Getting autographs of superstars by mail is tough.

I believe that another tough category exists: the might-have-been.

Injury is often the explanation for a shortened career. Managerial conflict is another. If the boss doesn’t believe in you, who do you get in the lineup? Or, these men simply became overshadowed in a rich farm system serving a perennial winner in the majors.

You can look these guys up. They had brief glories in the bigs, never getting the chance to extend one or two good seasons into a great career. Getting fan mail must be a bittersweet experience — glad to be remembered, but sad to be reminded of what could have been. Are the memories too painful to reply to a letter? (Some names got disqualified immediately, due to their HORRIBLE unwillingness to sign for members of http://www.sportscollectors.net/, as indicated by attempts posted and monitored by SCN members.

I’ve found two “shooting stars,” the first with one season of wonder, the second with just a game of glory.

Warren Morris

John Paciorek

Readers — who else would you put on this list? Thanks for your help.

Coming Friday: Honoring Bill Monbouqette