Hector Lopez

Sent: 7/20/10
Received: 7/29/10
Time: 9 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1964 Topps
Item Received: 1964 Topps, signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
My disdain for the current Yankees is well known, but I remain fascinated by the vintage Yankee teams.  And I feel like if you can obtain an autograph from a Yankee of that era, you should go for it.  I don't recall how, when, or why I picked up this 1964 Hector Lopez card, but it's been in my collection since I was a kid.  Lopez was the primary left fielder on the great Yankee teams of the early 1960s that featured Mantle in center and Maris in right.  Now either 78 or 81 years old (depending on which birth year you believe), he is still signing strong.  This beautiful blue Sharpie signature on the '64 card is a terrific addition to the ol' collection!

John Shasky

Sent: 7/16/10
Received: 7/29/10
Time: 13 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1989-90 Hoops, 1991-92 Upper Deck
Item Received: 1989-90 Hoops, 1991-92 Upper Deck.  Both signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
Former Gophers center and captain John Shasky bounced around the NBA for a few years, but is best known for leading the U of M to a stunning upset over Ohio State in the aftermath of the 1986 Madison scandal that rocked the program to its core.

Marc Lipson

Sent: 5/17/10
Received: 7/29/10
Time: 73 Days
Address: Work
Item Sent: 1991 Classic Best
Item Received: 1991 Classic Best, signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
Another former Twins minor league player for my collection, Marc Lipson spent four years in the Twins system.  He posted pretty impressive numbers as a relief pitcher, but never advanced beyond high A-ball.  I sent this to him care of Mount de Sales Academy in Macon, Georgia, where he is now the baseball coach.  Thanks, Mr. Lipson!

David Wheaton

Sent: 7/12/10
Received: 7/28/10
Time: 16 Days
Address: P.O. Box
Item Sent: 1991-92 Pro Set Platinum
Item Received: 1991-91 Pro Set Platinum, signed and personalized in black Sharpie.

Notes:
I don't know that I will ever send out another tennis autograph request, but sending to David Wheaton was a no-brainer.  The greatest tennis player Minnesota has produced is probably best known for his Cinderella run at Wimbledon in 1991, where he upset Ivan Lendl and Andre Agassi en route to the semifinals (where he lost to eventual champion Boris Becker).  The great American underdog story was enough to get him a card in this silly "Celebrity Captains" subset in the 1991-92 Pro Set Platinum hockey set.  Thanks, Mr. Wheaton!

Wayne Terwilliger

Sent: 7/20/10
Received: 7/27/10
Time: 7 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1987 Donruss Opening Day Twins Logo, 1987 Twins Team Issue, $10 cash
Item Received: 1987 Donruss Opening Day Twins Logo, 1987 Twins Team Issue, 1993 Postcard.  All signed in thin blue Sharpie.

Notes:
"Twig" is a lifer.  He has played or coached professional baseball for over 60 years now, and at the spry age of 85 is still going strong.  Always a courteous signer, he has requested a $5 per signature donation to his charity for the last several years.  More than worth it!  I sent two cards and $10.  He signed both of my cards and included a signed 1993 Twins postcard.

Lonnie Smith

Sent: 7/13/10
Received: 7/26/10
Time: 13 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1984 Topps, 1990 Donruss NL's Best, 1992 Score 1991 World Series
Item Received: 1984 Topps, 1990 Donruss NL's Best, 1992 Score 1991 World Series.  All signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
Lonnie Smith was one of the most fascinating and underrated players of the '80s.  He won three World Series with three different teams from 1980-1985 ('80 Phillies, '82 Cardinals, '85 Royals).  He almost lost his career to drug abuse.  He contemplated murdering Royals GM John Schuerholz, who he thought was blackballing him from the league.  He resurrected his career with the Atlanta Braves, where he played in two more World Series (losing in 1991 and 1992) -- ironically under Schuerholz, then the GM in Atlanta.  He was both a hero and goat for the Braves in the '91 World Series, homering in three straight games, but also committing a costly baserunning gaffe, which may have cost the Braves the title.  (They, of course, lost to my Twins in the greatest World Series ever played.)  All the while, he's been a huge friend to the hobby, having cultivated a reputation as one of the most generous and reliable TTM signers in all of baseball.  Thanks, Mr. Smith!

Tim Persing

Sent: 7/13/10
Received: 7/26/10
Time: 13 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1991 Classic Best (x2)
Item Received: 1991 Classic Best (x2), 1991 Classic Best Rich Becker Error, 1991 ProCards Kenosha Twins, 1992 Fleer ProCards Fort Myers Miracle, all signed in black Sharpie.  Unsigned 1991 Classic Best Rich Becker Error.

