Top 10 For 2024

I sent out a good number of requests again this year, though significantly less than last year, managing 111 successful returns, bringing my all-time total over the last nine years to 1252!  I'm once again not putting anyone on the list who has been on it before, otherwise Wayne Gretzky would easily slot in at number one or two.  That being said, this year's Top Ten list includes zero basketball returns for the third year in a row, instead consisting of three baseball, three football, one hockey, one tennis, one swimming, and one non-sport return, which incidentally takes the top spot.  The list also includes three women.  Looking forward to 2025!  Happy New Year!
10: Summer Sanders (Olympic Swimmer and TV Personality)
9: Manon Rheaume (She played in the NHL during the preseason in the 90s)
8: Andre Dawson (I got Baseball HOFer Hawk tuah times this year)
7: Jim Leyland (I got two returns from the new HOF Manager this year as well)
6: Bill Parcells (One of the great NFL Coaches of all-time)
5: Steve Largent (Got a signed rookie card from a great HOF Wide Receiver)
4: Jim Palmer (The HOF Pitcher signed for me twice this year)
3: Anna Kournikova (Did anyone not have a crush on this former tennis player and model?)
2: Tony Dorsett (This great Cowboys HOF RB signed his rookie card for me)
1: Dick Van Dyke (This legendary actor just turned 99 years old- amazing!)

Charlie Batch

Charlie Batch played in twelve NFL seasons, two-thirds of which he was primarily a backup QB.  He threw for 11,085 yards and 61 TDs, adding six rushing scores.  Though most of his snaps (and starts) came as a member of the Lions, he won a Super Bowl as a backup QB for the Steelers.  Thanks, Charlie!

Mailed: 12-20-24
Received Back: 12-30-24
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

Monthly Failure Report: December 2024

No Response From December 2023:

John Salley
AJ Hawk
Orlando Hernandez

Bobby Engram

In 14 NFL seasons, Bobby Engram had 7,751 received yards and 35 TD receptions during the regular season, adding 476 yards and 2 TD receptions during the playoffs.  He signed three rookie cards here from various 1996 sets.  Thanks, Bobby!

Mailed: 10-16-24
Received Back: 11-30-24
Turnaround Time: 45 Days

Monthly Failure Report: November 2024

No Response From November 2023:

Eric Lindros

Unsigned Return:

Mario Lemieux

Steve Grogan Rookie

Here's a nice return from Steve Grogan, who looks a lot older than 23 years old on his 1976 Topps Rookie Card.  He kind of reminds me of a late career George Blanda here.  In any case, thanks, Steve!

Mailed: 10-15-24
Received Back: 11-27-24
Turnaround Time: 43 Days

Sid Fernandez

Sid Fernandez won 114 games during his 15 MLB seasons, sporting a 3.36 ERA.  A two-time All-Star, he was a part of the 1986 Mets World Series Championship team.  Thanks, Sid!

Mailed: 11-8-24
Received Back: 11-22-24
Turnaround Time: 14 Days

Dennis Eckersley Dual

I can't get enough of this dual-signed Hall of Famer card, which Jim Palmer signed first for $10, and now I've added Dennis Eckersley for another $10.  This also happens to be a Rookie Card for Eck.  Thanks, Dennis!

Mailed: 11-7-24
Received Back: 11-22-24
Turnaround Time: 15 Days

Norman Julius Esiason

Four-time Pro Bowl QB Boomer Esiason signed his 1986 Topps Rookie Card for $5.  Thanks, Boomer!

Mailed: 7-31-24
Received Back: 11-20-24
Turnaround Time: 112 Days

Tony Dorsett Rookie

Legendary Cowboys Hall of Fame Running Back Tony Dorsett signed his 1978 Topps Rookie Card for $10.  Thanks, Tony!

Mailed: 11-9-24
Received Back: 11-19-24
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

Robert Clayton Shantz

Bobby Shantz is 99 years old, and he signed a card that's 66 years old, adding an inscription.  Thanks again, Bobby!

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

Joe Girardi

Joe Girardi won three World Series as a player for the Yankees and one more as Manager.  He played for 15 years and managed for 14 years, making one All-Star team and winning the Manager of the Year Award once.  Thanks, Joe!

Mailed: 10-21-24
Received Back: 11-18-24
Turnaround Time: 28 Days

Mike Vanderjagt

Mike Vanderjagt played eight seasons with the Colts and one with the Cowboys, making the Pro Bowl team in 2003 when he hit all 37 of his regular season field goal attempts.  During his career, he made 230 field goals and 377 extra points, adding 11 field goals and 21 extra points during the playoffs.  Thanks, Mike!

