An Owen White Autograph From Gerard

While cleaning up my stack of backlogged autographs, I found this 2024 Topps signed by former Wood Duck, Owen White.  The card was given to me by my.good buddy, Gerard.  I had sent one to White during Sprong Training, but it never came back.  Oh well.  Let's check his current career stats.

White (b. 1999) has played in the majors since 2023.  He has gotten into 5 games and is 0-1 with 4 strike outs and a 16.71 ERA.  That's a terribly small sample soze.  Let's hope he gets more chances to work on those stats.

Thanks for the card, Gerard!

Gerard Gets Salty

My buddy, Gerard, got a few more Jarrod Saltalamacchia cards signed for me at the Cape Cod League.  I had pulled several this past winter and was glad to dig them out for him (and also a few for my buddy, Aidan).

Both of these cards turned out nicely.  Gerard got me a few more signed, but they were duplicates.

Thanks for getting my cards signed for me, Gerard!

Joe West Signed Baseball

My friend, Gerard, sent me this signed baseball that he got done for me recently of Joe West.  West is a former umpire who likely will be elected to the Hall of Fame at some point.  He missed out during the most recent veterans committee voting, but is likely to be the next unprecedented to get in at some point. 

West (b. 1952) umpired from 1976 to 2021, for a record 43 seasons.  He resigned during the 1999 Umpires strike, but was rehired in 2002.  Born in Asheville, NC, West later moved to Greenville, NC and attended ECU and Elon College.  He was part of the inaugural ECU football team, but transferred to Elon after that first season when the then ECU coach was fired.  He is a graduate of JH Rose High School in Greenville.

West umpired for a record 43 seasons and a record 5,460 games.  He umpired three All Star games (1987, 2005 and 2017) and six World Series (1992, 1997, 2005, 2009, 2012 and 2016).

Thanks for getting this ball done for me, Gerard.

Hall of Fame Signed Baseball - Peter Gammons

My good friend, Gerard, got this baseball signed for me by Hall of Fame sportswriter, Peter Gammons.  Gammons was a signer at a show near Boston, so Gerard took the ball for me and dropped it off so I could add another Hall of Famer to my collection.  My 173rd Hall of Famer on a baseball came as a result.  The ball turned out great, and Gammons added the HOF inscription for free.

Gammons (b. 1945), after graduating from UNC Chapel Hill, joined the Boston Globe in 1969, covering the Red Sox and/or penning national baseball coverage from 1969 to 1975 and 1978 to 1986.  He worked for Sports Illustrated from 1976 to 1978 and 1986 to 1990.  He joined ESPN as an on-air baseball analyst, and worked there until 2009.  He was selected for the J. G. Taylor Spink Award for outstanding baseball writing given by the Baseball Writers Association of America in 2005, enshrining him in the Hall of Fame.

Thanks for getting my ball signed, Gerard!

Signed 1987 Topps Mitch Webster From Gerard

My good friend, Gerard, found this Mitch Webster signed 1987 Topps for my set.  Gerard has helped a bunch with the set.

Webster (b. 1959) played in the majors from 1983 to 1995 for the Blue Jays, Expos, Cubs, Indians, Pirates and Dodgers.  He had 900 hits, 70 home runs and a .263 batting average.  

Thank you so much for the help with the set, Gerard!

Hall of Fame Signed Baseball - Joe Castiglione

My good friend, Gerard, picked up this signed baseball for me of newly minted Hall of Famer, Joe Castiglione.  He was just named as the 2024 Ford Frick Award winner.  Gerard saw him at a recent card show.

Castiglione (b. 1947) has been the Red Sox radio announcer since 1983.  Prior to that, he capped games for the Brewers and Indians.

I had a chance to get Castiglione on a ball when I was in Boston in July and again in Baltimore in October.  I reacted too.slowly both times. Thankfully, Gerard got him for me and I can add a new Hall of Famer to the collection.  Castiglione is my 171st Hall of Famer on a baseball. Thanks Gerard!

Some 50-50s and Spring Training Autos From Gerard

Stacks of signed cards from sources other than TTMs continue to pile up on my desk.  I need to scan and post a bit more frequently to catch up, or I will remain behind on scanning and cropping for a long time.  I wanted to go ahead and get these cards from Gerard onto the blog, since I still had a team bag full of these cards he got done for me last season.  I combined these Red Sox cards from last year with the Rays cards he got signed for me recently at Spring Training, and hae a lot of stuff to add to the autograph album.

