Friday, November 25, 2016

Tom Wright - 1954 Topps

Today I received Tom Wright, who signed his 1954 Topps in ballpoint for me.


I only have a few cards out in the mail right now.  I need to spend some time going over my sets to see which I need and start buying some cards.  I'm getting to the point where there aren't many good signers left in my sets.  I think I can get a few more 1961 Topps, so that's where I'll focus.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Craigslist Purchase

I occasionally (okay, often), scan the local Craigslist ads for Twins memorabilia.  I rarely find anything other than people trying to sell their 1987 World Series Cereal boxes for outrageous amounts of money.

Last night I saw an ad for several signed ice cream helmets, including Jim Perry, Bert Blyleven, Kent Hrbek, Rod Carew and Kirby Puckett.  Of course it was the Puckett that was of interest to me, so I texted him right away.  I was told the seller was waiting on a reply from another interested buyer that wanted the Puckett and the Carew.  I just wanted the Puckett, but told the seller I had cash and could be there right away.  He was only asking $35 for the Puckett helmet.

We continued to text a bit and it turned out the seller was getting rid of all of his collection and he wanted me to come look at it.  I wasn't sure exactly what he had, and didn't want to drive for 30 minutes to look at more cereal boxes, so I told him I'd go take a look if the Puckett helmet was still for sale.  He said he'd sell it to me, so I took off right away!

When I got there, he had all his mini helmets on his desk, and the Puckett was really nice.  Based on the line up of signers, I assumed someone had gotten them at TwinsFest, and the seller confirmed that.




He showed me his other items, mostly vintage bobbleheads, but REALLY vintage bobbleheads.  He had some very cool Maris and Mantle bobbles from the 1960's, a couple Willie Mays and a lot more, including non-sports figures.

He showed me the old Twins bobbleheads he had.  The ones that they sold at Met Stadium in the 1960's. They were in great shape, and his asking price was very reasonable. I have always wanted one of these, but the price was a usually a bit too much for me and I thought I'd have to settle for a damaged one.

After some discussion, and looking at a few bats and balls he had, I was able to buy all four of the vintage bobbleheads and the Puckett helmet for all the cash I had in my wallet.  I had taken extra, not knowing what he might have, and I'm glad I did.


I'm having a little trouble finding information on exactly when these bobbles were sold as there's some conflicting information on the internet.  Now I might have to look into these in more detail and try to get them all!

Thursday, November 17, 2016

My Fourth Spring Training Return - Kyle Gibson

Just when I had given up hope, I received another return from Twins' Spring Training.  Kyle Gibson signed his 2014 and 2015 Topps Heritage cards for me in about nine months.


Kyle and his teammates Tommy Milone, Trevor May, Kennys Vargas and Eduardo Escobar returned cards for me this year.  I still have eight more requests out from Spring Training.  I wonder if I'll get any more back.

Saturday, November 12, 2016

My First 1965 Topps of the Year!

I've really been slacking on my goals for the year.  I set a goal of adding five more signed cards to my 1965 set, but just got my first one back today.

Al Stanek signed his card for $5 in about nine days.


This weekend I'm going to review my list of cards I still need for the 1965 set and see if I can get four more done this year.  Time is running out!

Saturday, November 05, 2016

Tom Murphy Return

I sent a request to Tom Murphy in early January and he was kind enough to sign my cards and return them today.

He signed his 1976, 1978 and 1979 Topps for my collection added another card to my 1978 set.

 

I haven't sent out nearly as many cards for the 78 set as I had planned.  I really enjoy sending out the vintage cards and those opportunities are coming more and more scarce, so I'm doing my best to send out what I can (and what I don't already have).

Friday, November 04, 2016

Orlando Cepeda Private Signing Return

I added another card to my 1963 Topps set as well as my 2000 Fleer Greats of the Game set.

Orlando Cepeda signed each of them through a private signing that an SCN contact set up.



I created a checklist of the Greats of the Game cards that I have.  Of the 107 cards, I have 36 signed.  I was surprised to see how many of the certified cards I have signed, and I haven't counted those in this count.  I also regret not having sent some out to players I used to send to but have since passed away, such as Bob Feller and Phil Rizzuto.

I do have a few really nice ones including Duke Snider, Yogi Berra and Rod Carew.





I sent out four requests yesterday, including a 52 Topps, a couple 54 Topps, and a 65 Topps.