Showing posts with label mlb. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mlb. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

When Baseball Cards Were King

St. Louis Cardinal Albert Pujols has hit over 400 home runs, but has never hit more than 49 in one season. Alex Rodriguez, who is in sixth place on the all-time home run list, was traded by the Texas Rangers to the New York Yankees in 2004. In 2010, Roy Halladay pitched a perfect game and a playoff no-hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies.

All of the information shown above is easy to access through any baseball website, could be shown on a number of cable television sports programs, or heard on a variety of sports talk shows. But, back in the day, baseball fans learned that type of information through newspaper box scores, magazines and on the backs of baseball cards.

Finding your favorite players
My elementary school friends introduced me to baseball cards in the 1970s. During that pre-internet, pre-video game era, those thin, rectangular encyclopedias were our passion.
While complete sets could be ordered through Topps, it was so much more fun to buy packs at local convenience stores. Opening the wrapper, smelling those pink gum-scented cards and earnestly looking for our favorite players was thrilling.
Local card shows, which were similar to farmer's markets, offered another collection building option. A kid convention filled with a buffet of bubble gum cards. Instead of testing the tomatoes, you looked for that Tom Seaver who was sorely needed to complete the Cincinnati Reds team set.
Those events were nothing short of paradise.
Trading
The free market is a wonderful thing and we had no summer trade deadlines. Duplicates of a Ron Guidry, Catfish Hunter and Thurman Munson could be just the incentive that was needed to obtain the Oakland Athletics' Reggie Jackson card my buddy finally was willing to deal in September.
If there were any disputes about the balance of a deal, Becket's Baseball Card Price Guide was used as a silent arbitrator. We didn't know who Beckett was, or how he determined the card values, but using his book made us feel like we were operating on the up and up.
Proper Storage
Like fine wine, all cards needed to be properly stored. Plastic cases, with individual slots for each team, had to be obtained through the use of accumulated allowance money. Price was no object, as $8 was well worth the investment.
From there, the bedroom closet served as the primary storage vault. As part of a mental fire drill, if the house ever went up in flames, I would grab the dog along with my baseball card boxes and head out the side door to safety. Let the homework burn.
Bygone days
Baseball cards are still available today in larger chain stores, in specialty hobby shops and at card shows. They also continue to hold a spot in the hearts of all who learned to love the game through them.

(I hold all copyrights to this article which originally appeared on Yahoo's Voices platform in 2011.)

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Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOBthrough Facebook, or on LinkedIn

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Scott Hartnell Trade Sets Up Other Philadelphia Flyers' Moves



This week's Scott Hartnell trade (to the Columbus Blue Jackets for former Flyer R.J. Umberger and a draft pick) likely means that Philadelphia Flyers new general manager Ron Hextall will make more significant moves in order to fill a top-line forward position. Of course, Hextall's previously stated desire to increase team speed also means that at least one defenseman could be dealt as well.

I took the photo that heads this post during training camp last season. Hartnell was an affable person to talk with behind the scenes, enjoyed interacting with the fans, and helped the surrounding communities where he worked during his tenure with the Flyers (2007-2014). Everyone who got to know Hartsy surely wishes him well.  

The summer has just started and the NHL Draft will be held in Philadelphia at the end of this week. Another fact is that number 27 is primed to put his stamp on a team that seems bound to be in the playoffs again next season. 

As far as Stanley Cup dreams go, well, that's the ever-elusive dream. However, if anyone can will an organization toward the Silver Chalice, Hextall (1987 reference intended) can. This time, he controls more than just his area around the crease. And, his desire to generate a Philadelphia parade has obviously never subsided.

Social Media Friends: Invaluable, Important Resources

I adapted my old print (newspaper) skills to the online world on Labor Day weekend 2010. Since that time I've amassed over 4 million hits on my sports, news and interview features for a variety of online outlets. Social media connections (aka friends) have been the main factor driving this ongoing success. 

Exceeding expectations

Approximately four years ago I was hoping to find some way to develop an alternative income by using my current skills. The unexpected growth of where online writing has taken me in my career and my life can't be fully expressed within this digital space. Suffice it to say, I'm always amazed at how many regular readers of my features there are and where these individuals are located around the globe. What I've gained from these connections is immeasurable. 

Applying information to your own life

My advice to anyone who wants to try and actually earn a living by writing online (about any topic) is to first make, maintain and continue creating as many genuine social media connections as you possibly can. Doing so will take a great amount of time and consistent commitment. 

However, just as with real-life connections, these human links will begin to pay off in unanticipated ways. Most importantly, beyond any business pursuits, you will find that genuine friendships will result from social media pursuits. And the many great people who I've gotten to know since 2010 are certainly worth writing about.

Thank you  

Thank you to the thousands (yes, thousands) of people who I've interacted with directly through social media during this decade. Always remember that I will continue helping you, as you have helped me, whenever and however I can.

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My illustrated children's book: Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile officially became a Top 10 Amazon best-seller as of January 29, 2014. The print and ebook editions were initially released in August, 2014.