Notes:
Paydirt!  I had two copies of former Twins prospect Tim Persing's 1991 Classic Best minor league card, so I sent both to him, asking that he sign one and offering the other for him to keep.  I guess he didn't need it.  He signed and returned both of those, along with four other cards (three signed, one unsigned) and a letter.  As it turns out, the cards I sent were error cards.  The player on the front is clearly not Mr. Persing.  Of the additional cards he sent me, two are from the same 1991 Classic Best set.  They are credited to former Twins outfielder Rich Becker.  Looking at them, and the other cards he included, it's clear that there was a photo mix-up.  The Becker cards actually depict Persing and, on second look, the Persing cards I sent look a whole lot like Becker.  He made no mention of the errors in his letter.  Great return!

Ryan Rowland-Smith

Sent: 6/30/10
Received: 7/26/10
Time: 26 Days
Address: c/o Seattle Mariners
Item Sent: 2010 Topps
Item Received: 2010 Topps, signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
The big Australian is having a rough season in the Mariners rotation this year, but when I uncovered this card in a pack of 2010 Topps I decided I should try for his signature.  He was, after all, very briefly a member of the Twins organization.  In 2005 he was in spring training with the Twins as a Rule 5 draft pick from the Mariners.  He didn't make the team, and was thus returned to Seattle, where he spent a few more years in the minors before getting the call.  Given that he never pitched in a regular season major or minor league game for the Twins, I'm not sure if I should include him in my Twins collection.  But I'm going to anyway.

Rolando Pino

Sent: 7/13/10
Received: 7/26/10
Time: 13 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1989 Star Kenosha Twins
Item Received: 1989 Star Kenosha Twins, signed in black ballpoint.

Notes:
Former Twins infield prospect Rolando Pino signed his 1989 Kenosha card and wrote me a brief letter.  In my request letter, I had asked what he had been up to since his playing career ended.  He informed me that he coached and managed in the Blue Jays system for many years, then spent eight years as a scout for the Cubs.  He is currently scouting for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Rick Middleton

Sent: 7/9/10
Received: 7/24/10
Time: 15 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1981-82 Topps, 1984-85 Topps
Item Received: 1981-82 Topps, 1984-85 Topps.  Both signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
Bruins legend Rick Middleton signed two cards for me.  One is for the 1984-85 Topps set I am working on.  The other, a 1981-82 Topps card, is the very first hockey card I ever owned.  Notice the pin-hole at the top of the card.  That's from when it was pinned to my bulletin board.  As long as I was sending an '84 to him for my set, I absolutely had to send this '81 card, too.

Gary Wayne

Sent: 7/13/10
Received: 7/24/10
Time: 11 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1986 ProCards West Palm Beach Expos, 1989 Donruss Rookies, 1989 Topps Major League Debut, 1991 Score
Item Received: 1986 ProCards West Palm Beach Expos, 1989 Donruss Rookies, 1989 Topps Major League Debut, 1991 Score, Self-furnished Colorado Rockies scripture card.  All signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
Former Twins LOOGY Gary Wayne signed all four cards that I sent and added one of his own.  It's hardly uncommon for athletes to add bible verses to their signatures, but I found it interesting that Mr. Wayne uses multiple verses -- there are three different ones spread out over the five signatures here.

Bob DeCosta

Sent: 7/13/10
Received: 7/23/10
Time: 10 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1983 Fritsch Visalia Oaks
Item Received: 1983 Fritsch Visalia Oaks, signed in blue ballpoint.

Notes:
I received an e-mail from Bob DeCosta last week.  He had just received my letter requesting his signature on his 1983 Visalia card (I had included my e-mail address in the letterhead).  He sent an awesome, enthusiastic e-mail, showing a fantastic sense of humor, and promised that his card would be on its way to me shortly.  True to his word, here it is!  Accompanying the card is a two-page letter from Mr. DeCosta.  He shared memories of his playing career, told me what he's been doing since his baseball days ended, and told me that my project has prompted him to try reconnecting with his former roommate Jack McMahon (who happens to be one of the guys in the set that I have not yet been able to locate).  He mentioned that he was excited to follow my success with this project on this blog and my flickr site.  I hate to sound like a broken record, but this is what the hobby is all about for me.  Thanks for your generosity, Bob!

