Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame Bobblehead Set

Well, I never officially retired so I don't need to file the paperwork to unretire.  But it has been a long time, which was never my intent.  But, life happens, 2 little girls happen and before you know it they are both talking, running and getting into trouble.  Priorities change, so the blog had to be put on the back burner.  Im hopeful this post spurs a little in me to find the time to blog a bit more often (probably never to the degree that I once did) but once, sometimes twice a week.  Thats my goal.  

Now, onto the topic at hand.  Today, the Twins sold their 5th "set" of bobbleheads.  This set is based on the players and team members that make up the 34 people in the Twins Hall of Fame.  It's a very impressive set and definitely from the picture, the most detailed and best looking set of the bunch.  Ever since I heard about this since a few days ago, I've been giddy.  

Based on the hero image of the 5 bobbles displayed (Killebrew, Carew, Puckett, Kelly and Hunter) the design and creativity of each is impressive.  Im sure the others will be just as awesome.  (When I'm able to share more pictures, I certainly will).  With a price tag north of $500 (after taxes) it's certainly a set that made people contemplate how to go about collecting it.  Several people I know were only looking to get a handful of players.  Others said at this time (during this damn pandemic) it was just too expensive.  Then others, like myself who are completists, knew we needed it and had to figure out a way to pay for it.  Proceeds (just like the previous 4 sets) benefit the Twins Community Fund.  

In the collecting world, people are raving about this set, even if they aren't Twins collectors or fans, they are wishing their favorite team would do something similar.  I tend to think, we'll see more of these come out over the next couple of years.  

I certainly wonder what will happen to future electees, they'll get a giveaway bobble (as is typical of the Twins the past few years) but I certainly hope there are update sets to this one in the future!  For now, lets appreciate the Twins and their marketing/promotions team for making this happen.  They've been hitting home run after home run the past few years and it certainly appears they aren't slowing down anytime soon.  

New Addition - Kirby Puckett Bobblehead

I just blogged about this bobblehead, but I received it in the mail and needed to do my own pictures and a new add post! This is the latest SGA bobble from the Toledo Mud Hens!  Kirby played with them for a short period of time, but since he's one of the best ever, a bobblehead had to be made!  It's a very nice bobblehead, done by AGP.  It exceeds my expectations and when it comes to Puckett, the bar is set high! 

Sneak Peek - Kirby Puckett Toledo Mud Hens

This is the bobblehead I've been looking most forward to this summer!  Kirby Puckett bobblehead day is Friday, June 8th, when the Toledo Mud Hens giveaway 2000 Puckett bobbleheads.  Kirby played for the Mud Hens in 1984 where he started the season but was quickly promoted after only 21 games.  Therein lies the rub!  Late in 2017 the Mud Hens asked the social media world for some help.  Since Kirby only played 21 games for the Mud Hens, they didn't recall his number.  All club historians had to go on was game logs and record books, none of which included a picture of him with his jersey.  Eventually the riddle was solved and the bobblehead would depict Puckett with number 28 on the back of his jersey!  The sources, a typed note to a superfan that included a phrase that said Puckett wore number 28 and a printed scorecard from the 84 season that included his jersey number.  This is an awesome bobblehead!  

Puckett Autographed Bobblehead

Sometimes you search for specific things and find exactly what you want, sometimes you just get plain lucky (aka - Ploehn luck).  A recent lot of bobbleheads I purchased were several Puckett bobbles.  I think 6 total, but many several were the same one.  From the pictures I received, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.  Most times when I buy lots of bobbles I spend more time talking to the seller than actually looking at the bobbles.  I know enough about bobbles that after a quick glance I can tell if there is any damage (thats usually the only thing I look for).  For novice collectors, the main things you want to focus on when inspecting a bobblehead is the neck area and base for any chips or cracks.  If its a newer bobble where its not a standard player/mascot standing straight up, you'll want to look at any area that sits further away from the body of the bobble (the more distance the better chance of possible damage).

