Still No Returns

I have over a dozen requests that have been out for 10 days now, and still no returns. Very odd.

Today I received eight signed 1951 Bowmans that I bought on eBay. All of these players are deceased, and I picked up these cards for about the same price as unsigned cards, so I'm really happy to have them.

Marty Marion Return Today

My son got a return today from Marty Marion. While at the card show at Har Mar Mall the weekend before last, Johnny picked up Marion's 1949 Bowman for $3. The card had a couple of light pencil check marks on it which are barely noticeable.







Johnny sent the letter on August 17th and got it back today, just one week later. In addition to signing the 1949 Bowman, Mr. Marion signed and included a 1948 Bowman reprint, and a 1953 Topps Archives (reprint) which was a little smudged.

Tribe Hill Trio - Part II

My older son decided to get all three signatures on the 1962 Topps Tribe Hill Trio. He bought a nice copy of the card at a card show a while ago and I encouraged him to start with the toughest signer, Barry Latman.

He sent the card off to Latman on June 29th and got it back today, signed nicely in blue sharpie. So far, his card is looking better than mine. Mine started getting beat up on the trip to Jim Perry, and even more so when I sent it to Dick Stigman. Mine was also signed in three different types and color of pen, so we'll see how Johnny's turns out.

Moose

Today my son got back a 2000 Fleer Greats of the Game (a set he's collecting) signed by Bill "Moose" Skowron. He included $5 cash with his request.

Mr. Skowron returned this request quickly, as it was sent just 7 days ago.

More Must-Have Autographs - Phil Niekro

Next on my list of autographs that every collector should have is Phil Niekro. Niekro, a knuckleballer, pitched in the majors until the age of 48. Phil and his brother Joe won 538 games combined, beating out Jim and Gaylord Perry for the highest combined wins for brothers. 318 of those wins were Phil's.

Twins fans may remember Joe for the emery board incident in 1987 in which the umptire caught him doctoring up the ball which resulted in being ejected from the game and a ten game suspension. Unfortunately, Joe died suddenly in 2006.

Phil was a 5-time All Star (in three different decades), a 5-time Gold Glove winner and was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

Phil used to be hit-and-miss through the mail, signing for free about half of the time. I must have sent a dozen requests over5 years and never got a successful return. I purchased a signed ball at a mail-in signing event in 2006.

Recently, he has begun signing ttm for a fee. He charges $10 for cards and $20 for balls. Very reasonable for a Hall of Fame player. I had him sign my 2008 Goudey back in January. I just purchased his 1965 rookie card on eBay, which I'll send out as soon as I get it.

Another Must Have Autograph - Robin Roberts

Next in the series of autographs that every collector should have is Robin Roberts. Roberts is a Phillies legend, playing with the team from 1948 to 1961. He also played for a few other teams from 1962 to 1966, including the Orioles, Astros and Cubs.

A right handed pitcher, Roberts won 20 or more games in six straight seasons from 1950 to 1955, winning 28 games in 1952. He had seven All-Star Game appearances, retired with a 3.41 ERA and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1976.

Mr. Roberts signs through the mail for a small donation to B.A.T. (Baseball Assistance Team), which is an organization that raises money for retired players in need. For a $10 donation, he will sign a card, ball or picture.

I have several autographs of his including a ball with his HOF year, a 1953 Sport Magazine, and a few cards from the sets I collect (1958 Topps, 1951 Bowman, 1965 Topps).

More Hall of Fame Autographs Every Collector Should Have - Bobby Doerr

In my second installment of autographs that every collector should have, I'm highlighting Bobby Doerr.

Bobby Doerr started playing for the Red Sox in 1937 as a 19 year old rookie second baseman and played with them until 1951. He played in eight All-Star games and hit over .300 two different seasons, and never hit below .270.

He was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veteran's Committee in 1986.

I have several autographs from Bobby Doerr including a ball inscribed with his HOF year, a 1949 Bowman, a 2004 Donruss "Timelines" game used bat card, a 2006 Allen & Ginter, as well as a couple of others.


When I sent my first request in October of 2003, he included a signed Hall of Fame postcard as well.


Mr. Doerr is over 90 years old but still signs everything sent to him and has a very nice signature.

