From the Collection: Robin Yount, cf, Milwaukee Brewers
Robin Yount had a fantastic career and deserved to be elected to the Hall of Fame back in 1999. I do think it’s funny that he had almost as many MVP awards (two) as All-Star selections (three).
Collecting Cleveland Baseball Since 1982
Collecting Cleveland Indians Topps team sets from 1952-present, as well as post-war minor and major league autographs.
From the Collection: Josh Bell, if, Los Angeles Dodgers
Josh L. Bell was a prospect in the Dodgers organization in the mid-2000s, and in many ways was a similar prospect to the Guard’s new first baseman. Josh Bell.
Where It All Started: Justin Speier, rp, Cleveland Guardians
Here is it, my first real through-the-mail autograph.
New Arrival: Kyle Manzardo, of, Tampa Bay Rays
I was really excited about this card. Back in 2020 Washington State Baseball played here in Hawaii, and Kyle Manzardo was on the team. He was a decent prospect, but I don’t think anyone expected him to be drafted in the 2nd round of the 2021 draft. And, for whatever reason, I did not get him. Probably the best player that I ever totally whiffed on getting.
New Arrival: Al Leiter, sp, Florida Marlins
Al Leiter spent 19 seasons in the majors (1987-2005). He peaked late in his career, so his prime years were relatively short. But those years were still pretty impressive.
New Arrival: Trevor Hauver, of, Texas Rangers
I have no idea how good of a prospect Rangers OF Trevor Hauver is. Hauver came into this season one of the Ranger’s Top 25 prospects. Between low and high-A he hit only .220, but with showed great pop (17 HR) and great on-base skills (.387).
From the Collection: 2002 Upper Deck Vintage Jim Thome/Roberto Alomar Autograph
Isn’t this a cool card? You can’t go wrong with a card signed by both Jim Thome and Roberto Alomar. The 2002 Upper Deck Vintage set is still, I think, one of the most attractive modern sets ever.
From the Collection: Reggie Jackson, of, Oakland Athletics
I had this card in my collection for years. Then I had an opportunity to get in on a private signing and decided to send this card in. It came out pretty OK.
From the Collection: Taylor Dollard, sp, Seattle Mariners
Cal Poly visited Hawaii a couple of years ago, and pitcher Taylor Dollard was on their roster. He was a well thought of prospect, and I was able to get his autograph. He would go on to be drafted by Seattle in the 5th round of the 2020 draft.
From the Collection: Mookie Betts, of, Los Angeles Dodgers
I was able to get this autograph TTM from Mookie Betts in 2012, while he was playing for the Low-A Lowell Spinners. It’s hard to believe, but at the time he was not a huge prospect and was not even ranked by Baseball America.