A surprise TTM envelope!

I got a couple of PWE full of TTM requests back this week.  One was a huge surprise!  I can't even find on my log sheet when I sent it, but it has to be a long time ago because the forever stamp was a plant, it had my maiden name on it and it was in a large envelope instead of a small one.  If I had to guess, I'd say I sent it in 2012ish.

Jeff Francoeur

Signed 2/2

Sent c/o (maybe) Kansas City Royals

??? days

Steven Wright 

Signed 1/2 (sent the other card back unsigned)

Sent c/o Boston Red Sox

240 days

Drew Storen

Since I started sending out TTMs, I am frequently frustrated with Spring Training requests.  I keep reading this is the best time to get cards signed because so many players sign during Spring Training,  However, I don't feel like I've had much luck.  My current percentage is 43%, and I don't feel like that is that great.  However, I got mail back this weekend from Drew Storen.  He's currently with the Nationals.

Drew Storen
Signed 1/1
Sent c/o Nationals ST
68 days

Matt Dominguez

Matt Dominguez is currently playing for the Houston Astros.  He was a Marlins prospect who was traded to the Astros in 2012 for Carlos Lee.  I'm currently thinking of picking him up in my fantasy baseball league because my starter, David Wright, is hurt, and there are no other options for third basemen in our league.

Matt Dominguez
Signed 2/2
Sent c/o Houston Astros
105 days

A couple of TTMs and trades

A couple of exciting things in the mail this week.  First up, is some Cubs cards that I got through TTM from Bill Long.  I targeted Bill because he was a former Cub.  He tenure with the Cubs wasn't long, but I still wanted his signature.

Bill Long
Signed 4/4
Sent c/o Home address
11 days

Next up, a return from an MLB player.  I had read that Bud Smith signs, and he returned my card!

Bud Norris
Signed 1/1
Sent c/o Houston Astros
63 days

Finally, I completed two Zistle trades.   These were super exciting because I completed my 2011 Allen & Ginter main set (YEAH!) and I was able to pick some some sweet cards for my player collections.

Here is the loot from my first trade:

 

Here's SOME of the loot from the second trade:

I picked up more cards than this, and the important ones were the two 2011 Allen & Ginter SP cards I was missing.  Again, picked up some cards for my player collections, which can be found on the right hand side of this blog.

Undefeated season!

My co-ed softball team finished up spring league undefeated, #1 seed in the tournament, and a bye in the first round.  Its super exciting, but also nerve racking because we could have a total let down in the second round...because that's how we roll!!

This weeks TTMs:

First up, Pat Listach.  He's currently the third base coach for the Cubs.  This is the second time I've had success with him via TTM; I also got a response when he was with the Washington Nationals coaching staff.  He was the ROY in 1992.  He takes his mail on the road; the post mark was San Francisco, CA.  The Upper Deck card signature is a little smudged, but that's OK, it still looks cool.

Pat Listach
Signed 2/2
Sent c/o Chicago Cubs
17 days

Next up, Bob Milacki.  He's currently the pitching coach for the Reading Phillies.  I targeted him for TTM because he's a former Oriole!

Bob Milacki
Signed 3/3
Sent c/o Reading Phillies
14 days

Last TTM of this post is Daniel Hudson.  I had been reading he was a great TTM'er, and he didn't disappoint.  I believe this is my first Topps Lineage card I've had signed.  I liked the 2011 design.

Daniel Hudson
Signed 2/2
Sent c/o Arizona Diamondbacks
50 days

Finally, A Mike Napoli Success!!

It was a good week for mail.  It's starting to trickle back in a little faster than it was a couple of weeks ago, thank goodness!

My first success is Mike Napoli.  I tried to get him last year via the Texas Rangers, but got my card back and a pre-printed card.  I decided to take a second chance at getting him through Spring Training, hoping that they wouldn't have the pre-printed cards there or made-up yet for the year.  And, I was successful!

Mike Napoli
Signed 1/2 (sent other card back, unsigned)
Sent c/o Texas Rangers ST
61 days

Next up, another success from my left over 1987 Topps.  Jim Lindeman was a big prospect for the Cardinals when I started collecting cards.  It never really panned out for him, but I still remember when his cards were a big deal, especially this 1987 Topps Traded.

Jim Lindeman
Signed 2/2
Sent c/o Home address
53 days

Last TTM of the week, came from my first Minor League try this year.  Ross Ohlendorf is one of the smartest and nicest guys in baseball.  He's currently in the Red Sox minor league system.  I hope he gets a call-up soon!

Ross Ohlendorf
Signed 2/2
Sent c/o Pawtucket Red Sox
7 days

Probably my lone Dec. mail!!!

FINALLY! A TTM!!! I was pretty sure the mail would slow down after the AFL, but I never imagined HOW slow it would become!!! Anyway, I big one back this week. Josh Hamilton!!! I had read that he usually waits until after the season to sign, and I can only imagine why...he probably gets a million letters and requests every season. I am glad that he took the time to ready my letter and sign my card!

Josh Hamilton
Signed 1/1
Sent c/o Texas Rangers
257 days

Another return from last year!

First up today, Juan Pierre. I had heard he was a good signer, and he didn't disappoint! The signature is a little smuged from all the gloss!

Juan Pierre
Signed 2/2
Sent c/o Chicago White Sox
71 days


Howard Johnson! One of my favorite Mets!! This was a request I sent out last year, and I was thrilled to see it today! I don't know how many days its been, I wasn't keeping that info last year. I love getting a surprise like this in the mail!!!

Howard Johson
Signed 2/2
Sent c/o New York Mets
?? days