Rich Hebner, Buck Martinez and Gary Nolan Returns

I received three more quick returns today from the bunch of requests I sent out containing cards from the 1975 Topps set.  All three of these came back in eight days.

Rich Hebner signed his 1974, 1975, 1977 and 1983 Topps.

Buck Martinez signed his 1975, 1977, 1980 and 1986 Topps.

And Gary Nolan signed his 1975, 1977 and 1978 Topps.

All three of these former players signed their cards nicely in blue sharpie without any smudges.  That seems to be a rare occurrence these days.  I think the more cards you send, the greater the risk of smudging, but I lucked out this time.

Dick Bosman and Tom House Returns

I received two quick returns to start off the week.  Each of these took only seven days to get back.

Dick Bosman signed his 1974, 1975 and 1976 Topps as well as the 1976 Topps A's team card.

Tom House signed his 1969, 1974, 1975, and 1977 Topps.  Gil Garrido doesn't appear to have signed in almost a year, although he has a history of taking a while.  I'll probably wait until I see some more returns from him before sending the 1969 Topps off to him. 

Four TTM Returns and a Reggie Jackson Private Signing Return

After complaining about a quiet week yesterday, I received four ttm returns and a private signing return.

Last November, I sent a magazine to a promoter to have Reggie Jackson sign. The signing got delayed until March, so I just got it back today.  This promoter had some good pricing, and it was less of a formal signing and more of a consignment.  I had him sign a Sports Illustrated magazine from August of 1976.

I received a couple finished multi-signed card as well.  Ralph Garr signed his 1971 Topps already signed by Risk Kester, and Tom Metcalf signed his 1964 Topps already signed by Jake Gibbs. 

I included $5 with my request to Garr, and Metcalf answered some questions I had asked in my letter.  He appears to have a son that lives relatively close to me.

Jon Matlack signed his 1976, 1979 and 1983 Topps, as well as the 1978 Mets team card.  

Finally, Jerry Koosman signed his 1970 Topps World Series card, as well as his 1971, 1972 and 1972 "In Action" Topps cards.  Mr. Koosman's fee is $10 per card.  I have put off adding his 1972 Topps cards to my collection due to his fee as well as the fact that his cards are in the high number series, so it was a small investment to get these done.  He also answered a question I had in my letter.

Finally, a Couple Returns

It's been a slow week, which is surprising because I've sent out more requests than usual.  I have about 12-15 requests that have been out in the 10–14-day range, which is kind of the sweet spot for getting returns from good signers.

I also sent out about 35-40 requests this week, which could start coming back late next week.  I may have some big days with 5+ returns, but we'll see.

I received returns from a couple former-Twins today.

Ray Corbin signed his 1972 and 1976 Topps Twins cards, as well as the 1972 and 1976 Twins team cards.  He also answered a question in my letter.

Mac Scarce signed his 1973 Topps and the 1978 Topps Twins team card.  He didn't have a card in 1978, despite pitching in 32 innings for the Twins.

Mark Guthrie 1991 Twins World Series Bobblehead

I received a return from a Mark Guthrie mail-in signing today.  He signed his 1991 Twins World Series bobblehead for me.  The promoter was reluctant to take bobbleheads because they're kind of a hassle, so he charged me the premium price, but I was happy to pay it.

I am down to needing just two more from this 25 bobblehead set to complete all the possible players.  I still need Steve Bedrosian, who appears to not like to sign, even at paid signings, and Paul Sorrento.

I have all of the 1987 set signed except for Puckett, Don Baylor and Joe Niekro.

Hrabosky and Rose

There were two returns in the mailbox today to close out the week. 

Al Hrabosky, the "Mad Hungarian", signed his 1971 Topps already signed by Bob Chlupsa, as well as his 1973 Topps and the 1976 Topps Leading Firemen card.  I'll be sending the 71 to Stinson next, and the 76 off to Gossage.

And Don Rose signed his 1973 Topps as well as the 1973 Topps Angels team card.  He also wrote me a nice note answering my questions and signed that as well.

Two TTM Returns and a Purchase

I received two ttm returns today.

Don Buford signed the 1970 Topps commemorating his lead-off home run in game one of the 1969 World Series. I included $5 with my request.  Mr. Buford used to sign for free but would personalize your item.  Since he has begun charging, he no longer personalizes.

I really like these types of cards that show specific games or plays and will continue to add some to my collection as I can.

Ron Guidry signed his 1979 Topps Record Breakers card.  He struck out 18 Angels in a game in 1978, which was a new A.L. record for lefties.  Pretty impressive!

Finally, I bought a 1965 Topps Bill Rigney card, PSA authenticated.  I haven't added many cards to this set lately.

Breazeale, Eckersley and Sizemore Returns

Jim Breazeale signed his 1973 Topps for me, as well as team cards from 1971, 1972 and 1978.

I didn't realize Dennis Eckersley was signing through the mail for a $10 fee or I would have to him a long time ago.  He signed his 1978 and 1983 Topps for my sets.

And Ted Sizemore signed his 1969, 1970 and 1976 Topps, adding another Topps All Star Rookie Trophy card to my collection.