Rick Sofield Mail-In Signing Return and a Surprise Phone Call

Just one return today and that was Rick Sofield, who autographed four cards for me at a Tom Orr signing. 

After I sent these cards, Tom also announced a Gary Ward signing.  I tried to arrange to have this 1980 Topps included in that signing as well.  But then Sofield's got delayed, and it just wasn't possible to get it arranged.  So, I'll wait for the next Ward signing to get it done.

I had something happen last night that I haven't had happen in my 23 years of collecting.  My phone rang at about 9:00 pm last night.  It was my IP phone, kind of a landline, but it's from the cable company.  So, this number is considered a public number that gets published in phone books.  At least the ones that are left.

I don't normally answer this phone because it's always sales calls.  But, this one called a second time right after the first call, after which they didn't leave a message.  I decided to pick it up and just get rid of them so they wouldn't keep calling.  However, it turned out to be Rod Gaspar of the 1969 Miracle Mets!

I sent a request to him about four days prior.  I sent it in a bubble envelope, with a pen and some cash.  He appeared to be very grateful for the cash and asked what else I needed!  He said if I send him a large sase, he'll send me a couple signed photos or something.

What a nice man!  I didn't put my phone number on my request, so he had to track me down on the internet.  It's a little harder than usual, because my wife and I have just our first initials listed on our public phone record, but he was able to match my address to some online resources and gave me a call.  From his research, he even knew my profession!

I was shocked!  I didn't know what to say other than to repeatedly thank him.  I sent him a request about 15 months ago, which included the 1970 Topps Mets team card, which commemorates the 1969 team.

Along with that return, he wrote a note on my letter stating that he signed my Padres card (his 1971 Topps) back in March of 2022.  I didn't know what to make of that, as he was obviously tracking requests.  I saw some comments on his returns on SCN about him replying to other collectors that he'll only sign one or two before a donation is required.  So, I made sure to enclose some money with this request, but I always do when I send in bubble envelopes and include a pen anyway.  I sent him three cards and a Ron Lewis postcard in this request.

Today, I sent him a package that included photo-sized sase.  I'm excited to see what he has for me.  I also included a Fleer Laughlin card of the 1969 World Series and asked him to sign it as well.

What a very nice man!  This has to be the highlight of my ttm hobby over 23 years!