March 12, 2012

Kal Daniels (OF) - March 9, 2012 - Response time: 268 days

Teams: Reds, Dodgers, Cubs

Mr. Daniels is an alumnus of my favorite Rookie League baseball team, the Billings Mustangs. He was a Pioneer League All-Star in 1982. He had a solid six year career, primary with the Reds, before retiring in 1992. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 692 - finished
Responses: 269
Response Rate: 38.87%

Average Response time: 67.95 days

February 28, 2012

Randy Ready (OF/3B) - February 24, 2012 - Response time: 487 days

Teams: Brewers, Padres, Phillies, A's, Expos, Chiba Lotte Marines (Japan)

Not to take away from Mr. Ready's personal accomplishments as a player, but the most impressive thing, to me, is that he was the third card I sent out, wayyyyyyyyy, back on October 25, 2010. That's 487 days, by far the longest so far. I have no idea why it took so long but I thank him very much for getting back to me in the end.

Joe Boever (P) - February 25, 2012 - Response time: 345 days

Teams: Cardinals, Braves, Phillies, Astros, A's, Tigers, Pirates

Mr. Boever was most notable for his signature "palmball" pitch. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 692 - finished
Responses: 268
Response Rate: 38.73%

Average Response time: 67.20 days

February 17, 2012

Dale Mohorcic (P) - February 16, 2012 - Response time: 241 days

Teams: Rangers, Yankees, Expos

Mr. Mohorcic holds two places in the annals of baseball trivia. First, he holds the record for the most consecutive games with a relief pitching appearance (13) and shares the record for most consecutive games with a pitching appearance (also 13). Second, Mohorcic played the part of Angels starting pitcher Dave Spiewak in the The Naked Gun and, if I may editorialize for a moment, was flagrantly denied recognition by the Academy for his efforts. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 692 - finished
Responses: 266
Response Rate: 38.44%

Average Response time: 64.58 days

February 8, 2011

Hubie Brooks (SS) - February 7, 2011 - Response time: 266 days

Teams: Mets, Expos, Dodgers, Mets, Angels, Royals

Mr. Brooks was a successful player, most notably for the Expos, in the latter half of the 1980's. He developed a power swing several years into his career and used it to win a pair of Silver Sluggers and a pair of All Star invitations. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 692 - finished
Responses: 265
Response Rate: 38.29%

Average Response time: 63.91 days

February 1, 2012

B.J. Surhoff (C) - January 31, 2012 - Response time: 405 days (New Record!!!!)

Teams: Brewers, Orioles, Braves, Orioles

It's been almost a month since my last posting and clearly things are winding down. I've moved onto other things but the cards are still, slowly, trickling in. Mr. Surhoff, who amusingly enough lives only 60 miles away from me, was an extremely versatile player during his 18 year career. He played, at various points, every position except pitcher. He was also a member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic Team in Los Angeles, winning a silver medal (losing to Japan). I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 692 - finished
Responses: 264
Response Rate: 38.15%

Average Response time: 63.15 days

January 6, 2012

Rick Honeycutt (P) - January 5, 2012 - Response time: 331 days

Teams: Mariners, Rangers, Dodgers, A's, Rangers, A's Yankees Cardinals

Mr. Honeycutt is only the second, that's right, the second Oakland Athletic who has responded. His card doubles my collection of 1988 A's. I have no idea why that is, but I really appreciate him responding all the same. He was twice an All-Star and matured into a control pitcher with an impressive playoff record. In 30 postseason games he was never the losing pitcher and didn't allow a run in either the 1988 or 1990 playoffs. He eventually evolved into Dennis Eckersley's setup man. His final two seasons, 1996 and 1997 he was the oldest player in Major League baseball. He is currently the pitching coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 692 - finished
Responses: 263
Response Rate: 38.01%Average Response time: 61.85 days

January 4, 2012

We enter my third year working on this project and I have largely moved on to new adventures. The cards have slowed to a trickle, but they are still coming in.

It's also amazing how picture quality changes when you get an iPhone.

