Feller called me at home 2 years ago for an interview in my baseball book. Several former players actually called over the span of a few months, Bobby Thomson, Bobby Doerr, Ron Cey, Dom Dimaggio, Bobby Bolin, Dick Groat and Bob Friend. All were extremely nice and entertaining. Thank goodness my wife, who knows about baseball, didn't hang up on them, thinking that they were telemarketers!
<< <i>Just got Bobby Doerr in the mail today, the oldest living HOFer. This is one of the few cards I actually purchased specifically for TTM as I dug the red border and the way the UD Masterpieces looked.
Turned out beautiful and he used a nice thin sharpie. Thanks, Mr Doerr.
Just got Bobby Doerr in the mail today, the oldest living HOFer. This is one of the few cards I actually purchased specifically for TTM as I dug the red border and the way the UD Masterpieces looked.
Turned out beautiful and he used a nice thin sharpie. Thanks, Mr Doerr.
I'm a huge Bobby Doerr fan. From everything I have read about him, he is as classy as they come. Did he include a signed HOF plaque with your card?
Thanks for sharing with us. >>
No signed HOF Plaque. I wasn't aware he did that, but I always use small envelopes for the return request which probably wouldn't fit the plaque. He is a very quick returner. J
Just got Dolph Schayes in the mail today. I love how he personalized the card and used silver sharpie, which was almost a necessity with this dark card to have a decent result.
Just got a couple Saprky Anderson's in the mail today. One is going right back out for Art Howe and the other is staying in my collection. I am too chicken to send both off though Howe is generally a good signer.
Just got back Sixers Rookie Jason Smith today. Took about a month to receive. I figure he finally got around to his mail due to the recent home stand. Getting current NBA players autographs has turned out ot be very tough.
<< <i>I wouldn't waste my stamps on the current NBA. They are very tight with their autographs. >>
It is the shame, but the truth. A lot of the older retired players seem to be gracious signers. Truth be told, there are not many guys in the current NBA which I regularly root for. Too many whiners and spoiled millionaires.
Of course with the proliferation of signature cards in all of these basketball issues, you can get most players outside of Lebron and Kobe for 25 bucks or less off of the bay so it is not the end of the world. I think the trick is to try to grab players when they are rookies, before the bright lights and stardom get to their head.
Just got back HOFer Bob Pettit. Very nice signature on a rookie reprint. I would have had a Tiny Archibald to post but since he did not seal the return envelope, I received an empty envelope. He know as a notorious non-sealer.
Had sent these cards out years ago and just had them authenticated. They are 3 great forwards from the late 60's/70's and borderline HOFers Chet 'The Jet" Walker Chet walkerBob "Butterbean" LoveBob Love and Bobby DandridgeBob Dandridge
<< <i>Had sent these cards out years ago and just had them authenticated. They are 3 great forwards from the late 60's/70's and borderline HOFers Chet 'The Jet" Walker Chet walkerBob "Butterbean" LoveBob Love and Bobby DandridgeBob Dandridge >>
Very nice cards. I love that Bob Love. Tall Boys make very nice autograph mediums.
Got Mr. Tripucka in the mail today. He is now working as a scout for the Kinicks. Very good offensive player in his day. He has one of the cooler signatures I have ever received. Style and readability, something which is not found in a lot of today's athletes signatures.
Got some nice autos in the mail today. First up is Hersey Hawkins (though the corner of the cards got dinged in transit), one of my favorite Sixers of the early 90's (other than Barkley of course).
And one of my best TTM's to date, Mr. Rick Barry. NBA 50 greatest player, HOFer and one of the best SG of all time. I was worried about this card with the dark background when I sent it out, but Mr. Barry came through with a silver sharpie and personalization to boot. Thanks Mr. Barry!
<< <i>Got Mr. Tripucka in the mail today. He is now working as a scout for the Kinicks. Very good offensive player in his day. He has one of the cooler signatures I have ever received. Style and readability, something which is not found in a lot of today's athletes signatures. >>
I don't have a sample handy, but his signature is very similar to his dad's Frank Tripucka who played in the for Notre Dame (backup to Heisman winner Johnny Lujack), and later played in the CFL and AFL. Kind of funny how some some players who had famous dad's mimic their signatures. Cal Ripken Sr/Jr almost identical.
