The Ralph Winnie Autograph Collection

[stat192]

I also have some Winnie autos in my collection. Would pay top dollar if anyone out there has that Wence Gonzales auto.

[JimStinson]

I sold the Webbo Clarke and the Wenc Gonzales at around the same time and really blew it on pricing. I offered them in one of my e-mail updates a long time ago and priced them at (I think) $350.00 each. They sold in about 10 seconds and must have recieved another 50 calls. I can't remember who bought them today, but at that time for almost a year I had several collectors asking me to relay messages to the owner/owners and to my knowledge he/they never would sell them.
I'll try and find some of Ralph's examples and post them here in the next day or two. On a related note there was in the collection a Hank Aaron GPC that was postmarked BEFORE his first major league at bat and had a long handwritten note. I sold it and the fellow that bought it showed it to Aaron at a card show and Aaron said "I never signed that", So I refunded the purchase. A few years back some early Hank Aaron pre major league handwritten letters were offered at auction and sold for ALOT of money , If I recall a couple of them brought in the 20K range. I went back to look at Ralph's the one Aaron said was "never signed by him" and the handwritting was a dead on match to the handwritting on the letters (smile), I still have it around here somewhere I'll post an image soon as I can find it

[travrosty]

i saw a boxing sonny banks autographed photo once being offered for 50 bucks a few years ago and I knew it was worth more than that. haven't seen a sonny banks (opponent of muhammad ali) offered up since then. The guy didn't know what he had and it sold for the 50 (i didn't buy it). I know a guy or two that would pay 750 or 1000 dollars for one right now.

[Den*nis O*Brien]

Here are two examples, from Ralph's collection, obtained from Jim Stinson Sports some time ago (Thanks Jim!). The Ray Caldwell is a particular favorite of mine. While pitching, for the Yankees around 1910 or a little later, he was struck by lightning on the mound. After being revived, he finished the game and beat the A's 2-1. When we speak about good people in the hobby, Jim Stinson ranks among the best. I always get honesty, knowledge and good conversation when dealing with him.

[chaddurbin]

jim,

i really enjoy your stories. not necessarily the subjects (i don't feel the urge to get one of his gpc), but your enthusiasm for the hobby comes through in sharing these tales. we desperately need that around here.

[Leon]

Thanks for the great stories Jim. They are the best ambassador there can be in the sports hobby. Much appreciated.