How many guys here still collect some TTM?

[mschwade]

Originally Posted by chaddurbin

yes! and alomar is a coach for cleveland. some of the tougher guys would be monty fariss billy bene ty griffin etc...also looking forward to jim abbott.

True story.. I saw Jim Abbott get a base-hit in a Spring Training game against the Florida Marlins. The standing ovation he got as he stood on first base was something I'll never forget.

[vintagechris]

In the early 80's, I saw an add for Jack Smalling's baseball address list in SCD. It talked about writing to players for autographs. I was skeptical but decided to give it a try.

I saved my allowance for a couple weeks, sent it off and decided to test it out with some players when the book came in. I sent to Mickey Mantle, Pete Rose and Ted Williams to see if this would work.

Alas, nothing came back after a few months of waiting. Then one day, six months after I had sent my requests, my Dad comes home from work and calls me from my room. He said I had some mail. Ted Williams had signed and returned the 1976 Topps All Time All star card I had sent him. The thrill I had opening that from Ted Williams was and still probably today is my greatest hobby memory.

I ended up sending to players for a couple of years after that. Instead of spending all of my whopping $6 allowance on cards, I started spending it on stamps for requests.

[chaddurbin]

Originally Posted by mschwade

True story.. I saw Jim Abbott get a base-hit in a Spring Training game against the Florida Marlins. The standing ovation he got as he stood on first base was something I'll never forget.

growing up in socal jim abbott was a big hero and inspiration to us. it was always cool seeing him do the glove switch after every pitch.

chris--i felt the same way when getting TTM returns and seeing the fruit of your labor bloomed. i imagine having the same excitement today as i'm sorting out all the cards to send out.

p.s. i also can't wait to get my son started when he's old enough. we won't care if the sigs are secretarial, clubhouse, autopen etc...and i won't burden him with TPAs and forensic. that i can promise.