Great Day for Autographs

The line for Casilla was very short and he arrived about five minutes early. After getting through the first time and having him sign my (his) game used bat, I got back in line right about where I had waited before it began. There were only about 10 people in back of me when I got up to his table the second time, so I asked if he'd just sign the three cards I had of him, which he did.



I left the store at about 5 minutes after 11:00 with my four autographs and headed home. In addition to the bat, he signed 2008 and 2009 Topps Heritage cards and a 2007 Topps '52.


Earlier, Jack Morris signed my HHH Metrodome ball:


As well as an 8x10, Johnny's bobblehead and a 2008 Goudey:

I'm glad I was able to get items signed for my sons too, who are still on their way back from "up north". I haven't even gotten the mail yet today, so maybe I'll get some more returns.

Tomorrow we'll head up to Tom Frantzen's and see Gene Larkin.

Seven Returns Today!

Holy cow, my mailbox was packed today. In fact, the only email I got today was autograph returns and one card I bought on eBay. No junk mail, bills, etc. Nice.

I received the ball back that I sent to Sam Mele as the start to my 1965 Twins ball. However, he wrote a very large "#14" on one of the side panels, so I can't really use this as a team ball. I guess I'll just keep it as-is. I'm not sure if I'll bother starting another one or not.


I got back 11 cards from six players today.

First, Gaylord Perry signed his 2008 Goudey for me. I sent $15 to a place called All Sports USA that handles his autograph requests.

Next, Duane Pillette signed his 1952 Topps. He even put it in a semi-rigid holder for the return shipping, very nice of him. I no longer even consider using these since the White Ford incident where he signed the sleeve instead of the card.

Bob Feller signed a 1951 Bowman. I've been trying to find an affordable and decent condition card for a while and finally got one. I included $10 cash with my request.

Cal McLish signed a 1959 and 1960 Topps. His pen doesn't seem to have been working great, but is still okay.

Ruben Amaro (Sr., not the Phillies Manager) signed three cards for me: a 1959, 1961 and 1968 Topps.




Finally, Steve Boros signed 1959, 1961 and 1987 Topps cards for me.



I've spent a good deal of the evening scanning these in and putting these on my website and recording the successes on SCN.

Tomorrow morning I'm heading to the Jack Morris signing in Woodbury. I'll see if I can get through the line twice before heading up to Rainbow Foods to see Casilla.

TTM Return Today

After a bit of a dry spell, I got a request back in the mail, my first of 2009. Ray Rippelmeyer signed his 1961 and 1962 Topps for me. He also wrote a nice letter about his career in baseball after his playing days, which I asked about in my request.










I also received a 2008 Goudey signed by Jack Morris that I bought on eBay. This is the "Goudey Graphs" card, which means the card company (Upper Deck) had Morris sign the card so it's authenticity is assured. I bought it for less than I'm sure his fee will be at TwinsFest, so I can get something else signed instead. Probably a ball.


My sons and I saw Jack Morris at a card show at Har Mar Mall in August of 2007. I had him sign a bobblehead. My sons had him sign baseballs. Johnny bought a 1991 World Series ball from a vendor at the show to have him sign, which I'm jealous of. I should have done the same.