How To Get Autographs Through the Mail in 2019

For the last post of the year, on the last day of the year, I'll share three quick tips for TTM success!

QUANTITY:  While my percentage of success has gone up in the past year because I've done a better job picking higher-probability signers to send to, the more you send out, the more you will get back.  To date, I've gotten back over 300 successes in three years, but sent out over 700 requests.

STATISTICS:  One big thing I learned for 2018 was that there are plenty of great resources for finding addresses, what percentage of the time athletes sign, when the last time they signed was, if there's a donation fee for a signature, etc.  Sometimes it's worth taking a gamble on a low probability player if it's one you really want to get, but often times, knowing the statistics will save you the time and the cost of the stamps.

RESOURCES: There are some great places to find out these statistics.  Prior to 2018, I was simply using fanmail.biz and Google.  Sometimes, I still use these tools, but it's been much more seldom since I discovered the TTM Manager at sportscardforum.com.  SCF is free to join.  I found out about this when I joined a Facebook group for baseball TTMers.  However, I'm going to try something new for 2019 and buy a premium membership subscription ($15/year) to sportscollectors.net as well.

Good luck, everyone, and Happy New Year!

Top 10 For 2018

It's been quite a year, with 186 TTM successes so far (and still one more mail day left!), bringing my three-year total since I started this to 302 successes.  This year's Top Ten list is quite diverse.  It includes two baseball players, two basketball players, a football player, a soccer player, a golfer, an Olympian who won a gold medal in the Decathlon, a former Secretary of State who is also a four-star General, and a former U.S. President who, sadly, passed away this year.  It was a tough call between number one and number two, but since President Bush was known more for being President than a baseball player, the lone football player on this year's list took the number one spot, and he's one of the best to ever play the game!

10: Mike Mussina (A superstar pitcher and former Yankee, Moose may be headed for Cooperstown!)
9: Landon Donovan (One of the best U.S. men's soccer players of all-time!)
8: Colin Powell (Four-star General and former Secretary of State!)
7: Bob Pettit (One of the best in the early years of the game, and made the all-star team every year!)
6: Bruce Jenner (Known as Caitlyn now, Bruce won the Decathlon Gold Medal in the '76 Olympics!)
5: Don Mattingly (The Marlins Manager is a Yankees legend and former Captain in the Bronx!)
4: Bill Bradley (The Hall-of-Famer won a Championship with the Knicks and was a U.S. Senator!)
3: Jack Nicklaus (The Golden Bear was one of the greatest golfers of all-time!)
2: George H.W. Bush (The former Yale baseball team Captain was the 41st U.S. President!)
1: Drew Brees (One of the best QBs ever, he has more passing yards than anyone in history!)

Monthly Failure Report: December 2018

No response from December 2017:
Dave Eiland
Randy Velarde
Art Shell
Jack Morris
Larry Wilson

RTS:
Keyshawn Johnson

Returned Unsigned:
Lee Smith, who wants $20 for a signature.  He just got into the Hall of Fame, which is awesome, but you can still pick up certified autographs of his on Ebay for significantly less than this asking price.

Ronnie Lott

Hall-of-Famer Ronnie Lott made ten Pro Bowl teams and won four Super Bowls during his illustrious 14-year NFL career.  One of the all-time greats at the Cornerback and Safety positions, Lott intercepted 63 passes during regular season play and another nine during the postseason.  Thanks, Ronnie!

Mailed: 10-9-18
Received Back: 12-26-18
Turnaround Time: 78 Days

Chris Davis

Chris Davis has amassed 283 Home Runs and 743 RBI so far in his MLB career. He led the league with 53 HR in 2013 and 47 HR in 2015.  He had a rough year in 2018, but is looking to bounce back for the Orioles in 2019.  Thanks, Chris!  Merry Christmas!

Mailed: 12-13-18
Received Back: 12-24-18
Turnaround Time: 11 Days

Ed Jones

Ed "Too Tall" Jones bridged two eras of Dallas Cowboys football, winning a Super Bowl in the 70s and making three Pro Bowls in the early 80s before retiring after his 15th season in 1989.  He is one of the best Defensive Ends in the history of the Cowboys.  Thanks, Ed!

