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!