Billy DeMars

 Billy DeMars came into my job at a healthcare facility in 2011. I was working the front desk at the time and as I was checking him in, I recognized his name. I mentioned to him before he was brought back for his test, of my time working with the Phillies organization in Clearwater. We shared some stories about the people we mutually knew, and then he was brought in for his testing. A short while later, Mr. DeMars came to me to thank me for talking baseball with him as he was leaving the building. A few minutes after that, he re-entered the building and handed me an autographed baseball card! I happily accepted his 2009 Diamond Signatures baseball card and added it to my collection! Mr. DeMars passed away on December 10, 2020 at the age of 95.

Miguel Cabrera

On Saturday, November 21, 2020 I was attending my son's 10U  travel ball tournament at Braden River Park in Bradenton, Florida. During the first of two games, I decided to move my car to a closer parking space in between innings. While in the car, I spotted a guy that looked like Miguel Cabrera unpacking the back of his SUV. I thought it can't be him, until I saw the rosary tattoo on his right arm, which confirmed that it really was the Detroit Tigers superstar and Triple Crown winner!  As soon as my son's game ended, I told him that he was here! My son's excitement matched mine! We walked the little league complex, along with my son's entire team. We found Miggy a short while later as he was throwing some BP to a group of kids, which I later discovered was his son's travel team from Miami. As soon as he was finished, he saw us standing by and called us all over! He took pictures with everybody and was as kind as could be. After all the pictures were taken, I shook his hand and thanked him, and also casually asked, "Will you be here tomorrow?" He said yes. I followed up my question by asking, "Would it be ok if I bring a picture for you to sign?" He again agreed! That night, I printed out two 8x10 pictures, one for my son and one for me. The next morning, we arrived at the ball park around 10:30am. My wife had told me his son's team would be playing on Field 3 at 10:30. I walked over with my son to confirm he was there and as promised, there he was! My son and I walked back to the parking lot and waited for my brother to arrive. About 10 minutes later, my brother was there with our buddy Eric who is also an avid autograph collector. The 4 of us walked over to Miguel as he was sitting by himself close to the visiting dugout on the third base line. He was kind enough to sign an 8x10 picture for my son and I, a baseball card for my brother and a giant oversized picture for Eric!

 

Rick Barry

 I met NBA Hall of Famer, Rick Barry on the morning of November 7, 2020 in the Legacy Golf Club parking lot in Bradenton, Florida. Mr. Barry was attending the 2020 Clint Hurdle Sport Celebrity Scramble. He was kind enough to sign and personalize an 8x10 picture for me! I absolutely love that he wrote, "Happy Hooping" and "HOF 1987".  Due to the global pandemic, COVID19, it's been a tough year for many. It was nice to have a slight moment of normalcy and get my feet wet by obtaining his autograph in person. 

Kim Batiste

 Kim Batiste signed this 1992 Fleer Ultra baseball card for me in the mid 1990's when he was still playing for the Philadelphia Phillies. Kim was a member of the NL Championship Phillies. He sadly passed away on October 7, 2020.

Kiki Jones

I met Kiki Jones in 1993 at Jack Russell Memorial Stadium when the Vero Beach Dodgers came to play the Clearwater Phillies. Kiki signed a 1991 Upper Deck baseball card before the game.
 

Pete Incaviglia

 I met Pete Incaviglia in the mid 90's at Jack Russell Memorial Stadium when he was with the Philadelphia Phillies. Pete signed an 8x10 picture for me outside of the Phillies clubhouse, in a restricted area from the fans. I at the time, was working in the Phillies organization, although, not technically allowed to get autographs, I wasn't working, and it was the off season. 

Bob McClure

 Bob McClure signed this 1989 Topps baseball card at Carpenter Complex, the training facility for the Philadelphia Phillies. Bob was the pitching coach for Philadelphia at the time. This was prior to a Spring Training game on March 21, 2015.

Ryan McBroom

 I met Ryan McBroom at George M. Steinbrenner Field on August 24, 2016 when the Dunedin Blue Jays came to play the Tampa Yankees. Ryan signed an 8x10 picture prior to the game. Ryan made his Major League debut with the Kansas City Royals on September 3, 2019.

