TTM Stats
- Sent: 6/6/2022 | Received: 6/14/2022 | 8 Days
- ’92 Leaf Gold Leaf Rookies, ’92 Upper Deck, ’03 Topps Total
- Address: Home Address (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 11/29/2022 | Received: 12/22/2022 | 23 Days
- ’92 Skybox, ’01 Topps, ’02 Topps
- Address: Home Address (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 7/26/2023 | Received: 8/8/2023 | 12 Days
- ’92 Leaf Gold Leaf Rookies, ’94 Pinnacle, ’95 Score
- Address: Home Address (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Baseball has always been a game of traditions, quirks, and superstitions, but few players embraced the eccentric side of the sport quite like Turk Wendell. Known for his colorful personality, unique rituals, and effectiveness as a relief pitcher, Wendell carved out a solid 11-year career in Major League Baseball (MLB). While his antics made him a fan favorite, his ability to get outs cemented his place as a reliable reliever, particularly during his time with the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets.
Steven John “Turk” Wendell was born on May 19, 1967, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. A standout athlete, he attended Quinnipiac College (now Quinnipiac University) in Connecticut, where he played baseball and impressed scouts with his competitive fire and strong arm. The Atlanta Braves selected him in the fifth round of the 1988 MLB Draft, and he quickly worked his way through the minor leagues. However, before he could make his big-league debut, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs in 1991 for Damon Berryhill and Mike Bielecki.
Wendell made his MLB debut on June 17, 1993, with the Chicago Cubs, but it was a rough start. Over parts of two seasons, he struggled with command and consistency, posting high ERAs (4.37 in 1993 and 11.93 in 1994). Wendell went to the Cubs’ bullpen in 1995, where he began to find his groove as a reliable reliever. In 1996, he appeared in 70 games, posted a 2.84 ERA, and earned a reputation as an intense competitor with an unusual set of superstitions.
In 1997, the Cubs traded Wendell to the New York Mets, where he became an important part of their bullpen. Over the next four seasons (1997-2001), he was one of the Mets’ most dependable relievers, often appearing in high-leverage situations. His best season came in 1999, when he posted a 3.05 ERA in 80 games, helping the Mets reach the playoffs. The following year, he played a key role in the Mets’ 2000 National League pennant-winning season, appearing in 77 games with a 3.59 ERA. He pitched in the 2000 World Series against the Yankees, appearing in three games, though the Mets ultimately fell in five games.
Wendell remained with the Mets until midway through the 2001 season, when he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. He pitched for the Phillies from 2001 to 2003 but was limited by injuries, missing the entire 2002 season due to Tommy John surgery.
Over 11 MLB seasons (1993-2004), Wendell played in 552 games, finishing with a 36-33 record, 33 saves, a 3.93 ERA, and 515 strikeouts. Though he was never an All-Star, he was a workhorse in the bullpen, often pitching in 70+ games per season at his peak. After a brief stint with the Colorado Rockies in 2004, Wendell retired from baseball.
While Wendell’s pitching made him valuable, his superstitions made him unforgettable. Some of his most famous rituals included:
- Brushing his teeth between innings.
- Chewing black licorice instead of gum or tobacco.
- Slamming the rosin bag on the mound before each inning.
- Leaping over the foul line when entering and leaving the field.
- Insisting that his contract include the number 99 (he famously signed a three-year, $9,999,999.99 deal with the Mets).
His eccentricities made him a fan favorite, particularly in New York, where Mets supporters appreciated his fiery personality and dedication to the game.
After retiring, Wendell moved to Iowa, where he became a rancher and enjoyed a quieter life away from the spotlight. However, he remained vocal about baseball, occasionally making headlines for his outspoken opinions on steroids and the state of the game.
Turk Wendell may not have been a superstar, but he left a lasting impact on the game. His personality, work ethic, and effectiveness as a reliever made him a beloved figure, especially among Mets and Cubs fans. In a sport where players often take themselves too seriously, Wendell reminded everyone that baseball should be fun – even at the highest level. Whether it was his quirky superstitions or his relentless competitive spirit, he remains one of the most unique and entertaining relievers in MLB history.
The Score on Turk Wendell – 6.5
Turk is just as quirky a signer as he was a player. He likes to color the outside edges of the cards and then one of the corners. I’m not exactly sure what he writes below his signature. His signature on top of all that is just great. Its got so much character! I also love that within these returns I got a card of him signing for people.
Thanks Mr. Wendell! I’m giving this bunch a 6.5.
This my third post of returns from him. To see the others, check out these posts below:
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.