1968 Topps Jerry Koosman/Nolan Ryan Dual Auto Project (Update: Card completed, scan posted!)

ripkenintheminors

Not the first time a project like this will be completed in the hobby world, but should be enjoyable. I've always wanted a copy of this card, but decided after starting the 1982 Topps Bonner/Ripken/Schneider project that I'd like a signed copy. Received a PSA 2 for Christmas from my mom that cost under $100. For a 2 it's still a great card in person.

Given the fact that Jerry signs TTM and Nolan signs through his foundation the degree of difficulty shouldn't be as tough as the '82. However, we'll wait and see what happens.

Here are the scans of the front and back while it's still in the slab:

rube26105

good luck on that chris, then when ya get em both back, ya can have it slabbed authentic w or w/o grade

ripkenintheminors

<< <i>good luck on that chris, then when ya get em both back, ya can have it slabbed authentic w or w/o grade >>



ha ha

Once I get the '82 cards back I'll be sending them to get slabbed. It would be a disaster if they came back unslabbed.

baseballjeff

Good luck! Your mom's got a great taste in cards! Ryan's RC is one of my Top 10 favorite cards in the hobby!

Jeff

rpcoletrane

You're really gonna send that TTM to Koosman? What if you don't get it back???

ripkenintheminors

<< <i>You're really gonna send that TTM to Koosman? What if you don't get it back??? >>



That's a good question, one I've spent a lot of time considering.

tennesseebanker

Chris, Good Luck on the multiple player sigs.
I may start something similar soon.

BobaFett72

Why not contact Koosman first, with a letter stating your intentions and your project and let him know its coming lol.

rpcoletrane

Does Koosman do show signings? Maybe you could find one that offers mail order sigs, and mail it to him that way. At least you'd be covered. Ryan is the easy part through his foundation.

ripkenintheminors

Jerry has traditionally signed TTM for $10. Maybe I'll drop a $20.

I do see the concerns. Trust me, I really have to trust him to send them out.

baseballjeff

How do you go about getting these old players address's? I think that's so awesome what your about to do!

I want to see scans once you get that card auto'd by both Koosman, and Ryan.

Sweet!
Jeff

ripkenintheminors

<< <i>How do you go about getting these old players address's? I think that's so awesome what your about to do!

I want to see scans once you get that card auto'd by both Koosman, and Ryan.

Sweet!
Jeff >>



There are sites that have addresses compiled. Rube would be a great resource to ask about them. In the case of the '82 Topps rookie card I knew that Cal signed through Ironclad Authentics. With that being said, the challenge was finding Bobby Bonner and Jeff Schneider. Given the advancements in technology it toook a day or two to find them, contact them, and confirm that they were in fact the people I was looking for.

Nolan signs through his foundation at a very reasonable price, so the challenge here will be with Jerry Koosman. I've been told that he signs TTM (through the mail) for a $10 fee. The only quirk in this is a rumor that Nolan will not sign a '68 RC that has already been signed by Jerry. For now it's just a rumor. However, I will be calling the foundation tomorrow to find out if there's any truth to that.

lostdart58

<< <i>The only quirk in this is a rumor that Nolan will not sign a '68 RC that has already been signed by Jerry. For now it's just a rumor. However, I will be calling the foundation tomorrow to find out if there's any truth to that. >>



I find it hard to believe that Ryan would have an ego issue like that!!

....but I would call also.

ripkenintheminors

<< <i>

<< <i>The only quirk in this is a rumor that Nolan will not sign a '68 RC that has already been signed by Jerry. For now it's just a rumor. However, I will be calling the foundation tomorrow to find out if there's any truth to that. >>



I find it hard to believe that Ryan would have an ego issue like that!!

....but I would call also. >>



I would be really surprised if the story is true. I trust the person who told me, but he was quick to point out that it was a rumor that he has heard. I will give the Foundation a call in the morning if their site has a number to call.

ripkenintheminors

Talked to a rep at the Foundation and asked them to either confirm or refute the rumor. I was told that they have received numerous copies of the rookie card that has already been signed by Koosman and Nolan has never commented or refused to sign. Looks like it'll be going out to Jerry this afternoon.

Allen

I don't think you have to worry about jerry keeping your card. I hope it turns out well.

ripkenintheminors

<< <i>I don't think you have to worry about jerry keeping your card. I hope it turns out well. >>



I'm probably more concerned with mailing it this time of year as I am him keeping it. From the sounds of things he's signed a lot of copies of that card. Not sure if he does shows or not, but I'm guessing it's mostly TTM.