<< <i>And one of my best TTM's to date, Mr. Rick Barry. NBA 50 greatest player, HOFer and one of the best SG of all time. I was worried about this card with the dark background when I sent it out, but Mr. Barry came through with a silver sharpie and personalization to boot. Thanks Mr. Barry!
>>
Did you get Barry for free or did you have to pay?? He usually wants a donation.
Did you get Barry for free or did you have to pay?? He usually wants a donation. >>
I sent him a $5 donation as that is what most people on Sports Collectors indicated he asked for. He was super fast on the turnaround though (about a week), and it is still cheaper then buying a modern signed insert card, so I couldn't complain.
That's a great deal for a HOF player. I just got motivated earlier this week and sent out 35 requests to older NBA players from the 70's. I was doing a lot of TTM and then took a break so I'm excited to see what I get back. I will start a new thread with some scans once they start rolling in.
<< <i>That's a great deal for a HOF player. I just got motivated earlier this week and sent out 35 requests to older NBA players from the 70's. I was doing a lot of TTM and then took a break so I'm excited to see what I get back. I will start a new thread with some scans once they start rolling in. >>
Good luck with your new project. The guys from the 70's are usually decent signers. Do you have any long shots in the group you just sent out?
<< <i>That's a great deal for a HOF player. I just got motivated earlier this week and sent out 35 requests to older NBA players from the 70's. I was doing a lot of TTM and then took a break so I'm excited to see what I get back. I will start a new thread with some scans once they start rolling in. >>
Good luck with your new project. The guys from the 70's are usually decent signers. Do you have any long shots in the group you just sent out?
J >>
I think everybody I sent to has a pretty decent history of signing so without looking I don't think there were any tough ones in this batch.
<< <i>What do you think is best hand written letter or typed? >>
I do everything hand written and have had good success. Only takes a couple minutes, and I usually put in a memory of the player or a couple of facts which impress me. It actually gives me a chance to appreciate their career and revisit their stats/achievements.
If the guy is a good signer, a typed letter will be fine. For harder to get guys, the hand written letter may give your request extra attention, but it's tough to say.
Nest up is Vinny Del Negro. He signed the back of the card which he is notorious for doing. This guy was a key piece to the Spurs early championship runs.
Rod Brind'Amour -- Still plugging away in the NHL. One of the Philadelphia fan favorites for his hard nosed style of play. Due to his logevity I think he now has a very good shot of making the Hockey Hall of Fame when his career is over.
Okay, these may be dumb questions since I'm new to this... but, do you include the pen(Sharpie?) for them to sign with? Also, how does one go about sending a baseball to get signed? I mean, can you send a prepaid priority box or what? Thanks, I'm digging through some cards now to be signed. So far, I 've found Mark Grace, Wade Boggs, Fred McGriff, Andre Dawson, Phil Niekro, Rollie Fingers and George Brett. Anyone ever get Frank Robinson to sign TTM? I have a nice Greats of the Game of him that would look beautiful signed.
that cownes is real nice can you pm me his address, what team is he with now? thanks fred
Fred
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
<< <i>Okay, these may be dumb questions since I'm new to this... but, do you include the pen(Sharpie?) for them to sign with? Also, how does one go about sending a baseball to get signed? I mean, can you send a prepaid priority box or what? Thanks, I'm digging through some cards now to be signed. So far, I 've found Mark Grace, Wade Boggs, Fred McGriff, Andre Dawson, Phil Niekro, Rollie Fingers and George Brett. Anyone ever get Frank Robinson to sign TTM? I have a nice Greats of the Game of him that would look beautiful signed. >>
For cards I just send the card and let the athlete decide how they want to sign. My typical package is business size envelope with first class stamp, including request letter, small envelope with first class stamp, and the card (sometimes in a card saver I, sometimes not). I have never run into trouble with the letters weighing too much for first class mail.