Gerard helped me finish off some Carolina League Top Prospects cards from a couple seasons ago with the above Jarren Duran and Bran Mats.  I was also glad to get a 2021 Heritage Minors Hudson Potts signed, and the Bryan Mata 2018 Bowman Chrome refractor.  I also enjoyed that he got me the 2019 Bowman Heritage Mata at the top of the post.  I really like that set, and was glad to add another of those to the album.

I may have seen Durbin Feltman with Salem or Greenville, but I don't remember, so it was nice to add these three to the album.  I know I saw Cameron Cannon, but I'm still glad to get a few extras of him, as well.

Getting cards from 2018 Bowman is starting to get tougher, as a lot of those guys have moved up and on from the teams I see, or they are now out of baseball.  It's funny how quickly a card set can get, maybe not obsolete, but out of the forefront of what you're seeing in a current season's autograph book.

When Gerard told me he could take some Rays for Spring Training, I was excited to get this 2022 Bowman Chrome green shimmer refractor of Curtis Mead signed.  The card is awesome, and I almost couldn't find it before I sent the package off.  Thankfully, I found it in the last place I looked and got it into the package.

I had hoped that this was a 2021 Topps Charlie Culberson, and not a Topps Update, because I have only 9 2021 Topps in my autograph album.  I don't count updated toward my Topps statistics, but this one is, in fact, an Update.  Oh well.  I still like the card, it just won't run my numbers for 2021 Topps into double digits.  I did send a bunch of 2021s to Spring Training for TTMs, but results from those have been super slow.

Gerard helped me get some generic team cards into the album by getting these 2010 Topps Tampa Bay Rays cards signed.  From left, Jordan Qsar, Kevin Kelly and Colton Brewer.

He also helped me get a few cards out of my box for older prospects cards like the 2014 Topps Heritage Minors Daniel Robertson, a 2018 Bowman Michael Mercado and a 2019 Bowman Logan Driscoll.

Finally, a couple more older cards with a 2016 Bowman Nick Burdi and a 2019 Midwest League All Star Niko Hulsizer.  He also helped me get a 2022 Topps Update Chrome purple Rene Pinto and a 2022 Topps Update Rene Pinto signed.

Thanks for getting all of these cards signed for me, Gerard.  This was a good start to this season's 50/50s for the two of us, and I look forward to what else we can get ink on this season.

Christmas Gift From Gerard

My friend, Gerard, hooked me up with some nice stuff for Christmas.  The above 2022 Topps Gallery of Yohel Pozo is really nice.  I never got a chance to open this product, so it was a nice surprise.

Gerard did some signings recently with James Triantos and Jared Shuster.  These are some pretty nice cards.  I wanted to participate in the signings, but didn't get time to go through my stuff.  Gerard helped out and I can add these to my album.

It was also really cool that Gerard knocked three guys off of my 1987 Topps checklist.  These three are tougher guys to get, and I am glad to knock them off of the list.

Thank you so much for the Christmas gift, Gerard.  I really appreciate it, and am glad you have helped me with this set.

Birthday Gift From Gerard

Another birthday has come and gone.  This one wasn't very eventful, which is what I wanted.  I took the day (was a Wednesday) and then the following Thursday and Friday off.  I was going to try to travel to a game, but ended up staying around the house since we were down a car.  I used the time to organize my card room a little better and also to scan a bunch of cards (hence all of the posts).

Meanwhile, I got a couple birthday packages in; this one is from my buddy, Gerard.

Gerard sent me some autographs of current and former Wood Ducks.  Those have been put away for now.  At some point, I want to put an album together of those kinds of cards, but in the meantime, they are in a box labeled "Wood Ducks".  I'll probably buy an album and box of pages specifically for certified autos of current and former Wood Ducks and just fill it randomly as cards come in.  That's an idea, at least.

Gerard also sent me these cool graded proof cards of Cody Freeman for the PC.  I think these are really awesome, and are pretty unique for me.

Thank you so much for the gifts, Gerard.  I really appreciate it.

A Signed Card From Gerard

I got a package in from my good friend, Gerard the other day that had some birthday stuff (that I'll post later) and this card that he was able to get signed for me by Andy Fox.  I like the design of the card, a 1996 Select.  I have a thing for wood-grain cards, and this is a nice one.

Fox (b. 1991) played in the majors from 1996 to 2004 for the Yankees, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Expos and Rangers.  He had 461 hits, 30 home runs and a .239 batting average.  He won the World Series in 1996 with the Yankees.

Thanks for getting this signed for me, Gerard.  It will look great in the album.

An Assortment of Autographs From Gerard

Falling behind of posting stuff has led to a huge stack of signed cards that still need to be scanned.  This stack can hopefully be managed quickly, especially if I combine posts of stuff from the same person.  Scattered among the cards were several that Gerard has sent me over the past few months.