Mailed: 10-9-18
Received Back: 12-14-18
Turnaround Time: 66 Days

Rey Sanchez

Rey Sanchez spent 15 years in the big leagues with nine different teams, including two stints with the Yankees.  He hit .272.  He was the starting second baseman on the day I attended my first MLB game at Yankee Stadium in 1997.  Thanks, Rey!

Mailed: 10-11-18
Received Back: 12-3-18
Turnaround Time: 53 Days

Alphonso Downing

I found an old card with Al Downing in a Yankees uniform, so naturally I sent it to him to sign.  Downing became one of the "Black Aces" by going 20-9 in 1971!  Thanks again, Al!

Mailed: 11-16-18
Received Back: 12-3-18
Turnaround Time: 17 Days

Carsten Charles Sabathia

So far, CC Sabathia's resume includes a World Series Championship, a Cy Young Award, six all-star teams, 246 big league Wins, and 2,986 Strikeouts.  He's signed on with the Yankees for one more season.  He signed his rookie card for me here.  It's a bit smudged, but I kind of like it, because the smudge has his fingerprint in it.  Thanks, CC!

Mailed: 2-14-18
Received Back: 12-1-18
Turnaround Time: 290 Days

Colin Powell

Colin Powell has impressive statistics--of service to the United States.  He was Secretary of State under George W. Bush but also a four-star general in the Army.  He landed on a baseball card in the 1991 Bowman set when he threw out the first pitch at a Yankees game.  I got this in the mail on the day that an American hero who Powell served under, President George H.W. Bush, passed away.  Thank you, Secretary Powell--for your service, but for your autograph!

Mailed: 9-24-18
Received Back: 11-30-18
Turnaround Time: 67 Days

Chris Hammond

Chris Hammond was 66-62 with a 4.14 ERA across 14 MLB seasons with seven different teams.  He played for the Yankees in 2003.  Thanks, Chris!

Mailed: 10-11-18
Received Back: 11-30-18
Turnaround Time: 50 Days

Douglas Bird

Doug Bird was 73-60 with a 3.99 ERA during his eleven-year MLB career.  He played for five teams and saved 60 games.  Thanks, Doug!

Mailed: 11-16-18
Received Back: 11-26-18
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

Monthly Failure Report: November 2018

No failures to report!

Sparky Lyle

Sparky Lyle began his career with the Red Sox, but they made a great decision in trading him to the Yankees before the 1972 season, where he went on to win two World Series and a Cy Young award, while being named to the all-star team twice.  He won 99 games and saved 238 games during his 16-year MLB career.  He has a great signature and signs through the mail for $5.  Thanks, Sparky!

Mailed: 11-17-18
Received Back: 11-24-18
Turnaround Time: 7 Days

Jim Bouton

You may remember Jim Bouton from my failures list, as I didn't realize he signed with a $5 fee.  I sent along the reasonable $5 fee this time and got this back.  It's great.  I hear he's not doing so well health-wise, so keep him in your prayers.  Jim was an all-star once during his ten-year MLB career, during which he went 62-63 with a 3.57 ERA.  Thanks, Jim!

Mailed: 11-15-18
Received Back: 11-23-18
Turnaround Time: 8 Days

Robert Shantz

Bobby Shantz went 119-99 with 48 Saves and a 3.38 ERA over 16 MLB seasons.  He's one of the best signers around, even at 93.  He signed the card I sent him and loaded the index card I sent with it with stats and inscriptions, signing that as well.  Thanks again, Bobby!

Mailed: 11-16-18
Received Back: 11-23-18
Turnaround Time: 7 Days

Gnat

Larry Bowa amassed 2,191 hits during his 16-year MLB career, winning a World Series and two Gold Gloves, while making five all-star teams.  After his playing days, he coached and managed, winning one Manager of the Year Award.  He signed both cards I sent him, plus the index card.  Thanks, Larry!

