Jake Arrieta

 On June 29th, 2025 I was at a Perfect Game 13u baseball tournament to watch my son play at Cacti Park, the Minor League training facility of the Washington Nationals in West Palm Beach, Florida. As soon as I got there, I thought I recognized Jake Arrieta walking around. I dismissed it as I wasn't 100% sure it was him. About half-way through the game, one of the dads on our team says to me, "You see that guy over there? That's Jake Arrieta." I told him that I thought so too, but wasn't sure. He then pulled up the roster of the other team and sure enough, Jake's son was currently pitching. I always have all of my cards on me as I never know who I might see at these games. 

After the game, Jake signed a 2014 Topps baseball card for me. He also signed a card for my son as well as posed for a picture with him. Jake was very friendly to everybody, which was great! As a player, he was tough to get an autograph from. I'd seen him on multiple occasions during Spring Training ignore any fan that asked for an autograph, or even just tried to get his attention. 

Rex Hudler

Rex Hudler signed and returned this 1997 Topps Stadium Club card through the mail in only 21 days, having received it on June 5, 2025. It's a unique posed card which looks to be taken at Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, Florida. Happy to now have it signed and in my collection!

 

Al Hrabosky

It only took 8 short days to receive "The Mad Hungarian" Al Hrabosky's autograph in the mail. He signed a 1974 Topps baseball card for me. It arrived in the mail on May 23, 2025. 

Al Hrabosky is known to have inspired the character of Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn played by Charlie Sheen in the movie "Major League".

His on-field "performance art," which included turning his back to the hitter, pounding the ball into his glove and psyching himself up, directly influenced the portrayal of Rick Vaughn's intense and wild demeanor on the mound.

Rick Reuschel

On May 23, 2025 I received a 1986 Topps baseball card signed by Rich Reuschel for an 8 day turn-around!

Mr. Reuschel had an impressive career lasting 19 years. In that time, he amassed 214 career wins with a career ERA of 3.37. Very happy to have added Rick Reuschel into my collection! 

 

Oddibe McDowell

On May 10, 2025 I mailed a 1991 Upper Deck baseball card to Oddibe McDowell and received it back on May 17, 2025. I always liked this card. I think it's a cool picture with Oddibe blowing a giant bubble of bubble gum.

 

Travis Honeyman

St. Louis Cardinals prospect Travis Honeyman signed this 8x10 picture for me at George M. Steinbrenner Field at the 3rd base dugout on May 17, 2025. Travis and the Single-A Palm Beach Cardinals were in town to play the Yankees Single-A affiliate, Tampa Tarpons. 

The Cardinals won the game 5-4. Travis had 4 plate appearances, walking 3 times and striking out once. His season batting average after the game fell to .354. 

 

Dan Pasqua

I mailed Dan Pasqua a 1991 Topps baseball card asking for his autograph. 

I received it in the mail signed as requested 55 days later on March 25, 2025!