Early Goose

Here's a great vintage Hall of Fame return from Rich "Goose" Gossage, who signed his 1974 Topps Second Year Card.  Thanks, Goose!

Mailed: 6-26-25
Received Back: 7-8-25
Turnaround Time: 12 Days

Juan Gonzalez Error Rookies

Here's a great return from Puerto Rico!  Juan Gonzalez signed two of his 1990 Donruss Error Rookie Cards.  The photo is a reverse negative.  Thanks, Juan!

Mailed: 6-24-25
Received Back: 7-8-25
Turnaround Time: 14 Days

Rolf Benirschke

Rolf Benirschke made one Pro Bowl team during his ten seasons as a Kicker in the NFL.  He's been quite involved in charity work for many years.  He signed his 1978 Topps Rookie Card.  Thanks, Rolf!

Mailed: 6-23-25
Received Back: 7-5-25
Turnaround Time: 12 Days

Manuel Mota

I thought I only sent him two cards, but here are four signed cards from Manny Mota, including his 1963 Topps Rookie Card.  Thanks, Manny!

Mailed: 6-23-25
Received Back: 7-5-25
Turnaround Time: 12 Days

Kellen Winslow Sr.

Here's a great return from Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow Sr., who signed a card from his rookie year.  Thanks, Kellen!

Mailed: 6-14-25
Received Back: 7-5-25
Turnaround Time: 21 Days

Steven Eugene Swisher

Here's a nice return from Nick Swisher's Dad, Steve Swisher, who signed the 1976 Topps card I sent him, as well as the index card.  Thanks, Steve!

Mailed: 6-23-25
Received Back: 7-5-25
Turnaround Time: 12 Days

Johnny Alban Edwards

Here's a nice return from Johnny Edwards, who signed both vintage cards I sent him and added three more signed photos of his own.  Thanks, Johnny!

Mailed: 6-23-25
Received Back: 7-5-25
Turnaround Time: 12 Days

Bill Lee Rookie

What better way to celebrate America than with a return from the Spaceman himself, Bill Lee?  Thanks, Bill!

Mailed: 6-23-25
Received Back: 7-3-25
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

Terry Kirby

Terry Kirby ran for 2,875 yards, amassed 3,222 receiving yards, and scored 43 total TDs in the regular season during his ten years in the league.  He also threw for three Touchdowns.  Thanks, Terry!

Mailed: 1-6-25
Received Back: 7-1-25
Turnaround Time: 176 Days

Skippy

Here's a nice signed rookie card back from Chuck Knoblauch.  Thanks, Chuck!

Mailed: 6-14-25
Received Back: 6-30-25
Turnaround Time: 16 Days

Jennifer Lawrence

I thought that someone let their kid scribble on the blank card and index card, but upon further review, it appears to be a pair of Jennifer Lawrence signatures, perhaps signed with a failing writing utensil.  Lawrence is known for her acting in The Hunger Games series, among other movies.  Thanks, Jennifer!

Mailed: 12-30-24
Received Back: 6-28-25
Turnaround Time: 180 Days

Monthly Failure Report: June 2025

I chose a successful Red Sox fan pack request here as the photo since, as a Yankees fan myself, the Red Sox represent failure to me.  It's still really cool to get dirt from Fenway Park though.  But the rest of items will end up going to friends who are Boston Fans.  Anyway, here are the actual failures to report...

No Response From June 2024:

Joe Flacco
Marc Bulger

Mike Bibby Rookie

There are few things better than when a star basketball player signs his 90s Topps Chrome Rookie Card like Mike Bibby did here.  Thanks, Mike!

Mailed: 6-5-25
Received Back: 6-26-25
Turnaround Time: 21 Days

Roger Craig Rookie

Here's a nice return with a great inscription from former NFL Star RB Roger Craig, who signed his 1984 Topps Rookie Card.  Thanks, Roger!

Mailed: 6-16-25
Received Back: 6-26-25
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

Ryan Fitzpatrick

Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 34,990 yards during his 17-year NFL career.  He started for nine different teams, throwing 223 TD passes and running for 21 scores.  Thanks, Ryan!

Mailed: 6-10-25
Received Back: 6-24-25
Turnaround Time: 14 Days

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is the women's world record holder in the 400M hurdles.  She won Gold Medals for the United States in both the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games.  Thanks, Sydney!

Mailed: 1-21-25
Received Back: 6-24-25
Turnaround Time: 154 Days

Larry Alphonso Johnson

Here's a great return of three signed rookie cards from former star NFL RB Larry Johnson.  Thanks, Larry!

Mailed: 5-6-25
Received Back: 6-24-25
Turnaround Time: 49 Days

Jay Buhner

A one-time All-Star and one-time Gold Glove Award Winner, Jay Buhner amassed 310 Home Runs and 965 RBI during his 15 MLB seasons, which included three consecutive years with over 40 Home Runs and over 100 RBI.  He signed his 1988 Donruss Rookie Card for $5.  Thanks, Jay!

