The 1969 Cubs Project

In 1969 I lived just outside of Chicago, Illinois and like any good seven year old I adored the Chicago Cubs.

I watched them every day on our black and white TV between episodes of the Bozo Show and Ray Rayner. When they broke my heart, along with the hearts of the entire city I quickly drifted away from the Cubs, but never the 1969 Cubs.

As an adult I still held fond memories of that team and decided to undertake what could be an impossible effort...collect 8x10 signed photos of every single player on that team.

To make my goal harder I tried to set standards for the quest:

- It had to be a color 8x10 photo in a Chicago Cubs uniform

- It should be signed in blue sharpie (a preference, not a requirement)

- If possible, I wanted the photo from the spring training period. You can tell from many of the photos I collected what I'm talking about here.

- Every player should be represented. Whether they started or just played in two games at the end of the year.

That meant I needed 41 different signed 8x10 photos. The links on the right show the progress to date. Any leads or help in finding any of the missing items would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to leave any comments on your favorite players or 1969 Cubs autograph memories.

Missing - Randy Bobb

Every quest must have a Holy Grail. That one item that is almost totally out of reach.

For collectors of 1969 Cubs autographs that Holy Grail is Randy Bobb.

Bobb played just two short years of major league ball, both with the Cubs. He was in seven games in 1968 and three in 1969. He was hardly a high demand subject for autograph seekers either at the time he played or even after. The sad part for Randy is there wasn't much "after". He died in 1982. Needless to say autographs of any kind from Randy are scarce at best and those that are available fetch pretty high dollar. Add to the fact that my collection requires a signed 8x10 photo and I've set the bar quite high.

I have actually met a guy who had a signed photo of Randy Bobb. It was a candid photo but a signed photo nonetheless.

I guess I can hold out hope. My guess is, when I finally find that Randy Bobb autographed 8x10 photo my quest will be complete. Until that time....

Missing - Dick Selma

Dick Selma is probably my most frustrating of my missing photos. Dick was the number four starter on the Cubs that year. He was a fan favorite leading the Bleacher Bums in cheers. He had a decent career and did plenty of signings.

Why then can I not find an autographed 8x10 of his as a Cub, yet I can find all the Gary Ross photos I can eat?

There simply HAS to be a Dick Selma out there for my collection. Has to be.

I do have an autographed picture of Dick Selma. However, it's in black and white - strike one, and he's in a Phillies uniform - Strike four.

Missing - Hank Aguirre

Hank Aguirre joined the Cubs after spring training in 1969 and was released from the team midway through 1970. There are probably limited pictures of him as a Cub but I do have one for my needed place-marking. It is joined by an autograph album page.

Aguirre signed a good bit of stuff. He wrote a book (The Tall Mexican) and did book signings. I'm still on the lookout for a signed Chicago Cubs 8x10 of the Tall Mexican.

Archie Reynolds (updated)

It took over a year and a half but I have finally added Archie Reynolds to the project. Archie was the last remaining living member I needed to add. I was able to locate him and was even able to speak with him on the phone to make sure I could send a photo for him to sign.

Long story short, it took two more phone calls and nearly two years but Archie finally sent the signed picture back. It was actually really nice to be able to talk to him. He's a nice guy who seems genuinely pleased that people still remember him and ask for autographs. But he's also very busy and it takes him a while to respond.

Archie says he may start doing some card shows. If he does I recommend visiting him. Nice guys are so hard to find in this sport.

Missing - Joe Decker

Joe Decker is another player whose placed is marked in my collection with a temporary unsigned photo and a signed index card.

Decker started off as a Cubs draft pick in 1965 and began his major league stint in 1969. He played there for four years before moving on to Minnesota and Seattle. With that in mind he is sure to have a signed Cubs photo, possibly even a spring training shot I love, floating around somewhere. I'm still looking.

Missing - Charley Smith

Of my six remaining signed photos left, I would rank Charley Smith as the fifth most difficult more me to find.

