as physically. Golf is a lot tougher physically than most people think. Non-golfers don't understand how much a miniscule ailment, such as a swollen finger or a stiff neck, can affect your game. Good luck to your nephew, too. I'm sure he knows my guys, like Kevin Johnson, Geoff Sisk and Fran Quinn.

Knuckles · December 11, 2007 12:14AM

Awesome

Hopefully he keeps moving on up.

roastedcat · December 11, 2007 12:17AM

thats very cool, congrats!!!

123Slider · December 11, 2007 12:36AM

Regardless if he makes it to the big leagues, this will be the most memorable time of his life. Be sure he takes the time to remember everything that happens.

As a former Red Sox minor leaguer, I wish I had kept a journal of everything that happened. The stories both good and bad. Getting the chance to sit down and talk baseball with some of the coaches and instructors far outweighs anything I can remember on the field. I have some great stories and remember some great times, but it's been over 10 years now and I find myself forgetting more and more about those 4 years of my life.

When I signed, my scout told me that baseball is not just a game it's a business. Hope you nephew gets to enjoy the game, and has someone to worry about the business. Given his bonus and round drafted, he'll get every shot to make it. Best wishes to him.

BobaFett72 · December 11, 2007 12:51AM

awesome, congrats!

stormsurge · December 11, 2007 1:18AM

Very cool!

Jdkings · December 11, 2007 1:42AM

Congrats.
I am in a huge fantasy baseball league.
Each MLB team is represented. We have 19 active spots, 6 bench, and 12 minors.
We hold an annual entry draft.
Your nephew is on someones team , so someone thinks he has something. Maybe I will try to get him on my team.

Pharber · December 11, 2007 1:54AM

If you go to Soxprospects.com, it's a site that closely follows Red Sox prospects, he is ranked in the top 10 of all minor league players in the organization and that includes Jacoby Ellsbury, who is No. 1 and Clay Buchholz, who is No. 2. Anything can happen, but he is on the right track.

My biggest thrill was two years ago. Before I retired recently, I was a sports writer for the Boston Globe. He came to Fenway and played in the Red Sox Futures Game and I covered the game. He started, got two hits and made a terrific catch. I was there when Fisk hit the homer in 1975 and that was terrific, but covering your nephew at Fenway Park topped that.

Bottom9th · December 11, 2007 7:32PM

Well he's in a system that has definitely produced! I hope he does great! Congrats!

torc · December 11, 2007 11:36PM

Scouting Report: Excellent athlete with a solid build, good bat speed, and lots of quickness on the basepaths. Leadoff hitter potential. The organization worked with Kalish to improve his swing and plate patience prior to his 2007 short-season debut, and since then he has demonstrated a very good approach at the plate. Not a lot of present power but does have decent power potential. In the field, he has excellent range, a strong arm, and average accuracy, but needs to work on his decision making. Tough competitor with a mature demeanor. Kalish tends to be a very popular player with fans, and he himself grew up a Red Sox fan. Could project as a center fielder or a right fielder. Missed part of 2007 season with a wrist injury, should be fully healed for 2008.

Pronunciation: KAY-lish
Originally Signed: August 9, 2006 by Ray F.
Signing Bonus: $600,000
MiLB Debut: August 11, 2006 (GCL)
MLFA Eligible: 2011-12
Rule 5 Draft Eligible: 2010-11

Ryan Kalish compared to Ellsbury (below)

edited, sorry, I forgot to put the compared to at the top of the pic

Pharber · December 11, 2007 11:45PM

That's Ellsbury, of course, but Ryan has been compared to Jacoby at this point in his career. Having 18 stolen bases in 23 games is impressive at any level. He had three 3-for-4 games before he broke his hamate bone. Right now he is in Fort Myers in rehab, just beginning to swing again and I hear he is popping the out of the park. He's been compared to Trot Nixon but some scouts, his manager at Lowell compared him to Grady Sizemore. I'm older. I think he's going to be more like Al Kaline.

torc · December 11, 2007 11:53PM

I like Ellsbury
I am hoping that he goes a long way, hopefully everything works out for him and that his future is great
sorry: I forgot to edit the pic above and add the compared comment, did it now.

As with every young player, hopefully they make the right choices and keep their personal lives clean as well,

I'm so proud, my nephew just signed a contract with Topps

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