TTM Success - Jake Westbrook

One of my longest TTM turn-around times happened recently when I got this lot of cards back signed by Jake Westbrook.  I had sent the cards out in 2020, and finally got them all back signed this past August.  A five-year turn.  I never give up on my TTMs, but at some point, you have to be realistic that some of that old stuff isn't coming back.  I was able to cross Jake Westbrook off of the ledger, and that was a great feeling.

I sent an assortment of Topps cards, from 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011.  On top of that (and this post), I also sent a 2008 Upper Deck.

All of the cards turned out great.  I was surprised that he signed all of the cards.  I try not to send that many these days, if I can help it.  Still, he signed them all and I'm glad.

Westbrook (b. 1977) played in the majors from 2000 to 2008 and 2010 to 2013 for the Yankees, Indians and Cardinals.  He had a career record of 105-103 with 965 strike outs and a 4.32 ERA.  He was an All Star in 2004.  He won the World Series with the Cardinals in 2011.

I mailed to Westbrook on June 5, 2020, and got the cards back on August 12, 2025, for a 1,894-day TAT.

While I Was Away

When I was out of town, the Trois-Rivieres Aigles came to Grainger Stadium to face the Bird Dawgs.  Jesse took some cards and got them signed for me.

I had a few Jonathan Albaladejo cards that I had found for the series before I realized it would be when I was on vacation.  I even found two more of his cards after I got home.  Albaladejo is a coach with Trois-Rivieres, so hopefully he will be there next year.

I had also ordered cards of Jesen Therrien, which Jesse got signed as well.  Thanks for helping me get these out of the box, Jesse!

TTM Success - Brandon Backe

Some fairly recent cards (more recent than some TTM subjects) came back signed TTM from Brandon Backe.  I'm seeing more and more returns from guys that played in the mid-to-late 2000s, so I have been searching boxes over the last few weeks for more cards like these.

I got a 2006 Topps (top), 2008 Upper Deck (above left) and 2009 Topps (above right) back signed from Backe.

Backe (b. 1978) played in the majors from 2002 to 2009 for the Devil Rays and Astros.  He had a record of 31-29 with 360 strike outs and a 5.23 ERA.

I mailed Backe on October 24 and got the cards back on January 11 for a 79-day TAT.

TTM Success - Mark Hendrickson

These three cards of Mark Hensrickson have been in my boxes for a while.  I finally sent them out, including the above Aberdeen Ironbirds team set card.  I was glad to get this one out of the old team set and into the autograph album. 

I also got these two Upper Deck cards, a 2007 and 2008.  Both of these sets are really good ones to get signed.  I especially like getting them out of the boxes, since I have so many.

Hendrickson (b. 1974) played in the majors from 2002 to 2011 for the Blue Jays, Devil Rays, Dodgers, Marlins and Orioles.  He had a record of 58-74 with 666 strike outs and a 5.03 ERA.

Hendrickson also played in the NBA from 1996 to 2000 for the 76ers, Kings, Nets and Cavaliers.

I mailed to Hendrickson on August 14 and got the cards back on August 31, for a 17-day TAT. 

Gerard Gets Salty

My buddy, Gerard, got a few more Jarrod Saltalamacchia cards signed for me at the Cape Cod League.  I had pulled several this past winter and was glad to dig them out for him (and also a few for my buddy, Aidan).

Both of these cards turned out nicely.  Gerard got me a few more signed, but they were duplicates.

Thanks for getting my cards signed for me, Gerard!

TTM Success - Jake Peavy

Finally, another TTM success came in.  They reaply have gotten dry, even guys who normally return pretty well are slow for me right now.  I got this one from a private signing with Jake Peavy today, and it turned out great.

I picked two really nice cards; the above 2008 Upper Deck is just a great shot.

This one is a 2007 Topps Wal Mart card that was much like their Trading Card History insert set that they put out in 2008.  I was glad I found this one before I sent off to the signing, so it got included.

Peavy (b. 1981) played in the majors from 2002 to 2016 for the Padres, White Sox, Red Sox and Giants.  He had a record of 152-126 with 2,207 strike outs and a 3.63 ERA.  He was the NL Cy Young Award winner in 2007.  He was an All Star in 2005, 2007 and 2012.  He was a Gold Glove Award winner in 2012. Peavy won the World Series with the Red Sox in 2013 and with the Giants in 2014.  He appeared on the 2022 Hall of Fame ballot, bit received no votes.

I mailed to the signing on March 4 and got the cards back today (June 21), for a 109-day TAT.  I paid a fee of $25/card.

TTM Success - Brad Hennessey

Here is a TTM success that u got back from Brad Hennessey.  The above 2007 Upper Deck turned out nicely.  I had gotten a box of this when it came out because I liked the design.  I still so, and am glad that I added one to the album. 

I also got a 2007 Topps Update and a 2008 Upper Deck signed. I had hoped that I had his 2008 Topps, but I was unable to find it in my boxes.  Still, I'm happy with what I got signed.

