Showing posts with label 2001 Topps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2001 Topps. Show all posts

Thursday, December 12, 2019

TTM Success - Gene Lamont

I waited a while for these to come back, but I was glad to get a TTM success from Gene Lamont.  I have been able to get Lerrin LaGrow in the past, so I will probably send this 1971 Topps out to him.
The 1975 and 2001 Topps cards turned out well, also.

Lamont (b. 1946) played in the majors from 1970 to 1972 and 1974 to 1975 for the Tigers.  He had 37 hits, 4 home runs and a .233 batting average.

He the White Sox from 1992 to 1995 and the Pirates from 1997 to 2000.  His overall managerial record was 553-562 (.496%)/  He was the 1993 AL Manager of the Year.

I mailed to Lamont on May 9 and got the cards back on November 17, for an 182-day TAT.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

TTM Success - Peter Bergeron

I added some more early 2000s cards to my album when I got this TTM success back from Peter Bergeron.  I had purchased some partial sets from my LCS that they were just going to toss in the recycling bin, and I ended up getting some good TTM subjects from the boxes.
I had the 2001 Topps already, and the 2002 and 2003 came from the LCS.  They had made a huge purchase of someone's collection.  In the collection was a lot of 2002, 2003 and 2004 Topps factory sets.  A lot of them were fused together from the super gloss, so the shop was just going to trash them.  I talked him into letting me have a couple, and the cards turned out to be in really good shape.  I kind of wish I had saved some more of the sets from the recycle bin.  Bergeron was one of the many players I found in the boxes that I could send TTM.

Bergeron (b. 1977) played in the majors from 1999 to 2002 and 2004 for the Expos.  He had 249 hits, 8 home runs and a .226 batting average.

I mailed to Bergeron on October 16 and got the cards back on October 29, for a 13-day TAT.

Monday, November 25, 2019

TTM Success - Danny Patterson

I made a little room in my early 2000s box with this TTM success from Danny Patterson.  The cards turned out well.
Patterson has a nice autograph.  I think it looks best on the 1998 Topps (right).

Patterson (b. 1971) played in the majors from 1996 to 2004 for the Rangers and Tigers.  He had a career record of 24-22 with 250 strike outs and a 4.14 ERA.

I mailed to Patterson on October 8 and got the cards back on October 28, for a 20-day TAT.

Saturday, September 7, 2019

August 2019 Graphing Recap of Pulaski Yankees at Burlington Royals

Chris and I were finally able to get out to Burlington for a game a couple weeks ago, after trying to get there for the past few years.

I was glad to be able to get Andy LaRoche on this 2007 Turkey Red card, finally, because I had originally sent TTM so him, but he didn't sign.  I got rid of a lot of his cards when I let a box of random stuff go at a yard sale.  I put his stuff in there because I figured I wouldn't be able to get them signed.  Thankfully, I didn't get rid of every one of them, and I got two of his cards done.
I did have a whole bunch of Kevon Jackson's cards, and I get all but one of them taken care of.  He was really nice, but wasn't in the lineup.  He came out in a warmup hoodie and we had to have help from his teammates in identifying him.
I started the day with just a few cards and a few players to get autographs from, but the team store was doing a sale of everything 50% off, and all teams sets were really cheap.  I got a couple of sets from previous years at $2.00 a piece, and this year's set for $4.50.
Graphing at Burlington was pretty easy, and we were able to get a good many of the players.  I missed a few, but was overall pretty happy with what I got done.
I even got the mascot on his card.
I got a few of the Pulaski Yankees guys, hitting coach Scott Seabol, and Ryder Green.
I was disappointed that both Anthony Volpe and Jake Agnos were listed on the roster, but were not in attendance.

Chris and I had a good time, but we had to leave the game early so he would be back home in time to get to bed at a decent hour.  The next day was his first day of 8th grade.

Monday, August 26, 2019

TTM Success - Chris Turner

I have built another backlog of TTM successes while I have been talking about the National, so it is time to knock a few posts about those out.

