Andrew "Andy" Joseph Michael Sr. (June 3, 1924–June 1, 2007) was a baseball memorabilia collector. He was known as "Mr. Baseball", "Duke", and "Flash". Born in Concord, New Hampshire, Michael served in the United States Army during World War II. Later, he became a scout for the New York Yankees and a collector of baseball memorabilia.
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Andrew Joseph Michael was born Anthony Joseph Minichiello on June 3, 1924, to Frank and Lena Minichiello, both Italian immigrants, in Concord, New Hampshire.[1] The family legally changed their surname to Michael in 1927, and Anthony's name was changed to Andrew to sound more American. Andrew Michael's brothers, Johnny and Tommy, also served in the Army, while his brother, Frankie, worked at the Navy Yard.[2]
After growing up playing baseball, and receiving and offer to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals,[2] Michael joined the United States Army on March 8, 1943.[3] During World War II, he served in Germany and France.[4] As a Private First Class, Michael, an explosives expert, was primarily responsible for destroying roads and bridges.[5]
Michael was a highly-decorated veteran, being awarded seven medals in just 14 months, who was severely injured by enemy shrapnel during combat operations in 1943. These injuries ended his military service as well as any hopes for a professional baseball career. Michael returned to Concord after being honorably discharged and married his wife of 58 years, Doris "Gasper" Michael. The couple met as Michael got off the bus as he was returning home.
Michael and Doris started a family three years later. Their first-born was a daughter, Bonnie Lena Michael, born in 1947. Their next child was a son, Andrew J. Michael Jr., born in 1951, followed by twin boys born in 1955, Frank Joseph Michael and Robert Joseph Michael. The couple also took in their grandson, Andrew J. Michael III, at the age of 13, after the death of Andrew Jr. in 1983.
Michael had grown up around many baseball greats including Ray Dobens and Red Rolfe,[6] who introduced Michael to Joe DiMaggio in 1936 when he was 12 years old.[3] The two became lifelong friends, and Michael began meeting players and management for the New York Yankees as he traveled with DiMaggio and the team. Michael received many personal letters from DiMaggio over the years.[7]
Michael was a scout for the New York Yankees from 1978 to 1982 and was responsible for the signing of Bob Tewksbury and Joe Lefebvre who were both drafted by the Yankees out of Concord, New Hampshire. Michael left the Yankees in 1982 to pursue full time his lifelong love of collecting baseball memorabilia.
Over the next 25 years, Michael amassed one of the largest baseball memorabilia collections in the United States, including many pieces that he personally traveled the country carrying to get autographed by dozens of "old-time" baseball stars. His trademark is his Yankees cap, which he removed only when he showered and slept.[8]
Michael became nationally recognized for his collection and declined dozens of offers to purchase it as a whole. Michael refused to sell anything until after the death of his wife in 2004.
While Michael sold much of his collection to private investors, the location of some of the most valuable pieces remains unknown.
Michael was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005 as a lifetime member for his numerous donations to the museum of rare baseball memorabilia over five decades.[9]
Michael suffered a stroke and died a few days later at Concord Hospital on June 1, 2007.[1] He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, his first son, Andrew Michael, Jr. and his daughter Bonnie.
