Top 10 For 2022

I sent out a moderate number of requests this year, managing 152 successful returns, bringing my all-time total over the last seven years to 946!  After dominating last year's list with four spots, this year's Top Ten list includes zero spots for basketball, instead consisting of four for baseball, one for football, one for hockey, one for golf, and three non-sport returns, although one of those can also be filed under baseball for those of you who are Seinfeld fans.  Looking forward to 2023!  Happy New Year!
10: Bill O'Reilly (Always good to hear back from a rational Conservative commentator)
9: Jason Alexander (The actor who played George on Seinfeld, who also worked for the Yankees)
8: Jose Canseco (This superstar became the face of the steroid era)
7: Johnny Damon (Won World Series with the Yanks and Sox, amassed 2,769 regular season Hits)
6: Dennis Eckersley (197 Wins and 390 Saves will earn you a place in the Hall of Fame)
5: Warren Moon (HOF QB who played well into his 40s, passing for nearly 50,000 yards)
4: Orlando Cepeda (A Hall of Famer with a career .297 batting average)
3: Martin Brodeur (One of the greatest NHL Goalies of all-time)
2: Tim Allen (Had many iconic roles, gets a boost for signing the cover of a Toy Story VHS)
1: Tiger Woods (Arguably the greatest Golfer of all-time, an icon like him deserves the #1 spot)

Monthly Failure Report: December 2022

No Response from December 2021:

Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Damaso Marte
Eddie Kennison
Nate Solder
Oronde Gadsden

Shaq Diesel

 

Christmas came early this year with a mega-sized return from Shaquille O'Neal, who signed three rookie cards and the index card, adding his Lakers number and HOF inscription to that.  Thanks again, Shaq!

Mailed: 9-21-22
Received Back: 12-17-22
Turnaround Time: 87 Days

Chasen Dean Shreve

A member of the 2022 Mets, Chasen Shreve has won 21 games and sports a 3.87 ERA during his nine years as a reliever in MLB.  Thanks, Chasen!

Mailed: 11-15-22
Received Back: 12-8-22
Turnaround Time: 23 Days

Big Walt

I'm not sure what the second inscription is on these, but I'm extremely excited to get these two back from Hall of Fame OT Walter Jones.  Thanks, Walter!

Mailed: 10-26-22
Received Back: 12-6-22
Turnaround Time: 41 Days

Robert Griese

When you find a vintage 1974 Topps Wonder Bread card of Hall of Famer Bob Griese in the quarter bin at the local card store, you buy it and send it to him to sign.  Thanks, Bob!

Mailed: 11-17-22
Received Back: 12-3-22
Turnaround Time: 16 Days

To Infinity And Beyond!

After my earlier success with Tim Allen, I had a great idea, and it turned out perfectly.  While he isn't famous for being a great athlete, this is one of my all-time favorite returns, and it's going straight into a frame in the man cave.  Allen is a class act and remains prominent and relevant so many years later now.  And this was an excellent purpose for a VHS that I purchased for 99 cents at Goodwill.  Thanks, Tim!

Mailed: 11-14-22
Received Back: 12-3-22
Turnaround Time: 19 Days

Too Tall Jones

Ed "Too Tall" Jones is a legendary Dallas Cowboy who signs through the mail for $10.  In this case, he signed his 1976 Topps Rookie Card.  Thanks, Ed!

Mailed: 11-7-22
Received Back: 11-30-22
Turnaround Time: 23 Days

Johnny David Damon

Johnny Damon played for seven different teams during his 18 MLB seasons, but he's best known for the time he spent with the Royals, Yankees, and Red Sox.  He spent six seasons with the Royals and signed his 1993 SP Rookie Card here.  He spent four seasons with both the Yankees and Red Sox, winning a World Series with each team.  Thanks, Johnny!

Mailed: 6-27-22
Received Back: 11-26-22
Turnaround Time: 152 Days

Jimmy Palmer

Hall of Famer Jim Palmer is a reliable ATTM signer for $10.  He signed his 1970 Topps AL ERA Leaders card here.  Thanks again, Jim!

Mailed: 11-15-22
Received Back: 11-22-22
Turnaround Time: 7 Days

Harry Donald Carson

Hall of Famer Harry Carson won a Super Bowl and was selected to nine Pro Bowl teams.  He signed his 1977 Topps Rookie Card here.  Thanks, Harry!

