TTMCast Preview
Belinda Wheeler joins us to talk about her collection and the monthly shuffle trades– that she runs with “Wanna Shuffle?” where you send in a signed card and get another different one in return. Plus Drew and Troy talk TTM successes and the latest hobby news.
You can listen to this week’s show here.
TTM Successes
Rick Dempsey
I’ve had bad luck mailing to Dempsey: he’s a good signer, but a 2008 attempt never came back, a 2011 mailing for my Topps All-Time Fan Favorites sets took six years, and a 2023 try appeared on my Informed Delivery without arriving. But this time not only did Rick sign my 1972 card, he added in an extra card, a postcard, and a note about his familial connection to Arlington.
He was one of Jeff Baker’s favorite interviews on TTMCast, and responded to my request in about a month.
Jeff Garcia
Garcia was the unfortunate scapegoat for the Browns’ lackluster 4-12 season in 2004. He went on to play in the 2007 Pro Bowl, win a 2006 playoff game, and have a 19-11 record combined between the Eagles and Buccaneers from 2006-08. Meanwhile the Browns are still searching for their answer at quarterback– so I don’t think he was the problem.
He signed these three cards for me in about a month.
To Pay, Or Not To Pay?
Much of autograph collecting– dare I say even most of it– can be done for free, or at least at a very low cost. Autographs at a game are just a free bonus to your ticket to a game. Seeing someone out on the street, they likely won’t ask you for $20 to sign. And even TTMing typically costs little more than the price of a couple stamps.
Every week on TTMCast, we list off upcoming shows that have paid autograph signers; some of them are free TTMers. And some may ask: why would I pay $25 for Fred Marion when he signs by mail for free?
If you’re a bit frugal like me, here are five times when I’ll fork over the dough.
1. For a project need
Normally I wouldn’t have a huge need for Scipio Spinks in my collection: despite the cool first name, I don’t collect Astros and Cardinals, and he was a pretty average pitcher with a 7-11 record and 3.70 ERA across 35 career games. So while spending $5 for him won’t break the bank, I also could use that fee elsewhere. But since he’s in the 1972 Topps set, I will gladly pay that fee to add him to my set. Though some fees– such as the late Mike Marshall’s $100+ fee– can still be a bit beyond what I’ll pay, even for a set need.
2. For a good cause
Ron Mix was one of the top offensive linemen of the 1960s. Known to teammate as “The Intellectual Assassin,” he became an attorney after his career ended. He also is an active supporter of LGBTQ rights. So when I found out that his $20 per-item autograph fee went to benefit the San Diego LGBT Community Center, I didn’t hesitate to pick up his rookie card to mail off.
I also like finding signers whose fees support charities dealing in animal rescue (as Tony LaRussa did until early 2023) and drug and alcohol rehab (Sam McDowell and Vance Johnson).
3. For a larger item
Mailing off cards is pretty easy: sending a letter, four cards, and a self-addressed stamped envelope costs only $1.46– less than 37 cents per autograph if the player signs all four. But when you want to get a ball, bat, puck, helmet, or poster signed, you’re risking damage to something that’s more expensive than a ten-cent card. Packaging for the return can be tough; so can making sure the return postage is appropriate. So, save the bigger items: take them to a show or mail them securely to a promoter, and pay the fee.
4. For bribery
What do you do when you find an address on someone… but you don’t know if they’ll sign? Stick in a $5 or $10 bill. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t: just remember they are under no obligation to sign or even return your money. A little greasing the palm has helped me to get Andy Messersmith, Paul O’Neill, and Todd Bertuzzi… but failed me with Bob Fenwick and Doyle Alexander.
5. For a gift
If you’re getting something for someone else, get it in the best possible quality that you can. Pay to have it signed while the player is sitting instead of bothering them while walking, or mailing it to them hoping it doesn’t get lost or damaged. Get it on the right item on the right spot in the right pen and your recipient will probably appreciate it even more.
If you have any graphing questions, you can reach Drew via email at [email protected]
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TTM This Week: The Mailbox Provides and International Mailing Info
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TTM This Week: Returns, In Person Sigs, and Your TTM Origin Story
TTM This Week: More Hall of Famer RCs and an Appeal to the NHL
TTM This Week: Some HOFer RCs, and Talking Small Sets
TTM This Week: Even More HOFers in the Mail and Graphing Road Trip Advice
TTM This Week: Football, Hockey and Baseball Returns; Grapher Etiquette
TTM This Week: Athletes Age 90+ Who Still Sign Autographs