I wouldn't waste the money on priority mail for larger items, though you may want to include a sharpie or pen if you want the item signed a certain way. Take your mailer with ball, letter, sharpie, and return envelope down to the PO and have them weigh it for shipping. Once you get the price, place the same shipping on the return envelope. Once you see how much the typical package costs to ship, you could probably just place the appropriate stampage on all envelopes in the future.
By the way, Rollie Fingers and Andre Dawson will readily sign, but they both request a $10 donation. The other guys you mentioned are more hit and misss and according to http://sportscollectors.net Frank Robinson has been tough to get a return from for the past couple years.
Has anyone else gotten Aikman TTM. Sportscollectors.net has most success listed as Aikman not signing the card and instead sending a 5x7 with a questionable signature. I wonder if he liked my story of seeing him get brutalized as a Rookie by the Eagles!
Just got Pau Gasol in the mail today. Letter was postmarked in Memphis right before the trade to the Lakers. I guess he decided to clear out all of his mail. Kind of a funky signature, but one of the better NBA signers today. It is almost impossible to get most of the stars.
<< <i>Just off announcing the Super Bowl, I received a Troy Aikman this morning. One of my best returns all time, and he added HOF 06 to the signature.
(Slight slip of the pen at the top which adds character.) >>
Actually, it looks like he x'd the card so you couldn't sell it.
I love that card. It is one of my favorites. You gotta love the Philly fans bombing the Cowboy's icy snow balls.....not really but it still is funny.
Actually, it looks like he x'd the card so you couldn't sell it.
I love that card. It is one of my favorites. You gotta love the Philly fans bombing the Cowboy's icy snow balls.....not really but it still is funny. >>
I thought that might have been a possibility as well. Clyde Drexler would sign TTM but would always add NFS (Not for Sale) to each signed card. I wonder if Troy has an exclusive with another card manufacturer.
On Sportscollectors.net, this is actually one of the first non-promotional photos he has signed. I wonder if he liked me admitting I was an Eagles fan, but respected his game. I did mention how we got him his Rookie year for like 8 sacks in one game, but he ended up getting the better of us during his playing days.
Actually, it looks like he x'd the card so you couldn't sell it.
I love that card. It is one of my favorites. You gotta love the Philly fans bombing the Cowboy's icy snow balls.....not really but it still is funny. >>
I thought that might have been a possibility as well. Clyde Drexler would sign TTM but would always add NFS (Not for Sale) to each signed card. I wonder if Troy has an exclusive with another card manufacturer.
On Sportscollectors.net, this is actually one of the first non-promotional photos he has signed. I wonder if he liked me admitting I was an Eagles fan, but respected his game. I did mention how we got him his Rookie year for like 8 sacks in one game, but he ended up getting the better of us during his playing days.
J >>
I just realized I have the same exact card signed by him as well. I'll have to go dig it up.
J!! Your just rubbing it in now lol. I have 12 out baseball/basketball and no returns yet. Keeping my fingers crossed. My father pointed something out to me the other day though. Back in the mid 80's I sent a 1984 Topps to Rick Suctliff (sp*) he did send it back atuoed in pen. Sure enough I wen through my set and it was there. Totally forgot about it! Honeslty I would have liked to seen my letter than the auto these days but I guess I can say im not an TTM virgin. Yes Rick popped my cherry around the age of 14. LOL Keep posting you are an inspiration!
Edit: sorry for the spelling and grammer happy hour took a toll on me!
Comments
<< <i>you aren't kidding that Feller is fast!! >>
They don't call him "Rapid Robert" for nothing you know!
Shane
<< <i>Just got Bobby Doerr in the mail today, the oldest living HOFer. This is one of the few cards I actually purchased specifically for TTM as I dug the red border and the way the UD Masterpieces looked.
Turned out beautiful and he used a nice thin sharpie. Thanks, Mr Doerr.
Absolutely awesome.
Thanks for sharing the Doerr especially.
Turned out beautiful and he used a nice thin sharpie. Thanks, Mr Doerr.
