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.
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Classic TTM Success: Ron Blomberg
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
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
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
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.
Classic TTM Success: Steve Garvey
Former Los Angeles Dodger and San Diego Padre Steve Garvey is now on my list of through the mail autograph successes.
Garvey is both the slowest response and the second quickest player to respond to my request.
How is that possible you ask?
Well I first mailed a card to Garvey on Sept. 11, 2010 to a talent agency in Los Angeles.
The agency was listed as the place to mail autograph requests to Garvey and others.
Well two years later no response or return to sender.
Then I saw on http://www.fanmail.biz/ that Garvey was responding to autograph requests at his home address.
So on Aug. 8
I sent a 1982 Donruss Diamond King card to Garvey explaining that I had mailed him at the agency two years ago and that there had been no response.
Six days later, or 702 days from my first attempt, I received my Diamond King back signed by "Mr. Clean."
Though I'm disappointed that there seems to be a card possibly sitting in a talent agency somewhere that may never make it back to me.
However, it is thrilling that Garvey is responding to fans through the mail.
For those not familiar with Garvey, he began his career with the Dodgers in 1969.
He played in four World Series with the Dodgers and one with the Padres.
He is a 10-time All Star and winner of four Gold Gloves.
Today Garvey is a motivational speaker and a member of the Baseball Assistance Team.
How to Get a Nolan Ryan Autograph
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. 7, 2011.
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It has taken 225 days and $35 but finally the reward has arrived.
A Nolan Ryan authentic autograph is what I'm speaking of.
How did I achieve this you ask? Well it is simple.
First choose the item you want signed.
In my case I chose a 1988 Topps Baseball Card. One that I had many copies of that is valued anywhere from 50 cents to a $1.
Then I logged onto www.nolanryanfoundation.org
For a donation to the charity, Ryan will sign personal items. To request a baseball card or something smaller than a 5x7 such as a photo or game ticket, the cost is $35.
For a donation to the charity, Ryan will sign personal items. To request a baseball card or something smaller than a 5x7 such as a photo or game ticket, the cost is $35.
Items larger than a 5x7 is a $55 donation, a baseball cap or glove is $80 and a bat or jersey is $105.
To have Ryan add a personalized stat such as 324 wins or HOF '99, its an extra $18 charge.
To have Ryan add a personalized stat such as 324 wins or HOF '99, its an extra $18 charge.
After making your decision, send a check and the item and wait.
I mailed my request in February. My check was cashed in May and the card arrived on Sept. 24.
With the card is a letter of thanks from The Nolan Ryan Foundation, a cash register receipt showing the date my check was cashed.
On the back of the card, a hologram has been placed as proof of authenticity.
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