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

Cecil Cooper

Cecil Cooper spent 17 years in MLB, hitting 241 home runs and driving in 1125.  He hit .298, spending six years with Boston before playing eleven years in Milwaukee, where he made five all-star teams.  He signed both cards I sent him for $2.  Thanks, Cecil!

Mailed: 7-14-18
Received Back: 8-21-18
Turnaround Time: 38 Days

The Hawk

Andre Dawson hit 438 Home Runs and had 1591 RBI over 21 MLB seasons.  He won an MVP and made the all-star team eight times.  He signed his 1977 Topps Rookie Card for me with a $5 donation.  Thanks, Andre!

Mailed: 8-9-18
Received Back: 8-20-18
Turnaround Time: 11 Days

Jim Calhoun

Jim Calhoun led the UConn Huskies to three NCAA Men's Basketball Championships (1999, 2004, 2011) and is widely considered one of the best coaches of all-time.  He is a member of the National Basketball Hall of Fame.  I sent him an old poster, which he signed, and he also sent a signed note on a piece of paper with the Huskies logo on it.  I enjoyed watching many of his teams compete during March Madness when I was growing up and as a young adult.  Thanks, Jim!

Mailed: 6-4-18
Received Back: 8-16-18
Turnaround Time: 73 Days

Dave Righetti

Dave Righetti was a two-time all-star and won a Rookie of the Year award during his eleven years with the Yankees.  He finished his 16-year career with an 82-79 record and a 3.46 ERA.  Thanks, Dave!

Mailed: 7-6-18
Received Back: 8-16-18
Turnaround Time: 41 Days

Danny Duffy

Danny Duffy has 52 wins so far, and a World Series championship under his belt, in his first eight seasons in the Major Leagues, all of which he's spent with the Royals.  Thanks, Danny!

Mailed: 6-28-18
Received Back: 8-13-18
Turnaround Time: 46 Days

Sid Bream

Sid Bream played in the Majors for four different teams over twelve years.  He finished with 90 Home Runs and 455 RBI.  He signs cards at $1 each, and left a Bible verse as well.  Thanks, Sid!

Mailed: 7-30-18
Received Back: 8-10-18
Turnaround Time: 11 Days

Alfonso Soriano

Alfonso Soriano first cracked into the big leagues in 1999 with the Yankees, where he stayed until he was part of the trade with the Rangers for Alex Rodriguez ahead of the 2004 season.  He then had a 40/40 season (40+ HR / 40+ SB) in his only year with the Nationals, a feat he had just missed accomplishing with the Yankees.  He joined A-Rod, Jose Canseco, and Barry Bonds as the only members of the 40/40 club, and then went on to play for the Cubs before finishing his career back with the Yankees.  For his career, he hit 412 Home Runs, drove in 1159, and stole 289 bases.  I sent a $5 donation, and he was nice enough to sign the two rookie cards I sent him.  Thanks, Alfonso!

Mailed: 7-6-18
Received Back: 8-6-18
Turnaround Time: 31 Days

San Diego Chicken

On a recent trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, I saw the San Diego Padres mascot, The Chicken.  So I decided to write to him requesting an autograph.  He signed the card I sent him, signed an index card, and wrote me a letter.  Thanks, San Diego Chicken!

Mailed: 7-16-18
Received Back: 8-6-18
Turnaround Time: 21 Days

Tyrone Bogues

Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues was the shortest player in NBA history, at 5' 3".  He was a damn good player too.  He averaged a double-double for the Charlotte Hornets during the 1993-94 season, and finished his career with averages of 7.7 points, 7.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.  He played for the Bullets, Hornets, Warriors, and Raptors during his 14 years in the league, spanning much of perhaps the greatest era in NBA history.  I told him my nickname in high school was Muggsy on my church basketball team, and only sent him two cards to sign, but he sent back five signed cards to me!  So awesome.  Thanks a lot, Muggsy!

Mailed: 7-06-18
Received Back: 7-30-18
Turnaround Time: 24 Days

Bruce Bochy

Bruce Bochy played in the Majors for nine season, but he's best know for his 24 years a a Major League Manager.  In twelve seasons with the Padres, he led the team to one World Series, though they lost.  In twelve seasons with the Giants, he led the team to three World Series, all of which they won.  He may find himself in Cooperstown one day.  Thanks, Bruce!

Mailed: 7-14-18
Received Back: 7-30-18
Turnaround Time: 16 Days