Tracy McGrady

 Tracy McGrady was hosting a Buccaneers pre-game meet and greet at his restaurant, HomeCourt By Tracy McGrady in Lakeland, Florida on Sunday, October 24, 2021 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears game. Tracy signed an 8x10 picture for me as well as my son and even posed for a picture with my son! Tracy was inducted into the NBA's Hall of Fame in 2017.

Benito Santiago

 I met Benito Santiago in April, 1995 at Jack Russell Memorial Stadium, when the Cincinnati Reds came to play the Philadelphia Phillies during Spring Training. I was the visiting team bat boy that day and was having quite a day getting autographs from the clubhouse! Benito was one of the last ones I got that day, prior to the game. I was looking for him but didn't recognize him because the Reds had a no facial hair rule. When he walked past me, I turned and saw his name and number on the back of his jersey and then I approached him. Benito signed an 8x10 picture. Benito Santiago won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1987 and in my opinion, is one of the best defensive catchers I've ever seen!

Gregg Olson

Gregg Olson signed this Barry Colla Photography 8x10 picture for me outside of the visiting team locker room during Spring Training at Jack Russell Memorial Stadium when the Baltimore Orioles came to play the Philadelphia Phillies in the early 1990's. Gregg was the 1989 American League Rookie of the Year winner.

 

Dennis Eckersley

I met Dennis Eckersley at Lansbrook Golf Club during a celebrity golf tournament in Palm Harbor, Florida in the mid 1990's. Mr. Eckersley signed an 8x10 for me just before the tournament began. He was inducted in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2004.

 

Anthony Volpe

Anthony Volpe signed this 8x10 picture for me on July 10, 2021 at Dunedin Stadium after a game between the Tampa Tarpons and Dunedin Blue Jays. Anthony looks to be on his way as a rising star in the Yankees organization!

 

Ryne Sandberg

 I first met Ryne Sandberg at Carpenter Complex on February 15, 2014 during the Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training workouts. The Hall of Famer signed an 8x10 Barry Colla picture for me that day. I normally only get one autograph per person and never bother them again, however, I also had a Cubs jersey that I wanted signed. That picture is posted below. On March 14, 2015, Mr. Sandberg signed a jersey from the players and coaches parking lot outside of the Phillies Spring Training ballpark.

John Smoltz

 I met John Smoltz Friday, October 8, 2021, moments after Game 2 of the ALDS at Tropicana Field, when the Tampa Bay Rays took a beating from the Boston Red Sox 14-6. Mr. Smoltz, a Hall of Fame pitcher is one of the TV announcers for FS1, signed an 8x10 picture for me as he was leaving the ballpark. He also signed an 8x10 picture for my son, pictured in blue and was signing a baseball for my son's friend, NJ, who is standing to his left.

Josciel Veras

 My son's travel baseball team coach, Josciel Veras was kind enough to sign a 2014 Billings Mustangs team set card for me shortly after winning the USSSA 6-4-3 St. Pete Slam 10U tournament at Fossil Park, on October 3, 2021. This team can play some ball! I'm happy to add Coach Veras into my collection!

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

I met Jazz Chisholm on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Tropicana Field after the Marlins lost to the Tampa Bay Rays. I spotted Jazz in the parking lot and recognized him when he removed his hat and his blue hair was clearly visible! I called out his name, "Jazz!" He looked in my direction and I asked him for an autograph. He waved for me to come down to the restricted area  and he signed and personalized my 8x10 picture. He also complimented how nice the picture was. I believe Jazz will have a very bright future in Major League Baseball!
 

Michael Cuddyer

 I met Michael Cuddyer at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida on September 6, 2021 prior to the start of Team USA's 15-1 18U win over Team Canada. Michael was coaching for team USA and signed this 8x10 picture from the 3rd base dugout. After Michael signed the picture, he showed off the picture to a few players before handing it back to me! The picture show's Michael receiving his 2013 Silver Slugger award.

Brad Penny

 On Monday, September 6, 2021, Brad Penny signed this 8x10 picture depicting himself in the 2003 World Series with the Florida Marlins. Brad was leaving Tropicana Field after his pitching staff, threw a 2-hitter for Team USA's 18U win over Team Canada.

Pete Orr

Pete Orr signed this 2007 Upper Deck baseball card on September 6, 2021 at Tropicana Field. Pete was coaching the Team Canada 18U baseball team. Their team had just suffered a loss to Team USA 15-1. Pete was kind enough to sign this card as he was about to leave the ballpark.
 

Jack Wilson

 Jack Wilson signed this 2003 Donruss baseball card for me outside of Tropicana Field on Monday, September 6, 2021 as he was about to board the 18U Team USA bus. Jack, who was coaching, just defeated Team Canada 15-1

Gary Sanchez

 I met Gary Sanchez outside of Tropicana Field on Wednesday July 28, 2021 shortly after the Yankees 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in 10 innings. Gary was kind enough to stop to sign autographs for the few fans waiting around. Gary signed this 8x10 photo and used a silver paint pen, loaned to me by my friend and autograph seeker, Eric. Very happy and excited to add this great signed photo into my collection!

