I finally met Gumby (about a month ago) and I finally found more info on his bats that I own!! (PIC
gumbyfan
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About a month ago, there was a public signing featuring Rollie Fingers and Jim Gantner. I had never met Gantner before, so I decided to go and finally get his signature on my picture of him and Gorman Thomas. I mentioned the signing to a coworker and surprisingly, he told me that his brother-in-law works at the place that hosted the signing...and his brother-in-law's brother actually owns the business. He talked to his brother-in-law and was able to work out some time for me to talk to Gumby.
He was very cordial and we talked baseball for a few minutes. He laughed when he saw the picture I brought for him to sign. He said he's only seen it once before. The only other person that I know of that has this picture is brianwintersfan and I know he had it signed a while back.
He was also kind enough to take a look at the two game bats of his that I own. He looked at them and even took a few swings with each of them. He verified that both of them were his bats and was especially happy to see one of them. It shows a TON of use, so he said he was sure that it was a good bat to him. He thanked me for bringing the bats for him to look at and for bringing back some memories.
So the other day, I was doing some searching for Jim Gantner, Robin Yount and Paul Molitor game used items. I found another collector who is (almost
) as hardcore as me about the trio. He seems to have a lot of knowledge about bats, so I contacted him to see if he could help me determine the years that Gantner may have used the gamers I own. After sending him some pictures, he was able to date the bats for me.
The first bat dates back to 1980-82. I had assumed that since it was signed in 1986, that the bat was from the same year. I was very pleased to find that it was an early-career bat! Possibly a World Series year piece!!
Here are some pictures:
The second bat dates to the last two years of Gantner's career, 1991-92. This bat shows a ton of use and has a ton of ball and cleat marks. This one will go in the showcase with my Yount and Molitor gamers when I get them. Here are some pictures:
I've been meaning to take pics and share them with all of you for a while. Enjoy!
Craig
He was very cordial and we talked baseball for a few minutes. He laughed when he saw the picture I brought for him to sign. He said he's only seen it once before. The only other person that I know of that has this picture is brianwintersfan and I know he had it signed a while back.
He was also kind enough to take a look at the two game bats of his that I own. He looked at them and even took a few swings with each of them. He verified that both of them were his bats and was especially happy to see one of them. It shows a TON of use, so he said he was sure that it was a good bat to him. He thanked me for bringing the bats for him to look at and for bringing back some memories.
So the other day, I was doing some searching for Jim Gantner, Robin Yount and Paul Molitor game used items. I found another collector who is (almost
) as hardcore as me about the trio. He seems to have a lot of knowledge about bats, so I contacted him to see if he could help me determine the years that Gantner may have used the gamers I own. After sending him some pictures, he was able to date the bats for me.The first bat dates back to 1980-82. I had assumed that since it was signed in 1986, that the bat was from the same year. I was very pleased to find that it was an early-career bat! Possibly a World Series year piece!!
Here are some pictures:The second bat dates to the last two years of Gantner's career, 1991-92. This bat shows a ton of use and has a ton of ball and cleat marks. This one will go in the showcase with my Yount and Molitor gamers when I get them. Here are some pictures:
I've been meaning to take pics and share them with all of you for a while. Enjoy!
Craig
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Comments
Thanks for sharing.
Steve
I'm glad your friend could pull some strings and allow you an opportunity to meet Gantner. It sounds like he is a class act all the way.
Snorto~
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did you see the post I made about the show Harvey's Wallbangers being broadcast on MLB Network on the 28th? It's about the 1982 Brewers
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<< <i>very cool
did you see the post I made about the show Harvey's Wallbangers being broadcast on MLB Network on the 28th? It's about the 1982 Brewers >>
I missed that post. I will definitely keep an eye out for that show. If it's what I think it is, I have it on DVD.
Nice bats too.
Great story and cool items. Congrats!
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BTW, I was confused when I read the thread title, I thought someone was saying they met you. And then saw it was you posting it. It doesn't take much to confuse me though LOL.
Being a bat collector myself, you can tell that the 1991-92 bat was used in Batting Practice at one point as you can see where the barrel was protected by tape (and obviously later removed). Nice items!
Thanks,
Brian
<< <i>Cool story Craig! Gantner has a nice autoghraph. >>
I thought the same thing. He signs nice.
Great stuff!
Craig, what is the story behind Gantner's "Gumby" nickname?
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I have real appreciation for player collectors - especially one's that may not be as well known.
Sometimes these post are more informative (and more entertaining) than a book or magazine article.
Thank for posting - I hope to see more like this.
cheers,
THE HUN
<< <i>i think the Gumby part refers to his flexibility turning DP's as a 2nd baseman. >>
I just figured it was because he had a funny haircut
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Robert
I feel kind of stupid though, I thought gumbyfan was for the plasticine dude.
Seriously
that is a great picture
now those were baseball players
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