TTM success thread

[markf31]

Has anyone tried requesting a hand written letter from a player TTM? I have a couple of hand written letters in my autograph collection that I've purchased. But has anyone ever thought to write a handwritten letter to a player and request a short handwritten letter reply back?

[cubsfan-budman]

Originally Posted by markf31

Has anyone tried requesting a hand written letter from a player TTM? I have a couple of hand written letters in my autograph collection that I've purchased. But has anyone ever thought to write a handwritten letter to a player and request a short handwritten letter reply back?

So, I sent a card to be signed to Lindy McDaniel and he sent me back a really nice handwritten letter thanking me for my letter.

I've also seen folks get back some nice handwritten items if you ask direct questions in your LOI. I never bother to do that, but it seems logical that if you ask things, they may write you back with answers.

Good luck!

Christian

[isaac2004]

Sent one out to Mark Buehrle. I already have him, but I was hoping I could get one with his Perfect Game inscription for my collection. Unfortunately, he didn't add the inscription, but he personalized it for me. Only bummer is that its not sweet spot. Still happy to get it back.

[mschwade]

Originally Posted by isaac2004

Sent one out to Mark Buehrle. I already have him, but I was hoping I could get one with his Perfect Game inscription for my collection. Unfortunately, he didn't add the inscription, but he personalized it for me. Only bummer is that its not sweet spot. Still happy to get it back.

A lot of those guys will leave the sweet spot open because they feel like they don't belong there. I had a 1940's player sign a side panel, even though I told him I wanted him to sign it on the sweet spot for a single signed ball.

[dgo71]

Originally Posted by mschwade

A lot of those guys will leave the sweet spot open because they feel like they don't belong there.

I don't think that applies to today's players and their million dollar egos. Buehrle in particular was exceptionally grumpy towards collectors last year in Spring Training. He also categorically refused to add any Perfect Game inscriptions.

[novakjr]

Originally Posted by dgo71

I don't think that applies to today's players and their million dollar egos. Buehrle in particular was exceptionally grumpy towards collectors last year in Spring Training. He also categorically refused to add any Perfect Game inscriptions.

I think A LOT of the bigger modern players put too much thought into people just turning around and selling the items. So they may do subtle things to drive down the value of what they're signing, like not signing on the sweet spot, or insisting on personalizations, or refusing certain inscriptions.. They'll save the sweet spot, inscriptions and non-personalized items for when they're being paid for it..

[isaac2004]

Originally Posted by novakjr

I think A LOT of the bigger modern players put too much thought into people just turning around and selling the items. So they may do subtle things to drive down the value of what they're signing, like not signing on the sweet spot, or insisting on personalizations, or refusing certain inscriptions.. They'll save the sweet spot, inscriptions and non-personalized items for when they're being paid for it..

The issue have is I would gladly take a personalization, but if I specifically ask for an inscription, and instead personalize it to me, you tell me that you read my letter enough to know my name, but you don't care about the actual request. I know it is noones job to fulfill my request to the t. But to not do it and do something competly different is odd to me.

[scmavl]

Originally Posted by markf31

Has anyone tried requesting a hand written letter from a player TTM? I have a couple of hand written letters in my autograph collection that I've purchased. But has anyone ever thought to write a handwritten letter to a player and request a short handwritten letter reply back?

It the very small amount of TTM I've attempted, I handwrite a two page letter asking them questions. I never directly ask for their autograph (unless sending $ for that purpose), just hope they'll answer the questions. Some send back a letter, some a signed card, or some answer back directly on my letter like Carl Erskine did.

[clutch]

A lot of people send questionnaires that get answered back. I had an old Detroit Tigers photo that I needed help identifying players on. I sent it to Virgil Trucks and asked him to help me since he actually played with those guys. He was kind enough to obligue and even wrote me back about what he thought of the current Tigers. Mr. Trucks is one of the nicest guys I ever wrote to.

Since Carl Erskine was brought up, I thought I'd show a ball I got back from him a few years ago. I didn't even ask for inscriptions. He did that himself. No fees. Thanks again Mr. Erskine!

[earlywynnfan]

Originally Posted by clutch

A lot of people send questionnaires that get answered back. I had an old Detroit Tigers photo that I needed help identifying players on. I sent it to Virgil Trucks and asked him to help me since he actually played with those guys. He was kind enough to obligue and even wrote me back about what he thought of the current Tigers. Mr. Trucks is one of the nicest guys I ever wrote to.

Since Carl Erskine was brought up, I thought I'd show a ball I got back from him a few years ago. I didn't even ask for inscriptions. He did that himself. No fees. Thanks again Mr. Erskine!

Nice ball, he inscribed a nice one for me, too. FWIW, he's big into a foundation for Down's Syndrome, so I'm sure a donation would be appreciated.

Ken

[39special]

I always write questions when I send TTM.Some times they don't answer,sometimes they give 1 or 2 word answers,then there are times
I get long detailed answers.I recently got a great letter from Stan Williams.
I have been doing TTMs for about 2 years and I have over 100 letters that were answered.