Big summer blowout

Credit: http://otionsoap.com

Overall, I'm not the biggest Blowout Cards guy. I appreciate the site, but I have found the message boards to be a bit of a mess, and mostly indicative of the current state of the hobby where most collectors only care about hits and high-dollar cards. I know it's not the case for every collector on there so I don't want to generalize too much, but I've seen that in a lot in my limited interactions on the site and forums.

However, I do spend time in the TTM section of the forums. I like to see what other collectors are obtaining via TTM, and share some of my successes. For the most part, my TTM successes are my blog posts that perform the worst and get the least amount of interractions. That's ok, that's not why I blog and am not upset when a post gets little views and no comments. No big deal to me. However, the forum gives me an alternate space to share some of my successes with those who are a bit more interested.

Although, I must say, for a TTM forum, a lot of people post in-person (IP) successes. Kind of odd, but whatever. There are a lot of prolific IP 'graphers, so it can be cool to see of their loot.

From time to time, a collector will list some autographs for sale, mostly obtained IP. Recently, someone listed hundreds of cards for $.75 each, mostly of minor leaguers. While I tend to stay away from purchasing autographs that aren't certified, I have no reason to believe that members of a TTM forum are screwing people over. So I decided to take a look and see if anything struck my fancy, and as it turns out, I was able to add three new Yankee autos for a total of $2.25.

Thairo Estrada, one of ZZ's favorites, is a guy that has eluded me TTM, so I was happy to pick up this one for $.75. He's definitely under-the-radar in terms of current Yankee prospects, mostly due to the fact that he's so young. However, he had a great 2016 as a 20-year-old in mostly high-A ball, so I think his days of going unnoticed are numbered.

The second guy I picked up, and two of the same card, is Tyler Wade. Wade is one of the best, most-advanced shortstops in the Yankees system, and projects to be a solid Big Leaguer. I think we'll see him in the Bronx at some point this season. The Yanks are trying to make him into a Ben Zobrist-type to help his path to the Majors, including him playing OF in the AFL last season. He doesn't sign TTM (as far as I can tell), and I haven't picked up a Bowman auto yet, so I figured this was a decent gamble.

I don't think I'll make a habit of buying from sales like this, but it's a great option once in awhile for those tougher-to-get signatures.

TTM Success: Ryne Sandberg

Those of you who know me know I usually stick to Yankees with my TTM adventures. However, there are times when I feel the need to step out of that focus, and this was one of them. Hall of Famers tend to do that.

Ryne Sandberg signs TTM for a $5 donation, so I decided to spend $5 on this instead of a Walgreen’s $4.99 repack a few days ago. For me, this is money better spent.

But the autograph is not for me. While it would be nice to have a Ryno autograph in my collection, no doubt, I decided to get this with the intention of putting it in my son’s HOF binder. I think it’ll look nicer in there than in my own TTM binder, among many of the HOFers that you have all sent to me for my son. I’ve sent a few TTM requests out for Joey, from Bobby Shantz to Virgil Trucks to Ty Hensley, but never to a HOFer. I’m happy to change that.

So while I’ll list this as one of my own TTM requests, it’s in fact, for my son. I just did the legwork, and hopefully he enjoys it one day.

Valuing a TTM auto more then a certified auto

On Monday, I shared a Tyler Austin TTM success that I was (and still am) really excited about. It got me thinking a bit. Why was I so excited? I already owned a few Austin autos.

I realized it's like this for me in a lot of instances. Although I may own a certified autograph, I'll still try the player TTM. Part of it is the thrill of the chase. Putting in the effort to write and send a letter, choosing the card to send, and waiting patiently for it to return, not knowing if you'll ever see the card again once you drop it in the mailbox.

It's a risk. It's a rush.

And the reward makes it that much more worth it. It's not to say that I don't enjoy an auto I buy on eBay for $1.99 + $2.50 shipping. I just like the TTM process more.

It's sort of like growing your own veggies in a garden. It can be more satisfying eating them instead of store-bought veggies, knowing you saved a few bucks and put in the work to grow the produce.

Here are a few more instances of cards I own both a TTM auto and a certified auto.

A TTM success trickles in

For the most part, I have stopped sending out TTM requests. While I enjoyed this aspect for the hobby for many years, I no longer feel the same about it like I once did for a multitude of reasons.

However, I have hundreds of unanswered TTM requests still out in the world, and every so often one finds its way back.

The most recent was sent in February, 2020, a few weeks before the pandemic changed the landscape of the 2020 baseball season. I was already sending out fewer TTM requests due to absolutely dwindling response rates over the past few years, but that didn't stop me from sending a handful to spring training just to give it a whirl.

Twenty two months later, former Yankee and most currently Red Sox Adam Ottavino returned two cards signed. Back when he was a Rockie, Adam used to sign with purple sharpie. It looks like he has traded that in for a more traditional blue marker.

Both came out great. The Heritage is fairly cool.

Ottavino was sent to the Red Sox for virtually nothing so that the Yankees had some wiggle room under their self-imposed fake salary cap. For the most part, he was a dependable arm for Boston. He appeared in 69 games, throwing 62 innings and striking out 71, and saving 11 games. I didn't agree that the Yanks should send a veteran reliever to their rival, but what do I know?

I'm sure another TTM or two will pop up in my mailbox at some point, but for now, it's always fun when a surprise return comes back.

TTM Success (sort of): Tommy John

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.

TTM Success: Blake Rutherford

I feel very lucky on this one.