Gio Urshela

 Gio Urshela signed this 2015 Bowman card on July 28, 2021 outside of Tropicana Field after his team, the New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 in 10 innings. 

Mark McGwire

 My son and I had the opportunity to meet Mark McGwire at Tropicana Field on July 17, 2021 during a Perfect Game baseball tournament of high school students. Mark's son was participating in the tournament. Although we brought our 8x10 pictures, we were surprised to see him as we were told he did not make the trip from California this year. Mr. McGwire was great! My son talked to him for a few minutes and told him that he watches highlights of him on YouTube all the time, (Which is true). He also mentioned that he watches the movie, 61* quite often as well. I chimed in at that moment by telling Mark, that is one of my favorite baseball movies, and with a bit of laughter in my voice I said, "However, I'm so sick of it because he watches it everyday!" Mark laughed at my comment. Braden then mentioned that he quotes Joe Buck from when he broke Roger Maris' single season home-run record with his 62nd home run, "Down the left field line! Is it enough?!" Mark responded with, "That is so cool!"

Tommy Joseph

Tommy Joseph signed this 2012 Bowman card on July 2, 2021 at Baycare Field in Clearwater, Florida. Tommy was coaching for the St. Lucie Mets as they were in town to take on the Clearwater Threshers. Tommy signed the card moments before game time. The St. Lucie Mets blew away the Threshers 14-4.

Reid Brignac

 I finally was able to catch up with Reid Brignac on July 2, 2021 at Baycare Field in Clearwater, Florida. Reid was the manager of the St. Lucie Mets. His team had just destroyed the home team, Clearwater Threshers 14-4. I had spotted Reid and his son at Forrest Hills Youth Baseball complex in February, 2020. My son played ball there as well, and we began carrying his cards with us to games and practices. Shortly after, Covid-19 hit and everything was shut down. I'm very grateful to finally add Reid into our collections! Reid signed a 2014 Topps baseball card

Austin Hendrick

 Austin Hendrick signed this 8x10 picture for me as he was heading towards the Daytona Tourtugas team bus following a loss to the Clearwater Threshers on Sunday, June 27, 2021.  Austin was signed by the Cincinnati Reds in the 1st round in 2020. 

Mike Evans

Mike Evans was hosting the 3rd annual "Catch for Christmas Charity Bowling Night". The event was rescheduled for June 10, 2021 due to COVID19. Mike and several Buccaneers players attended. I'm a baseball guy and know virtually nothing about any other sport. Luckily, my 9 year old son was with me and is very knowledgeable with the NFL, especially the Bucs. Walking through the parking lot, I saw some guys walking in and asked my son, "Do you recognize anybody?" He said, "Yeah, that's Cameron Brate!" I responded with, "Ok, does he play for the Bucs?" My son couldn't contain the disappointment in his voice. He said with a very sarcastic tone, "Uh, yeah! He plays tight end, number 84!". To give him the appearance that I'm not stupid, I responded by saying, "Oh yeah"... But he knew that I was completely full of shit. The event was held at AMF University Lanes in Tampa. It was closed to the public and was a sold out event. Security was outside of the entrance to make sure only authorized people were admitted inside. After about an hour, I noticed the security guard was no longer there, so my son and I took our chances by entering. My 9 year old, who clearly takes after his Mom, is a social butterfly and instantly made friends with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl Champion offensive line, Cameron Brate, Scotty Miller, Donovan Smith, OJ Howard, Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Because I'm clueless when it comes to Football, I only had an 8x10 picture prepared for Mike Evans. Also, there was no list of which players would be attending the event. Mike signed the pictures for us and was very cool about it! He told me, "Your son is so smart and knowledgeable!" Braden was complimenting each player about specific plays they made during specific games that weren't even related to the Super Bowl! I'm so proud of my amazing young man and we're glad to add Super Bowl Champion, Mike Evans into our autograph collections!

 

Andrew McCutchen

Andrew McCutchen signed this 8x10 picture for me on Saturday, May 29, 2021 as he was leaving Tropicana Field. Andrew's team, the Phillies, just lost to the first place Tampa Bay Rays 5-3. Luckily he was willing to sign! Andrew was the 2013 National League MVP!
 

Jose Alvarado

Jose Alvarado signed this 2019 Topps Heritage Baseball card for me as he was leaving Tropicana Field on Saturday, May 29, 2021. Jose, who was previously with the Tampa Bay Rays was leaving the stadium from the visiting team clubhouse as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. Jose signed the card from his car as he was leaving the ball park.
 

Francisco Lindor

 I took my brother and son to see the New York Mets play the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Friday, May 14, 2021. I told my son, due to the Covid19 pandemic, not to expect to get any autographs. He had hope, but I thought I was being more realistic. I brought a binder with some cards and 8x10 pictures, just in case and to make my son feel better on the off chance we could get close enough to ask players for autographs. Prior to the game, we weren't too far from Jacob deGrom. My son had his picture and sharpie in hand, but all he received was a look and a wave. Reality then sunk in to my son and we went and took our seats moments after the National Anthem. After the game, the three of us were walking around the stadium to get to the parking lot to head home for the night. We saw a group of Mets walking, but were behind a fence. It was very dark and we were too far away. Francisco Lindor had recently dyed his hair green and was easily spotted by us. He began walking in a different direction from his team and we quickly realized, he was coming our way! I told my son, "Now's your chance!". I handed my son his card and the blue sharpie and he called out his name. Francisco walked over to us and signed both of our cards! The card pictured above is a 2018 Bowman. We are absolutely thrilled to add his autograph into our collections!