Mailed: 11-7-22
Received Back: 11-18-22
Turnaround Time: 11 Days

James David Lofton

Hall of Famer James Lofton has been remarkably consistent in ATTM returns, once again clocking in at $10 and ten days to sign his to sign his 1979 Topps Rookie Card.  Thanks, James!

Mailed: 11-7-22
Received Back: 11-17-22
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

Antonio Oliva

Tony Oliva was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame this past year, a well-deserved honor.  He signed his 1968 Topps card here.  Thanks, Tony!

Mailed: 6-14-22
Received Back: 11-14-22
Turnaround Time: 153 Days

Valeri Bure

During ten seasons in the NHL, Valeri Bure scored 174 goals and assisted on 226 goals.  He has been married to Candace Cameron since 1996.  Thanks, Valeri!

Mailed: 9-6-22
Received Back: 11-12-22
Turnaround Time: 67 Days

Harold Warren Moon

Paying $10 for a signed Hall of Fame Rookie Card is a good deal, and it didn't get damaged in the mail this time!  He even added an inscription. Thanks again, Warren!

Mailed: 10-26-22
Received Back: 11-10-22
Turnaround Time: 15 Days

Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall is a primatologist and anthropologist who knows more about chimpanzees than probably anyone alive.  She signed the card I sent her on both sides and sent along a pamphlet as well.  Thanks, Jane!

Mailed: 10-1-18
Received Back: 11-7-22
Turnaround Time: 1498 Days

Russ Grimm

Hall of Famer Russ Grimm made four Pro Bowl teams and won three Super Bowls during his eleven years with the Redskins.  He signed his 1984 Topps Rookie Card in exactly 2,000 less days than it took Glen Rice to sign his 1990 Fleer Rookie Card.  Thanks, Russ!

Mailed: 10-3-22
Received Back: 11-4-22
Turnaround Time: 32 Days

Glen Rice Sr.

I think this one is a record for me as far as how long it took to come back, but it was definitely worth the wait.  Glen Rice was a great NBA player for a long time.  Thanks, Glen!

Mailed: 4-12-17
Received Back: 11-4-22
Turnaround Time: 2032 Days

James Otto

Hall of Famer Jim Otto comes through with a signature on a vintage Wonder Bread card for $5.  Thanks, Jim!

Mailed: 4-1-22
Received Back: 11-3-22
Turnaround Time: 216 Days

Jeff Foxworthy

You might be a redneck if you know who Jeff Foxworthy is.  A rare non-sports return, the Comedian signed my blank card, in addition to leaving a short note on and signing the index card.  Thanks, Jeff!

Mailed: 8-24-22
Received Back: 10-25-22
Turnaround Time: 62 Days

Tashard Choice

Tashard Choice played in the NFL for six seasons, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys.  Largely a backup, he rushed for 1,579 yards and 10 TDs.  He also caught 81 passes for 574 yards.  Thanks, Tashard!

Mailed: 7-18-22
Received Back: 10-24-22
Turnaround Time: 98 Days

Bobby Meacham

 

Bobby Meacham played for the Yankees for six years, racking up 114 RBI and 58 Stolen Bases.  After his playing days, he managed and coached.  He signed his 1984 Donruss and Topps Rookie Cards.  Thanks, Bobby!

Mailed: 10-4-22
Received Back: 10-18-22
Turnaround Time: 14 Days

Chad David Curtis

Chad Curtis played for six different MLB teams, including the Yankees, and he has become a reliable ATTM signer.  Thanks, Chad!

Mailed: 10-4-22
Received Back: 10-14-22
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

Gary Anderson

Gary Anderson had one 1,000-yard season and was named to one Pro Bowl.  During his eight NFL seasons, he rushed for 3,409 yards and 16 TDs and had 2,999 receiving yards with 15 receiving TDs.  He also returned one Kickoff for a TD and threw a passing TD.  Thanks, Gary!

Mailed: 9-6-22
Received Back: 10-8-22
Turnaround Time: 32 Days

Larry "Booger" Walker

If you're having TTM problems, I feel bad for you son- This one took 99 days, but it's a pretty good one.  Gotta love the signed Hall of Fame Rookie Cards.  Thanks, Larry!

