Old School Cubs
This set has become my addiction. I wanted to design a retro set for Cubs and White Sox players. With a few successes, this set soon morphed into a monster. I'm trying to collect the signatures of every living Chicago Cub alum, As of August 2011, I'm over 85 returns, all players from the 1940's-1970's.
Danny Murphy
Finally brought one of my white whales home! Danny Murphy in 18 days via his home (K1AO).
Jim Willis
Great to have one of the oldest living alumni of the Cubs organization come through. I saw he was signing for the first time in forever and whipped up one to send out. 9 days door to door, his daughters kept 2/3 I sent, which is totally cool and returned 1 with a nice note.
Nelson Mathews
My second attempt was a keeper for Mr. Mathews. He returned 3/4 customs (K!AO) in 20 days via his home.
Jim McAnany
Even though he played more on the South Side than the North Side, was able to pick up Jim McAnany. He returned 2/4 in 14 days via his home.
Duke Simpson
Tom "Duke" Simpson returned 3/4 in 15 days via his home. He was one of the older Cubs players I needed. Glad to have him home. He also included a nice note.
Jack Warner
Mr. Warner pitched for the Cubs between 1962 and 1965. Mr. Warner returned 3/4 customs (K1AO) in 13 days.
Don Kessinger
I finally was able to snag the 6X all star. 18 days round trip via his business. Returned 4/4.
Hy Cohen
Pitched for one season with the Cubs in 1955. One of the oldest I had out. Returned 3/4 in 8 days via his home (K1AO).
Billy WIlliams (HOF Mojo!)
Had seen some successes for Billy Williams coming back from Spring Training and had to take a shot. Mr. Williams graciously signed 2/2 customs and returned them in 22 days.
Dick Burwell
Incredible return from a short time Cub. Mr. Burwell played in 5 games for the Cubs in 60-61. He returned 3/3 customs, included three 4x6 cards and wrote a great note.
Tony Balsamo
One of my longer stories for a return. I sent Mr. Balsamo four customs in the fall of 2011. He returned 3 of them... signed on the back. He also requested a dozen from me. I sent him 16 more, requesting a signature on the front of the card and he complied and sent a nice note. Good to have him off the list!
Morrie Steevens
Former Cubs Hurler Morrie Steevens returned 4/4, plus a little note in 9 days via his home.
Tony Balsamo
Well, it's a goofy success, but a success nonetheless. The former pitcher signed the backs of 3/4 customs (K1AO). He also requested a dozen more... I'll send em, as long as he signs the front, LOL!
Jack Spring
Got this return back from Jack Spring, took 31 days, he returned 3/4 customs (K1AO). This is my 100th return from my Cubs Retro set!
Doug Clemens
Mr. Clemens played outfield for the Cubs in 1964-65, and also played for the Phillies and Cardinals. He returned 3/4 customs in 8 days via his home.
Dave Dowling
Mr. Dowling returned 4/4 customs in 15 days via his home. Mr. Dowling pitched one game for the Cubs in 1966, going all 9 innings and getting the win while striking out 3 and walking none.
Moe Morhardt
Cubs first baseman returned 3/4 customs, all personalized, in 8 days via his home. Kept 1 as offered.
Dave Hillman
Wow. This one took 246 days to come home, but am so happy to have it. Mr. Dave Hillman returned 3/4 customs (K1AO). Signed nicely. I sent a $5 donation.
Daryl Robertson
Former Cubs Shortstop had a little cup of coffee in the show during the 1962 season, appearing in 9 games. He returned 3/4 customs (K1AO) in 10 days via his home.
Billy Ott
Returned 3/4 (K1AO) in 14 days via his home. This was a longshot. the last success I had seen was 2005.
Mel Roach
Former Utility Man returned 2/4 customs in 11 days via his home.
Bobby Gene Smith
Cubs outfielder returned 3/4 customs (K1AO) in 7 days.
