Where It All Started: Justin Speier, rp, Cleveland Guardians
Here is it, my first real through-the-mail autograph.
Collecting Cleveland Baseball Since 1982
Collecting Cleveland Indians Topps team sets from 1952-present, as well as post-war minor and major league autographs.
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.
New Arrival: Wladimir Balentien, of, Seattle Mariners
From 2004-2008, Wladimir Balentien was one of the Seattle Mariners best hitting prospects. He was projected to be a power-hitting outfielder and a solid outfield defender. But like so many power-hitting prospects, he struggled to make contact in the majors. He did not have the same issue in Japan.
New Arrival: Doug Nikhazy, sp, Cleveland Guardians
Doug Nikhazy was drafted by Cleveland in the 2nd round of the 2021 draft out of the University of Mississippi. He does not have the super high ceiling you would expect with a second-round pick. But he is a lefty with four decent pitches, so there is lots to like.