Once I got them home, I put them on a shelf and didn't think about them for a few weeks.  Then as I was looking thru them, taking a closer look at them...magic happened.  One was autographed.  Even tho I'm not an autograph guy, I know a decent amount about Puckett signatures and also have 2 buddies who know a ton about Puckett auto's.  So, Im pretty sure it's a legit signature and will be staying in my collection.  I believe thats a total of 3 Puckett bobbleheads that I have autographed!

My 2nd SAMs Twins Bobblehead

From what I know, SAMs produced 3 different Twins bobbleheads.  Kirby Puckett, Rod Carew, and this one - a generic player.  I have the Puckett, continue my quest for the Carew and recently added the generic one.  The SAMs bobbles are pretty cool, but different than normal giveaway bobbles, they are taller and typically a lot more fragile.  They originally came in a specific player box along with a COA card.  Unfortunately this one didn't have the box or card, but for the price, it was a no-brainer for me.  Perhaps I can find one with the box and card in the future to replace this one.  For now, I'm happy to be 66% done with this mini-collection.

My Latest Custom - Kirby Puckett

Here's my latest custom job.  It's original the World Series Hero retail Kirby Puckett bobblehead. Everyone loves the powder blue and I thought it would look great on this bobble.  I'm pretty damn happy with how this one turned out.  For the most part everything is time-period appropriate except the Twins logo, its not exactly like it is on the powder blues the Twins wore.  Also Puck is a bit stockier than he was when he wore the powder blue jersey.

All in all, it'll sit great next to my Tom Brunansky custom bobble!  I have a few more of these coming!

2014 Spring/Summer Finds #2

Number 2 on my 2014 Spring/Summer Finds list is a moving sale I found earlier this summer.  The gentleman that was moving, was truly getting rid of everything.  He wasn't necessarily a collector but had lots and lots of bobbleheads as well as a ton of other sports memorabilia.  We had emailed a couple times and he told me the names of guys he had.  I knew he had some good bobbleheads, but wasn't sure just how good they were.  When names like Puckett, Hrbek and Killebrew get thrown out there, I'm sure everyone hopes for the first year bobbleheads.  But we all know that each player has several bobbleheads and really the first year (both SGA and STH) are the ones worth good money.  

Knowing he wanted to move them, I was intrigued, so I went to the sale and bought several bobbleheads.  I had a great time chatting with him and learning more about his "collection" even tho he repeatedly said he wasn't really a collector.  

I came away with about 14 bobbleheads.  Below is a picture of the best set.  

That's right, Kirby Puckett, Tony Oliva, Kent Hrbek and Harmon Killebrew.  On top of those 4, I also picked up a couple of the 1965 Ecumen bobbleheads and a complete set of the 2001 SGA set that includes Kirby Puckett, Rod Carew, Bert Blyleven and Dave Winfield!  Sometimes its better to be lucky than good.  On that summer day, I was 100% lucky.  

2014 Spring/Summer Finds #3

Earlier this summer one of the first good finds I had was at a garage sale in Farmington.  They had several bobbleheads, mainly Twins, but a few othe random ones as well.  There are a couple reasons that this sits at #3 on my top 5 Spring/Summer Finds list.  The first, I was able to add a couple bobbleheads to my collection.  One (or should I say 2) is a bit more rare than the others.  This one was extremely cheap, actually a bit cheaper than great garage sale prices!  So I lucked out on it!  This is a retail AGP Minnie and Paul bobblehead set.  They are shaking hands (held together by magnets).

