Question for the TTM Experts

lahmejoon

Hi All,

I'm considering sending some cards TTM to Oakland (for me) and San Francisco (for my 6-year-old). What I'm wondering is whether or not I should mail individual envelopes to each player, or if any of you mail one larger package to the club with multiple envelopes addressed to each player inside (of course having a SASE in each separate envelope). What is the generally accepted practice for this?

Thanks!!
Aaron

VitoCo1972

individual envelopes for sure. handwritten letters.

PMKAY

Individual but good luck getting current baseball players through the mail.

lawnmowerman

<< <i>individual envelopes for sure. handwritten letters. >>



what he said

swish54

<< <i>individual envelopes for sure. handwritten letters. >>



This

lahmejoon

Thanks a bunch. I wasn't going to try any big names. My kid would be excited with the Gregor Blancos and Ryan Vogelsongs of the world and I would be happy with the Eric Sogards and Luke Gregersons of the world. It's amazing how much Posey and Sandoval command for in person autos.

totallyradd

sportscollectors.net is really the way to go. It's 15 for the year and it pays itself off pretty quick. It'll tell you the return percentage and the last successful return. Blanco hasn't signed since 2004, Vogelsong since January, 2013. Sean Doolittle has been signing for the A's, but now that he's closing and will probably get more mail, that percentage might drop.

JustinsShoebox

I agree with the above. I'm just getting into TTM and am having a lot of fun doing it. I use sportscollectors.net and it is extremely helpful (and relatively low cost).

I actually just received my first TTM back two days ago, and have 20 more going out by end of week.

I usually type my letters, though, and sign them. If more success is garnered by handwriting letters, perhaps I'll go that route.

Justin

lawnmowerman

<< <i> I usually type my letters, though, and sign them. If more success is garnered by handwriting letters, perhaps I'll go that route.

Justin >>



That's how I do it and have good success. I'm afraid if I write anything more than my name, the players wouldn't be able to read it lol

lahmejoon

My handwriting leaves a bit to be desired too. I'd like to do handwritten letters because they just feel more personal, but typing sure is appealing.

PMKAY

I've worked with former pro athletes who received cards for signing via the mail almost on a daily basis. Of all the times I saw them open their mail, which was often, not once did they read the letter. Letter straight into the garbage / recycling, quickly sign the cards and pop them in the SASE and done.

lawnmowerman

<< <i>I've worked with former pro athletes who received cards for signing via the mail almost on a daily basis. Of all the times I saw them open their mail, which was often, not once did they read the letter. Letter straight into the garbage / recycling, quickly sign the cards and pop them in the SASE and done. >>



Im guessing the players you witnessed signing were stars in high demand.

I've actually received letters back from 4 players replying to my letter. It was really cool of them.

PMKAY

One was a former Stanley Cup winner with the Red Wings but not a HOFer by any stretch of the imagination.

totallyradd

I've gotten about 100 cards back from former Brewers players, I hand write all my letters so they seem more personable. I'd say around 1/4-1/5 of them send me back a letter answering my questions. I ask them about their favorite teammate they played with, and the toughest pitcher/hitters they faced. Sometimes I get a paragraph or two response, other times I get just a few names of former players. I love getting back the letters, I've saved all of them in a binder.

lahmejoon

If you guys had to rank the TTM sites (startiger, Sportscollectors.net, and sportsgraphing.com), what order would you rank them?

Thanks!

lawnmowerman

I've only used scn and startiger and would rank them in that order.

lahmejoon

Great. Thanks!

PMKAY

Agree on SCN. If you are getting into this in a big way you may want to consider purchasing 1 or more of these lists

Link

lahmejoon

Wow, have you used any of these lists with more success than SCN with particular signers?

lawnmowerman

<< <i>Wow, have you used any of these lists with more success than SCN with particular signers? >>



The lists are awesome. I use one as well but it's from 2011. I'll have to get an updated version.

yankeeno7

<< <i>

<< <i>Wow, have you used any of these lists with more success than SCN with particular signers? >>



The lists are awesome. I use one as well but it's from 2011. I'll have to get an updated version. >>



I dont do nearly as much TTM or I would update that list again. It worked out really well, just a lot of work was involved copying it.

PMKAY

<< <i>Wow, have you used any of these lists with more success than SCN with particular signers? >>



These lists have more of the obscure addresses that are not on SCN which is what I need for a few projects.

lahmejoon

Thanks for all the advice. One more question for you - do you insert a cardboard in the envelope to help prevent bending of the envelope?

Thanks!

totallyradd

I'm basically sending out commons so condition of the card itself is less important to me than the signature. I write "Do Not Bend" on the envelopes. I've had some come back with creases, but I'm alright with that. I've considered puttin em in Card Savers, but I've heard stories of (especially older retired) players just signing the card saver and not the card. I did mail out a Yount rookie card in a card saver though. I got the card back unsigned with a note saying he's too busy to sign right now.

lawnmowerman

<< <i> I've had some come back with creases, but I'm alright with that. >>



Blasphemy! Stone him!!

haha

MooseDog

Be sure to write to Pat Neshak now with the Cardinals. He's an avid collector himself and signs ALL of his TTM requests. Send him any autographed card of anyone and he'll send you back one of his. If you want an A's card I'm sure he'll accommodate.

PMKAY

<< <i>Be sure to write to Pat Neshak now with the Cardinals. He's an avid collector himself and signs ALL of his TTM requests. Send him any autographed card of anyone and he'll send you back one of his. If you want an A's card I'm sure he'll accommodate. >>




I had not heard of Neshek till I read an article about his collecting habits a few months ago. When I checked on SCN site I wasn't surprised to see the success percentage but was shocked at how many successes there were. As of today on that site there are just under 1200 successes. For Pat Neshek. How many TTM collectors are sending to people for no other reason than they are fairly certain they will get a reply?

lahmejoon

Yeah, that Neskak read was a good one. It's awesome he takes the time.