Getting the card out of the slab was pretty fun. I've busted a GEM slab to get the counterfeit Ripken Charlotte O's but have never busted a PSA slab until yesterday.

and5zac

When you ttm the players ,do you send a note explaining what you want and give them a money order? Lou

ripkenintheminors

<< <i>When you ttm the players ,do you send a note explaining what you want and give them a money order? Lou >>



With the Ripken project I communicated directly with either the players or the reps in the case of Ripken. Each of them know what was going on before receiving the cards.

I'm having to rely on what others have said in regards to Koosman. I've been told that he signs for $10. I sent the cash, SASE, card, marker, and a letter explaining what I was trying to do. I didn't mention whether I wanted him to do an inscription or not so we'll see what happens.

ripkenintheminors

When I sent the card to Jerry, I had the SASE filled out to where I was going to be staying for the holiday. Granted, I had no clue if Jerry himself may be away for the holidays, but knew that I didn't want it to come back and wait outside for a day or two. We left yesterday instead of today to come back home and the card was yet to arrive.

Long story short, I received a call saying that an envelope arrived at their house and that it looked like it was sent to me from me. I had them open it up and they confirmed that Jerry had in fact signed the card with the marker I provided on his spot on the card. They also confirmed that the card did not have an inscription (I did not ask for one) and that there was nothing added to the envelope. Total turnaround time was 10 days, which included a Sunday and a no mail day with Christmas. Gotta admit that I can't wait to see it.

I'll be getting the card tomorrow and will post scans at that time!

TJMAC

Congrats!!!! I give you a lot of credit for sending a Ryan rookie in the mail to be signed. It should look great with both signatures on it.

ripkenintheminors

<< <i>Congrats!!!! I give you a lot of credit for sending a Ryan rookie in the mail to be signed. >>



I don't know a lot about Jerry but it did feel crazy sending it.

oaktown

Very cool - I look forward to seeing the project at the half way point

rpcoletrane

Awesome man! Are you gonna have PSA/DNA slab the Ryan/Koosman and the 2 Bonner/Ripken/Schneider cards?

ripkenintheminors

<< <i>Awesome man! Are you gonna have PSA/DNA slab the Ryan/Koosman and the 2 Bonner/Ripken/Schneider cards? >>



Still torn on where to send them, due in part to not ever sending to either service. I really like the BGS case with the extra sleeve, but could probably be talked into sending them to either group.

ripkenintheminors

Jerry Koosman is officially on my list of favorite people. This project dodged a potential bullet, that's for sure. Here's the story:

When I sent the package to Jerry, there were a pair of envelopes enclosed. One envelope was addressed to Jerry. That envelope had a letter, $10 bill, and the card. The envelope was lined with 2 pieces of cardboard. The second envelope was the SASE. It was lined with 2 pieces of cardboard to protect the card on the return trip home.

I was just given the envelope and went "Uh oh..." when I saw there was additional postage added to go with the stamps I put on it. When Jerry put the signed card back in the envelope, he added the two original pieces of cardboard for even more protection and put rubber bands around them to secure the card. Because of this, the weight of the envelope increased, thus requiring more postage. What could've been a bad situation was avoided when Jerry saw to it that the envelope was taken to the post office where it received enough postage. What a good guy.

For the record, I sent the card on Monday, December 17th. It was postmarked and sent December 19th.

Scans coming.

RipublicaninMass

we want scans
we want scans

Gonblott

Scan that bad boy up!

jmbkb4

truly a nice thing to do.

+1 for Koosman

ripkenintheminors

Enjoy the scans. Enclosed is a scan showing Jerry's coolness by adding the extra postage as well as the card scan. It'll be going to Nolan next week.

ripkenintheminors

Finally got around to getting the card ready to be mailed out to the Nolan Ryan Foundation. It's packaged and will go out tomorrow morning. Not sure what to expect now, but the Foundation asks that you give them 12 weeks to get the item back.

Had I thought about it sooner, I would've picked up a '68 team card and had it signed. I may have to grab a copy and send it later.