Shane
I'm a huge Bobby Doerr fan. From everything I have read about him, he is as classy as they come. Did he include a signed HOF plaque with your card?
Thanks for sharing with us.
<< <i>Beautiful card!
I'm a huge Bobby Doerr fan. From everything I have read about him, he is as classy as they come. Did he include a signed HOF plaque with your card?
Thanks for sharing with us.
No signed HOF Plaque. I wasn't aware he did that, but I always use small envelopes for the return request which probably wouldn't fit the plaque. He is a very quick returner.
J
<< <i>I wouldn't waste my stamps on the current NBA. They are very tight with their autographs. >>
It is the shame, but the truth. A lot of the older retired players seem to be gracious signers. Truth be told, there are not many guys in the current NBA which I regularly root for. Too many whiners and spoiled millionaires.
Of course with the proliferation of signature cards in all of these basketball issues, you can get most players outside of Lebron and Kobe for 25 bucks or less off of the bay so it is not the end of the world. I think the trick is to try to grab players when they are rookies, before the bright lights and stardom get to their head.
J
1957 Topps PSA
1961 Fleer SGC
<< <i>Had sent these cards out years ago and just had them authenticated. They are 3 great forwards from the late 60's/70's and borderline HOFers Chet 'The Jet" Walker Chet walkerBob "Butterbean" LoveBob Love and Bobby DandridgeBob Dandridge >>
Very nice cards. I love that Bob Love. Tall Boys make very nice autograph mediums.
<< <i>Got Mr. Tripucka in the mail today. He is now working as a scout for the Kinicks. Very good offensive player in his day. He has one of the cooler signatures I have ever received. Style and readability, something which is not found in a lot of today's athletes signatures. >>
I don't have a sample handy, but his signature is very similar to his dad's Frank Tripucka who played in the for Notre Dame (backup to Heisman winner Johnny Lujack), and later played in the CFL and AFL. Kind of funny how some some players who had famous dad's mimic their signatures. Cal Ripken Sr/Jr almost identical.
<< <i>And one of my best TTM's to date, Mr. Rick Barry. NBA 50 greatest player, HOFer and one of the best SG of all time. I was worried about this card with the dark background when I sent it out, but Mr. Barry came through with a silver sharpie and personalization to boot. Thanks Mr. Barry!
Did you get Barry for free or did you have to pay?? He usually wants a donation.
<< <i>
Did you get Barry for free or did you have to pay?? He usually wants a donation. >>
I sent him a $5 donation as that is what most people on Sports Collectors indicated he asked for. He was super fast on the turnaround though (about a week), and it is still cheaper then buying a modern signed insert card, so I couldn't complain.
<< <i>That's a great deal for a HOF player. I just got motivated earlier this week and sent out 35 requests to older NBA players from the 70's. I was doing a lot of TTM and then took a break so I'm excited to see what I get back. I will start a new thread with some scans once they start rolling in. >>
Good luck with your new project. The guys from the 70's are usually decent signers. Do you have any long shots in the group you just sent out?
J
<< <i>
<< <i>That's a great deal for a HOF player. I just got motivated earlier this week and sent out 35 requests to older NBA players from the 70's. I was doing a lot of TTM and then took a break so I'm excited to see what I get back. I will start a new thread with some scans once they start rolling in. >>
Good luck with your new project. The guys from the 70's are usually decent signers. Do you have any long shots in the group you just sent out?
J >>
I think everybody I sent to has a pretty decent history of signing so without looking I don't think there were any tough ones in this batch.
<< <i>Do you have to enclose a SASE so they can send the cards back? I'm looking forward to getting into this. >>
Yes you do
My Sandberg topps basic set
My Sandberg Topps Master set
<< <i>What do you think is best hand written letter or typed? >>
I do everything hand written and have had good success. Only takes a couple minutes, and I usually put in a memory of the player or a couple of facts which impress me. It actually gives me a chance to appreciate their career and revisit their stats/achievements.
