Evan Longoria

July 13, 2024 former Tampa Bay Rays all-star 3rd baseman Evan Longoria signed an 8x10 picture for me at Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays. Evan was signing autographs for fans from 1pm-2pm. I am thrilled to add him into my collection.  Evan is a fan favorite for many, but he's been a tough autograph to obtain. I'm very happy to finally have this piece in my collection!

 

Rick Manning

On Saturday July 13, 2024 I went to Tropicana Field to see the home town Tampa Bay Rays play the Cleveland Guardians. Rick Manning is a Bally Sports TV announcer for the Guardians. After the game, as he was exiting the TV booth, my brother had asked him for an autograph. Mr. Manning declined by saying he was in a rush to catch a bus and headed to the elevator. My brother, son and a friend of ours were heading in the same direction and ended up in the elevator with Mr. Manning. As the elevator doors closed, my brother tried again. Mr. Manning was clearly annoyed and rolled his eyes, but agreed to do so. After he handed my brothers 1987 Topps card back to him, I nervously asked as well, "Could I get you, too?" He sighed, but grabbed my 1985 Topps card and pen. My son then chimes in my saying, "I'm a kid... Can I get you?" Now, this elevator was jammed packed and Mr. Manning seemed so annoyed, but agreed. The mood in the elevator was very tense and uncomfortable for everybody, but now, it was our friends turn and he asked if he could get his Gold Glove baseball signed as Rick had received that award in 1976. Mr. Manning signed the ball. The elevator doors finally opened up again and I couldn't wait to get out! This was one of the most awkward and uncomfortable moments of my life! Very grateful to have Mr. Manning in my collection and even more grateful to never have a need to ask him for anything ever again!

 

DJ LeMahieu

DJ LeMahieu was kind enough to stop to sign autographs for a few fans outside of Tropicana Field as he was leaving for the night after the New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays. DJ signed a 2021 Topps baseball card.

 

Nestor Cortes

Nestor Cortes signed this 2023 Topps Heritage baseball card on July 10, 2024 as he was getting ready to exit Tropicana Field after his Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays.

 

Carlos Rodon

July 10, 2024 Carlos Rodon signed this 2016 Topps Bunt baseball card as he was leaving Tropicana Field after his New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays. 

 

Jon Lester

Jon Lester signed these two 8x10 pictures for my son and I at Aviation Sports Complex in Marietta, Georgia on Friday June 21, 2024 as he was leaving following my son's travel baseball teams win during a 12u Perfect Game World Series baseball tournament. I was prepared because one of the parent's on my son's team had mentioned in the past that he's a close personal friend of Jon's and that Jon might show up since he lives close by. During the 5th inning of a 6 inning game, my son tells me from the on-deck circle that Jon was here watching. I hadn't even noticed! I immediately went to my car to grab a book holding these two pictures. As soon as the game ended, I expected Jon would hang around and congratulate the team on their victory. Instead, Jon was already heading towards his car to exit the complex. I approached him and mentioned that my son was on the Dragons team and had asked me to try get an autograph. Jon complied, although he didn't appear to be enthusiastic about it. Nonetheless, my son and I have added another future Hall of Famer into our collections! 

 

Jake Peavy

On Sunday June 2, 2024 Jake Peavy was the Opening Cermony guest speaker at a baseball tournament in Panama City that my son and his team, the Wily Mo Dragons (Coached by Wily Mo Pena) were attending. The 2007 NL Cy Young Award winner signed an 8x10 picture as he was walking into the complex. He was very friendly and even let my son hold his two World Series rings, one from the Boston Red Sox and the other was the San Francisco Giants.