Top 10 For 2019

With the Christmas season and a new girlfriend, I've slowed down on sending out TTM requests over the last several months, but I still managed to set a new personal record this year with 192 successes, bringing my all-time total over the last four years to 494!  This year's Top Ten list includes four baseball players (none in the top five), a football player, a football team owner, a basketball coach, two hockey players, and a former U.S. President.  I had to make a lot of tough cuts, but there was no doubt about who should be at the top of this list.  As great as 2019 was, I'm looking forward to 2020!

10: Juan Marichal (Finished his career with 243 wins and a spot in the Hall of Fame!)
9: Paul Molitor (Hall of Fame Infielder finished his career with 3,319 hits!)
8: Brett Hull (This Hall of Famer finished his NHL career with 741 goals and 650 assists!)
7: David Cone (5x Champ, 5 All-Star teams, a Cy Young, a perfect game, a great Yankee!)
6: Roger Clemens (7 Cy Young awards, 354 career wins, and 2 Yankee Championships!)
5: George W. Bush (Once owned the Texas Rangers, best known as a U.S. President!)
4: Gregg Popovich (Legendary Spurs coach and future Hall of Famer!)
3: Jerry Jones (Legendary owner of the Dallas Cowboys!)
2: Joe Montana (One of the top few QBs of all-time, 4x Super Bowl Champ!)
1: Wayne Gretzky (The Great One: 894 goals, 1963 assists, 4x Champ, best ever!)

Monthly Failure Report: December 2019

No Response from December 2018:
Harold Baines
Bob Lanier
Dennis Eckersley
Mark Teixiera
Pat Riley

Al Toon

Al Toon made four Pro Bowls during his eight years with the Jets.  He had 517 receptions for 6,605 yards and 31 Touchdowns.  Thanks, Al!

Mailed: 10-15-19
Received Back: 12-6-19
Turnaround Time: 52 Days

Don Money

Don Money made four all-star teams with the Brewers during his 16-year MLB career, which began with the Phillies.  He hit 176 Home Runs, drove in 729, and had a .261 batting average.  Thanks, Don!

Mailed: 9-3-19
Received Back: 12-5-19
Turnaround Time: 93 Days

Monthly Failure Report: November 2019

No Response from November 2018:
Boomer Esiason
Robert Kraft

Chili Davis

Chili Davis won three World Series and made three All-Star teams during his 19-year MLB career.  He hit 350 Home Runs, drove in 1,372, and finished his career with a .274 batting average.  He won the World Series with the Yankees in each of his last two seasons in the league, 1998 and 1999.  Thanks, Chili!

Mailed: 5-13-19
Received Back: 11-29-19
Turnaround Time: 200 Days

Tony Pedro Oliva

Tony Oliva is considered one of the best players to not be in the Hall of Fame.  He spent his entire 15 year MLB career with the Twins, making eight straight all-star teams and finishing inside of the Top 20 in MVP voting in each of those eight years.  Thanks, Tony!

Mailed: 2-21-19
Received Back: 11-15-19
Turnaround Time: 267 Days

Grandy Man

Curtis Granderson has 344 Home Runs and 937 RBI during his first 16 years in MLB.  He's made three all-star teams, once with the Tigers and twice with the Yankees.  He played for the Marlins in 2019, his seventh different MLB team.  Thanks, Curtis!

Mailed: 2-13-19
Received Back: 11-12-19
Turnaround Time: 272 Days

Derek Jeter Turn 2

Well, it's not an autograph, so I can't count it as a win, but Derek Jeter sent back a sweet Turn 2 Foundation luggage tag.  I thought it was worth sharing.  Definitely not a loss.  Thanks, Derek!

Mailed: 2-16-18
Received Back: 11-12-19
Turnaround Time: 624 Days

Mark Rypien

Mark Rypien played in the NFL for eleven years.  He won a Super Bowl and was named to two Pro Bowls.  He passed for 18,473 yards and 115 TDs.  Thanks, Mark!

Mailed: 10-15-19
Received Back: 11-7-19
Turnaround Time: 23 Days

Danny Wuerffel

Danny Wuerffel won the Heisman Trophy and National Championship in 1996.  He played for four NFL teams during his six years in the league, throwing for 12 TDs and rushing for one more.  Primarily a backup QB, he went 4-6 in the ten games he started.  He signed the back of his 1997 Fleer Ultra Rookie Card and sent along a Christian tract as well.  Thanks, Danny!

