Classic TTM Success: Shawn Hillegas

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 Feb. 27, 2013.

Former Chicago White Sox  pitcher Shawn Hillegas is the latest retired player to respond to my through the mail auttograph request. 

Hillegas began his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers  in 1987.

He went to the White Sox's in 1988, the Cleveland Indians in 1991, New York Yankees in 1992 and the Oakland As where he finished his career in 1993. 

Hillegas never made it to the playoffs.  

He made his MLB debut by replacing an injured Jack Mc Dowell. 

He played his final game with the As on July, 17, 1993. 

Hillegas responded to my request in 29 days and his signature is very defined. 

Classic TTM Success: Don August

  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 Feb. 13, 2013.

Former Milwaukee Brewer pitcher Don August responded to my through the mail autograph request and answered a question I asked.

August pitched for the Brewers from 1988-91.

In his rookie year, August went 13-7 with a 3.09 ERA.

He never made it to the playoffs but is noted as the winning pitcher in the inaugural game at the Sky dome.

In my autograph request I asked him if he ever gets tired of fan mail.

August's reply is "Its OK. I don't mind. Its been over 20 years since I played in the MLB and I still get cards to sign. It's amazing! DA.

Today August is a teacher at a middle school in Wisconsin.

Classic TTM Success: Mark Thurmond and NFL's Robb Thomas

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 Feb. 9, 2013.

Katy, TX— Former Major League pitcher Mark Thurmond responded to my through the mail autograph request in just six days, tying Vance Law, Ricky Jordan, Bruce Benedict, Rusty Greer, and Steve Garvey for the second quickest response time behind, Willie Wilson's five days.

Thurmond pitched for the San Diego Padres, Detroit Tigers, Baltimore  Orioles and the San Francisco Giants.

He went to the World Series in 1984 with the Padres. He pitched in two games but only managed 5.1 innings as the Chicago White Sox  beat the Padres for the ring.

He returned to the post season in 1987 with the Tigers but the Minnesota Twins won the right to move on to the series.

Today Thurmond lives in Texas and works for the family insurance company.

In addition to his signature Thurmond adds a Bible verse to his signed cards. It is Romans 1:16 " For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile."

Bend, OR —  

Former National Football League wide receiver Robb Thomas is my first through the mail autograph success. 

Thomas began his career with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1989 and also played with the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

His father, Aaron Thomas was also a NFL wide receiver, playing with the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants  from 1961-70.

Thomas signed a 1997 Pacific card for me with I believe a ball-point pen. It took 37 days to get a response from Thomas.

Not a bad wait.

Fireworks Tote Bag
by SMRJigsawPuzzles

Classic TTM Success: Mike Maddux

Lake Meade National Park Post Card
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 Feb. 8, 2013.

Arlington, Texas — Texas Ranger pitching coach Mike Maddux responds to through the mail autograph requests. 

During his playing career, Maddux pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, New York Mets, Pittsburgh  Pirates, Boston Red Soxs, Seattle Mariners, Montreal Expos, and the Houston Astros.

He made it to the post season one time with the Boston Red Soxs in 1995 but never got to pitch as the Cleveland Indians  won the divison series.

During his time in the National League, he got six hits at the plate.
Maddux's little brother, Greg is a Cy Young Award winner and also works for the Rangers.I sent my request to the Texas Rangers' address and it took 33 days to get my autograph back. 

Classic TTM Success: Buddy Black

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 Jan. 30, 2013.

Former Kansas City Royal pitcher Buddy Black has signed and returned my baseball card.

Black began his career with the Seattle Mariners in 1981. In 1982 he went to the Royals and pitched there until 1988 when he went to the Cleveland Indians.

He later pitched with the Toronto Blue Jays and the San Francisco Giants  before returning to the Indians for his final season in 1995.

Black made it to the post season two times with the Royals and was a part of the 1985 team that defeated the St. Louis Cardinals  in the World Series.
In 2000, Black was a pitching coach with the Los Angeles Angels.
In 2006, Black became the pitching coach for the San Diego Padres and won the Manager of The Year Award in 2010. He will return with the Padres this year.

Classic TTM Success: Dan Schatzeder

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 Jan. 25, 2013.

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Dan Schatzeder has signed and returned my baseball card.

Schatzeder began his career with the Montreal Expos in 1977. He also played with the Detroit Tigers, San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians, Houston Astros, New York  Mets  and the Kansas City Royals.

During his 15 year career he made it to the World Series one time with the 1987 Minnesota Twins.

He recorded one win against the St. Louis Cardinals as the Twins went on to win the series.

Schatzeder also gained reconition for his hitting as he batted .240 with five home runs and 29 runs batted in.

Today Schatzeder lives in Illinois and teaches physical fitness.

Calico Cat Wooden Box
by SMRJigsawPuzzles

Classic TTM Success: Pete Harnisch

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 Jan. 19, 2013.

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Pete Harnisch is the first to respond to a through the mail autograph request in 2013.

Harnisch debute
d with the Baltimore Orioles in 1988. He went on to play for the Houston Astros, New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers  and Cincinnati Reds.

He played in the 1991 All-Star game as an Astro.

He finished his career with 111 wins and 103 losses.

Harnisch retired from the game after sitting out the 2002 season with injuries.

This year will be his first year as the Los Angeles Angels  roving pitching instructor.