This amazing real-life story remains within Amazon's Top 100 rankings this month (April, 2014). The book previously appeared within Amazon's Top 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10 illustrated children's books during the past five months. 

I couldn't be more pleased at the worldwide response to this story. Every connection helps to raise awareness about an important children's cause. 


Children's Alopecia Project

50% of all proceeds from the sale of our book (in both print and ebook forms) are being donated to the Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

What a ride

This incredible and unexpected ride began in the spring of 2011. By August 2013, the book was published by the Children's Alopecia Project in print form. We have been very pleased with sales of that edition. Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to purchase the printed book directly from CAP.

I published a special ebook edition within weeks of the print book release. After starting in the tens of thousands (in terms of Amazon's children's book rankings), Maddie broke into the Top 50 just prior to Christmas. It climbed through the 30s and settled in the upper 20s before breaking into the Top 10.  

Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to see a 'free-view' of the special ebook edition. 

I've included extra bonus features in this version that provide background information, extra photos, and illustrations. Each item helps to tell the complete story of this book's birth. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's a link to this great (print and online) article that the Reading Eagle recently published about our story Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile: Book chronicles Wyomissing teen's journey since being diagnosed with alopecia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Madison Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. Here's a video link to Stacey's wonderful feature. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on any of my interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities...

Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

Vince Papale: Former Philadelphia Eagle/Subject of the Movie "Invincible"
Kevin Turner: Former Philadelphia Eagle Discusses ALS-Concussion Link

Ron Meyer: Blessed2Play Sports Talk Show Has Global Reach
Allison Baver: US Olympian Facing Every Challenge



Here's a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Fox Television's Erin Como Reveals Her Timeless Model for Success: Interview

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always interested in your feedback. 

-------------------------------------------------------------
Visit my Examiner Contributor Pageor my Yahoo Contributor Page.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn.

Friday, June 6, 2014

Social Media Friends: Invaluable, Important Resources


I adapted my old print (newspaper) skills to the online world on Labor Day weekend 2010. Since that time I've amassed over 4 million hits on my sports, news and interview features for a variety of online outlets. Social media connections (aka friends) have been the main factor driving this ongoing success. 

Exceeding expectations

Approximately four years ago I was hoping to find some way to develop an alternative income by using my current skills. The unexpected growth of where online writing has taken me in my career and my life can't be fully expressed within this digital space. Suffice it to say, I'm always amazed at how many regular readers of my features there are and where these individuals are located around the globe. What I've gained from these connections is immeasurable. 

Applying information to your own life

My advice to anyone who wants to try and actually earn a living by writing online (about any topic) is to first make, maintain and continue creating as many genuine social media connections as you possibly can. Doing so will take a great amount of time and consistent commitment. 

However, just as with real-life connections, these human links will begin to pay off in unanticipated ways. Most importantly, beyond any business pursuits, you will find that genuine friendships will result from social media pursuits. And the many great people who I've gotten to know since 2010 are certainly worth writing about.

Thank you  

Thank you to the thousands (yes, thousands) of people who I've interacted with directly through social media during this decade. Always remember that I will continue helping you, as you have helped me, whenever and however I can.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

My illustrated children's book: Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile officially became a Top 10 Amazon best-seller as of January 29, 2014. The print and ebook editions were initially released in August, 2013.

This amazing real-life story remains within Amazon's Top 100 rankings this month (April, 2014). The book previously appeared within Amazon's Top 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10 illustrated children's books during the past five months. 

I couldn't be more pleased at the worldwide response to this story. Every connection helps to raise awareness about an important children's cause. 


Children's Alopecia Project

50% of all proceeds from the sale of our book (in both print and ebook forms) are being donated to the Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

What a ride

This incredible and unexpected ride began in the spring of 2011. By August 2013, the book was published by the Children's Alopecia Project in print form. We have been very pleased with sales of that edition. Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to purchase the printed book directly from CAP.

I published a special ebook edition within weeks of the print book release. After starting in the tens of thousands (in terms of Amazon's children's book rankings), Maddie broke into the Top 50 just prior to Christmas. It climbed through the 30s and settled in the upper 20s before breaking into the Top 10.  

Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to see a 'free-view' of the special ebook edition. 

I've included extra bonus features in this version that provide background information, extra photos, and illustrations. Each item helps to tell the complete story of this book's birth. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's a link to this great (print and online) article that the Reading Eagle recently published about our story Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile: Book chronicles Wyomissing teen's journey since being diagnosed with alopecia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Madison Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. Here's a video link to Stacey's wonderful feature. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on any of my interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls
Here's a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Fox Television's Erin Como Reveals Her Timeless Model for Success: Interview

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always interested in your feedback. 

-------------------------------------------------------------
Visit my Examiner Contributor Pageor my Yahoo Contributor Page.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn.

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Books: Public speaking engagements are valuable


I was happy to address an educators' conference that was recently held at DeSales University. The Diocese of Allentown (Pennsylvania) invited me to speak about my background, professional experiences, and having made a mid-career change to become a teacher within the last decade. I also was asked to share the story of how my illustrated children's book (Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile) was conceived, written, and published. 

