TTM Success - John Kruk

This was a TTM success that I thought might not come, but in the end, I got a couple nice cards back from John Kruk.  Needing him for my 1987 set, I sent that along, and also this 1994 Upper Deck Fun Pack card.  Kruk switched pens, and signed this one in silver Sharpie, which was a nice touch.  The card is pretty cool, and is pretty unique in my album.

Of course, the 1987 Topps turned out great.  I have well over 300 now, and am doing well in adding to that total.  I doubt I'll ever complete the set, but it is definitely worth a shot, and has been a lot of fun to pursue.

Kruk (b. 1961) played in the majors from 1986 to 1995 for the Padres, Phillies and White Sox.  He had 1,170 hits, 100 home runs and a .300 batting average.  He was a three-time All Star (1991, 1992, 1993) and finished a best of 14th (1992) in the NL MVP voting, appearing on three MVP ballots (1991, 1992, 1993).  His 1993 Phillies lost to the Blue Jays in the World Series, but it was no fault of Kruk's.  He batted .348 in that series and knocked in 4 runs.

He appeared on the 2001 Hall of Fame ballot, and received 0.2% of the vote.

I mailed to Kruk on March 30, via the Phillies, and got the cards back on August 10, for a 133-day TAT.

TTM Success - Brett Butler

I got a bunch of great 90s cards in this TTM success from Brett Butler.  The above 1998 Score is one of the best horizontal shots that I have been able to get TTM, and I am really happy about it.  I don't recall opening up very many packs of 1998 Score, but the more I see cards from that set, the more I appreciate it.

The 1995 Finest turned out really nice, even though it didn't scan all that well.  I'm also loving the Zach Morris phone in the 1997 Donruss.  I also believe this is my first Upper Deck Fun Pack card that I have been able to get signed.  Finally, the 1988 Topps Traded is one of the best of Butler's line of Topps cards.

I also got a 1982 Topps card showing the Braves Future Stars signed.  I don't know if I will go for the other two guys, but I do believe Bedrosian signs, so I may give it a shot.

Butler (b. 1957) played in the majors from 1981 to 1997 for the Braves, Indians, Giants, Dodgers and Mets.  He had 2,375 hits, 54 home runs and a .290 batting average.  He was an All Star in 1991 and received MVP votes in six seasons (finishing as high as 7th in 1991).  Butler appeared on the 2003 Hall of Fame ballot and received 0.4% of the vote.  His 558 career stolen bases rank 25th all-time.

I mailed to Butler on November 8 and got the cards back on January 13, for a 66-day TAT.