What do you say in a letter?

[Ajax44]

I have a contact that casually knows an old ex-NBA HOF'er. He knows him enough to get an address for me if I pressured him.

What would I say, though, to a guy I've never met, that I've never seen live?

 

[dbarbos1]

Well, Don't lie to him and say "I watched you play many times".

I would probably say something like this "Dear Mr. X, Thank you very much for reading my letter. I know that you are very busy and I appreciate the time that you are taking for me. I collect autographs and I am hoping that you could please sign this card of yours for me. Thank you so much.

 

[mrmopar]

If you want to appeal to his personal side, you might mention reading about him in books or seeing highlight films, but were never able to see him live (age, distance, etc). You can mention an interest in his career through a love of BKB, but also the same that you didn't have the opportunity to see him play.

Who is it you are talking about?

For example, I know where Lenny Wilkens lives and although he played and coached here in Seattle, I can't really say I followed his career closely or watched him actually play/coach. However, I can tell him about my appreciation for the game and the Sonics while in Seattle and the role he played in brining us the only major sports title (until recently, if you count WNBA).