A set just for autos? Yes please.

Yesterday I mentioned the first two TTM successes I had while growing up. They were basketball cards, as I was a very seasonal collector. Basketball in the winter, baseball in the summer.

I did like basketball because it was easier to get a star player. With 12-man rosters, I had better odds of getting a Jordan or Shaq than I did a Griffey or Thomas. Plus, admittedly I didn’t know a lot of relievers or utility guys, which is ironic because those are now the baseball cards I cherish and wish there was more of.

As a youngster, I remember reading an article in Beckett about how Fleer changed to this matte finish on their cards in order to entice kids to get autographs. I totally bought in. For whatever reason, I chose this Matt Wagner card – a guy I had definitely never heard of, and sent him a TTM request. If memories serves, I sent it to the Expos spring training site. 

Luckily, I got the card back. Fleer was right. The cards were perfect for autographs. Since then, I’ve gotten a few more of these signed (by guys I’ve heard of), and each one comes out great.

I also love the idea of creating a set just for autograph collectors. Maybe it’s too niche, but it would be cool. I could see the set being called “Topps TTMs” or “Panini Penned” or “Stadium Club Script” or something. Maybe a card company would give them out to kids at fan fests or spring training with the purpose of having something to get an autograph on other than a baseball or photo.

This will never happen. The cost outweighs the benefit and it’s too small of an idea given the cost. I get it. But just seems like a great way to get baseball cards in kids hands and encourage autograph collecting, a great part of the hobby. It worked for me as a kid when Fleer did this, so perhaps it could work again.