I sent off 4 cards to Chris Turner, and they all turned out really well when they came back in.  The above 1994 Score Gold Rush looks much better in person that the scan.
I also got him on a 1994 Donruss, 1994 Topps and a 2001 Topps.

Turner (b. 1969) played in the majors from 1993 to 2000 for the Angels, Royals, Indians and Yankees.  He had 90 hits, 4 home runs and a .237 batting average.

I mailed to Turner on June 18 and got the cards back on August 3, for a 46-day TAT.

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

TTM Success - Antonio Alfonseca

Adding cards from the 2000s to my autograph album might be the toughest task there is, especially via TTM.  It just feels like there aren't as many players from that decade who sign regularly, but I could be wrong.  I was able to get Antonio Alfonseca on a few cards, most notably on this 2005 Topps Chrome.  Even though the Sharpie he used wasn't the best, the card turned out well.
I also sent him a 2001 Topps and a 2005 Topps.  Both look pretty cool when signed.

Alfonseca (b. 1972) played in the majors from 1997 to 2007 for the Marlins, Cubs, Braves, Rangers and Phillies.  He had a career record of 35-37 with 400 strike outs and a 4.11 ERA.  He had 45 saves in 2000 to lead the NL, and put him at 22nd on the MVP Award ballot that season.  However, his 4.24 ERA that season makes me wonder how many of them were nail-biters.

Alfonseca won the World Series with the Marlins in 1997.

I mailed to him on March 25 and got the cards back on April 27, for a 33-day TAT.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

TTM Success - Turk Wendell

I kept putting off sending to Turk Wendell for some reason that I can't remember.  I finally sent off some cards and they came back in April.  He is kind of odd when it comes to signing; he colors the edge of each card with a marker.  I don't quite get it, but it was kind of cool.
I was able to get some turn-of-the-century cards signed, but I'm most happy about the 1997 Topps at the top of the page.  I have very few of these cards remaining, and am always glad to get one into my album.

Wendell (b. 1967) played in the majors from 1993 to 2001 and 2003 to 2004 for the Cubs, Mets, Phillies and Rockies.  He had a career record of 36-33 with 515 strike outs and a 3.93 ERA.

I mailed to Wendell on March 15 and got the cards back on April 27, for a 43-day TAT.

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

TTM Success - Brian Bass

I found a few nice early 2000s cards at my LCS in his rookie card boxes and was able to get them signed TTM by Brian Bass. All of the cards turned out great.
The Topps HD really looks awesome. I prepped it with baby powder and it really looks sharp.

Bass (b. 1982) played in the majors from 2008 to 2010 for the Twins, Orioles and Pirates.  He had a career record of 9-7 with 104 strike outs and a 5.16 ERA.

I mailed to Bass on March 26 and got the cards back on April 11 for a 16-day TAT.

Friday, March 8, 2019

My Greatest TTM Success - Hank Aaron

Sometimes, you take a shot in the dark.  You never know, maybe it'll pay off.  I had those thoughts last year, when on a whim, I sent two cards TTM to the living legend, Hank Aaron.  I sent the cards with low expectations.  Those expectations are actually evident in the cards that I sent.  I had the above rough 1973 Topps card, and the below 2001 Topps Golden Moments.  I figured, if they were lost forever, no big deal, at least I tried.  I would be out two lesser of his cards and two stamps.  I had a 1974 Topps that I probably would have rather gotten back, but I didn't want to lose that card.  This 1973 Topps was a bit rougher, so I was cool with seeing if taking a chance would pay off.  It ended up doing just that!
How my TTM process usually works is, I get the envelopes in and try to organize them by age depending on the type of stamp I used.  I try to buy different stamps any chance I can get, so I can keep a relative age of what comes back.  Then, I sort the envelopes from supposed newest to oldest and let my son, Chris, read off the postmarks and hand me the envelopes to open.  He enjoys "helping" out. I, then open the envelopes one by one, cut the stamps off and put those in a little baggie.  Because, why not?  I, then, post the successes on Instagram and the autos make their way to this blog in the order in which they are received.  I bypassed that last step today, because of how epic this success was.  Hammerin Hank jumped all the way to the front of the line!