Mailed: 10-21-24
Received Back: 11-16-24
Turnaround Time: 26 Days

Cecil Grant Fielder

Another $10 yielded another 10-day turnaround for two signed cards from Cecil Fielder.  I figured I may as well get him again while he's signing, and he signed his 1986 Topps Rookie Card plus a 1998 Fleer card depicting him with the Yankees.  Thanks again, Cecil!

Mailed: 11-2-24
Received Back: 11-12-24
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

George Arthur Foster

Here's a great return from a five-time All-Star, two-time Champion, and one-time MVP.  George Foster signed his 1971 Topps Rookie Card for $10.  Thanks, George!

Mailed: 10-15-24
Received Back: 11-4-24
Turnaround Time: 20 Days

Monthly Failure Report: October 2024

No Response From October 2023:

Alexandre Daigle
Jason Kubel
Lanny McDonald
Cale Makar
Hailie Deegan
Reid Detmers
Chad Henne
Michael Richards

Karl Bernard Mecklenburg

Karl Mecklenburg recorded 79 sacks and 1,118 tackles during his 12-year NFL career.  He signed this card with a favorite Bible verse.  Thanks, Karl!

Mailed: 3-7-24
Received Back: 10-30-24
Turnaround Time: 237 Days

Stephen Largent

 

Here's a nice return from Hall of Fame Wide Receiver and former U.S. Representative Steve Largent, who signed his 1977 Topps Rookie Card for $10.  The seven-time Pro Bowler finished his 14-year NFL career with 13,089 receiving yards and 100 regular season TD receptions.  He had four playoff TD receptions as well. Thanks, Steve!

Mailed: 10-15-24
Received Back: 10-29-24
Turnaround Time: 14 Days

Jim Alvin Palmer

Jim Palmer signed his rookie card and a card where he is with two fellow Hall of Fame pitchers, which also happens to be a card from Eck's rookie year.  He charged $20 for the two signatures.  Thanks, Jim!

Mailed: 10-15-24
Received Back: 10-28-24
Turnaround Time: 13 Days

Cecil Fielder

Cecil Fielder hit 319 Home Runs during his 13 MLB seasons, the exact same number of Home Runs that his son Prince hit.  The elder Fielder also had 1,008 RBI, made three All-Star teams, and helped the Yankees win the 1996 World Series.  He signed two of his 1986 Rookie Cards for $10.  Thanks, Cecil!

Mailed: 10-12-24
Received Back: 10-22-24
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

Kyle Higashioka

Kyle Higashioka just played his first year for the Padres after seven seasons with the Yankees.  He has 57 career home runs in the regular season and four in the playoffs.  Thanks, Kyle!

Mailed: 7-5-24
Received Back: 10-16-24
Turnaround Time: 103 Days

Todd Edward Zeile

A day after the Yankees punched their tickets to the LCS, which the Mets had already done, I received a return from a man who played for both teams, and it's the longest wait to date for a baseball return.  Todd Zeile played for several other teams as well, including the Dodgers (who are also still alive in the playoffs), the team for which he hit a career high 31 Home Runs in 1997.  Thanks, Todd!

Mailed: 10-7-19
Received Back: 10-11-24
Turnaround Time: 1831 Days

Tyler Higbee

In eight seasons with the Rams, Tyler Higbee won a Super Bowl and had over 3,000 receiving yards, catching 22 TD passes.  Thanks, Tyler!

Mailed: 3-21-24
Received Back: 10-8-24
Turnaround Time: 201 Days

Dick Van Dyke

Here's one of my favorite returns, from the legendary Dick Van Dyke, who is now 98 years old.  He's probably best known for his roles in Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, but he's been entertaining us and making us laugh for 75 years.  Thanks so much, Dick!

Mailed: 9-18-24
Received Back: 10-1-24
Turnaround Time: 13 Days

Monthly Failure Report: September 2024

No Response From September 2023:

Mike Haynes
Patrick Surtain II
Adam Thielen
Kyle Lewis

Rob Griese

Here's a great 1972 Topps return from Hall of Fame QB Bob Griese.  Thanks, Bob!

Mailed: 7-31-24
Received Back: 9-23-24
Turnaround Time: 54 Days

Larry Hughes

Larry Hughes played 13 seasons in the NBA, leading the league and steals during the 2004-05 season when he was named to the All-Defensive First Team.  He averaged 14.1 points and 1.5 steals per game during his career.  He signed his 1998 Topps Rookie Card in a Hawkmoon number of days.  Thanks, Larry!

