365 Letters, the first batch...

Well folks the challenge has been underway for a few days now, and so far my preparations have been going well. I've sent a want list to a friend to track some specific cards down for me, and hopefully they'll come through in the next few weeks.

It's been an interesting task so far. I've always seen each autographed card as a gift that the player decided to give to me. I felt lucky that the player enjoyed my letter and chose to give me their autograph. When a player goes even farther and responds to the questions posed in my letter I truly do appreciate them sharing an insight into their life and playing career.

Even though I do have a high goal for the number of requests I'd like to send out does not mean I care about the number more than the player. Every player's career from the Hall of Famer or the bullpen contributer is valuable to me. I have way more than the 365 cards I need to send out, but each letter sent out is chosen for a specific reason, some aspect of their career or the card itself that speaks to me and makes me want to know more. I don't want to cheapen the experience by just thumbing through a stack of dollar packs and cranking out letters.

Part of that means then that I'd like to share the reason I've sent out each request and talk about the experience.

1. Jim Rice, I picked Mr. Rice because as a big Red Sox fan, I can't imagine undergoing a task of this sort without writing him. Having met Fred Lynn in person, I'd really like to complete interacting with such a fabled Red Sox outfield.
2. Rusty Greer, When the Rangers come to town there is always so much talk about Michael Young and what he means to the Rangers. But I wondered, who were the Rangers before Michael Young became such an essential part of the franchise? That'd be Mr. Rusty Greer. So what does he think of the Rangers now?
3. Mike Davis, With the Dodgers now struggling their last glory was in 1988 and Mr. Davis is the actual run scored by Kirk Gibson's walk off home run. How does he reflect on his time with them now?
4. Lee May, with David Ortiz having been up for a new contract as one of the top DH's in the league I wondered who was the Big Papi before Papi.
5. Richard Dotson, I've always been interested in the starters who could routinely go the distance despite not having huge strikeout numbers. What was the key?
6. Bud Black, I found one of his older cards in my collection that I didn't realize I had. He's a continuation of getting the 2002 World Series Angels.
7. Derek Lowe, Winning pitcher that broke the curse of the Bambino for one of the greatest playoff runs in MLB history? Essentially Derek Lowe can do no wrong in my eyes. 
8. Barry Larkin, Congratulatory letter on his recent induction to the Hall.
9. Carl Erskine, all star TTM responder who I've never had the pleasure of interacting with.
10. Adam Kennedy, local boy done good to win the Angels first World Series title. Enough said.
11. Ryan Howard, My little sister recently completed her first art piece that was screened onto canvas. It was of Ryan Howard and I had to write him as a result.
12. Jed Lowrie, With the Astro's coming to the AL West, I decided it was necessary to write someone while they're still in their native NL. What's better than a former Red Sox player?
13. Will Venable, While researching past Angels I stumbled on his dad. Seeing a baseball family is always interesting let alone one where the players stay close to their roots made me want to collect him.
14. Dave Stewart, With Matt Kemp being brought up due to the Braun MVP controversy I looked up details on his extension. Realizing his agent was a former player who also threw a no hitter and part of multiple World Series winners meant I had to write him.
15. Matt Cain, with CJ Wilson coming to the Angels I thought about his performance in his first World Series and decided to write the man who out dueled him on the way to a World Series upset.
16. Al Fitzmorris, a member of the Royals who was a consistent producer along the lines of Richard Dotson I wanted his opinion on going deep in the game.
17. Phil Hughes, another hometown boy who has done good. He actually pitched in the All Star game at Angel Stadium, and I'd like to know what that experience was like.

It's been fun and I hope that I start to get a few of these responses back. It'd be nice to get the 2011 responses back, but getting a few of the responses from this task would really help me keep the motivation and carry on.

The 365 Letter Challenge

While everyone has already cranked out their 2012 to do list, resolutions, and goals I decided to wait a bit and really take everyone's ideas in for my first New Year with this blog. I thought back to the helpful comments that were left in the Balk 6 - Calling all readers... post and have decided to make a few tweaks that will appear when baseball season resumes.

The Challenge:
I'm really planning on picking up the pace on my TTM collecting this year. While I think my first few months in the hobby have been fairly productive in getting responses and autographs I really think I can do better. Some of the responses I've gotten have just left me with so many more questions and needing to know more about the men who played the game.

As a result I'm looking to begin a huge undertaking, one that is undoubtedly going to leave a hefty mark on my wallet at the least from the stamps and envelopes let alone the cards. 365 letters mailed by December 31st 2012.

While I doubt that I'll be writing a letter every actual day and will be doubling/tripling/bakers dozening up, that's the goal. 365 letters sent to players active, retired, and on the rise as prospects.

I'm really asking for the blogging community to help me with this task. I can already tell that there will be lulls and times when the task seems overwhelming. I'll still be posting my returns and letters as the challenge goes on, so please comment, email, or even write snail mail. Leave ideas of players or themes to keep the letter writing task interesting, some days I just look at my piles of cards and feel I owe more than just picking a card from the stack to these men. If I ask their time in my letter I owe them a thoughtful reason for interrupting their daily lives beside I got their card in a dollar pack and chance chose them.

This page View Page will list each letter in the order I write them all the way up to the final 365th. Please readers, pass this undertaking along so even more people can watch the craziness I'm about to force upon myself. Feel free to comment as I update and thank you all in advance.

RBI (52) A Slammin' Salmon...

That's right folks the Tim "King Fish" Salmon. Angel readers need no introduction to the King Fish, but the rest of you can enjoy the recap to the franchises' greatest homegrown player.

A native of Long Beach, the Angels took Salmon in the 3rd round of the 1989 draft. Salmon eventually made his debut in the bigs in 1992 for a cup of coffee in the form of 23 games.

The Angels would keep him up for the following 1993 season, and Salmon would overcome his 1992 difficulties to mash his way to Rookie of the Year Honors. The power would maintain throughout his career and in 1995, he was given the Silver Slugger award. Salmon would patrol the outfield for years, but in 2001 have a largely disappointing season as his elite power and average would leave him. 2002 would prove to be a bounce back year as the Fish would help the franchise win it's first World Series Championship, and he would claim the AL Comeback Player of the Year award. When he finally hung up his cleats after 14 seasons with the Angels he would have 299 Home Runs, 1016 RBI, .282 average, and an impressive .385 OBP.

When the Angels hosted the 2010 All Star Game they were sure to include Salmon in the festivities and he won the celebrity softball game's MVP award. He also flexed his muscles in a home run derby contest to wow fans with his ability to still drive the ball.

I was able to get Tim Salmon's autograph on those at Angel stadium during the 2011 season when he began doing pregame broadcasts for the team. The first is a 1994 Upper Deck, a 1996 Score, and lastly a 1996 Topps signed "To Ryan Tim Salmon ROY '93" When I asked Mr. Salmon if he could "Please sign 'ROY'," he asked "Why?" I couldn't think of a response beyond the most obvious and truthful, "Because you're awesome and it'd just look really cool."

I was able to get this Tim Salmon's autographed ball during his signing during the Angel 50th Anniversary celebration.

There is some debate as to whether Salmon's numbers are worthy of entry into the Hall of Fame when comparing his numbers to those of his peers. However if you realize that he did them clean in a era of baseball highly in debate, it's a tough sell to deny him entry. Especially as a broadcaster he's been media friendly, so unlike some candidates there shouldn't be an overwhelming lockout for personal reasons/clashes. I wouldn't be surprised to eventually see him get a plaque in Cooperstown....except it won't happen via the BBWAA vote. On Salmon's first year of eligibility he was given 5 votes, well below the minimum needed to stay on the ballot. I like how 5 voters shared the same wave length that I did, but any trip to Cooperstown will have to be as a vacation unless the Veterans Committee decides to give Salmon a nod.

RBI (51) A TTM and In person success...

It's not often that as a fan you have access to a former player, that's part of why TTM collecting and getting letter responses is so special. It's even less often that the player is someone of the top tier. I was able to have a few opportunities to get closer Troy "Percy" Percival's autograph.

The Southern California native was taken in the 6th round of the 1990 draft by the California Angels. Originally drafted as a defensive catcher, Percival eventually made his debut in 1995 as a pitcher when coaching staff members realized his throws back to the pitcher were faster than the actual pitch. When Percival debuted in 1995 he stayed with the big league club making a astounding 62 appearances his rookie year. Since his call up he was a reliable anchor of the bullpen as a career closer.

For his 14 season career he would play primarily for the Angels but would spend the end between the Tigers, Cardinals, and finally the Rays. Injuries would make closing a difficult task, but clubs continued to bet on the ever reliable "Percy" in hopes to find a diamond in the rough. Eventually he would retire and end his comeback attempts with stellar stats. 8th all-time with 358 Saves,  Percival would have a career 3.17 ERA to go with 781 Strikeouts and a 35-43 record. He would be be a 4-time All-Star and member of the 2002 World Series champion Angels.

The 8th and 9th inning would always be the favorite part of the game for me when Scot Shields and Percy would come to lock down the game and send the Angels home with a win. Knowing Percival came from a mere 20 minutes away also made me root hard for the hometown boy. I also know he has been active coaching locally for his son's team and helping coach at a local high school. I'm really appreciative he's giving back still to Southern California baseball.

I was able to get this Topps 2011 Angels team card signed through the 50th Anniversary promotion. I got a nice sense of symmetry having my favorite Angel player growing up sign the Topps 60th Anniversary team card in the Angels 50th Anniversary year.

I sent this 1996 Score card to Percy's home address, I love the trademark expression he's making in the action shot. It always looked like he was excited to bare down and make the pitch count. Percival was nice enough to sign and return the card in 61 Days.

The crown jewel though was this ball. While at an Angel game I heard from a friend that Percy was actually in attendance and they knew where he was sitting. Deciding to not intrude on his game experience we watched the game away from his section, and waited to ask him if he could sign for us on his walk out at the end of the game. Percy didn't seem to mind signing for a few people on his way out and was really nice about it, even sweet spotting it unprompted. Its one of my favorite autographs and I'm really happy to put this Troy Percival autographed baseball in my collection. The ball is a game used certified by MLB from Jered Weaver to Russell Martin foul ball from the September 9th, 2011 Yankees and Angels game.

I'm not sure if the Angels will retire his number or add him to the Angel Hall of Fame, but if I got a vote he'd be in there for sure. He is a member of the Angels Hall of Fame by being a member since the entire 2002 World Series team was inducted but I hope they add him individually. I also got a Troy Percival autographed World Series baseball and it's a nice piece to go along with the other Percival autographs I have.

RBI (50) A dream Weaver...

Or at least it the level of pitching he has on the mound is the thing of dreams. Jered "Weave" Weaver, resident Angel ace has always been a tough cookie both on the mound for hitters and as a signer for collectors.

Weaver was taken in the 1st round of the 2004 draft by the Angels as the 12th pick, having slid due to clubs being wary of the ability to sign him. The Angels took a gamble on the Southern California native and Long Beach State product and it went down to the wire before they were able to sign him. The gamble has undoubtedly paid off for the Angel organization, and he has been a bargain for the level of pitcher they signed.

Despite being in a rotation featuring Dan Haren, CJ Wilson, and Ervin Santana, Weave is the undisputed ace. In six seasons so far with the Angels he has an 82-47 record supported by 977 Strikeouts and a 3.31 ERA. Weaver is already a 2 time All-Star and led the American League in Strikeouts in 2010. He finished 5th in AL Cy Young voting in 2010, and improved to 2nd in 2011, only being topped by a historic performance by Justin Verlander. Having signed a massive extension those impressive statistics and accomplishments will only continue to improve as Weaver remains with the Angels at least through 2016.

What is also impressive is the amount of charity and community work that Weaver is involved with. Weaver has long been a ambassador for the Special Olympics Southern California and makes repeated appearances in support of the organization and youth charities.

As with all players of that elite caliber, getting an autograph can be difficult but I have been able to be successful on occasion. At the press conference where Weaver and the Angels announced his extension I was able to get Weaver to sign this 2006 Topps Rookie Card.

When I was at the CJ Wilson and Albert Pujols press conference, Weaver walked over to the crowd before he spoke to the media and started to sign. Already having the rookie card signed, I opted for something more themed and asked Weave to sign this Topps 2011 All Star card since Weave had the distinction of starting the 2011 All Star game.

I'm definitely proud to have both of these cards in my collection and glad to have Weaver leading the Angel pitching staff for years to come.

RBI (49) Memorabilia from a career 1st...

Though it most certainly will not be the last. I'm not quite sure if it's shown but I am a big fan of Angel center fielder Peter Bourjos. Not only was Pete my first TTM success (visible on the link) but he's an Angel product through and through. In person he's a great signer and I really do enjoy getting to interact with Pete at the stadium and he's been nice enough to sign a few things for me.

I'd have to say the greatest thing that I've been able to get Pete to sign is a pretty significant piece of memorabilia from his career. I was able to purchase his Game Used Jersey from his first career MLB Jackie Robinson Day. Certified by MLB and covered in dirt from US Cellular Field. Pete went 1 for 3 with a Walk in the Angels win.

I was really excited to be able to get Bourjos' jersey because in 2010 I could tell that this would be a breakout season for him. While I do think he was robbed of the 2011 Gold Glove in center field, I'm sure he's going to get plenty of hardware throughout his career.

Here you can see that Pete was nice enough to take the time and put his full signature and number on the front of the jersey number. It's awesome to have this one of a kind Peter Bourjos autographed jersey in my collection and is a piece I'll always treasure.

You can see the back of the jersey with the Angel patches for the 2011 season, the traditional "A" altered so the halo would be gold for the 50th Anniversary instead of silver.

Again you can see the anniversary gold Halo, club house Sharpied number on the inside, and the sweet dirt Pete picked up during the game.

Definitely one of the best highlight pieces I'll ever be able to have in my collection. Here's to a promising career of Peter roaming center field and tearing up the base paths Jackie Robinson Day after Jackie Robinson Day.

RBI (48) One heck of a TTM Barr...

As the holiday season rolls around I wasn't sure if there would be an increase in TTM response or a decrease as people became busy with family functions and holiday celebrations. In the case of former pitcher Jim Barr, it was speedy holiday cheer he sent me.

A California native Barr was a 3rd round draft pick by the San Francisco Giants in the 1970 June Secondary out of USC. He actually has the distinction of being able to play almost his entire baseball career for a California team since he went from USC to the San Francisco Giants to the California Angels and back to the San Francisco Giants. There was a brief stint with the White Sox farm club the Edmonton Trappers, but never a MLB appearance and California won't hold it against him.

Barr was a consistent producer for the teams he played for regardless of the role he filled. In the rotation or bullpen he was a consistent out producer, setting a record for number of consecutive batters retired in 1971 until Mark Buehrle broke his mark of 41 in 2009. By the time he finally hung up his glove he would have a 101-112 career record across 454 Games Appeared and 252 Starts with a 3.56 ERA. Of those 252 Starts he would have 64 Complete Games, an astounding 25% of his starts ending with him still on the mound. His time as an occasional closer would also be successful as he would have 12 Saves spread across his career as managers entrusted him with the game despite only modest Strikeout numbers.

Mr. Barr is known to be a very active in helping youth grow an appreciation for the game. For 16 years he was the pitching coach for Sacramento State University helping mold young pitchers with his strong work ethic. He's kindness and passion for the game is clearly evident in his responses to my letter:

What was it like to get your 100th Win with the Giants?
For some pitchers the milestone is fleeting and a big focus, for Barr he demonstrates why he was such a great clubhouse guy throughout his career, "I never knew I was at that mark until reading about it - I was trying to focus on my next win an how the team did."

How did you prepare to transition from starting to closing?
Most starters have their pre-start ritual every 5th day, but as a reliever there's no luxury of having time to prepare to come into the game. Barr not shutted between the rotation and bullpen throughout his career but did it effectively, "The biggest difference is mental. You prepare yourself to pitch every day as a reliever."

What do you consider to be your career year?
Consistently a club focused player he writes, "1976 was good but I think my most productive year to the team was 1972" selecting his 8-10 record with a 2.87 ERA over 44 games and 18 Starts with 2 Saves over the 15-12, 2.89 ERA, 252.1 inning full year he spent in Giants rotation.

What was your favorite city to play in as a visitor?
Surprisingly despite all his years in the MLB's western divisions, "Chicago probably was my most favorite."

How were you able to consistently throw Complete Games?
Of his 252 starts not only were 64 Complete Games but 20 of those games were Shut Outs, "Being able to focus till the end - Not just till I get tired. Pitching well to the end was more important than just 5-6-7 good innings."


Jim Barr autographed my Topps 1981 card I got through the Diamond Giveaway and respond to the accompanying letter sent to his home address in only 7 Days.