Classic TTM Success: Alejandro Pena

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 Nov. 23, 2012.

Former Atlanta Brave and Los Angeles Dodger Alejandro Pena is the latest former major leaguer I have received an autograph through the mail from.

In addition to the Braves and Dodgers, Pena also pitched for the New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Soxs, and the Florida Marlins.

Pena began his career with the Dodgers in 1981 and ended his career with the Marlins in 1996.

Pena made it to the World Series three times earning one ring with the Dodgers and one ring with the Braves.

In 1991, Pena and Braves pitchers Kent Mercker and Mark Wohlers combined to throw a no hitter against the San Diego Padres.

The achievement is marked on baseball card featuring all three pitchers.

Today, Pena is the pitching coach for the Dodgers's Dominican summer league team.

Classic TTM Success: Glenn Hubbard

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 Nov. 19, 2012.

Former Atlanta Braves

econd baseman Glenn Hubbard is my latest through the mail autograph success.

Hubbard is one of my all-time favorite Braves.

I sent Hubbard two cards, one of him in Braves blue with former Braves shortstop Rafael Ramirez and one of him in Oakland As green.

Its only the second time I have sent more than card at a time, as I do not want to come across as pushy.

The former all-star second baseman played with the Braves back in the days with Dale Murphy and Bob Horner.

In 1982, Hubbard and the Braves made it to the playoffs only to lose to the St. Louis Cardinals.

In 1989 Hubbard made it to the World Series with the Oakland As, but was not able to win a ring as the As lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In 1999 the Braves hired Hubbard as first base coach. That job ended in 2010.

To baseball collectors, Hubbard is known for his 1984 Fleer card in which he his holding a large snake.

Many online articles can be found calling the card one of the best and one of the worst cards in card history.

Maybe I should have sent Hubbard that card and asked why he is holding the snake.

Glenn if you see this article, thank you for the autographs and send me a message explaining the snake card please.

Classic TTM Success: Brett Saberhagen

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 Nov. 8, 2012.

Former Kansas City Royal pitcher Bret Saberhagen will sign an autograph via mail request in return for a donation to his charitable organization called Make A Difference Foundation, which benefits children with diabetes and debilitating disease.

Saberhagen debut with the Royals in 1984.

He went on to play for the New York Mets, Colorado Rockies, and the Boston Red Soxs.

Saberhagen made it to the playoffs with the Royals, Rockies and Red Soxs, winning a World Series with the Royals in 1985. He was also named MVP of the series.

I sent Saberhagen a $5 donation and waited 78 days to get a response.

For TTM collectors Saberhagen's autograph is an easy one to obtain.

Classic TTM Success: Barry Lyons

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 Nov. 7, 2012.

Former New York Met's catcher Barry Lyons has responded to a through the mail autograph request in just 13 days.

Lyons debut with the Mets in 1986 and spent most of his days with the Mets as the back up catcher to the late MLB All-Star catcher Gary Carter.

Lyons also played with the Los Angeles Dodgers. California Angels, and Chicago White Sox.

Lyons was one of a group of Mets that received a belated World Series ring following the Mets 1986 victory.

Today Lyons resides in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he rode out Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

According to the Barry Lyons Wikipedia page, Lyons and his family lost their home and many things including his World Series ring.

Today, it is reported that Lyons is active in the community and with the ongoing rebuilding process and is pushing for the construction of a minor league baseball stadium.

Classic TTM Success: Carlton Fisk, Maybe Arrested While Mailing My Card

Ducks 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 Oct. 25, 2012.

It seems Major League Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk responded to my through the mail autograph request, and mailed my signed baseball card the same day he was found unconscious behind the wheel of his vehicle with an open bottle of vodka in a New Lennox, Ill, corn field.

USA Today reported the following out of the affidavit. 

Police report paramedics were called to the scene and Fisk was awakened. 

Fisk, agreed to go to the hospital but refused a blood alcohol test.

His car was impounded.

"Around 7:20 Monday night, (Oct. 22) we received a couple of calls about a vehicle in a field," Deputy Chief Bob Pawlisz told ESPNChicago.com . "When officers went over there, they found Mr. Fisk unconscious behind the wheel. He was transported to the local hospital and charged with a lane violation, driving under the influence and illegal transportation of alcohol. An open container of alcohol was found in the vehicle."

Fisk posted bond and was released after he was issued a citation. He is scheduled to appear in the Will County Courthouse on Nov. 29.

To get Fisk's autograph, a $40 donation is required which is given to the Cancer Support Center.

I choose to believe that my $40 went to the cancer support group and was not used to purchase the bottle of vodka.

The fact that my card is post marked the same day this incident occurred causes my imagination to run wild.

Did he sign a handful of cards, go drop them in a mailbox and then head to the liquor store?

Or did he sign cards while drinking then head to the mailbox?

Was my card signed by an intoxicated Carlton Fisk?

Classic TTM Success: Andy Pettitte

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. 15, 2012.

It is thrilling to report a through the mail autograph success from New York Yankee pitcher Andy Pettitte.

The three-time All-Star has seen post-season action 14-times during his 17-year career and is currently a member of the Yankee squad battling the Detroit Tigers for the right to play in the 2012 World Series.

Being a longtime Atlanta Braves fan and an-anti-Yankee fan, I used to find it hard to appreciate Pettitte.

He was a member of the 1996 Yankee squad that defeated the Braves in the World Series.

In 1999, Pettitte and the Yankees beat the Braves a second time in the World Series.

In 2005, Pettitte and the Houston Astros  defeated the Braves in the National League Division Series. The Astros went on the beat the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS but lost to the Chicago White Sox in the World Series.

In recent years I learned to soften my dislike of the Yankees and their core players of Pettitte, Roger Clemens, Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada  and Mariano Rivera, and Pettitte became one of my top fantasy players.

Pettitte is the first TTM success I have had from the Yankee's address.

In my opinion Pettitte has to be called a class act. Any player that will take the time to answer fan mail while his team is competing in the playoffs must truly care about the fans.

So hats off to Pettitte.

Bowling Large Wooden Keepsake Box
by SMRJigsawPuzzles

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