and so it starts again

If you are a die hard fan of the game of baseball then you will want to keep reading. Baseball is not all about the salaries, the championships, the endorsements, and the fan fare. It is also a sport that is deeply rooted in a substantial amount of world history. Yes, I said world history. Many historical events transpired many decades ago within the game of baseball, which helped to shape the civil rights landscape of the United States of America.

In 1901 women in the United States were still on the long and hard road to achieving their civil rights under the law. In 1903 the Women's National Trade Union League was created in order to advocate for better wages and working conditions for women. In the midst of all this struggle and progress there laid a secret story that was taking place in the game of baseball that no one was aware of, a secret so soundly kept that it actually lay dormant for 100 years until the silence was finally broken by a lady named Winifred Gear Swanson. You may be wondering who Winifred Gear Swanson is and that would be a good question to ask. So here is the good answer, she's the 96 year old great grand-daughter of Dale Gear; the only woman to have ever played major league professional baseball! Your eyes are not deceiving you at this moment; I did write that she was the first and only female have ever play major league baseball.

Dale Dudley Gear played for the Washington Senators in 1901 as an outfielder and pitcher in their very first year of the American League and it was also the very first and only season for Dale Gear. The manager of the team at that time was Mr. Jimmy Manning; he had convinced Dale Gear to promise that she would not disclose her true identity to anyone, so this remained an open family secret in the Gear household for decades. Imagine the implications that could have arisen from the news that a woman was playing along side men of that day. As I had mentioned previously, women had just begun to achieve very minimal levels of equality within society, a women playing baseball of all things would have been completely unheard of, and as it stands in today's society it still is.

The Baseball Encyclopaedia does in fact list a Dale Gear as having been an active player for the Washington Senators in 1901 as an outfielder and pitcher who batted.232 as an outfielder and had a 4-11 record and a 4.03 era as a pitcher. Although the Encyclopaedia lists Gear, there is no mention of her gender, only of a middle name which alludes to her being a man. Winifred Gear Swanson states that it is true that Dudley was her middle name, but it was the "family" name so it was not at all uncommon for females in their family to carry it.

Mrs. Swanson has much proof to Coho borate her claim that indeed her Great Grandmother was Dale Gear the baseball player. She was able to produce a birth certificate which states her name and under the section marked gender, girl is indicated. Also she possesses some very important and valuable memorabilia. A team signed photo of the Senators which bares the inscription "Our Dale, the finest girl ball player in the land," And if that isn't enough Mrs. Swanson also produced an autographed baseball with Dale Gear's signature on it. This ball and other memorabilia was to be put up for auction in order to raise money to build a Women's Baseball Museum in Lone Elm, the town in which Dale lived, and we all can guess who he first inductee will be. Mrs. Swanson felt it time to share this tremendous story with the rest of the world, and I thank her for it. It is an important piece of history, and an inspirational one to boot. There is so much that can be achieved by women in today's society whether it be in sports, or any other endeavour, and we are lucky to have these treasured stories and pieces of history to remind us that the impossible is more possible then we can imagine with perseverance and passion.

Barry Halper a well known sports memorabilia collector managed to get a used uniform from Dale Gear, which had a giant W on the front of it and no number really. When he was asked why he purchased this one as opposed to the HOF uniforms he is known for collecting, his reason was simple, it belonged to a woman. How did he know? He found a game used bra inside the uniform, the only bra to have even been worn in a professional Major League game, that's one bra I wouldn't burn in the name of progress. In looking back at pictures of Dale Gear, I have to honestly say she was the prettiest Picher/outfielder I've even seen. As a female fan of sports and a collector of memorabilia and sports card myself, I can appreciate this story on many levels. As a woman this story has an even bigger picture, one that should stand to inspire and ignite all females to set their goals and no that there are no boundaries anything can be attainable if you try, even if you only just a girl.

Cami Berardi is a sports memorabilia hobbiest, and collector. She enjoys not only collecting but writing and researching the hobby and industry. You can see more of Cami's dealings at: http://www.youtube.com/patriotsfangirl12

Geoff bodine?

