Top Debbie Downer's of 2016

To start off 2017, I wanted to finish looking at the top Debbie Downer's of my 2016 TTM.  I did not sent out many TTM requests this year, however, I did have two that made the list.

Jody Davis - The former Cub is currently in the minors with the Louisville Bats.  I had seen on various sites that he signs, however, I got an RTS stating he "was no longer at this address."  He is still currently the hitting coach for Louisville.  I may try again next year.

J.J. Watt - I had read that he signs requests sent to his home address, however, I did not have any luck.

Multiple mail day, but not in a good way

I got three PWE over the last weekend.  It's been a while since that has happened.  Unfortunately, only one of them was signed.  We'll start with that one.

Bryan Shaw
Signed 1/1
Sent c/o Cleveland Indians
314 days

The other two envelopes were my cards back, but no autograph.  The first one was a return to sender. I sent this to Matt Carson on the day he got called up to the Indians last year.  He's with the Clippers to start out the year this year, but still got the RTS back.

Matt Carson
Signed 0/1
Sent c/o Columbus Clippers
227 days

The second PWE was from Detroit.  I got my small envelope back, so I thought it was a TTM.  However, it was just my card, unsigned.  At least they could have put a RTS on it; would've saved me a stamp, like the Clippers did.

Octavio Dotel
Signed 0/1
Sent c/o Detroit Tiger
Over 650 days

TTM goodies of the week, and a TTM trade

Lots of good stuff this week!   Let's ch-ch-ch-check it out:

First up, and NFL TTM back from Neil Lomax.  He included a signed testimonial card.  His website is:  http://www.thegoal.com/

Neil Lomax
Signed 3/3 (included a signed testimonial card!)
Sent c/o Home address
65 days

Next up, is a return from the minor leagues, from Jose Valenin.  Pretty nice looking signature!

Jose Valentin
Signed 2/2
Sent c/o Fort Wayne Tin Caps
12 days

Next up, a personalized TTM from Mike Leake.  It would be awesome if I could get the other half of this signed, but that's an item to be considered at a later date!

Mike Leake
Signed 1/1
Sent c/o Cincinnati Reds
12 days

Next up, a bummer from Boston.  I haven't had very good luck getting the Red Sox coaches to sign cards for me in the past, except Bobby Valentine, and this return was just plain weird.  I got it back, but the envelope was not sealed (I know, right?)!  However, my card was returned intact and not damaged.  Anyway, Tim Bogar, you get a Debbie Downer...wah wah!!!

Tim Bogar
Signed 0/1
Sent c/o Boston Red Sox
67 days

Finally, I made a TTM trade; my first one!  I got a response from a TTM post on this blog from Justin, over at Justin's World (http://just-in-justinsworld.blogspot.com/).  He was interested in my Bowman Gold Andrew Brown auto that I got earlier in the year, regardless of the fact that USPS chewed on it a little bit.  In return, I got the Frank White auto that I was unable to get a the All Star Fan Fest this year!  Win win on both sides!

This weeks goodies

Today, I got a TTM back from Arizona.  I knew it was my Alan Trammell TTM.  He sent my card back unsigned.  Debbie Downer!  I had been reading that he signs, but will only sign one.  Oh well.

Here are my ones I did get back signed.  Randy Knorr, former catcher.  He's currently a coach for the Nationals.  

Randy Knorr

Signed 1/1

Sent c/o Washington Nationals

39 days

Next up, a quick return from the minor leagues.  Andrew Brown is currently playing in the Rockies minor league system after being released by the Cardinals.  He's a former Husker baseball player.  My gold card came back a little bent.  Thanks USPS.

Andrew Brown

Signed 2/2

Sent c/o Colorado Sky Sox

7 days

Another minor league return this week, from Bobby Thigpen.  He's currently the pitching coach for the Birmingham Barons (White Sox minor league team).

Bobby Thigpen
Signed 3/3
Sent c/o Birmingham Barons
9 days

Finally, a return from last year.  I had almost written this one off.  Max Scherzer, former Missouri resident and Mizzou baseball player.

Max Scherzer
Signed 1/1
Sent c/o Detroit Tigers
294 days

I have some trades brewing via Zistle, so when they are complete, I'll post my loot.  Plus, Rod over at Padrographs (http://padrographs.blogspot.com/) was giving away some free cards of the A's, Rangers, Rockies, and Marlins, in return for some Padre cards.  I found some he needs, and some that he might not have.  I hope he likes his package!

Another 3 TTM day! And one Debbie Downer

Well, I feel very lucky about my TTM letters that I've gotten back lately...maybe I should go play some blackjack!

First up, Eric Sogard.  This is another spring training TTM. I went after Mr. Sogard because he plays with the A's, and they are one of my favorite teams, plus, I'm collecting 2011 Allen & Ginter autos.

Eric Sogard
Signed 2/2
Sent c/o A's ST
77 days

Next up, Jason Motte from the Cardinals.  I am trying to decide if I like the Gypsy Queen cards or not.  This is my first ever Gypsy Queen that I've gotten back from TTM.

Jason Motte
Signed 2/2
Sent c/o St. Louis Cardinals
11 days

Last TTM of the day is from Chris Speier.  He's currently the bench coach for the Reds.  I always liked him when he was a coach for the Cubs.

Chris Speier
Signed 3/3
Sent c/o Cincinnati Reds
11 days

One last letter I got the other day, was a letter back from Paul Assenmacher.  He returned my cards unsigned.  From the note that was in closed, "Due to the overwhelming amount of fan mail Mr. Assenmacher receives, he must charge for his autograph."  What?  There is an 'overwhelming' desire to have Paul Assenmacher's autograph.  I figured it was just me.

2011 Top 3 "Debbie Downers"

3. Cards returned from Curtis Granderson, unsigned. Wah-wah!! I had read that he was a great signer, so it was disappointing to get them back unsigned.

2. Cards still unreturned from Terry Steinbach. Wah-wah!! He is one of my all-time favorite players (I grew up when the A's were winning & he's a catcher!), and I sent 5 cards and the money to get them signed, and still nothing back. :(

1. All my unsigned TTMs that are still out! Wah-wah!!!

More mail from the AFL!!

AFL cards back this week: Adam Moore and Tim Wheeler. I love the Bowman cards and the Topps Pro Debut!!!

 Also received mail from Curtis Granderson this week, however, both my cards came back unsigned.

Adam Moore
Signed 1/1
Sent c/o Peoria Javelinas
9 days

Tim Wheeler
Signed 1/1
Sent c/o Salt River Rafters
8 days


Eddie Zosky also in the mail this week. He was a former 1st round draft pick of the Blue Jays!

Eddie Zosky
Signed 2/2
Sent c/o Home address
9 days

No signature from Mr. Leyland :(

I got two back this last week. One from Chone Figgins up in Seattle. He signed 2 of 3 for me. The Ultra has a little smudge, but it looks great.

Chone Figgins
Signed 2/3
Sent c/o Seattle Mariners
11 days


Jim Leyland sent me my 1988 Topps back, but it was unsigned. :(