Floyd Youmans (P) - January 3, 2012 - Response time: 209 days

Teams: Expos, Phillies

Mr. Youmans showed great promise at the beginning of his career before it was derailed by injuries and drug use. He was the NL Pitcher of the Month for July 1987. He is best remembered as the Met (minor leaguer at the time) who was traded to the Expos for eventual Hall-of-Famer Gary Carter. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 692 - finished

Responses: 262
Response Rate: 37.86%
Average Response time: 60.82 days

December 13, 2011

Rob Ducey (OF) - December 12, 2011 - Response time: 265 days

Teams: Blue Jays, Angels, Rangers, Nippon Ham Fighters (Japan), Mariners, Phillies, Blue Jays, Phillies, Expos

Mr. Ducey is notable for being the first Canadian to play for both Canadian Major League Baseball teams. Others have accomplished it since, but it is, and shall remain, a short list. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 692 - finished

Responses: 261
Response Rate: 37.72%
Average Response time: 60.25 days

Frank White

Frank White (2B) - December 8, 2011 - Response time: 402 days (New Record!!!)

Teams: Royals

Mr. White is one of the great players in Royals history. He won the World Series with the team in 1985. He was a five time All-Star, an eight time Gold Glove winner at Second Base and won a Silver Slugger as well. He was also the 1980 ALCS MVP. In 1995 his #20 was retired by the Royals. He also, on a more personal note, blows away the record for longest response time at 402 days. I thank him very much for signing however.

Cards sent: 692 - finished
Responses: 260
Response Rate: 37.57%
Average Response time: 59.47 days

December 8, 2011

Denny Walling (OF/3B) - November 28, 2011 - Response time: 258 days

Teams: A's, Astros, Cardinals, Rangers, Astros

Mr. Walling's card when I was gone over Thanksgiving and the Postal Service didn't deliver my back mail until yesterday.

Nicknamed "Good Wood," Mr. Walling was best known for being a pinch hitting specialist. He is ranked 13th on the all time list for career pinch hits. He is currently a roving hitting instructor for the Baltimore Orioles. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 692 - finished
Responses: 259
Response Rate: 37.43%
Average Response time: 58.14 days

December 5, 2011

Dave Henderson (OF) - December 2, 2011 - Response time: 27 days

Teams: Mariners, Red Sox, Giants, A's Royals

Mr. Henderson was a post season hero for the Red Sox in 1986. He hit one of the most clutch Home Runs in post season history when he won Game 5 of the ALCS for the Red Sox on a two out, two strike walk off shot. I remember him best for his time with the A's where he played in three consecutive World Series, winning in 1989 and being voted an All-Star in 1991. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 692 - finished
Responses: 258
Response Rate: 37.28%
Average Response time: 57.37 days

November 22, 2011 - HOF

Paul Molitor (3B/DH) - November 22, 2011 - Response time: 312 days

Teams: Brewers, Blue Jays, Twins

Mr. Molitor was drafted out of high school but elected to go to college instead. He was drafted again by the Brewers three years later. His best years were with the Brewers. He was a 7x All-Star between 1980 and 1994 and a 4x Silver Slugger as well. In 1993 he became a free agent and signed with the Blue Jays. He had an immediate impact with the Jays and helped lead them to their second consecutive World Series championship. He was selected World Series MVP. He won a host of other awards in his career which honor success as well as attitude and sportsmanship including the Babe Ruth Award (1993), the Lou Gehrig Award (1997), the Branch Rickey Award (1998) and the Hutch Award (1987). He got his 3,000th hit with a triple in 1995, and he is the only player to get a triple for #3000. His #4 has been retired by the Brewers and in 1997 he was chosen to the MLB All Time team. In 2004 he was elected to the Major League Baseball Hall-of-Fame on the first ballot. He is my fifth hall-of-famer and I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 691 - finished
Responses: 257
Response Rate: 37.19%
Average Response time: 57.49 days

November 18, 2011 - HOF

Whitey Herzog (Manager) - November 5, 2011 - Response time: 12 days

Teams (Player): Senators, A's (Kansas City), Orioles, Tigers
Teams (Manager): Rangers, Angels, Royals, Cardinals

Mr. Herzog was most famous for his years as Manager of the Cardinals and the Royals. In fact, in reference to his success as a player versus his success as a manager, Herzog once said, "Baseball has been good to me since I quit trying to play it." He managed the Cardinals to a World Series victory in 1982 and was selected Manager of the Year in 1985. In 2010 Mr. Herzog was inducted into the National Baseball Hall-of-Fame in Cooperstown, NY. He is the fourth hall-of-famer who has responded. His #24 has also been retired by the St. Louis Cardinals. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 691 - finished
Responses: 256
Response Rate: 37.05%
Average Response time: 56.49 days

