Ralph Winnie, a devoted baseball enthusiast, cultivated a remarkable hobby that led him to gather over 11,000 autographs from professional baseball players, establishing one of the most extensive collections in the country. His passion for baseball was perhaps destined, given his birth on the Fourth of July.
Winnie’s autograph-collecting adventure began in his early years when he successfully obtained the signatures of iconic players Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City. Over time, his collection expanded, with autographs acquired from diverse sources such as income-tax returns, canceled checks, and even family Bibles.
His daughter, Jeanne McAree, fondly remembers her father’s profound affection for the sport. “His ambition was to collect every signature,” she shared. During World War II, while serving in the Navy, his shipmates would wager on his ability to answer baseball trivia, a challenge he never failed.
Despite his extensive collection, Winnie encountered difficulties in securing certain autographs. One notable challenge was obtaining the signature of Dick Wantz, a Los Angeles Angels pitcher who played only a single game before his untimely death. Nevertheless, Winnie eventually acquired it at a collectors’ event.
Legacy and Contributions
Winnie was actively involved in several baseball research and hall of fame committees, including the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). He also penned a book titled “What If?,” which delved into the impact of World War II on the careers of 100 major-league players.
His commitment to baseball extended beyond autograph collecting. He was renowned for his generosity, exemplified by his gesture of sending money to the family of Hall of Fame outfielder Hack Wilson to assist with funeral expenses, for which he received an autograph in gratitude.
Winnie’s enthusiasm for baseball was paralleled by his passion for history, as demonstrated by the 300-page family history he authored. His children were raised in a sports-centric environment, with Winnie never missing a game or event, always present to support and record statistics.
Family and Final Years
In his later years, as his health began to decline, Winnie started selling his collection, driven not by profit but by his enduring love for the game. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Margaret, and his children, Jeanne McAree, Yvonne Malland, Suzanne Mitchell, John Winnie, and Douglas Winnie, along with 10 grandchildren.
Services for Ralph Winnie were conducted at Holy Rosary Church in Edmonds. The family has requested that donations be made to the Holy Rosary Building Fund or Group Health Hospice in his memory.