Mailed: 7-1-22
Received Back: 10-8-22
Turnaround Time: 99 Days

Matthew Williams

Matt Williams had a chance at besting the 61 Home Runs hit by Roger Maris in 1961 when he hit 43 Home Runs in 1994.  Unfortunately, the season ended prematurely due to a strike.  He signed his 1987 Fleer Update XRC and 1988 Fleer Rookie Card for me.  Thanks, Matt!

Mailed: 9-6-22
Received Back: 10-3-22
Turnaround Time: 27 Days

Pat Verbeek

Pat Verbeek played in the NHL for 20 years, winning a Stanley Cup and finishing his career with 522 Goals and 540 Assists.  He signed his 1984-85 O-Pee-Chee Rookie Card plus the index card.  Thanks, Pat!

Mailed: 8-17-22
Received Back: 10-1-22
Turnaround Time: 45 Days

Brian Mitchell

Brian Mitchell won a Super Bowl and was named to one Pro Bowl team during his 14-year NFL career.  He nine punts and four kickoffs for touchdowns during the regular season, adding one more kickoff return TD during the playoffs.  He also had twelve rushing and four receiving TDs during the regular season, adding a rushing TD during the playoffs.  He even threw a TD pass once.  Thanks, Brian!

Mailed: 6-2-22
Received Back: 9-29-22
Turnaround Time: 119 Days

Tom Mack

Tom Mack made eleven Pro Bowl teams during his 13 seasons with the Rams.  An all-time great Guard, he landed a spot in the Hall of Fame.  Thanks, Tom!

Mailed: 9-6-22
Received Back: 9-23-22
Turnaround Time: 17 Days

Jack Smith

 

It may have creased a bit in the mail, which happens sometimes, but this Jackie Smith card also increased in value, as it is now signed by the Hall of Fame Tight End.  Thanks again, Jackie!

Mailed: 9-6-22
Received Back: 9-20-22
Turnaround Time: 14 Days

Vintage Whitey Herzog

Here's a nice signature on a 1961 Topps Whitey Herzog cards, from the playing days of the Hall of Fame Manager.  He signs through the mail for $5.  Thanks again, Whitey!

Mailed: 9-10-22
Received Back: 9-17-22
Turnaround Time: 7 Days

Gene Monahan

Gene Monahan is the former head trainer of the New York Yankees.  He was on the team's training staff from 1973 through 2011, a time during which he was part of seven World Series Championships.  Thanks, Gene!

Mailed: 9-6-22
Received Back: 9-17-22
Turnaround Time: 11 Days

Dagoberto Campaneris

 

Here's a nice return from Bert Campaneris, including a card from 1969 when he was with the A's, as well as from 1984, as he was with the Yankees during the 1983 season.  Thanks, Bert!

Mailed: 7-18-22
Received Back: 9-17-22
Turnaround Time: 61 Days

Brooksie

I couldn't resist picking up this cheap (due to the mark on it) 1961 Topps card at the National to send to Brooks Robinson to sign.  An additional $5 later, and it looks much better now.  Thanks again, Brooks!

Mailed: 9-6-22
Received Back: 9-16-22
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

Katie Smith

Katie Smith was a college star, ABL Star and WNBA star before becoming a Coach.  She won two ABL Championships and two WNBA Championships, earning MVP honors in one of them.  She also led the WNBA in scoring once and was inducted into the Hall of Fame.  Thanks, Katie!

Mailed: 9-6-22
Received Back: 9-15-22
Turnaround Time: 9 Days

Roger Timothy Craig

One of the better RBs not in the Hall of Fame, Roger Craig signed his 1984 Topps Rookie Card for me, adding the "3x SB Champ" inscription.  Thanks, Roger!

Mailed: 9-6-22
Received Back: 9-15-22
Turnaround Time: 9 Days

Rob Shantz

I came across this 1951 Bowman Bobby Shantz recently, and despite the ill-advise tape on the top and bottom, I bought it to send to him to sign.  He obliged.  This is the oldest card I've ever had signed.  Thanks, Bobby!

Mailed: 9-10-22
Received Back: 9-14-22
Turnaround Time: 4 Days

Theo Fleury

A one-time Stanley Cup winner and a one-time All-Star, Theo Fleury scored 455 goals and assisted on 633 goals during his 15-year NHL career.  These came back from Canada.  Thanks, Theo!

