My Houston Connection TTM Project

stown · March 26, 2008 7:58AM

Inspired by some TTM threads (brianwintersfan's TAAs, Elemenope's A&G, etc), I decided to start a new project, as I've mentioned in previous threads.

Started off for poops and giggles by sending index cards to Astros' spring training.

That's when I got hooked.

Bought some lists, grabbed some cards, supplies, and I hit the ground running.

Trying to keep my focus, as the title says, to players and coaches with Houston ties. This should keep the project's budget minimal because our "stars" are cheap comparatively speaking to their peers. Yes, I acknowledge that Houston isn't a media darling, I've come to accept it

So anyways, here's my first return...

For those who have never heard of this guy, he's a part of Houston sports lore.

From HoustonProFootball

<< ..Bradshaw connected for two touchdowns and the Steelers led at the half, 17-10. It stayed that way until the Oilers mounted a drive that brought them to the Steeler six-yard line. Pastorini lobbed a throw into the back corner of the end zone. Renfro snared it with his fingertips as Ron Johnson forced him over the end line. The officials watched each other, hoping for a decisive ruling.

With nobody sure if Renfro's feet were in bounds or whether he had possession of the ball, the officials ruled the pass incomplete as Phillips fumed on the sidelines and NBC showed the catch over and over. The consensus (outside of Pennsylvania) was that Renfro had a touchdown that wasn't. The call became the moment when the NFL decided to seriously consider using television replays to affect the game - a policy with many defenders and detractors to this day.

The drive stalled and Fritsch kicked a short field goal but Pittsburgh still led, 17-13. The Oiler defense had stymied the Steelers for the third quarter but ran out of gas in the fourth quarter allowing a field goal then an insurance touchdown from Rocky Bleier. The final count read 27-13. >>

Stone193 · March 26, 2008 8:02AM

Welcome aboard!

I'm looking forward to your posts!

I assume that's the old Oilers only?

Should be fun to see what you pick up - wasn't there a running back on the Oilers years ago that was built like a fireplug and hard to tackle - Toller or something like that?

Good luck - keep us posted Stowner!!
mike

Goot · March 26, 2008 8:03AM

That's sweet man. I normally send out some during Spring Training but got a little side tracked this year so only sent out a couple. It's a ton of fun to go out to the mailbox and see envelopes addressed from yourself to yourself and wonder who you got as a return.

stown · March 26, 2008 8:11AM

<< Welcome aboard!

I'm looking forward to your posts!

I assume that's the old Oilers only?

Should be fun to see what you pick up - wasn't there a running back on the Oilers years ago that was built like a fireplug and hard to tackle - Toller or something like that?

Good luck - keep us posted Stowner!!
mike >>

I've sent requests to Colt 45's, Astros, Oilers, and Texans. So guess it's only baseball and football for now.

As for the RB, are you talking about Earl? Toller sounds familiar but can't place it right now. I've gone through hundreds of old Oiler cards and all their names are jumbled up in my head.

<< It's a ton of fun to go out to the mailbox and see envelopes addressed from yourself to yourself and wonder who you got as a return. >>

It's an exciting feeling because there's no distinguishing (sp?) marks. All my return envelopes are printed but everything else is handwritten (I have the numb thumb tip to prove it).

Goot · March 26, 2008 8:19AM

<< 

<< It's a ton of fun to go out to the mailbox and see envelopes addressed from yourself to yourself and wonder who you got as a return. >>

It's an exciting feeling because there's no distinguishing (sp?) marks. All my return envelopes are printed but everything else is handwritten (I have the numb thumb tip to prove it).

>>

I know the thumb feeling that way all to well! Last year I went out to the mail box, grabbed the envelope and saw it was stamped from Los Angeles. I figured it was a Dodger that I sent it to only to find out it was Chad Cordero from the Nationals who lives in LA. Duke Snider is easily my favorite TTM signer. I know he isn't a Houston guy but I reccomend it to everyone to send a card to him. It's not everyday you can get a HOFer's auto for FREE!

Elemenopeo · March 26, 2008 8:32AM

Congrats on the first returns! Nice sigs, nice scans (very important) and nice project. Awesome.

brianwintersfan · March 26, 2008 9:08AM

<< Inspired by some TTM threads (brianwintersfan's TAAs, Elemenope's A&G, etc), I decided to start a new project, as I've mentioned in previous threads. >>

WOW! I inspired someone. Thanks for the mention and good luck with the project. It is addicting.

MeteoriteGuy · March 26, 2008 9:15AM

Looking forward to watching the thread develop. I did the TTM thing for years and had a blast doing it.

Clear Skies,
Mark

stown · March 28, 2008 4:11AM

+1 for a 4-day turnaround.

TheHun · March 28, 2008 4:18AM

I see your aviatar is from the scrapped logo of the MLS Champion Houston Dynamo.

You should send some MLS cards to the soccer club. Dwayne DeRosario, Stuart Holden and Brian Ching to name a few.

good luck on your quest !

cheers

stown · March 28, 2008 4:20AM

<< I see your aviatar is from the scrapped logo of the MLS Champion Houston Dynamo.

You should send some MLS cards to the soccer club. Dwayne DeRosario, Stuart Holden and Brian Ching to name a few.

good luck on your quest !

cheers >>

Thanks and the back-to-back MLS Champs are on my list.

