Jim Leyland

Jim Leyland signed a 1989 Topps baseball card for me in the mid 1990's at Jack Russell Memorial Stadium in Clearwater, Florida. Mr. Leyland was managing the Pittsburgh Pirates at the time. He signed the card from the visiting dugout prior to a Spring Training game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Mr. Leyland was finally elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame's class of 2024 on December 3, 2023!

 

Joey Votto

We drove up to Cincinnati to visit my step daughter as she had just joined Cincinnati Ballet. While there, my son and I had plans to see a Reds game on Friday September 22, 2023. My son and I have always been serious about collecting autographs. Since we had plenty of time, we decided to try to get some autographs early by hanging out by the players parking lot as they arrived at the ballpark. We arrived around noon and saw one fan was already there with the same idea. He didn't recognize us and asked where we were from. We told him we drove up for the weekend from Tampa. He then asked, "Are you going to the Q&A"? I answered no, as we only have tickets to the game itself. He then asked for my e-mail address and sent Braden and I two tickets! He said the Q&A starts at 2:30, which is about 3 hours  before the gates open!

While inside, hours before the majority of the fans were allowed in, Braden and I had a unique opportunity to get some autographs. Joey Votto signed an 8x10 picture for each of us. Joey was one of the main guys we were trying to get. Big thanks to Tony for hooking us up with the Q&A tickets. Without those, this probably wouldn't have happened!!

 

 

Elly De La Cruz

We drove up to Cincinnati to visit my step daughter as she had just joined Cincinnati Ballet. While there, my son and I had plans to see a Reds game on Friday September 22, 2023. My son and I have always been serious about collecting autographs. Since we had plenty of time, we decided to try to get some autographs early by hanging out by the players parking lot as they arrived at the ballpark. We arrived around noon and saw one fan was already there with the same idea. He didn't recognize us and asked where we were from. We told him we drove up for the weekend from Tampa. He then asked, "Are you going to the Q&A"? I answered no, as we only have tickets to the game itself. He then asked for my e-mail address and sent Braden and I two tickets! He said the Q&A starts at 2:30, which is about 3 hours  before the gates open!

While inside, hours before the majority of the fans were allowed in, Braden and I had a unique opportunity to get some autographs. Elly De La Cruz signed an 8x10 picture for each of us. The few collectors attending the Q&A had told us Elly was almost impossible to get an autograph from. Inside there were around a dozen or so autograph collectors. Elly only signed for my son and I! I guess luck was working with us this particular weekend!

 

Nick Swardson

I met comedian, Nick Swardson outside of Side Splitters, a comedy club in Tampa, Florida just after midnight on the early morning of Saturday August 26, 2023.  Nick has been one of my favorite comedians for more than 20 years. I was both happy and disappointed when I randomly checked the Side Splitters website to see which comedians would be performing in the near future. When I checked and saw Nick was there that night, I was shocked! I wish I had checked a week or two sooner, as the show was sold out, which is why I felt disappointed. When Nick came out, I had to share a story with him, but out of respect for his time as he was leaving, I kept it brief. I told him, "My friend passed away in 2002. A few months before he passed, I showed him your comedy special on Comedy Central. After seeing it, he actually tried to get John Stamos to show up at his funeral!" Nick laughed and said "that's awesome"! Nick thanked me for being a fan for a long time and then apologized for the loss of my friend. Nick signed and personalized an 8x10 picture for me. My son was with me and Nick signed an 8x10 for him, too!

 

Rachel Balkovec

My son was able to meet Rachel Balkovec on July 16, 2023 at George M. Steinbrenner Field prior to the start of a Tarpons home game. Rachel is the first female manager in the history of professional baseball. Rachel signed and personalized by request an 8x10 picture.

 

Greg Allen

My son was able to get Greg Allen to sign a 2018 Topps baseball card for me while he was on a rehab assignment with the Tampa Tarpons, a minor league affiliate of the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field on July 16, 2023.

 

Jordan Viars

Jordan Viars signed this 2023 Choice team set card for me on June 4, 2023 at BayCare Park prior to the start of a Clearwater Threshers home game.

 

Gabriel Rincones Jr.

I met Gabriel Rincones Jr. on June 4, 2023 prior to a Clearwater Threshers home game at BayCare Park on June 4, 2023. Gabriel signed a 2023 Choice team set card.

 

Alex McFarlane

Alex McFarlane signed a 2023 Choice team set card for me before a Threshers home game at BayCare Park on June 4, 2023.

 

Emaarion Boyd

Emaarion Boyd signed a 2023 Choice team set card for me on June 4, 2023 at BayCare Park prior to the start of a Threshers home game.

 

Marty Malloy

Threshers manager Marty Malloy signed this 2023 Choice team set card for me prior to the start of a Threshers home game at BayCare Park on June 4, 2023.

 

Chris Heintz

Chris Heintz signed this 2023 Choice Clearwater Threshers team set card prior to the start of a Threshers game on June 4, 2023 at BayCare Park.