I bought several and there was a Twins nesting doll set that was intriguing.  Because I love to wheel and deal, before I accepted the sellers price for all of the ones I was buying I asked him to throw in the nesting doll set.  He had no problem doing it.  I had 2 thoughts - it was cool and possibly rare/unique.  The cool factor meant that at the very least I'd keep it for my own collection.  I hadn't ever seen one like it before but I don't really search for things other than bobbleheads.  I did a little google research and that turned up zero, which was either good news or terrible news.  I went to a local sports collectibles store and talked to the owner.  He said he had seen them before but not for quite a while and offered me $50 cash for it.  At that point I knew I had something that was somewhat unique and valuable.  Add to it that it contained the biggest of big Twins names (Kirby Puckett, Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, Kent Hrbek & Gary Gaetti) I knew I'd eventually sell it on eBay.  

2014 Spring/Summer Finds #5

I'm doing a 5 part series counting down my 5 best finds from the 2014 Spring and Summer.  At times I won't be able to tell you where I found the specific item, not because I don't want to, but because I don't remember!

Coming in at #5 is a Joe Mauer Autographed bobblehead.  This was a bittersweet find.  I had went to an estate sale with some knowledge that several bobbleheads would be for sale and for pretty good prices.  Notably, first year SGAs of Puckett, Hrbek, and possibly Killebrew.  I knew for a fact the Puckett and Hrbek were there and had heard the Killebrew was also for sale as well as 15-20 other Twins bobbleheads.

If you haven't been to an estate sale, they can be quite frustrating.  Not knowing where anything is located, the mad rush of people trying to get in to find those special treasures they value and at times unhelpful people who run the sale.  At other times, estate sales are wonderful.  This one fell somewhere in between.

I was lead to believe the bobbleheads were displayed (which to me, they would have been easily noticeable).  This was not the case at all.  They ended up being in their plain white boxes within another larger box, on the floor AND under a table.  A few were displayed but not the ones I was hoping to snag.  I scoured the house for 5-7 minutes before walking out.  When I was about to leave I saw the box.  There were about 10 bobbleheads left.  Another guy had spotted it before me (obviously) but the one he didn't take was a Mauer Autograph bobblehead (seen below).  I fully believe the guy saw Mauer and didn't take it out of the box to look at it.  Once I saw the auto, I knew I was buying it.  I bought a couple others for a decent price and went on my way.

This was a nice find, but I was hoping for more so I did leave a bit disappointed.

Minnesota Twins - 1st Edition SGAs vs 1st Edition STHs

I've had several people ask me about the difference between SGAs and STHs.  For the most part its super easy to tell, green base bobbleheads are the giveaways while red base bobbleheads were given to season ticket holders.  However, one major hurdle is the 1st Edition of each set, as they both had green bases.

Harmon Killebrew, Kent Hrbek, Tony Oliva and Kirby Puckett make up each set.  The SGA set was given out in 2000 while the STH set was given out the following year.  There are a couple great features with both sets.  This is by far the best quality set the Twins did, both in terms of the quality of the bobblehead specifically as well as the uniqueness of each one.  Each player has different jerseys (where as most of the more recent sets - the same jerseys appear with the only difference being a red base vs. a green base).

The hard thing is remembering the exact jersey of each player to tell if its a SGA or STH.  There is a much easier way to tell the difference of each.  The base of the SGA says "Mountain Dew" (they sponsored the set) while the base of the STH says the last name of each player. THAT is the best way to tell which edition of bobblehead you are viewing.  Below is a comparison picture, on the top is the SGA set while the STH set on the bottom.

So this is working out!

I introduced a new section recently called "Collector's Corner."  A buddy of mine, who really isn't a collector (any longer) has a few items that he figures have some value and is looking to sell them.  I mentioned my blog as an idea and he was all for it.  Below are some pictures of stuff he's looking to sell.  Leave a comments and questions and I'll figure out answers or how to connect the 2 of you.  He believes he'll have more stuff, but probably not a ton.  So I'll update this as he gets me more pictures.  Enjoy!  

