PRESS RELEASES

NEWS RELEASE

September 15, 2023  

Pat Hughes Baseball Hall of Fame Bobblehead Unveiled

MILWAUKEE – Today, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled an officially licensed, limited-edition bobblehead of Chicago Cubs radio announcer Pat Hughes, commemorating the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award that Hughes received this summer. The special edition bobblehead, which is being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in conjunction with Hughes and AUTOGRAPH1, is officially licensed by the Baseball Hall of Fame. The latest bobblehead joins other previously released bobbleheads featuring the iconic radio voice of the Cubs.

Wearing black pants and a blue shirt and holding a microphone, the smiling Hughes bobblehead is standing on a base bearing his name and the Baseball Hall of Fame logo. Each bobblehead is individually numbered to 2,023 and they are only available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. The bobbleheads, which are expected to ship in December, are $40 each plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order.

Hughes, the radio play-by-play voice of the Chicago Cubs since 1996, was presented with the 2023 Ford C. Frick Award for broadcast excellence as part of Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend July 21-24 in Cooperstown, New York. It’s the biggest honor that can be bestowed upon a broadcaster in the game of baseball, and Hughes joined an elite group of announcers in Cubs’ history to receive the honor. Jack Brickhouse, Harry Caray, Bob Elson, and Milo Hamilton spent time in the broadcast booth – radio or television – for the team and were also Frick Award winners. Hughes became the 47th recipient of the prestigious award.

The bobblehead joins other previously released bobbleheads featuring the iconic radio voice of the Cubs. A World Series Final Out talking bobblehead of Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo with Hughes making the historic call at the push of a button is sold out. There are also three versions of a talking bobblehead featuring Hughes sitting at an announcer’s desk. With the push of a button, the bobblehead plays Pat’s legendary call from the historic November evening in Cleveland in 2016 when the Cubs became World Series Champions for the first time in 108 years. The first version, which sold out the day it was released, features Pat in a blue shirt, while the second version features Pat in a red shirt. In the third version, Pat is wearing a black shirt with palm trees, which is the shirt that he was wearing during Game 7. In addition, the third version also features a replica of the Game 7 scorecard on the top of the desk. The second and third versions are still available for $40 each plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order.

Born in Tucson, Arizona, Hughes grew up in San Jose, California, and graduated with a degree in Radio/TV Journalism from San Jose State. He began his baseball career in 1978 with the San Jose Missions. After a season with the Columbus Clippers, Hughes joined the Minnesota Twins broadcast team in 1983 before moving to Milwaukee a year later, calling Brewers games on the radio with Bob Uecker, the 2003 Frick Award winner, through 1995. In November 1995, Hughes was selected by WGN Radio to be the new “Voice of the Cubs” and he partnered with color commentator and Hall of Famer, Ron Santo, from 1996 to 2010 for what became known as the “Pat and Ron Show” due to the duo’s on-air chemistry. After Santo’s death in 2010, former Cub Keith Moreland was Pat’s partner for three seasons. In December 2013, another former Cub, and Chicago native, Ron Coomer, joined Hughes.

A nine-time winner of the Illinois Sportscaster of the Year Award, Hughes also won three straight Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year Awards from 1990-92. He has called more than 6,000 MLB games during his 40-year career, including eight no-hitters, the 25-inning Brewers vs. White Sox contest from 1984 that was the longest game in American League history, and Kerry Wood’s 20-strikeout game for the Cubs in 1998. Hughes has announced 57 Cubs postseason games – more than any other Cubs broadcaster. His usual home run call is "That ball's got a chaaaance … GONE!" On longer home runs, Hughes' call often includes the phrase "Get out the tape measure, LONG GONE!”