Hennessey (b. 1980) played in the majors from 2004 to 2008 for the Giants.  He had a record of 17-23 with 192 strike outs and a 4.69 ERA.

I mailed to Hennessey on December 6 and got the cards back on January 9, for a 34-day TAT. 

TTM Success - Jack Taschner

A few Upper Deck cards came out of my boxes for this TTM success from Jack Taschner.  I've got a box that is pretty much all Upper Deck products.  Although I prefer Topps, I do like some of the Upper Deck designs, and enjoy adding them to my autograph album.  I had found a few Jack Taschner cards, and was able to get them signed TTM.

Taschner (b. 1978) played in the majors from 2005 to 2010 for the Giants, Phillies and Dodgers.  He had a record of 10-5 with 160 strike outs and a 5.14 ERA.

I mailed to Taschner on September 23 and got the cards back on March 17, for a 175-day TAT.

TTM Success - Rico Washington

Getting a 2008 Upper Deck card out of my box is always nice, since I seem to have a ton of them, and they usually are in the bottom of the card closet.  This one was signed TTM by Rico Washington and turned out nicely.  I generally like Topps stuff, borders and all, but there is something to be said about how nice a borderless card looks when signed.

Washington (b. 1978) was a 10th round draft pick out of high school by the Pirates in the 1997 June Amateur Draft.  He made the majors in 2008 for the Cardinals, the only season he played in the majors.  He had 3 hits, no home runs and a .158 batting average.  After his cup of coffee in the majors, he went to China to play ball in 2009.  After that, he played in the Independent League.

I mailed to Washington on November 16 and got the card back on February 26, for a 102-day TAT.

TTM Success - Randy Wells

Here are some nice cards that I got signed TTM from Randy Wells.  The above 2010 Topps Heritage turned out really well.  I have a partial set of 2010 Heritage, and have been pulling from it to get a few cards signed here and there.  They really look nice when signed.

I also got a 2008 Upper Deck and a 2012 Topps signed by Wells.  Both look really nice; his signature is a good one.

Wells (b. 1982) played in the majors from 2008 to 2012 for the Blue Jays and Cubs.  He had a record of 28-32 with 345 strike outs and a 4.08 ERA.

I mailed to Wells on December 17 and got the cards back on January 14, for a 28-day TAT.

TTM Success - Lance Broadway

I got some nice cards back signed TTM from former pitcher, Lance Broadway.  I really liked the above 2009 Topps Update.  I wish I had kept all of my 09 bulk, but I had let it all go at a card show years ago in order to make room in my boxes.  Making room is great, but I do like to have options to choose from when looking for cards to get signed.

I also sent off a 2008 Upper Deck Rookie Debut (left) and a 2008 Bowman.  Both of these really look great when signed.

Broadway (b. 1983) played in the majors from 2007 to 2009 for the White Sox and Mets.  He had a record of 1-1 with 39 strike outs and a 5.24 ERA.

I mailed to Broadway on November 16 and got the cards back on December 4, for an 18-day TAT.

TTM Success - Brian Moehler

I found a few Brian Moehler cards in my boxes that I dropped in the mail to get signed TTM.  They came back, and all look great.  The above 2008 Upper Deck looks really nice.  It is a very sharp set that definitely focuses on the photo.

He also signed a 1999 Stadium Club and a 2008 Topps Update.

Moehler (b. 1971) is from Rockingham, NC, a place that I spent a lot of time in when I was younger.  He played in the majors from 1996 to 2003 and 2005 to 2010 for the Tigers, Reds, Astros and Marlins.  He had a career record of 84-107 with 859 strike outs and a 4.81 ERA.

I mailed to Moehler on November 16 and got the cards back on November 23, for a 7-day TAT.

TTM Success - Josh Fogg

Here are some mid-2000s cards that I was able to get signed TTM when I sent to Josh Fogg.  The above 2008 Upper Deck turned out really well.  These cards look great when signed, and I have a ton of them still.  I just always have that box buried, and don't get into it often.  When I do, though, I'm glad to get some of the cards signed.

I also got Fogg's Topps cards from 2003, 2004 and 2005 signed.  The 04 and 05 cards look very similar, but the 2003 definitely stands out with that blue border.

Fogg (b. 1976) played in the majors from 2001 to 2009 for the White Sox, Pirates, Rockies and Reds.  He had a career record of 62-69 with 627 strike outs and a 5.03 ERA.

I mailed to Fogg on September 8 and got the cards back on September 18, for a 10-day TAT.

More Autos From Jackson T.

My friend, Jackson, used to live in Arizona, but recently moved back to Chicago.  He has now enrolled in school, but still take the time to get cards signed for me when he can.  Recently, he asked me to send him Steve Holm cards, and I obliged.  Jackson was able to get several of them signed for me, and they all turned out well.