Leo Burke
Great return... I love this card. Former Cub catcher returned 3/4 in 7 days (K1AO).
Ben Johnson
Former Cubs pitcher returned 3/4 (K1AO) in 14 days via his home.
Phil Mudrock
Mr. Mudrock pitched in one game for the Cubs in 1963. His only appearance in the majors. He returned 2/3 (K1AO) in 9 days.
Jim Marshall
Former first sacker and manager returned 3/4 (K1AO) in 9 days via his home.
Bill Henry
This was my 2nd request to Mr. Henry. This time I sent a $10 donation and he returned 4/4 customs in 9 days.
Ellis Burton
Former Cubbie Outfielder returned 4/4 customs in 21 days via his home.
Bobby Shantz
One of the most reliable signers in the hobby today! Mr. Shantz returned 3/4 customs (K1AO) in 9 days via his home.
Red Adams
Wow. Excited to see this one come home. This one now holds the record for length gone since I started back up again...
210 Days. Mr. Adams signed all four cards for me, plus sent a 4X6 from his time with the Dodgers, and a great letter. He played eight games for the Cubs in 1946.
210 Days. Mr. Adams signed all four cards for me, plus sent a 4X6 from his time with the Dodgers, and a great letter. He played eight games for the Cubs in 1946.
Joe Schaffernoth
Mr. Schaffernoth came through in 13 days. Kept 1 as offered, returned 3/4.
Jack Curtis
Another short time Cub, but he came through. Returned 3/4 customs (K1AO) and personalized them to me and my kids. Took 32 days door to door.
Solly Drake
Sooo stoked about this one. I sent to Rev. Drake in January. I had seen many reports that he did not sign at all, but took a shot and sent a $20 to his church. Received 1/4 customs back signed (also returned 1 unsigned) and returned my $20 donation. This was one I thought wouldn't happen, but I am very happy to have it home!
Paul Smith
Former First Sacker, Paul Smith returned 3/4 customs (K1AO) in 10 days via his home.
Harry Perkowski
Again, another one year player for the Cubs, but an auto I have been trying to get for quite sometime. Glad I was able to get him! He returned 4/4 in 10 days via his home.
Art Ceccarelli
Returned 3/4 customs in 7 days. Also placed a piece of cardboard in the envelope to protect the cards. Cool return.
Chuck Hartenstein
Former Cub Hurler returned 3/4 customs, K1AO, in 9 days. Personalized them to me and my kids.
Carl Warwick
Mr. Warwick returned 3/4 (K1AO) in 10 days. I typo'd this, placing him as a pitcher, which he pointed out was incorr4ect. He also said he doesn't sign customs, but personalized all of them to me.
Jim Colborn
Former hurler returned 3/4 (K1AO) in 8 days via his home.
Art Schult
One of the best friends to the autograph hobby... Mr. Schult signed 3/4 (K1AO) in 6 days via his home.
Charlie Silvera
Another one year wonder for the Cubs. After a successful career as a Yankee, Mr. Silvera finished up in Chi-town. He returned 3/4 customs (K1AO) in 25 days via his home.
Don Zimmer
Popeye signed 3/4 customs (K1AO) via his home in 12 days. Don't know if his wife ghosted them on not, but still a nice looking sig.
Dick Gernert
9 days on the return via his home. Kept 1 as offered, returned 3/4 customs.
Lee Thomas
Former Outfielder returned 3/4 (K1AO) in 9 days via his home.
Sammy Taylor
Former Cubs catcher returned 3/4 (K1AO) in 8 days via his home. He also included a nice letter, although someone else wrote it and he signed it, and signed the envelope. Cool return.
Grady Hatton
Another short time Cub, but had a great career, mostly with the Reds. Mr. Hatton returned 4/4 customs in 8 days.
Bob Anderson
It took 2 attempts, but I finally scored Bob Anderson. He returned 3/4 customs (K1AO) and included a form letter, which he then signed at the bottom. Great success.