When asked about being honored with the bobblehead, Pat said, “I never thought I could top the 2016 Cubs winning the World Series with a talking bobblehead and now to be honored with a National Baseball Hall Fame bobblehead is very humbling. Winning the 2023 Ford C. Frick Award was an incredible experience and one that I’m very thankful for. Now fans can enjoy this Hall of Fame bobblehead and celebrate along with me.” Prior to receiving the Frick award, Hughes said, “You don’t think about the Hall of Fame because it’s something so big, you think: There’s a strong likelihood you’re never going to get in. You just work hard, and sometimes good things happen.”

"We are honored to release this bobblehead of Chicago Cubs radio legend Pat Hughes in celebration of him receiving the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “A fan favorite for decades, this special bobblehead is sure to be a must-have for Cubs fans around the world!”

About the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum:
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened to the public on February 1st, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale as well as organizations, individuals, and teams across the country. Visit us online and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Chuck Swirsky Chicago Broadcaster Bobblehead Unveiled

MILWAUKEE, WI – This morning, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled a Chuck Swirsky bobblehead. The limited-edition talking bobblehead features the play-by-play voice of the Chicago Bulls who recently completed his 25th season as an NBA broadcaster. The special edition bobblehead is being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in conjunction with Chuck Swirsky and AUTOGRAPH1.

Wearing a headset and dressed in a black sport coat with a red and black striped tie, the smiling Swirsky bobblehead is sitting at a courtside table bearing his name at the bottom of the base with CHICAGO across the front. With Swirsky being known for his enthusiastic catchphrases, the bobblehead will play the following clips at the touch of a button:

Each bobblehead will be individually numbered to 2,023 and they are only available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. The bobbleheads, which are expected to ship in August 2023, are $30 each plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order.

Hired in May of 2008, Swirsky recently completed his 15th season handling the radio play-by-play duties on 670 The Score while sitting alongside color commentator and former NBA Champion Bill Wennington on the Bulls Radio Network. He called his 2,000th NBA game during the 2022-23 season. In addition to his in-game duties, Swirsky contributes regularly to Bulls.com. Swirsky spent ten years in Toronto Raptors games. On March 23, 2007, Swirsky was honored by the Raptors when they gave out 18,000 bobbleheads with his likeness.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, and raised in Bellevue, Washington, Swirsky started his broadcasting career in Chicago in 1979 at WCFL (AM 1000), hosting the city’s first nightly sports talk show. In 1980, Swirsky was named the public address announcer for the Bulls, serving until 1983. He later rose to prominence while serving as the sports director for WGN-AM in Chicago from 1982 to 1994.  In addition to hosting various sports talk shows, Swirsky also did play-by-play for DePaul University men’s basketball games and was the host of the Chicago Bears Radio Network for 10 years and held similar responsibilities for the Chicago Cubs Radio Network for 12 seasons. “Chuck is on the Mount Rushmore of Chicago sports talk radio,” said David Marran, better known at SoxNerd on Twitter. Swirsky’s broadcasting career also included stints with University of Michigan men’s basketball and WJR-AM in Detroit where he anchored the pregame and postgame shows for the Detroit Red Wings and University of Michigan football.

On September 7, 2016, Swirsky was inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame. In May 2018, he was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame and the WGN Radio Walk of Fame. A three-time winner of the Best Sportscast Award for the state of Michigan, Swirsky was also awarded Best Play-by-Play announcer by The Associated Press in 1996. At the start of the 2022-23 NBA season, Swirsky announced the release of his memoir, “Always a Pleasure.”

When asked about being honored with the new bobblehead, Chuck said, “With a heart of gratitude and humility I'm honored to be included in the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum. The passion I have in my heart for what sports has meant to me, first as a young boy in Seattle, then culminating with a career as an NBA play-by-play announcer, is a dream come true. Thank you to members of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame & AUTOGRAPH1 for making this possible.”

AUTOGRAPH1 Co-Founders Mitch Dubinsky and Steve Gassman approached their newest client Chuck Swirsky as well as the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum with the concept to create a bobblehead for another broadcasting icon. AUTOGRAPH1 commented, “We are extremely proud to work with such a broadcasting legend as Chuck Swirsky.”

