June 15 Report, Part 2: Football Hall of Famer Andy Robustelli

So when I updated this blog earlier this afternoon with my tidbit on PGA Tour winner Chris Perry and his baseball lineage, I thought I was done for the day.

Needless to say that was way off base -- primarily because I did not count on the UPS man delivering me a package this evening. Boy was this a huge surprise as I had no idea who sent it or what it was.

I'll try to make the story somewhat short.

Ten days ago I wrote a letter to the great Andy Robustelli, Pro Football Hall of Fame member. My letter essentially included a card I hoped he would sign, but more important to me was I was hoping to get a story from him about an old Chicago Bear he played against named Willie Galimore.

I told Mr. Robustelli I had been reading everything I could on football from that era -- my bookshelf can attest to my words -- and I was wondering if he had any other stories on Galimore.

Well this UPS package came from Robustelli on his own dime. In it was a first edition copy of his book, which was inscribed and signed to me. I was blown away that he would take the time to do this.

But it gets better. Inside the book were a pair of signed football cards and my return envelope, stamped but unused.

And there's more.

He also included a pair of autographed 4x6 Hall of Fame signature cards.

So five different autographs from one of the guys who is responsible for making the game what it is today.

Needless to say I can't wait to read his book and see if he has some Galimore stories in the book.

I'll be sending a note back to Mr. Robustelli telling him how much his efforts mean to me. I also plan on sending him some cash to cover his expense in shipping the package to me.

This guy has more than class than most locker rooms hold today. I'm definitely a fan for life.

Day of the Year: 166
Number of Autographs This Year: 214

June 10 Report: Football Hall of Famer Charley Trippi; former New York Giants Kicker Joe Danelo and former Seattle Seahawks LB Terry Beeson

Just over a week ago I took a letter-writing session to address my recent lack of autograph requests outside of golf. I sent about 10 football requests, a couple of baseball ones and even a rare hockey request.

Well that effort began to pay off today in the form of three football successes. I sent three football HOFers among the lot and first up today is one of those.

I first met Charley Trippi 19 years ago and he signed a pair of cards for me. Now, nearly two decades later, I've added another different card to the collection. His resume is impressive as you would expect from any Hall of Famer, so I won't go into it here.

But the thing I'd like to say is that it is amazing that in nearly two decades -- and for a man who is nearing 90 -- his signature does not appear to have changed one bit. Still very readable and elegant and no signs of shakiness.

Man I really wish I could have seen these guys play in their primes. It must have been an entirely different game then.

Next up is Washington State product Joe Danelo. Danelo was drafted by the Dolphins in 1975 but never played with them. He suited up for three different teams, but most notably the New York Giants (1976-82). He kicked a then-team-record 55-yard FG on Sept. 20, 1981 and tied an NFL record for six field goals in a game without a miss. That record has since been broken.

Lastly today is former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Terry Beeson. The second round pick out of Kansas played for Seattle (1977-81) and the San Francisco 49ers (1982). He set a Seattle franchise record for tackles with 153.




Day of the Year: 161
Number of Autographs This Year: 207