Mailed: 8-26-19
Received Back: 10-31-19
Turnaround Time: 66 Days

Kelvin Martin

Kelvin Martin had 367 receptions for 4,768 yards during his ten-year NFL career, most of which was spent with the Cowboys.  He also won a Super Bowl and scored 18 TDs (15 receiving, three punt returns) during his career.  I threw to him a lot of Tecmo Super Bowl when I was a kid.  Thanks, Kelvin!

Mailed: 8-12-19
Received Back: 10-31-19
Turnaround Time: 80 Days

Monthly Failure Report: October 2019

No Response from October 2018:
Chris Carpenter
Jane Goodall
Tom Ricketts
Tony Hawk
Gary Player
Kendall Gill
Ricky Rubio
John Kruk
Blake Bortles

Unsigned Return:
Eric Bledsoe

Return to Sender:
Randy Choate

Henry Winkler

Henry Winkler is best known for being The Fonz.  He once jumped the shark.  Ayyyyy!  Thanks, Henry!

Mailed: 8-26-19
Received Back: 10-25-19
Turnaround Time: 60 Days

Stump Merrill

Stump Merrill played and managed in the minor leagues, but he also managed the New York Yankees during the 1990 and 1991 seasons.  Thanks, Stump!

Mailed: 9-3-19
Received Back: 10-23-19
Turnaround Time: 50 Days

Brad Keller

Brad Keller has won 16 games during his first two MLB seasons with the Royals, with a 3.68 ERA.  Thanks, Brad!

Mailed: 6-3-19
Received Back: 10-15-19
Turnaround Time: 134 Days

Jason Garrett

Jason Garrett through for over 2,000 yards and eleven Touchdowns during his NFL career, which he largely spent backing up Troy Aikman.  He had a 6-3 record as the starting QB for the Cowboys.  Garrett currently serves as the Head Coach for the Cowboys.  He not only signed a card for me, but also sent along three copies of the 2019 Cowboys schedule and a decal.  Thanks, Coach Garrett!  Go Cowboys!

Mailed: 7-12-19
Received Back: 10-12-19
Turnaround Time: 92 Days

Brad Brach

Brad Brach has won 36 games and collected 33 saves over his first nine years in MLB.  A one-time all-star, his career ERA is 3.33.  Thanks, Brad!

Mailed: 8-26-19
Received Back: 10-10-19
Turnaround Time: 45 Days

Larry Johnson

Larry Johnson made two Pro Bowl teams during his nine-year NFL career.  He rushed for 6,223 yards and 55 Touchdowns.  He also caught six TD passes.  His best years were 2005 and 2006, when he ran for 1,750 and 1,789 yards in back-to-back seasons.  Thanks, Larry!

Mailed: 9-9-19
Received Back: 10-7-19
Turnaround Time: 28 Days

Chase Elliott

One of the top young drivers in Racing today, Chase Elliott is the son of the legendary Bill Elliott.  He's already made a name for himself with some big wins.  Thanks, Chase!

Mailed: 9-13-19
Received Back: 10-7-19
Turnaround Time: 24 Days

Bert Blyleven

Bert Blyleven won 287 games during his 22-year MLB career.  He struck out 3,701 batters and finished his career with a 3.31 ERA.  He won two World Series, made two All-Star teams, and earned a spot in the Hall of Fame.  He signs through the mail for $20.  Thanks, Bert!

Mailed: 9-13-19
Received Back: 10-5-19
Turnaround Time: 22 Days

Maurice Cheeks

Maurice Cheeks averaged 11.1 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game during his 15 years in the NBA.  He won a Championship, made four All-Star teams, and landed in the Hall of Fame.  Thanks, Maurice!

Mailed: 9-23-19
Received Back: 10-4-19
Turnaround Time: 11 Days

Gregg Popovich

Gregg Popovich is widely recognized as one of the all-time great NBA coaches.  He's led the Spurs to five Championships.  Thanks, Pop!

Mailed: 9-9-19
Received Back: 10-4-19
Turnaround Time: 25 Days

Stephen Carroll Gostkowski

Stephen Gostkowski is the Patriots' all-time leader in points scored and field goals made, having been the team's kicker for 14 years (since 2006).  He's helped the team win three Super Bowls, and he's been named to four Pro Bowls.  Thanks, Stephen!

Mailed: 9-14-19
Received Back: 9-30-19
Turnaround Time: 16 Days

David LaFleur

David LaFleur was a Cowboys Tight End for four years.  He caught twelve TD passes, including seven in 1999.  Thanks, David!