Goldy Set of 5 - $50

Replica Mini Met Stadium (Twins SGA) - $35

Kirby Puckett World Series Hero Bobblehead - $20

Minnesota Twins ST Bobblehead Set (Part 10 - Years 2010-2013)

I'm bunching years 2010 thru 2013 into one blog post.  Why you ask, for one simple reason, there weren't many ST bobbleheads during those years.  2009 was the last year the Twins did a set of 4 bobbleheads.

2010 was the Legends of the Dome set (Kirby Puckett & Kent Hrbek).  This was produced as a set, both bobbleheads came in one box.  Then I believe in 2011 they did a Mauer/Morneau double bobblehead - which I do not have.  In 2012 they did a Josh Willingham red base bobblehead and most recently in 2013 they did one of my favorite bobbleheads, Joe Mauer wearing a powder blue jersey.  This one is also different because its on a green base instead of the normal red base for season ticket holders.

Below are some pictures...enjoy!!

Minnesota Twins ST Bobblehead Set (Part 2 - Year 2002)

Here's a look at the 2002 ST bobblehead set.  Includes the same 4 players as the SGA set did in 2001. Kirby Puckett, Bert Blyleven, Dave Winfield and Rod Carew.  The Twins introduced all season ticket holder bobbleheads on red bases, the main difference from SGA bobbleheads.

Below is a comparison of the 2001 SGA set and the 2002 ST set.  As you can see, the only difference is the base.  This is still a nice set of bobbleheads!

Minnesota Twins ST Bobblehead Set (Part 1 - Year 2001)

In March I did a 13 part series on each SGA bobblehead by year.  I'm doing another series showing the season ticket holder bobbleheads from every year.  These bobbleheads are given to full and partial season ticket holders.  Partial season ticket holders would only get 1 or 2 of these bobbleheads while full season ticket holders could get the entire set.

2001 is the first year the Twins gave season ticket holders a set of bobbleheads.  As you can see there isn't much difference in the 4 bobbleheads when compared to the 2000 SGA bobbleheads!  Harmon Killebrew, Kent Hrbek, Tony Oliva and Kirby Puckett make up the set of 4 bobbleheads.  Much like its 2000 SGA sibling set, this is one of the hardest ST sets to complete!  Why you ask?  Mainly because of the Hrbek and Killebrew bobbleheads (just like the SGAs!).

Below is a comparison of the SGA and ST sets.  You can see each bobblehead is almost the same with the main differences being a uniform change.  Also, the easiest way to tell if any of these 4 bobbleheads are ST or SGA...ST have the players last name on the front of the base.

Minnesota Twins SGA Bobblehead Set (Part 10 - Year 2009)

The Twins did something a little different for the 10th season of SGA bobbleheads.  2 of the most popular Twins players are depicted on 2 pretty cool bobbleheads.  The set is commonly known as the "Legends of the Dome" set featuring Kirby Puckett and Kent Hrbek.  I'll be doing a similar blog series on the Twins season ticket holder bobbleheads, so this set will come up again.  Also each is in a familiar pose, Puckett is leaping for a ball while Hrbek is crushing a home run.  Its a nice touch to have each in an action pose versus the standard standing with a ball/bat/glove!

Minnesota Twins SGA Bobblehead Set (Part 1 - Year 2000)

The set that started the bobblehead craze in Minnesota.  To this day, its still the toughest Twins SGA set to complete.  Harmon Killebrew, Kent Hrbek, Tony Oliva, and Kirby Puckett.  Only 5,000 bobbleheads were made for Killebrew and Hrbek, while they upped that amount to 10,000 for Oliva and Puckett.  Theoretically that means there are only 5000 complete sets out there.  This is always why the Killebrew and Hrbek bobbleheads are more spendy that Oliva or Puckett.

