Mike's Guide to TTM autos
by Mike Wittman
TTM autos are one of the most
worthwhile things to do in cards. There is nothing like getting the mail and
seeing a SASE that was sent from a player, then wondering who it was. I will
give basic instruction as well as tips and tricks to sending to the players.
What are TTM autos?
TTM stands for "through the mail." Some players will autograph cards or other
items sent to them in care of the team. You can never be sure that these items
are authentic, but many, many are.
NOTE! DISCLAIMER!: I will mention certain players as part of my personal
collection of TTM autos. I haven't sent one out in a while. Players' signing
habits may change. Just because they signed for me doesn't mean they'll sign for
you.
How do I get them?
As the name suggests, TTM autos are received through the mail. Here are the
steps to take to get the autos.
1.Choose a player to send to. Note that big stars will usually not sign cards
because of the sheer volume of fan mail they have. Choose the player carefully.
2. Choose a card of the player you wouldn't mind losing (a common or cheap
insert) because the player may not sign the card.
3. Write a SHORT letter, and I stress the shortness. Some people insist on
putting all kinds of stuff like career highlights and other stuff. However, my
philosophy is if your getting a lot of fan mail, I would think athletes would
not even read the notes and if they do just very briefly. I'm sure they would
appreciate the shortness. Here is the letter I use in all my mailings. We're
going to pretend I'm sending to Boston's Trot Nixon
Dear Mr. Nixon(just replace the Nixon with your player's name)
I think you are a great player.
May I please have your autograph?
Thank you very much,
Sincerely,
(your name)
I can usually hand write it on a "scratch pad", which makes it easier to put it
in the envelope. You can get scratch pads at office supply stores.
4. Address your SASE. I usually use a small envelope to do my SASE (self
addressed stamped envelope). Address it like:
Your name
Your address
Your address
Also, put a return address label or write in a return address in case there is a
problem, you wont lose your card. Make sure to stamp your SASE.
5. Address your envelope. I like to use a #10 envelope. Address it like this:
Trot Nixon (still using the Nixon example, change it as necessary)
c/o Boston Red Sox
4 Yawkey Way
Boston, MA 02215
Again, replace Nixon's name and information with the correct one for your player
and team. You can get the addresses for the teams at
http://www.beckett.com/news/teamaddress.asp
6. Put everything in your main envelope, seal and stamp. You're all set!
Be patient in receiving your card. It can take months or even years to get a
card back. And don't be upset if the card never comes back, just try someone
else.
Here's a list of all my successes. Again, I have to stress that just because
they signed for me doesn't mean they'll sign for you.
NHL:
Chris Pronger
Derian Hatcher
Roberto Luongo
Peter Bondra
Mike Modano
Nikolai Khabibulin
Jere Lehtinen
Marisuz Czerkawski
Darius Kasparitus
Miroslav Satan
Patrick Marleau
Patrik Stefan
Chris Chelios
Teemu Selanne
Paul Kariya
Alex Tanguay
P.J. Axelsson
Pavel Bure
Kenny Jonsson
Jason Allison
Jason Arnott
Luc Robitaille
David Legwand
Andrew Burnett
Martin Brodeur
Glen Murray
MLB:
Greg Maddux
Warren Morris
Jay Gibbons
Mark Teixeira
A.J. Burnett
Jason Schmidt
David Eckstein
Aubrey Huff
Jason Varitek
Garrett Anderson
Rusty Greer
Ben Sheets
David Justice
Sean Casey
Eli Marrero
Billy Koch
Doug Mientkiewicz
Orlando Palmiero
Tim Salmon
Jason Standridge
Luis Gonzalez
Shea Hillenbrand
Jace Brewer
C.C. Sabathia
Gabe Kapler
David Segui
Andy Benes
Eric Brynes
Bill Hall
Joe Mays
Trot Nixon
Tony Batista
Quilvio Veras
Chipper Jones
Corey Koskie
Shawn Green
Mickey Morandini
Shawn Estes
Rico Brogna
Retired:
Mike Schmidt
Bobby Thomson
Fred Lynn
Nascar:
Bobby Hamilton
RIcky Rudd
Kyle Petty
Steling Marlin
Well, that's the end of my guide to TTM autos. Enjoy, and have fun collecting
what is one of my favorite parts of the hobby!!