Several factors lead to this. First, he played in only two games with the Cubs at the very end of the 1969 season and then he retired. There weren't many opportunities for him to even be photographed as a Cubs. Luckily photographer George Brace ensured that every player who came to Wrigley Field got a shot of them saved for posterity. That's where this great shot came from. Charley also died in 1994 adding to the difficulty.

The only hope I hold out is that Charley was a popular player for the Yankees and signed often because of it. My only hope is that somewhere along the line someone tossed a Cubs picture in front of him alongside all of the other six teams he played for. In the meantime his place is marked in my collection with the unsigned 8x10 and a signed index card. I do have a signed black and white photo of Charley as a Yankee. But to paraphrase Charlie from Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer's Land Of Misfit Toys "Nobody wants a Charley in a Bronx"

Don Kessinger

Don Kessinger was one of the first players I got for my Cubs project, which is appropriate because his was the first autograph I ever got as a kid. Well, technically I didn't get it, it was given to me.

Back in my Park Forest days a neighbor of ours attended a Rotary luncheon where Kessinger was speaking. The guy knew I was a fan and had the forethought to ask Kessinger to sign the program from that days events. I still remember him stopping by the house and handing my Mom the folded paper with "To Mark, Best Wishes Don Kessinger" scribbled on it. My mother promptly had the thing laminated, cursing any value but preserving it for my future. I still have that sheet. Thanks Mom.

Many years later I tracked Kessinger down in 1986 at a tiny card show in Charlotte, North Carolina where I was living. I remember he was sitting at a long table looking rather lonely. It wasn't much of a card show and I guess old Cubs didn't warrant a lot of excitement in a town still buzzing with excitement over their very own NBA franchise.

The lack of a line allowed me a brief moment to speak with Kessinger. He told me how he was coaching college baseball down in Mississippi or some other state like that. As I said, we didn't speak for long. I got the sense he really didn't want to be there.

Nevertheless, I finally got my chance to get Kessinger's autograph in person. It's always neat to actually get an autograph in person, but truth be told. I think the scribbled signature on a forty year old Rotary luncheon program will always be my favorite Kessinger sig.

John Hairston

John Hairston played in exactly two games in his major league career. The only thing that saves him from Moonlight Graham territory is that he played those two games with the 1969 Chicago Cubs. That and the fact that he is the uncle of solid major league star Jerry Hairston.

Hairston actually started one game at catcher for the '69 Cubs. He lasted 5 innings. He played in another five innings as an outfielder. That's it. Thank you John for playing. You can pick up a copy of the home game as you leave.

All sarcasm aside. The very fact that I am mentioning him on a web page proves that, when all is said and done, he won.

Manny Jimenez

I purchased this signed photo from a very reputable dealer. He tells me that little scribble on Jimenez' shoulder is indeed his autograph.

Again, a very reputable dealer. I guess I'll believe him. Jimenez was one of my "terrible four." He lives in the Dominican Republic so he doesn't get to many card shows to sign.

Rich Bladt

Rich Bladt signed photos don't seem that hard to come by. He does a lot of signing. Works for me. He's the kind of player who might make things difficult for completists like me but he's accomodating.

Jimmie Hall

This was a HUGE get for me. Jimmie Hall has publicly stated that he doesn't like signing autographs. He viewed baseball as a job, nothing more. I got a George Brace photo of him (a fabulous resource by the way), got Hall's home address from someone on a message board and sent it away with fingers crossed.

Two years later - yes, two years - I get an envelope back with his signed photo. He signed in ball point pen but I'm willing to accept that. Jimmie Hall was a 'terrible four" and I finally got him.

Gene Oliver

Gene Oliver recently passed away. I was sorry to hear that. He was a good signer and a solid ballplayer.

I picked this one up at a Chicago card show. There are a couple of different poses of him from this session but this one works for me.

Oscar Gamble

Oscar Gamble was probably the most notable rookie from the 1969 Cubs. He went on to have a very solid major league career and some really awesome hair.

Bill Heath

Bill Heath was another one of the six catchers on the Cubs roster that year. I'd like to get a better photo of him. I'll bet he's not a big fan of the "mouth open" stunned look either.