"We are honored to release this bobblehead of Chicago radio legend Chuck Swirsky in celebration of his illustrious broadcasting career,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “With his popular catchphrases, positivity and unbridled enthusiasm, Chuck has been a fan favorite for decades and we think fans will enjoy this new bobblehead.”

About the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum:
 The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened to the public on February 1st, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale as well as organizations, individuals, and teams across the country. Visit us online and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

About AUTOGRAPH1:
 AUTOGRAPH1, with a combined 50+ years’ experience, brings pro athletes and current celebrities to you. We currently book our clients for public appearances, private signings, meet & greets and corporate events. Visit us online and on Twitter and Instagram. Contact us at autgrf1@gmail.com.


NEWS RELEASE

April 12, 2022                                                

 

“Black Jack” Jack McDowell Limited-Edition Bobblehead Unveiled


MILWAUKEE, WI – Today, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled an officially licensed, limited-edition bobblehead of former major league pitcher Jack McDowell, who won the American League Cy Young Award in 1993. The special edition bobblehead is being produced by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in conjunction with Jack McDowell and AUTOGRAPH1.

 

Wearing a black jersey and cap along with white pinstripe pants, the McDowell bobblehead is getting ready to unleash a pitch. The No. 29 jersey includes the logo of his former band, “Stickfigure,” while the front of the cap features a Jack and Ace of Spades. The backing of the base, which bears McDowell’s name and number, features two large playing cards – the Ace and Jack of Spades.

Each bobblehead is individually numbered to 1,993 and they are only available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. The bobbleheads are $30 each plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order.

A California native, McDowell put together a 127-87 record with a 3.85 ERA and 1,311 strikeouts in 12 big-league seasons. Nicknamed “Black Jack,” he finished his career with 13 shutouts and 62 complete games. The right-hander was an All-Star selection in three consecutive seasons from 1991-93 while a member of the Chicago White Sox. A two-time 20-game winner, McDowell won the American League Cy Young Award in 1993 after winning a league-best 22 games and posting a 3.37 ERA. After playing seven seasons with the White Sox in which he was regarded as one of the most dependable pitchers in the game, McDowell played one season with the New York Yankees, two seasons with the Cleveland Indians and two seasons with the Anaheim Angels before retiring.

Drafted by the Boston Red Sox out of Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, in 1984, McDowell opted not to sign and instead chose to attend Stanford University where he was a two-time All-American and led the Cardinal to the College World Series championship in 1987. He was selected by the White Sox in the first round (fifth overall) of the 1987 MLB Draft and made his big-league debut on September 15, 1987, after only six games in the minor leagues.

Since retiring after the 1999 season, McDowell has coached at various levels. A guitarist, McDowell has also been involved with bands during and after his playing days. His first band, V.I.E.W., toured with The Smithereens in 1992 before disbanding. His second band, Stickfigure, was active from the mid-1990s to 2003.

When asked about the bobblehead, Jack said, “I’m appreciative of more flashbacks of my baseball career and music beginnings.”

"We are excited to release this bobblehead of Jack McDowell, one of the best pitchers of the 1990s,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum Co-Founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “While known for his work on the mound, ‘Black Jack’ ranks near the top of the best athlete/musicians.”

AUTOGRAPH1 Co-Founders Mitch Dubinsky & Steve Gassman approached Jack McDowell and the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum with the concept to create this unique bobblehead in January 2021. “We are thrilled that everyone came together to produce this detailed bobblehead that baseball fans will love,” said Mitch Dubinsky & Steve Gassman.

About the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum:

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened to the public on February 1st, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale as well as organizations, individuals, and teams across the country. Visit us online and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

About AUTOGRAPH1:

AUTOGRAPH1, with a combined 50 + years experience, brings pro athletes and current celebrities to you. We currently book our clients for public appearances, private signings, meet & greets and corporate events. Visit us online and on Twitter and Instagram. Contact us at autgrf1@gmail.com.

