Ron Karkovice

On August 10, 2025 my son and I took a quick trip to Orlando to meet former Chicago White Sox catcher, Ron Karkovice. He was signing autographs at Amazing Collectibles Orlando. Mr. Karkovice signed a 1993 Upper Deck baseball card for me and a 1992 Topps baseball card for my son. The signing was perfect timing for us as my son had just finished up a showcasing with Perfect Game in Davenport, FL, which is just a short drive away from Orlando. My son is an up and coming aspiring baseball player and was still in full uniform when we arrived.

A little fun fact, on August 30, 1990 Ron Karkovice hit an inside the park grand slam against the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome.

 

Juan Pierre

My son was invited by Perfect Game to participate in the 13U Florida All-State Games. On August 10, 2025 I recognized Juan Pierre walking around. I was prepared with a 2002 Donruss Fan Club baseball card and he was very kind and agreed to sign a card for my son and I. A little while later, he was watching the game my son was playing in. I jokingly made a comment to him as he was walking away to view some of the other games going on. I said, "The one to watch is the third baseman!" He responded, "We're already well aware of him. We were also watching him pitch yesterday". During a three game showcase stretch, my son was 4-6 with two singles, a double, triple and two stolen bases. Plus a handful of highlight style defensive plays! My son and I are very grateful to add Mr. Pierre into our autograph collections!

 

Ben Oglivie

I mailed former All-Star, Ben Oglivie a 1984 Topps baseball card asking for his autograph on July 5, 2025. 16 days later, July 21, 2025 it arrived!

Happy to add another successful autograph into my collection!

 

Bill Buckner

I met Bill Buckner in the mid 1990's when he was a hitting coach in the Blue Jays Minor League system. He signed a 1993 Ted Williams baseball card for me. Mr. Buckner had a solid MLB career which included a batting title in 1980, 2,715 career hits and a lifetime batting average of .289. In my opinion, that is a strong case for the Hall of Fame. However, Bill's amazing career was overshadowed by one costly mistake during game 6 of the 1986 World Series. Regardless, I'm very happy to have Mr. Bucker's autograph in my collection!

 

Willie McGee

My brother and I met Willie McGee in the mid 1990's during Spring Training when he was back with the St. Louis Cardinals. We were hanging outside of the visiting clubhouse at Jack Russell Memorial Stadium, which was the Spring home to the Philadelphia Phillies. There was a small group trying to get autographs from Cardinal players before they left for the day. Willie was standing by the team bus talking with the bus driver. My brother calls out to him asking for an autograph, Willie responded that he couldn't as he was getting ready to board the bus. He then signs an autograph for the bus driver (If I remember correctly). Seeing this frustrated all of us, but apparently my brother, most of all. He calls out again to Willie by saying, "We pay your salary!" Willie came over to the fence where the group was standing and demanded to know who said it. The group was silent. Willie asked again and my brother apologized. To our surprise, Willie responded with, "No, you're right!". He proceeded to give the group of about 10 or so his autograph! When it was my turn, he signed a 1990 Upper Deck baseball card.

 

John Olerud

The 1993 batting champ, John Olerud signed this 8x10 picture for me at Englebert Complex in the mid 1990's when he was a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. When John won the American League Batting Title, he batted an amazing .363.

 

Paul O'Neill

Paul O'Neill signed this 1991 Topps Stadium Club baseball card in the mid 1990's at Dunedin Stadium, when the New York Yankees came to play the Toronto Blue Jays.  Paul signed the card right after the team finished BP.

 

Matt Holliday

Matt Holiday signed this 2017 Donruss baseball card on August 25, 2017 at Dunedin Stadium. Matt was on a rehab assignment with the Tampa Yankees and he signed the card just before a game against the Dunedin Blue Jays.

 

Jeff McNeil

I met Jeff McNeil on August 15, 2017 when the St. Lucie Mets came to play the Clearwater Threshers. Jeff signed a 2014 Bowman baseball card prior to the game.