He recently did a signing with Franklin Perez that I didn't write down nor count toward my TTMs.  I had sent several Perez cards to Gerard just after the National with several that he could use for himself.  I found the above 2018 Bowman Chrome purple shimmer refractor in a dollar box at the National and decided that this would be the key to what I wanted back from the signing.

I also sent off the 2018 Topps Pro Debut showing Perez in a Buies Creek uniform.  I couldn't find my team set card; I think I sent it TTM to Perez and never got it back.  Gerard provided the 2017 Carolina League Top Prospects card, which was nice (because mine was sent in that lost TTM).

Gerard had also arranged a private signing with Terry Kennedy, and since I needed the 1987 Topps Padres leaders card signed, I jumped in that signing as well.  I included my 1991 Crown Orioles card, since I'm not officially working on that set, but want to get them out of my box and signed.

My hope is that Gerard can get Andy Hawkins to do a signing so I can complete the leaders card.  Gerard also provided a base 1987 Topps of Kennedy so I could upgrade mine from black ink to blue.

Here are a bunch of random cards that Gerard sent back from past 50/50s and other signings.  I was glad he gave me the 2003 Bowman Heritage of Nate Spears.  I love that design.  I probably got Matthew Lugo on my own 2019 Bowman Draft, but this one will go in my album anway.

The 1991 Topps Oddibe McDowell was one of the last mystery TTMs that came in; back when we were doing those.  THat kind of stopped with the both of us getting really busy.  I might pick that up on a limited basis.  I thought about doing that for maybe one of my nephews or nieces.

Finally, here are a couple landscape oriented cards.  The 2019 Topps Rangers card is signed by former Rangers manager, Chris Woodward.

The Christian Vazquez seems to be the first 2022 Topps Heritage to make its way into my album.  I really appreciate all of the cards from Gerard.  I'm also glad that I am at a point where I can clean my desk up.  It is never too early to prep for next season.

TTM Success - Tony Pena

A tough signer for my 1987 Topps set was crossed off of my list when my buddy, Gerard, arranged a private signing with Tony Pena.

I had tried Pena TTM a couple different times and failed.  I was scared to send my Pirates leaders card, since it had already been signed by Sid Bream.  I'm glad I finally was able to put these cards away in the album.

Pena (b. 1957) played in the majors from 1980 to 1997 for the Pirates, Cardinals, Red Sox, Indians, White Sox and Astros.  He had 1,687 hits,  107 home runs and a .260 batting average.  He was a five-time All Star (1982, 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1989) and a four-time Gold Glove Award winner (1983, 1984, 1985 and 1991).  He appeared on the 2003 Hall of Fame ballot, but received only 0.4% of the vote.

Pena managed the Royals from 2002 to 2005.  His managerial record was 198-285 (.410 win percentage).

I mailed to the signing on April 15 and got the cards back signed on June 18, for a 64-day TAT.

Signed Cards From Gerard - Hirokazu Sawamura

This was kind of a TTM, but I wasn't calling it as such.  My good friend, Gerard, has been assisting his brother with private signings, and let me know that they would be seeing Red Sox reliever, Hirokazu Sawamura.  I had recently pulled these two 2021 Chronicles cards, and thought they would look cool signed.  I was right.

Sawamura (b. 1988) has played in the majors since 2021 for the Red Sox.  He has a record of 5-2 with 76 strike outs and a 3.04 ERA.

Thanks for getting these cards signed for me, Gerard.  I can't wait to see the guys that you and your brother line up for your next signings.

1987 Set Need From Gerard - Rob Wilfong

My goof friend, Gerard, along with his brother, arranged a signing recently with Rob Wilfong.  Knowing I needed him for my 87 set, Gerard took one of my cards and got it signed for me.  The card turned out nicely, and puts me at 725/792 for my set.  Things are slowing down for the set, but I am still plugging away, and also hoping some of the tougher names fall off the list, somehow.

Wilfong (b. 1953) played in the majors from 1977 to 1987 for the Twins, Angels and Giants.  He had 668 hits, 39 home runs and a .248 batting average.

Thanks for helping me knock this card off of the list, Gerard!

Some 50/50s Back From Gerard

My good friend, Gerard, went on a trip this past week to Asheville, and took a few 50/50s to help move some cards out of my boxes.  These were mostly guys that I missed who either didn't come through Fayetteville, or didn't have these cards when they did.  

The above 2020 Panini Prizm Zach Daniels turned out nicely.  I'm pretty sure he just didn't play in Fayetteville; I don't remember him there, at least.  I also don't remember how I got this card, but I like it and am glad it is being added to my album.

