From France to Florida, and from the '80s to the present day, the pursuit of Mets autographs "through the mail " (TTM) weaves a tapestry of passion, persistence, cherished memories, elusive Holy Grails, and the art of finding addresses. Let’s delve deeper into the experiences, successes, turn-around times, address-finding strategies, and ultimate goals of four dedicated collectors: Beuzelin Mathieu from Gex, France; Rob J. from Brooklyn, NY; Peter Hingle from New City, NY; and Christopher LaMarr from Tampa, FL.
Beuzelin Mathieu: A French Connection to Mets Fandom
Beuzelin Mathieu's TTM journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown. With 180 signed Mets cards in his collection, Beuzelin’s favorite success was his Pete Alonso Topps Project70 card, obtained in person during a New York visit. His Holy Grail? A Topps Project70 card signed by Francisco Lindor, though he cherishes the current cards he has too much to send them off. Beuzelin stores his cards in large 12-bottle wine cases. For addresses, he relies on the Harvey list he purchased three years ago and uses the TTM manager of SportsCollectors.Net. He also trades addresses with friends on Facebook groups. Beuzelin's focus on the Mets stems from his lifelong love for the team since discovering baseball and his admiration for the Mets' resilience and underdog spirit.
Rob Jackson.: From Brooklyn Streets to Mets Autograph Milestones
Rob Jackson. started his TTM journey in the '80s. With over 100 Mets autographs, his favorite piece is a Doc Gooden autograph. His Holy Grail is Mike Piazza, a signature he's tried to secure twice without success. Rob stores his valuable cards in top holders within boxes. For finding addresses, Rob uses Sports Card Forum and conducts his own online research. Rob focuses on the Mets because they are his hometown team, and he grew up with the team's ups and downs, forming a deep connection that transcends mere fandom.
Peter Hingle: A Journey from Teenage Enthusiasm to Mets Autograph Mastery
Peter Hingle discovered TTM collecting at 16. His first Mets success was Dave Kingman. Peter’s Holy Grail is Nolan Ryan on a 1969 Topps Team card. He stores his valuable cards in a safe and the less valuable ones in a binder. To find addresses, Peter uses Sports Card Forum and his own online research, combined with the community's help on Facebook groups. Peter's Mets focus comes from his early memories of watching the Mets with his family, creating lasting bonds and fond memories associated with the team.
Christopher LaMarr: A Tampa Bay Connection to Mets Fandom
Christopher LaMarr entered the TTM world in 2019. His first Mets success was Ed Kranepool. His Holy Grail? A 1969 Topps Team card signed by nearly the entire roster, including Ron Swoboda, Nolan Ryan, and Cleon Jones. Christopher uses a card display on his wall for his favorite autographs and stores the rest in binders. For addresses, he relies on Sports Card Forum for access to player addresses and success rates. Christopher's Mets focus is a tribute to his father, as the Mets games they watched together created some of his most cherished memories.
Shared Strategies and Storage: A Mosaic of Approaches
While each collector has a unique approach to storing their prized possessions and finding addresses, they all value the thrill of the chase and the joy of a successful return.
Advice for Aspiring Collectors: Wisdom from the Pros
From France to Florida, the advice remains consistent: embrace the journey with respect, patience, and a personal touch. Beuzelin encourages sending cards without fear of loss, while Rob emphasizes personalization and current team information. Peter recommends joining TTM Facebook groups, and Christopher stresses the importance of community and respect within the hobby.
Patience: The Key to the Chase
In the world of autograph collecting, patience truly is a virtue. As Christopher LaMarr aptly puts it, "Depending on the player, it can take from 2 weeks to even years to come back." Peter Hingle echoes this sentiment, recalling a 3.5-year wait for an autograph from actor Geoffrey Rush. Some other collectors note "Sometimes they come back signed on the protected sleeve. Nothings perfect and when sending stuff off to get signed, you never really know what’s going to happen." These words serve as a reminder that the thrill of the chase is often accompanied by a waiting game. Embrace the journey, cherish the memories, and let patience guide you through the exhilarating world of Mets autograph collecting.
In Conclusion: A Tapestry of Mets Fandom
From childhood memories to current fandom, from France to New York to Florida, Beuzelin, Rob, Peter, and Christopher exemplify the timeless allure of Mets autograph collecting. Their stories, successes, turn-around times, Holy Grails, address-finding strategies, and shared wisdom celebrate the unique bond between fans and players that transcends time, distance, and boundaries. As they continue to chase the thrill of the chase, one thing remains clear: their love for the Mets and the joy of collecting are as strong as ever.