Mailed: 12-15-23
Received Back: 9-9-24
Turnaround Time: 269 Days

Kevin Andrew Romine

Here's a nice return from Kevin Romine on a 1980s minor league card showing him with the PawSox.  Thanks, Kevin!

Mailed: 8-21-24
Received Back: 9-3-24
Turnaround Time: 13 Days

Monthly Failure Report: August 2024

No Response From August 2023:

Jay Witasick

Ron Swoboda

Following three straight vintage football returns, here's a 1966 Topps return from Ron Swoboda, who signs through the mail for $5.  Swoboda played for the Mets, Yankees, and Expos during his nine MLB seasons, winning the World Series as part of the Amazin' 1969 Mets. Thanks, Ron!

Mailed: 8-12-24
Received Back: 8-26-24
Turnaround Time: 14 Days

Jack Larue Smith

Here's another great vintage football return, this one on a 1968 Topps Card from Hall of Famer Jackie Smith.  Thanks, Jackie!

Mailed: 7-31-24
Received Back: 8-26-24
Turnaround Time: 26 Days

Phil Villapiano

Phil Villapiano made four Pro Bowl teams and won a Super Bowl during his 13 years as an NFL Linebacker.  He signed four vintage cards through the mail.  Thanks, Phil!

Mailed: 8-12-24
Received Back: 8-24-24
Turnaround Time: 12 Days

John Jefferson

John Jefferson compiled 5,714 receiving yards during his eight NFL seasons, surpassing 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons.  He also had 47 receiving TDs and made four Pro Bowl teams.  He signed his 1979 Topps Rookie Card.  Thanks, John!

Mailed: 8-12-24
Received Back: 8-22-24
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

Jimmy Leyland

Here's a nice signed Rookie Card from one of the newest Hall of Famers, former MLB Manager Jim Leyland.  Thanks, Jim!

Mailed: 6-28-24
Received Back: 8-19-24
Turnaround Time: 52 Days

Harold Jackson

Harold Jackson compiled 10,372 receiving yards, including 76 TD passes, during his 16-year NFL career.  He topped 1,000 yard thrice and was named to five Pro Bowl teams.  Thanks, Harold!

Mailed: 7-31-24
Received Back: 8-17-24
Turnaround Time: 17 Days

Omar Vizquel

A three-time All-Star and eleven-time Gold Glove Award Winner, Omar Vizquel compiled 2877 hits and 404 stolen bases during his 24-year MLB career.  If not for bad behavior off the field, Vizquel would likely be in the Hall of Fame, with perhaps Ozzie Smith as his best comparison.  Thanks, Omar!

Mailed: 5-16-24
Received Back: 8-16-24
Turnaround Time: 94 Days

Daniel Jones

During his first five NFL seasons, Daniel Jones has passed for 12,512 yards and 62 TDs.  He's also rushed for 1,914 yards and 13 TDs.  He looks to return strong from an injury for the 2024 season.  Thanks, Daniel!

Mailed: 4-27-23
Received Back: 8-15-24
Turnaround Time: 479 Days

Kenneth Singleton

Here's a signed 1971 Topps Rookie Card from Ken Singleton, a broadcaster and three-time All-Star who also won a World Series ring.  He signs through the mail for $5.  Thanks, Ken!

Mailed: 7-31-24
Received Back: 8-12-24
Turnaround Time: 12 Days

Charlie Oliver Hough

Here's a signed 1972 Topps Rookie Card from Charlie Hough, a knuckleballer who won just as many games (216) as he lost during his 25-year MLB career.  Thanks, Charlie!

Mailed: 7-31-24
Received Back: 8-10-24
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

Billy Barber

Here's a great return from Hall of Famer Bill Barber, breaking up a solid run of baseball returns.  Thanks, Bill!

Mailed: 7-10-24
Received Back: 8-7-24
Turnaround Time: 28 Days

Jimmy Lonborg

Here's a great return from Jim Lonborg, who signed his 1966 Topps Rookie Card with a "Cy Young 67" inscription.  Thanks, Jim!

Mailed: 7-31-24
Received Back: 8-5-24
Turnaround Time: 5 Days

David Murphy

David Murphy had a .274 batting average during his ten MLB seasons.  He signed with a Bible verse.  Thanks, David!

