Chuck Williams has a unique pro basketball record. He once played 90 games between stints with the San Diego Conquisdators and Kentucky Colonels in the 1973-74 ABA season. In all, the Colorado grad played eight seasons in the ABA and NBA, retiring in 1978 with 6,849 career points and 2,869 assists.
He joined me on this week’s TTM Cast to talk about his career, his love for the old red, white and blue basketball league, his All-Star appearance and how much he still enjoys signing autographs, among other topics.
Chuck is a reliable TTM signer.
The National Sports Collectors Convention in Atlantic City New Jersey is less than a month away. Ray Schulte, the show’s Director of Communications, also joined me to preview this year’s show. Click below to listen.
TTM Tip of the Week
Asking questions in your letters is a nice way to make your request standout. Make your letter personal. Add a special story about why you’d like to receive an autograph. Share a memory you have with the player. Perhaps you have a special connection. Sometimes these extra personal touches will lead to more than just a signed card or picture. I’ve had athletes actually give me a call, send me follow up questions or add an extra item. Make sure you remember to include your phone number in your contact information.
TTM Successes this Week
This week’s returns have a decidedly football feel. A few weeks back I sent out a bunch of 1975 and 1980 Topps football cards and the returns continue to roll in, with several former Patriots and Jets now added to my collection. Check them out below.
Most athlete’s mailing addresses are available on several TTM related web sites including SportsCardForum.com and SportsCollectors.net.
Erik McMillan
McMillian was drafted by the Jets out of Missouri. He played five seasons in New York from 1988-92 before finishing his career with Kansas City, Cleveland, and Philadelphia in 1993. He made the Pro Bowl in 1988 and 1989. Known as a very reliable signer, he autographed his 1989 rookie Topps card for me in about three weeks, adding his uniform number to his signature.
Dave Foley
After being selected in the first round of the 1969 NFL draft by the New York Jets out of Ohio State, Foley went on play three seasons with the Jets and six with the Buffalo Bills as an offensive tackle. He played in the 1973 Pro Bowl and won a NCAA National Championship while at Ohio State in 1968. Dave signed and returned his 1975 Topps card for me in about two weeks. Unfortunately, the signature was very faded.
Joe Danelo
During his ten-year NFL career, Joe kicked for Green Bay, NY Giants and Buffalo Bills from 1975-1984. I have a soft spot for kickers when it comes to TTM as most have been known to be very accommodating and appreciate being remembered.
Joe signed and personalized his 1980 Topps card for me in a few weeks.
Jason Staurovsky
My affinity for kickers continues. Jason Staurovsky is the all-time leading scorer for the University of Tulsa. He went on to kick in the NFL for the Cardinals, Patriots and Jets from 1987-1992. Jason wrote me a nice note about his dad playing in the 1949 Little League World Series. He has a lot of his dad’s memorabilia and is looking to pass it on to a collector. If you are interested let me know and I can connect you with Jason.
He signed my Score football card and returned it to me in less than two weeks.
Ralph Baker
Drafted out of Penn State by both the NFL’s Steelers and AFL’s Jets, Baker chose New York and wound up playing a key role on the Super Bowl III championship team. He made six tackles and recovered a fumble in the win over the Colts and played 141 games with the Jets from 1964-1974. He’s still regarded as one of the franchise’s greatest players.
Ralph signed his 1975 Topps card for me in less than two weeks, adding “Jets” and his number, 51..
Allen Carter
After staring at USC, Carter was selected by the Patriots in the 4th round of the 1975 NFL Draft where he joined former college teammate Sam Cunningham, serving primarily as a kick returner. Carter played two seasons with the Patriots before injuries abruptly ended his playing career.
He signed his 1976 Topps card in pen and returned it to me in a few weeks.
Ken Avery
Ken Avery played nine seasons in the NFL as linebacker with the Giants, Bengals, and Chiefs from 1967-1975. He played a total of 123 games and tallied two interceptions and ten fumble recoveries. He was inducted into the University of Southern Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1983.
He signed his final card, this 1975 Topps card for me in a few weeks.
Here are a few other former players who are currently signing for free. I have had success with all of them in the past:
- Juan Gonzalez – Texas Rangers Slugger
- Greg Gagne – Minnesota Twins Shortstop
- Rick Cerone – Catcher with the Yankees and Red Sox
- Bobby Jones – Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers
- Rich Camarillo – Cardinals and Patriots Punter
Have a TTM success story you would like to share with me? Please, send it me at ttm@ttmcast.com. If I use it in my column, I’ll send you a prize.