Kirby Puckett Autograph

I have a handful of bobbleheads that have been autographed.  Every so often, I'll do a blog about a specific autographed bobblehead.  I can't personally say all of them are legit (since I haven't been witness to every autograph), but I'd say more often than not, they are - mainly just because its pretty easy to get a bobblehead autographed especially if you frequent local collectible shows or make an annual trip to Twinsfest.  One of my favorites is my Kirby Puckett bobblehead.  I didn't personally get this one autographed, but I'm 99% sure its legit (as I have other Kirby Puckett autographed memorabilia).  It's special to me for a couple reasons - Kirby was and still is my all-time favorite baseball player and since he's no longer with us, it does make the autograph a bit more rare and collectible!

Legends of the Dome

Legends of the Dome, otherwise referred to as LOTD are 2 bobbleheads, one of Kirby Puckett and one of Kent Hrbek.  But there are 2 different bobbleheads of each player.  Both Puckett and Hrbek have green bases and are the typical SGA bobbleheads, (each also comes with a COA).  The second variation is actually a set given away to season ticket holders.  I say set because they are packed in the same box within the same styrofoam packaging and come with red bases.  For whatever reason, the sets aren't as valuable, even tho I think they tend to be more rare. Each LOTD SGA comes with its own specialized box, which to most collectors is just as important as the COA (as its not the generic white boxes most Twins bobbleheads come in).  Below are some pictures showing the differences.  I recently picked up the LOTD set from a guy who responded to a Craigslist ad I had posted.  We agreed on a fair price and I met him later that week to pick up the bobbleheads.  Continually getting closer to completing the Twins bobblehead collection!

Want List (Part 1)

Over the next week or so, I plan on displaying pictures of my most desired bobbleheads.  They will range from Twins bobbleheads to a couple the Timberwolves have given away and even some minor league bobbleheads.

Here are the final bobbleheads I need to complete my Twins SGA bobblehead collection.  Both are from the 1965 Heroes set, given away at one game.  Frank Quilici & Harmon Killebrew.  In an earlier blog post I explained the difference between the 1965 Heroes set and the Katrina set.  This is most likely the hardest set of Twins bobbleheads to complete.

Below are pictures of the red base bobbleheads from the Twins that would complete that collection. I'm not as confident about my knowledge in the red base bobbleheads as I am in the green.  But I'm looking for Zoilo Versalles, the Mauer/Morneau double bobblehead - I believe this was given out to season ticket holders purchasing large group tickets or perhaps long-standing season ticket holders, and lastly - the Legends of the Dome set of Kirby Puckett & Kent Hrbek.

The debate over COAs

A Certificate of Authenticity, commonly known has a COA is extremely important in the world of collecting. Bobbleheads are no different.  The Twins included COA's with all of their giveaway bobbleheads thru 2009. I'm not sure why they stopped, but I don't believe any bobblehead since has had a COA.  The Timberwolves also produced COAs with their early bobbleheads.  Below are a couple different COAs. The first is for Kirby Puckett's first Twins giveaway and the second is Kevin Garnett's first Timberwolves giveaway.  Typically COAs will include a picture of the bobblehead along with the date it was given out.  On the back there is usally a number which indicates the production number.  There is a total production run, but I've read multiple times that number is skewed because the teams typically make plenty more in case they run into any issues when giving them out.  Sometimes they offer season ticket holders, sponsors, and employees the chance of buying these bobbleheads too.  One can never be entirely positive of the true production run of any bobblehead.  

The major question I've ran into concerning COAs, what is their value?  I've heard a variety of opinions on the subject.  Some people say they are just as important as the bobblehead while others say the COA doesn't decrease the bobbleheads value much at all, if anything.  I tend to lean towards the latter.  For example, I certainly would pay $20 for a Puckett bobblehead, but I would never even think about paying $20 for a Puckett COA.  The bobblehead is ultimately the bigger prize.  There are some COAs from the early bobblehead giveaways that are pretty rare and hard to find, those are worth a bit more than their counterparts of the mid to late 90s.  I have plenty of COA's but also have plenty of bobbleheads without the COA.  I've never made it a point to collect the COA and probably never will.  

But, to each their own!