Dick Simpson TTM Return

 I had one return today.  Two days ago, this return was included in my Informed Delivery email from the USPS, but it didn't actually show up in my mailbox until today.

I'm not sure why this happens, but I think it happens when it gets delivered to someone else's mailbox, then they put it in their outgoing mail, and it get re-delivered to me.  It happens a few times a year and so far, I've never had one not eventually show up.  I usually get it one or two days later.

Today's return was from Dick Simpson, who signed his 1963 Topps already signed by Frank Kostro, 1966 Topps and 1967 Topps.  I'll send the 1963 Topps to Larry Elliot next.  Chico Ruiz passed away in 1972, so there probably aren't too many copies of this card signed by him.  I'll also send the 1966 Topps to Tommy Helms.

Mitch Garver, Pat Jarvis and Jerry Terrell

 I wasn't expecting any multiple-return days for a while, but I received three today.

Mitch Garver signed a couple cards I sent him back in February of 2020, including his 2018 and 2019 Topps Heritage.

Pat Jarvis signed his 1971 Topps.

And Jerry Terrell signed his 1976, 1978, 1979 and 1980 Topps.  He also included a signed religious note and a signed personal note.

Sal Campisi - 1971 Topps

Today I received a return from former-Twin Sal Campisi who signed his 1971 Topps for me.

I sent out five more requests today, mostly late 70's cards to add to my 1978 set.

Leron Lee

It's been slow, but I received a return today from Leron Lee.  Mr. Lee was kind enough to sign his 1971 and 1976 Topps for my collection.

Another Nabisco Card and a Couple TTM Returns - Jack Aker and Rich Reese

A few days ago I received the last card I needed to complete the 1993 and 1994 Nabisco sets, which was Jim "Catfish" Hunter's card from 1993.  I paid a little under $14 shipped for this one.

I also received my first two TTM returns of 2021.  First, I received a return from Rich Reese who signed his 1968, 1969 and 1971 Topps in 441 days!

And Jack Aker signed his 1972 Topps for his $5 fee.

I have a handful of requests out but hope to send a few more this week to keep things moving.

A Few Purchases - 2000 Greats of the Game and Another Nabisco Card - Feller, Whitaker and Stargell

Today I received a couple Ebay purchases of some lower cost cards.

First, I received the second-to-last card I need to complete my 1993 and 1994 Nabisco sets.  This time it was Willie Stargell.  I paid just over $16 with shipping and tax for this one.  I just need Catfish Hunter to complete these sets.

I also received a couple 2000 Fleer Greats of the Game cards I need for my set.  I always regretted not sending this card to Bob Feller and I'm not sure why I didn't.  So I bought this card and Lou Whitaker's card for about $11 each, plus some shipping and tax.

I don't plan on buying too many signed cards, but these seemed reasonably priced for sets I am working on.

2021 Collecting Goals

 My goals for this year won't be too much different than last year:

- Add 10 cards to my 1965 set

- Add 25 cards to my 1971 set

- Add 15 cards to my 1972 set

- Add 50 cards to my 1978 set

- Add 5 signed baseballs to my collection

- Add 5 signed magazines to my collection

- Send out 200 requests

I think this year might be a little more expensive for me as I'm running out of free signers to send to.  

Beyond the sets above, I may send out some cards from the 1985 Topps, 1987 Topps , 2000 Fleer Tradition, 2003 Topps Heritage and 2007 Topps Heritage sets.  These sets will help me get to 200 requests.

2020 In Review

I did pretty well on my 2020 collecting goals.  I'm not sure I'll be able to top them in 2021.

Here's how I did:

Goal - Send out 200 requests.  Result - I sent out 253 requests.  This is the most I've sent since 2004, which was my second year in the hobby.  That year, I sent out 491.  I have no idea how I found time to do that with a 5 and 7-year old (now 21 and 23).

Goal - Add 50 signed cards to my 1978 Topps set.  Result - I added 78 cards to my set this year. 

Goal - Add 50 signed cards to my 1971 Topps set.  Result - I added 105!  

Goal - Add 20 cards to my 1972 Topps set.  Result - I added 29 cards to this set.

Goal - Add five signed balls to my collection.  Result - I only added four, so I missed on this one a bit.

Goal - Add five signed magazines to my collection.  Result - I only added one.  I guess I just didn't get motivated enough to go through the hassle of mailing these out.  I'll try to make up for it in 2021.

Goal - Add two signed bobbleheads to my collection.  Result - I didn't add any bobbleheads this year.  In hindsight, I shouldn't have set this goal.  My bobblehead collection is limited to Twins players and there aren't that many I need.  I won't be setting any bobblehead goals in 2021, but I will keep my eye out for any signings for ones the few that I need.

Overall, I'm happy with my progress in 2020.  I'd like to get more non-card autographs including balls and magazines in 2021.

I'm still thinking a bit about my goals for 2021.  I'll probably post them tomorrow.

The highlight of the year for me was a great return from Bobby Shantz. I sent him a Gold Glove ball to sign, and not only did he sign it, but he also included a signed photo of himself with one of his awards.

The worst part of the year was all of the great Hall of Famers we lost: Tom Seaver, Al Kaline, Whitey Ford, Lou Brock, Bob Gibson, Joe Morgan and Phil Niekro.

I really enjoy collecting players from the 50's and 60's, but that's getting harder and harder to do.

Good luck with your collection in 2021!

Harmon Killebrew Signed Program From 1984

Yesterday I received another Ebay purchase.  This 1984 Twins program and scorecard is dedicated to Harmon Killebrew, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame that year.  He was the first Twins player to make it to the Hall of Fame.

The program is signed by him, but is slightly smeared.  I paid about $10.75 for this, including shipping, which I thought was a bargain.