They say if you want to get a response from a Major League Baseball player – especially a star like Cliff Lee, the best way is to mail them a card/letter during spring training.
It’s more than just asking for autograph requests though as many fans simply just want to write a inspirational letter or say hello. Or in the case of one odd fan, send their fingernail clippings.
Yep – that’s what happened to the Philadelphia Phillies ace recently according to MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince.
"Tidbit from #Phillies camp today: Somebody mailed Cliff Lee their fingernail clippings. The perks of celebrity. #FanNail"
There’s really no explanation as to why the fan did such a thing or if there was an actual return mailing address on the item or if somebody was just attempting to be irritating/gross.
Of course, there is DNA on the nails so if somebody wanted to get investigative, it likely wouldn’t take much to figure out who sent the oddity.
Regardless, what a strange item to receive in the mail.
Hopefully the fan didn’t ruin the time honored tradition for kids around the country looking to get an autograph.