The GREAT Virgil Trucks

I was not able to see Virgil Trucks pitch but as a lover of baseball I came across him a couple of years ago.  I sent him a baseball the first time and I was so excited when he returned it with added inscriptions that I didn't ask for or expect.  He also sent along a note, a couple of other cards, and an advertisement for his book.  I bought the book and really enjoyed reading it.  It led me to buy other books of former players like Ned Garver and Chuck Bednarik.  I have sent to Mr. Trucks on a couple of occassions for different projects that I have been working on.  One of mine is the World Series trophy picture.  It is so cool that he won a World Series game but didn't win one in the regular season because of his military commitment.  I believe that he is still the only person to win a World Series game after not winning a game in the regular season.  He has always been extremely generous with his returns.  One of my favorites is one time he sent me a photo of him that had been cutout, autographed and glued to a big popsicle stick to make a fan.  He wrote on the stick--use in case the air conditioner fails.  I love it!  I started to collect signed pocket pros late last year and kept thinking about sending him one.  I was worried because I know that he had surgery on his hand awhile back and I thought it could be hard for him.  I finally decided that I would give it a try.  I also wanted to have him sign a 1951 card that I found at a recent card show.  I was hoping to find an old card of him there and was stoked when I found it and for only $3.  I got my return today and of course Mr. Trucks went way above.  He signed my pocket pro and it came out great.  He also signed the 1951 card beautifully.  Mr. Trucks sent a a one page front and back letter thanking me(really) for my letter and donation to his church.  He sent me a separate envelope that he paid the postage for himself.  In it was a autographed photo with the inscription "to my dear friend"  (Love that!)  and a totally awesome autographed refrigerator magnet that a fan had made for him (he had four of them).  Whoever made it did an awesome job and it is already on my refrigerator!   He said that doesn't mind being good to his fans and popular with them.  He said he has the time LOL  I brought up the interview that I had read online.  He said that the people that write him seem appreciative.  He said he has probably signed 500 baseballs and he never charges. He will sign whether they send money or not.  He wished me and my family all the best.  He is such an incredible man who is so generous with collectors like me.  He will always be one of my favorites and I wish I could have seen him pitch.