2007

Well, this is it for the 2007 TTM Year. It was our first season in the hobby and we had a blast. I got several autographs that interested me and the boy was extremely happy with his returns!

I would first like to thank the players for returning our cards, THANK YOU!

2nd I would like to thank the posters at Baseball Fever to getting me into this fantastic hobby, THANK YOU!!

Lastly thanks to you for coming here and checking out our cards and such. Please continue to stop by and we hope to have more cards up in 2008.........

Happy New Year!

Failure

Tim Wakefield , Red Sox Pitcher
c/o Boston Red Sox
returned a 98 Topps (0/1)

Sent it out on 4/16/07
Received it 11/28/07

Got it back in my SASE and it was still wrapped in the letter we sent. Very disappointed as I saw success when I sent this at the start of the year. Too bad, I still love the knuckleball!!!

Jay Bell - Baseball

Jay Bell , Royals Shortstop
c/o home
Signed a 98 Topps (1/1)

Sent it out on 4/16/07
Received it 11/14/07

Part of some funny cards I sent out. In 98 Topps let some of the players do what they want. Jay picked playing golf with a baseball. Great return!

Winter Break...

Hello all. I hope that you have enjoyed following our first season with TTM as much as we did doing it. We still have about 50+ cards out there waiting to be signed or returned or ignored. We are also building a wish list for the people we want to send to next season. I am going to try a few people in the coming weeks but we figured that a) active players sign all season, let them have the off-season to themselves and b) the holidays are upon us and the mailbox will start to get stuffed and we would hate to be lost in the shuffle.

We'll post when we next send out a bunch. Until then, feel free to browse and PLEASE leave a comment. We would love to hear from you!!!

PS I am thinking of a few posts about how we do TTM, a mini beginners guide....what do you think?

Hideki Matsui - Baseball

Hideki Matsui, Yankees Outfielder
c/o New York Yankees
Signed a photo (1/1)

Sent it out on 8/09/07
Received it 11/05/07

He kept the card and sent along a nice signed photo. From a company in LA so I am sure it is auto-penned but still a nice return. Better than no response at all...

Darin Erstad - Baseball

Darin Erstad, White Sox Outfielder
c/o Chicago White Sox
Signed a 2006 Heritage (1/1)

Sent it out on 3/12/07
Received it 10/29/07

One of my favorite players, I was very surprised and happy to get this yesterday. To me he will always be an Angel!!! Thanks

Kevin Reese - Baseball

Kevin Reese, Yankees Outfield
c/o Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees
Signed a 2006 Bowman (1/1)

Sent it out on 8/09/07
Received it 10/25/07

Nice to see the Minor League guys giving back. Sig got smudged in envelope but still a nice return. Thanks

Joe Blanton - Baseball

Joe Blanton, Athletic's pitcher
c/o Oakland A's
Signed a 2006 Heritage (1/1)

Sent it out on 8/23/07
Received it 10/26/07

Sitting in the mailbox when I got back from vacation.

Justin Morneau - Baseball

Justin Morneau, Twins
c/o Minnesota Twins
Signed a postcard (1/1)

Sent it out on 5/14/07
Received it 10/11/07

Signed a post card and wrote a response on the back, referencing specifics in our letter to him. We think it is real and a GREAT return from this MVP!!! We watched him at AAA Rochester for some time and loved it when he hit the big time.

JJ Putz - Baseball

JJ Putz, Mariners pitcher
c/o Seattle Mariners
Signed a 2007 Heritage (1/1)

Sent it out on 6/04/07
Received it 10/05/07

A very long wait but worth it. It is nice to see these young players take the time to respond to baseball fans. Thanks

Kei Igawa - Baseball

Kei Igawa, Yankee pitcher
c/o NY Yankees
Signed a 2007 Allen & Ginter (1/1)

Sent it out on 9/11/07
Received it 10/01/07

He even personalized it to my son and I. Fantastic return for us!

TTM Of The Month

No brass bands or drum rolls. This one was a winner hands down.

Bob Wickman - Baseball

Bob Wickman, Braves Pitcher
c/o Atlanta Braves
Signed a 2007 Allen & Ginter (1/1)

Sent it out on 8/24/07
Received it 9/26/07

Once again I put a card in the mail and the next day he is released. But this time he took his mail with him and signed it from home. Thanks!!!

Luis Tiant - Baseball

Luis Tiant, Yankees Pitcher
c/o home
Signed a 1981 Topps (1/1)

Sent it out on 9/10/07
Received it 9/24/07

Another Yankee from my youth. Thanks!!!

Joe Nathan - Baseball

Joe Nathan, Twins Closer
c/o Minnesota Twins
Signed a 2005 Donruss Studio (1/1)

Sent it out on 8/15/07
Received it 9/15/07

WOW!! Nice to see an All-Star take the time to sign a card! We need more players like this for baseball. Thanks!

