For those looking for a quick autograph response through the mail, send a request to former Kansas City Royal outfielder Willie Wilson.
Wilson, who also played for the Oakland As and Chicago Cubs, will oblige fans and signs sports memorabilia through the mail for a fee.
I sent Wilson $20 and a Topps 89 baseball card on Aug. 13 and the card arrived back in mailbox signed on Aug. 18.
The five day mail transaction is second only to former Philadelphia Phillie Kevin Gross Kevin Gross who responded to my autograph request in four days.
The fees sent to Wilson are recorded as a donation to the The Willie Wilson Baseball Foundation located in Kansas City, Mo.
The foundation focuses on assisting youth in learning the sport of baseball.
on the foundation’s website Wilson has the following quote posted “I was fortunate enough to have baseball teach me the values relative to success. The sport gifted me with leadership and team building skills that translate in a relatable way in the world.”
Wilson also sponsors a legends’ game.
This year proceeds benefited spinal cord injuries and Project Walk of Kansas City.
Those that took part in the game included Danny Jackson, Dennis Leonard, Frank White, and Daryl Motley.
Wilson signed my card with a blue Sharpie and added the number six, which he wore with the Royals in 1978 through 1990.
Wilson played in the World Series with the Royals two times and played in the 1992 American League Championship game with the As.
Of the players that I have sent requests too that require a fee, Wilson’s five day response is the quickest.
Andre Dawson was a 13 day wait; Dave Henderson was a 10 day wait; Jim Eisenreich was a 215 day wait and Nolan Ryan, 225 day wait.
Other players I have sent requests that have not responded are: Latroy Hawkins, Tony Pena, Omar Vizquel, Tim Wakefield, Tommy John, Ron Gant, Bryan Harvey, Tommy Lasorda, Ray Fontenot, Jason Thompson, Leon Durham, Dave Winfield, Jay Tibbs, Mike Scioscia, Ken Howell, Eric Davis, Randy Milligan, Danny Tartabull, Joe Magrane, Roger McDowell, Rick Aguilera, Nick Esasky, Kevin Seitzer, Dave Burba, Chris Sabo, Charlie Hayes, Tommy Gregg, Junior Ortiz, Mariano Duncan, Mo Vaughn, Andy Hawkins, Howard Johnson, Matt Nokes, Julio Franco, Rick Rhoden, Rafael Palmiero, Curt Wilkerson, Tim Laudner, Wade Boggs, Mark Gardner, Kevin Appier, Greg Walker, Gary Gaetti, Glenallen Hill, Armando Benitz, Tim Hudson, Bob Tewksbury, Scot Radinsky, Gerald Perry, Eddie Perez, David Justice, Rico Brogna, Sandy Alomar, Ken Griffey Sr., Kirk Gibson, Pokey Reese, Mark Wohlers, Andy Pettitte, Eric Owens, and Cris Carpenter.
This month I began trying to send follow ups to these players.
So far I have sent notes through the U.S. Mail to Tony Pena and attempted to contact Omar Vizquel, Tommy John, Tommy Lasorda, and Dave Winfield on Twitter.
