The baseball cards that I mailed out to spring training camps in Arizona and Florida have been making their way back to me this week.
I got my first autograph from a New York Mets player, pitcher Jeremy Hefner, who was claimed off waivers in December after spending his entire minor league career in the San Diego Padres organization. Hefner is likely ticketed for the Buffalo Bisons rotation, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in a Mets uniform at some point this season.
The other new additions to my collection have included:
Signed Mark Melancon 2012 Topps card
My favorite card of the week was signed and personalized to me from former Houston Astros closer Mark Melancon. This year, he’ll be handling setup duties in the Boston Red Sox bullpen.
Signed Colby Lewis 2012 Topps card
Texas Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis has started three World Series games over the past two years.
Signed Vance Worley 2012 Topps card
Pitcher Vance Worley went 11-3 for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2011.
Signed Justin De Fratus 2012 Topps card
Pitcher Justin De Fratus made his major league debut last September. I only wrote to two Phillies players, but I got both of those cards back already.
Signed Liam Hendriks 2012 Topps card
Australian Liam Hendriks also made his major league debut last September. He was honored as the Minnesota Twins’ 2011 Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
For my fellow through-the-mail autograph collectors, how have you been doing so far this spring?
Nice successes! I’ve had a few trickle in – Rivera, Noesi, Brackman, Romine, R Soriano, Adam Warren to name a few.
Sounds like you’ve done very well so far!
I’ve sent out a total of 20 and haven’t gotten a single one back yet.
Hopefully some will start turning up next week.
Nice job, Paul! I’m sure I’ll be lucky to get a 2012 card signed by July.
Thanks! Good luck – I’m sure you’ll be able to get some 2012 cards signed before July. :=)
Nice score on the Hendriks! Man, I haven’t TTM’d in so long.