I'm starting to get a little discouraged about the lack of spring training TTM successes rolling in, although I shouldn't be. That's the trend the past few years. It's really sad how ST used to be a goldmine for TTM successes, but now it's about as tough as sending to Big League Stadiums. I blame the internet.
Anyways, a non-ST TTM "success" came back yesterday. Success is in quotes because I don't think this signature is authentic. I'm not sure if it's the consistent start/stops with the pen marks or what (autopen or machine, maybe?), but it just reeks of "fake".
It also came with a note saying that he charges $20, yet the card was signed in pen. So if I sent $20, the card would be signed in Sharpie? Also note the difference in the "T" in the signature on the note versus the one on the card.
I don't really get it, but all signs point to this being inauthentic. Some have said his ex-wife signs his mail, which would be really weird.
I'll still put it in my TTM binder because I don't know for sure, but I'm never going to be sold on this one. Oh well! No big deal.
I have so many questions - what's going on with that pen, why did someone sign the card if he charges, why the heck is his ex wife doing favors for him? So very odd. Nevertheless, you got a good story and a blog post out of it - what more can you ask of a 1987 Topps single?
ReplyDeletei think the story is that his ex got the house, and so gets the mail and donations, too. not sure if that is true or not.
ReplyDeletei was able to get a tj auto through the mail thanks to a free signing he did at a bank a few years ago - i sent a card and letter to the bank manager and she had him sign my card. it looks great, much better than the other autos i saw (and traded for) from that event. you can compare your auto to mine:
http://garveyceyrusselllopes.blogspot.com/search?q=tommy+john+success
So weird. Is she keeping the money when people do send a donation? What a wench.
DeleteHis Signature seems so inconsistent. Even yours all look different. My certified auto looks different too.
I think I have to agree: that is not authentic. If you look at the certified autos of TJ, they have been slowly getting worse over the years, ala Stan Musial:
ReplyDelete2010:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2010-TRISTAR-Obak-Autographs-Brown-A66-Tommy-John-75-/162397262119?hash=item25cfa19127:g:m2IAAOSwCU1YpMwp
2012:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOMMY-JOHN-2012-Panini-Limited-Authentic-Autograph-299-Los-Angeles-Dodgers-/152453293296?hash=item237eeca4f0:g:JSwAAOSwTapV5QHr
2016:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tommy-John-2016-Pantheon-Milestone-Scripts-Autograph-33-49-Auto-/152454789154?hash=item237f037822:g:B8MAAOSwUKxYmQvb
Your's is FAR too nice, similar to autographs from him over 15 years ago. And that note? Female handwriting. If this auction is valid, no WAY TJ wrote in green pen:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-TOMMY-JOHN-HANDWRITTEN-LETTER-SIGNED-CELEBRITY-GOLF-LETTERHEAD-NY-YANKEES-/151091378276
Interesting info, thanks for the research.
DeleteThis is a bit off topic, but...
ReplyDeleteI have some cards for you. Can you send your address to me? I'm not sure the one I have is current.
omsports42 at gee mail you know the rest
Hmm. I have a '74 TJ that I got sometime in the late 70's or early 80's that is autographed. It looks more like your letter than any of the others. Wonder when the Ex started signing?
ReplyDeleteOn a board that I'm on someone talked to TJ at a golf tournament and he confirmed that the address is his old one and his ex-wife is signing them all and pocketing the money -- many people have been sending $10 with their requests. If true, and she's actually asking for $20 now for a fake sig, well ... wow! The address people were getting the fakes from is in North Carolina. People have been sending to an address in South Carolina lately. Unsure if the address from there is legit or not.
ReplyDeleteShe needs some hobbies...although she's definitely making some pocket change. Glad I didn't send anything of note or money.
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