 

Mycal Jones

I met Mycal Jones on June 4, 2023 at BayCare Park, the home of the Clearwater Threshers before the start of a Threshers home game. Mycal signed a 2023 Choice team set card for me.

 

Jason Phillips

To this point as I'm writing this post, Jason Phillips is the only Major League Baseball player to ever have been inside my home. He gave my son hitting lessons back in 2020. At that time, I didn't have a card of him to sign! Kind of odd that I wasn't prepared, in that respect. Jason had eventually moved to Atlanta, Georgia to accept a position with Perfect Game as a scout. In June of 2023 my son was invited to join the St. Pete Wahoos as a guest player for the Perfect Game 11u National World Series tournament, held just outside of Atlanta. I had sent Jason a text to see if he would be there and if so, my son and I would bring his cards with us for him to sign. He said he'd be happy to do so!

On Sunday, June 18, 2023 Jason came over to watch a little bit of my son play. My kid was on fire during this tournament and was smacking the ball all around the field. Jason saw my son lead off and rip a ball down the first base line. However, the first baseman made an unbelievable defensive play as he dove for the ball and was able to get to his feet and to the bag for the out. Jason was impressed with my son's swing and speed, and told my son after the game, "You were robbed!" He continued to chat with us for a few minutes and then signed a 2004 Topps card for me as well as a 2005 Topps card for my son. 

 

Marcell Ozuna

My son and I met Marcell Ozuna on Friday June 16, 2023 at Truist Park in Atlanta.

We were there to watch the Braves play the Colorado Rockies. After the game, my son and I headed over to the players parking lot to see if we could get any autographs. We didn't have much luck as most of the players did not stop. However, Marcell pulls up in a Rolls-Royce SUV and parks next to where we were standing. He signed autographs and took pictures with a small group of people. After he signed a 2021 Topps card, each for my son and I, he walked back to his car. My son said to him "Thank you for stopping!" Marcell then pulled his car up closer to us and rolled down the passenger window. His son was sitting in the front passenger seat and Marcell said with a smile, "Thank him for me stopping." The group of fans including my son and I all thanked Marcell Ozuna's son.

 

Ryan McMahon

On Friday June 16, 2023 my son and I went to see the Colorado Rockies play the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta. Prior to the game, Ryan walked by and my son and I asked him for an autograph. Ryan signed a 2023 Topps baseaball card for my son as well as a 2022 Topps baseball card for me.

 

Orel Hershiser

Orel Hershiser signed this 8x10 picture outside of the announcing booth at Tropicana Field when the Dodgers came to play the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday May 26, 2023. Mr. Hershiser was very friendly. I asked him to personalize the picture to me and he took it a step further by adding "1988 Cy Young" and "WS MVP".  I am very happy with this and so glad to add this guy into my autograph collection!

 

James Outman

James Outman signed an 8x10 picture for me after he finished batting practice prior to the Dodgers and Rays game at Tropicana Field on Friday May 26, 2023. James was kind enough to personalize the picture as I requested.

 

Bob Geren

Bob Geren signed this 1992 Fleer baseball card prior to the start of the Dodgers at Rays game at Tropicana Field on Friday May 26, 2023.

 

Miguel Rojas

 

I met Miguel Rojas at Tropicana Field on Friday May 26, 2023 when the Dodgers came to play the Tampa Bay Rays. Miguel signed this 2021 Topps Big League card as he was leaving the ballpark following a 9-3 loss.

Miguel Vargas

Miguel Vargas signed this 2023 Topps baseball card on Friday May 26, 2023 at Tropicana Field. Miguel had just finished taking BP and signed this card by the Dodgers dugout. The Dodgers ended up losing this game 9-3 to the Tampa Bay Rays.

 

John Lannan

I met John Lannan on Sunday May 8, 2023 at an 11u baseball tournament in Plant City, Florida.

John had a son on the team and was getting ready to watch the game. I only had one baseball card and being that my son and I both collect autographs, the one card always goes to him. As John signed the card right before my son's game began, I said to John, "Odd question, but... My son and I collect autographs. I only have the one Upper Deck card. Would you happen to have any?" He said that his wife was coming later, and he'd have her bring one! Sure enough, later in the day, he hands me this 2012 Topps baseball card! He also was very complementary of my son's skill level on the field and asked where he normally plays. I told him "He plays for the Wily Mo Dragons". His response, "Wily Mo? As in, Wily Mo Pena?" -Yes! John added, "He wanted my number (26) when he came over to the Nationals from the Red Sox and bought me a suit for it! Tell him I said hi!"

 

Danny Salazar

Danny Salazar randomly showed up at my son's team baseball practice as a guest of one of his coaches.

Our GM, Noel, asked if I knew who the man watching was. I told him he looked familiar, but I was drawing a blank. He told me "That's Danny Salazar!" I replied, "I have his card in my truck!" Noel added, "I figured you would!" After practice ended Danny signed a card for my son and I. The one here is a 2016 Topps Bunt, signed on May 4, 2023.