November 14, 2011

Cory Snyder (OF/SS) - November 12, 2011 - Response time: 217 days

Teams: Indians, White Sox, Blue Jays, Giants, Dodgers

Mr. Synder was voted one of the greatest players in Indians history. Though his career was cut short by injuries he managed to play for five teams and win a Silver Medal on the 1984 US Olympic Team.  I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 690 - finished
Responses: 255
Response Rate: 36.96%
Average Response time: 56.67 days

November 9, 2011

It's a sad day for Rowboat - TTM. As I was reading the paper today I saw an obituary for Bob Forsch. Mr. Forsch signed for me in late June and I received his card after just 11 days. He was on TV last Friday when he threw out the first pitch in Game 7 of the World Series. He was one of the very few pitchers in Major League history to throw more than one no-hitter in his career and the only St. Louis Cardinal with two; the only two ever thrown in old Busch Stadium. He is also one of the only pair of brothers (his bother Ken being the other half) to throw no-hitters. He was also a very good hitter, for a pitcher, with 12 home runs in his career. He won a World Series with the Cardinals in 1982. Last season he was the pitching coach for one of my favorite teams, the Billings Mustangs! I thank him again very much for signing and wish him the very best, where ever he is.

Bob Forsch

1950-2011

November 4, 2011

In one of my periodic and sporadic efforts to get more organized, I was cleaning through a bunch of old files and I found these autorgraphs. They're from 2002, when I was in college.

This is Mark Mulder, famously barely mentioned in Moneyball, despite being one of the best pitchers in the league that year.

:'( come back to us Peyton! Come back!!!!

October 31, 2011

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Tom Foley (2B/SS) - October 29, 2011 - Response time: 135 days

Teams: Reds, Phillies, Expos, Pirates, Expos

Mr. Foley was an infielder for a decade between the mid '80's and mid 90's. He was often a backup and played in games totaling of about 3.5 seasons during his career. Though a capable infielder he was not a capable pitcher,  a fact he proved during a game with the Expos in 1999. In 1/3 of an inning pitched he got one out and gave up a Home Run. He is currently the Third Base Coach for the Tampa Bay Rays. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 690 - finished
Responses: 254
Response Rate: 36.81%
Average Response time: 55.82 days

October 24, 2011

Jim Walewander (2B) - October 21, 2011 - Response time: 119 days

Teams: Tigers, Yankees, Angels

Mr. Walewander was a fan favorite who never really had the chance to live up to expectations. Highly touted when he was drafted he was stuck playing behind Alan Trammel (October 18, 2011). He retired after having played 162 days, exactly one full season, over the course of six years. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 690 - finished
Responses: 253
Response Rate: 36.67%
Average Response time: 55.51 days

October 19, 2011

Steve Lyons (3B/OF) - October 18, 2011 - Response time: 174 days

Teams: Red Sox, White Sox, Red Sox, Braves, Expos, Red Sox

Mr. Lyons was not a spectacular player but he was famous for his eccentricities. A play of his in 1990 where he pulled down his pants at first base to get dirt out after a close play is argue ably the greatest blooper in baseball history (the other being this one). After baseball he became a TV broadcaster but was fired from his job at fox after racially insensitive comments. He is currently a television broadcaster for the Dodgers. I thank him very much for signing.


Jerry Reed (P) - October 18, 2011 - Response time: 228 days

Teams: Phillies, Indians, Mariners, Red Sox.

Mr. Reed had a ten year Major League career across four teams. He is currently in the top five saves list on the Seattle Mariners. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 690 - finished
Responses: 252
Response Rate: 36.52%
Average Response time: 55.26 days

October 18, 2011 - 250 cards!!!

