Phillies' Autograph 16 Years in the Making

October 12, 2006 (WPVI) -- There was a special delivery in Bensalem, Bucks County this week. A lifelong baseball fan opened his mail and couldn't believe what he received.

"It's a 1990 topps card of Don Carman," said Doug Ferraro. "Now it's autographed."

An autograph that took 16 years to get. Doug Ferarro was a wide-eyed 7-year-old with a few missing teeth when he wrote a letter to Phillies' pitcher Don Carman in 1989.

"It just says 'Dear Don' -- dear spelled deer - 'My favorite position is pitcher and if you'd sign my car I'd be a fan of you.'"

The card is still in mint condition.The letter is now faded, but it will take you to years past. The letter head reads Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Carman pitched for the Phillies from 1983 to 1990. He had modest career. He once led the league in losses. Ferraro doesn't even remember him.

"Now that I remember back, it was a project I wrote in 7th grade at elementary school," said Ferraro.

So what happened? Why did it take 16 years?

"He wrote back, 'Sorry about the delay. I lost a box of mail. Just found it. Don.'"

Carman was not a big baseball star, but such a gesture, long after his career had ended, makes him a hero to Ferraro. His message to Carman:

"Thanks. No hard feelings about the delay. It's very nice to see you care about your fans 16 years down he road.

Carman now lives in Naples, Florida. He told us that he cleaned out his garage and found a box with 200 letters in it. Carman says he replied to all of them.

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