What do you write?

[loki1230]

I'm such a noob..lol. I'm just curious as to what you write when you send out for an autograph TTM? Do you talk baseball, do you tell them they're your favorite player even if they're not? How's it work?

Thanks!

[Oxxon]

What ever you write keep it short and simple. If the person is a favorite player then you should be able to add something about them like a great catch, hit, or play they made. Some where in there be sure to ask nicely for the autograph.

Like everything once you get started it gets easier. Be sure to include a SASE and don't send anything you can't live without.

If you have anymore questions be sure to ask.

Good luck

[indyreds]

Request letters are varied as the people writting the letters. I usually print them off the computer and go a page long. Many others will only send handwritten. I do write about all different things, but refrain from asking too many questions. Please be sure to ask for the autograph nicely and thank them for your time in ending your letter of request. I know that some guys just scrible may I have your autograph on a index card and slam it in an envelope. That is not my style. You will find your way with trial and error.

[tigsfan]

I will only send out requests with handwritten letters (like stated above me) and keep my letter to about half a page (I use notebook paper rather than an index card). Just say why you chose to write to that player and thank them for signing your card. That's what I do and my results have proven to be decent so far.

I started this year myself and I'm 46/90 as of today. I hope that you have the same luck and maybe we can swap extras down the road.

[MasonRaymond0320]

Hello Travis Zajac
My name is Andrew. I think that you are a good player because you can score exciting goals, and you can rack up a lot of points during the season. I also think that you are a very nice player for the Devils to have. I also believe the Devils can win the Stanley Cup once again, because with Brodeur in net, you at right wing, Parise, Elias, and Lagenbrunner up front, and many other talented good players on forward, and on the blue line, I think the Devils are one of the best teams in the NHL.
I am an autograph collector, and I have a goal of getting 100 autographs by the end of the year. I don’t know if it can be done, but I’ll try. Could you please sign and personalize my index cards? I would really appreciate that, and it would really help out my collection. I would also feel very good, knowing that it is an autograph by one of the top players on the Devils, and in the NHL. I have enclosed a self, addressed, stamped, envelope.
I hope I can meet you one day.
Thanks, Andrew


Here is a letter to Travis Zajac, player on the New Jersey Devils. I usually write shorter letters, but this time I wrote a long one.

Hello Kari Lehtonen
My name is Andrew.I am a big fan of goalies because I love the game-changing stops and glove saves. I also really like being goalie when I have free time and in gym class, in school. I like how you play because you give the Thrashers a boost of confidence and give the Thrashers a chance to win every night.
I collect autographs, and find a rewarding and fun hobby. Could you please sign and personalize my hockey card and index cards? I have enclosed a self, addressed, stamped, envelope.
I hope I can meet you one day
Thanks, Andrew

One to Kari Lethonen, goaltender on the Atlanta Thrashers.
I got TTM autographs back, from both Travis Zajac, and Kari Lethonen.

[mbroadhe]

I use this outline - all handwritten and double spaced (it's easier to read) and runs about a page in length:

Paragraph 1 - Tell them who you are and why you're writing.
(I usually tell them my name, that I'm asking for an autograph, and that it would make a great addition to my collection)

Paragraph 2 - If he's a favorite player, I say some nice things I remember from a game I saw. Otherwise, if I remember nothing, I tell them that I learned a few things about the person, then continue to tell them. Personnally this is one of my favorite things about this hobby. It forces me to learn about players I knew nothing about or what they're currently doing.

Paragraph 3 - I let them know I appreciate their time and wish them the best of luck. I add an extra thank you. Sincerely - my name

Just keep it sincere, honest, and most importantly polite. They are doing you a favor

[RockiesFan33]

I handwrite every request of mine. And, I write the exact same thing nearly every single time. I can write my letter with my eyes closed. Literally. The only time I vary the letter at all is if I'm including something other than just a custom card. Otherwise, it's the same letter. 2 paragraphs, very polite.

[navig8tr150]

I keep my letters brief, one page. I mention an outstanding moment in their career that I remember or a season that stood out above all. With pitchers, I mention their batting skills if they have any RBI's or HR's.
I never mention that I am an autograph collector. I did this early on and learned that it might throw up a red flag to some players.
Always thank them for their time and be sure to include a SASE. They don't have to sign your cards, it is THEIR choice. Some are busy coaching, consulting, running an outside business and may take longer to sign than others.
Above all, it is very important to be respectful and polite.

Gotta go, the mailman is here.

[Indian71]

and another point, while sending tttm can be a great hobby, please do not turn this into a business, sending to players you dont even like

[ChrisR]

NEVER mention anything about being an autograph collector, or especially say "I hope to get 100 autographs this year" ; anything of that nature.

It makes them feel you are not a fan and only want their autograph to meet a goal or build a collection. If you must speak of collecting say you are a fan of that players team and hope to get the starting lineup or everyone on the team. Someting more personal, and letting them know you are a real fan.

I handwrite my letters. When I would send typed letters I had way lower success rates. Some say it dosen't matter, That's something entirely up to you. I write a minimum of 3 paragraphs on the front of a page. Some just use an index card and write "Please sign this card"; but that's not for me. I know that some players do actually read the letter becasue I get back notes, letters, or answers to questions, even comments written on the letter I sent.

Basically you get out of this hobby what you put into it. Have fun and find your way with trial and error.