Mailed: 11-16-18
Received Back: 11-23-18
Turnaround Time: 7 Days

Lou Piniella

Lou Piniella played in the Majors for 18 seasons, winning two World Series with the Yankees and making one all-star team.  He also won 1,835 games and a World Series in 23 seasons as a Major League Manager.  He signed his 1964 Topps Rookie Card for $5.  Thanks, Lou!

Mailed: 11-15-18
Received Back: 11-23-18
Turnaround Time: 8 Days

The Human Vacuum Cleaner

Brooks Robinson is a class act.  After getting his autograph via mail nearly a year ago, I came across a 1968 Topps card that I wanted him to sign as well.  I sent him a $5 donation, and he not only signed the baseball card, but the index card I sent with it, which he also inscribed "HOF 1983".  Awesome mail day.  Thanks, Mr. Robinson!

Mailed: 11-3-18
Received Back: 11-23-18
Turnaround Time: 20 Days

Fritz Peterson

Fritz Peterson pitched in the Majors for eleven years, compiling 133 wins, 109 of which were with the Yankees.  He was an all-star in 1970 when he won 20 games.  Thanks, Fritz!

Mailed: 1-16-18
Received Back: 11-23-18
Turnaround Time: 311 Days

Jeff Reardon

Jeff Reardon made four all-star teams and won a World Series during his 16-year MLB career.  He saved 367 games and had a 3.16 ERA.  Thanks, Jeff!

Mailed: 2-23-18
Received Back: 11-19-18
Turnaround Time: 269 Days

B.J. Surhoff

B.J. Surhoff played for the Brewers, Orioles, and Braves during his 19-year MLB career.  He made the All-Star team in 1999 with the Orioles.  He finished his career with a .282 batting average, 2,326 hits, 188 home runs, and 1153 RBI.  He signed three different 1987 rookie cards for me and the index card for good measure.  Thanks, B.J.!

Mailed: 4-25-18
Received Back: 11-16-18
Turnaround Time: 205 Days

Raghib Ismail

After starring at Notre Dame and playing in Canada for a few years, Raghib "Rocket" Ismail played in the NFL for nine seasons, three each with the Raiders, Panthers, and Cowboys.  He had a 1,000-yard season once for the Panthers and once for the Cowboys.  He finished his career with 5,295 receiving yards, 28 touchdown receptions, and a pair of rushing touchdowns.  Thanks, Rocket!

Mailed: 10-9-18
Received Back: 11-9-18
Turnaround Time: 31 Days

Daryl Johnston

Daryl Johnston played his entire 11-year NFL career for the Dallas Cowboys.  A two-time Pro Bowl Fullback, "Moose" won three Super Bowls with the team.  While he only amassed 753 rushing yards and 2,227 receiving yards for a total of 22 touchdowns during his career, he is best known for being one of the all-time great lead blockers.  He blocked for Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time rushing yards leader, for a decade.  He's one of the unsung heroes of the 1990s Dallas dynasty.  Thanks, Daryl!

Mailed: 10-19-18
Received Back: 11-2-18
Turnaround Time: 14 Days

Dennis Hopson

Dennis Hopson spent five seasons in the NBA and was a part of the 1991 Championship Chicago Bulls team.  Thanks, Dennis!

Mailed: 9-24-18
Received Back: 10-31-18
Turnaround Time: 37 Days

Mark Whiten

Mark Whiten played in the Majors for eleven years, including a year with the Yankees in 1997.  He finished his career with 105 Home Runs and 423 RBI.  His best season came in 1993 with the Cardinals, when he hit 25 Home Runs and drove in 99, and had a legendary record-breaking September 7th game in which he hit four home runs with twelve RBI.  Thanks, Mark!

