Unpossible Autograph Friday-Curt Blefary

So I've decided to make every Friday here on the blog, an "Unpossible Autograph Day".  If this is your first time checking my site out, an Unpossible Autograph is my term for an autograph of a former Orioles player who has passed away, thus making their autograph impossible unpossible to get anymore.  You can obviously still purchase an autograph of theirs, but they will never sign any additional cards.  I got the term unpossible from Ralph Wiggum on the Simpsons; he is awesome. 

Curt Blefary's career arc was the opposite of many other players as his rookie season was his best and his success decreased with each passing year.  He won the 1965 A.L. Rookie of the Year for the Orioles, and is one of 6 Orioles players to earn the honor.  Can you name the other 5?  Don't cheat!

Curt spent the first four seasons of his eight year MLB career with the Orioles and was a member of the '66 World Series Champs.  Frank Robinson gave him the nickname "Clank" for his defensive shortcomings and he never really found a position that suited him.  He would've been an ideal designated hitter, but his career ended in 1972, one year before the DH rule came around.  He played over 200 games in left field, right field and at first base and also caught and played a few games at second and third base.  He was only behind the plated for 66 games over his career but something clicked between him and Tom Phoebus on April 27, 1968 as Phoebus threw a no-hitter against the Red Sox. 

After his playing career ended, Curt aspired to be a coach but never got the opportunity so instead held a laundry list of jobs including being a sheriff, truck driver, bartender and night club owner.  Curt died at only 57 years old in 2001 from complications of pancreatis.  His final wish was to have his ashes scattered at Memorial Stadium, but it was already being torn down at the time of his death.  Luckily, the Babe Ruth Museum came through and supplied the home plate used in the final game at Memorial Stadium and it was placed in the exact spot as Curt would have remembered it.  At the ceremony, his wife Lana said "He loved Baltimore, and he loved his fans, he was a lifelong student of the game." RIP Curt. 

I also wanted to mention that this card is the first PSA/DNA certified autograph in my collection.  It's nice to know that it is authenticated but I generally don't like to pay the extra amount that it costs.  Generally, I will compare other autographs that are available so that I am reasonably sure that the auto is legit.  I also try to do a little research on the sellers to make sure there other items for sale appear authentic.   I was able to win this card for a decent price on ebay so it was worth it this time around. 

Some Great Trades

I was able to make two trades prior to my vacation but am behind on posting and had to combat some internet issues at my house over the weekend. Well, combat might be the wrong word; I had no internet connection over the long weekend for some reason so that equaled no new posts. I hope everyone had a great 4th of July weekend!

The first trade I was able to make netted me a Bob Chakales signed Orioles Crown card and an unsigned John Miller card from Russell, who I met through the Yahoo Autograph group I have mentioned a few times.

Bob Chakales (1954)

Bob "the Golden Greek" Chakales pitched for the O's during the 1954 season, amassing a 3-7 record with a 3.73 ERA while he was 37 years old. OK, that's a lie, he was 26 during the '54 season, but wouldn't that have been a funny coincidence? This is the only card that shows Bob in an Orioles uniform.


The following autographs came to me in a trade from Marck AKA Collective Troll who runs the well written Collective Troll blog, dealing, at least partially, with the Tampa Bay Rays. He also sent me a large box of unsigned Orioles cards in exchange for a number of 08 Topps Heritage cards he needed to help fill out his master set. Marck is a great writer and has had some very interesting experiences in regards to the Orioles. He is also very generous with his trades so I think you should check out this blog.

Ed Lopat 1955 (d. 1992)

Ed "Steady Eddie/The Junk Man" Lopat won 5 World Series with the dynastic Yankees in the late 40's and early 50's. He received MVP votes 4 different times, made one All-Star team and also led the AL in W/L % and ERA in 1953 going 16-4 with a 2.42. He finished his career with the Orioles, pitching the latter half of the '55 season for the Birds.

Curt Blefary 1965-68 (d. 2001)

Curt "Clank' Blefary played LF, RF, 1B and C for the Orioles and was not very effective at any of those defensive positions thus earning his nickname from Frank Robinson. He was the 1965 AL Rookie of the Year due to his bat, when he hit .260 with 22 HR and 70 RBI. Curt was on the '66 World-Series champion Orioles club and also caught a no-hitter thrown by Tom Phoebus during the '68 season. Curt died in 2001 at the young age of 57 and his last wish was to have his ashes scattered at Memorial Stadium. Unfortunately the stadium was mostly demolished by then but The Babe Ruth Museum was kind enough to supply home plate from the last game played there for the ceremony.

I've been weighing how to classify this signature. Since it's an incomplete auto, should I keep Curt listed under my needed list? I certainly would like an on-card auto or complete signature but am happy with what I have, especially since Curt has passed away.

Thanks again Marck & Russell, you guys are great.