Alan Trammell (SS) - October 17, 2011 - Response time: 115 days

Teams (Player): Tigers
Teams (Manager): Tigers

Mr. Trammell played his entire career with the Detroit Tigers. While there he formed, along with Lou Whitaker, part of the longest double play combination in Major League history. He was recognized with a host of awards during his career including being a six time All Star, four time Gold Glove winner, three time Silver Slugger, World Series champion and World Series MVP in 1984 and the 1983 American League Comeback Player of the Year. He is currently the bench coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 690 - finished
Responses: 250
Response Rate: 36.23%
Average Response time: 54.09 days

October 12, 2011

Roger Craig (Manager) - October 11, 2011 - Response time: 12 days

Teams (Player): Dodgers (Brooklyn/Los Angeles), Mets, Cardinals, Reds, Phillies
Teams (Manager): Padres, Giants

Mr. Craig is the first autograph I've gotten from a former Brooklyn Dodger. Mr. Craig played for the team during its last three seasons in Booklyn and first three seasons in Los Angeles. He was present for Brooklyn's 1955 World Series Championship and also won with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1959 and Cardinals in 1964. He was chosen NL Manager of the Year for his leadership of the 1989 NL Champion Giants. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 690 - finished
Responses: 249
Response Rate: 36.09%
Average Response time: 53.85 days

October 11, 2011

Happy Birthday to my dad!!!!

Bill Buckner (1B) - October 6, 2011 - Response time: 8 days

Teams: Dodgers, Cubs, Red Sox, Angels, Royals, Red Sox

There's not much I can say about Mr. Buckner that isn't already known. He is most famous for his colossal and amazing error in the 1986 World Series. The Red Sox were one out from this first championship in a million years and he let a ball dribble between his legs. It was an honest mistake made at the worst possible time and Boston never forgave him for it and he was released in July of the following season despite having respectable numbers. The World Series error overshadowed an otherwise very impressive career. He ended up with over 2,700 hits and was one of the premier first basemen of the 70's and early 80's. I thank him very much for signing.


Tim Wallach (3B) - October 8, 2011 - Response time: 149 days

Teams: Expos, Dodgers, Angels, Dodgers

Mr. Wallach was the premier third baseman in baseball in the second half of the 1980's. He was an All-Star five times in seven years starting in 1984. He was a three time Gold Glove winner and twice won the Silver Slugger. Additionally, after several off years he won the 1984 NL Comeback Player of the Year Award. This was actually the second card I sent to Mr. Wallach. I sent the first to the Albuquerque Isotopes where he was manager last year. I never received any response. This card I sent to the Dodgers, where he is the 3rd Base Coach. I thank him very much for his response.

Cards sent: 690 - finished
Responses: 248
Response Rate: 35.94%
Average Response time: 54.02 days

October 6, 2011

Dave Martinez (OF) - October 5, 2011 - Response time: 317 days

Teams: Cubs, Expos, Reds, Giants, White Sox, Devil Rays, Cubs, Rangers, Blue Jays, Braves

Mr. Martinez is one of the few players in baseball history to have played for four different major league teams in a single season. In 2000 he started with the Devil Rays, then played for the Cubs and Rangers before finishing the season with the Blue Jays. His first trade, from the Cubs to the Expos, was allegedly because he was rumored to be sleeping with Cubs star Ryne Sandberg's wife. He is currently the bench coach for the Tampa Bay Rays, just eliminated from the playoffs by the Rangers. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 690 - finished
Responses: 246
Response Rate: 35.65%
Average Response time: 53.82 days

October 4, 2011 - MVP

New Response Time Record(s)!!!!

Don Mattingly (1B) - October 1, 2011 - Response time: 305 days

Teams (Player): Yankees
Teams (Manager): Dodgers

Mr. Mattingly was arguably the premier player in Major League Baseball in the mid to late 1980's. Among his many accomplishments were selection to six consecutive All-Star games (1984-1989), winner of nine Gold Glove awards (1985-1989, 1991-1994), three consecutive Silver Slugger awards (1985-1987) and selection as the 1985 American League MVP. His #23 has been retired by the Yankees. He is currently the manager of the much abused (though through no fault of his) Los Angeles Dodgers. I thank him for signing and his response time of 305 days sets a new record!