Mailed: 6-9-25
Received Back: 6-24-25
Turnaround Time: 15 Days

Rags

Here's a nice return from former Yankees star Dave Righetti, who signed his 1982 Topps Rookie Card.  Thanks, Dave!

Mailed: 5-30-25
Received Back: 6-23-25
Turnaround Time: 24 Days

Rod Langway

Hall of Famer Rod Langway won a Stanley Cup and had 329 points during his 15-year NHL Career while playing stellar Defense.  He signed his Rookie Card, which is from 1980.  Thanks, Rod!

Mailed: 4-14-25
Received Back: 6-21-25
Turnaround Time: 68 Days

Juan Gone Comes Back

With a lightning fast return from Puerto Rico, Juan Gonzalez singed four Rookie Cards.  He got these out quicker than he hit the ball out of the park during his playing days.  Thanks, Juan!

Mailed: 6-14-25
Received Back: 6-21-25
Turnaround Time: 7 Days

Kenneth Wayne Singleton

Ken Singleton signed his 1971 O-Pee-Chee Rookie Card.  On the front, this Canadian counterpart is indistinguishable from the Topps version that is much more common in the United States.  Fittingly enough, I purchased the card on a recent trip to Canada.  Thanks, Ken!

Mailed: 6-2-25
Received Back: 6-12-25
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

Cliff Harris

Hall of Famer Cliff Harris won two Super Bowls and made six Pro Bowl teams, playing for the Cowboys throughout the 1970s as one of the league's best Defensive Backs.  He signed his 1975 Topps Rookie Card.  Thanks, Cliff!

Mailed: 5-28-25
Received Back: 6-12-25
Turnaround Time: 15 Days

Knobby

Here's a great return from four-time World Series Champion Chuck Knoblauch, who won three of his four titles with the Yankees.  Thanks, Chuck!

Mailed: 3-10-25
Received Back: 6-9-25
Turnaround Time: 91 Days

Luis Emilio Gonzalez

Luis Gonzalez signed three different rookie cards from 1991.  Thanks, Luis!

Mailed: 5-6-25
Received Back: 6-5-25
Turnaround Time: 30 Days

Jose Canseco Capas Jr.

This one comes courtesy of his agent and a $15 donation, but I had to get a Jose Canseco autograph on a card depicting him as a Yankee a commemorating the 2000 World Series.  He only had six home runs during his partial season with the Yankees, and he whiffed in his one World Series at bat, but he was a great player who was part of an even greater team, and everyone on that team earned their World Series rings.  Thanks, Jose!

Mailed: 4-28-25
Received Back: 6-2-25
Turnaround Time: 35 Days

Monthly Failure Report: May 2025

No failures to report this month, but I did request and receive a Nationals Fan Pack.  The Luis Garcia autograph appears to be facsimile.

Kenneth Anderson

Here's a solid vintage return from former NFL QB Ken Anderson, who made four Pro Bowl teams.  Thanks, Ken!

Mailed: 4-28-25
Received Back: 5-27-25
Turnaround Time: 29 Days

Merril DuAine Hoge

Here's a nice one back from former NFL RB Merril Hoge, who signed his 1989 Score Rookie Card.  Thanks, Merril!

Mailed: 4-28-25
Received Back: 5-27-25
Turnaround Time: 29 Days

Danny Ainge

Here's a spectacular return from current Utah Jazz CEO Danny Ainge, who is also a former coach.  He played in the NBA and MLB as well, though he is much more well-known as a basketball player.  During his 14 years in the league, he won two NBA Championships and made one All-Star team.  He averaged 11.5 points per game.  He signed his 1986 Fleer Rookie Card here.  Thanks, Danny!

Mailed: 1-10-25
Received Back: 5-24-25
Turnaround Time: 137 Days

Greg Holland

We have a new record for longest wait for a successful return.  Here's a nice one from former MLB Closer Greg Holland, who won 30 games and saved 220 games during a 12-year MLB career.  His ERA was as close to Pi as you can get, at 3.14.  Thanks, Greg!

Mailed: 3-2-18
Received Back: 5-22-25
Turnaround Time: 2638 Days

Charlie Joiner Jr.

Here's another nice Hall of Fame Rookie Card return from the great Charlie Joiner.  Thanks, Charlie!

Mailed: 4-26-25
Received Back: 5-13-25
Turnaround Time: 17 Days

Dan Quayle

Dan Quayle served as Vice President of the United States under George H.W. Bush.  I couldn't find a card of him, so I sent him a patriotic card from a baseball card set, which he signed.  It's pretty cool to get a return from a former Vice President.  Thanks, Dan!