Camilo Pascual

Sent: 7/17/10
Received: 7/23/10
Time: 6 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1955 Topps, 1963 Topps, $10 cash
Item Received: 1955 Topps, 1963 Topps.  Both signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
Most references that I've been able to find online have stated that Mr. Pascual charges a fee of $5 per signature to sign through the mail.  I wrote him a nice letter and included a crisp $10 bill with my two cards.  I received the cards back today, both beautifully signed in blue Sharpie.  He also returned my letter, where he had drawn a line toward the sentence where I noted what the cash was for, and he wrote, "The person who told you that is 10 years behind the inflation.  Camilo."  Like I said, though, he did sign both cards and they do look fantastic.  These are huge additions to my collection of Twins autographs!

Ken Sabourin

Sent: 7/14/10
Received: 7/22/10
Time: 8 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1991-92 Score Canadian, 1991-92 Upper Deck
Item Received: 1991-92 Score Canadian, 1991-92 Upper Deck.  Both signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
Another return for my 1991-92 Score set comes from former Flames and Capitals defenceman Ken Sabourin, who currently serves as the Capitals radio analyst.  Thanks for the quick return, Ken!

Craig Wolanin

Sent: 7/14/10
Received: 7/22/10
Time: 8 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1991-92 Score Canadian, 1991-92 Upper Deck
Item Received: 1991-92 Score Canadian, 1991-92 Upper Deck.  Both signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
My Herculean task of trying to complete a signed 1991-92 Score Canadian hockey is officially underway.  Today's return brings Craig Wolanin.  Mr. Wolanin never quite lived up to his draft status (he was selected third overall by New Jersey in 1985), but he did put together a 15 year career as a solid stay-at-home defenseman, highlighted by winning the 1996 Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche. 

Wes Pierorazio

Sent: 6/29/10
Received: 7/19/10
Time: 20 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1986 ProCards Visalia Oaks
Item Received: 1986 ProCards Visalia Oaks, 1987 ProCards Orlando Twins.  Both signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
My only return today is a nice one.  Former Twins pitching prospect Wes Pierorazio signed the 1986 Visalia minor league card that I sent, and added a 1987 Orlando card.  Very cool move.  Thanks, Wes!

Drew Butera

Sent: 7/13/10
Received: 7/17/10
Time: 4 Days
Address: c/o Minnesota Twins
Item Sent: 2010 Topps
Item Received: 2010 Topps, signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
A true chip off the old block... Drew Butera has inherited his dad Sal's tremendous pitcher-handling and catching skills, along with his whiffle-ball caliber bat.  He has also retained Sal's excellent autograph signing habits.  Sal and Drew are the first father-son combination to each play for the Twins, and the first such duo to join my collection.

Don Maloney

Sent: 7/9/10
Received: 7/17/10
Time: 8 Days
Address: c/o Phoenix Coyotes
Item Sent: 1984-85 Topps
Item Received: 1984-85 Topps, signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
Ex-Rangers star Don Maloney is now the GM of the Coyotes, whose Cinderella year was the highlight of the 2009-10 NHL season.  This is a nice addition to my 1984-85 Topps hockey set... which I'm still not officially collecting.  I swear!

Jason Seils

Sent: 5/11/10
Received: 7/17/10
Time: 67 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1995-96 Gophers Team Issue
Item Received: 1995-96 Gophers Team Issue, signed in black ballpoint.

Notes:
Former Gophers forward Jason Seils broke up a bit of a dry spell for me in my pursuit of completing this set.  I haven't been able to find addresses for a lot of guys from the team, but perhaps this return will motivate me to look a little harder.

Will Clark

Sent: 6/3/10
Received: 7/16/10
Time: 43 Days
Address: c/o San Francisco Giants
Item Sent: 1989 Topps
Item Received: 1989 Topps, signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
Will "The Thrill" Clark (a/k/a "The Natural") was one of my favorite players as a kid.  Back then, during my first period of TTM autograph collection, I very rarely sent requests to players of his stature.  This time around, though, I noticed he had a pretty solid signing record.  I debated sending one of his rookies, but in the end decided that his '89 Topps would look especially great signed.  With the big, classy, blue Sharpie signature, it looks even better than I hoped!

Ron McKelvie

Sent: 6/30/10
Received: 7/16/10
Time: 16 Days
Address: Work
Item Sent: 1983 Fritsch Visalia Oaks
Item Received: 1983 Fritsch Visalis Oaks, signed in black ballpoint.