When Yankees 2016 1^st Rounder Blake Rutherford debuted with the GCL Yankees shortly after signing, I quickly sent out a TTM request. But then something he happened. He was promoted after just 8 games. Damn you and your advanced approach, Blake. Knowing that probably meant my TTM request was a lost cause, I quickly sent out another request to him in Pulaski, where he was bumped up. I will say that I was fortunate to have two of the exact same card, as P-Town Tom sent them to me – one for TTM, one for me. Then I used both for TTM. Oops. I can’t be trusted, Tom.

Luckily, the one from Pulaski made it back! I denoted on the PWE with a little P to know it was the Pulaski version I sent. Either way, I was ecstatic to get this, as Rutherford autos are a bit pricey since we was expected to be a top-5 pick, then was snatched by the Yankees a little after that. That, my friends, makes prices go up. I figure once he appears in Bowman Draft some of the USA Baseball stuff will go down, but still, I didn’t want to wait for that.

Rutherford had a fantastic start to his career, hitting .351/.415/.570 in 33 games between the CGL Yankees and Pulaski. Just the kind of start you’d hope to see from a highly touted pick. I can’t wait to see him next year, as he’s got all the tools to be a high end prospect, and if it weren’t for the July trades and influx of prospects, would likely be in the running for Yankees top prospect already. Next September, he certainly may own that distinction.

Sending a TTM autograph request

This is a post I featured in September of 2016. The last few days I've seen a lot of chatter on Twitter about sending out spring training autograph requests, and inevitably there are a few who comment about how to do it.

Please note everyone has their own technique, and this is what works for me. If there's something you do that I don't, that's cool. I've been doing this since I was a kid and this is my preferred method.

I'm also significantly cutting back on the number I send out this spring. Over the past few years, my success rate has drastically decreased, even for some of the lesser known players. That's not to discourage anyone, but rather just share a trend that many TTMers have seen over the past four or five years.

So with that, here is my previously featured post on how to send a through the mail (TTM) autograph request:

I know that others have written about this exact topic, but figured I should have a post like this on my blog as well.

There seems to be more and more card bloggers getting into Though The Mail (TTM) autograph collecting. Being perhaps my favorite part of collecting, I love seeing this. As a result, it's also piquing the interest of other collectors who are less familiar with TTM autograph collecting.

This post will serve as a quick 'how to' in terms of sending an autograph request for a signed card. Other collectors often send photos, baseballs, jerseys, and other memorabilia, but I'll stick to what I know: baseball cards.

Before I get started, a few rules of thumb:
1. Don't send anything you can't afford to lose.
2. Try not to be too greedy. Sending a couple of cards is ok, but keep it within reason. If you do want to send a few, offer to let the player keep a couple for himself or to give to family and friends. Some will take you up on it, some will not.
3. You'll be surprised what you can find with a few minutes of Googling - player signing habits, forums to discuss successes, home addresses, etc.
4. Be realistic. For the most part, major stars will probably not sign due to volume of mail. That's not to say don't take a chance. You never know. I've just found that I am more successful with lesser known players, minor leaguers, and retired players.
5. Be patient! It's worth it.

Now that that is out of the way, here is a quick and easy way to send out a TTM request.

What you'll need:
- 2 envelopes (I prefer a #10 envelope and a #6 envelope)
- 2 Forever stamps
- paper
- pen
- baseball card

That's it! Pretty easy, eh?

Step 1 - The Letter
Write your letter of request (LOR). I prefer to hand-write mine, but I know plenty of people who type their letter. To me, hand-written feels more sincere. However, if you have poor penmanship, by all means type it so it's easier for the player.

Some players will read letters, some will not. I always try to include a personal anecdote or a question or two. Once in a while, a player will send a nice note back or answer you question(s). Minor leaguers are pretty good about answering questions.

Sample letter:
Dear Mr. Player,
My name is AJ and I am a big fan of yours. I was lucky enough to see you while you played in Double-A Trenton. It's fantastic to see you in the big leagues now, and I wish you continued success.

If you have time, can you please autograph my card? It would be an honor to add it to my collection. Thank you for your time, and best of luck this season.

Sincerely,
AJ

That is a general formula I used, but personalize to each player, of course. I try to keep it short knowing the player is busy.

Step 2 - The Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE)
This is crucial and a must. Do not skip this step. The player has better things to do than address an envelope back to you and find a stamp. Save him the hassle.

Don't forget the stamp!

Tip 1: I always include my address as both the "To" and "From" section of the SASE to ensure it gets back to me no matter what.
Tip 2: Use a peel and stick, self-adhering envelope. The player will appreciate not having to lick your envelope.

Step 3 - Package everything nicely
Don't just throw everything into the envelope. Put some care into it. This is how I package my card:
A. Fold the letter nicely
B. Tuck card(s) into the letter
C. Fold the SASE in half
D. Tuck letter with cards in folded envelope

Tip: I prefer to send my cards unprotected. I assume players don't want to fidget with a top loader. I also avoid penny sleeves. A long time ago, Ralph Houk signed my sleeve and not my card. I never made that mistake again. More often than not, the cards return in fine condition.

Step 4 - Address the envelope
If you are sending to a player in care of (c/o) his team, here is the proper way to address the request:

Mr. Babe Ruth
c/o New York Yankees
Yankee Stadium
E 161st St. and River Ave
Bronx, NY 10451

If you are sending to a player's home address, obviously skip the team name.

Step 5 - Seal and send
Tuck the neat package from Step 3 into the envelope, seal it up, send it off, and wait patiently.

I also recommend keeping a simple spreadsheet of who you send to, date sent, date received, success/failure, and any other info of note. You'll appreciate this more over time as you send out more and more requests. It'll help you see your success rate and how long you waited on a particular request to come back.

There you have it. It's easy, fun, and rewarding. Whether you are a seasoned veteran, or trying this out for the first time, I wish you the best of luck!