Bob Speake Return

Yesterday I received a nice return from Bob Speake, who signed his 1956, 1957 and 1959 Topps for me.

This was my only outstanding request from the last few months so any other returns will be a big surprise.  I need to find some time to send out some of the cards from the 70's that I've got laying around.

I didn't end up going to TwinsFest this year.  Too cold and the roster just wasn't compelling enough to get me to spend the money.

Bill Dailey - 1964 Western Oil Print

Today I received a nice return from Bill Dailey, who signed his 1964 Western Oil print that I sent on New Year's Eve.

It looks like it got a little bent.  I guess the cardboard I included in the envelope wasn't strong enough to prevent it from getting bent.  It's not too bad, and will probably improve by laying flat for a while.

That gives me a perfect return rate for 2018.  I clearly didn't take many risks.

Happy New Year! 2019 Collecting Goals

Happy New Year!

In looking back at 2018, I didn't set any goals.  And it shows.

I only sent out 49 requests.  48 of them were returned successfully, and the remaining request was just sent out yesterday.

One of the highlights of the year was adding Chuck Knoblauch to my 1991 Twins World Series bobblehead set. 

I completed a few multi-signed cards and received TTM successes from several Hall of Famers including Jim Palmer, Brooks Robinson, Ryne Sandberg and Al Kaline.

At least for a while, I will have less money to spend on autographs.  I have a 1967 Mustang convertible in the shop getting some frame repairs and a new floor, which will consume much of my fun money.

For 2019, I plan to focus on some TTM while minimizing the costs.  I have a lot of cards I can send out including the 1978 Topps set.  I will also focus on a smaller number of select items, such as adding any players I can to my 1991 Twins bobblehead set, Western Oil prints, magazines and perhaps some Gold Glove baseballs.

My only goal for the year will be to hit 100 TTM requests.  I haven't hit that mark since 2015.

I'm currently undecided about going to TwinsFest.  The roster isn't looking very interesting, and I really don't need any more Blyleven, Carew and Oliva autographs.  I'll keep an eye on the list and decide later.

Good luck to you in 2019!