I have an autographed # 5 levi garritt geoff bodine cap, with photo proof, from watkins glen in the early to mid 80's . What is it worth; thanks.

well, a signed upper deck card is going for $99.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/GEOFF-BODINE-1995-UPPER-DECK-AUTOGRAPHED-CARD_W0QQitemZ300226652420QQihZ020QQcategoryZ26377QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I wanted to know if there is a football star named Joey James. jersey # 4 in picture i have, wild stallions?

I have a black & white photo of a foodball game with a play caught on camera. On the picture i see the large words on a banner wild stallions. The picture is signed by the # 4 player. I can't make out the name and I want to know if he is a college player or NFL. Joey James?

Joey Jones from the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL

Pick up a team yearbook and have the player sign his page or picture (this tends to work only for the home team, however).

Or a game scorecard or program, both very affordable. Your ticket stub is another option.

I've seen players asked to sign a bubble gum wrapper. Some fans really push the metaphorical envelope.

* Always include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

When writing celebrities, be sure to always enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). To do this, simply fold an 8 x 10 manila envelope, pre-addressed back to you with the proper postage (usually 2-3 stamps). Use your address as the return address. Enclose all of this along with your letter and photos (more on photos to come) in a 9 x 12 manilla envelope. Make sure you weigh the total package at the post office to ensure correct postage!

Insider Tip: Use an online service like Stamps.com to calculate and print the exact postage from your computer! (Enter promo code C-48K4-W3W to get a free $80 offer including $25 in postage, a 5 pound digital scale, a free supplies kit and a 4 week trial).

* Include an unsigned photo of the celebrity you're writing.

Celebrities will often send you back an autographed photo of themselves, but to make it easier for them, it's always a good idea to include one of your own. This can be any type of photo, even one torn out of a magazine will do.

Insider Tip: Visit http://www.AmazingCelebrityPhotos.com for the source we use to get great unsigned celebrity photos. They probably have some great ones of your favorite star!

* Send packages at your own risk.

If you choose to send a package or gift to a celebrity, do so at your own risk. Unless you are a small business or a legitimate company, celebrities and their representatives do not like receiving packages from people they don't know.

* Include index cards for extra autographs.

A good way to get some extra autographs for friends and family is to enclose up to three 3 x 5 unlined index cards. Only enclose a maximum of three - more is asking a little too much. Celebrities will often return these to you, and they're a great addition to your collection.

* Acknowledge the star's accomplishments.

Always include a letter of acknowledging the celebrity's accomplishments. Constructive criticism is okay, but be assured that non-constructive criticism will result in your letter ending up in the trash!

* Research, research, research.

Be sure to research the celebrity's biography and works. A great

place to do this is on the Internet with Google and IMDB.com (the Internet Movie Database). Including personal information about the star in your letter will make the person reading it all the more willing to reply.

* Remember this KISS Formula.

When writing your celebrity, remember the KISS Formula:

"Keep It Simple, Stupid!"

Keep your letter short, and get to the point quickly. If you're writing to request an autograph, kindly ask but don't beg. Be neat and complete. Type your letter, or at least write neatly. Double-space, and remember to include your name and address on the letter - and check your spelling!

* Patience pays.

The hardest part about writing a celebrity is waiting for a reply. The key is to be patient. Some celebrities will respond immediately, but remember the average time it takes to get a response is approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Hopefully your celebrity will respond faster!

Jordan McAuley is the author of The Celebrity Black Book and the Founder of http://www.ContactAnyCelebrity.com located in West Hollywood, California. His exclusive online database provides accurate celebrity contact information including the best mailing address, agent, manager, publicist, production company, and charitable cause for over 54,000 celebrities and public figures worldwide to fans, businesses, authors, nonprofits, and the media.

Feel free to copy and distribute this article online as long as you link it back to Contact Any Celebrity at http://www.contactanycelebrity.com You can also link back using our Affiliate Program at http://www.contactanycelebrity.com/affiliates and earn 50% monthly recurring commissions!

For any collector, rare and hard to find items are the most coveted pieces on their wish lists. It can be difficult and frustrating trying to track known that must have addition to your collection, especially with the truly extraordinary items.

If music is your passion then owning a little piece of the history of your favourite group or artist can be satisfying hobby. Practically anything with the smallest connection to a band or artist can be considered memorabilia if it's rare or collectible enough; anything from lunchboxes or key chains right up to records and sheet music. The most sort after items however are the uncommon ones, pieces that were not mass produced; which makes them special and unique.