Randy St. Claire (P) - October 3, 2011 - Response time: 340 days

Teams: Expos, Reds, Twins, Braves, Blue Jays

After taking 305 days to respond, the tenure of Mr. Mattingly as my longest response time lasted exactly two days. Mr. St. Claire came along and shattered that with a 340 day effort. Mr. St. Claire was the 43rd card I sent out back on October 28, 2010. All that having been said Mr. St. Claire had a 10 year career and won the pennant twice with the Braves in 1991 and 1992. He is currently the pitching coach of the Florida Marlins. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 690 - finished
Responses: 245
Response Rate: 35.51%
Average Response time: 52.74 days

September 30, 2011

Tim Teufel (2B) - September 29, 2011 - Responset time: 100 days

Teams: Twins, Mets, Padres

I'm going to lead with this quote from Wikipedia, "Throughout his career, Teufel was also known for his batting stance, the "Teufel shuffle," in which he wiggled his buttocks back and forth before the pitcher's delivery." Not really sure how to top that but I'll try. Mr. Teufel was with the Mets in 1986 when the won the World Series. He is currently the manager of the Buffalo Bisons, the Mets AAA affiliate and traditional arch rival of my Indianapolis Indians. I thank him very much for signing.

NOTE: Thanks to Dave for pointing out that Mr. Teufel is the new Bench Coach for the Mets!

Cards sent: 689 - finished
Responses: 243
Response Rate: 35.27%
Average Response time: 50.52 days

September 29, 2011

I would first just like to wish my mother, who I am sure does not read this blog, a Happy Birthday!!!

Tony Pena (C) - September 28, 2011 - Response time: 96 days

Teams (Player): Pirates, Cardinals, Red Sox, Indians, White Sox, Astros
Teams (Manager): Royals

This is Mr. Pena's second time signing and his card pushes me above the 35% mark! He signed before over six months ago, way back on March 21, 2011. Mr. Pena was a quality ballplayer in his heyday.  He was a five time All Star and a four time Gold Glove winner.  He was also the manager of the year in 2003 with the Royals.  I thank him very much for signing again.

Cards sent: 689 - finished
Responses: 242
Response Rate: 35.12%
Average Response time: 50.32 days

September 21, 2011

Sid Bream (1B) - September 20, 2011 - Response time: 153 days

Teams: Dodgers, Pirates, Braves, Astros

Mr. Bream was a good major league baseball player with a career defining moment. In Game 7 of the 1991 National League Championship Series, playing for the Braves against the Pirates, he slid into home plate just under the tag. His run ended the game and sent the Braves to the World Series and began one of the longest (and, to my everlasting annoyance, least ultimately successful) dynasties in sports history. I thank him very much for signing, and for being safe.

Cards sent: 689 - finished
Responses: 241
Response Rate: 34.98%
Average Response time: 50.13 days

September 19, 2011

Jim Gott (P) - September 16, 2011 - Response time: 206 days

Teams: Blue Jays, Pirates, Giants, Dodgers

Mr. Gott was a relief pitcher and closer during his career. He set the Pirates single season saves record in 1988, with 34 saves. He is also one of the only pitchers in the modern era to hit two home runs in one game which he did on May 12, 1985. He was also the pitching coach for Dennis Quaid during film for The Rookie. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 689 - finished
Responses: 240
Response Rate: 34.83%
Average Response time: 49.49 days

September 12, 2011

Tim Conroy (P) - September 10, 2011 - Response time: 87 days

Teams: A's, Cardinals

Mr. Conroy had a nine year career which started impressively when he was called up to the major leagues right out of high school, with no minor league experience at all. He subsequently spent a couple of seasons in the minors before making it to the bigs for good. I thank him very much for signing.


John Russell (C) - September 9, 2011 - Response time: 163 days

Teams (Player): Phillies, Braves, Rangers
Teams (Manager): Pirates

Mr. Russell was the Phillies starting catcher prior to the emergence of Darren Daulton (April 21, 2011). He has the distinction of having caught Nolan Ryan's 6th No-Hitter when he was with the Rangers on June 11, 1990. After his retirement he went into coaching and was the manager of the Pirates from 2008 through last season. He was hired as 3rd Base Coach for the Orioles last season but because of on-going knee issues he traded with Willie Randolph and became Bench Coach. I thank him very much for signing.


Cards sent: 689 - finished
Responses: 239
Response Rate: 34.69%
Average Response time: 49.05 days

September 7, 2011

Pat Pacillo (P) - September 6, 2011 - Response time: 76 days

Teams: Reds

Mr. Pacillo had a very short lived career. He played for one season and 8 days and was on the 1984 United States Olympic team with the likes of Mark McGwire, Will Clark (3/23/11) and Barry Larkin. I thank him very much for signing and also for including the note of "Sam - Best Wishes" on the card.


