Tip for requesting MLB autographs TTM

[brandnewfan]

Can anyone offer me any advice for sending requests to MLB players TTM?

I'm going to start with the Atlanta Braves and also the Gwinnett Braves (minor league team). My plan is to just send cards to some of the players for them to sign. I've never sent a request to anyone in sports so I have a few questions. What size envelopes do you guys usually use? What do you write in your request letter? Can you send requests to the teams address even during the off season? Are there any other tips you guys can give me?

Last, has anyone have much success from the Braves or am I wasting my time? From what I've read, it seems like it's easier to get responses back from movie celebrities than sports celebrities....

[Buckeyeboy]

ilikecards.com will help

[packrat]

Use a #10 envelope (w/ one first class stamp) to send and the smaller 3-5/8x6-1/2 envelope (w/ one Forever stamp) for the SASE. It can take a while for some of the guys to respond, so make sure you use a Forever stamp on the SASE in case of a postage hike in the interum. Include your letter with the card.

The "standard" request is a pretty simple one-page three-paragraph letter. The first paragraph -- something about you; second paragraph -- something about them; the third paragraph is where you request an autograph on your card. I won't give specifics about what I write (few people will) because I like to think my letter writing style is unique -- even if it isn't. Send to the spring training facility from February to mid-May, and after that send it to the team address until around mid-September. Don't send to either one during the off-season but wait for spring training to resume. Home addresses are not likely to be found while a player is actively playing.

Your chances of getting a success varies from player to player. What team they are on is usually not a big a factor, unless it's the Yankees or Red Sox. As for the Braves, I don't know their TTM habits and don't really feel like looking up the whole team. But I can tell you that I went to two Pittsburgh games vs. the Braves and they weren't very good in person before the game (while arriving outside the ballpark) and after batting practice. I don't know the G-Braves very well either. They are coming to my neck of the woods in a few weeks and I'll be going for them IP.

I would suggest you sign up for the free membership at SportsCollectors.com, and if you want the full service from them it only costs $15.00 a year. With the free membership you can view the last 2 weeks of successes, and with the paid memership you can view success rates for each player.

[JasonS]

Good info provided above. Again, always send a stemped self addressed return envelope and something to sign. Never assume that just because a player gets paid a gazillion dollars to play a game that he is going to buy you stamps and send you a free card too.

Don't send cards for other players to someone on the team and ask them to get their team mates to sign them. I kid you not, I have read on Pat Nesheks blog that he gets this all the time. Someone sends him a request and inside the envelope with other players cards and a p.s. written on the letter asking if he would get the other players to sign them too.


Be polite. Say please, thank you, and sir. Sounds standard but you would be amazed how rude some letters can be.

Don't over do it. If the player has good signing habits don't send 30 cards wanting them all signed.

Last hint.... don't get discouraged.

[Yerpik]

Good info, that will help me out a lot. Now I just need to figure out how to obtain 8x10 photos cheap or free. Any ideas? Smaller photos are okay also.

[packrat]

Make up your mind. You said in your first post that you wanted to start with cards. Sending photos is more expensive, so if you want to go that route you should sign up at SportsCollectors.net and pay the 15 bucks for the yearly service. This way you can look at the success rates for each player and start by sending to the guys who have good return rates, and then send to the tougher ones later. Finding files that are big enough for an 8x10 is a pain in the neck by the way. Sometimes you can find something with Google, Bing, or Yahoo images and sometimes you won't. They are never truly free since you either have to purchase photo paper or have them printed out at places like Sam's Club or Walmart, which are about the cheapest two places.

I would start with cards for now and see what kind of luck you get. You can always wait a year or so and resend if you want them on 8x10s.

[Yerpik]

Thanks, and I wasn't the original poster. I was just saying that your info above helped me also.

[brandnewfan]

Thanks for everyone's help. I appreciate it!