Notes:
I am trying to leave no stone unturned in my pursuit of completing the 1983 Fritsch Visalia Oaks team set.  This includes searching sites like Facebook, where I was able to find Mr. McKelvie, the trainer of that team (who was included in the set).  I sent him a message asking for his permission to send the card.  He graciously replied and sent his work address to me.  A couple weeks later, he's a wonderful addition to the collection, which now includes eight signatures.  He included a nice note mentioning how much fun it was to work with future major leaguers like Kirby Puckett, Alvaro Espinoza, and Mark Portugal.  Great return from a very kind man!

Pete Mackanin

Sent: 4/12/10
Received: 7/15/10
Time: 94 Days
Address: c/o Philadelphia Phillies
Item Sent: 1981 Topps, 1982 Topps
Item Received: 1981 Topps, 1982 Topps.  Both signed in thin blue Sharpie.

Notes:
Pete Mackanin's most significant place in Twins history is as the last player to don number 14 before Kent Hrbek.  His lengthy coaching career has included stints as an interim manager for both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds.  He is currently Charlie Manuel's bench coach in Philadelphia.

Ken Morrow

Sent: 7/9/10
Received: 7/15/10
Time: 6 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1984-85 Topps, 1987-88 Topps
Item Received: 1984-85 Topps, 1987-88 Topps.  Both signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
In 1980, Ken Morrow became the first hockey player to win Olympic gold and the Stanley Cup in the same year.  After helping deliver the "Miracle on Ice," he signed with the New York Islanders in time for the first of their four consecutive Cups.

Kelly Shoppach

Sent: 4/10/10
Received: 7/15/10
Time: 96 Days
Address: c/o Tampa Bay Rays
Item Sent: 2008 Topps Heritage, 2010 Topps Heritage
Item Received: 2008 Topps Heritage, 2010 Topps Heritage.  Both signed in thin blue Sharpie.

Notes:
Shoppach has not been able to build on his terrific 2008 season, when he clubbed over 20 homers for Cleveland, and is now platooning for the Rays.  Since he first came up with the Red Sox, I had him pegged as a solid big league catcher for many years.  There's still time for him.

Michael Cuddyer

Sent: 4/14/10
Received: 7/14/10
Time: 91 Days
Address: c/o Minnesota Twins
Item Sent: 2010 Topps Heritage
Item Received: 2010 Topps Heritage signed in thin blue Sharpie.

Notes:
Cuddy is a class act all the way.  He has a reputation as one of the nicest guys in baseball.  I've never met him, but I have never seen any evidence to the contrary.  And what more can you say about this return?  The card is beautifully signed (not scribbled) in crisp blue Sharpie.  This is a man who seems to take pride in his autographs.  I'm pumped about this one!

Harry Warner

Sent: 6/30/10
Received: 7/12/10
Time: 12 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1983 Fritsch Visalia Oaks
Item Received: 1983 Fritsch Visalia Oaks, signed in black ballpoint.

Notes:
There's a first for everything.  Harry Warner is my first successful return for my 1983 Visalia set who did not include a personalized letter to me with his return.  That's quite all right, though.  The manager of that team is now 81 years old.  I'm thrilled to get his signature, which I had worried might be the toughest one from this set to acquire.  Thanks, Mr. Warner!

John Gordon

Sent: 6/29/10
Received: 7/10/10
Time: 11 Days
Address: c/o Minnesota Twins
Item Sent: 1987 Donruss Opening Day Twins Logo
Item Received: 1987 Donruss Opening Day Twins Logo, signed in black Sharpie and inscribed "Touch 'Em All."

Notes:
Gordo first came to Minnesota for the magical 1987 season, partnering with the great Herb Carneal.  He's been here ever since and has succeeded his late former partner as the voice of the Twins.  He signed this card for my Ultimate 1987 Donruss Twins team set, adding his signature call.

Don Beaupre

Sent: 6/12/10
Received: 7/10/10
Time: 28 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1981-82 Topps, 1984-85 O-Pee-Chee, 1991-92 Upper Deck
Item Received: 1981-82 Topps, 1984-85 O-Pee-Chee, 1991-92 Upper Deck.  All signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
North Stars great Donnie Beaupre -- my first "favorite goalie" -- signed three cards, including his rookie.  I'm stoked about this one!

Brooks Conrad

Sent: 5/22/10
Received: 7/10/10
Time: 49 Days
Address: c/o Atlanta Braves
Item Sent: 2008 Bowman Gold
Item Received: 2008 Bowman Gold, signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
Conrad has always showcased solid pop in the minors, and after years of toiling in the Astros and A's systems, he finally seems to be getting a shot as a super utility player for the Braves.

