Saturday, February 26, 2011

Spring Training Return: Jesse Chavez


  • Jesse Chavez 1/1- Jesse signed his 09 Topps rookie card, my 150th signed card from the set! Sent 2/12 (14 days)

Friday, February 25, 2011

4 Spring Training Returns: Zimmerman, Rzcepczynski, Gaudin, Perez

Marc Rzepczynski 1/2- The young Blue Jays pitcher kept my 09 Topps and signed his 2010 Topps card. Sent 2/12 (13 days)
Jordan Zimmerman 1/2- Jordan signed a 2010 Topps and kept my 2009 U&H. Sent 2/12 (13 days)
Chris Perez 2/2- The Indians closer signed his 09 Topps U&H, as well as my first 2011 Topps card. Sent 2/15 (10 days)
Chad Gaudin 2/2- Chad signed his 09 Topps U&H and 08 Topps cards. He wrote his different jersey numbers for the A's and Yankees on each respective card. Sent 2/14 (11 days)

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Spring Training Return: Chris Ray


It's the most wonderful time of the year! Spring training is in full swing, and I received my first TTM return from Arizona today.
  • Chris Ray 2/3- The newly signed Mariners reliever kept my 09 UD, but signed his cards from the 08 and 09 Topps sets. Just like Bengie Molina, he played for both the Rangers and Giants during last season. Sent 2/12 (10 days)

Pack Pull Auto: Chris Getz


As I anxiously await returns from spring training, I got a little surprise in a pack of 2011 Topps jumbo that I purchased a few days ago. When I typically pull autos from packs, I end up getting signatures of players that are either backup catchers/utility infielders, or have a very short/lousy signature. Just my luck, I got both in one card! According to the card, Chris Getz is 6th on the list of "Highest AL Avg. from the No. 7 Spot in Batting Order, 2009-10". Other players on the list include Mike Lowell, Robinson Cano, Adrian Beltre, and Hideki Matsui. I got the short end of the stick on this one, but at least it's an autograph. I know alot of people complain about the sticker autographs that Topps slaps on many of its products, but I think the shiny rainbow foil makes the signature pop a little bit more, even if the "signature" is just a "CG".

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Hockey TTM: Adam McQuaid


  • Adam McQuaid 1/1- The Bruins rookie signed his 2010-11 Victory card in black sharpie and added his number as well. Seguin commands the majority of media attention for rookies up here, but McQuaid is already making a name for himself as a physical player, making some big hits and getting in several fights over the past few months. Sent 1/20 (26 days)

Monday, February 7, 2011

TTM Return: Dusty Baker


  • Dusty Baker 3/1- This one was sent way back in December 2009. I sent to the Reds skipper c/o his home, and received a signed 09 Topps as well as 2 signed index cards. It was a nice surprise to get this one back after a long wait. Sent 12/7/09 (425 days)

Saturday, February 5, 2011

TTM Return: Kevin Slowey


  • Kevin Slowey 1/2- Mr. Slowey kept my 09 Topps card and signed his card from the 2010 set in a very light ballpoint pen. The signature gets lost in the middle of the card, but during this time of the year, any mail is good mail. Sent 9/14 (141 days)
I also received an unsigned card back from Barry Larkin that I sent out in 2009 to the MLB Network studios when it first premiered. It took 625 days to get back to me.

Friday, February 4, 2011

TTM Return: Jim Leyland


  • Jim Leyland 1/1- The Tigers manager signed a card from the 09 Topps Updates & Highlights set. I'll send it off in a few days to Tony LaRussa to finish off the card. Sent 1/20 (14 days)