A popular thing to collect is records. Rare recordings or limited editions can sometimes sell for thousands of pounds depending on the artist. A copy of the Rolling Stones' Street Fighting Man, for example, sold recently for just over £9,000, and a mint condition copy of The White Album by The Beatles, recently sold for almost £20,000! This goes to show that record collecting can be a very a very expensive business, but also hugely satisfying each time you add something to it!

A less expensive thing to focus on is autographs and signed photographs. These types of items are more available than records but certain peoples signatures can be harder to find than others. Obviously, autographs of deceased celebrities are going to be harder to find and, as a result, more expensive to buy. Also, bands like The Beatles or Led Zeppelin, who no longer record are very sought after. If you can find a photograph or other merchandise with the signatures of all the band members it be much more valuable and you should definitely take good care of it!

Even less expensive things to collect are general merchandise from tours or appearances made by the band. Props and costumes from music videos are also becoming popular, and if you look around online you might be able to find some nice pieces. Posters and other advertisements are big sellers and if you can get specific tour posters or limited edition album covers these will probably gain value through the years if you keep them in excellent condition.

You should try the internet first to buy your products; there are a lot of retailers worldwide who specialise in specific bands and merchandise. It's also worth doing some research on high street retailers; they might have just the thing you've been looking for. Auctions and collectors fairs and conventions are also great places to look. Not only do you get to shop here but you can talk to other people and maybe pick up a few tips on finding the best products and getting valuations.

Remember also that rock music never goes out of fashion so if you have the opportunity to pick up something from newer bands, take it. You never know what will be valuable in the future. The young musicians of today may not be legends just yet but they might just be the Beatles of the future!

If you are looking for something for your collection or as a gift, visit Genuine Memorabilia who have a huge collection of signed items!

Question about Led Zeppelin CD Case?

Does anyone know if there is a poster of this: http://avc.blogs.com/a_vc/images/zoso.jpg

www.infinity1.com
they have it in a poser wall clock and tshirt
best band merchandise website around i waste thousands there a year

I don't think she's a celebrity. I think "Celebrity Art" is just the name of the Boston company that designed the poster for the nonprofit volunteer organization The Elks ( http://www.elks.org/ ). The Elks often used pictures of beautiful women in their posters to try to allure men to join their group. The Salisbury Elks has a collection of these posters, including yours (yours is 14 rows down, 2nd column): http://www.salisburyelks.org/Elks%20history/Misc/misc.htm

Contact the Elks, there's an email link for someone that maintains historical artifacts at the top of the page:

http://www.salisburyelks.org/Elks%20history/

Few parts of aircraft have evolved as little as the communications capability. OK, we no longer use tubes in the radios but other than that, the VHF AM system is as legacy as they come. To add insult to injury, when the shortage of frequencies in the aviation band finally forced the industry to do something, instead of going for a modern and future proof solution, the channel spacing was split from 25 to 8.33 kHz. While partially solving the frequency problem, this solution did little more then perpetuating the shortcomings of the legacy voice system for decades to come. Who wants to think about yet another upgrade when the industry has just recently invested in 8.33? This sad picture in the voice communications arena is matched by an even bigger problem in air/ground data communications.

While the world has moved to high-speed comms en-masse, aviation is still stuck with ACARS (slow) SATCOM (slow and expensive) and VDL Mode 2 which offers the most, at least in continental airspace.

In the meantime, more and more airlines and aircraft types are offering truly cutting edge technology to enable passengers to send email, browse the internet, watch television and (brrrr!) even use their cell phones in flight. Earlier attempts, like Connexion by Boeing were not a huge success but this has not discouraged airlines like Lufthansa from signing up with new contenders. True, these now offer much more efficient and reliable service, so the added value is there. In fact, there are several new offerings on the market, all competing to get on board somebody's aircraft. Clearly, passengers' thirst for maintaining their connectivity while airborne is an irresistible force for airlines and providers alike.

What seems to have been forgotten by the bean counters, who seem to think that an aircraft ends at the cockpit door, are a few innocuous appearing words in the operational concept of the new air traffic management system in both Europe (SESAR) and the USA (NextGen). The aircraft will be a node on the air traffic management network using and being served by System Wide Information Management (SWIM). Of course everybody has signed up to the SWIM concept because its benefits are beyond a doubt...