Allen

How much does Ryan charge to sign by mail?

ripkenintheminors

<< <i>How much does Ryan charge to sign by mail? >>



Here's the info from the site:

$35.00 Each Signed Flat Item 5" x 7" or smaller (such as baseball cards or game tickets)
$55.00 Each Baseball or Signed Flat Item Larger than 5" x 7"
$80.00 Each Signed Cap or Glove
$105.00 Each Signed Bat or Jersey
$18.00 Each Personalization or Stat (324 wins, 5714 K's, HOF '99, etc.)

The prices do not include shipping charges. Here's the link

Estil

One thing I love about Jerry is how he loves to joke about how valuable his rookie card is.

ripkenintheminors

<< <i>One thing I love about Jerry is how he loves to joke about how valuable his rookie card is. >>



Bobby made some comments as well when we talked about his '82 Topps rookie card with Cal and Jeff. In fact, he's gone to the point of using the card as an illustration when speaking to people.

thenavarro

Ripken in the Minors,

Thanks for the idea. You inspired me to go out and get one to do this myself. I bought this one on ebay tonight and would llike to get it signed like yours. Would you mind sharing the address for Jerry Koosman please?? PM is great if you don't want to post it. I can get Nolan's off the foundation website. Thank you, I think I'm going to try to get autographed rookies now of cards like 69 Reggie, 75 Brett, 63 Rose, 79 Ozzie, 62 Perry, 78 Murray, etc. Those guys brought me a lot of entertainment growing up (I was born in 1970), and some signed cards in VG or so shouldn't be cost prohibitive and will remind me a lot of good childhood memories. Other than for monetary value, I would much rather have these vintage cards signed than the modern "limited" company produced signed cards. I know some of those guys had their personal problems, but I hold them in much higher regard than most of today's popular players. A large part of that comes I'm sure from them making an impression on me as a child as they were larger than life, whereas today, after having had a lot more of life's experiences, I simply see the players as everyday people who happen to be blessed with one relatively unique ability to play baseball.

Mike

ripkenintheminors

Awesome! I know you'll enjoy the project. I'll PM you Jerry's address in a few. Just remember the $10.

In regards to my project, we've experienced a little bit of a hiccup. I called the Foundation to make sure the card had arrived for Nolan to sign. Unfortunately, the card had not arrived when I called and it had been a week. Fortunately it's insured, but I really hope it gets there.

ripkenintheminors

Meh. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks in transit to the NRF and there's no sign of the envelope. Of course it's insured, but ugh.

WinPitcher

Rip great job and idea!! Boy that took stones sending that bad boy off.

Again, great job!


Steve

stown

<< <i>Meh. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks in transit to the NRF and there's no sign of the envelope. Of course it's insured, but ugh. >>



If it makes you feel better, I just got a package that's postmarked Jan 11th.

So don't fret.. Just yet..

ripkenintheminors

<< <i>

<< <i>Meh. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks in transit to the NRF and there's no sign of the envelope. Of course it's insured, but ugh. >>



If it makes you feel better, I just got a package that's postmarked Jan 11th.

So don't fret.. Just yet..

>>



The folks at the Foundation are keeping watch for it. Again, it's insured, so I know that I won't be out the money. However, I'd rather not have to invest the additional time and effort. I'll give it another week and check back with them.

ripkenintheminors

Received the completed card back today! I'll try to get a scan posted ASAP.

ripkenintheminors

StanTheManMusial

Now that is nice! I love how they signed it with thin pens, because it looks so much better than a thick one. Congrats!

thenavarro

Very nice, looks great!

Mike

gonzer

Great job! Nice also to see two legible signatures, unlike the scribbles that pass for auto's with today's players.

jimq112

Great job, not sure I could have mailed one out but no risk no reward and you got the reward. congrats!

HoofHearted

Bee-u-tee-ful!! An inspirational story and piece of history!

Estil

<< <i> >>



Good going! I bet Mr. Koosman just loved signing his valuable rookie card, eh?

hofautos

VERY NICELY DONE!!

That was so easy, you should do it again, and sell me that one for a small profit!

ripkenintheminors

Thanks for the feedback everyone.



<< <i>VERY NICELY DONE!!

That was so easy, you should do it again, and sell me that one for a small profit! >>



I considered doing two of them at the start of the project like I did with the '82 Topps Bonner/Ripken/Schneider and can't recall why I didn't do so. If memory serves correctly I had the intention of getting something like a World Series ticket stub signed or possibly the '67 Topps Mets team card. I would also like to get a '69 Ryan signed at some point as well.