When I was opening the envelopes, Chris read off "Atlanta Metro" and I looked at the stamp.  I said "This is a flag stamp from last year. So, this one has been out a while."  I cut the envelope open and say the edge of the back of a 73 Topps.  I told Chris "Well, I bet it isn't Hank Aaron..."  The cards slid out of the envelope and I saw that it was Hank... and they were SIGNED!  I yelled out "Holy S*it" like 4 or 5 times, enough that my wife yelled across the house "What's wrong?" and Chris was just as stunned as I was...  I'm still shaking; my instagram, texts and snapchat are all still blowing up, an hour later!

I have gotten some cool TTM successes over the last 9 years, but this one has to be the biggest.  There are many that I hold dear and have great stories, but this one was amazing.  Also, I paid no fee!

I wrote all of the stuff above, then went and ate dinner.  It didn't take very long at all for someone to comment on my Instagram post that the autos were fake.  I don't think they are.  Yeah, his auto on a ball has gotten pretty shaky, but you can lay a card down on a table and sign it, when it is much harder to sign a ball.  So, that theory goes out the window.

It was one person on Instagram, really.  For some reason, some people enjoy raining on other people's parades on social media, which I have never understood.  I sent the kid a photo of my 73 Topps beside a PSA authenticated signed 54 Topps, and they match.  Of course, he didn't respond.  That's ok, I don't need his validation.

That being said... I'm so excited these came back!  I have profiled Aaron before when I got him on a baseball from Conrad, but I will do it again, because, well, it's Hank Aaron.

Aaron (b. 1934) played in the majors from 1954 to 1976 for the Braves (Milwaukee and Atlanta) and the Brewers.  When he retired, he was (and many believe he still is) the Home Run King.  He has 3,771 hits, 755 home runs and a .305 batting average.  He led the league in homers 4 times.  As the Home Run King, it is very interesting that he never hit more than 47 home runs.  He was also the NL Batting Champ twice (.328 in 1956 and .355 in 1959).  He had 200 or more hits three times (1956, 1959 and 1963).  He was an All Star for 21 straight seasons from 1955 to 1975.  He only won the World Series once (1957 with the Braves) and was the NL MVP only once (1957).  He never struck out more than 97 times in a season, which was probably considered a lot back then, but players are getting close to double that now.  In 1982, Aaron was enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame when he was named on 97.8% of the ballot.  I guess those 2.2% of writers really wanted him to have another ring or MVP award.  Sheesh.

I mailed to Aaron via the home address listed on SCN on February 5, 2018, and got the cards back today (3/8/19) for a 396-day TAT.

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

TTM Success - Jimy Williams

Another 1987 Topps for my set is off of the list because of this TTM success from Jimy Williams.  His signature is really nice, and the card turned out really well.
I also had his 2001 Topps, which also looked really nice, except for where you can tell that the card was stuck to other cards.  Such is the problem with the late 90s to early 00s cards.  I'm glad Topps got away from the super gloss.

Williams (b. 1943) played in the majors in 1966 and 1967 for the Cardinals.  He had 3 hits, no home runs and a .231 batting average.

He managed the Blue Jays from 1986 to 1989; the Red Sox from 1997 to 2001 and the Astros from 2002 to 2004.  His career managerial record was 910-790 (.535%).  He was the Manager of the Year in 1999.

I mailed to Williams on January 9 and got the cards back on January 17, for an 8-day TAT.