Lee Guetterman (P) - September 6, 2011 - Response time: 259 days

Teams: Mariners, Yankees, Mets, Cardinals, Mariners

Mr. Guetterman holds the distinction of being one of the few players ever to be involved in a trade between the two New York baseball franchises when he was dealt from the Yankees to the Mets. He played his last game in the majors in 1996 but stuck around the game, finally calling it quits with the Sioux Falls Canaries in 2007. I thank him very much for signing.


Bob Sebra (P) - September 6, 2011 - Response time: 95 days

Teams: Rangers, Expos, Phillies, Reds, Brewers

I really wish there was more to say here. Anyone who played for the Expos deserves a longer entry than the one he has on Wikipedia. In the absence of anything I know to be true I'll just make something up. Mr. Sebra is the only pitcher to have punched Sadam Hussein in the face and kicked Hitler in the nuts. It's a very interesting story but one that I just don't have time to go into here. Needless to say the man is an American patriot. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 689 - finished

Responses: 237

Response Rate: 34.40%
Average Response time: 48.41 days

September 6, 2011

Bob Patterson (P) - September 2, 2011 - Response time: 72 days

Teams: Padres, Pirates, Rangers, Angels, Cubs

Mr. Patterson had a thirteen year Major League career. He had no particularly amazing statistics but still left a positive mark on the game. During his career, Patterson was known as the Glove Doctor: many players, even from opposing teams, would ask Patterson to repair their broken gloves. Patterson would spend his time in the bullpen during games repairing and relacing gloves, sometimes incorporating coat hangers, tongue depressers, and extra leather.

Cards sent: 689 - finished

Responses: 234

Response Rate: 33.96%
Average Response time: 47.19 days

September 1, 2011

John Morris (OF) - August 31, 2011 - Response time: 71 days

Teams: Cardinals, Phillies, Angels

I wish there was more to say here, but there's just not much on Wikipedia about Mr. Morris. He played for seven seasons across three teams. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 689 - finished

Responses: 233

Response Rate: 33.82
Average Response time: 47.08 days

August 30, 2011

In the span of a week I experience a (rather surprising) earthquake and a (rather underwhelming) hurricane. But, in the words of the un-official motto of the United States Postal Service, "Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night, stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds."

Phil Lombardi (C) - August 29, 2011 - Response time: 138 days

Teams: Yankees, Mets

Mr. Lombardi had the ignominy of committing an error in his first chance, mis-throwing an attempt to throw out a stealing Bret Butler at second base. It was his only career error at catcher. He had a short career but managed to play for every major league team currently in the state of New York. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 689 - finished

Responses: 232

Response Rate: 33.67
Average Response time: 46.98 days

August 25, 2011 - Cy Young

These cards represents a special milestone for me. With these two cards I have reached a 1/3 response rate. I didn't really have a goal starting out but it quickly became apparent to me that 1/3 was as high as it was ever reasonable to expect. Every card beyond this is just extra gravy.

Bret Saberhagen (P) - August 24, 2011

Teams: Royals, Mets, Rockies, Red Sox

Mr. Saberhagen was truly one of the great players in baseball from the mid-80's to the mid-90's. During that time he took home a host of awards and titles including two Cy Young awards, a world championship, World Series MVP, a Gold Glove award, three All-Star selections and the AL Comeback Player of the Year award in 1998. I would like to thank him very much for signing both cards and give a shout out to my family in KC!

Cards sent: 687 - finished

Responses: 229

Response Rate: 33.3333333333333% = 1/3
Average Response time: 46.81 days

August 24, 2011

So I survived the great DC Earthquake yesterday. A little scary, very weird and, as far as I'm concerned, hopefully a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Jim Leyland (Manager) - August 23, 2011 - Response time: 295 days NEW RECORD!!!