But how will the aircraft, as a node on the network, communicate? Use all the legacy stuff already there while the passengers in the back are having fun watching the latest IPTV offerings?

Airlines will be investing millions in equipment to satisfy their passengers' every communications wish (or whim if you like...) and apparently nobody is thinking about using this opportunity to finally improve communications in the cockpit by bringing it to at least to the level being offered to passengers.

This kind of proposal is usually rejected on the basis of the myth that it is not healthy to mix passenger communications and ATC communications in the same pipe. This is nonsense. On the ground, where many ATC units use rented bandwidth, bits and bytes of ATC and on-demand movies already flow in complete peace alongside each others and nobody bothers. You can compartmentalize the aircraft systems in ways that make incursions impossible.

In terms of bandwidth required, ATC comms between a single aircraft and the ground are but a fraction of what 300 passengers will be using when they all grab their PDAs and laptops.

Progress with the implementation of air ground digital link was often rejected or slowed because airlines claimed there was a lack of a credible business case. Fair enough but then why are airlines accepting the lack of a decision on how to recover their investment in in-flight passenger communications? They cannot even be sure that they will ever recover it and how long it will take... yet they bend over backwards to get the gear on their aircraft.

Ok, the passengers will most likely use the new facilities and they will also be prepared to pay for it. But the airlines have signed up for the new air traffic management system, in which the aircraft will be a node on the network. A node must communicate properly... Believe it or not, this is a need that is more important than the needs of the passengers. So why the different perception in importance?

Why invest in one and balk at the other? Most important of all, why not grab the opportunity to solve the issue of airborne communications in one clap where the aircraft could finally exchange digital data with the ground efficiently and securely, without having to consider the content of the data. Let on board and ground applications figure out what has to go to the cockpit and what to the PDA in Seat 32B.

This is not a dream, this is what modern communications methods can do and what is being practiced every day even in parts of the air traffic management system. We can of course ignore this fact and carry on with the legacy stuff in the cockpit while the cabin is stuffed full of fancy new gear. Gear that could have been made dual purpose if only somebody had seen the light.

But the day of reckoning will come, no question about that. The node on the network will need to communicate and the perceived lack of a business case will once again loom large, slowing or preventing implementation.

What a pity that most people will by then have forgotten how passenger communications started out the same way... Or how we missed a perfect opportunity to avoid this very problem.

Please visit my blog at http://www.roger-wilco.net You will find many more aviation stories and other interesting items there.

	JASON ALDEAN COUNTRY MUSIC AUTOGRAPHED 8 X 10 PHOTO Sale Price: $46.99
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	REBA MCENTIRE COUNTRY MUSIC AUTOGRAPHED 8 X 10 PHOTO Sale Price: $29.99
	signed 8x10 photo

	Autographed Country Music Photos : Dierks, Alan, Kenny, Faith, and Tim
	Here is your chance to pick up 5 awesome Autographed photos. 1 each signed by Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Dierks Bentley, and Alan Jackson. Check out the pictures as those are the actual photos and signatures you will be receiving

	LADY ANTEBELLUM COUNTRY MUSIC AUTOGRAPHED 8 X 10 PHOTO Sale Price: $69.99
	signed 8x10 photo

	Willie Nelson Autographed Signed Country Singer Photo & Proof Sale Price: $70.80
	This is a stunning glossy 8x10 photo hand signed in person byWillie Nelson.Item is custom matted and framed to an overall size of 11x14. (If you want this item unframed, we can simply give you free shipping and send just the signed 8x10 photoin a hard plastic protective display sleeve...

	WILLIE NELSON COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND AUTOGRAPHED 8 X 10 PHOTO Sale Price: $39.99
	signed 8x10 photo

	TOBY KEITH AUTOGRAPHED 8 X 10 PHOTO COUNTRY MUSIC ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Sale Price: $45.99
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	BRAD PAISLEY COUNTRY MUSIC'S FINEST AUTOGRAPHED 8 X 10 PHOTO proof coa Sale Price: $29.99

	SUGARLAND COUNTRY MUSIC DUET AUTOGRAPHED 8 X 10 PHOTO Sale Price: $44.99
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	WILLIE NELSON COUNTRY MUSIC IN PERSON AUTOGRAPHED 8 X 10 PHOTO Sale Price: $39.99
	signed 8x10 photo

If there ever was a time when Oz lovers were vilified for their passion it may be this week as Oz and the world celebrates 70 years of timeless wonder. For those of us who grew up watching this magical event once a year...

