Who is that?

Many times I am asked how I know every single player at Spring Training...spoiler - I don't!  I do have a knack with names and pretty much know the 40 man rosters for all the Major League teams; however, I don't always recognize faces.  When graphing a Spring Training game fans realize players don't always have their names on their jerseys.  Also, if a player is walking towards you, you can't see their jersey number either.  What should a fan do?  Ignore the autograph opportunity?! 

First, when I can't identify a player I obviously can't pull their cards from my stack.  Second, I don't want to use a Rawlings Official Major League Baseball, because they are expensive.  I always carry mini ice cream baseball helmets of the teams playing.  They don't have the highest value but personally I love the way they look.  I use the metallic sharpies and they almost never smudge.  The helmets are fairly inexpensive and easy to carry with you.  Of course, the best part is not missing out on an autograph opportunity just because you haven't memorized the faces of thousands of players invited to Spring Training! 

Record TTM Success!

On today's date I set a new personal record for most successful TTM returns with 16!  They are as follows:

1.  Ian Stewart                  c/o Chicago Cubs                               115 days
2.  Lucas May                   c/o Kansas City Royals                      104 days
3.  Dan Plesac                  c/o MLB Network                               18 days
4.  Rob Picciolo               c/o Home                                             18 days
5.  Craig Monroe             c/o FSN Detroit                                   13 days
6.  Gary Lucas                 c/o Beloit Snappers                             13 days
7.  Dave West                  c/o Memphis Baseball Academy         12 days
8.  Al Pedrique                c/o Home                                              12 days
9.  Bobby Valentine         c/o Boston Red Sox                             12 days
10. Jeff Reardon              c/o Home                                              7 days
11. Jerry Reed                  c/o Home                                             7 days
12. Fredi Gonzalez           c/o Atlanta Braves                               7 days
13. Billy Beane                c/o Oakland A's                                   7 days
14. Jimmy Key                 c/o Home                                             7 days
15. Doug Rader               c/o Home                                              7 days
16. Bill Landrum             c/o Home                                              7 days

I have sent approximately 300 TTM requests since April 12, 2012.  I still have quite a few still floating out there and hope I can break my record set today!