Tino Martinez

 I spotted Tino Martinez at a Tampa Yankees game on April 11, 2016 at George M. Steinbrenner Field. I happened to have a card on me, since he's from Tampa, and he worked for the New York Yankees organization at the time. He was very friendly and was more than willing to autograph a 1992 Topps Stadium Club baseball card for me.

Tom Knauss

 I met Tom Knauss in 1995 when he was playing for the Fort Myers Miracle, the advance A team of the Minnesota Twins. Tom signed a 1992 Classic Draft Picks baseball card.

Tatiana Melendez

 This autograph is more personal to me. Tatiana is my step daughter and I couldn't be more proud of her! Tati has made the cover of a world wide recognized media outlet for the Dance and Ballet world! I'm not entirely surprised that she is being recognized world wide. Her work ethic, dedication and personality all work together and force you to pay attention to what she does on stage. When I first joined this family in 2010, I didn't know, or care to know about the dance world. After I met her, it was clear, even at her young age, she had a future in this industry. After a short time of watching her at competitions, with my untrained eyes for dance technique, I could easily point out what other dancers were missing in comparison to what I've seen, portrayed by Tati. I remember telling my wife years ago, "It's not even fair. It's like watching Babe Ruth play against Little Leaguers!" Her raw talent was light years beyond most of her peers. She has always carried herself as a true professional, and she has also always remained incredibly humble. There's not an ounce of cockiness to her. She has always been willing to go the extra mile to better herself as well as help others along the way. Tati signed the cover of Pointe Magazine's 2020 Fall Edition on September 12, 2020.

Ron Swoboda

 Ron Swoboda signed this 8x10 picture for me on January 29, 2016 at the New York Mets Minor League training complex outside of First Data Field in Port St. Lucie, Florida during the Mets Fantasy Camp. Ron became legendary, with his diving catch in Game 4 of the 1969 World Series.

Domingo Tapia

I met Domingo Tapia on July 9, 2016 when the St. Lucie Mets came to play the Clearwater Threshers at Brighthouse Networks Field. Domingo signed an 8x10 picture prior to the game. Domingo made his Major League debut with the Boston Red Sox on September 11, 2020.
 

J.P. Crawford

I first met J.P. Crawford at Carpenter Complex, the Minor League training facility for the Philadelphia Phillies, on March 8, 2015 during Minor League Spring Training. J.P. signed an 8x10 picture representing Team USA from the 2014 Futures All-Stars, along with his parent club at the time, the Philadelphia Phillies.
 

Silvio Censale

 I first met Silvio Censale, a hard-throwing lefty in 1996 when I was a bat boy for his team, the Clearwater Phillies. Silvio signed a 1995 Fleer Pro Cards baseball card from the Piedmont Phillies team set. I remember Silvio used to crack me up by how ridiculous and crazy he was! For instance, on several occasions, he'd emerge out of the showers in the clubhouse with his junk tucked between his legs, arms spread out to the side and would loudly project his voice like an opera singer with, "LAAAAAAAAAAAA!" I don't know why, but I would laugh every time. Another time, we had a storm rolling in. The sky was filled with dark clouds and booming thunder. Silvio walks out by the bullpen wearing nothing but a towel, as he just finished taking a shower. He yells out, "It's coming!!! It's a twister!!!"....The movie Twister had come out that year, so the relevance was funny at the time.

Manny Castillo

 Manny Castillo signed this 1983 Fleer baseball card for me at Brighthouse Networks Field on May 8, 2017 when the Charlotte Stone Crabs came to play the Clearwater Threshers. Manny was a Minor League coach in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.

Dylan Carlson

I met Dylan Carlson on September 7, 2016 at Brighthouse Networks Field. Dylan signed this 8x10 picture prior to the the start of the Gulf Coast League Championship Series between the GCL Cardinals and the home team, GCL Phillies. Dylan made his Major League debut with the St. Louis Cardinals on August 15, 2020.
 

Domingo German

 My son and I met Domingo German at George M. Steinbrenner Field on August 5, 2016 when he was playing for the Tampa Yankees. Domingo was kind enough to stop and sign an 8x10 picture for us both. The signed picture is of Domingo pitching in the World Futures All-Star Game in 2014. He was representing the Dominican Republic as well as the Miami Marlins. My son was able to get his picture taken with Domingo on August 8, 2016 at Brighthouse Networks Field, prior to the start of a Clearwater Threshers game against the visiting Tampa Yankees. On June 28, 2023 Domingo threw a Perfect Game against the Oakland Athletics.

