Richie Ashburn: Why The Hall Not? book

I’ve received quite a few questions regarding the availability of some of my photographs of Whitey, and other Whiz Kids players.  In the past couple weeks, I’ve posted some really nice photos on Ebay.  You can search under seller id : starman711.  I’m also, due to some health issues in the past year, starting to post some items from my collection.  Thanks,    Jim

This Sunday I’ll be at the annual Food Festival in Media, Pa.  I’ll be set up at 22 W. State St. from 9AM until 5PM with my sports and rock and roll collectibles, and I’ll have copies of my book “Richie Ashburn Why The Hall Not?” available.  Stop by and talk some sports.  Mention you saw this on my website, and I’ll give you a free gift.  The food fest is always a great time, Great eats, and neat vendors to check out.    Stop by and say hi…………………….jim

I’ve had quite a few emails regarding the print I used in yesterday’s tribute post for Whitey.  I commissioned a noted sports artist, Michael Mellett to do those for me in conjuction with the release of my book. The pose was from a  1959 Sport Magazine photo, that is my favorite picture of Richie. Due to the requests, I’ve put a few up on ebay.  Just search “Richie Ashburn Lithographs”.   Thanks………………………jim

     It’s difficult to imagine it’s been 16 years since Whitey’s passing.  My wife and I were in Cape May celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary, when I got a phone call from my son Ryan at 7AM that morning.    Ryan told me that Whitey’s son Richard had called a few minutes earlier, and he wanted me to know before it was on the news .  The rest of that day was pretty much a blur.  Whitey had gone from someone I idolized as an eight year old, to a good friend, and someone who’s company I really enjoyed.  In fact two days later, we were supposed to have lunch, instead the city of Philadelphia was preparing for Whitey’s public viewing.  Speaking of our lunches.  What usually started out as an hour, generally turned into two and most times more.  The great thing was, it wasn’t always baseball related.  Whitey was a fascinating guy, who was well versed on any topic. So the topics would go from books, politics, family, basically anything.   We would usually meet at his home, and as I was driving home, I would think to myself “I just had lunch and a two hour conversation with Whitey”.  I would always come away more informed, than when I showed up.   At the time of his Hall of Fame induction in 1995, Whitey said it was one of the happiest days of his life.   To think that a campaign that I started had some effect on that day, is all a fan of Whitey’s could hope for.     Rest In Peace Pal ……………………………jim

It is with extreme sadness, that I report the passing of sculptor Lawrence Nowlan at 48 years old. Larry, if you didn’t know,  was the amazing artist who created the Harry Kalas statue at Citizens Bank Park. I had an opportunity to meet Larry, while the statue was still a work – in- progress. He was as down-to-earth and genuine, as he was talented.  Larry’s goal was to create a statue that not only honored Harry, but also the fans of Philadelphia.  I think we would all agree that he succeeded.  The next time you pass the Harry statue at C.B.P, say a little thanks to Larry.

                           jim donahue