Ken Rudolph

This is another one where I'd like to get a spring training shot. Rudolph was drafted by the Cubs in 1965 and started his major league career in 1969. I'm betting they took his picture that spring.

Adolpho Phillips

Adolpho Phillips spent most of four years with the Cubs before being shipped off midway through 1969. For some reason he is one of those players that I tend to forget about when I try and list the members of the 1969 team from memory.

Jimmy Qualls

I stumbled across this photo at a card show underneath a stack of other signed photos. I remember letting out a small yelp when I saw it.

I'm sure Jimmie Qualls autographed photos aren't too tough to find but I don't think I've ever seen him doing a card show, so I was glad to grab this one when I could.

Nate Oliver

I absolutely hate this photo. Not only is it my only "in action" photo it's a landscape shot rather than portrait. It completely throws off the symmetry of my project.

Somewhere there has got to be a portrait photo of Nate Oliver witrh the Cubs that he has signed.

Paul Popovich

I was suprised how tough it has been to find an adequate Paul Popovich signed photo. Most of the ones I've seen were black and white pictures. Talk about messing with my system.

This one was shot in Wrigley Field, another format I'd like to avoid. This one will do for now. At least it's color. But I'm still looking.

Al Spangler

I first met Al Spangler when he was the manager of a team in the Texas League. The Amarillo Wranglers if I remember correctly. He was nice enough to me. Signed a program. Years later I picked up this signed photo.

Willie Smith

I got this autograph at a card show that Willie attended. I remember he wore a batting glove on his signing hand while he signed. Maybe it made the pen more comfortable for him. I don't know.

He recently passed away. Sad news. He was very cordial and smiled while he was signing at the show.

Alec Distaso (updated 7/17/09)

Alec Distaso passed away on July 13, 2009. The only contact I ever had with him was through the mail. he was th efirst person I ever sent a baseball card to to get signed and he sent it back. One never forgets their first. It was a simple task but one that seemed fitting for him.

I quote from his obituary "he offered camaraderie unconditionally, recognized friendships everywhere and never passed judgment without personally experiencing wrong. Al showed us how to treat others without exceptions and no matter the conundrum, charted the ideal solution. He played professional baseball with the Chicago Cubs in 1969 and was in the Army Reserves for 6 years. He retired from the Los Angeles Police Department in 1994 prior to moving to Macomb in 1995. He served the community as an Admissions Manager for the McDonough County Housing Authority. He was a member of the Macomb American Legion Post 6 and Macomb Elks Lodge # 1009 and was an avid golfer."

Gary Ross

I'm guessing that Gary Ross and Don Young were the only 1969 Cubs to wear glasses. I can't say that for a fact. Just something I've noticed.

Not sure what point I'm making there, but that's about my extent of Gary Ross information. Let me know if you can add more.

Dave Lemonds

Not much I can say about Dave Lemonds. I bought this photo from a dealer. I've never met Dave Lemonds. He probably does shows every now and then. He made it to the majors on two occassions, 1969 and 1972.

Joe Niekro

A lot of people forget that Joe Niekro started out with the Cubs for several years before going on to more notable stints with the Tigers, Braves and Astros.

This is a nice photo and signature. Several times I've seen this photo advertised as a Dick Selma picture. I guess there might be a slight resemblance.

Jim Colborn

That's a very bold signature for Jim Colborn. I'm sure some handwriting analyst will tell you a lot from that.
Colborn has a good nine year career and spent several years with the Cubs so I'm still looking for a spring training photo to get the continuity fixed here.

Ken Johnson

I knew Ken Johnson would be a bit of a challange to get. I had to get a Wrigley Field shot of him and send it through the mail. Johnson has shown a dislike for people selling autographs so he now will only sign with a personalization. He probably feels this will cut down on the selling of his autograph. I have no problem with that. I have no plans of selling this.

Don Nottebart

This will probbaly be as good as I ever get with Don Nottebart. I'm not fond of the pose or the background, but since he joined the Cubs midway through the 1969 season, played in only 16 games and retired after that, I doubt there are too many options for collectors like me.