A Return Today

I received a return today from Joe Azcue on a 1965 Topps. I included an extra card for him to keep, which he did.

I sent this card out on April 10th. I knew it was a bit old when I saw it in the mail box since I had begun printing my letters and envelopes and this one was handwritten.

There was a nice break between my boys' hockey season and baseball season where I sent out quite a few requests, but haven't sent many out since then. I have a nice 1959 Topps I want to send out to Duke Snider, as well as the 1962 Tribe Hill Trio card to be finished off by Dick Stigman. I'll try to get to those this weekend, but both my boys have baseball tournaments.

Finally, a Return

I was surprised to get a return today considering I haven't sent out a request in almost two months! I can't believe it's been that long. Today I received a 1965 Topps signed by Tom Egan. He also answered my question regarding his career after his playing days, noting that he coached in the Mets minor league system for a couple of years.

I've been watching plenty of baseball lately. Between my two sons, we have a game almost every night, or at least a practice. My younger son had a tournament last weekend, where they played six games from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. They took third place (out of twelve teams). My son (nine years old) pitched 9 innings on Sunday; three innings in each of three games.

Eddie Haas Return

The plumber has come and gone, leaving my basement ceiling with an eight inch gap running the length of the room where they replaced my copper pipes with plastic. Oh well.

I finally got some scans of the cards I received back from Eddie Haas on Tuesday. He signed his 1959 Topps "The Sporting News" Rookie Stars card, as well as his 1985 Topps Traded manager card.

More Work in the Basement

When we turned on the sprinklers this spring, we found yet another leak in the plumbing in the basement. The plumbers arrive tomorrow to replace all my copper lines with plastic to prevent this from happening again. My computer is still hooked up, but not the scanner, so I'm limited in what I can post.

I did get a return yesterday. Eddie Haas signed a couple of cards. When I can, I'll get the scanner hooked up and get those cards posted.

My older son received a Dave Winfield ball with Steiner holo and coa from Jim 'n Steve's Sportscards. A bargain at just $40 plus shipping.

My younger son pitched three no-hit innings tonight, striking out 8 and walking 4. No runs scored. His team ended up winning by the 10-run rule in the 5th inning.

Meanwhile, the Twins bullpen is beyond frustrating. They simply can't hold a lead.

Ozzie Smith Back Today

Today I got back two cards I sent to an AtommicSports signing for Ozzie Smith.

Of course, I got the 2008 Goudey signed, and also decided to have him sign his rookie card, a 1979 Topps. Check out the sideburns!


I'll have to take another look at the Goudey checklist to see who else I want to get. I passed on a Mike Schmidt signing at $50. I doubt I'll find it much cheaper, but I thought I had better uses for $50 at the time.

The only paid signing items I have left outstanding are the Jim Kaat bobblehead and 1965 Topps of Tommy John and Ryne Duren from the MLBPAA signing in March.

It's becoming clear that I will have very little time to send out requests based on my evening schedule with my kids. My goal of 365 mail requests this year is looking like it's going to be very tough.

Brooks Robinson and Del Crandall

I got back my Brooks Robinson 2008 Goudey. A member of SCN took of bunch of requests to the dugoutzone.com signing. This makes 21 signed Goudeys in my collection. I'm not sure how many more I'm going to get. I forgot that I needed Brooks on a 1965 Topps too, so I'll have to get that next time.

I also got back a 1954 Topps signed by Del Crandall. I included $3 with my request.

Some Returns Today

I finally got some returns today.

Roy Smalley Sr. signed his 1954 Topps and the 1985 Topps Father/Son card already signed by Jr. He also included a piece of paper with his picture and years he played on which he thanked me and signed his name.

I also got back the ball signed by Wade Boggs that I sent in to an MLBPAA charity event back in March. I'm still waiting for the Jim Kaat bobblehead and Tommy John and Ryne Duren 1965 Topps cards that I sent in.

Jim Perry - Tribe Hill Trio

Today I received a return from Jim Perry, who signed the 1962 Topps Tribe Hill Trio card already signed by Barry Latman.

Now it's off to Dick Stigman to complete it. Mr. Stigman lives about 20 minutes away from me, so hopefully it will be a quick return. The card is starting to show some wear, but looks better than the scan makes it look.

