Glenn Davis Offers Autograph ‘Gift’ Lesson

Tom Owens — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:41:00 +0000

Baseball-Almanac.com
posts an AWESOME
collection of in-person
autographs. Note that
Davis added the
“Praise the Lord” P.S.

In case you missed these inspiring comments by Tim (regarding elusive signer Glenn Davis), here’s a recap:

“I recently received Glenn Davis through the mail. I sent my request to his home address and included a small donation for The Carpenter’s Way, a home for children that Mr. Davis established. He seemed to appreciate the donation since he signed the cards that I sent and included an extra card signed.

Sometimes it takes a little research and creativity to get some players to sign.”

and…

“Thanks for the feedback, Tom. As you have pointed out many times, it is important to personalize the letters that you write. In this case, I read about Mr. Davis and The Carpenter’s Way. In the letter, I referenced the important role that The Carpenter’s Way is impacting youth in his community and told him that I wanted to help with the mission of The Carpenter’s Way with a small donation.”

I wanted to share them again, because I think I understand the lesson they provide. I thank Tim for making a huge point that everyone in the hobby needs to remember.

No, I don’t think that everyone sending a donation to The Carpenter’s Way will guarantee that Davis signs forever. He may. Or, he may start asking for higher and higher donations. Personal interaction can devolve into a mere business transaction.

Tim gave a gift. That’s why he got one in return. He didn’t HAVE to make a donation. He WANTED to.

Money isn’t the ultimate answer. Tim created a personal appeal to Davis. He did more than quote career HR numbers. Tim’s letter addressed Davis as a player and person. That’s the goal I set for every letter I send.

“Have to” versus “Wanted to.” That’s it!

Tomorrow: Learn the math of baseball, with pitcher-turned-teacher Dave Fleming

Houston’s Glenn Davis Snubbed Topps Cards

Tom Owens — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:39:00 +0000

Who’d Autograph This?

Some former players take it out on us.

Why would you want them to autograph card picturing them on THAT team? It gives them a chance to tell about the grudge they still hold.

In the 1980s, Astros slugger Glenn Davis was different.

The outspoken Christian was upset with Topps producing Garbage Pail Kids cards. In protest, he vowed not to autograph any of his Topps-made cards.

I wondered how collectors were supposed to make his case in front of Topps executives.

During my SCD days, I found Davis on the field readying for batting practice at Dodger Stadium.

“We’ve worked things out with Topps,” he said. “I’ll be signing again.”

Davis had tried to recruit other Christian players into his autograph boycott. I think Tommy Herr might have participated?

Sadly, Davis hasn’t been signing by mail for years.

Good luck to all the set collectors. I’m expecting more of these autograph protests in the future.

Glenn Davis – Baseball by The Letters

Glenn Davis Offers Autograph ‘Gift’ Lesson

Houston’s Glenn Davis Snubbed Topps Cards