Collecting Cleveland Indians Topps team sets from 1952-present, as well as post-war minor and major league autographs.
Andres Mora’s career was more than just his four seasons in the majors. When he finally retired from baseball in 1997, he was recognized as one of the greatest power hitters in Mexican League history, and would very likely be the league’s all-time homerun champion if it wasn’t for his four seasons in the majors.
Robin Yount had a fantastic career and deserved to be elected to the Hall of Fame back in 1999. I do think it’s funny that he had almost as many MVP awards (two) as All-Star selections (three).
Josh L. Bell was a prospect in the Dodgers organization in the mid-2000s, and in many ways was a similar prospect to the Guard’s new first baseman. Josh Bell.
Here is it, my first real through-the-mail autograph.
I was really excited about this card. Back in 2020 Washington State Baseball played here in Hawaii, and Kyle Manzardo was on the team. He was a decent prospect, but I don’t think anyone expected him to be drafted in the 2nd round of the 2021 draft. And, for whatever reason, I did not get him. Probably the best player that I ever totally whiffed on getting.
Al Leiter spent 19 seasons in the majors (1987-2005). He peaked late in his career, so his prime years were relatively short. But those years were still pretty impressive.
I have no idea how good of a prospect Rangers OF Trevor Hauver is. Hauver came into this season one of the Ranger’s Top 25 prospects. Between low and high-A he hit only .220, but with showed great pop (17 HR) and great on-base skills (.387).
Isn’t this a cool card? You can’t go wrong with a card signed by both Jim Thome and Roberto Alomar. The 2002 Upper Deck Vintage set is still, I think, one of the most attractive modern sets ever.
I had this card in my collection for years. Then I had an opportunity to get in on a private signing and decided to send this card in. It came out pretty OK.
Cal Poly visited Hawaii a couple of years ago, and pitcher Taylor Dollard was on their roster. He was a well thought of prospect, and I was able to get his autograph. He would go on to be drafted by Seattle in the 5th round of the 2020 draft.