Father’s Day is just around the corner and that means it’s time once again for the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s Home Run Challenge. It’s a chance for folks to step up to the plate and help fund the research as scientists search for a cure for prostate cancer.
It’s a simple proposition.
Fans can make pledges any amount starting at a quarter per home run hit during the 60 selected games. Just call 1-800-798-CURE (2873) or visit . One-time donations are also welcome.
Pledges can be made up to the start of the last game of the Home Run Challenge on June 17.
In 2006, 153 home runs were hit during 60 games, raising nearly $2.5 million for prostate cancer research in just eleven days.
Once again the PCF has put together a special set of cards featuring Luis Gonzalez, Ken Griffey Jr., Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, Derrek Lee, David Ortiz, Alex Rodriguez, Scott Rolen and Jim Thome.
Brad Sondecker, the PCF's spokesman, uses the cards to get the word out on the deadly disease.
The cards are free to anyone who sends in an SASE and requests them while supplies last. However, Da Babe's readers have been generous in the past, sending along donations with the requests to help in the battle against this silent killer.
Methinks one-time donations with the request for cards will be accepted even after Father's Day as long as cards are available.
The cards carry info on prostate cancer.
Just send an SASE along with your donation to Brad Sondecker, Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth St., Santa Monica CA 90401.
For more information what Major league baseball has planned for the 12-day event and a schedule of the games included in the challenge, visit my blog at .
Dear Babe: My father-in-law bought Misha posters from the Russian Embassy before the United States pulled out of the 1980 Olympics. I still have one of them framed.
About 16x20. Pat Gorman, Carrollton, Ga.
It’s a “neat item,” said Mike Heffner, president of www.
lelands.com auction house in New York. Since the U.
S. pulled out of the 1980 summer Olympics in Moscow, you don’t see a lot of memorabilia from those games floating around. Framing aside, the poster is probably worth $50-$100, Heffner said.
Dear Babe: I have a putter with a 24-kt gold plate on the blade that says “Pepsi Cola” and “Johnstown.” John Domino, Homer City, Pa.
“It’s not very old, probably 1970’s,” said Bill Nelson, a long-time collector and golf shop owner in the Chicago area.
Nelson said it might be worth $15-20 depending on condition.
Dear Babe: I have original recordings of the 1957 and 1959 World Series on 16mm film and are in their original boxes. Bob Barton, Marietta, Ga.
I checked with a couple of sources who agreed with me that the movies are worth $25-$50. If they are in the original boxes, they can be displayed, but not that many folks have 16mm projectors, so viewing is problematical. If you’re interested in watching the films, you might consider having them transferred to a VHS tape or DVD.
That way you can display the reels in their original boxes and still enjoy the video whenever you want.
Dear Babe: I would like to know something about a baseball my father got signed in Florida many years ago. The signatures include Bob O’Farrell, Dizzy Dean, Paul Derringer, Lew Riggs, Blondy Ryan, Chuck Dressen, Sam Byrd, Leo Durocher, Hafey, Paul Dean and Frank Frisch among others.
Judi Boulware, North Augusta, S.C.
It looks to me as if the autographs were gathered during spring training in the mid-1930s.
Most are Reds or Cardinals players. Byrd was with Cincinnati in ‘34 and ‘35, Dressen managed there from 1934 through ’37 and Riggs’ first year with the Reds was in 1935. He was with the Cardinals in 1934.
I did notice other teams represented on your list. That means the only thing the players have in common is that they were big leaguers at spring training. The lack of a true theme hurts the value.
The ball is worth $200-$300, said Mike Gutierrez, consignment director for www.HeritageAuctions.com in Dallas.
BABE NOTE: Holiday Inn hotels will be offering Upper Deck cards to folks who stay at one of more than 800 participating hotels in the United States and Canada from May 31 through July 30. Folks who check in during that time will receive a free pack of cards (while supplies last). The promotion also offers the chance to win to win a trip to the 2007 MLB World Series.
For more information and a complete 60-card checklist, visit my blog at .
If you have a question for Babe Waxpak, include your full name and hometown, the card number, year and manufacturer or send a photocopy. Please do not send cards.
The address is: Babe Waxpak, Box 492397, Redding CA 96049-2397 or e-mail babewaxpak@charter.net.
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