An avid collector is hoping his new book will help other collectors love his hobby as much as he does. Little Rock, AR resident Brent Gasper’s 120-page paperback is all about the art of autographs.
His self-published book, A Beginner’s Guide to the TTM Autograph: Trading Cards Signed Through the Mail, covers multiple aspects of a part of the hobby that’s among the oldest types of sports collecting—sending a note or letter to a player with a card or other item and a self-addressed, stamped envelope in hopes of getting the item signed and returned.
While it might be aimed at newcomers to TTM, Gasper’s book offers plenty of value for those who are already involved in the hobby. He provides insight on which current and former athletes charge a fee, the best and worst types of cards to send and he’s also included 3,000 mailing addresses, all verified over the last two years.
“I collected as a kid during the mid and late ‘80’s and then life happened,” he told SC Daily in reference to his hobby. “I picked it back up during COVID and have been collecting since. I have over 7,600 positive returns so my collection of autographed cards is easily over 10,000 since I try to send two cards per request when possible.”
A criminal defense attorney by trade, he loves the thrill of what might show up in his mailbox.
“You go from having a card of a guy or gal who you watch on TV or in person that literally transforms into a completely unique, personal collectible. This person took time out of his or her day to open your letter, sign cards, perhaps write a note or personalize the card to you, and put it back in the mail.”
While it’s typically a an autographed card in the mailbox, sometimes there are suprises.
“I have had an old timer write a note back to me saying ‘thank you for remembering me’.” While some of the hugely famous or popular signees may charge high fees or only sign a certain number or type of cards, there are hundreds of people who are not only willing signers but genuinely appreciate being asked. When I get a return like that, it warms my heart, like I just made their day by allowing *them* to remember their playing days as well.”
Other topics covered in the book (available for $25 on Amazon or free with a Kindle Unlimited membership) include:
* Explaining exactly what TTM (through the mail) is, including his personal history
* Generally who signs and who does not
* What type of supplies you’ll need and ways to save money on supplies and postage
* The best way to write a letter to ask for autographs
* The ethical questions of whether to sell your signed cards if you originally got them signed for no fee
Gasper says his TTM success rate is 67%, which is lower than most TTMers because he sends to players who are considered tough signers in hopes they might have changed their policy toward collectors who mail to them.
“Oftentimes I don’t get them back, but I consider that worth it for those rare or obscure signers that I do get back,” he explained.
The book has over 3,000 mailing address including certain athletes he’s designated as “Super Signers,” who “go above and beyond for their fans.”
While the book has been self-published, Gasper is hoping a publisher might take an interest in it and help deliver it to a wider audience. In the meantime, he’s still keeping the post office busy with a steady flow of SASEs.
“There’s something tangible that we’ve lost as a society with email and texting, etc., and that is the joy of receiving, opening, and reading mail. Physical letters, with handwriting. Coming home from work and you’ve got several envelopes in your mailbox that contain within them a super-cool surprise. That anticipation and curiosity — and the patience it takes to send out letters with the hope that they come back but knowing they may never come back — is a fantastic feeling.”
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