Acquired: TTM via Foundation
Sent: 1/10/14
Received: 1/31/14
Turnaround: 21 days
Submittal: $50 check, ROMLB, LOR, return envelope. I was instructed not to include postage on my return envelope.
My request: Blue pen, sweet spot, HOF inscription
Charity: ARF -- Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation
Commentary: I obtained this successful outcome through Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation, or ARF. Shortly after Tony La Russa had been elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans' Committee, I contacted Kathleen at ARF through its website. A formal process had not been put in place yet for submissions, so I e-mailed an inquiry. Kathleen quoted a price of $50 which includes an autograph and the HOF inscription. On one hand, this is the second highest I have ever paid for a Hall of Fame autograph through the mail. On the other hand, the price is reasonable and even understandable in light of La Russa's recent induction and the subsequent media exposure. Overall, the ball looks great, especially with the double inscriptions.
Acquired: TTM
Sent: 12/13/13
Received: 1/2/14
Turnaround: 20 days
Submittal: $15, ROMLB, LOR, SASE
My request: Blue pen, sweet spot, HOF inscription
Commentary: The background behind my Rollie Fingers ball is similar to that of my Fergie Jenkins ball. The story is that I met both Hall of Famers last year at Hohokam Park during Cactus League. Proceeds from their March 9th autograph session went to the late Ron Santo's favorite charity -- JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Overall, I was surprised and touched to see both Jenkins and Fingers devoting a Saturday to raise money for the key charity that Santo supported. I donated to both of the former pitchers, but since the autograph session took me by surprise, I was unprepared. As a result, I was unable to land their autographs on official baseballs. Months passed. Nine months later, I decided to circle back with Fingers through the mail to obtain his autograph and a HOF inscription on an official ball. The outcome of my latest success is pictured above. Note that Rollie signs through the mail for $10 less than Fergie.