Mailed: 3-21-24
Received Back: 8-5-24
Turnaround Time: 137 Days

Jon Niese

Jon Niese was 69-68 with a 4.07 ERA during his nine MLB seasons, in which he pitched predominantly for the Mets.  Thanks, Jon!

Mailed: 3-21-24
Received Back: 8-5-24
Turnaround Time: 137 Days

Anna Kournikova

Anna Kournikova is a former tennis player and model.  While she did better in doubles than singles, winning two grand slam titles, she is perhaps known best for being one of the most beautiful women in the world.  This one was definitely worth the wait.  Thanks, Anna!

Mailed: 8-10-20
Received Back: 8-2-24
Turnaround Time: 1453 Days

Monthly Failure Report: July 2024

No Response From July 2023:

Kelly Gruber
Brian Mitchell

Mo Vaughn

A one-time MVP and three-time All-Star, Mo Vaughn hit 328 Home Runs during his 12 MLB seasons with the Red Sox, Angels, and Mets.  He had a respectable .293 batting average to go along with 1,064 RBI.  He signed his 1990 Bowman Rookie Card.  Thanks, Mo!

Mailed: 7-17-24
Received Back: 7-29-24
Turnaround Time: 12 Days

Frank Tanana Rookie

Frank Tanana completes the back-to-back 1974 Topps Rookie returns.  Can you tell I found a vintage bargain box at a local card show?  I always thought that Tanana had a borderline Hall of Fame case with his 240 Wins and 2,773 Strikeouts, but he may always be in that next tier that just didn't quite make it into the Hall.  Thanks, Frank!

Mailed: 7-10-24
Received Back: 7-27-24
Turnaround Time: 17 Days

Andy Thornton

Here's a nice return from Andre Thornton, who signed two of his 1974 Topps Rookie Cards.  Thanks, Andre!

Mailed: 7-10-24
Received Back: 7-25-24
Turnaround Time: 15 Days

Bert Campaneris Rookie

Here's another great return from Bert Campaneris on his 1965 Topps Rookie Card.  He charges $5 per card to sign through the mail.  Thanks, Bert!

Mailed: 7-10-24
Received Back: 7-23-24
Turnaround Time: 13 Days

Robby Richardson

Here's another great return from Bobby Richardson, who signed and inscribed his 1962 Topps Card!  He also sent a great Christian tract about Mickey Mantle and left a nice note on that as well.  The man is an ATTM legend.  Thanks, Bobby!

Mailed: 7-10-24
Received Back: 7-22-24
Turnaround Time: 12 Days

Hawk Tuah

Here's another great return from The Hawk, Andre Dawson!  I recently picked up this 1977 Topps Rookie Card and decided to send it off to him to get it signed for $10, which is well worth it.  Thanks, Andre!

Mailed: 7-1-24
Received Back: 7-13-24
Turnaround Time: 12 Days

Monthly Failure Report: June 2024

No Response From June 2023:

Mookie Betts
Seth Beer
John Anderson
Ryan Leaf

Manon Rheaume

Manon Rheaume appeared in preseason games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, becoming the first woman to appear in games for any team in any of the major North American sports leagues.  On women's hockey teams, she was a gold medal winning goalie.  Thanks, Manon!

Mailed: 8-16-23
Received Back: 6-29-24
Turnaround Time: 318 Days

James Leyland

Jim Leyland will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer following a stellar managerial career in which he won a World Series, three pennants, and 1,769 regular season games.  The three-time Manager of the Year won his lone World Series at the helm of the 1997 Florida Marlins.  Jim signed his 1987 Topps Rookie Card, which I am happy to add to my collection.  Thanks, Jim!

Mailed: 3-25-24
Received Back: 6-24-24
Turnaround Time: 91 Days

Dave Robisch

Dave Robisch spent 13 seasons in the NBA and ABA, averaging 11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.  He signed his rookie card.  Thanks, Dave!

Mailed: 6-12-24
Received Back: 6-22-24
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

Ian Kinsler

During his 14 MLB seasons, Ian Kinsler made four All-Star teams, won a World Series, and earned two Gold Gloves.  He finished his career with 1,999 regular season hits, 257 Home Runs, and 243 Stolen Bases.  Thanks, Ian!

Mailed: 1-16-24
Received Back: 6-21-24
Turnaround Time: 157 Days

Shawn Chacon

Shawn Chacon won 45 games across eight MLB seasons.  He made an All-Star team with the Rockies and played for the Yankees for a season and a half.  Thanks, Shawn!

Mailed: 7-10-23
Received Back: 6-20-24
Turnaround Time: 346 Days