First Les Grobstein Bobblehead Unveiled

 

MILWAUKEE, WI – Today, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled a limited-edition official bobblehead to honor longtime Chicago Sports Radio Broadcaster Les Grobstein, who passed away on January 16, 2022, at the age of 69. The bobblehead is being released on March 11, 2022, which would have been Grobstein’s 70th birthday. In addition, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued a proclamation declaring March 11, 2022, as Les Grobstein Day. The bobblehead is being produced by the museum in conjunction with Les Grobstein’s family and AUTOGRAPH1 to honor the beloved “Grobber.”

 

Wearing a press pass around his neck, the smiling Grobstein bobblehead is holding a microphone in his right hand and his trusty tape recorder in his left hand. He is standing on a circular base bearing his name along with the 670 The Score (WSCR-AM) logo. The bobblehead includes sound clips from Grobstein that play at the touch of a button.

Each bobblehead will be individually numbered, and they are only available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store. The bobbleheads, which are expected to ship in July 2022, are $30 each plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order.

Grobstein, a Chicago native, had a career that spanned over 50 years on the Chicago airwaves. Grobstein served as 670 The Score’s weeknight overnight host since 2009. In addition to his time spent at 670 The Score, Grobstein was the Sports Director at WLS-AM Radio from 1979-89 and he also worked for WLUP-AM and WMVP-AM. He had worked for Associated Press Broadcasting since 1975 and ABC Sports Radio since 1980. His career play-by-play assignments included the Chicago Rush of the Arena Football League, Northwestern University Wildcats basketball, Chicago Hustle women’s basketball, Chicago Sting soccer, Chicago Horizons indoor soccer, UIC Flames basketball and hockey, Chicago Cheetahs roller hockey, the Chicago Sky of the WNBA, and many high school football and basketball contests.

A fixture in press boxes for every professional sports team in Chicago and around the country, Grobstein’s claim to fame was recording an infamous obscenity-laced tirade by former Chicago Cubs Manager Lee Elia in 1983 in which he ripped Cubs fans for failing to support the team. The clip remains popular almost 40 years later. Some wondered if Grobstein ever slept since he worked overnights in between covering games. Known for his encyclopedic memory and sports knowledge, Grobstein could remember the first Bears-Packers game he attended as a young fan in 1963. In his life, he attended more than 100 games between the bitter rivals.

Les’ family made the following statement on the release of the bobblehead, “The family is still reeling from the sudden loss of Les, but we are thrilled to see this bobblehead released on his birthday. He was a bobblehead fan and would have loved seeing his bobblehead unveiled today."

"We are honored to release this bobblehead of Chicago sports legend Les Grobstein,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum Co-Founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “Just like the rest of his loyal fans, we were saddened by the death of ‘The Grobber’. Sports radio in Chicago, especially overnights, won’t be the same.”

AUTOGRAPH1 Co-Owners Mitch Dubinsky and Steve Gassman said, “When we received the call from National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum Co-Founder and CEO Phil Sklar to get involved in producing another bobblehead, we were thrilled that it was going to be in honor of Chicago’s very own Les Grobstein.”

About the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum:
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened to the public on February 1, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale as well as organizations, individuals, and teams across the country. Visit us online and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About AUTOGRAPH1:
AUTOGRAPH1, with a combined 50 + years experience, brings pro athletes and current celebrities to you. We currently book our clients for public appearances, private signings, meet & greets and corporate events. Visit us online and on Twitter and Instagram. Contact us at autgrf1@gmail.com.


For Immediate Release

April 1, 2021
Contact: AUTOGRAPH1
autgrf1@gmail.com
Deerfield, IL


AUTOGRAPH1 and World Renowned Artist John Hanley and former Oakland A’s Legendary Pitcher Vida Blue are proud to present and release a limited edition lithograph celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Vida Blue’s incredible 1971 A.L. Cy Young Award & 1971 A.L. MVP Award.