Mailed: 9-13-19
Received Back: 9-30-19
Turnaround Time: 17 Days

David Eckstein

David Eckstein had an eventful ten years in MLB, winning two World Series and making it to two All-Star games.  He was the 2006 World Seires MVP.  Thanks, David!

Mailed: 7-12-19
Received Back: 9-30-19
Turnaround Time: 80 Days

Robert Michael Stanley

Mike Stanley hit 187 Home Runs and had 702 RBI during his 15-year MLB career.  He finished his career with a .270 Batting Average.  Thanks, Mike!

Mailed: 8-13-19
Received Back: 9-30-19
Turnaround Time: 48 Days

Martin Truex Jr.

Martin Truex Jr. is one of NASCAR's top drivers, having won a slew of races and several championships (two in the Xfinity Series and one in the Monster Energy Cup Series).  Thanks, Martin!

Mailed: 8-26-19
Received Back: 9-30-19
Turnaround Time: 35 Days

Scott Burrell

Scott Burrell played in the NBA for eight years, averaging 6.9 points per game, and winning a Championship with the Bulls in 1998.  Thanks, Scott!

Mailed: 9-13-19
Received Back: 9-27-19
Turnaround Time: 14 Days

Jeff Saturday

Jeff Saturday was named to six Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl during his 14 years in the NFL, all but one of which he spent with the Colts.  Thanks, Jeff!

Mailed: 8-26-19
Received Back: 9-27-19
Turnaround Time: 32 Days

Bob Valentine

Bobby Valentine led the Mets to the 2000 NL Pennant as a Manager, and he hit .260 during his MLB playing career.  Thanks, Bobby!

Mailed: 9-12-19
Received Back: 9-26-19
Turnaround Time: 14 Days

Darrell Waltrip

Darrell Waltrip won a ridiculous number of races.  A NASCAR Hall of Famer, he is one of the greatest drivers of all-time.  The Waltrip name is among the most famous in racing.  Thanks, Darrell!

Mailed: 9-9-19
Received Back: 9-24-19
Turnaround Time: 15 Days

Frank Daryl Tanana

Frank Tanana is one of the best signers in the hobby, and he was one of the league's best pitchers as well.  He made three all-star teams during his 21 MLB seasons.  Two years after leading the league with 269 Strikeouts, he led the league in ERA (2.54) in 1977, when he was also tied for the league lead with seven shutouts.  He signed with three different verses referenced: John 3:16, John 3:36, and John 14:6.  Thanks again, Frank!

Mailed: 9-12-19
Received Back: 9-23-19
Turnaround Time: 11 Days

Rocky Bleier

Rocky Bleier won four Super Bowls during his eleven years as a Steelers RB.  He ran for 23 TDs and caught two others during the regular season, adding four rushing TDs and two more receiving TDs during the postseason.  Thanks, Rocky!

Mailed: 9-9-19
Received Back: 9-23-19
Turnaround Time: 14 Days

Monthly Failure Report: September 2019

No Response from September 2018:
David Wright
Gabe Kapler
Javier Vazquez
John Paxson
Von Hayes

Jim Otto

Jim Otto made twelve Pro Bowl squads and won an AFL Championship during his 15 years playing Center for the Oakland Raiders.  He signed two cards for $10, and threw in two signed index cards as well!  Thanks, Jim!

Mailed: 9-14-19
Received Back: 9-23-19
Turnaround Time: 9 Days

Mark Chmura

Mark Chmura made three Pro Bowl teams and won a Super Bowl during his seven years as a Tight End in the NFL.  He caught 17 Touchdown passes during the regular season and four more in the postseason.  Thanks, Mark!

Mailed: 9-12-19
Received Back: 9-23-19
Turnaround Time: 11 Days

Chase Anderson

Chase Anderson has amassed over 50 wins so far, during his first six years in the league.  Thanks, Chase!

Mailed: 2-11-19
Received Back: 9-23-19
Turnaround Time: 224 Days

Scott Kamieniecki

Scott Kamieniecki won 53 games during his ten-year MLB career.  He spent six seasons with the Yankees.  Thanks, Scott!

Mailed: 9-3-19
Received Back: 9-21-19
Turnaround Time: 18 Days

Phil Simms

A two-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl Champion, Phil Simms threw for 33,462 yards during 14 NFL seasons with the Giants.  He threw 199 Touchdown passes during the regular season and was named Super Bowl MVP in the only Super Bowl game that he started.  Thanks, Phil!