Connected to the right people

I was humbled that the Diocesan Office of Education purchased copies of Maddie leading up to the conference as well. This real-life story about how a young girl responded to being diagnosed with alopecia and has taught others to embrace differences is now available in every elementary school in the Diocesan's five-county area. 

I requested the inclusion of Jeff Woytovich as part of my presentation as well. Jeff founded the Children's Alopecia Project (CAP) in 2004 and has addressed many groups in the years since. He's Madison's (Maddie's) father. 50% of all book sales are being donated to CAP.

Generosity and kindness

Every children's book author knows that opportunities to speak publicly are valuable. Bulk book purchases (that are also then made available within a school system for student use) are clearly welcomed as well. 

Thank you to everyone connected to the Diocese for your generosity and kindness. You are helping to raise awareness about a cause that affects many children in our world.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

My illustrated children's book: Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile officially became a Top 10 Amazon best-seller as of January 29, 2014. The print and ebook editions were initially released in August, 2013.

This amazing real-life story remains within Amazon's Top 100 rankings this month (April, 2014). The book previously appeared within Amazon's Top 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10 illustrated children's books during the past five months. 

I couldn't be more pleased at the worldwide response to this story. Every connection helps to raise awareness about an important children's cause. 


Children's Alopecia Project

50% of all proceeds from the sale of our book (in both print and ebook forms) are being donated to the Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

What a ride

This incredible and unexpected ride began in the spring of 2011. By August 2013, the book was published by the Children's Alopecia Project in print form. We have been very pleased with sales of that edition. Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to purchase the printed book directly from CAP.

I published a special ebook edition within weeks of the print book release. After starting in the tens of thousands (in terms of Amazon's children's book rankings), Maddie broke into the Top 50 just prior to Christmas. It climbed through the 30s and settled in the upper 20s before breaking into the Top 10.  

Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to see a 'free-view' of the special ebook edition. 

I've included extra bonus features in this version that provide background information, extra photos, and illustrations. Each item helps to tell the complete story of this book's birth. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's a link to this great (print and online) article that the Reading Eagle recently published about our story Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile: Book chronicles Wyomissing teen's journey since being diagnosed with alopecia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Madison Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. Here's a video link to Stacey's wonderful feature. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always interested in your feedback. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Books: Featured Speaker Invitation




I was invited to be the keynote speaker at an educators' conference that's being held this week. I've been asked to share my personal story and to discuss the details surrounding my illustrated children's book (Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile) that was published last year. 

Being asked to address an audience is always a welcomed event and obviously helps to promote awareness of one's pursuits. Whenever I've spoken in public I've always tried to reach each participant in a personal way through an overall message of common inclusion. 

It's a privilege to be asked to address a professional group. Doing so also causes (and should always cause) one to pause and reflect. Recognizing advancing personal achievement is best done by never forgetting how many good people helped one to be successful. 

I'm grateful to family members, hardcore friends, positive colleagues and so many others who have helped me along the way in life. That message is also one that I will be including in my address this week. 

I'll provide details about my presentation in a future post.  

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

My illustrated children's book: Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile officially became a Top 10 Amazon best-seller as of January 29, 2014. The print and ebook editions were initially released in August, 2013.

This amazing real-life story remains within Amazon's Top 100 rankings this month (April, 2014). The book previously appeared within Amazon's Top 50, 40, 30, 20, and 10 illustrated children's books during the past four months. 

I couldn't be more pleased at the worldwide response to this story. Every connection helps to raise awareness about an important children's cause. 


Children's Alopecia Project

50% of all proceeds from the sale of our book (in both print and ebook forms) are being donated to the Children's Alopecia Project (CAP).

What a ride

This incredible and unexpected ride began in the spring of 2011. By August 2013, the book was published by the Children's Alopecia Project in print form. We have been very pleased with sales of that edition. Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to purchase the printed book directly from CAP.

I published a special ebook edition within weeks of the print book release. After starting in the tens of thousands (in terms of Amazon's children's book rankings), Maddie broke into the Top 50 just prior to Christmas. It climbed through the 30s and settled in the upper 20s before breaking into the Top 10.  

Use, or share, this link --->>Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile to see a 'free-view' of the special ebook edition. 

I've included extra bonus features in this version that provide background information, extra photos, and illustrations. Each item helps to tell the complete story of this book's birth. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's a link to this great (print and online) article that the Reading Eagle recently published about our story Maddie: Teaching Tolerance with a Smile: Book chronicles Wyomissing teen's journey since being diagnosed with alopecia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to Stacey Stauffer (Fox 29 Philadelphia). She interviewed Madison Woytovich, her parents (Jeff and Betsy Woytovich) and me about the latest chapter in this inspiring story. Here's a video link to Stacey's wonderful feature. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on any of my interviews with famous athletes and sports' personalities...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls
Here's a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Fox Television's Erin Como Reveals Her Timeless Model for Success: Interview

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always interested in your feedback. 

-------------------------------------------------------------
Visit my Examiner Contributor Pageor my Yahoo Contributor Page.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let's connect on Twitter @SeanyOB, through Facebook, or on LinkedIn.









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