Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Jeff Reardon

















Sent: 4/13/10
Received: 4/20/10
Time: 7 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1987 Topps Traded, 1988 Score, 1989 Upper Deck
Item Received: 1987 Topps Traded, 1988 Score, 1989 Upper Deck.  All signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
This is my favorite return of the day.  On the mound, Reardon was "The Terminator."  Known for his thick, black bears and icy stare, he was one of the most intimidating closers of his era.  He was the key addition to the 1987 Twins World Series team and retired as MLB's all-time leader in saves (since passed by Lee Smith and Trevor Hoffman).  Around Christmas 2005, he was arrested for attempted armed robbery of a Florida jewelry store.  He didn't even have a gun.  He was on a mix of anti-depressants, all stemming from the fatal drug overdose of his second son the previous year.

The Terminator looked to be in good health and received huge ovations during the Twins 20th anniversary World Series reunion in 2007, and he has maintained his reputation as one of the more generous signers in baseball.

Along with beautifully signing all three cards I sent in blue Sharpie, he included a note politely asking for donations to his son's memorial foundation.  You may view the guestbook online here.

No comments:

Post a Comment