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