As I mentioned back on August 2oth when this series started, about 40% of the players I mailed cards to sent them back signed. The vast majority of the remaining cards I never received back. In several cases though I did receive requests for money:
- Ray Burris asked for $5 with the money going to his stepson fighting in Afghanistan
- Randy Jones enclosed a price list from Major League Protection Systems
- Jerry Koosman asked for a $10 donation for charity
- Mickey Lolich’s wife wrote me a note back asking for $10 per card
- Elliot Maddox asked for $5 per card
- Mike Marshall sent back a pre-printed note referring me to an official representative that sells his merchandise
- Amos Otis just wrote “$5 per card”
- Ron Swoboda sent a pre-printed note requesting $5 per card – and initialed it
- Mike Torrez wrote “Dan, $10 per auto”
The Koosman request for a charitable donation is ok, the others are greedy and obnoxious.
I also think Ray Burris request is very acceptable since his son is overseas and any little bit will help them.
I thought about this and you are right. A donation to a soldier is fine and honorable.