Gary Resetar

Sent: 6/9/10
Received: 7/10/10
Time: 31 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1989 Star Kenosha Twins, 1990 ProCards Orlando SunRays
Item Received: 1989 Star Kenosha Twins, 1990 ProCards Orlando SunRays.  Both signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
Former Twins catching prospect Gary Resetar signed two cards and typed up a full page letter for me, answering some questions about his career and what he's been doing since his baseball career ended.  Great return!

Shawn Bowman

Sent: 6/23/10
Received: 7/10/10
Time: 17 Days
Address: c/o New Hampshire Fisher Cats
Item Sent: 2009 Bowman World Baseball Classic
Item Received: 2009 Bowman World Baseball Classic, signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
Bowman is from New Westminster, British Columbia -- the same town that produced Justin Morneau.  After being cut loose by the Mets, he signed on with his home country's Toronto Blue Jays.  He's destroying AA pitching for New Hampshire so far this season (16 HR, .552 slugging percentage, .915 OPS through 70 games).

Bruce Schreiber

Sent: 6/29/10
Received: 7/10/10
Time: 11 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1991 Classic Best, 1991 Line Drive AA
Item Received: 1991 Classic Best, 1991 Line Drive AA.  Both signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
Appleton, Wisconsin native Bruce Schreiber spent a few years in the Pirates organization.  I had a couple of his cards, so I tried tracking him down.  Thanks for the quick return, Bruce!

Ryan Dempster

Sent: 6/2/10
Received: 7/2/10
Time: 30 Days
Address: c/o Chicago Cubs
Item Sent: 2008 Topps Heritage, 2010 Topps
Item Received: 2008 Topps Heritage, signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
Dempster seems like a cool dude.  For whatever reason, it seems like most Canadian ballplayers fit that bill.  I've always liked him, so I sent a couple of cards to be signed.  When the SASE arrived yesterday, it wasn't sealed.  Inside was the 2008 Topps Heritage that I sent him, signed beautifully in blue Sharpie.  The 2010 Topps card I sent was nowhere to be found, so I'm not sure if it was kept by Mr. Dempster or an employee of the USPS.

Rick Renick

Sent: 6/18/10
Received: 7/2/10
Time: 14 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1971 Topps, 1987 Donruss Opening Day Twins Logo, 1987 Twins Team Issue
Item Received: 1971 Topps, 1987 Donruss Opening Day Twins Logo, 1987 Twins Team Issue.  All signed in blue ballpoint.

Notes:
Rick Renick was a utilityman for parts of five seasons with the Twins, and is best known for hitting a home run in his first major league at bat (off Detroit great Mickey Lolich).  He returned to the Twins organization in 1987, taking over as the third base coach for Tom Kelly after Kelly was promoted to manager.  He was kind enough to sign cards depicting him as both a Twins player and coach, as well as the Donruss Opening Day logo card for my Ultimate 1987 Donruss autographed team set.

Brian Rupe

Sent: 6/16/10
Received: 7/1/10
Time: 15 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1983 Fritsch Visalia Oaks
Item Received: 1983 Fritsch Visalia Oaks, signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
As is becoming the norm, today's top return is another from the 1983 Visalia Oaks set.  Minneapolis-born Brian Rupe wrote a long note on my letter thanking me for writing and telling a bit about himself and his experiences in pro ball.  Great stuff, great autograph.  When I'm closer to completion on this set, I'll definitely have to put together some highlights from all the personal notes I've been receiving from the players.

John Rooney

Sent: 6/19/10
Received: 7/1/10
Time: 12 Days
Address: c/o St. Louis Cardinals
Item Sent: 1987 Donruss Opening Day Twins Logo, 2010 Topps Heritage Cardinals Team Card
Item Received: 1987 Donruss Opening Day Twins Logo, 2010 Topps Heritage Cardinals Team Card.  Both signed in blue ballpoint.

Notes:
John Rooney's long broadcasting career is usually recognized by his national work and his long stints as a play-by-play man for the Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals.  Prior to that, though, he spent one season as the TV play-by-play guy for the Twins, teaming with Harmon Killebrew in the 1987 booth. 

Darren Daulton

Sent: 4/27/10
Received: 7/1/10
Time: 65 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1987 Fleer
Item Received: 1987 Fleer, signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
I have to admit that I didn't do my usual diligent research before sending this request.  I knew Dutch as the All-Star catcher and fiery leader of the bad boy Phillies teams of the early '90s.  I had no idea about his special powers!