I figured these guys were both low-hanging fruit, since they're not big names and probably don't get a ton of requests. Regular readers of this blog might have an inkling of why I'd be after these somewhat obscure guys... Yep, they both went to my high school. They're the only 2 active such guys at the moment, though another guy (Jordan Verdon) was just drafted by the Mets in the 24th round.. I'm not sure if he will/did sign or decide to go to college (SDSU commit).
But back to my TTM attempts, I didn't have autos of either Omahen or Humphries, so they'd be great additions to my Guys From Granite minicollection. I put both envelopes in the mail Sunday afternoon, so I guess technically they were mailed Monday, 6/15.
Fast forward to Thursday, 6/25, after a rough day that included the slapstick misadventure of getting a tomato cage stuck in my bicycle gears on the ride home (this seriously happened), the cloud of negativity engulfing me immediately cleared away when I saw my own SASE returned in my mailbox.
Glorious! I joyously tore it open and was greeted by a beautifully signed card.
I happened to have a dupe of Brian's 2012 Bowman refractor, so that was the card I chose to send. And man, I'm glad I did, because it looks terrific.
Since I'm a TTM newbie, I read some tips online, but still kinda felt like I was winging it. I read you're supposed to "rub down" glossy cards a little otherwise the sharpe may smudge. So I did lightly rub it with an eraser, but wasn't sure if that accomplished anything. I also included a couple notecard-like pieces too, both to ask if they could be signed (in case the card came out smudged, at least I'd still have an acceptable notecard auto) as well as added protection for the card. I put them together in a "card saver" and hoped for the best. Typically, I'd send a PWE with more protection than that, but I figure for TTMs you're better off keeping it simple. As I should have expected, the Card Saver wasn't quite up to the challenge of interstate travel and got twisted around a little. The card did arrive with a slightly bent corner, but luckily no crease, so it straightens out fine in a rigid case. One of the notecards took a little more noticeable damage, but not a big deal.
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| Blue and gold.. school colors! The silver pen really pops on the yellow, especially. |
I sent the TTM card to the independent Sioux Falls Canaries, with whom Brian is having a solid season. It's going to be an uphill battle for him to get back on track to have a shot at making the majors, but I'm definitely rooting for him.
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| #LoveWins |
Hopefully the Johnny Omahen return is imminent as well, but I know this stuff isn't a sure-thing. But yeah, it's a wonderful feeling when a return shows up, and as I mentioned on Twitter, I can see how some guys like Zippy go nuts with TTMs. I've already got plans to do at least one more soon.
That's pretty cool. I should venture out into the world of TTMs with some of my duplicates. Well done!
ReplyDeleteIt's my goal to do something like that, and I had wanted to during Spring Training, since I heard that's when guys were most likely to sign (well major leaguers, at least), but I didn't get it together in time. Maybe I'll try some MiLB guys. They've got nothing going on, right?
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your first return. I remember when I first got into the TTM game and felt the rush of excitement take over me. It's amazing how you can feel something that genuinely cool even at a more mature age.
ReplyDeletePersonally I prep chrome cards (when I can be bothered) by sprinkling some baby power over the surface and wiping it off with some tissue paper.
On a sidenote, I usually don't send cards I want the player to sign in a saver or sleeve or anything as it makes things busier for the player (I'd rather have the card get damaged honestly), but I'm glad things worked out well for you. Hope you get the Omahen back too :).
*baby powder
DeleteI went full bore in the 1980s on TTMs and IP autos at games I went to as well. It's almost inevitable that the cards get beat up a little bit in transit. Back then, it was accepted to send cards for autos during the season though. I always focused on guys that the hobby magazines said were good TTM signers -- Bert Blyleven, Kent Tekulve, Gary Carter, etc.
ReplyDeleteIt is a lot of fun, isn't it!
That is so cool! One of these days I'm going to try that myself.
ReplyDeleteNice one! I just bought that card last night to get signed in Wichita when the Canaries come to town next month.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, he has a great looking signature.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, that's a nice looking card with his sig. You've caught the fever now, don't stop!
ReplyDeleteVery cool! Great success!
ReplyDelete