If the guy is a good signer, a typed letter will be fine. For harder to get guys, the hand written letter may give your request extra attention, but it's tough to say.
Cory
My Sandberg topps basic set
My Sandberg Topps Master set
can you pm me his address, what team is he with now?
thanks
fred
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
<< <i>that cownes is real nice
can you pm me his address, what team is he with now?
thanks
fred >>
Fred,
Cowens is now an assistant with the Detroit Pistons. I got him to sign c/o the team:
Detroit Pistons
Palace of Auburn Hills
Two Championship Drive
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
<< <i>Okay, these may be dumb questions since I'm new to this... but, do you include the pen(Sharpie?) for them to sign with? Also, how does one go about sending a baseball to get signed? I mean, can you send a prepaid priority box or what? Thanks, I'm digging through some cards now to be signed. So far, I 've found Mark Grace, Wade Boggs, Fred McGriff, Andre Dawson, Phil Niekro, Rollie Fingers and George Brett. Anyone ever get Frank Robinson to sign TTM? I have a nice Greats of the Game of him that would look beautiful signed. >>
For cards I just send the card and let the athlete decide how they want to sign. My typical package is business size envelope with first class stamp, including request letter, small envelope with first class stamp, and the card (sometimes in a card saver I, sometimes not). I have never run into trouble with the letters weighing too much for first class mail.
I wouldn't waste the money on priority mail for larger items, though you may want to include a sharpie or pen if you want the item signed a certain way. Take your mailer with ball, letter, sharpie, and return envelope down to the PO and have them weigh it for shipping. Once you get the price, place the same shipping on the return envelope. Once you see how much the typical package costs to ship, you could probably just place the appropriate stampage on all envelopes in the future.
By the way, Rollie Fingers and Andre Dawson will readily sign, but they both request a $10 donation. The other guys you mentioned are more hit and misss and according to http://sportscollectors.net Frank Robinson has been tough to get a return from for the past couple years.
(Slight slip of the pen at the top which adds character.)
J
<< <i>Just off announcing the Super Bowl, I received a Troy Aikman this morning. One of my best returns all time, and he added HOF 06 to the signature.
(Slight slip of the pen at the top which adds character.) >>
Actually, it looks like he x'd the card so you couldn't sell it.
I love that card. It is one of my favorites. You gotta love the Philly fans bombing the Cowboy's icy snow balls.....not really but it still is funny.
1994 Pro Line Live
TheDallasCowboyBackfieldProject
<< <i>
Actually, it looks like he x'd the card so you couldn't sell it.
I love that card. It is one of my favorites. You gotta love the Philly fans bombing the Cowboy's icy snow balls.....not really but it still is funny. >>
I thought that might have been a possibility as well. Clyde Drexler would sign TTM but would always add NFS (Not for Sale) to each signed card. I wonder if Troy has an exclusive with another card manufacturer.
On Sportscollectors.net, this is actually one of the first non-promotional photos he has signed. I wonder if he liked me admitting I was an Eagles fan, but respected his game. I did mention how we got him his Rookie year for like 8 sacks in one game, but he ended up getting the better of us during his playing days.
J
<< <i>
<< <i>
Actually, it looks like he x'd the card so you couldn't sell it.
I love that card. It is one of my favorites. You gotta love the Philly fans bombing the Cowboy's icy snow balls.....not really but it still is funny. >>
I thought that might have been a possibility as well. Clyde Drexler would sign TTM but would always add NFS (Not for Sale) to each signed card. I wonder if Troy has an exclusive with another card manufacturer.
On Sportscollectors.net, this is actually one of the first non-promotional photos he has signed. I wonder if he liked me admitting I was an Eagles fan, but respected his game. I did mention how we got him his Rookie year for like 8 sacks in one game, but he ended up getting the better of us during his playing days.
J >>
I just realized I have the same exact card signed by him as well. I'll have to go dig it up.
1994 Pro Line Live
TheDallasCowboyBackfieldProject
Edit: sorry for the spelling and grammer happy hour took a toll on me!
My Sandberg topps basic set
My Sandberg Topps Master set