Mike Gallego

 I met Mike Gallego in the mid 90's at Jack Russell Memorial Stadium when the New York Yankees came to play the Philadelphia Phillies during Spring Training. Mike signed a 1992 Fleer Ultra baseball card just outside of the visiting team clubhouse.

Todd Frazier

 Todd Frazier signed this 2015 Topps baseball card for me on April 9, 2019 at George M. Steinbrenner Field while on a rehab assignment with the St. Lucie Mets. They were in town to play the home team, Tampa Tarpons.

Jon Busch

 I met Jon Busch at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida. Jon signed a 2011 Upper Deck MLS card prior to the start of a Tampa Bay Rowdies game.

Ron Blomberg

 I met Ron Blomberg on January 23, 2016 at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida during the New York Yankees Fantasy Camp. Ron signed a 1988 Topps 'Turn Back The Clock' Baseball card, remembering his 1973 Topps baseball card. Ron is famed for being the first Designated Hitter in Major League Baseball.

Andres Blanco

 Andres Blanco signed this 2015 Topps baseball card at Carpenter Complex, the Philadelphia Phillies training complex during Spring Training, on February 28, 2017. 

David Waco

 I first met David Waco in 1994 when he was playing for the Clearwater Phillies and I was their bat boy. David was always friendly and treated me like a younger brother. David signed a 1994 Classic Spartanburg Phillies team set card.

Roy White

 I met Roy White on January 18, 2016 at the Sheraton Suites Hotel in Tampa, Florida. Roy was there during the New York Yankees Fantasy Camp. I was hanging out in the lobby with my son hoping to get some autographs of former players, which I figured would be there. Roy signed a 1979 Topps baseball card, each for my son and I.

B.J. Wallace

I first met B.J. Wallace in 1993 when he was a southpaw pitcher for the West Palm Beach Expos. I got to know him better in 1996 when he was playing for the Clearwater Phillies. I was Clearwater's bat boy at the time. Everyday, B.J. would pull me aside and ask me, "Have you gotten any pussy yet?" My answer was usually the same, "Not yet". He would kindly respond with, "Get the fuck outta here!". However, one day in July, the team returned from a long road trip. He sees me in the clubhouse and asked he the usual question, only this time, I had a different answer! B.J. sat me down in the middle of the clubhouse, with the entire team surrounding me, had me explain in great detail, exactly what happened.

Johan Santana

My son and I met Johan Santana on April 18, 2015 at Englebert Complex, the Minor League Training facility of the Toronto Blue Jays. Johan was working on a potential comeback to the show. It unfortunately did not materialize, but his pitching greatness will live on. This guy was one of the best pitchers in the game for a stretch of time. His two Cy Young Awards and No-Hitter will be in discussions for possible enshrinement into Cooperstown. 
 

Austin Riley

 My son and I first met Austin Riley when he was playing for the Florida Firefrogs. The Braves advanced A-Ball team was at Brighthouse Networks Field April 21, 2017 when Austin signed this 2015 Bowman baseball card. My son caught up with Austin on March 29, 2018 during Minor League Spring Training, when the Braves came to Lakeland to play the Detroit Tigers Minor League affiliates. Austin was kind enough to pose for a picture just before the start of their game.

Tim Raines

 Tim Raines signed this 8x10 picture for me on September 24, 2016 at Englebert Complex, the Toronto Blue Jays Minor League training complex in Dunedin, Florida during Florida Instructional League. Tim, at the time was already long overdue for his Hall of Fame induction, but was inching closer to the 75% threshold required by the BBWAA for enshrinement. When he was signing this picture, I made the comment, "2017 HOF has a nice ring to it!" He immediately shouted out loud with a bit of laughter in his voice, "YEAH BUDDY!!". Rock received the call later in 2016 that he would in fact be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017! The picture below the autograph, is of my son with the legend himself! Tim and my son posed for this picture during Minor League Spring Training on March 22, 2015. Tim signed an 8x10 picture for my son on that day.

