Goose Gossage

[ChesterJT]

I'm a bit new so apologies if this isn't the place for this.

I just got into TTM this year and mainly send balls to former Yankees. I've had pretty good success, and shrug off most no-signs but Gossage made me curious. He's a popular guy and seems to get things consistently judging by his page here. According to the results he signs almost everything, either for free or a nominal $10 or $20 donation. Mine he sent back with a note (can see pic on his address page) saying he is contracted to Steiner for $100/per. It is interesting given that people claim to have gotten things back the same day as me, and someone also posted a ball he signed recently as well.

Now, god bless America and capitalism, Goose can charge whatever he wants. I just feel like there's some dishonesty there. And I have a hard time believing multiple people on this forum would fake a success for no apparent reason. I did send a very nice handwritten note with return box and postage. Maybe he was just in a mood haha, who knows. I know I'm not paying $100 for a sig though!

[jrbeasley]

To be fair, most of those successes seem to be cards. The most current ball signed appears to be about 2 months prior to yours, a period in which he probably signed with Steiner on balls. It happens, just enjoy those still signing for free or for a small fee :-)

[ChesterJT]

Yeah I had considered that. Just seemed odd he acted so indignant about the $10 thing as if that was a crazy notion and not something he had done only two months ago. I do enjoy the free guys though, haha.

[jrbeasley]

Yeah I had considered that. Just seemed odd he acted so indignant about the $10 thing as if that was a crazy notion and not something he had done only two months ago. I do enjoy the free guys though, haha.

He doesn't exactly have a reputation of being a nice guy in the best of times. LOL

[Canadian-Grapher]

I just got a card back yesterday, I also saw in a facebook group someone post something similar to yours. My thought is that you likely sent a check when cash is king, the guy on the facebook page sent a check for sure. Did you mention his fee in your letter. I have seen a bunch of people say put in $10 with a photo or two and they will come back. I have never heard of anyone being given a price list from him so he likely got pissed that people assume he charges and that he "only" charges $10. I bet if you sent him again with just a card and no fee you would get it back.

[ChesterJT]

I sent cash and didn't mention the fee in the letter at all. I don't really have any cards and would prefer a signed ball anyway as I made a nice display shelf for them.

To me a sig is a sig but I know just about everywhere charges more for balls as they're usually considered more valuable so I'd hate to send a ball again with no money. Maybe I'll give it a few months and try again.

[Canadian-Grapher]

I don't get it, he must of had a few beers by the time he got to your ball. LOL. I'd save the ball/postage/cash for someone who will sign for sure, although, I would have thought a ball and $10 would be a for sure thing with goose.

[cyberer]

Not to change the subject too dramatically but I have a card with a HOF inscription if you want to buy it haha.

He was decently nice in person. Signed about 100++ autographs at the valdspar pro am golf tourny.

[indyreds]

Unfortunately things change with players all the time. What they are willing to sign and even if they will sign varies. I have gotten RTS from players the same time other members have gotten successes from the same address or just never gotten anything back at all from guys while others hit that home run. I must have tried Greg Maddox twice a year for 5 years with no luck and would get excited every single time that I would see a success posted from him just thinking that I might be getting one as well in the following day or two after and just no luck. On the other hand I have written to folks like Magic Johnson where no one says that he signs and gotten an auto back. Just set realistic goals on getting returns and be thrilled when you get something really nice is my best advice. Remember to never send anything that you will be upset if it does not come back as well. Best of luck on your collection.

[LoyalRoya8515]

I had the same thing today I think he will sign one card for free, but he might have a new contract and Steiner may have told him that as part of the contract he can't sign balls TTM, because if he does it floods the market and the Autographed balls that he signs for them won't go for as much money on the open market.