Bob Del Greco
Only played with the Cubs a short time, finding a usable pic for the card was tough. Mr. Del Greco returned all 4 customs, plus included a signed index card. It took 36 days and I included a $20 donation
Gordy Massa
Another short time Cub for the collection. Mr. Massa returned 3/4 (K1AO) in 9 days via his home.
John Boccabella
Quick return on this one. 7 days via his home. Returned 3/4 (K1AO).
Irv Noren
Played one year with the Cubs. Returned 3/4 customs (kept1 one as offered) in 14 days via his home. I sent $20 donation.
Alex Grammas
Former Cubs infielder signed 3/4 customs, kept one as offered in 12 days via his home.
Ed Mayer
Mr. Mayer pitched for the Cubs in 1957 & 1958. Although his career was short, he was very gracious with his return to me. He returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered, then included 3 copies of a Topps Heritage Card and also wrote a nice note.
Taylor Phillips
Pretty cool story for Mr. Phillips. I sent him a set to sign, only to have him return them because I had labeled him as an outfielder rather than a pitcher. He asked me to fix the error and send back, so I did. He then returned three of those customs (and kept 1 as offered) but also attached the following note. Needless to say, I'm humbled. I will be putting a batch together for him soon!
Bill "Gabe" Gabler
Mr. Gabler's professional career consists of three pinch hit appearances for the 1958 Cubs. Still awesome to get his sig. Super fast, he returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) in 6 days via his home.
Eddie Haas
This outfielder broke in with the Cubs in 1957. Only spent one year with them, but I'm glad to add him to the list. This one took 71 days to come back, but well worth the wait.
Jim Woods
Former Cubs third baseman had a quick release on this one... 8 days door to door, returned 3/4 customs via his home, kept 1 as offered.
Hobie Landrith
Although he only played one year on the North side, he had a heck of a career. Returned 3/4 customs in 6 days via his home. Also wrote a nice note on my LOR. I sent a $20 donation.
Chick King
My second King in the Cub Collection. He returned 3/4, kept one as offered in 8 days via his home.
Frank Ernaga
This former outfielder played in a couple different seasons for the Cubs. He returned 3/4 (kept 1 as offered) in about 12 days.
John Goryl
Mr. Goryl is my 51st return from this set. He returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) in 6 days via his home address.
Bob Will
Now this is a great return! Mr. Will returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) in 6 days, and included his own 5X7 picture and a 3 page note in return. Mr. Will is not in good health, but truly a class act with the autograph community. I did include a $20 donation. He also asked me to send a few additional copies of my card for his grandchildren which I will gladly make up for him.
Ed Mickelson
Cool return from Mr. Ed Mickelson. He kept 1 as offered, but signed & personalized 3/4 back to me and my kids. Took 7 days round trip.
Jim Fanning
Mr Fanning returned 4/4 customs in 24 days via his home. He replaced 1 of the 4 with his own card and wrote a great letter.
Ed Winceniak
25 day turnaround from this former Cub. He returned 3/4 (kept 1 as offered) and included the years he played.
Don Larsen
Mr. Larsen returned 4/4 in 10 days via his home. I included $20 donation.
Vito Valentinetti
Mr. Valentinetti signed 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) via his home in 9 days. Also asked me to send a few more to him, which I will do shortly!
Turk Lown
Mr. Lown signed 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) in 14 days via his home. I included a$20 donation.
Johnny Briggs
Returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) in 9 days via his home.
Gale Wade
Great return from this Ole Cub. Included the years he played and personalized them to me and my kids.
Jerry Kindall
Former second sacker returned 3/4 (kept 1 as offered)
Jim King
Returned 3/4... kept 1 as offerd
Bobby Morgan
Returned 2/4, but that's fine. Great return, in my mind.
