Length of Spring Training letters....

[ChrisR]

How long are your letters?

I handwrite all mine, I always keep them to just the front of a page. Normal size, not huge to fill or tiny to get more on one side. If the paper was lined it would be that size. I guess I'm asking because I want to see if I'm wasting my time with a full page letter. I'm hoping to write to about 200 guys so if a half page is cool that would certainly help my hand. I'm only through 60 and my finger and wrist are screaming in pain.

When I write to a home address, or a guys I'm a huge fan of I don't bother with the length. I write what I feel and it's done. With this I'm working on sets so I'm not necessarily a "fan" of each, so I'm not familliar with their careers. If they don't even bother reading the letters because they get so much during ST I'll shorten the letters.

Thanks for your input.

[24redsfan]

i write my notes on index cards

[newguy24]

agreed w/ poster ahead of me, just write a 5 mi letter on an index card to the player, most of them dont read them anyway

[bigga]

I type all of my letters. In them I just put a line or two of why I am a fan of the Pearson. I then ask if they could sign what I have enclosed.

[lizard-jd]

I type all of mine except when I send to a real special person (very few). I found that the TTM'er can read the typed letter more easy than my "chicken scratch". I try to be very polite (pleases & thank yous), ask them to sign what I want & bring up a special event in their career. When I send small customs (normally 2-3), I always offer for them to keep 1 or 2 (most will keep 1). I found that the older players do read my letters and many answer my questions. The current players (or those after 1990s) usually don't read the letter and just sign. Most of my non-responders are post 1990s players...

[roaddogg02316]

Yeah it does seem older players will take the time to notice things you said. I don't write too much anyways. Keep it simple. Hi my name is.. You were one of my fav. players when you were with.... I thought you had a good career, recognize an accomplishment. Then ask for them to autograph. Thanks for your time. Close with name.

[Oxxon]

Short, sweet and to the point. All of my LOR are typed. My kindergarten teacher rolls over in her grave whenever I write freehand.

[indyreds]

I type most of my requests, but do personalize them all as my handwritting has a little to be desired. I usually type 6-8 sentences for current players in one paragraph and then type 4-5 sentences asking for an autograph and thanking them for their time. I do then handwrite a signature above my typed signature. That normally fills most a page with a 14 font. I will run alot longer for a big tar or someone who I have more to say to. The older players I do sometimes end up with pages. The thing is that it is your collection and your style. You will get out of this what you put into it. It seems that someguys respond just fine to three lines on a notecard and others do not. I also have seen players take the time to answer questions or even add alot more to items when they understand why you are a fan and why you would like their autograph.