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.

Classic TTM Success Joe Oliver

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 Dec. 24, 2012.

Joe Oliver, former Major League Baseball catcher, responds to through the mail autograph requests.

Oliver signed and return my 1990 Donruss baseball card from a Florida address in just 27 days.

Oliver debuted with the Cincinnati Reds in 1989. In 1995 Oliver played 97 games with the Milwaukee Brewers  before being sent back to the Reds in 1996. He later played with the Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox before retiring in 2001. Oliver was a member of the 1990 World Series  Champion Reds and made it the 2000 American League Championship Series with the Mariners. Today Oliver is a baseball coach at Bishop Moore Catholic High School.

Classic TTM Succes: Brian Holman

Squirrel License Plate
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 Dec. 24, 2012.

Brian Holman, former Seattle  Mariner responds to through the mail autograph requests in a short period of time. 

Holman pitched with the Montreal Expos and the Seattle Mariners.

He pitched in 109 games in his four-year career, winning 37 and losing 45.

Like him, Holman's father Brad Holman and stepfather Dick LeMay were both MLB pitchers.

Holman was traded to the Mariners in 1989 along with Randy Johnson.

On April 20, 1990, Oakland As Ken Phelps broke up Holman's perfect game bid.

Today Holman works for a financial, estate, tax, and investment consulting firm.

Holman also serves on the Board of Directors of Esperanza International.

The organization was founded in 1994 by former teammate Dave Valle and addresses the needs of impoverished women in the Dominican Republic .

Classic TTM Success: Bobby Witt, Ted Higuera, and Dale Murphy

Full Moon Can Cooler
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 Dec. 16, 2012.

Former Oklahoma Sooner and Major League Baseball pitcher Bobby Witt is the latest player to respond to a through the mail autograph request.

Witt began his professional career with the Texas Rangers. He also pitched for the Oakland As, Florida Marlins, St. Louis  Cardinals, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Cleveland Indians, Arizona Diamondbacks  before leaving the game in 2001.

He pitched in the playoffs three times and was part of the 2001 World Series Champion Diamondbacks roster. He finished his career with more losses then wins but is ranked 79th on the all time strikeout list with 1,955. Today, Witt lives in Texas and is a baseball player agent.

Former Milwaukee  Brewer Mexican Professional Hall of Fame member Ted Higuera is one of many athletes responding to fans through the mail autograph request.

Higuera spent his nine-year major league career with the Brewers.

He never swung at a pitch or played in a playoff game. The 1986 season was his best as he won 20 games and was named to the AL All Star team. He also ranked sixth in strikeouts that year with 207. Higuera's career was cut short by injuries. He missed the 1992 season with a tore rotator cuff ending his career with the Brewers. He attempted a comeback with the San Diego Padres but didn't make the team.
Today Higuera lives in Arizona.

Longtime Atlanta Brave Dale Murphy honored my through the mail autograph request by signing and returning two baseball cards.

Murphy played with the Braves from 1976 to 1989 before going to the Philadelphia Phillies  for three years and then to the Colorado Rockies  for his final year.

Murphy is a seven-time All-Star and a five-time Gold Glove winner. His No. 3 is retired in Atlanta and his true fans want to see him voted into the Hall of Fame this year.

NASCAR'S Mark Martin Responds to a TTM

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 Dec. 12, 2012.

Long time NASCAR driver Mark Martin is the first non-Major League Baseball player to respond to one of my through the mail autograph requests.

I sent Martin a card in October and 52 days later returned signed.

Martin is known as the old guy to some NASCAR fans.

He began his NASCAR career in 1981 and has yet to win a championship but has finished second five times.

This year Martin drove for Michael Waltrip Racing and finished 26th.

He has 40 career wins and 270 top-5 finishes.

In addition to racing cars, Martin sells cars. He owns two car lots in Arkansas.

Classic TTM Success Lonnie Smith

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 Dec. 10, 2012.

Former MLB outfielder Lonnie Smith is a quick responder to through the mail autograph requests and a great autograph to add or start a collection with.

Smith began is major league career with the Philadelphia Phillies  in 1978.