Bob Zick
Took me awhile to find a good pick of Mr. Zick (Thanks RockiesFan33!) Returned 3/4, kept 1 as offered.
Bob Speake
Mr. Speake returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) in 9 days via his home.
John Pyecha
One of the "one game wonder" stories throughout baseball. Mr. Pyecha pitched in one game for the Cubs in 1954 and never made the show again. He graciously signed 4/4 customs via his home in 9 days.
Don Kaiser
This former high school phenom and Cubs pitcher returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) in 9 days via his home.
Bill Tremel
Eleven day turn around for this former Cubs hurler. Returned 3/4, kept 1 as offered.
Lindy McDaniel
Mr. McDaniel signed 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) and sent a signed stat card in 13 days via his home. He was one of the best closers of his generation.
Cuno Barragan
Returned 3/4 customs in 68 days via his home, plus thanked me on my LOR.
Bob Usher
Mr. Usher returned 1/5 in 12 days via his home. He also signed my note saying he only signs/personalizes one so they aren't sold or traded. Happy to have one!
Bob Talbot
Mr. Talbot returned 4/4 customs in 8 days via his home.
Paul Schramka
Mr. Schramka returned 3/4 customs in 8 days via his home as well. He also included a signed copy of a Sun Times article.
Dr. Richard Nye
First time I sent to Dr. Nye, it came back as a RTS. Tried again via his home and success! Took 47 days, but Dr. Nye returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered).
Dick Manville
Glad to see this one come back through. I sent Mr. Manville a few customs late last year, but my SASE was soaked and the cards were destroyed. So, I resent 4 more to him and he returned 3/4 of those in 28 days via his home.
Jim Bolger
Another great Old School return. Jim Bolger returned 4/4 customs in nine days via his home.
Randy "Ransom" Jackson
I've been waiting patiently for this one. Received 3/4 customs back from the 2 time all star, he kept one as offered. Return took 17 days. Thank you, Mr. Jackson!
Bob Borkowski
11 days on this return from Mr. Borkowski via his home. Returned 3/4, kept 1 as offered. Very nice signature.
Bob Kelly
Mr. Kelly returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) via his home. Love the way this card turned out!
Wayne Terwilliger
Mr. Terwilliger was fast! Returned 3/4 customs (kept 1 as offered) and sent his own St. Paul Saints card in 7 days via his home. I also sent $20 donation.
Juan Pizarro
Hey, what's a good retro set without an error card! Still great to get Mr. Pizarro's autograph. Took 11 days round trip from Puerto Rico!
Johnny Schmitz
One of the oldest surviving Cubs players (with Cliff Chambers, Bob Rush, Andy Pafko, and Red Adams) He still has a great signature and returned 4/4 in 7 days from his home in Wisconsin!
Cliff Chambers
This former Cub, who threw a no hitter for the Pirates in 1941, returned 3/4 (kept 1 as offered) in 11 days via his home. I've wanted this one for awhile.
Fred Richards
"Fuzz" Richards played in 10 games for the Cubs in 1951. He signed and returned 3/4 customs in 5 days via his home. He kept one as offered. One card got stuck to the back of the glue on the envelope and was damaged, but still happy to have this return.
Billy Grabarkewitz
Billy G signed 2/4 customs (Offered 1, kept 2) in 9 days via his home. I sent a $10 donation with the request.
Jimmy Stewart
Quick turnaround for Mr. Stewart... a week door to door. He didn't sign in the autograph box and even switched pens in the middle of one signature, but I'm happy with the return anyway.
Jack Aker
Took me two tries for Mr. Aker. I sent to him late in 2010, but was unaware that he charged $5 per card and he returned the cards to me unsigned. I resent to him again with $20 and received all four cards signed in 4 days via his home.
Al Spangler
Mr. Spangler returned 4/4 customs in 7 days via his home.
Glenn Beckert
Mr. Beckert signed 4/4 customs in 9 days via his home.