Alan Trammell

 On June 8, 2017 my son and I went to a Lakeland Flying Tigers game in Lakeland, Florida. They were playing the St. Lucie Mets and as Mets fans, my son was decked out in Mets gear. We were there primarily to see Yoenis Cespedes as he was rehabbing with the St. Lucie Mets that game and were hoping to get an autograph. While talking with the Mets bus driver, a guy we've gotten to know quite well on our many visits to watch the team play, I spotted Alan Trammell sitting by himself in the stands. I'm always prepared to when I go to these games, because you never know who might show up. I had an 8x10 picture of the future Hall of Famer in my car. After finishing my conversation, my son and I walked to the parking lot to get the pictures. We approached him and politely asked for an autograph. He said, he'd be happy to sign them after the inning ended. I thanked him and said we'd come back. "No, come join me and watch the game!" Alan said to us. I was incredibly surprised and honored. Mr. Trammell joked with my son by sarcastically asking, "So what team are you rooting for?" Alan talked baseball with us for an entire inning and as promised, after the 3rd out of that inning, he signed and personalized our 8x10 pictures for us and was kind enough to pose for a picture with my son. Alan finally found his long overdue spot in the halls of Cooperstown in 2018.

Brent Rooker

 My son and I met Brent Rooker at George M. Steinbrenner Field when the Fort Myers Mircale came to Tampa to play the Tampa Yankees. Brent hit two long home runs during that August 18, 2017 game! After the game, Brent signed an 8x10 picture for us and was also kind enough to pose for a picture with my son. Brent made his Major League debut with the Minnesota Twins on September 4, 2020.

Derek Hill

 

Derek Hill signed this 8x10 picture for me on September 1, 2017 at George M. Steinbrenner Field when he was playing for the Lakeland Flying Tigers. They were in Tampa to take on the Tampa Yankees. Derek signed the picture after doing his pre-game stretches, on his way back to the dugout. Derek made his Major League debut with the Detroit Tigers on September 4, 2020.

Phil Niekro

I mailed two 8x10 pictures to 1997 Hall of Fame inductee Phil Niekro on July 6, 2020 and received them back signed and personalized on July 14, 2020! Mr. Niekro even took the time to sign the letter I wrote, which I thought was pretty cool! Phil Niekro won 318 games during his legendary career and my son and I are thrilled to have his autograph in our collections!

Brian McRae

I met Brian McRae in the mid 1990's at Jack Russell Memorial Stadium in Clearwater, Florida when the Kansas City Royals came to play a Spring Training game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Brian signed an 8x10 picture outside of the visiting clubhouse. I remember it being very windy, and as he finished signing, the black sharpie touched the photo creating a small mark just above the autograph.

Pete Rose

I met Pete Rose at Tropicana Field on February 18, 2018. Charlie Hustle was being inducted into the Ted Williams Hitters Hall of Fame and was signing autographs as well as giving a speech about his professional career starting from his time in the Minor Leagues all the way up to the present day. The speech was touching as well as hilarious at times. Pete is a guy I never thought I'd ever have the opportunity meet and was thrilled to add the Hit King into my collection! I hope this guy gets his plaque in Cooperstown where it is long overdue!  A very big thank you to Pete Rose for signing my 8x10 picture!

Jesse Barfield

I met Jesse Barfield on January 22, 2015 during the New York Yankees Fantasy Camp. The campers traveled to Carpenter Complex to face the Philadelphia Phillies Phantasy Campers. Jesse took the time to sign a 1984 Topps baseball card.

Curt Schilling

I first met Curt Schilling in the mid 1990's during Spring Training when he was with the Philadelphia Phillies. Curt signed a 1992 Fleer Ultra baseball card.

Jose Rosado

I met Jose Rosado on April 28, 2018 when he was the pitching coach for the Tampa Yankees. Jose signed a 2000 Skybox Dominion baseball card.

Ricky Reynolds

I met Ricky Reynolds in the mid 1990's at Lansbrook Golf Club in Palm Harbor, Florida. Ricky signed a 1994 Fleer Ultra football card.

Paul Quantrill

I met Paul Quantrill on March 12, 2016 at Englebert Complex, the training facility for the Toronto Blue Jays. Paul signed a 1995 Topps baseball card.

Matt Nokes

I met Matt Nokes during Spring Training in 1995 when he was playing for the Baltimore Orioles. Matt signed a 1993 Upper Deck baseball card.