Sunday, August 26, 2018

TTM Success - Kurt Abbott

It took a while, and two attempts, but I finally got some cards back TTM from Kurt Abbott.  I had a few nice cards that I sent along, and am happy with how they turned out.  You can never go wrong with a 1995 Studio, so I was pleased this one was one I put in there.
I also added these two Topps cards, a 1998 and 2001.  Both look fine, even though Abbott's Sharpie is about to give out.

Abbott (b. 1969) played in the majors from 1993 to 2001 for the A's, Marlins, Rockies, Mets and Braves.  He had 523 hits, 62 home runs and a .256 batting average.  He won the World Series with the Marlins in 1997.

I mailed to Abbott for the second time after a RTS on May 25, and got the cards back on June 4, for a 10-day TAT.

Friday, June 29, 2018

Buck Showalter Auto From Jake

For a long time, my buddy, Jake, was someone I talked to pretty much every day.  I did some trades with him early in my time on Instagram, but as time went on, Jake outgrew collecting cards, then went off to college.  I've missed talking to him like we used to.  Jake messaged me out of the blue recently, and asked for my address.  He surprised me with this Buck Showalter auto inscribed to me.

I really appreciated the gesture from Jake.  It was really great that he still thought of me.  I am glad to see how he has grown and become an awesome young man.

Thanks so much, Jake.  It means a lot to me that you thought of me.

Thursday, May 10, 2018

TTM Success - Mark Clark

I added some nice cards with this TTM success from former pitcher, Mark Clark.  The above 1992 Fleer Ultra turned out really nice.  I have a ton of these, but never get around to searching that box.  I hang closer to Topps stuff, but I may have to grab a few more and send them out.
Speaking of Topps, I added these three, from 1999, 2000 and 2001.  Those three sets are under-represented in my album, so it is nice to get a few in there.

Clark (b. 1968) played in the majors from 1991 to 2000 for the Cardinals, Indians, Mets, Cubs and Rangers.  He had a career record of 74-71 with 728 strike outs and a 4.61 ERA.

I mailed to Clark on March 14 and got the cards back on March 23, for a 9-day TAT.

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

TTM Success - Luis Alicea

This TTM success from Luis Alicea covered a lot of ground.  He had cards in the 80s, 90s and 00s, and I spanned those decades with the cards that I sent.  The above 1998 Topps was maybe the nicest of them all, with his jumping throw to turn a double play.
I also added his 1989, 1995 and 2001 Topps to the collection.  The all turned our really well.

Alicea (b. 1965) played in the majors in 1988 and from 1991 to 2002 for the Cardinals, Red Sox, Angels, Rangers and Royals.  He had 1,031 hits, 47 home runs and a .260 batting average.

I mailed to Alicea on February 5 and got the cards back on March 8, for a 31-day TAT.

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

TTM Success - Mike Williams

Here is a signed 2001 Topps that originally came out of the box that I got while I was at Andrew's last year.  Mike Williams is a strict one per, but I sent two cards anyway.  He kept my 2003 Topps that I sent.  Oh well, I was just glad to get an early 2000s card in.

Williams (b. 1968) played in the majors from 1992 to 2003 for the Phillies, Royals, Pirates and Astros.  He had a career record of 32-54 with 584 strike outs and a 4.45 ERA.

I mailed to Williams on February 5 and got the card back on March 7, for a 30-day TAT.

Saturday, March 31, 2018

TTM Success - Damian Miller

I'm so far behind on TTM posts, it isn't even funny.  I still have stuff from the 2016 National that hasn't been posted (and probably won'e be).  Still, I continue to plug away at my posts; at least it gives me something to do in my free time.

Here is a success from former catcher, Damian Miller that helped me add some 2000s cards to my binder.  The above 2006 Topps is from a set that I just don't have too many extras from.  I had a decent sized box of them, but when I was moving, the box turned over, and fell out of the truck into the street.  Of course, it was raining, and a lot of the cards were ruined.  I was pretty disappointed.  At some point, I will buy a hobby box or two of these and restock.
I also added a 2001 and a 2007 Topps to the binder.  His Sharpie seems as if it was on its last legs, but the signature is still visible.