Rich Nye

Another pick up at a Chicago card show. Nye was a very nice signer. There weren't a lot of people lining up for him so he was joking and laughing with everyone there, including the other signers and the fans.

I enjoyed meeting him.

Ted Abernathy

You can't tell from the picture to the right but there is something wrong with this photo. It is not quite an 8x10. It is about a quarter inch to short and too narrow. Not sure why.

I'm still on the look out for a replacement that actually measures up. Literally

Phil Regan

Phil Regan was the manager of the Grand Rapids Whitecaps baseball team not far from where I live. I was able to get this signature at a press briefing.

Very nice guy. I guess he was okay as a coach but I don't believe he lasted too long there.

Ken Holtzman

A faily new addition to my collection project. I actually had another autographed 8x10 shot of Holtzman. An action shot of him pitching during a spring training game.

Being the perfectionist that I am, I kept looking for a posed Spring Training shot and it finally surfaced.

What's up with his back pocket, though?

Bill Hands

This one has been in my collection a while. Truthfully I can't even remember where it came from. I'm sure it was at a card show.

I always wondered what would have happened if he had pitched while Barry Foote was catching. Imagine that battery listed in the box score.

Fergie Jenkins

Fabulous pitcher who sure knew how to take a public relation hit (mostly through his own doing).

Luckily it didn't keep him out of the Hall of Fame. He still does plenty of card shows. A very good HOF autograph.

Don Young (updated 2/21)

This is a new update for Don Young. Actually it is my third autographed photo of him but this one fits my requirements best. It's one of the spring training poses so that means I now have the entire starting eight from the same photo shoot. That adds a nice touch of consistency.

For the longest time Don Young was persona no-gratis for the 1969 Cubs. I remember reading a book a while back that had biographies and updates on all the team members and Young was nowhere to be found. The author wrote a plea for anyone who had information on his whereabouts and even, get this, published his social security number. You can tell how long ago that happened.

In recent years Young has stepped easily into the autograph signing spotlight. He seems to realize it has some value for him as well as collectors.

Jim Hickman

This is actually the third Jim Hickman signed photo I have. The only difference between this one and another one is this one is cropped further back. There's more room below his elbow here than on the other one. There seems to be some trouble with the contrast on all of his photos. Nevertheless, Hickman is added, although there may be even better shots out there.

Randy Hundley

The Cubs sure had a lot of catchers on their roster during 1969. Not sure why. Hundley was very good and very underrated. Perhaps Durocher was one of those who under rated him.

Randy now runs a fantasy baseball camp. I met him at one of those, although I didn't participate. This old body couldn't handle that.

Ernie Banks

Got this one in person at a card show. If you ever have a chance to meet Ernie Banks I recommend it. I got a couple signed photos. He was one of the first I got which explains the black sharpie instead of my required blue. I may update this addition.

When I was a kid I sent a fan letter to Banks asking for an autograph. I got back a price list for Cubs items and a sticker printed with his signature with the phrase 'Thanks, Ernie Banks"

Not being old enough to recognized getting hosed buy "the man" I cherished that sticker (and still have it). When I met him I asked him to sign a ball with "Thanks, Ernie Banks." He did.

Ron Santo

I got this Ron Santo photo signed following a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.

Santo was the color commentator for the radio broadcasts and after the game I asked an usher which ramp Santo would use when he left the booth. He pointed it out and I sat and waited.

Finally Ron came out carrying a heavy briefcase. Understand that he also has some difficulty walking due to health problems. I could sense that when Ron saw me he probably thought "great, another autograph seeker." Whether he did or not he politely signed my photo for me and quickly went on his way.

He was courteous and professional. All I could ever ask from a man who has spent the past twenty years or so getting cheated by the Hall of Fame.

Billy Williams

Another card show pick up. Billy Williams was a great left fielder and I always enjoyed watching him play. While he was a great ballplayer, I think one could make a case that Santo may have been better. That being said Billy deserves to be in the Hall Of Fame. And if he does, then Santo does.

Glenn Beckert

I met Glenn at a small card show down South. I don't seem him around much anymore. He was an early pick up for me and one of the few that added his uniform number. I didn't request that but it's alright.