May 17, 2011 - Rookie of the Year

I came back from vacation to four cards, including a couple of good ones!

Bobby Bonilla (OF/1B) - May 16, 2011 - Response time: 26 days

Teams: White Sox, Pirates, Orioles, Marlins, Dodgers, Mets, Braves, Cardinals

Mr. Bonilla was one of the premier baseball players of the late 80's and early 90's.  He and Barry Bonds were the power duo in Pittsburgh during the Pirates most recent (take that liberally) heyday.  He also has the distinction of signing one of the best contracts in the history of baseball.  Sports figures have a reputation as being somewhat profligate and ill-advised with their money.  After his second stint with the Mets, the team sent him on to the Atlanta Braves.  As part of the deal however, the Mets agreed to pay out the remainder of Bonilla's contract by deferring the $5.9 million that he was due. The Mets will pay him 25 equal payments of $1,193,248.20 every July 1 from 2011 until 2035.  That is just amazing.  I thank him very much for signing.  Although he played for eight teams, he's best known for being a Pirate, and he's a Pirate in this card, so Terry gets a shout out!

Steve Sax (2B) - May 16, 2011 - Response time: 14 days

Teams: Dodgers, Yankees, White Sox, A's

Mr. Sax is best known, in my mind, for appearing on the Simpsons as a ringer for the Burns Nuclear Plant softball team.  He was also a five-time All-Star, Silver Slugger winner, Rookie of the Year in 1982 and a two time World Series winner.  I thank him very much for signing.  I'd like to say high to Sarah and her lovely sisters and remind them that friends don't let friends go to Dodgers games without Seal Team 6 as escorts.  Also, Wes gets a shout out as my most hardcore Simpsons fan friend.

Doug Jones (P) - May 16, 2011 - Response time: 20 days

Teams: Brewers, Indians, Astros, Phillies, Orioles, Cubs, Brewers, Indians, A's

Mr. Jones was a five time All-Star in the late 80's and early 90's.  He was one of the dominant closers of the era and set the Indians club save record with 37 in 1988.  He was the oldest player in the Major Leagues when retired.  I thank him very much for signing and congratulate Lauren on having the best team in the majors!!!


Craig Lefferts (P) - May 16, 2011 - Response time: 164 days

Teams: Cubs, Padres, Giants, Padres, Orioles, Rangers, Angels

Mr. Lefferts played over a decade of solid baseball across half a dozen teams. He lead the league in games pitched (83) in 1986 which means he appeared in over half of the Padres games that year. I thank him very much for signing and I'd like to say hi to Kelley.

Cards sent: 512
Responses: 136
Response Rate: 26.56%
Average Response time: 46.94 days