 

Luis Arraez

Luis Arraez signed this 2016 Choice baseball card on April 24, 2018 when the Fort Myers Miracle came to play the Clearwater Threshers in Clearwater, Florida

 

Brian Jordan

I met the 2-way and former MLB All-Star player, Brian Jordan in the early 1990's during Spring Training when he was playing for the St. Louis Cardinals. Brian played for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL before moving full time to baseball where he truly excelled.

 

Ron Gant

In April, 1995 Ron Gant signed this Beckett Baseball Card Monthly magazine from the visiting clubhouse at Jack Russell Memorial Stadium prior to a Spring Training game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Ron was at the time playing for the Cincinnati Reds. 

 

Deion Sanders

In April, 1995 Major League Baseball was getting off to a late start with Spring Training due to the strike which began in 1994 and ended in early 1995. 

In April, 1995 I was asked by Clearwater Phillies General Manager, John Timberlake if I'd like to be the visiting team batboy for a Spring Training night game, against the Cincinnati Reds. Of course I jumped on the suggestion!

The game was also televised that night by ESPN. While in the visiting clubhouse, I had asked Deion if he would sign a page out of a Beckett Baseball Card Monthly magazine prior to the game. He told me he'd sign it after BP.

After BP had ended, I was sitting at my locker, not far from Deion's. I didn't want to bother him, as I had heard he wasn't the easiest to get an autograph from and I didn't want to annoy him.

After sitting for several minutes, I figured he'd ask me to come over for the signature. But instead, he got up to take a shower. Afterwards, he's sitting at his locker and called me over to sign the page for me!

Deion was not only an outstanding baseball player, but an amazing football player. 

 He helped the San Francisco 49ers win the Super Bowl in 1995 and in 1996 won a Super Bowl as a member of the Dallas Cowboys.

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

 

Chris Weinke

Chris Weinke signed this 1993 Classic Best baseball card from the Dunedin Blue Jays team set when he was a first basebman for the Dunedin Blue Jays. Chris later went back to school and played football for the Florida State Seminoles and won the Heisman Trophy Award in 2000 and went on to play in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers.

 

Jake Arrieta

 On June 29th, 2025 I was at a Perfect Game 13u baseball tournament to watch my son play at Cacti Park, the Minor League training facility of the Washington Nationals in West Palm Beach, Florida. As soon as I got there, I thought I recognized Jake Arrieta walking around. I dismissed it as I wasn't 100% sure it was him. About half-way through the game, one of the dads on our team says to me, "You see that guy over there? That's Jake Arrieta." I told him that I thought so too, but wasn't sure. He then pulled up the roster of the other team and sure enough, Jake's son was currently pitching. I always have all of my cards on me as I never know who I might see at these games. 

After the game, Jake signed a 2014 Topps baseball card for me. He also signed a card for my son as well as posed for a picture with him. Jake was very friendly to everybody, which was great! As a player, he was tough to get an autograph from. I'd seen him on multiple occasions during Spring Training ignore any fan that asked for an autograph, or even just tried to get his attention. 

Rex Hudler

Rex Hudler signed and returned this 1997 Topps Stadium Club card through the mail in only 21 days, having received it on June 5, 2025. It's a unique posed card which looks to be taken at Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, Florida. Happy to now have it signed and in my collection!

 

Al Hrabosky

It only took 8 short days to receive "The Mad Hungarian" Al Hrabosky's autograph in the mail. He signed a 1974 Topps baseball card for me. It arrived in the mail on May 23, 2025. 

Al Hrabosky is known to have inspired the character of Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn played by Charlie Sheen in the movie "Major League".

His on-field "performance art," which included turning his back to the hitter, pounding the ball into his glove and psyching himself up, directly influenced the portrayal of Rick Vaughn's intense and wild demeanor on the mound.

Rick Reuschel

On May 23, 2025 I received a 1986 Topps baseball card signed by Rich Reuschel for an 8 day turn-around!

Mr. Reuschel had an impressive career lasting 19 years. In that time, he amassed 214 career wins with a career ERA of 3.37. Very happy to have added Rick Reuschel into my collection! 