Mailed: 6-21-22
Received Back: 9-14-22
Turnaround Time: 85 Days

Jimmer Fredette

Jimmer Fredette plays in China these days, though he is perhaps best known for his days as a college basketball player.  He was the National College Player of the Year in 2011.  During his six NBA seasons, he averaged six points per game.  Thanks, Jimmer!

Mailed: 8-17-22
Received Back: 9-12-22
Turnaround Time: 26 Days

Rob Richardson

I acquired more vintage Bobby Richardson cards, and he was nice enough to sign both, plus the index card, and he sent me a gospel tract as well.  Thanks again, Bobby!

Mailed: 8-22-22
Received Back: 9-12-22
Turnaround Time: 21 Days

Little Man Stewart

I acquired two 1995 SP James Stewart Rookie Cards, and he was nice enough to sign both of them to me.  Thanks again, James!

Mailed: 8-22-22
Received Back: 9-10-22
Turnaround Time: 19 Days

 

Bill O'Reilly

From one Patriot to another, we find an autograph from former Fox News pundit Bill O'Reilly on this day of somber remembrance.  The spin stops here.  Thanks, Bill!

Mailed: 8-24-22
Received Back: 9-9-22
Turnaround Time: 16 Days

Ryne Sandberg on Big Mail Day

Another signed 1983 Topps Ryne Sandberg Rookie Card for $10 completes a big mail day (13 autographs across five returns).  Thanks again, Ryno!

Mailed: 8-24-22
Received Back: 9-6-22
Turnaround Time: 13 Days

Jerry Springer

What better way to celebrate my 1,000th post on this blog than with the former Mayor of Cincinnati (though he is perhaps better known as a former talk show host), Jerry Springer!?  Thanks, Jerry!

Mailed: 8-24-22
Received Back: 9-6-22
Turnaround Time: 13 Days

Bob Parish

 

Every now and then I send an autograph request to The Chief, who signed three Celtics cards and one Bulls card this time.  Robert Parish has played in more NBA games than anyone else.  Thanks again, Robert!

Mailed: 7-18-22
Received Back: 9-6-22
Turnaround Time: 50 Days

Daryl Johnston Rookie

I realized that I had somehow neglected to ask Daryl Johnston to sign his 1990 Topps Rookie Card when I sent to him earlier this year.  Problem rectified.  Thanks again, Moose!

Mailed: 8-22-22
Received Back: 9-6-22
Turnaround Time: 15 Days

Tanana Banana

Maybe I'm biased, but I think there are pitchers in the Hall of Fame less worthy than Tanana, who finished his career with 240 wins, a 3.66 ERA, and 2,773 strikeouts.  Thanks again, Frank!

Mailed: 8-22-22
Received Back: 9-6-22
Turnaround Time: 15 Days

Tim Allen

Tim Allen played Tim "The Toolman" Taylor on the 90s sitcom Home Improvement.  He also played leading roles in The Santa Clause movies and the sitcom The Last Man Standing, among other prominent roles.  He voiced Buzz Lightyear until Disney/Pixar inexplicably did not cast him in that role for the recent subpar movie.  Thanks, Tim!

Mailed: 8-22-22
Received Back: 9-2-22
Turnaround Time: 11 Days

Vern Law

Vern Law won 162 games during his 16 seasons with the Pirates.  He won a World Series and a Cy Young Award, and he made the All-Star team twice.  He signed his 1957 Topps card and an index card, both with a lot of inscriptions (and he wrote me a note) for $5.  Thanks, Vern!

Mailed: 8-22-22
Received Back: 9-2-22
Turnaround Time: 11 Days

Jim Lofton

One of the greatest wide receivers of all-time, Hall of Famer James Lofton was named to eight Pro Bowl teams.  He had 14,004 receiving yards, 75 receiving TDs, and a rushing TD during the regular season, adding eight more receiving TDs and another rushing TD during the playoffs.  He signed his 1979 Topps Rookie Card for $10, adding his HOF inscription.  Thanks, James!

Mailed: 8-22-22
Received Back: 9-1-22
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

Robert Bleier

Much like his days in the backfield for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Rocky Bleier did not disappoint, signing this 1978 Topps card that I recently picked up.  Thanks, Rocky!

Mailed: 8-22-22
Received Back: 8-29-22
Turnaround Time: 7 Days