Ron Santo Has A Beautiful Signature!!

Ron Santo Has A Beautiful Signature!!

Penmanship counts.  In elementary school we were graded on our ability to write clearly.  And while we all would/could do well if we took our time, being rushed and sloppy is not going to help your cause.

It really looks like Ron Santo takes time with each signature he provides.  Personally, I have 3 autographs of his – a book, a ball, and a card.  And all 3 look great!!

Here is an example of what I am talking about.  Anytime you can read out the name clearly, it is a good thing!!

Ron Santo Delivered 342 ‘Longballs’

Ron Santo Delivered 342 ‘Longballs’

When you’re on a team that features one of the greatest power-hitting infielders of all-time in Ernie Banks and one of the sweetest lefty strokes in the game’s history of Billy Williams, it is tough to stand out as an offensive threat!

But that is just what Ron Santo did.

He crushed 342 home runs during his 15-years in the big leagues.  While he never hit more than 33 in any single year, Santo reached double figures in 13 consecutive years while also eclipsing the 25 HR mark 8 times.

Ron Santo Has 5 Gold Gloves!!!

Ron Santo Has 5 Gold Gloves!!!

Ron Santo was an elite defender during his playing days in Chicago.  Whether at home or on the road, Santo put his body on the line each and every time a play needed to be made at third base.

From 1964-68, Santo won 5 National League Gold Glove awards.  And when you talk about the greatest defensive third basemen of all-time, Santo has to be in the discussion right behind Brooks Robinson and Mike Schmidt.

Happy Birthday Ron Santo!!!

Happy Birthday Ron Santo!!!

Ron Santo would have turned 71 years old today.  It’s still very saddening that Santo is no longer with us – but the greatness that he left with the Cubs organization, the city of Chicago, and to the world of diabetes education and treatment will live on forever.

One of Chicago’s favorite sons, Ron Santo enjoyed suiting up for the Cubs for 14 years as a player and then for close to 20 years as a radio and television broadcaster.

A popular player on the field, Santo was an All-star 9 times during his 15-year career.  And today he is as popular as he was during the 1960′s and 1970′s. 

Happy Birthday Mr. Santo!!!

Eddie Murray & His Hall Of Fame Plaque

Eddie Murray & His Hall Of Fame Plaque

Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003, Eddie Murray gained entry into Cooperstown the first time that his name appeared on the ballot.

The plaque reads – “A powerful and productive switch-hitter whose consistency over 21 seasons led to 3,255 hits 560 doubles, 504 home runs, 5,397 total bases, and 1,917 RBI.  Third player ever to connect for more than 500 home runs and 3,000 hits.  Played in three World Series, winning with the Orioles in 1983.  An eight-time All-Star and 1977 AL Rookie Of The Year.  A skilled fielder, he earned three Gold Glove awards, setting major league records for games played and assists by a first baseman.” 

Eddie Murray’s Super-Sweet 1978 Topps Rookie Card

Eddie Murray’s Super-Sweet 1978 Topps Rookie Card

A few years back I decided that I wanted to honor the career of Eddie Murray, and specifically his time with the Baltimore Orioles.  So, I did what a player collector does – I built a checklist of every major brand issue card from his days with the O’s and went after them.

Some were tough to get, and some were a breeze.  But no card was as enjoyable to bring hom as was Murray’s 1978 Topps rookie card.

And I cannot believe that I paid less than $8 for it!!  What a deal; What a steal!!

Eddie Murray’s Jersey Hangs Alongside Baltimore Orioles Royalty!!!

Eddie Murray’s Jersey Hangs Alongside Baltimore Orioles Royalty!!!

The Baltimore Orioles franchise was born in 1954, but its origins go way back to 1901.  The team has seen its share of success and very successful players.

To honor the best players that have worn the team’s uniform, the Orioles have retired their jerseys.

Amazingly for a team that has such a rich history, the list is relatively short.  But on that list are certainly some of baseball’s most accomplished players and manager:

Earl Weaver – #4

Brooks Robinson – #5

Cal Ripken – #8

Frank Robinson – #20

Jim Palmer – #22

Eddie Murray – #33

Eddie Murray Is Just 1 Of 4 Players To Collect 3,000 Hits & 500 Home Runs!!!

Eddie Murray Is Just 1 Of 4 Players To Collect 3,000 Hits & 500 Home Runs!!!

There are many rare feats in accomplished in a baseball career.  And these feats are what preserves the history of the game’s greatest players.  Without these benchmarks, there would be little that we could use to compare a player that plays in 2011 to one that suited up 50 years prior.

From an offensive standpoint, the two most celebrated feats are 3,000 hits and 500 home runs.  To have a resume that includes either of these statistical landmarks is a golden ticket to Cooperstown(most of the time).

And on occasion, a very rare occasion, a player is able to mix the two – creating the perfect blend of power and skill to become a member of the ’3000 hits & 500 Home Run Club’.

To date, only four men have mastered this feat.  Eddie Murray is one of those men.  A very rare feat accomplished by an amazingly talented baseball player!!

Eddie Murray’s Simple & Clean Signature

Eddie Murray’s Simple & Clean Signature

Very clean and simple in nature, there is not much to complain about when it comes to Eddie Murray and the autograph that he provides.

Easy to read and unmistakable, you can show his signature to anyone(even a non-baseball fan), and a high percentage of people would be able to make out the name with little issue.

While the signature offers very little creativity or flare, it does represent Murray and his baseball persona to a tee – Serious and Strong!! 

Eddie Murray & The 1983 World Series Championship Winning Baltimore Orioles

Eddie Murray & The 1983 World Series Championship Winning Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles were on top of the baseball world in 1983.  Not only did they have the American League’s two best players in their infield(Ripken was the MVP that year, with Murray finishing in second place), but they also won the World Series.

Defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 4-games-to-1, the Orioles made quick work of the National League champions en route to the World Series title.  In those 5 games, Eddie Murray collected 5 hits in 20 at-bats including two crucial home runs that cemented two of the team’s four victories.