 

Oddibe McDowell

On May 10, 2025 I mailed a 1991 Upper Deck baseball card to Oddibe McDowell and received it back on May 17, 2025. I always liked this card. I think it's a cool picture with Oddibe blowing a giant bubble of bubble gum.

 

Travis Honeyman

St. Louis Cardinals prospect Travis Honeyman signed this 8x10 picture for me at George M. Steinbrenner Field at the 3rd base dugout on May 17, 2025. Travis and the Single-A Palm Beach Cardinals were in town to play the Yankees Single-A affiliate, Tampa Tarpons. 

The Cardinals won the game 5-4. Travis had 4 plate appearances, walking 3 times and striking out once. His season batting average after the game fell to .354. 

 

Dan Pasqua

I mailed Dan Pasqua a 1991 Topps baseball card asking for his autograph. 

I received it in the mail signed as requested 55 days later on March 25, 2025!

 

Jim Acker

I mailed Jim Acker a 1984 Topps baseball card requesting his autograph on March 5, 2025. I received it back signed on March 25, 2025! Grateful to add this first round draft pick into my collection!

 

Bryan Harvey

I mailed Bryan Harvey a 1991 Topps baseball card to his home in North Carolina asking for his autograph.

He was kind enough to sign and return it to me, being received on March 15, 2025 for a 38 day turn around!

In 1991, Bryan led the American League with 46 saves and earning himself the Rolaids Relief Award!

 

Frank Thomas

I was finally able to get this Beckett Baseball Card Monthly magazine cover signed by Hall of Famer Frank Thomas on March 5, 2025! This is the exact magazine I tried to get signed about 30 years prior when I saw the White Sox play the Toronto Blue Jays during Spring Training.  This time around, Frank was signing autographs as well as promoting his vodka brand, FT35 at a bar called Bar 2350, located at 2350 Curlew Road in Palm Harbor, Florida. It was a 30 year journey to finally land the Big Hurt in my collection... Totally worth the wait!!!

 

 

Jim Beattie

I mailed this 1987 Topps baseball card to Jim Beattie and received it on February 27, 2025!

Big thank you to Mr. Beattie to adding to my collection!

 

Mike Devereaux

I first met Mike Devereaux in the 1990's during Spring Training when the Baltimore Orioles came to play the Philadelphia Phillies at Jack Russell Memorial Stadium in Clearwater, Florida. Mike signed a 1992 Upper Deck baseball card. Fast forward to 2025, Mike is coaching my son's travel baseball team!

 

Nick Leyva

I mailed Nick Leyva a 1991 Topps baseball card on January 27, 2025 asking for his autograph. Mr. Leyva signed and returned the autographed card, being delivered to my collection 28 days later on February 24, 2025!

 

Terry Kennedy

 Terry Kennedy returned this 1989 Topps baseball card to me on February 20, 2025 for a 17 day turn-around! 

The 4 times all-star won a Silver Slugger award in 1983. He batted .284 with 17 home runs for the San Diego Padres.

Art Howe

I mailed Art Howe this 1991 Topps baseball card on February 3, 2025 and received it back signed on February 18, 2025 for a 15 day turn-around! Mr. Howe helped lead the Oakland A's in 2002 to a historic season, which included setting an American League record by winning 20 games in a row!

 

Jim Lindeman

On February 3, 2025 I mailed Jim Lindeman his 1987 Donruss Rated Rookie baseball card and asked for his autograph. He was kind enough to sign and return it. I received 15 days later on February 18, 2025.

 

Steve Decker

On February 7, 2025 I mailed a 1991 Leaf baseball card to Steve Decker asking for his autograph. 11 days later, it arrived in my mailbox on February 18, 2025!

 

Jared Triolo

Jared Triolo signed this 2024 Topps baseball card during a public event held by the Pittsburgh Pirates in downtown Bradenton, Florida on the evening of February 15, 2025.

