Diving into the world of TTM! I’m getting my first-ever batch of through-the-mail autograph requests ready to go out.

This first attempt includes some hockey legends like Teemu Selanne, Chris Chelios, Mark Howe, and Ron Hextall. As a first-timer, I’d love to hear from the seasoned TTM collectors in the Mantel community. What are your best tips for success? I’m curious to hear any stories about surprising returns or any advice you have for a beginner, especially anyone who’s done cross-border before!

Let me know your stories, and wish me luck!

What a time to have this card, with Skubal just locking up his second AL Cy Young in a row. It’s been awesome watching him deal for the Tigers, and this card feels a little more special knowing it was for a good cause.

It’s one of those cards that’s just cool to own, you know? An on-card auto from a legit ace, and it supported the team’s foundation. No matter where he ends up, he’ll always be a Tiger to me. A great piece of the PC.

Wanted to share something weirdly wonderful with the community. I got an Ovechkin bootleg from Upper Deck Series One a while back in a break hosted by Maritime Sports Cards, who I’m convinced runs the best breaks and may possess secret card-pulling powers. This card has been hanging out in my collection for a bit, just waiting for its time to shine, so here it is.

Anyone else out there hit a bootleg from this release? Let me know if you’ve got one hidden away and which bootleg design makes you laugh the most. Bonus points if your card looks like it was cooked up in Microsoft Paint at 2 a.m. Can’t wait to see the unique treasures people have found!

My Series 1 luck has officially peaked. Pulled not one, but TWO Demidov Young Guns! The crazy part? One came from my Hobby box, and the other from a Retail tin. The hockey card gods are smiling on me.

That’s it, I’m done. I’m promptly retiring from opening Series One for the year.

…right after I open the two more Hobby boxes I have sitting on my desk. Have to see if a hat trick is possible.