Let me explain my latest quest:
I am attempting to get a signature of every BBWAA writer that voted for Gary in the 2003 National Baseball Hall of Fame election on a card like the one pictured on this page.
I am doing this for a few reasons:
1) I need a new challenge -- even though collecting his cards is my #1 hobby, the amount of new stuff out there has made the chase not as hard.
2) History – I believe that if I can accomplish this goal I will have an amazing collection and a snapshot of a time where years from now people can look back on and remember not only Gary but the writers that put him in the Hall.
3) I think no one else has tried this before – if anyone knows of a similar quest please e-mail me and let me know.
I NEED H E L P !!!!!!!
In 2003 there were 387 writers who voted for Gary. Since September 10, 2003 (which is the dated I started this quest) I have mailed out 215 letters and as of May 2, 2005 I have received 67 signatures back.
One of the major setbacks I have come across is that there is not a published listing of the writers who are eligible to vote for the Hall of Fame, who voted in 2003 or who voted for Gary. I have uncovered the names of the writers I have mailed to through the internet, by contacting just about every major newspaper in the country, receiving tips from some of the writers and by just dumb luck.
This is where I need your HELP!! If you know of any writer that belongs to the BBWAA and votes for the Hall of Fame PLEASE e-mail me and I will fire out a letter ASAP.
Here is a handful of quotes that I have received from some of the writers:
“Your project is admirable but unfortunately virtually impossible.”
“You do need a life. I wish you luck.”
“Happy to help. I voted for “the Kid” every year he was on the ballot – he was a favorite of mine too. Classy gentleman, great ball player. – Good luck with the project.”
“What an interesting concept! Yes, I did vote for Gary. I was also the only one to give him the 1st place NL MVP vote in 1986 for guiding six pitchers to double-digit wins as well as offensive contributions”
“Sorry I did not vote for Gary Carter. Don’t be mad.”