 

Nick Gonzales

Nick Gonzales was signing autographs during a public event in downtown Bradenton, Florida just before Spring Training on Saturday evening, February 15, 2025. Nick signed a 2024 Bowman baseball card.

 

Zack Littell

Zack Littell signed this 8x10 picture for me on February 15, 2025 at the St. Pete Pier during the Tampa Bay Rays Fan Fest. I had been trying to get this picture signed since he played for the Tampa Yankees in 2017! He's been a relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays since 2023, but with his beard, he looks nothing like the picture. However, the picture has been signed and is now forever in my collection!

 

Shane McClanahan

This one I truly wasn't expecting and was very grateful to obtain! On February 15, 2025 Shane McClanahan signed a 2023 Topps baseball card for me after he was finishing up at the Tampa Bay Rays Fan Fest at the St. Pete Pier. The left-handed ace is a tough autograph to get. From what I've seen, he's happy to take pictures with fans but tends to shy away once autographs are requested. There was a small group waiting for Shane after he finished with his Fan Fest duties. The group approached him when he came into a common area with the general public. He signed a card for my son, and then for me, which surprised me! The times he's been known to sign, it's hardly ever for adults.

Glad to have him in my collection and even more happy to not have to try for him again! 

Big thanks to Shane!!

 

Shane Baz

Shane Baz signed this 2022 Bowman baseball card on Saturday February 15, 2025 at the St. Pete Pier during the Tampa Bay Rays Fan Fest. I'm so glad to finally be able to add him into my collection! Took me a long time to catch up with him!

 

Charles Nagy

A 12 day turn-around to receive an autographed 1994 Topps baseball card in the mail from Charles Nagy!

I'm very excited to add him into my collection!

 

Xavier Hernandez

 It only took 12 days for Xavier Hernandez to return this 1993 Upper Deck baseball card with his signature!

I received it on Saturday February 15, 2025.

Joel Skinner

I mailed Joel Skinner a 1992 Donruss baseball card on February 7, 2025 asking for his autograph. He was kind enough to sign and return the card, having received it back one week later on February 14, 2025!

Big thanks to Mr. Skinner for adding to my autograph collection!

 

Steve Farr

On February 1, 2025 I mailed Steve Farr a 1990 Topps baseball card and asked for his autograph.

I received it in the mail signed as requested 12 days later on February 13, 2025!

Very glad to add him into my collection!

 

Mark Thurmond

I mailed a 1984 Topps card to Mark Thurmond on February 3, 2025 asking for his autograph and he signed and returned it on February 13, 2025 for a 10-day turn around!! 

Thank you, Mr. Thurmond for contributing to my collection!

 

Jerry Browne

I mailed Jerry Browne a 1988 Topps baseball card on February 3rd asking for his autograph. I received it back 9 days later on February 12, 20225!

I'm thankful to Mr. Browne for taking the time to add to my collection!

 

Todd Hollandsworth

I mailed this 1995 Upper Deck baseball card to Todd Hollandsworth on February 3, 2025 and received it back signed 8 days later on February 11, 2025! The 1996 National League Rookie of the Year winner is now in my collection, and I am grateful!

 

Bill Pulsipher

I mailed this 1994 Upper Deck Minor League card to Bill Pulsipher, and had it signed and returned in 14 days, having it in my mail box on February 10, 2025!

Glad to have this card forever represented in my collection!

 

Doug Rader

I mailed this 1990 Topps baseball card to the home of Doug Rader requesting his autograph. I was very happy to have received back on February 4, 2025 for an 8 day turn-around!

Thank you to the 5x Gold Glove winner!

 

Brook Fordyce

On January 21, 2025 I mailed this 1991 Classic Best Minor League Baseball card to Brook Fordyce.

He signed it as requested and I received it back on January 30, 2025 for a 9-day-turn around!

I always loved this card! Very happy to add it into my collection!

 

Ed Glynn

I mailed this 1981 Topps baseball card to former New York Mets pitcher, Ed Glynn on January 13, 2025 and received it back signed with a blue Sharpie, on January 25, 2025 for a 12 day turn-around!