Mike Schmidt

In 2004, Hall of Fame 3rd Baseman was the inaugural manager of the Clearwater Threshers (Advanced A ball affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies). Luckily, I was one of the clubhouse attendants and had the opportunity to work with him that summer. I had mentioned to Mr. Schmidt, early in the season that I had a Phillies jersey in my locker that I'd like for him to sign whenever he had a chance. He told me it was no problem, but time kept passing and there  was no mention of it again. I wasn't allowed to ask for autographs when working, so I didn't persist. Thankfully, he didn't forget. One day in September, with just a couple games left in the season, (Which was cut short due to a string of hurricanes) he approached me in the clubhouse and said, "Brian, do you still have that jersey for me to sign?" I replied, "Yes, it's in my locker." - "Bring it here and I'll sign it." I went to grab my Phillies jersey, and brought it back to his office, but he was nowhere to be found. I placed the jersey on the sofa in his office and went to look for him. I wanted to be sly about it as to not alert my manager about having one of the greatest 3rd baseman in history and a 1995 Hall of Fame inductee give me an autograph in a restricted area from such things. I eventually circled back and headed back to his office. Again, he wasn't there, but the jersey was still laying on the sofa, however it had been signed! I finally caught up with him a short while later and thanked him! Very grateful to have had the privilege of getting to know Mike Schmidt during the summer of 2004.

Walt McKeel

I met Walt McKeel in the mid 1990's at Jack Russell Memorial Stadium in Clearwater, Florida when he was playing for the Sarasota Red Sox and he traveled to play a Florida State League game against the Clearwater Phillies. Walt sticks out in my memory because he had such an odd batting stance... But it worked! This guy could hit! Walt sadly passed away on January 1, 2019.

Frank Robinson

I met Frank Robinson in the mid 1990's outside of Dunedin Stadium, in Dunedin, Florida. Frank was exiting the ball park through the main entrance after a Spring Training game between the visiting Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays. Frank signed a 1984 Topps baseball card.

Dick Williams

I met Dick Williams on July 4, 1995 at Dunedin Stadium, in Dunedin, Florida. I was a bat boy for the Dunedin Blue Jays on that day. Dick was there with Darryl Strawberry as Darryl was working on a rehab assignment with the Tampa Yankees. Because I was working, my brother, Dan was able to get this 1984 Topps card signed for me. Dick was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008. Dick passed away on July 7, 2011 at the age of 82.

Wade Boggs

I first met Wade Boggs in the mid 1990's at Dunedin Stadium, when the New York Yankees came to play the Toronto Blue Jays during Spring Training. Wade signed an 8x10 picture for me prior to the start of the game.

On July 16, 2017, my son was able to meet the 2005 Hall of Fame inductee at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, prior to the start of a Tampa Yankees Minor League game. Wade signed and personalized, per request an 8x10 picture for my son!  

Bert Blyleven

I first met Bert Blyleven at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Fort Myers, Florida on January 10, 2016. Bert was participating in the Minnesota Twins Fantasy Camp. The Camp had been rained out that day. My brother had found out which hotel the camp was staying at, so we decided to head there to see if we could get some autographs... Good thinking, because it worked! Bert was very friendly and signed an 8x10 picture for my son and I! 

Al Kaline

I met Al Kaline in the mid 1990's at Tarpon Woods Golf Club in Palm Harbor, Florida. Al was attending a celebrity golf tournament on that particular day. He was kind enough to sign an 8x10 picture for me, while seated in his golf cart. This Tigers great was inducted in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980.

My son was able to obtain this amazing autograph from Mr. Kaline through the mail on January 3, 2019! A terrific way to start off the new year by adding another Hall of Famer to his personal collection, as well!