Recent TTM Successes

I've been keeping active with the TTM requests recently.  Despite the fact that February is a prime time for mailing requests to Phillies Spring Training camp I have more or less decided to forgo the opportunity this year.  It's not that I've "grown out" the experience, but am not excited about many of the potential targets.  Instead, I am keeping focus on a few different older-era, team projects.

1960 Eagles Program Cover

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1960 Eagles - Championship Program Autograph

A long dormant effort that I'd like to spend more time on this year, the photo is of the 1960 Championship Game program cover.  I started the project with Chuck Bednarik a few years ago.  This most recent success came from a key member of the 1960 team, running-back Billy Ray Barnes. 

What I love most about collecting teams I missed is getting to learn more about the season and the players who were involved.  I have seen Barnes autographed photos over the years, but never knew he was the first ACC player to rush for 1,000 yards (as an All-American with Wake Forest in 1956), or that he was a three-time Pro Bowl selection for the Eagles (1957-59).

Phillies Wall of Fame

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Phillies Wall of Fame photo

I got this new favorite project out to Larry Bowa right before pitchers and catchers reported to Clearwater early last month.  I recommend Bowa to anyone who is new to TTM.  He is as guaranteed as it gets - both at home and the stadium.  The photo is now out to Hall of Famer, Jim Bunning...

Eagles Pro Shop Autograph Event Recap

On Saturday I went to the free autograph signing(s) at the Eagles Pro Shop (Rockvale Outlets, Lancaster).  Alternate plans with the family have kept me from attending the event over the past two years.  But, this year the schedule was clear, and the weather couldn't have been better.  Appearing at the event were current Eagles, Brandon Boykin, Riley Cooper, Earl Wolffe and Jon Dorenbos. Not a bad lineup for a free signing - and the crowds showed up!  

"Outside items" were allowed to be signed and in preparation I printed out a bunch of 8x10 photos.  My son brought his football - and couldn't have been more excited to meet the players.  The guys were scheduled to appear in staggered groups of two, with a cross-over at 1:30 so I planned to get there toward the end of the first to take advantage of a shorter line.  The plan worked, and I was able to cycle through the Boykin line twice.  The second session was a little slower, as Cooper and Wolffe were about 20 minutes late and the Cooper line grew to several hundred people long.  All in all the crew kept things moving and it wasn't that bad of a wait.

Next week the party moves to Cherry Hill where Tra Thomas and Malcolm Jenkins headline another autograph event.  I have details posted here...

TTM Update - April 6, 2014

Spring Training Returns

I'm not going to sugarcoat it - this Spring Training was rough for me in terms of TTM returns.  Instead of sending stacks of cards to the entire roster and hoping to get a few back, I took educated gamble and hung out on the outer fringes.  The group of returns shown here is pretty representative of my target population: Darin Ruf, Jonathan Pettibone and Phillippe Aumont.  I am hoping a few more may still come in over the next few weeks...

Chuck Bednarik

I've been looking to find something for a 1960 Eagles project.  The guys from the team are historically great signers - and I have sent out individual items in the past, but never did a larger project.   I felt pretty lucky to find this 1960 Championship program cover on eBay a few weeks ago and wasted no time in getting it out to Bednarik.  This is one that will be in the family for a long time... Note: He now asks for $30 to have a non-personalized TTM autograph.  

Tony Gonzalez

Of all the signers slated to appear at next weekend's Granite Run Mall show, I am probably most interested to meet Tony Gonzalez.  Though I have received several successes from the former Phillies outfielder over the years, I have never had the opportunity to meet him.  Anyway, I continue to plug away at the 1964 Bulletin set - and now with Gonzalez safely in my hands, the total signed inserts stands at 18!

McCoy VIP Meet and Greet Experience

An option in the Sports Vault, In-Store Signings page caught my attention this week: A VIP, meet and greet with LeSean McCoy.

For the past week or so, I've had the standard autograph appearance listing on this site's "Upcoming Signings" page - where for $79 you can have the NFL's leading rusher sign whatever you want.  With interest in the team at a high-level, there will be no shortage of patrons lining up with photos, footballs and mini-helmets on the 30th.  However, if you are craving something above and beyond what the general public will enjoy, this unique experience is for you.

Much like we have seen in recent years with big name musicians on tour - sports promoters are beginning to provide premium access to the athletes fans most want to meet.  And, don't let me understate this: You will pay mightily for the VIP treatment!  That's not to say it is a bad thing - just be warned, it is not for the casual fan.  The McCoy Meet and Greet costs $500, and includes the following perks:

• Autograph ticket
• Private room access with McCoy for you and one other
• Full Sized Eagles Helmet
• Professional photo with McCoy
• DVD of the experience to take home

Personally, I am in favor of the Sports Vault providing this opportunity. While there is currently no one I would pay to have this personalized experience with, I can appreciate that there is a market for these meet and greets.  In fact, while I am sure he is being compensated to provide this forum, I applaud Shady for making himself available in this way.  It would be very easy for him to do his time at the signing table and leave.  But, he is willing to do more.  It would be nice to see this trend continue with future local signings.

Only 10 VIP packages are being made available... What are your thoughts on this, and other VIP Meet and Greet experiences?   

Eagles TTM: Who's Signing

While I've historically talked a lot about the Phillies TTM signing habits, but there are plenty of opportunities for Eagles fans to get involved in TTM, too.  Here are some recent successes...

Herm Edwards

The former Eagles cornerback turned NFL coach and commentator is just about as solid a bet as you can make TTM.  I had a picture of him running with the ball from the "Miracle at the Meadowlands" signed a few years back.  I recommend printing one of  several still frames on Google image searches, if you're interested...

If you write: 1627 Highland Street  Seaside, CA 93955

Chad Lewis

I've always been a fan of TE play, and especially loved Lewis in his heyday during the early 2000s.  He would make a great addition to any 2004 team project you are currently working on...

If you write: 9688 Charleston Drive  Pleasant Grove, UT 84062

Jeff Feagles

It has been a long time since Feagles wore Kelly green, but he was a member of the team during my formative years - the early 1990s, and has always seemed like an Eagle to me.

If you write: 219 Sunset Avenue  Ridgewood, NJ 07450