Unfortunately, soccer team sets are rare on eBay for some reason.

No love whatsoever.

stown · March 29, 2008 8:13AM

tennesseebanker · March 29, 2008 8:15AM

Hey Barry great returns !
Have you thought about getting Stabler ? He is a very good signer TTM, If you need his address let me know.

stown · March 29, 2008 8:19AM

<< Hey Barry great returns !
Have you thought about getting Stabler ? He is a very good signer TTM, If you need his address let me know. >>

Thanks but I've already sent cards out to him. Noticed he's doing a show this weekend, so probably the reason he hasn't had a chance to reply.

+1 for being optimisitc.

MeteoriteGuy · March 30, 2008 11:54AM

Hey Stown, thought of one you might try if you have not yet.

Mike Singletary was born in Houston. He use to be a very fast TTM. He is an assistant coach somewhere now (can't remember but it should not be hard to find where.

stown · April 1, 2008 9:04AM

<< Hey Stown, thought of one you might try if you have not yet.

Mike Singletary was born in Houston. He use to be a very fast TTM. He is an assistant coach somewhere now (can't remember but it should not be hard to find where. >>

Thanks for the suggestion, will probably do it since technically he falls within my guidelines. He's in Harvey's list, so I'll include him in my next mass mailing (thumb needs a break).

As a side note, according to Wiki, he's a coach with the 49ers. I bet Baylor regrets shunning him a couple of years ago..

In today's mail:

BunchOBull · April 1, 2008 9:09AM

My realtor was an Oilers cheerleader...I can probably get her signature

stown · April 1, 2008 9:12AM

Stalker-like PM sent.

perkdog · April 1, 2008 9:41AM

<< Stalker-like PM sent.

>>

stown · April 2, 2008 9:19AM

Nice mail day.

My first Texans return!

And my first 'Stros returns (well since I officially started this):

AND!!!!!!!!!

The centerpiece of my project!!

Wait for it........................

BOOYAH!

A special shout out to Elemenopeo trading this for my first born.

Elemenopeo · April 2, 2008 9:44AM

That absolutely cracks me up. Wonderful.

stown · April 2, 2008 9:49AM

How silly of me, I forgot to post his letter:

[plug]

If you ever need legal assistance in the Florida region, please visit Larry Lasky

[/plug]

perkdog · April 2, 2008 10:35AM

Your moving right along with your "new project"

I like it, good stuff

stown · April 3, 2008 1:46PM

Elemenopeo · April 3, 2008 1:59PM

Nice. On to Shea?

stown · April 3, 2008 2:02PM

<< Nice. On to Shea? >>

Yuppers.

He's been pretty good:

Success Rate: 75% | Sucesses: 6 | Failures: 2 | Waiting: 0

With the last one sent: 1/30/2008 17 days

I like my chances.

Oh and muchos gracias.

stown · April 10, 2008 9:10AM

I've been slacking the past week.

perkdog · April 10, 2008 9:14AM

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET Auto's Barry!

I love the Earl Cambell!!

stown · April 10, 2008 9:34AM

<< SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET Auto's Barry!

I love the Earl Cambell!! >>

Many thanks.

Matt randomly sent me that 05 TAA card. I decided it was worth the try with nothing in it.

Only took about a month but I'll gladly wait for the greatest RB in NFL history.

stown · April 16, 2008 2:01AM

My first current 'Stro, which ironically, was the first to return a ST index card.

+1 for Brad

Elemenopeo · April 16, 2008 2:26AM

Nicely done. Bet your mail carrier's lovin' you these days.

stown · April 17, 2008 4:11AM

Hey, I pay their salary, so they better love me.

+1 for Scrap Iron.

And if anyone was wondering, I've made 120 TTM requests and have a 33% (bb 32% and fb 34%) success rate as of this morning.

baseballfan · April 17, 2008 4:22AM

love the partorinis!!!

nicely done.

stown · April 17, 2008 4:31AM

<< love the partorinis!!!

nicely done. >>

Thank you.

As a side note, last year the Texans honored former "Houston NFL Players" during a halftime. Couldn't use the name Oilers because of the greedy, inconsiderate, POS Bud Adams.

Anyway, Pastorini and Bum Phillips were the last two announced and got the loudest ovation.

Good times.

Edited to add picture:

That's Mr. Bethea to the left of Pastorini, who received just as loud of cheers. Earl was MIA, which most likely is due to his health

baseballfan · April 17, 2008 4:51AM

that used to be my team, bum, pastorini, campbell, billy white shoes johnson, boy i loved that team. i used to have an old helmet that i my father had painted baby blue i use to wear around. the oilers had one fan hear in PA.

houston oilers, houston oilers, houston oilers number one!!!!!

stown · April 17, 2008 4:55AM

While I'm now a devoted Texans fan, I will forever bleed baby blue.

MeteoriteGuy · April 17, 2008 5:13AM

Hey Stown,

Could you PM the addy of Rozier? I would like to add an index card to the Heisman collection I have been working on.

Clear Skies,
Mark

stown · April 17, 2008 7:10AM

PM sent.

thekid8 · April 18, 2008 12:52PM

Hello Stown
I know most TTM guys like finishing their quests by themselves but if you want the Glenn Davis cards below their yours -- I was a fan of his for half a second back in the late 80's and did get these TTM close to 20 years ago
let me know
Mike

My Houston Connection TTM Project

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