Mailed: 4-21-25
Received Back: 5-9-25
Turnaround Time: 18 Days

Chris Hanburger

Hall of Fame Linebacker Chris Hanburger made nine Pro Bowl teams during his 14 NFL seasons.  He signed his 1967 Philadelphia Rookie Card.  Thanks, Chris!

Mailed: 4-29-25
Received Back: 5-9-25
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

Rick Cerone Rookie

Here's a signed 1977 Topps Rookie Card back from Rick Cerone, who shares his rookie with three other players, with Dale Murphy being the most notable among them.  Thanks, Rick!

Mailed: 4-28-25
Received Back: 5-8-25
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

John Wasdin

John Wasdin won 39 games and saved seven games during his twelve MLB seasons.  He worked primarily as a relief pitcher.  Thanks, John!

Mailed: 4-21-25
Received Back: 5-6-25
Turnaround Time: 15 Days

Billy Kilmer

Billy Kilmer threw for 20,495 yards and 152 TDs during his 16 NFL regular seasons, most of which he spent as a QB, though he was also primarily a Halfback for several seasons.  He rushed for 1,509 yards and 21 TDs, adding a receiving TD as well.  Thanks, Billy!

Mailed: 4-26-25
Received Back: 5-3-25
Turnaround Time: 7 Days

Bobby Griese

Here's a great return from Hall of Famer Bob Griese on his 1974 Wonder Bread Card.  Thanks, Bob!

Mailed: 10-15-24
Received Back: 5-2-25
Turnaround Time: 199 Days

Jackie Smith Rookie

Hall of Famer Jackie Smith signed a worn/well-loved copy of his 1967 Philadelphia Rookie Card.  Thanks, Jackie!

Mailed: 4-19-25
Received Back: 5-1-25
Turnaround Time: 12 Days

Gorman Thomas

Here's a great return from one-time All-Star Gorman Thomas, who played in 13 MLB seasons.  He signed his 1974 Topps Rookie Card, sent a signed business card, and wrote a note for $5.  I might have to check out his sauce.  Thanks, Gorman!

Mailed: 4-14-25
Received Back: 5-1-25
Turnaround Time: 17 Days

Bobby Valentine Rookie

Here's a nice return from Bobby Valentine, who signed his 1971 Topps Rookie Card.  Thanks, Bobby!

Mailed: 3-26-25
Received Back: 5-1-25
Turnaround Time: 36 Days

Timothy Tebow

Here's a signed baseball card from Tim Tebow with an accompanying note.  This is a pretty cool return.  Thanks, Tim!

Mailed: 4-14-25
Received Back: 5-1-25
Turnaround Time: 17 Days

Chris Osgood

Chris Osgood helped the Red Wings win three Stanley Cups in his 17 NHL seasons, during which he also compiled 401 regular season wins as a Goalie.  Thanks, Chris!

Mailed: 4-21-25
Received Back: 4-29-25
Turnaround Time: 8 Days

BJK

Here's a nice signature from legendary Tennis Player Billie Jean King!  Thanks, Billie!

Mailed: 1-14-25
Received Back: 4-28-25
Turnaround Time: 104 Days

Louisiana Lightning Gator

I know I just sent a separate request to Ron Guidry pretty recently, but then I acquired another copy of his 1976 Topps Rookie Card, so I had to get that signed.  Thanks again, Louisiana Lightning!

Mailed: 4-14-25
Received Back: 4-28-25
Turnaround Time: 14 Days

Scott David Burrell

Current SCSU Coach and former UConn Huskies player Scott Burrell, a member of 1998 Bulls Championship team, signed his 1993 Finest Rookie Card as well as a card showing him with the Bulls.  Thanks, Scott!

Mailed: 4-19-25
Received Back: 4-25-25
Turnaround Time: 6 Days

Roy Leon Face

Here's a great return from a great reliever, Roy Face, who signed his 1956 Topps Card.  Thanks, Roy!

Mailed: 4-14-25
Received Back: 4-25-25
Turnaround Time: 11 Days

Ron Ames Guidry

Here's a nice vintage return from Louisiana Lightning himself, Ron Guidry, who signed his 1978 Topps Card.  Thanks, Gator!

Mailed: 4-1-25
Received Back: 4-24-25
Turnaround Time: 23 Days

Craig Ehlo

Perhaps best-known for being posterized by Michael Jordan in the playoffs, Craig Ehlo put together a solid NBA career, averaging 8.6 points per game and 1.1 steals per game across 14 seasons.  Thanks, Craig!

Mailed: 4-14-25
Received Back: 4-24-25
Turnaround Time: 10 Days

Stephen Charles Balboni

Here's a signed 1982 Topps Rookie Card back from former Yankee Steve Balboni.  Thanks, Steve!

Mailed: 3-31-25
Received Back: 4-24-25
Turnaround Time: 24 Days