The celebratory 11"x15" lithograph will be limited to only 71 prints. Vida Blue signed and inscribed (1971 A.L. Cy Young & 1971 A.L. MVP) each one in the presence of AUTOGRAPH1 Co-Owners Steve Gassman & Mitch Dubinsky on March 30, 2021 in San Francisco, California. Artist John Hanley signed & hand-numbered each print in his Los Angeles, California Art Studio on March 25, 2021.

The prints are now available for purchase ($120 plus S/H) at www.johnhanleyartist.com.

Vida Blue shared his thoughts about the commemorative lithograph: “This litho is pretty cool! It has the blue glove I used in ‘71, it highlights the Cy Young and MVP trophy and of course I wore number 35.”

Watch Vida Blue share his thoughts on the commemorative lithograph and his memorable 1971 season at https://youtu.be/5aMbqlVg_6A.

Our client Vida Blue was 24-8 in 1971 making him the best overall pitcher in Major League Baseball. “We are very excited to be a part of honoring and celebrating Vida Blue’s incredible 1971 season with this lithograph,” said AUTOGRAPH1 Co-Owners Steve & Mitch. “We are also extremely proud to have commissioned our client Artist John Hanley to paint such a beautiful portrait capturing Vida Blue with his awards and famous high leg kick off the mound.”

John Hanley said, "Creating art for my pals at AUTOGRAPH1 for the 50th Anniversary of Vida Blue’s monster season of 1971 was a huge thrill. As a nine year-old boy in ’71 I remember watching Vida on Saturday's Game of the Week on NBC and especially the All-Star Game in Detroit, he was larger than life and to have the opportunity to document his special accomplishment with my artwork is indeed an honor.”

With only 71 prints available we anticipate selling out quickly. Order your lithograph today!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


January 25, 2021

Contact: AUTOGRAPH1

autgrf1@gmail.com

Deerfield, IL


Autograph1 is pleased to announce our newest client. We are working with legendary New York guitarist Joel Hoekstra. He currently plays for Whitesnake/David Coverdale and Trans-Siberian Orchestra and he is also well known for his work with Cher, Night Ranger and the Broadway show Rock of Ages, his fill-in work with Foreigner and annual sets on the Monsters of Rock Cruise. Joel is a frequent columnist for Guitar World Magazine. In 2015, Joel released the debut album from his side project “Joel Hoekstra’s 13,” entitled “Dying To Live” and the follow-up “Running Games” will be released in February 2021. He has also released three solo albums that you should own. 


On Monday, January 25, 2021, AUTOGRAPH1 and the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled a limited edition bobblehead of Joel. This is the first bobblehead of Joel, which is being produced and sold exclusively by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in conjunction with Joel Hoekstra and AUTOGRAPH1.

 

The bobbleheads are only available through the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s Online Store at 

https://tinyurl.com/y5rve44f and are expected to ship in May 2021. They are $25 each plus a flat-rate shipping charge of $8 per order.


When asked about getting his own bobblehead Joel said, “Psyched to have my first official bobblehead! I’ve always wanted a massive cranium and now my dream has come true.”

"We’re excited to be teaming up with Joel to give his fans a unique bobblehead to celebrate the legendary guitarist,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said, “We think the bobblehead turned out great and we’re sure his fans will really love them.”


AUTOGRAPH1 co-owners Mitch Dubinsky & Steve Gassman said, “This bobblehead is sure to be a great addition to rock music fans’ collections.”

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, which is located at 170 S. 1st St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, opened to the public on February 1st, 2019. The HOF and Museum also produces high quality, customized bobbleheads for retail sale as well as organizations, individuals, and teams across the country. Visit them online, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


AUTOGRAPH1 brings pro athletes & entertainers to you for public appearances, private signings, meet & greets, corporate events. Please visit our site at: https://sites.google.com/view/autograph1/home

Joel’s photo courtesy of Michael Polito Photography.