I have always been a wizard of Oz fan, it is probably my favorite movie of all time. Yet, maybe I never really understood the genuine mystic, magic behind this 1939 masterpiece until two years ago when my daughter was just a year old. I'll never forget as the Lion (the lovable Bert Lahr) burst from the woods with a cowardly persona disguised by a false intimidation. Little Anna's eyes were as wide as they could get, fixated on this furry, unfamiliar character. She was mesmerized as I was over 40 years ago at my first Oz viewing. This movie really took you inside, like an out of body experience onto the "yellow brick road".

This week to celebrate this historical event was one-shot theatrical runs of Oz in high definition in nearly 400 cities. And, This Wizard, hits stores on Sept. 29 in a newly remastered Hi-Def DVDs and Blu-ray.

As a collector of original vintage movie memorabilia the Wizard of Oz was my earliest collecting passions. And, 25 years later it may be the most popular of all my categories on my vintage treasures web site. From autographed photos of Oz cast members to original movie posters, these are examples of Oz treasures collectors can't get enough of. To give you an example of the demand for original vintage Oz memorabilia. Last week an authentically autographed photo in character of the "Good Witch Glinda" sold for over $11,000.

For Oz and autograph collectors an autographed photo in Oz character of Glinda is highly scarce as only ONE other has ever surfaced on the market prior to last week's auction. Other scarce Oz signed photos are Frank Morgan as the Wizard (sold for over $10,000), Judy Garland as "Dorothy" (sell for over $20,000) and the Bert Lahr as the "Lion" (sells for over $10,000). The original movie posters can sell in excess of $50,000. However, since an original Wizard of OZ one sheet movie poster has never surfaced in the marketplace, a value of over $100,000 would be no surprise. Hence, if you are a collector of Oz memorabilia, you have good taste, not to mention wise investment intuition.

Other events this week include A 71/2-story hot-air balloon that began touring the country since taking off May 13 from Kansas City, Kan., stops Thursday at New York's Tavern on the Green. The gala features Judy Garland's daughter Lorna Luft, surviving Munchkins and Ashanti, who plays Dorothy in New York City Center's production of The Wiz. All this and a yellow brick carpet, too.

Also to celebrate Oz turning 70 this week Ashanti will light the Empire State Building - Emerald City-green, of course. All of this to commemorate what many believe to be the greatest movie ever produced. Just think, 70 years later, with all the technology and Hollywood talent, nothing has since come close.

The author has been collecting and selling celebrity autographs vintage movie posters historical & sports memorabilia and fine art oil paintings for over 20 years.

How can I get a signed photo from Tokio Hotel?

Sooo I am a huge Tokio Hotel fan and i recently read a question and in this question and girl received an autographed picture from tokio hotel I guess she e-mailed them or something??? So I would really really like to know how I can get an autographed picture from Tokio hotel And they have a puzzle ball but it's only sold in certain country's does anyone know where i can get one in Canada ??

i'm not sure, i think you might have to send a letter requesting an autographed photo to Germany, if they send one back it's most likely it's just a print out picture of a photo they previously signed, they don't have the time to sing ALL those requests for autographs.

I don't know what a puzzle ball is but i'm pretty sure you can't get it in Canada, i live in Canada and so far i haven't found any TH merchandise anywhere only CDs, you have to order online.

Thanks for sharing your assignment. Sounds like you are off to a good start, you don't want to ruin that with another person's ideas. Good luck.

Was King James a FreeMason?

Im unsure whether King James was mason as there is a rumor that he developed the masonic lodges and like in these photos: http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Bible/kjpictu3.jpg and http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/JamesIEngland.jpg/200px-JamesIEngland.jpg

the christkeep site you offer is not reliable.

here is one that is very reliable:

http://www.freemasonry.bcy.ca/biography/james_vi/james_vi.html

despite what my learned Bro states, there is evidence James was a freemason, and freemasonry was along long before James was around.

most Lodges use a King James translation of the Bible.

all of that said, so what, there is NOTHING IN FREEMASONRY THAT IS ANTI-CHRISTIAN, SATANIC OR OTHERWISE EVIL