In addition to the Holms, Jackson included a couple extra autos, just because.  I really appreciate the gesture, but Jackson didn't have to do that.  He is a really good guy, and I am always glad to send him cards that he can get taken care of for me.

TTM Success - Shane Youman

Shane Youman is another player with cards from the mid-2000s that I sent to last month.  I got some nice stuff back, like the above chrome 2007 Topps Rookie 52.  It looks even better in person.

I was also able to get a 2007 Topps and a 2008 Upper Deck signed.

Youman (b. 1979) played in the majors from 2006 to 2007 for the Pirates.  He had a record of 3-7 with 34 strike outs and a 5.13 ERA.

I mailed to Youman on September 30 and got the cards back on October 28, for a 28-day TAT.

TTM Success - Josh Banks

 I added some late 2000s cards to my album with this TTM success from Josh Banks.  The above 2008 Stadium Club turned out great.  I always liked this set, and it has been tough to get some of them signed.

I also added a 2009 Topps and a 2008 Upper Deck.  Both of them look really nice, as well.

Banks (b. 1982) played in the majors from 2007 to 2010 for the Blue Jays, Padres and Astros.  He had a career record of 4-8 with 55 strike outs and a 5.66 ERA.

I mailed to Banks on October 15 and got the cards back on October 25, for a 10-day TAT.

Birthday Gift From Josh - Jack Wilson Auto

Over the last several years, I have thoroughly enjoyed my friendship with my buddy Josh.  I went to his graduation last year in West Virginia and spent some quality time with him, his family and his friends.  Josh sent me a little birthday gift recently, delayed by the hurricane, but it finally got here.

It is a bit fitting that Josh sent me a Jack Wilson autograph, since Jack Wilson is how our relationship started.  He followed my Instagram account and sent me a DM asking me if I knew who Jack Wilson was.

Little did he know that we would become great friends, and Wilson would pop up many times in our conversations and exchanging of gifts.

Thank you so much, Josh!

TTM Success - Matt Belisle

It took a while, but I got a TTM success from Twins reliever, Matt Belisle recently.  I had sent to him during last season via the Twins, and the cards finally came in signed.

The above 1999 Bowmans Best turned out really nice, but the scan doesn't really show how cool the card looks.

This 1999 Just Minors looks really cool, as well.  A 19-year old Belisle is shown on the card.  I didn't realize he had been around as long as he has.

Finally, here are two similar, but different, 2008 Upper Deck.  The one on the left is a 2008 Upper Deck First Pitch, and the one on the right is an 08 base.

Belisle (b. 1980) has played in the majors since 2003 (he missed 2004) for the Reds, Rockies, Cardinals, Nationals and Twins.  He has a career record of 51-57 with a 4.19 ERA and 686 strike outs.  He signed as a free agent with the Indians on February 25, 2018.

I mailed to Belisle on June 12, 2017, and got the cards back on February 15, for a 248-day TAT.

TTM Success - Rob Johnson

I got some late 2000s, early 2010s cards back signed from Rob Johnson with this TTM success.  I really liked the 2008 UD Piece of History that I was able to get signed.  I didn't have any of these in my album, yet, so I was glad to get one out of the way.

I also had a 2010 Topps Update and a 2008 Upper Deck that I got signed.  All of the cards turned out really nice.

Johnson (b. 1982) played in the majors from 2007 to 2013 for the Mariners, Padres, Mets and Cardinals.  He had 147 hits, 8 home runs and a .200 batting average.

I mailed to Johnson on August 7 and got the cards back on September 9, for a 33-day TAT.

TTM Success - Matt Stairs

I waited a long time to send to Matt Stairs.  His cards were in my TTM box for a long time until I finally was able to send to Phillies Spring Training.  I'm glad I finally was able to, though, because the cards I sent turned out great.  This 1993 Donruss was a really cool card to send, I think.  I don't have very many 1993 Donruss as it is, so adding this one to the album will be nice.

I got some nice Topps cards back, and a 2008 Upper Deck First Edition.  The 2006 Topps looks really cool.  The 2008 is also nice, and one of only four that I have signed.

Finally, here is a nice 1998 Score.  I had to send this along, since it is a horizontal card.  You can never go wrong with a TTM signature on a horizontal card.

Stairs (b. 1968) played in the majors from 1992, 1993 and 1995 to 2011 for the Expos, Red Sox, A's, Cubs, Brewers, Pirates, Royals, Rangers, Tigers, Blue Jays, Phillies, Padres and Nationals.  It may have been quicker to just type the teams he DIDN'T play for.  He had 1,366 hits, 265 home runs and a .262 batting average.

Stairs finished 17th in the 1999 AL MVP voting, his only time receiving votes.  He won the World Series in 2008 with the Phillies and now is on their coaching staff.  He appeared on the 2017 Hall of Fame ballot, but did not receive any votes.

I mailed to Stairs on February 9 and got the cards back on February 24, for a 15-day TAT.