Ben Grieve - Baseball

Ben Grieve, Athletic OF
c/o home
Signed a 2004 Topps (1/1)

Sent it out on 7/20/07
Received it 9/10/07

Nice return from this 1998 Rookie of the Year!!! Couldn't find an Oakland card, too bad.

Ty Wigginton - Baseball

Ty Wigginton, Astro 3rd Base
c/o Houston Astros
Signed a 2004 Topps (1/1)

Sent it out on 8/23/07
Received it 9/01/07

Stanley Glenn - Baseball

Stanley Glenn, Stars Catcher
c/o home
Signed a 2007 Allen & Ginter (1/1)

Sent it out on 8/24/07
Received it 9/01/07

Fantastic return from this Negro League veteran. What an honor

TTM Of The Month

August was the opposite of July. What a great month for baseball. Not only are there 19 team still battling for a playoff spot but the hobby of TTM is alive and kicking. 16 returns, mostly from active players. What a haul we had this month. It was a tough choice to pick just one, but in the end I went with the future of the game...

Ladies and Gentlemen, August's TTM Of The Month:
Boston Red Sox Infielder, Dustin Pedroia!

Kevin Kouzmanoff - Baseball

Kevin Kouzmanoff, Padre 3rd Base
c/o San Diego Padres
Signed a 2007 UD Artifacts (1/1)

Sent it out on 8/23/07
Received it 8/30/07

Quick return here. Had to check sig to make sure it was real. It matches very well...

Dustin Moseley - Baseball

Dustin Moseley, Angels pitcher
c/o LA Angels of Anaheim
Signed a 2007 Topps '52 Rookie (1/1)

Sent it out on 7/30/07
Received it 8/28/07

Tadahito Iguchi - Baseball

Tad Iguchi, Phillies 2nd Base

c/o Philadelphia Phillies

Signed a 2006 Topps (1/1)

Sent it out on 8/09/07

Received it 8/23/07

Missed him in Chicago, got him in Philly. Looks like I was the last card signed by this sharpie. Still a great return. Thanks!

Jose Mesa - Baseball

Jose Mesa, Phillies pitcher
c/o Philladelphia Phillies

Signed a 97 Topps (1/2)

Sent it out on 8/09/07
Received it 8/24/07

This is my 2nd requst for him. First was to Detriot but it got there after he was released. He kept one card but signed the Indians card, which is the one I wanted...nice sig!!!

Jacque Jones - Baseball

Jacque Jones, Cubs OF
c/o Chicago Cubs
Signed a 07 Topps & 02 UD (2/2)

Sent it out on 8/09/07
Received it 8/20/07

Great return from this active player. Nice of him to sign BOTH cards. I sent 2 so he could sign either the Twins or Cubs and he did both.

Dustin Pedroia - Baseball

Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox 2nd Base
c/o Boston Red Sox
Signed a 2007 Topps '52 Rookie (1/1)

Sent it out on 7/20/07
Received it 8/18/07

ROY??? Could be...

Frank Catalanotto - Baseball

Frank Catalanotto, Ranger OF
c/o Texas Rangers
Signed a 2002 Topps & 2006 Heritage(2/1)

Sent it out on 7/30/07
Received it 8/16/07

Mr. Catalanotto sent along the signed Heritage card. Very nice return from this player.

Roberto Hernandez - Baseball

Roberto Hernandez, Dodger pitcher
c/o LA Dodgers
Signed a 1998 Topps(1/1)

Sent it out on 8/09/07
Received it 8/16/07

Shipping Out:

In the out box today:

Michael Cuddyer (twins)
Joe Nather (twins)
Josh Phelps (pirates)

Brad Radke - RTS

Return to Sender - Not Known
Brad Radke - c/o Home

Quinton McCracken - Baseball

Quinton McCracken, outfielder
c/o Bridgeport Bluefish
Signed a '98 Topps & '98 Topps Traded (2/2)

Sent it out on 7/30/07
Received it 8/13/07

Playing in the minors now, this was one speedy outfielder. I remember him being one of the first draft picks for the Devil Rays in their expansion draft.

Steve Trachsel - Baseball

Steve Trachsel, Orioles pitcher
c/o Baltimore Orioles
Signed a 2007 Heritage (1/1)

Sent it out on 7/30/07
Received it 8/13/07

I love the way these cards look signed. Quick turnaround by this class act. Thanks!

AJ Pierzynski - Baseball

AJ Pierzynski, White Sox catcher
c/o Chicago White Sox
Signed a 2007 Upper Deck(1/1)

Sent it out on 6/04/07
Received it 8/11/07

Great return from this guy. Love him or hate him, man he leaves it all on the field. Thanks!

Ben Zobrist - Baseball

Ben Zobrist, Devil Ray Shortstop
c/o Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Signed a 2006 Topps(3/1)

Sent it out on 7/30/07
Received it 8/09/07

Not only did we get our card back but Ben sent along his own homemade card and personalized one for me and one for my son. Awesome!!!

