Pete Hamm TTM Return

Former-Twin and former-elusive signer Pete Hamm signed three cards for me with the pen I sent (again).  He typically signs in ballpoint, sometimes black ballpoint.  I sent him a Staedtler in the past, and I've seen him use it, or something similar, to match Jim Nettles signature on the 71 Topps if someone sends him that card previously signed by Mr. Nettles, but otherwise he sticks with the ballpoint.

Anyway, as I mention every time I get a return back from him, Mr. Hamm was a non-signer for decades, and then a little over a year ago, suddenly started signing.  He even returned requests sent to him over 20 years prior.  Amazing.

So, I've been afraid that the spigot is on temporarily, and have sent to him several times now, hoping top not miss this opportunity.  After the first two times, I started sending cash as well.  I didn't want to be the guy that caused him to stop signing again :-)  Last time I included $20 cash.  This time, $40.

He only has two Topps cards: the 1971 shared with generous-signer Jim Nettles, and his 1972 Topps.  

This time, I sent him the usual two 1971 Topps (one signed by Nettles, and one unsigned), as well as his 1972 Topps.  I also came across a postcard that pictures him in a White Sox uniform.  I had no information on him ever having playing for them, so I sent it along and asked him about it.  He said it was Spring Training in 1972, and after just 10 days, he got traded back to the Twins!  Unfortunately,  he didn't sign it.  Either it was an oversight, or, since my letter didn't explicitly ask him to sign it, but did ask him to sign the "cards", maybe he thought I didn't want it signed.

Either way, I'm happy to get the three cards back and complete another of the 71 Topps with Nettles.

I now have two copies of the 1971 Topps with just Hamm on it that I'll send off to Nettles soon.

Just for my own piece of mind, I had one of the first returns I received from him authenticated.

I currently have a copy of his 72 Topps signed in blue Staedtler in for authentication/grading, and just sent a dual-signed 1971 Topps in authentication and grading as well.

I've had him sign two different copies of the 1972 Twins team card.  

Last time I also sent him a Rowe picture card.  

Next time, I'll probably send a copy of the 1971 Twins team card.  I'd like to find some other, different cards as well.  Maybe some team-released photos or postcards or something.  We'll see.