Ernie Banks and Another 1987 Twins Bobblehead

Late last week I received a few items back from paid signings that I haven't had time to post yet.

I sent in a black and white 11x14 photo of Ernie Banks and Johnny Bench to an Atommic Sports Ernie Banks signing.  I will definitely be getting Johnny Bench to sign it too.

I also got back a 1987 Twins bobblehead of George Frazier.  An SCN contact had a signing with a few players and Mr. Frazier was one of them.

I started taking pictures and scanning in our TwinsFest items and have completed my younger son's items.  I'll start posting those tomorrow.

Bob Locker and Ernie Banks - And What's Up With Blyleven?

Another return and a purchase.  First, I bought a 1971 Topps Ernie Banks from Steve on SCN, who got me the Gates Brown card signed.

Also, Bob Locker signed his 1971 and 1972 Topps.

I keep checking the Twins web site to see if the TwinsFest schedule is out.  It's not.  But I noticed they changed the wording around Blyleven's autograph restrictions:

Bert Blyleven

• Will sign only personalized items including flat items, baseballs (no sweet spot) and specialty items signed by multiple players (Homer Hankies, prints, programs, etc.)
• No bats, jerseys or HOF inscriptions

I'm not real happy about this.  It's not very fan friendly.  A lot of people wrote about how he should be in the Hall of Fame and a lot of fans supported him.  Is this how he thanks them?  I'm sure his price will be $30 this year, like the other Hall of Famers.  For $30, I wouldn't expect that my item would have to be personalized.  It looks like Bert has signed a contract with MAB.  They are selling baseballs with his HOF inscription for $105!  Wow, Bert didn't waste any time cashing in on his Hall of Fame election. 

First Return of the Year - Bill Hands

First, I forgot to mention one milestone in my 2010 wrap up in my last post.  I crossed the 2000 success mark for through the mail (ttm) requests.  I am at 2014 now.  I've been sending out since mid-2003.

I was happy to get a return today as I don't have many out.  Bill Hands signed his 1971 and 1972 Topps for me.  I sent this one out before Thanksgiving.

I sent out 14 requests this morning and received a few cards from Ebay purchases today so I hope to send out a few more tomorrow.  I also received an Ernie Banks photo that I intended to send in to a signing but the upper right corner was crushed in the mail.  I'm committed to the signing and not sure if I'll have time to replace it before the signing.

Ernie Banks - 2008 Goudey

Today I received a 2008 Goudey signed by Ernie Banks from a signing at Jim and Steve's. It was delayed a few weeks but came back signed nicely. I also got a ball signed for a friend and it looks great.

I have a 2008 Goudey out to a Mike Schmidt signing and am planning a few more including Eddie Murray, Fred Lynn and Willie McCovey. This set is getting expensive.

I also received another 1954 Topps Whitey Ford today that I bought on eBay. It's an SGC graded card. It's the perfect condition for an autograph: no creases, decent centering, reasonable corners, but still graded as VG/EX, so it was affordable at $40. Do a search on eBay and see if you can find another in this condition. It's not easy. The last one I sent to Mr. Ford came back signed twice. I've decided to send another. I'll also send Yogi Berra his 1954 Topps next week.