Interesting that these two pieces hit the Internets today. First, Joe Posnanski <a href=”http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2008/07/17/autographs-and-mays/”>writes about autographs</a>, mentioning how he sent letters to players and teams as a kid. Then, former player Doug Glanville <a href=”http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/17/opinion/17glanvillefans.html?hp”>writes in the New York Times</a> about cleaning out his closet of some fan mail left over from his playing days. Apparently Glanville is a really sharp and cool guy. Who knew?
I totally spent my summers in the early 80s sending baseball letters to players, with their cards and SASEs included, and to teams hoping for autographs, stickers, pocket schedules, and any other freebies they were willing to send my way. Joe is right: every kid should be required to do this.
(Oh, and I hope some of you know the song the title references.)