Justin Morneau Signed Baseballs

We received the Justin Morneau signed baseballs from the Lojo Sports signing. Lojo wasn't taking mail order, but an SCN contact had arranged to send in a large number of items.

My sons and I each sent in a ball. Johnny sent in a regular Rawlings Official Major League Ball (romlb) and had Morneau sign it on the sweet spot.

David sent in a 2008 All-Star ball and got it signed by the logo.

And I sent in a HHH Metrodome commemorative ball and had it signed by the logo.


Although we had to pay for these, it wasn't too expensive, and definitely better than standing in line for six hours to get them signed. Each ball has a numbered hologram sticker attached to it along with a COA with a matching number.

Unfortunately, it looks like Justin is out for the rest of the season. Apparently he has a stress fracture somewhere in his back.

Finally Sent Some Requests

I spent the last couple of evenings writing a few through the mail (ttm) autograph requests. I sent out three 1952 Topps, a bunch of 1965 Topps, a few miscellaneous cards from the 50's and 60's and finally, a 1985 and 1987 Topps to the elusive Jeff Reardon (elusive to me, but apparently not to most). Fifteen requests in all. Hopefully I'll start seeing some of those come back by late next week.

Also, I found out about a Justin Morneau signing taking place that me and the boys will be sending to. Not sure exactly what yet. We have one 2008 All-Star Game ball left, and I'll probably send in one of the HHH Metrodome commemorative balls. Possibly a card, but not sure yet.

I'm also going to start a 1965 Twins team ball. I'll start by sending to the manager, Sam Mele. I'll post updates as I get it back from each player. Here it is so far:

Another Fathead

I got my Mauer Fathead tonight and my wife helped me put it up. It's definitely a two person job. I put it on the wall adjacent to the Morneau Fathead behind the TV. I really like they way they look and they really grab your attention when you walk in the room.


I am losing valuable wall real estate though, and I'm not sure where I'm going to hang all my framed magazines and pictures. I'd also like to buy another couple display cases but I don't know where they'd go. I doubt I'll have any luck convincing my wife to let my collection out of the basement, so I'll have to get creative.

Fathead

My Justin Morneau Fathead showed up today. It was kind of a pain getting it out of the tube, flattened out and on the wall. My wife helped me so it didn't take too long. It's huge and there's not enough wall space left in the basement where you could see the whole thing, so it's tucked behind the TV a bit.


On the TV you can see the highlights of Mark Buehrle's perfect game being played on the MLB Network. Pretty amazing. I have a few cards signed by Buehrle that he was kind enough to sign through the mail a few years ago. I wonder what his mailbox will look like on Monday.

Are the Tigers Crazy?

I think the Detroit Tiger's have lost their minds. They released Gary Sheffield today. Sheffield has 499 home runs. Even though he's 40 years old and apparently his bat speed has slowed considerably, getting his 500th home run this year is inevitable. The Tiger's are in rough shape. The pitching staff is in shambles, and the 12% unemployment rate in Michigan has the team very concerned about ticket sales.

I can't think of a better ticket seller than the opportunity to see someone hit their 500th home run. They already owe him $14 million, why not use him as a ticket draw this season? Only play him during home games to guarantee that the home crowd will get to witness the event. I don't get it. I guess the Phillies are interested. Good for them.

No returns again today. It's Tuesday, so what would I expect? I wrote another four requests today but then ran out of envelopes. I'm up to 66 requests for the year, which is about 24 short of being on track to send out 365 requests for the year.

I read an article in the Star Tribune today about Harmon Killebrew giving Justin Morneau some advice on hitting more home runs. Killebrew basically told him to stand closer to the plate and pull the ball more. Morneau said he tried it but it wasn't comfortable and he doesn't want to give up hitting for average to get more home runs.

If it were me, I'd listen to Killebrew. He hit 573 homers. I think he knows a thing or two about hitting.

Morneau used to sign through the mail. He has signed for me twice. The first time, I think he was playing with Rochester. Then in 2004 he signed his 2003 Topps Heritage via the Twins for me. Killebrew also used to sign through the mail, occasionally for free. I received three cards signed by him through the mail over the last few years. He still signs through the mail, but now requires a contribution to his charitable foundation.