2022 National Free Signer - Pat Listach

The common theme among the free signers at this year's National was that I had gotten most of them before, either TTM or at past Nationals.  Pat Listach was someone I got early on TTM.  I didn't have very many of his cards left, but was lucky enough to find a couple prior to the National, like the above 1994 Stadium Club.  I have been complimented on the card already.  This is kind of a forgotten set, in my opinion, but it still a pretty cool design.  I was glad I found this one and can get it in my album.

The 1993 Ultra was another card that I found on my own, and it turned out great.  This is also a great design and will look good in the album.  The 1992 Stadium Club was found at the show itself, since I had extra vouchers for Listach but not enough cards.

Finally, Michael had found this 1993 Upper Deck but didn't want to start a new project by trying for the two Hall of Famers on the card (Molitor and Yount).  I may take it on, or I may just leave this in the album.  We'll have to see.

Listach was pretty nice.  We blew in and out of his line, which was good, since I had so many people I was seeing.

TTM Success - Pat Listach

I had met Pat Listach back in 2011 when I saw the Pirates play the Cubs at PNC park with my cousin, Andreas.  I got him to sign a ball back then.  I'm not quite sure which cabinet the ball is in now, but I'm sure it is buried under a bunch of other signed baseballs.  Listach was actually one of the first players that I set aside for TTM purposes, then for whatever reason, I waited to send to him,  I kept collating cards of his, and kept seeing him pop up when I would search for someone to send to.  I finally got around to sending to him a few weeks ago; I sent to him via the Tacoma Rainiers (which is why I waited so long to send to him).  I sent four pretty awesome cards, and got this one 1993 Stadium Club back.  I guess of all of the cards for him to send back, this one was the coolest, with the over-exposure.  It turned out really nice.

Listac (b. 1967) played in the majors from 1992 to 1997 for the Brewers and Astros.  He had 444 hits, 5 home runs and a .251 batting average.  He was the 1992 Rookie of the Year for the AL, and finished 18th in the MVP voting that season.

I mailed to Listach on April 7 and got the card back on April 17, for a 10-day TAT.

Foul Bunt on Location - August 1, 2011 Pirates vs. Cubs

I decided this year that instead of going to Baltimore (like I have since 2005) I would check out another team in another city. I settled on Pittsburgh since I had heard that the city was pretty nice and PNC Park was a great place to catch a game. I was definitely pleased with my decision.

PNC Park, which opened in 2001, is finally able to house a competitive team. Outside the park are statues of former Pirate greats Honus Wagner (seen above)...Roberto Clemente (this was amazing to see in person, by the way)

Willie Stargell and Bill Mazeroski. I really liked the Stargell statue. I think he is pretty underrated in the history of the game. He was definitely a thorn in the side of some great Oriole teams, especially in 1979 when he helped the Pirates beat the O's in 7 games in an epic World Series.
I got to see Pirate superstar Andrew McCutchen go 1 for 4 on the night. He was very impressive in his at bats and the crowd was solidly behind him.


I was pleasantly surprised at the ovation that Derrek Lee received each time his name was called. It looks like Pirate fans are very happy that he was added at the trade deadline. Lee was the source of all of the Pirates' offense tonight when he belted 2 home runs (both to standing ovations) and got 3 RBI.
Sadly, the Pirates lost their 4th in a row to a score of 5-3. Derrek Lee went 2-4 with 3 RBI. His second homer measured 410 feet.


I got a signed ball from the 1992 AL Rookie of the Year Pat Listach. He played his entire career with the Milwaukee Brewers (1992 to 1997) and had a career batting average of .251 with 444 hits, 5 home runs and 116 stolen bases.

I also got a ball signed by Cubs' rookie outfielder Tony Campana. He is batting .256 on the year with 22 hits, no home runs and 12 stolen bases in 52 games. He appeared as a pinch hitter and bunt grounded out.

I had a really good time in Pittsburgh. Everything I have heard about the city was true, it looks awesome. The city deserves a lot of credit, all of the soot from the steel industry has been cleaned up and now the city looks amazing. I definitely would consider coming back any time to catch a game.