 

Yandy Diaz

I was finally able to meet Yandy Diaz on April 7, 2023 after the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Oakland A's at Tropicana Field for their 7th consecutive win to start the 2023 season! Yandy was playing first base and went 0-5 at the plate, but the team won 9-5 on their historic run to begin the season! Yandy signed a 2017 Topps Stadium Club baseball card from the Rays parking lot after the game.

 

Mike Aldrete

Mike Aldrete signed this 1989 Topps baseball card right after the Oakland A's finished taking BP at Tropicana Field as they were preparing to take on the Tampa Bay Rays. Mr. Aldrete, the first base coach, came over to the dugout and signed for a group of fans.

 

Jesus Aguilar

On April 7, 2023 Jesus Aguilar was playing at Tropicana Field for the Oakland A's as they traveled to play the home team Tampa Bay Rays. Prior to the game, Jesus finished giving a pre-game interview and walked over to the end of the dugout near the entrance to the visiting team clubhouse and signed this 2019 Donruss baseball card. 

 

Tony Kemp

I met Tony Kemp prior to a game between the home team Tampa Bay Rays and the visiting Oakland A's at Tropicana Field on April 7, 2023. Tony signed a 2022 Topps baseball card after stretching and warming up just before heading to the visiting dugout.

 

Ramon Hernandez

Ramon Hernandez signed this 2002 Topps Gold Label baseball card on April 7, 2023 from the visiting bullpen at Tropicana Field when the Oakland A's came to play the Tampa Bay Rays. Ramon was one of the coaches for the Athletics.

 

Shaquille O'Neal

I mailed this 8x10 picture to Shaquille O'Neal on September 2, 2022 and received it back on March 27, 2023 for a 206 day turn around!

 

Mike Neal

My brother, Dan had mailed Mike Neal a card requesting his autograph. Mr. Neal was kind enough to send some extra signed cards back! My brother gave me one of the extras! I received this autograph on March 12, 2023.

 

Matt Chapman

 Matt Chapman signed this 2023 Topps card outside of BayCare Park, as the visiting Toronto Blue Jays beat the Philadelphia Phillies during a Spring Training game on March 12, 2023!

Pat Gillick

I mailed this 8x10 picture of Hall of Fame executive, Pat Gillick representing his 1962-1963 playing days with the Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, Rochester Red Wings on January 28, 2023 and received it back signed and personalized ten days later on February 7, 2023. Mr. Gillick later became the General Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies and helped bring championships to both cities! Mr. Gillick was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame along side Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven in 2011.

 

Scott Rolen

I first met Scott Rolen in 1995 when he was a stand out 3rd baseman for the Clearwater Phillies. 

I was the batboy for the team, and this guy could flat out play! I remember telling my Dad about him, saying, "This guy is like glue. Baseballs just stick to his glove". Scott was the 1997 NL Rookie of the Year, won 8 Gold Gloves and over 300 home runs. On January 24, 2023 Scott was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame with 76.3%!

 

Warren Sapp

I was finally able to meet the legendary, Warren Sapp on January 20, 2023 at a celebrity golf tournament in Lutz, Florida. Warren personalized an 8x10 picture by request! I hate doing this, but I've heard Warren isn't the easiest to get an autograph from, so my 11 year old son agreed to help me out on this one, since he already has an autograph from him! As Warren was approaching where we were sitting, My son pulled out my picture and walked over to him. He pleasantly asked Warren for his autograph, and Warren agreed! My son then asked if he would personalize the autograph, which made me nervous... I was afraid my son would give his name instead of mine... But it all worked out and Warren hooked it up!!! He made it out "To Brian All the Best!" Then came the bonus as he added, "SB XXXVII Champs", but then continued by also adding "HOF 13"! This is a great one to add into my collection!

 

Dexter Jackson

 On January 20, 2023, Super Bowl XXXVII MVP Dexter Jackson signed this 2003 Playoff Prestige Football card for me after he was leaving a celebrity golf tournament in Lutz, Florida. I wasn't prepared to meet Dexter, but a friend of mine had an extra card for me!

Christian Arroyo

Christian Arroyo was participating in Pete Alonso's Battle For The Bay, a home run derby hosted by Pete Alonso and his Alonso Foundation at Plant High School in Tampa, Florida on Saturday January 14, 2023. Christian signed a 2017 Donruss baseball card as he arrived at the event, shortly before the home run derby.

 

Preston Tucker

 On Saturday January 14, 2023 I attended an event at Plant High School in Tampa, Florida called Pete Alonso's Battle For the Bay, hosted by New York Mets all-star Pete Alonso and his Alonso Foundation. The event was a home run derby featuring Pete Alonso, Travis Hafner, Carlos Pena, Gio Urshela, Christian Arroyo and Kyle Tucker. I figured I'd bring a card of Kyle's brother, Preston, as he lives in Tampa and went to Plant High School. Glad I did, because he showed up! Preston signed a 2014 Bowman baseball card for me!