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.