He also played for the St. Louis  Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, and the Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates  and Baltimore Orioles.

He made it to the World Series with the Phillies in 1980 and helped the team defeat the Royals for the ring.

In 1981, Smith and the Phillies returned to the National League Division Series but was defeated by the Montreal Expos.

In 1982, Smith got a taste of post season again as a member of the Cardinals. They defeated the Milwaukee Brewers  for the ring.

In 1985 Smith returned to the World Series against the Cardinals as a Royal. The end result was another ring for Smith.

He made to the World Series two more times with the Braves but was unable to claim the ring.

Classic TTM Success: Rick Luecken

I started collecting MLB autographs through the mail in 2010. I posted my stories on a content mill that is now obsolete. So in order to keep a record of my successes, I started this blog.  Here is what I published on Dec. 5, 2012.

Rocky Mountain Landscape Jigsaw Puzzle
by SMRJigsawPuzzles

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Rick Luecken responds to through the mail autograph requests quickly and personalizes them.

It took seven days to get my baseball card signed and returned.

He addresses the card to the fan then adds, best wishes and references Bible verse Rev. 3:20 which reads " Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

Luecken pitched for the Kansas City Royals  in 1989 and the Atlanta Braves in 1990.

While with the Braves, he clashed with manager Bobby

Cox and was placed on waivers. The Toronto Blue Jays picked him up and he played one game, his last.

Luecken played in a total of 56 games and finished his career with three wins and five losses.

Today he lives in Texas.

Classic TTM Success: Zane Smith

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 Dec. 3, 2012.

Former Atlanta Braves pitcher Zane Smith is a quick through the mail autograph responder and a true fan of the fans.

I sent Smith a baseball card to an address in Atlanta, Georgia with a note stating that I loved him as an Atlanta Brave, but was only able to find a Montreal Expo card to send.

In 11 days I received my Expos card and a Braves card of Smith signed. In my opinion, that's a true fan of fans.

Smith began his career with the Braves in 1984.

He also played for the Expos, Pittsburgh  Pirates, and Boston Red Soxs.

He finished his 13-year-career with 100 wins and 1,011 strikeouts.

He made it to the National League Championship Series two times with the Pirates and the American League Championship Series with the Red Sox.

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MY TTM Failures Part 3

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. 27, 2012.

The hobby of collecting baseball card autographs through the mail is filled with ups and downs with the downs being when a card does not come back.

Some of the players I have sent cards to and received no response from are: Former Cincinnati Red Eric Davis.

I sent Davis a card on Oct. 4, 2010 to a charity address in Los Angeles, California.

The name of the organization is Hitting From the Heart.

I sent the request their after seeing success posted on www.fanmail.biz.

Well after two years I think its safe to assume my request is a failure.

A check of sportscardforum.com shows no success for anyone at any address, so it seems TTM autograph collectors should not waste their stamps on Eric Davis.

Randy Milligan is also a no response. The former major leaguer is a scout with the Baltimore Orioles which is where I sent the card on Oct. 25, 2010. Over two years and counting and no response. Two people have recorded attempts at his home address. One reports success and one reports failure. Probably not worth a second try.

Former Kansas City Royal Danny Tartabull is also on my failure list.

I mailed Tartabull on Nov. 2, 2010 at an address in California and no response is the result.

However, the address I got must have been bad because there is a lot of success recorded at another California address.

So Tartabull is going on the try again list.

Former St. Louis  Cardinal Joe Magrane is a no response at this time.

I sent a card to Magrane on Nov. 8, 2010 and so far no response. There is no success posted for Magrane so no second try will be attempted.

It saddens me when I get no response from the Atlanta Braves, but no response is the result of a request sent to Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell.

I mailed a card to McDowell on Nov. 8, 2010, so far nothing. However maybe my card got lost in the mail, because many success are recorded for McDowell so a second try is warranted.

Rick Aguilera is also on my failure list. I mailed a card to a Cailfornia address on Nov. 8, 2010 and no response is the result. There is no success posted for Aguilera so no second try here.

The cards that do not come back via return to sender, it does make one wonder what becomes of them. Do the players keep them or are they lost in the mail? I guess only the cards know the answers.

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?