Hoops Hobby

I’ve made an effort over the last several months to send out more through the mail (TTM) autograph requests, even involving my oldest son (7) in the process. Even though the returns are nearly almost all from retired players, it’s fun for him to see responses to questions in some cases, and to know that these former athletes took time to read and response to our letters.

And with each request, I end up learning more about the history of the game, even when I don’t get a response.

Over the last few weeks we’ve been lucky enough to have four returns, with players who played for the Pacers during several decades (70s, 80s, 90s).

Earl Tatum is an excellent signer through the mail, and returned this 1978-79 Topps card in less than 10 days. He played collegiate ball at Marquette and helped lead the team to four straight NCAA Tournaments and the 1976 title game.

Look at this string of head coaches he played under:
– Al McGuire 1972-76 (Marquette)
– Jerry West 1976-77 (LAL)
– Slick Leonard 1977-78 (IND)
– Tom ‘Satch’ Sanders 1978 (BOS)
– Dick Vitale 1978-79 (DET)
– Stan Albeck 1979-80 (CLE)

Just thought the string of head coaches, and essentially a new one every season of his NBA career, was interesting, especially seeing the mix of former players and longtime coaches.

With the timing of Jerry West’s passing, it felt fitting to ask for him to share something he took away from his time playing under Coach Jerry. Tatum answered ‘Just Play’.

During his time with the Pacers, which lasted for part of a season after coming over from the Lakers in a trade that saw Adrian Dantley go to LA, Tatum averaged over 14 points a game playing pretty significant minutes, over 30 a game.

Next up by playing career is the 6 foot 9 Bill Garnett, signing the back of a 1985-86 Star card, also returned very quickly and with a great note. A star during his time at Wyoming where the school went to back to back NCAA Tournaments, we asked Mr. Garnett about his time there and who the toughest players he matched up against were. He cited the toughness of the WAC conference at the time, pointing out some of the phenomenal talent that his Cowboys faced.

Danny Ainge from BYU
Tom Chambers, Danny Vranes (Sonics, 76ers), Pace Mannion (6 NBA teams) from Utah
Terry White (drafted by Cavaliers 5th round) from UTEP
Michael Cage and Tony Gwynn (yes, that Tony Gwynn, Mr. Padre) from San Diego State

One of the friendliest replies we’ve received from a TTM request, we really appreciate his time. What a treat to open that envelope and read his responses.

Next up, primarily 80s guard Rickey Green signed within 10 days (included a fee along with the card when sending). Green played a lengthy 14 year NBA career mostly with the Utah Jazz. He started over 500 games and made the Western Conference All-Star team in 1984.

He served as the backup to Vern Fleming at point guard for the Pacers during the 1989-90, one of the last few seasons of his long NBA career.

Lastly for this recap of returns, another player with a long NBA career upwards of 15 seasons. LaSalle Thompson is a familiar name for Pacers fans because of his time over 8 seasons with the team starting in 1989 where he was a starter and key bench contributor, including during several key playoff series in the early-90s. Thrilled to have this1990-91 Fleer card signed.

These TTM mail days are about as good as it gets in collecting for me these days. Looking forward to sharing more in the coming months.