Miller (b. 1969) played in the majors from 1997 to 2007 for the Twins, Diamondbacks, Cubs, A's and Brewers.  He had 834 hits, 87 home runs and a .262 batting average.  He was an All Star in 2002 and won the World Series with the DIamondbacks in 2001.

I mailed to Miller on February 5 and got the cards back on March 5, for a 28-day TAT.

Thursday, March 22, 2018

TTM Success - Brook Fordyce

While I am always looking to add Topps cards to my album, I also look to add former Orioles.  When I saw that folks were getting successes back from former O's catcher, Brook Fordyce, I went ahead and sent to him.  I had his cards in my box for a while, but I hadn't seen recent successes until a few months ago.

I liked this 2001 Fleer Tradition.  The card came out really well, even though they kind of ripped off 1955 and 1956 Topps with the design.
I did add a Topps card with this success, a 2001.  I like how 2001 Topps looks.  I had this card for a long time, so I know it wasn't one of the ones I got from my box busting at Andrew's house last year.

Fordyce (b. 1970) played in the majors from 1995 to 2004 for the Mets, Reds, White Sox, Orioles and Devil Rays.  He had 467 hits, 41 home runs and a .258 batting average.

I mailed to Fordyce on February 5 and got the cards back on February 20, for a 15-day TAT.

Saturday, March 10, 2018

TTM Success - Jeff Reboulet

I added another former Oriole with this TTM success from Jeff Reboulet.  He has a really nice signature, but I didn't have any of his Orioles cards.
I got a 1997 Pacific Collection (left), 1994 Donruss (middle) and a 2001 Topps in addition to the 1995 Topps at the top of the post.

Reboulet (b. 1964) played in the majors from 1992 to 2003 for the Twins, Orioles, Royals, Dodgers and Pirates.  He had 536 hits, 20 home runs and a .240 batting average.

I mailed to him on February 1 and got the cards back on February 9, for an 8-day TAT.

Friday, December 15, 2017

TTM Success - Adam Piatt

I have knocked my TTM pile down to almost nothing lately in an attempt to get caught up on my posts.  I have sent out fewer TTM requests lately and have concentrated on preparing for Orioles Fan Fest and Christmas.

I haven't gotten nearly as many TTMs in lately, but this one from Adam Piatt was a nice one.  I really liked the above 2000 Topps Gallery.
I can't remember the last time I added a 2000 Topps to my album, so this one was pretty nice.  I think I happened upon it in my rookie card box right before I mailed to Piatt, so I figured I would add it to the request.
The 2001 Topps and 2001 Topps Chrome both turned out really nice.  The chrome is the card that made me look Piatt up.  I think I found that in a card box at my LCS.
Finally. here is a pretty cool 2002 Topps.  I like the leaping catch at the wall.

Piatt (b. 1976) played in the majors from 2000 to 2003 for the A's and Devil Rays.  He had 129 hits, 16 home runs and a .248 batting average.

I mailed to Piatt on November 29 and got the cards back on December 11, for a 12-day TAT.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

TTM Success - Paul Bako

It's always nice getting a TTM success back that has been out for a while, and it is also nice getting one back from a former Oriole.  Both of those scenarios occurred when I received this success from Paul Bako.
I added some nice Topps cards to my album with this success, starting with the 2007 Topps Update at the top of the page showing Bako in an Orioles uniform.  I also added cards from 2001 and 2002 Topps.
This 2007 Upper Deck was also a nice card to get back.  I remember buying a box of this when it came out, as I liked the design.

Bako (b. 1972) played in the majors from 1998 to 2009 for the Tigers, Astros, Marlins, Braves, Brewers, Cubs, Dodgers, Royals, Orioles, Reds and Phillies.  He had 508 hits, 24 home runs and a .231 batting average.

I mailed to Bako on February 2 and got the cards back on December 1, for a 302-day TAT.