TTM This Week: Hobby Talk and Autograph Returns

TTMCast this Week

Founder and Editor of Sports Collectors Daily Rich Mueller joins me to look at what’s been happening in the hobby over the last 12 months. We also take a look into the crystal ball and look at what’s instore for 2023. Former San Francisco Giants beat writer Mark Camps is in Collectors Corner this week. We talk Giants and vintage cards. Finally, we ring in the New Year with Hobby Veteran Les Wolff and we get his strong takes from a recent show and more.

Next week, we’ll have a guest that those of a certain age will definitely enjoy: Ted Giannoulas, the man inside the Famous “San Diego Chicken” suit.

Click here to listen to this week’s show.

TTM Successes this Week

Lots of baseball returns this week including a few former MLB All-Stars and some great home run hitters. Also saw a nice return from a former Steeler and one from an NHL all-star goalie. Not to shabby for a slow holiday week.

Most athlete mailing addresses are available on several TTM related web sites includingSportsCardForum.com andSportsCollectors.net.

Bob Griese

About a month ago I sent this 1970 Topps card to Bob Griese and got in returned as an RTS (return to sender). I thought that was strange, checked that I had the correct address (which I did) and resent it again. This time: success.

Some athletes signing habits change over time and Griese has been a historically hot and cold signer who you have to get when he is in a signing mood. Griese was quarterback for the Miami Dolphins from 1967-1980 and guided them in 1972 when they had the “Perfect Season”. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.

Mark Malone

Malone was a first round pick out of Arizona State in the 1980 NFL draft when he was taken by the Steelers with the 28^th selection. He spent eight seasons with the Steelers from 1980-87, finishing his career with San Diego and the Jets playing one season with each team. He passed for over 10,000 yards tossing 60 TD balls during his NFL career. He had a very successful broadcasting career after he retired.

He signed his 1986 Topps card for me in about two months.

Charles Nagy

Nagy won 129 games as a left-handed starting pitcher for Cleveland and San Diego from 1990-2003. He was a 3X All-Star. He stared at UConn where he holds many of the school’s pitching records. He won a gold metal in 1988 in Seoul as a member of the USA Baseball team. He pitched in two games and eared a save. His best season was with Cleveland in 1992 when he went 17-10 with a 2.96 ERA. He got a hit in the 1992 All-Star game off Doug Jones and scored a run.

He signed is 1998 Universal Metal card and Sports Illustrated card for me in less than two weeks.

Ron Gant

Gant hit 321 home runs for nine different MLB teams from 1987-2003. He was a two-time All-Star and won a Silver Slugger in 1991 as a member of the Braves. He is a two-time member of the 30-30 club stealing 30 bags and hitting 30 homers in 1990 and 1991. After playing her became a broadcaster in Atlanta.

He signed his 1998 Universal Metal card and Topps Stadium Club card for me in about a week.

Bryan Harvey

Harvey saved 177 games for the Angels and Marlin from 1987-1995. He made two All-Star teams and lead the AL in save in 1991 when he won the AL Rolaids Relief Man Award. He was a member of the first Florida Marlins team in 1993. His son Hunter is a member of the Washington Nationals organization.

He signed his 1990 and 1992 Topps cards for me in about two months.

Dana Kiecker

Kiecker pitched two seasons for the Boston Red Sox (1990-1991). He started 2 5games for the Sox in 1990 and started Game 2 of the ALCS vs Oakland getting no decision on a game eventually lost by Boston 4-1. He won 10 games and struck out 114 batters during his time with Boston. His career was derailed a bit by injuries.

He is a consistent signer through the mail and asks for a $2 donation per signature. He signed his 1991 Topps card for me and added his 1990 Score card as well. It took about ten days.

Andre Thornton

Nicknamed “Thunder,” Thornton bashed 253 home runs for the Cubs, Expos, and Indians from 1973-1987. He was a two-time All Star and was inducted into the Cleveland Hall of Fame in 2007.

He signed his 1974 Topps rookie card for me in about two weeks. I’m sending it off to Terry Hughes next.

Rick Cerone

Cerone caught for 8 different MLB teams from 1975-1992 including three different stints with the Yankees (1980-84, 1987 and 1990). Cerone played in 1329 MLB games and 17 playoff games during his career.

He is a pretty good TTMer but will only sign one card. He signed his 1990 Topps card for me in about a week.

Al Pedrique

Pedrique played shortstop for the Mets, Pirates and Tiger from 1987-1989 and later served as coach for Houston, Oakland, and Miami and Manager for Arizona. He hit .301 as a rookie with Pittsburgh in 1987 earning the Topps Rookie Gold Cup on his 1988 card.

He signed his 1988 Topps card for me in about two weeks.

Gilles Meloche

Meloche won 270 games as goalie for five teams from 1970-1988. He played for Chicago, California, Cleveland, Minnesota, and Pittsburgh and would go on to coach the Penguins goaltending coach for three Stanley Cup seasons. He recorded 20 shutouts during his playing career. He appeared in two All Star games representing the North Stars in 1980 and 1992.

He signed two Topps cards for me, including his 1979-80 card in about two weeks.

Here are some others who are currently signing for free. I have had success with all of them in the past: