My Collecting Story: Collecting Jimmy Rollins (UPDATE)

I have been collecting memorabilia related to Jimmy Rollins since he broke onto the scene in September 2000.  I don't have a lot of disposable income, so I have to pick and choose my spots for buying things related to the shortstop.  The first part of my Rollins collection was documented in a post back in 2011 - but, there have been a few updates to share since then:

Game Used Hats

I like collecting game used hats because they are a relatively inexpensive and don't take up a lot of room.  I've been buying them here and there over the past 10 years, but just got my first Jimmy Rollins gamer, his 2012 red, last year.  I jumped at the chance to buy his 2013 hat a few weeks ago, and would like to add one from earlier in his career - at some point.

Game Used Jerseys

My collection of game used jerseys is nice.  No more, no less.  I don't have a lot of them, but decided to make a small investment and buy two Rollins.  My thought: I would rather have a few that mean something than a bunch of no-names that don't.  Like the hats I mentioned ealier, the jerseys date from the past two seasons - one away gray and one home alternate.  The away jersey must have been taken right off his back after the game, it is completely soiled from a head first slide.

Artwork

Not the most expensive item in my collection, this oil painting by Philly artist Lou Baker may be my favorite.  I have a few of Baker's works, including two of Mike Schmidt.  Guess I'm an amateur art collector, too... 

Phillies TTM: Who's Signing

I don't generally do themes for these TTM posts, but based on recent successes, one jumped out at me: Guys With Short Phillies Careers, and Long TTM Response Times.  OK, maybe it needs a little work, but you get the idea.  Here are some recent responses from guys who have great success track records...

Doug Jones

Jones stepped in to close for the Phils after Mitch Williams was run out of town... er, moved to Houston following the 1993 season. His short career in red pinstripes was successful, as he saved 27 games and earned a spot on the NL All-Star team.  He is a good signer through the mail, but does tend to build up a stack before responding, so be prepared to wait if you write...

129 East Navilla Place  Covina, CA 91723

Bruce Chen

After coming to the Phillies in the Andy Ashby trade, Chen pitched in parts of the 2000 and 2001 seasons.  Throughout his career he has been a reliable signer in care of his home club.  The rash of returns he recently registered were sent during the season.  Keep an eye on where he lands this off-season, and try him in camp again next Spring.

Photo via Amazon.com

Larry McWilliams

I can vividly remember seeing McWilliams pitch for the Phils during the 1989 season - and continued mimicking the odd delivery in our driveway games the rest of the summer.  (Sounds like the makings of a nice little request letter...) Similar to Jones and Chen, he seems to wait until he has a nice pile, but generally comes through with a successful request...

4102 Beckley Court  Colleyville, TX 76034

For more Phillies TTM addresses, check out our TTM database...

Phillies TTM: Who's Signing

It has been a week or two, but with a little time on my hands thought I could check in on the TTM world...

Pete Rose 

Pete Rose signed card

Charlie Hustle is a hot/cold TTM signer.  It has been about a year and a half since he was actively signing, but it seems like the door is open again.  $35 fee for balls and flats 8x10 and smaller.  If you need him on any projects, it's a great opportunity to add for a reduced price.  Don't delay...

If you write: c/o Hit King, Inc  5668 Ness Avenue  Las Vegas, NV 89118

Bill Giles

Here is an interesting one... I have never gotten into collecting the autographs of front office members, but few in Phillies history have played as important role as Giles.  Whether you like him or not, his influence has been felt in Philly for decades.  If you're into the "unique", you might want to drop him a line.

If you write: c/o The Phillies  Citizens Bank Park  One Citizens Bank Way Philadelphia, PA 19148

Charles Hudson signed card

Charles Hudson

If this were 1983, we would be talking about the promising future of young fireballer, Charles Hudson.  Of course, it's 30 years later, so... I have successfully written to Hudson in the past at this address, and will likely be sending to him again (soon) to continue work on my 1983 team photo.  

If you write: P.O. Box 368  Oakwood, TX 75855

For more Phillies TTM addresses, check out our TTM database...

Success! Finally, an AFL TTM Return...

Ken Giles signed photo

Last month I wrote about the endless opportunities that the Arizona Fall League affords TTMers.  Shortly after publishing the post I sent requests out to several Phillies minor leaguers prospects participating in the League.  

With AFL play winding down, and no returns to my name, I had just about written this year off as a loss.  All that changed today as I finally logged my first success - fireballer, Ken Giles.   Though he is not widely included in Phillies top prospect lists, Giles opened a lot of eyes this Fall - much like Cody Asche did last year...