Autograph collectors pitch in to say thanks to Bobby Doerr
The 93-year old man lives a quiet life in a small farm town called Junction City, Oregon. Every day the post office delivers envelopes and boxes of all shapes and sizes to the old man, each containing a letter, a treasure and postage paid to mail it back with his signature. For longer than you’ve been born he’s responded to every request at a speed that conjures up images of his days racing around the bases at Fenway Park more than sixty years ago. By my count, it takes only eleven days for a bubble mailer to travel from Boston to the old man in Junction City and back again.
Bobby Doerr autographed baseball
Bobby Doerr is a legend, recognized as such by the Baseball Hall of Fame (he is the Hall’s oldest living former player), and a man beloved by the autograph community for his responsiveness and generosity. In retirement he has fulfilled thousands of requests without asking for a dime—all during a time when a returned envelope from a Hall of Famer is more likely to contain a price list than a prized signature.
Last year, just before Christmas, a member of the SportsGraphing.com message board had an idea—to start a collection and purchase a gift card for Doerr as a symbol of gratitude from the autograph community. Thirty-eight collectors chipped in to raise a total of $273.37 which was used to purchase an American Express gift card and thank you card. Also included in the package was a handwritten letter expressing their collective appreciation.
While it’s likely that almost all the donors had received an autograph from Doerr at some point in the past, I believe it was truly an altruistic gesture. The SportsGraphing.com community has discussed making this an annual tradition, recognizing a retired player who is a generous signer with the Bobby Doerr Award.
Last month I sent Mr. Doerr a baseball. It was returned in less than two weeks, beautifully signed in blue ballpoint.
Great points, Matt! Sometimes, all it takes is a postcard of thanks to tell someone their signature matters. Doing something bigger is awesome, too.
Thanks for reading Tom!
Thats an amazing story.
Although I only know his name in passing (not much of a baseball fan) I know that to get a ttm autograph from ANYONE, let alone a HOF, let alone from a major 4 sport isincredible itself, and for him to do it so efficiently, thats truly amazing.
Congrats to the members of that message board on their efforts in showing their appreciation.
Thanks for the comment!
Mr Doerr has always been a great signer and he is one of the few I’ve sent a follow up thank you card to. He’s a MLB HOF that knows there are fans that appreciate the time he puts in for us collectors.
Couldn’t agree more, Doug.
Hope it didn’t hurt those thirty-eight collectors too bad.
Gosh that’s almost $8 each!!!
Why didn’t they send 1% of what they’ve made off Doerr’s autographed stuff?
I had the privilege to meet Mr. Doerr at his home. I never followed baseball much but I sold a home alarm to a younger family member of his in Oregon (my home state!) So she invited me over to his home. I did some research before I went and come to find out he was a very impressive player in his time. This was only a few years ago when I met him but he was a very humble man and I was honored to have met him and had dinner with him and his wife. Before I was on my way he handed me an autographed card and I shook his hand and left. This will be a great memory of mine for years to come!
Very cool – thanks for sharing!
Matt