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.