Jonathan Aranda

All-Star Jonathan Aranda signed this 2023 Topps baseball card on the night of May 1, 2026. Jonathan pulled his car over outside of the players parking lot at Tropicana Field and was kind enough to sign an autograph for my son and I. Jonathan was leaving following a 3-0 win over the San Francisco Giants.

 

Jesse Chavez

 On Friday May 1, 2026 I was able to get this 2010 Upper Deck baseball card signed by long time relief pitcher and 2026 Bullpen Coach for the San Francisco Giants, Jesse Chavez! Jesse signed the card prior to a game at Tropicana Field against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Elian Pena

I met 18 year old Elian Pena on April 30, 2026 at George M. Steinbrenner Field when the St. Lucie Mets traveled to Tampa to play the Tampa Tarpons. Elian signed an 8x10 picture for me about 5 minutes after the gates opened. He had just entered the visiting team dugout from the Mets clubhouse. Elian, a top prospect, is hopeful to have a long bright career with the Mets. Although the Mets lost this contest 8-5, Elian managed to go 2-4, ending the night with a batting average of .353! Pretty impressive for somebody as young as he is. Looking forward to following his career! 

 

Vinny Testaverde

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback and 1986 Heisman Trophy winner, Vinny Testaverde signed an 8x10 picture for me at Plant High School as he arrived to be a guest referee for Slam Jam Basketball Game hosted by Cup Coffee Uniting People on April 19, 2026.

Vinny was also the number 1 overall draft pick in the 1987 NFL Draft.

 

Joe Girardi

On the night of April 10, 2026 my brother called me asking if I wanted to go to Tropicana Field to get some autographs. The Yankees were there to play the Tampa Bay Rays. Joe Girardi was one of Yankees announcers, so I had my 8x10 picture on hand. We waited outside of the media entrance for him. After about 20  minutes of waiting, we gave up and moved onto a new spot where the visiting team players usually exit. After several minutes at the new spot, I spotted Joe Girardi walking through that area but from the direction we had just walked from. Mr. Girardi was very generous as he signed for the small group of us. Very grateful to add another baseball lifer and former Manager of the Year into my collection.

 

Ruben Tejada

Ruben Tejada was kind enough to sign an 8x10 picture for me prior to a Minor League Spring Training game against the Blue Jays. Ruben infamously broke his leg during Game 2 of the 2015 NLDS against the Dodgers when Chase Utley slid hard in an attempt to break up a double play. Ruben signed the picture on March 15, 2026 while he was a coach in the Phillies Minor League system.

 

Orion Kerkering

I had the opportunity to meet Orion Kerkering on Sunday March 15, 2026 at Carpenter Complex. He was spotted outside of the clubhouse chatting with a couple of his friends. A group of us waited for his conversation to wrap up and he willingly signed autographs for the small group. Orion signed a 2024 Topps baseball card.