Classic TTM Success: Bert Blyleven

I started collecting MLB autographs through the mail in 2010. I posted my stories on a content mill that is now shutting down. So in order to keep a record of my successes, it is time to move them to my blog. Here is what I published on Oct. 12, 2012.

Major League Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Bert Blyleven will sign baseball cards through the mail and other items for a small fee with a portion of the proceeds going to the National Parkinson Foundation Minnesota.

Blyleven explains on his website that he got involved with the charity after Parkinson's affected his father.

Blyleven played 22 years in the majors, pitching for Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, PittsburghPirates, Cleveland Indians, and California Angels.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

He recorded 3,701 strike outs and 287 wins.

If you are seeking a major league autograph and desire to donate to a good cause, Blyleven's autograph may be a good choice.

Squirrel Postage Stamp
by SMRJigsawPuzzles

Classic TTM Success: Eddie Perez

I started collecting MLB autographs through the mail in 2010. I posted my stories on a content mill that is now shutting down. So in order to keep a record of my successes, it is time to move them to my blog. Here is what I published on Oct. 12, 2012.

Former Atlanta Braves catcher Eddie Perez has responded to a through the mail autograph request in just 536 days.

I sent the card to the Atlanta Braves address in April of 2011 and received the card on Oct.12, 2012.

The slow response sends hope that some of the other requests that I sent off nearly two years ago may return.

Before receiving Perez's signature, former Houston Astro Craig Reynolds had been the slowest to respond with a 303 day wait.

Perez was the backup catcher to Javy Lopez and later became the personal catcher for Greg Maddux.

He currently is a bullpen coach for the Braves.

My First and Second List of TTM Failures

I started collecting MLB autographs through the mail in 2010. I posted my stories on a content mill that is now shutting down. So in order to keep a record of my successes, it is time to move them to my blog. Here is what I published on Oct. 9, 2012.

Classic TTM Success: Ron Blomberg

I started collecting MLB autographs through the mail in 2010. I posted my stories on a content mill that is now shutting down. So in order to keep a record of my successes, it is time to move them to my blog. Here is what I published on Sept. 12, 2012.

Former New York Yankee Ron Blomberg

 responds to through the mail autograph requests for a small fee.

Blomberg, known as Boomer, is noted as the first designated hitter in Major League Baseball and will sign a baseball card for $5.

I'm not sure but I believe the money is considered as a donation to the Isreal Cancer Research Fund.

Blomberg began his career with the Yankees in 1969.

After missing the 1977 season with a knee injury he joined the

Chicago White Sox. in 1978 for his final season.

He finished his career with 52 homer runs

He began a writing career in 2006 and published a biography and is reportedly working on a cookbook.

Classic TTM Success: Fernando Valenzuela

I started collecting MLB autographs through the mail in 2010. I posted my stories on a content mill that is now shutting down. So in order to keep a record of my successes, it is time to move them to my blog. Here is what I published on Spet. 8, 2012.

Former Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Fernando Valenzuela has responded to a through the mail autograph request in just 15 days.

The Dodger star of the 80s made his debut in 1980 and helped the Dodgers defeat the New York Yankees  in the 1981 World Series.

Valenzuela and the Dodgers returned to the playoffs in 1983 and 1985 only to be defeated by the Philadelphia Phillies  and St. Louis Cardinals.

In 1996 Valenzuela joined the San Diego Padres  and went to the National League Division Series.

The Padres were defeated by the Cardinals.

I remember when Valenzuela was the talk of baseball his rookie season.

In 1982 I purchased a pack of Fleer Baseball cards and pulled card number 636, the Valenzuela Strike Out King Card.

I thought I would be rich one day. Today, the card can be purchased on the Internet for $2.95.

Never the less, when I started this hobby, I doubted I could get a Valenzuela autograph, but I saw on fanmail.biz that Valenzuela was signing and took a chance, mailed the Dodgers, and received a great autograph.

Classic TTM Success: Cris Carpenter

Fireworks Postage Stamps
by SMRJigsawPuzzles

I started collecting MLB autographs through the mail in 2010. I posted my stories on a content mill that is now shutting down. So in order to keep a record of my successes, it is time to move them to my blog. Here is what I published on March 14, 2011.

Former St. Louis  pitcher Cris Carpenter and current Gainesville High School social studies teacher has responded to a through the mail autograph request in nine days.

Carpenter pitched for the Cardinals 1988 through 1992 before going on to pitch for the Flordia Marlins, Texas Rangers  and Milwaukee Brewers.

Carpenter is often confused with the current Cardinal pitcher Chris Carpenter  who joined the team in 2003 and is signed through 2013.

There is also a Chris Carpenter who debuted with the Chicago Cubs  and now pitches with the Boston Red Sox.

The Cris Carpenter, who signed my 1992 Topps card, had an eight year career in the majors.

He pitched in 291 games, striking out 252 and completing one game.

Carpenter made 30 plate appearances and managed eight hits and two runs scored.

Although his career numbers may not be memorable, the fact that he is signing cards through the mail is making many fans happy.

Classic TTM Success: Willie Wilson

I started collecting MLB autographs through the mail in 2010. I posted my stories on a content mill that is now shutting down. So in order to keep a record of my successes, it is time to move them to my blog. Here is what I published on Aug. 20, 2012.

For those looking for a quick autograph response through the mail, send a request to former Kansas City Royal outfielder Willie Wilson.

Wilson, who also played for the Oakland As and Chicago Cubs, will oblige fans and signs sports memorabilia through the mail for a fee.

I sent Wilson $20 and a Topps 89 baseball card on Aug. 13 and the card arrived back in mailbox signed on Aug. 18.

The five day mail transaction is second only to former Philadelphia Phillie Kevin Gross Kevin Gross who responded to my autograph request in four days.

The fees sent to Wilson are recorded as a donation to the The Willie Wilson Baseball Foundation located in Kansas City, Mo.

The foundation focuses on assisting youth in learning the sport of baseball.

on the foundation's website Wilson has the following quote posted "I was fortunate enough to have baseball teach me the values relative to success. The sport gifted me with leadership and team building skills that translate in a relatable way in the world."

Wilson also sponsors a legends' game.

This year proceeds benefited spinal cord injuries and Project Walk of Kansas City.

Those that took part in the game included Danny Jackson, Dennis Leonard, Frank White, and Daryl Motley.

Wilson signed my card with a blue Sharpie and added the number six, which he wore with the Royals in 1978 through 1990.

Wilson played in the World Series with the Royals two times and played in the 1992 American League Championship game with the As.

Of the players that I have sent requests too that require a fee, Wilson's five day response is the quickest.

Andre Dawson was a 13 day wait; Jim Eisenreich was a 215 day wait and Nolan Ryan, 225 day wait.