Mailed: 9-13-19
Received Back: 9-21-19
Turnaround Time: 8 Days

Charles Nagy

Charles Nagy won 129 games during 14 MLB seasons, all but one of which was spent with the Indians.  He was named to the All-Star team three times.  Thanks, Charles!

Mailed: 9-3-19
Received Back: 9-21-19
Turnaround Time: 18 Days

Nomar Mazara

Nomar Mazara hit exactly 20 Home Runs in 2016, 2017, and 2018, and he's nearing that number in 2019.  Thanks, Nomar!

Mailed: 9-3-19
Received Back: 9-21-19
Turnaround Time: 18 Days

King Kong

Dave Kingman played for the Giants, Mets, Padres, Angels, Yankees, Cubs, and Athletics during his 16 years in MLB.  He clouted 442 Home Runs, with 1,210 RBI.  Thanks, Dave!

Mailed: 9-12-19
Received Back: 9-21-19
Turnaround Time: 9 Days

Scott Proctor

Scott Proctor spent seven seasons in the Major Leagues, winning 18 games.  He led the league with 83 relief appearances in 2006, a number that he matched in 2007.  Thanks, Scott!

Mailed: 9-13-19
Received Back: 9-20-19
Turnaround Time: 7 Days

Frank Reich

Colts Coach Frank Reich threw for over 6,000 yards and 40 TDs during his 13 years in the NFL, largely as a backup QB.  He spent most of his career with the Bills, backing up Jim Kelly, and he once led the team back from 32 points down against the Houston Oilers in a playoff game.  Thanks, Frank!

Mailed: 9-9-19
Received Back: 9-20-19
Turnaround Time: 11 Days

Dion James

Dion James played in the Major Leagues for eleven seasons, including four with the Yankees.  He finished his career with a .288 batting average.  Thanks, Dion!

Mailed: 9-3-19
Received Back: 9-16-19
Turnaround Time: 13 Days

Charlie Joiner

Charlie Joiner played in the NFL for 18 years, racking up 12,146 receiving yards and 65 Touchdown receptions.  The Hall of Famer was named to three Pro Bowl teams.  Thanks, Charlie!

Mailed: 8-26-19
Received Back: 9-14-19
Turnaround Time: 19 Days

Bobby Shantz Yankees

I finally bought a card of Bobby Shantz depicted in a Yankees uniform, from the 1960 Topps set.  One of the greatest signers in the hobby, at age 93, he did not disappoint.  Thanks again, Bobby!

Mailed: 9-9-19
Received Back: 9-13-19
Turnaround Time: 4 Days

Martin St. Louis

Martin St. Louis made five all-star teams and won a Stanley Cup during his 16-year Hall of Fame NHL career.  Thanks, Martin!

Mailed: 5-13-19
Received Back: 9-9-19
Turnaround Time: 119 Days

Juan Gone

Juan Gonzalez hit 434 Home Runs and drove in 1404 during his 17-year MLB career.  He played for the Rangers, Tigers, Indians, and Royals, and hit .295.  He led the AL in Home Runs twice and RBIs once.  Thanks, Juan!

Mailed: 4-8-19
Received Back: 9-9-19
Turnaround Time: 154 Days

Douglas Drabek

Doug Drabek won a Cy Young award and made an all-star team during his 13-year MLB career, during which he won 155 games.  His career began with the Yankees in 1986.  Thanks, Doug!

Mailed: 8-13-19
Received Back: 9-9-19
Turnaround Time: 27 Days

Rick Monday

Rick Monday hit 241 Home Runs and drove in 775 during his 19 years in MLB.  He made two all-star teams and won a World Series, but perhaps his most memorable and best play was in 1976 when he saved an American flag from being burned by protestors.  This is a fitting post for Patriot Day.  Thanks, Rick!

Mailed: 7-29-19
Received Back: 9-9-19
Turnaround Time: 42 Days

Michel Goulet

Michel Goulet played for 15 years in the NHL after a year in the WHL.  He was a five-time all-star and earned a place in the Hall of Fame.  Thanks, Michel!

Mailed: 8-26-19
Received Back: 9-7-19
Turnaround Time: 12 Days

Dan Reeves

Dan Reeves rushed for 25 Touchdowns, caught 17 more, and even threw for two TDs during his eight-year NFL career.  He played all eight years for the Cowboys and won a Super Bowl.  After his playing days, he went on to coach the Broncos, Giants, and Falcons, winning 190 regular season games.  Thanks, Dan!

Mailed: 8-26-19
Received Back: 9-7-19
Turnaround Time: 12 Days