EXACTLY 50 YEARS AGO this month (Jan. 1965) as a teenager, I wrote AT LEAST 1,500 active and retired major league baseball players for their autograph. SASE, 10 3x5 file cards (maximum the 5 cent stamp would carry), form letter (personalized). Dumped them all in the mail same day. In about 7 days I got what the letter carrier said was by far the record for mail EVER on his route....filled up the mailbox and he had to blow the horn for me to come get the excess. Most of the retired players signed from six to 10, active players less (understandable). (I said in my letter I would trade their autographs, if they signed more than one.) MANY sent postcard photos and signed HOF plaque cards (black and white then). Many wrote Bible verses on the 3x5s or enclosed religious tracts. Overall, at least 80% responded, INCLUDING Gerry Staley, a pitcher, finally replied EIGHT YEARS LATER! Mr. Staley even added to my 1965 postage on envelope to bring it up to 1973 rates).MOST replied in 30 days, then they trickled in. The retired players were super nice. Several of them had played prior to 1900. THOSE were the days!
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 00:50:59 +0000
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