It's not feeling like baseball season here in Minnesota. I just got back from my son's baseball practice. Two hours in 42 degrees, with a stiff wind and drizzle. I can barely feel my left hand, and the leather stitching in my (25 year old) glove broke.

The Twins have a day off while heading out to Boston. I'm looking forward to watching the series against the Red Sox.

Returned Home To Some TTM Returns

When I got back from my trip today, I had three returns waiting for me.

First, I was relieved to see that Bobby Richardson signed and returned the 1959 Topps Run Preventers card already signed by Bob Turley and Gil McDougald. I got lucky on this one and all three of them signed it in the same color, so it looks pretty nice.

Jim Davenport signed his 1960, 1964 and 1969 Topps in black sharpie. The '69 smeared a little, but not too bad.

Lastly, Eddie Fisher signed his 1960, 1961 and 1964 Topps in ballpoint.

I don't have too many outstanding requests right now. I'll have to take some time and send out some more. I might try to send to a few current players. I find that early in the season is a pretty good time to get some successes.

The Twins have been pretty disappointing so far. They're giving up way too many runs. Tonight they face Roy Halladay and the Blue Jays, which will be a struggle, I'm sure.

Duke Snider Return

Another great return today. Duke Snider signed a 1955 Sport Magazine for me. I included $10 with my request. Duke Snider is one of my favorite retired players. I have sent to him several times and this is the third magazine of his I have in my collection.

I also got three cards back from Ray Narleski, who signed his 1956, 1959 and 1960 Topps.

Big Day For Returns

I received six returns today. Thursday is keeping up its reputation as a great day for returns.

The highlight of the day is the 1956 Sports Illustrated signed by Whitey Ford, in an amazing five days! I included $25 with my request.

I got a total of eight signed cards back today.

Roy Sievers signed a 1960 and 1962 Topps.

Tom Satriano signed his 1965 Topps.

Ray Crone signed his 1955 and 1958 Topps. I already have a signed 1958 Topps from him, but this one is definitely an upgrade.

Grady Hatton signed his 1955 Topps.

Johnny Kucks signed his 1960 and 1962 Topps.


The Twins pulled out a win last night, but then lost the series finale this afternoon. Glen Perkins started out by giving up a run in the first, but then held the Mariners scoreless for another 7 innings. Unfortunately, the Twins couldn't score and got shut out, 2-0.

I'd say Perkins' performance was the bright spot, since the other starters' ERAs are greater than 5, and Slowey's is 7.5!

The Twins go to Chicago tomorrow. R.A. Dickey is starting for the Twins. Who?

Hankyu Braves

Today I got my first autograph from the Hankyu Braves. Without even trying! I got a return from Daryl Spencer who signed my 1959 and 1960 Topps. In my letter, I mentioned his career playing in Japan. He sent me a cool card, published by Baseball Magazine, of him with the Hankyu Braves. He also included a couple of photocopied sheets with his career highlights on them. Cool stuff.

I have an overflowing scrapbook of items that players sent me in addition to what I sent them to sign. Some included business cards, handwritten letters, additional pictures or newspaper clippings. I need to organize it better.

The Twins had an exciting win last night, but look like they're struggling tonight against the Mariners. Morneau and Span hit homers, but we're still losing 4 to 5 in the 5th.

Catching Up On Returns

I got four returns yesterday, but none today (Tuesday, of course).

Jimmie Hall signed two 1965 Topps and a 1969 Topps. I had offered the extra '65 for him to keep, but he signed it and returned it.

Jerry Kindall signed his 1959 and 1960 Topps.

Andy Pafko signed his 1949 Bowman. I really love these old cards! I have a little of 30 signed.

Gil McDougald signed the 1959 Topps Run Preventers card that Bob Turley recently signed. Now it's off to Bobby Richardson to complete it. Mr. Richardson sometimes takes several months to return, but his success rate is very high. I'll be happy to get it back.

What was with the Twins last night? Not a good start to the season. Bedard pitches for Seattle tonight and he's tough too. Redmond is out after getting hit with a broken bat, so we're down to a single catcher in Jose Morales. Better get Drew Butera on a plane from Rochester if Red will be out for long.