Mailed: 10-11-18
Received Back: 10-29-18
Turnaround Time: 18 Days

Monthly Failure Report: October 2018

Unsigned Returns:
Larry Brown (see pictured letter from HOF showing basketball HOFers who do have their mail forwarded to them, though that obviously does not mean that they sign)
Jim Bouton (sent a note saying that he will sign for $5 fee, which is quite reasonable--I'll probably circle back to that, though I already have his signature, so not quite a must have)

Henry Ellard

Henry Ellard is #15 on the NFL's all-time receiving yards list, having caught 814 passes for 13,777 yards during his 16-year NFL career.  He was named to three Pro Bowls.  Thanks, Henry!

Mailed: 10-9-18
Received Back: 10-22-18
Turnaround Time: 13 Days

Lee Guetterman

Lee Guetterman compiled a 38-36 record over eleven Major League seasons, mostly as a reliever.  He spent five seasons with the Yankees, going 21-19 with a 3.73 ERA for New York.  He signed both cards I sent him and also sent along a signed Christian tract.  Thanks, Lee!

Mailed: 9-24-18
Received Back: 10-20-18
Turnaround Time: 26 Days

David Segui

David Segui hit .291 with 139 Home Runs and 684 RBI during his 15-year MLB career.  He was nice enough to sign both cards I sent him, including his 1990 Upper Deck Rookie Card.  Thanks, David!

Mailed: 9-24-18
Received Back: 10-20-18
Turnaround Time: 26 Days

Bobby Grich

A six-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, Bobby Grich spent his 17-year MLB career with the Orioles and Angels.  He finished with 224 Home Runs and 864 RBI.  Thanks, Bobby!

Mailed: 10-12-18
Received Back: 10-20-18
Turnaround Time: 8 Days

Jake Long

The first pick of the 2008 draft, Jake Long made four Pro Bowls in his nine-year NFL career as a Tackle.  Thanks, Jake!

Mailed: 10-9-18
Received Back: 10-19-18
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

Jim Palmer

Hall-of-Famer Jim Palmer won three World Series and three Cy Young awards during his 19-year MLB career.  He pitched for the Orioles for his entire career, winning 268 games.  He charges $10 for an autograph.  Thanks, Jim!

Mailed: 10-9-18
Received Back: 10-19-18
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

Cory Snyder

Cory Snyder hit .247 during his nine-year career, playing for five teams, and hitting 149 Home Runs.  Thanks, Cory!

Mailed: 9-24-18
Received Back: 10-13-18
Turnaround Time: 19 Days

Mike Cuddyer

Michael Cuddyer hit .277 with 197 Home Runs and 794 RBI during his 15-year MLB career.  He has a great signature and signed his rookie card for me here.  Thanks, Michael!

Mailed: 9-24-18
Received Back: 10-12-18
Turnaround Time: 18 Days

Jay Bell

Jay Bell won a World Series and made two all-star teams during his 18-year MLB career.  He had 195 Home Runs and 860 RBI during, finishing with a .265 batting average.  Thanks, Jay!

Mailed: 7-16-18
Received Back: 10-12-18
Turnaround Time: 88 Days

Jack Nicklaus

Jack Nicklaus ("The Golden Bear") is widely regarded as one of the best golfers of all time, if not the best.  He won 73 times on the PGA Tour, including 18 Majors.  He's a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.  This is a pretty awesome return, which I immediately framed.  Thanks, Jack!

Mailed: 6-27-18
Received Back: 10-10-18
Turnaround Time: 105 Days

Jim Lonborg

Jim Lonborg went 157-137 over his 15-year MLB career.  He won the 1967 AL Cy Young Award with the Red Sox.  Thanks, Jim!

Mailed: 9-24-18
Received Back: 10-5-18
Turnaround Time: 11 Days

Tony Oliva

Tony Oliva played for 15 years in MLB, all of them with the Minnesota Twins.  He made the all-star team in eight straight years, from 1964-1971.  He garnered a Rookie of the Year Award, a Gold Glove, and three batting titles.  He finished his career with a .304 batting average, 220 Home Runs, and 947 RBI.  Thanks, Tony!