Austin Bergner

 I met Austin Bergner on May 7, 2021 by the team bus outside of BayCare Field after the Lakeland Flying Tigers beat the Clearwater Threshers in extra innings. Austin signed a 2019 Choice team set card for the Connecticut Tigers.

Jose King

 Jose King signed this 2019 Choice team set card on May 7, 2021 at BayCare Field, the home of the Clearwater Threshers. Jose, a player for the Lakeland Flying Tigers signed this card prior to the game after he finished warming up with his team mates. This was the first game I had attended in quite sometime due to the Covid19 global pandemic.

Neil Atkinson

 My brother mailed a card to former Rockford Royals pitcher, Neil Atkinson requesting an autograph. Neil signed the card for my brother and also added a couple more. My brother and I rarely request a second autograph, so he gave one to me and the other to my son on May 14, 2021. The card above is a 1994 Fleer Pro Cards from the Rockford Royals team set. We're very grateful to add another autograph to our collection!

Lee Smith

 I mailed this 8x10 on April 8, 2021 and received it back signed on April 17, 2021 for a 9 day turn around!

Very pleased to add this pitching legend, and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer into my collection! I remember in the early 90's during Spring Training in Florida, when he was the closer for the St. Louis Cardinals, he was a tough autograph to get. Glad to finally be able to check him off the list!

Bill Mazeroski

I mailed these two 8x10 pictures of Hall of Famer, Bill Mazeroski to his home on March 19, 2021 and received them back signed and personalized 20 days later on April 8, 2021! Mr. Mazeroski was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001. The picture he signed for my son, shows him hitting a walk off home run to beat the New York Yankees in the 1960 World Series! He was the first player in Major League history to accomplish that!

 

Dave Parker

On March 25, 2021 I mailed 2 8x10 pictures to the legendary "Cobra", Dave Parker. I added a sticky note requesting each picture to be personalized, one for my son and the other for me.

The 8x10 photo of Mr. Parker smoking was supposed to be for me as I didn't want my 9 year old son to have that particular picture hanging on his bedroom wall. When I received the autographs in the mail on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, I quickly discovered the mix up... My wife and I had a good laugh, but she insisted, with good reason, even though Dave Parker is legendary, we as parents, can not put this picture up...Bummer though, because it's a great picture! Regardless, both autographs are in each of our collections and we are very happy to have them! Hopefully, Dave will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His place in Cooperstown and baseball immortality is long overdue!

 

Bernie Williams

I met Bernie Williams outside of the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre in Clearwater, Florida shortly after 10pm on Saturday April 3, 2021. Bernie had just finished performing a musical concert and was kind enough to sign a 1991 Upper Deck baseball card! I unfortunately was not able to see him perform as I only learned of the concert the day before, but was able to catch him outside of the venue as he was leaving. I also discovered what the letters, "SDG" meant which he signed below his signature by doing some online investigating. Bernie says on his website, www.bernie51.com "One of the most common questions I have been asked for years is what are the three letters I write under my name when I sign an autograph. Well, in approximately my second year or so in professional baseball, I began adding the letters SDG to anything I signed for someone, and have done it ever since. It stands for "Solo a Dios la Gloria"... which in Spanish means, 'Only to God the Glory'."
 

Ferguson Jenkins

I mailed these two 8x10 pictures to 1991 Hall of Fame inductee Ferguson Jenkins on March 25, 2021 and received them signed and personalized 8 days later, on April 2, 2021. We are beyond thrilled to add this legend into our collections! 

 

Jim Palmer

 I mailed this 8x10 picture to Baltimore Orioles legend and Baseball Hall of Famer, Jim Palmer on February 13, 2021. He signed it and I received it back in the mail nine days later on February 22, 2021! Mr. Palmer's legendary career included eight 20 plus win seasons, three Cy Young Awards and a Hall of Fame induction in 1990! I am very pleased to have added him into my autograph collection!

Alfonso Soriano

 This is a prime example of why I carry my baseball cards with me most of the time when I'm out and about. This evening, January 28, 2021, my son and I drove to Play It Again Sports so that I could look to buy him a catchers glove. The young man behind the counter says to us, "You just missed Alfonso Soriano!" He then added, "I think his Rolls Royce is still in the parking lot". I thanked the guy and immediately walked to my truck with my son to get our cards. My son and I waited in the parking lot, about 100 feet or so away from where his car was parked, just outside of Play It Again Sports and a Sushi restaurant, which I assumed is where he was. Around 7:30pm, he walked out! I called out his name and asked for an autograph. He waived my son and I over to him and we quickly put our masks on and approached him sitting in his car. He signed my 2008 Upper Deck baseball card and a 2009 Upper Deck card for my son and we were on our way!