Jarrod Washburn - Baseball

Jarrod Washburn, Mariner pitcher
c/o Seattle Mariners
Signed a 2006 Heritage (1/1)

Sent it out on 7/30/07
Received it 8/09/07

Shipping Out:

In the out box today:

TJ Beam (S/WB Yankees)
Roberto Hernandez (LA Dodgers)
Tadahito Iguchi (Phillies)
Jacque Jones (Cubs)
Jon Lester (Red Sox)
Hideki Matsui (Yankees)
Jose Mesa (Phillies)
Kevin Reese (S/WB Yankees)
Kevin Thompson (S/WB Yankess)
Fernando Vina (home)
Delwyn Young (LA Dodgers)

Jamie Moyer - Baseball

Jamie Moyer, Philly pitcher
c/o Philadelphia Phillies
Signed a 2002 Upper Deck(1/1)

Sent it out on 6/04/07
Received it 8/07/07

Terry Francona - Baseball

Terry Francona, Red Sox, Manager
c/o Boston Red Sox
Signed a 1983 Donruss(1/1)

Sent it out on 6/18/07
Received it 8/07/07

I sent a 2007 Topps and he swapped it out for a player card from his Expos days. Still a very nice return from the man who brought a World Series Championship back to Boston.

Rex Hudler - Baseball

Rex Hudler, IF/OF
c/o Angels
Signed a '92 Studio & '92 Donruss (2/2)

Sent it out on 6/18/07
Received it 8/02/07

TTM of the Month

July was a slow month. We only heard back from 5 players; a journeyman, a player with the coolest first name and 3 classic Yankees. Could be the All*Star Break and then the Hall of Fame ceremony that the players we send to haven't responded (yet).


I was very happy with the returns though and of course there is no contest at all who is the winner. Hands down this man is a star, a fighter, gave the eulogy at my hero's funeral and then won the next Yankee game single handedly!

Ladies and Gentlemen, July's TTM Of The Month:
New York Yankees' Outfielder, Bobby Murcer!

Bobby Richardson - Baseball

Bobby Richardson, Yankees 2nd Baseman
c/o home
Signed a 2006 Topps Heritage(1/1)

Sent it out on 7/20/07
Received it 7/30/07

Shipping Out

Instead of just posting my successes (and failures) I thought I might keep you up to date on my sendings and findings in the hobby. The first installment of:

Shipping Out:
Frank Catalanotto (Texas)
Jarrod Washburn (Seattle)
Steve Trachsel (Baltimore)
Dustin Moseley (Anaheim)
Quinton McCracken (Bridgeport)
Ben Zobrist (Tampa Bay)
Brad Radke (home)

Fingers crossed!

Brett Butler - Baseball

Brett Butler, Indians Outfielder
c/o Mobile BayBears
Signed a 1988 & 1989 Topps (2/2)

Sent it out on 6/18/07
Received it 7/20/07

While he player for several teams, I remember him as an Indian! Thanks!

Boof Bonser - Baseball

Boof Bonser, Twins pitcher
c/o Minnesota Twins
Signed a 2002 Topps (1/1)

Sent it out on 6/18/07
Received it 7/19/07

A little smudged but still a great return. Sent his "rookie" prospect card.

Bobby Murcer - Baseball

Bobby Murcer, Yankees outfield

c/o New York Yankees
Signed a 1981 Topps (1/1)

Sent it out on 6/4/07
Received it 7/16/07

A great return by a quality guy! Thank you Mr. Murcer and continued good health!!

Also included a donation card to his brother's Foundation.

Mike Easler - Baseball

Mike Easler, Yankees outfield

c/o Las Vegas 51'a
Signed a 1987 Topps and a 1988 Score (2/2)

Sent it out on 6/18/07
Received it 7/10/07

TTM Of The Month

June is over and it is time for a new segment here...TTM OF THE MONTH!!!!

Looking over this months returns there is absolutely no contest. Some Minor Leaguers, great pitchers and a World Series winner. But all those pale to this months card. Not only has the man put together several World Champions but he is also in the middle of a terrible season and is fighting for his job yet still finds the time to answer a fan's letter.

Ladies and Gentlemen, June's TTM Of The Month:

New York Yankees' GM, Brian Cashman!

Nate Robertson - Baseball

Nate Robertson, Tigers pitcher

c/o Detroit Tigers
Signed a 2007 Fleer and sent a custom card (2/1)

Sent it out on 6/4/07
Received it 6/30/07

Nate sent along a home-made card of his. On the back it has personal info and some nice words to live by. Thanks!!!

Rich Hill - Baseball

Rich Hill, Cubs pitcher

c/o Chicago Cubs
Signed a 2006 Topps Heritage (1/1)

Sent it out on 6/18/07
Received it 6/29/07

Jeremy Sowers - Baseball

Jeremy Sowers, Indians pitcher

c/o Cleveland Indians
Signed a 2007 Topps Heritage (1/1)

Sent it out on 6/4/07
Received it 6/28/07