Teams (Manager): Pirates, Marlins, Rockies, Tigers

Mr. Leyland is one of those rare Managers who never actually played Major League Baseball. He was in the minors but never made it to the Show. He began managing in the minors and eventually made his way to the Pirates in 1986. Since then he has won a World Series with the Marlins (1997), been NL Manager of the Year twice (1990, 1992) and AL Manager of the Year once (2006). He is currently the manager of the Detroit Tigers who are in the midst of a pennant race. I thank Mr. Leyland very very much for taking the time to sign for me and forgive him for taking almost a year to do it. :-)


Mike Marshall (OF) - August 23, 2011 - Response time: 186 days

Teams: Dodgers, Mets, Red Sox, Angels, Nippon Ham Fighters (Japan)

Mr. Marshall's career started off swimmingly. He won the Triple Crown in the Pacific Coast League (AAA) in 1981. At the end of the minor league season he was promoted to the Dodgers where he arrived just in time to win the first of two World Series with the team (the other being 1988). In his first major league at bat he hit a home run which was mistakenly ruled a double (he found out the truth years later). He never developed into a superstar but he had a solid career over a decade, including an All-Star election in 1984, before finishing in Japan. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 687 - finished

Responses: 227

Response Rate: 33.04%
Average Response time: 46.81 days

August 22, 2011 - 225 Cards!

Barry Lyons (C) - August 20, 2011 - Response time: 60 days

Teams: Mets, Dodgers, Angels, White Sox

Mr. Lyons had a four year minor league career before joining the Mets. He won a A championship in 1983, a AA championship in 1984, a AAA championship in 1985 and the World Series with the Mets in 1986. I've never even heard of something like this before but that's pretty amazing. Otherwise Mr. Lyons had a long, if undistinguished career. He was most often a backup but his poor hitting prevented him from becoming a consistent starter. I thank him very much for signing.


Greg Harris (P) - August 20, 2011 - Response time: 65 days

Teams: Mets, Reds, Expos, Padres, Rangers, Phillies, Red Sox, Yankees, Expos
 
Mr. Harris is best known as the only pitcher in the modern era to pitch with either arm. He did so only once in a game though, walking one and retiring three batters. I thank him very much for signing.

Cards sent: 687 - finished

Responses: 225

Response Rate: 32.75%
Average Response time: 45.09 days

August 12, 2011

Kurt Stillwell (SS) - August 11, 2011 - Response time: 99 days

Teams: Reds, Royals, Padres, Angels, Rangers

For reasons I'm not really sure about, and quite disproportionate to his actual impact as a player, Mr. Stillwell stands out in my mind as someone awesome. Again, not sure why, but he does. He was an All-Star in 1988 with the Royals. I thank him very much for signing.


Bob Brower (OF) - August 11, 2011 - Response time: 57 days

Teams: Rangers, Yankees

There's unfortunately not much to say here. Mr. Brower had a three year career with the Rangers and the Yankees. He hit 17 home runs though, which is 17 more than I hit as a major leaguer, so I have to give him credit for that. I thank him very much for signing.


Pete Incaviglia (Rangers Leaders) - August 11, 2011 - Response time: 48 days

Teams: Rangers, Tigers, Astros, Phillies, Chiba Lotte Marines (Japan), Phillies, Orioles, Yankees, Tigers, Astros

This is Mr. Incaviglia's second time signing for me, which I really appreciate. I got his other response on March 31st. Mr. Incaviglia is a member of the College Baseball Hall-of-Fame and has a rather obscure rule in professional baseball named for him. I thank him, again, very much for signing.

Cards sent: 687 - finished

Responses: 223

Response Rate: 32.46%
Average Response time: 44.93 days

August 11, 2011

Dwayne Henry (P) - August 10, 2011 - Response time: 54 days

Teams: Rangers, Braves, Astros, Reds, Mariners, Chunichi Dragons (Japan), Tigers

Mr. Henry was a middle reliever from the mid 80's to the mid 90's. He didn't make many waves during his time in the majors but all the same I thank him very much for signing. In addition to the card I sent him he included a signed 1991 Topps card, from his time with the Braves.

Darrel Akerfelds (P) - August 10, 2011 - Response time: 62 days

Teams: A's, Indians, Rangers, Phillies

Mr. Akerfelds was a relief pitcher for a number of organizations throughout his career. He was moderately successful until 1990 when it appeared he was on the rise. He was near the top of the league in appearances that season but he wasn't able to translate that into long term success. He stats worsened the following year and he was sent down to the minors where he was converted into a starting pitcher and spent his final few years as a pro. I thank him very much for signing and I would like to give an (increasingly rare) shout out to Lauren. Go Indians!

Cards sent: 687 - finished

Responses: 220

Response Rate: 32.02%
Average Response time: 44.62 days