Gerard got me several Daniels cards signed, which was great.  I have added so many 2021 Topps Heritage Minors cards to the album recently.  It is a nice set, and the cards look great signed.

J. C. Correa didn't have cards when he came through Fayetteville, so it was nice to get a couple of his cards signed and into the album.

Jordan Brewer did come through, and I had gotten his 2020 Heritage Minors signed before.  I don't remember seeing Colin Barber, however.

Gerard also got a few cards signed by Greenville Drive's Matthew Lugo.  These cards turned out nicely, as well.

Thanks for taking the 50/50, Gerard.  I hope you had a great trip!

TTM Success - Eduardo Rodriguez

My good friend, Gerard, and his brother have been setting up more private signings recently.  One of the ones that I was able to get a return from was former Oriole, Eduardo Rodriguez.  I had this 2014 Bowman Platinum green refractor in my Orioles box for a long time, and finally sent it out for signature.  When the cards came back, a lot of hate was thrown their way for the quality of the autograph that Rodriguez put on the card.  I thought a lot of that was unfounded, since the promoters can't control how a person signs their name.  It is Rodriguez's autograph, love it or hate it.  I, personally, am glad I have the signed cards to put in my album.  Other people can just choose not to engage in a Rodriguez signing; it's that simple.

I also got this 2022 Topps signed.  Ridriguez's signature does show up better on this card, but again, I didn't have an issue with it in the first place.

Rodriguez (b. 1993) has played in the majors since 2015 (missing the 2020 season with COVID and other health issues) for the Red Sox and Tigers.  He has a career record of 64-41 with 915 strike outs and a 4.19 ERA.  He won the World Series with the Red Sox in 2018.  He finished 6th in the AL Cy Young race in 2019.

I mailed to the signing on January 31 and got the cards back on March 11, for a 39-day TAT.

50/50s and More From Gerard

Slowly, I am catching up on some old 50/50 posts.  It helps when I can combine several packages into one post, like this one from Gerard.  He took some 50/50s for me last season, and for whatever reason, I slacked on getting the cards posted to the blog.  He also had a couple signings, and I was able to help contribute to them.  I got a few cards in return that I'm really happy about.

The above 2019 Bowman Chrome green refractor of Hudson Potts was a nice 50/50 that Gerard hooked me up with.  The card looks great and is numbered 64/99.

Gerard knocked out a few Triston Casas cards for me as well.  Each of them looks awesome.

I have a ton of these Bowman Top 100 cards in my prospects box, so getting one out and signed by Casas was nice.  I need to find some folks who can hit some of the other Top 100 guys to help thin that set out of my box.

I pulled every Kelly Shoppach and Jeremy Hermida card I could find to help Gerard with a couple private signings.  Both of these Shoppachs turned out great.

I may have been the happiest about getting these Jeremy Hermidas back signed.  These are some cards and sets that I have very little of, so being able to find them and help with the signing was really nice/

Thanks for the cards, Gerard.  I hope I can send a few more your way soon.

TTM Success - Matt Barnes

My good friend, Gerard, has gotten into the private signing game with his brother, recently.  He approached me about joining in his signing with Matt Barnes, but I wasn't sure if I was going to send anything in.  Right after, though, I went through my 2021 Topps inserts and saw the above orange ice parallel, so I had to get in on the signing.  This card looks awesome, and is numbered 98/299.

I went ahead and got a 2021 Topps base card signed, as well, so I could add one to my Topps ledger.  I haven't gotten many 2021s signed, but I figure they'll come with time.

Barnes (b. 1990) has played in the majors since 2014, for the Red Sox.  He has a record of 32-26 with 522 strike outs and a 4.04 ERA.  He was an All Star in 2021, and won the World Series with the Red Sox in 2018.

I mailed to the signing on December 28 and got the cards back on February 11, for a 44-day TAT.

Christmas Gift From Gerard - Some Awesome Cody Freeman Cards

Cody Freeman, much like Nolan Reimold, is going to be one of those players who, if I see a card, whether I have it or not, I'm going to pick it up.  My good friend, Gerard, added 6 cards to my small Cody Freeman PC with this awesome Christmas gift.

Cody doesn't have many cards out just yet, but the stuff that is out there looks really awesome.  He was in 2019 Leaf products, and there are quite a few autographs in there.  These cards look awesome, and I am really happy that Gerard hooked me up with them.

This printing plate came in separately.  Cody has a great signature, and one of the cards that I picked up for myself actually has a very early version before he perfected it to what it is on this card.  He even pointed it out to me when I showed him what I had picked up.

Cody is a great guy, and messages me here and there.  He was excited to see that one of my friends was looking out for me with his cards, which was really cool.

Thanks for the Christmas gift, Gerard!