Marty Keough and Some Purchases

 I had just one ttm return yesterday.  Always-reliable Marty Keough signed his 1963, 1964 and 1966 Topps for me.

And I received an eBay purchase from Tom Orr at Atommic Sports.  I had sent in a 1970 Topps to one of his signings a while ago when he had both Gene Tenace and Vida Blue.  Unfortunately, Vida Blue passed away before the signing.

So, I was able to buy one of these completed from his inventory.

I also purchased the 1971 Topps NL RBI Leaders card, after previously buy the NL Home Run Leaders card.  Same three guys.  All of these guys are still with us, but sending this card in to signings for each of them would be way more expensive than what I paid for this.

Here's the previous card:

Frank Bork and Carlos Correa

I had a strange ttm failure today.  I sent a 1972 Topps to Rick Wise along with his fee.  He answered a question in my letter and even thanked me but didn't sign the card.  I'll resend it and explain what happened.

I received a successful ttm return from Frank Bork, who signed a couple cards of his as well as the 1965 Pirates team card.

And I received a 2017 All Star ball signed by Carlos Correa and authenticated by J.S.A.  Yes, I guess that's a signature.  These scribbles are what turn me off from collecting most current players.

More Purchases and Mail-In Signing Returns

The highlight of today's mail was the 1965 World Series Twin's home program signed by Jim Kaat that I sent to a signing.  This complements the Dodger's home version I had him sign last summer. 

I received a tough autograph back from Angel Bravo, thanks to another mail-in signing that took place in Venezuela.  I had him sign his 1971 Topps, and a couple 1971 Topps Reds Celebrate cards, one of which was already signed by Woody Woodward.

Milt Wilcox completed his 1971 Topps as well as his 1978 Topps from another mail-in signing.

And I received a few Twins cards via eBay.

Finally! Something to Post About

It's been awfully slow for me lately.  I don't have too many ttm requests out, but I do have some mail-in signings that will be returning.

I did receive three ttm returns late last week into the weekend while I was out of town.

Ted Kazanski signed his 1954 Topps, the 1956 Phillies team card, and his 1957 and 1958 Topps.  As usual, he personalized the 57 Topps.  He usually personalizes one card.  He has always personalized the 57 Topps when I've sent it, so I still don't have one not personalized.

Mickey Stanley signed his 1966 and 1968 Topps as well as the 1972 Tigers team card.  In my last request, he didn't sign the team card so I'm happy to get it back signed this time.

And Jim Kaat signed the 1961 Topps Twins team card, which actually highlights the 1960 Washington Senators before they moved to Minnesota.  I sent this to him last November, so it's been a longer wait than I've usually had with him.  I also have a 1965 Twins World Series program in to a mail-in signing with him which I expect back shortly.  He only signs cards sent directly to him.  If you want something else signed, you need to wait for a signing.

I received a 1965 and 1972 Topps signed by Wade Blasingame via a mail-in signing earlier this month.  My return package from this signing bounced around Floris for nearly two weeks before finally ending up in Chicago, and on to me in Minnesota.  I wasn't sure I was getting this one back.

I received a 2023 All Star Game ball signed by Pable Lopez from FanHQ here in the Twin Cities.  I have a few other items I'm expecting from them in the next couple of weeks, if not sooner.

I added another 1991 Twins World Series poster to my collection via a Jack Morris signing.  I also have one out to FanHQ to be signed by Tom Kelly.  Once that's returned, I'll have three left to complete the possible ones from the set.

I bought a few cards to fill holes in my 1961 and 1963 sets, which are posted below, as well as a 2022 Topps Heritage signed by Jhoan Duran.

Billy Cowan TTM Return and Some Purchases -Blanchard, Castillo and Killebrew

The sole TTM return today was from Billy Cowan, who signed the 1965 Cubs team card, his 1972 Topps, the 1972 Topps Angels team card and the 1972 Minor League Player of the Year award card.  This is the first signature I've gotten on this award card, and now I've gotten at least one on all of the award cards.

I received a few purchases from various sources.  I bought a couple Luis Castillo Allen & Ginter cards from Under the Radar Sports Promotions.  I sent into their signing with him a couple years ago but only sent one Heritage card.  These two Ginters help get me a little closer to completing the Twins team sets for these years, but still leaves me with some big names like Santana, Morneau, Hunter and Liriano.

I bought a 1966 Topps signed by Johnny Blanchard on eBay from an SCN member that I've bought many cards from.  I'm not actively working on this set, but I really like Johnny Blanchard and was able to win this auction for the minimum bid.  

I can't believe it's been over 15 years since I met Mr. Blanchard at a local signing, along with my older son.  Mr. Blanchard was very friendly and telling all sorts of Yankees stories including some Yogi-isms.  He also let my son wear his World Series ring, which was amazing.  I wrote about it here:

https://droidtrader.blogspot.com/2009/02/johnny-blanchard-in-person-appearance.html

Finally, I added a 1971 Topps Harmon Killebrew card to my set.  The card isn't in great shape, but the autograph is nice.

I've got a bunch of cards to send out, as well as a few mail-in signings I need to get moving on.

Duffy Dyer TTM Return

It's been very slow for me lately.  I no longer have many outstanding requests, and only a few mail-in signings I'm waiting on.

Yesterday, I received a nice return from Duffy Dyer, who signed a couple 1970 Topps cards, including the Mets team card, a 1977 Topps and a Ron Lewis Mets postcard.  He also answered a couple of questions I had asked in my letter.