TTM Success!

Once again, that beautiful sight arrived in my mailbox. Flipping through Friday’s mail, I saw that little envelope addressed in my own handwriting! Where did it come from? Who could it be? What will I find inside.

The first part of opening it was a little confusing. As a rule, I only send out cards to players that picture them with the team they’re currently on. I don’t know why. It just feel like they’re a member of that team now, and I should respect that. Sort of like when Derek Lowe wore a Sox jersey to the 2005 ring ceremony even though he was a member of the Dodgers. So, I was a little surprised when opening the back of the envelope revealed this card. The first thing I saw was the “Reds” team name. Who did I send a card to in Cincinnati? This is a pretty old card too. So, I pulled it out t reveal the one and only Terry Francona. Much like Kevin Youkilis did not too long ago, Francona decided to send along a card of his own. It’s a great card, and a great signature. I’m thrilled that Tito took the time to send it back to me.

It asks the same question that I brought up with Youkilis though. If I didn’t send this card, where did it come from? The one from Youk was a recent card, issued in the last year or two. Francona selected one from over 20 years ago. Has he been hanging onto a stack of 1988 Topps cards since then to send off to people? Did someone else, this year, send him 5 copies of that card to sign, but Francona sent one to me instead? How interesting.

However it happened, though, I’m glad it did. That’s two responses already this year and I couldn’t be happier. It makes me want to get together another batch to send off! So, thank you Terry Francona for adding this gem to my collection.

It looks just great.