TTM Basics & FAQs

While this site is mainly for reporting my successes or failures when I am collecting autographs, I decided to write a little bit of a ‘how to’ section in case someone stumbles upon this site when they are just looking to get started in the hobby.

Who Do I Send To?

Short answer: Whoever you want.

Longer answer: Do some research, find out who signs, how long they take, and all that important stuff. Not all players will sign TTM. As a general rule – the bigger the star, the less likely they are to sign. There are always exceptions, but this holds in most cases. Lots of young, upcoming players sign – often with nicer signatures than they will have later in their career. Check out some autograph sites for the sports you are interested in, to get an idea of who signs. Always keeping in mind the fact that there is no guarantee in TTM until you actually have that return envelope in your hands.

Where do I send?

Most requests are sent to a player’s team, training camp, or spring training address. Some players sign better through their home addresses, and there are lots of sites around that provide home addresses, generally for a fee.  On the right hand side of the page, I have links to league directories for as many junior, professional and semi-professional leagues I can track down.  Let me know if I have missed a page somewhere.

What’s an SASE?

Self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Do I need to use an SASE?

Absolutely. When requesting an autograph, my goal is to make it as easy as possible for the player to oblige and return my items signed. That means including an appropriately sized SASE with every request.

Where do I get Canadian stamps for my SASE?

You can order online from Canada Post. Alternatively, if you are in Canada, and looking for American stamps, you can get them from the USPS. You might also have some luck trying to trade stamps with a collector from the country you are looking for.

What do I write in my letter?

Pretty much whatever you want. I don’t write 5 page essays to players, but I don’t use a form letter either. Generally three paragraphs, introducing myself, talking about my collection and explaining to them why I would like their autograph. I generally ask a couple questions specific to the player, or comment on an accomplishment. Then I politely ask for an autograph, offer them any of the cards they would like, and wish them good luck.

What do I send?

Don’t send anything you aren’t willing to lose. Trading cards are the easiest item to send, but photos, magazines, and other flat items can be easily shipped as well.