Bill "Spaceman" Lee and George Stone Returns

I received two returns to kick off the week.

Bill "Spaceman" Lee signed his 1975 and 1981 Topps, adding "Earth 2022" on the 81 as he does on many cards, and copying his facsimile signature on the 75.  

I just noticed that he seems to consistently follow that pattern: adding "Earth" and the current year to any card without a facsimile signature and copying his facsimile signature on those that have one. 

One of my previous requests to him included a 1971 Topps, on which he signed his full name, including his middle name, just as shown on the facsimile signature.

And George Stone signed the 1973 Mets team card, as well as his 1974, 1975 and 1976 Topps cards.

There are a few signings coming up that are going to cost me, but I want to get some things done before it's too late.  I've regretted not spending some money on signings in the past and now can no longer get them, either because the player has passed away, or their prices increased too much.

Not only are the signings expensive, but some of the cards are too.  I ordered Tony Perez's 1966 Topps and Johnny Bench's 1969 Topps.  Both cards feature the Topps All Star Rookie trophy.  The Bench card is probably the most I've paid for a card to be signed other than Harmon Killebrew's 1955 Topps.  And the condition isn't that great!  But good enough.

I'm also considering sending some cards to Billy Williams at the Chicago Sports Spectacular in June.  The prices aren't out yet, but I'd like to send at least his 1964 Topps Stand Up, which I already have.  If the price is reasonable, I'll send his 62 Topps with the Topps Rookie Trophy on it, and maybe even a 71 Topps.

I keep telling myself I need to slow down on the spending and just send out the cards I already have to players that don't charge.  But then I see a signing, and think I'll regret it if I don't participate.  Maybe I just need to quit looking.