Mailed: 1-30-18
Received Back: 10-4-18
Turnaround Time: 247 Days

Adam LaRoche

Adam LaRoche hit .260 with 255 Home Runs and 882 RBI during his 12-year MLB career.  Thanks, Adam!

Mailed: 2-3-18
Received Back: 10-2-18
Turnaround Time: 241 Days

Phil Nevin

Phil Nevin is the third base coach for the Yankees, but he also had a 12-year MLB playing career, where he made the all-star team once.  In his 2001 all-star season with the Padres, Nevin hit 41 home runs and drove in 126, with a .306 batting average.  Thanks, Phil!

Mailed: 9-24-18
Received Back: 10-2-18
Turnaround Time: 8 Days

Shaun Alexander

Shaun Alexander rushed for 9,453 yards and 100 TDs during his nine years in the NFL.  He added 12 receiving TDs.  In 2005, he rushed for 1,880 yards and a ridiculous 27 TDs en route to being named NFL MVP.  He signed three cards for me and the letter about his great charity!  Thanks, Shaun!

Mailed: 2-12-18
Received Back: 10-1-18
Turnaround Time: 231 Days

Charlie Hough

Charlie Hough went 216-216 over a remarkable 25-year MLB career.  He made the all-star team once and finished his career with a 3.75 ERA.  Thanks, Charlie!

Mailed: 7-16-18
Received Back: 10-1-18
Turnaround Time: 77 Days

Monthly Failure Report: September 2018

No Response from September 2017:
Jameis Winston
Odell Beckham, Jr.

Landon Donovan

Landon Donovan is known as one of the greatest U.S. soccer players of all-time.  He spent a lot of his career with the LA Galaxy.  Thanks, Landon!

Mailed: 1-22-18
Received Back: 9-27-18
Turnaround Time: 248 Days

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey is one of the best female fighters of all-time.  She recently started fighting in the WWE after many successful years as an MMA fighter.  Thanks, Ronda!

Mailed: 4-24-17
Received Back: 9-27-18
Turnaround Time: 521 Days

Cris Carpenter

Cris Carpenter, not to be confused with Chris Carpenter, went 27-22 over eight MLB seasons, playing for four different teams.  His ended his career with a 3.91 ERA.  Thanks, Cris!

Mailed: 7-14-18
Received Back: 9-22-18
Turnaround Time: 70 Days

Don Sutton

Hall-of-Famer Don Sutton won 324 games over his 23-year career, spanning 1966-1988.  He struck out 3,574 batters and made four all-star teams.  His career ERA was 3.26.  He signed for $5.  Thanks, Don!

Mailed: 7-30-18
Received Back: 8-30-18
Turnaround Time: 31 Days

Monthly Failure Report: August 2018

Only one failure on this month's list, but I certainly would never call this woman a failure.  She is quite the opposite.  I wrote to Jackie Robinson's widow, Rachel Robinson, but she is no longer signing.  I got back a nice form greeting card/letter, shown in the photo.

Bronson Arroyo

Bronson Arroyo was a MLB pitcher for 16 years, winning the 2004 World Series with the Red Sox, making one all-star team with the Reds, and winning a total of 148 games.  Thanks, Bronson!

Mailed: 7-16-18
Received Back: 8-30-18
Turnaround Time: 45 Days

Bill Mueller

Bill Mueller won a batting title for the Red Sox in 2003 and was a key member of the 2004 World Series Championship team the following season.  Thanks, Bill!

Mailed: 2-14-18
Received Back: 8-27-18
Turnaround Time: 194 Days

George H. W. Bush

George H. W. Bush was the captain of the Yale baseball team.  He played first base in the first two College World Series.  He was also the 41st President of the United States.  This is an incredible return.  Thank you so much, President Bush, and thank you for your service!

Mailed: 7-15-18
Received Back: 8-27-18
Turnaround Time: 43 Days

Tom Watson

Tom Watson has 39 career PGA Tour wins, including eight Majors.  He's a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.  Thanks, Tom!

Mailed: 3-24-17
Received Back: 8-24-18
Turnaround Time: 519 Days