SIGNING RESULTS: 1962 NL MVP, Dodgers Great Mr. Maury Wills!!

SIGNING RESULTS: 1962 NL MVP, Dodgers Great Mr. Maury Wills!!

Wow, this former player has been on my ‘want list’ for years.

And after having a few shots to get him and missing out on the opportunity, I finally jumped in with both feet and registered myself and my blank baseball for a private signing event with the former NL MVP.

And the results are perfect.

Have a look:

He’s got a pretty neat looking signature, doesn’t he?!?!

I’m digging it, and the added #30 and MVP NL ’62 inscription as well.

Maury Wills is the man.  He is a former league MVP, stolen base champ, 5-time All-Star, 2-time Gold Glove Winner, and 3-time World Series Champion!

Before Rickey Henderson, there was Lou Brock.  And before there was Lou Brock, it was Maury Wills!  He was an offensive machine, a true spark-plug for the Dodgers franchise – a career .281 hitter with an on-base percentage of .330.  Wills has 2,134 career hits with 586 stolen bases and 1,067 runs scored in 1,942 games played.

This is an autograph that I am super excited to have in my collection.  And it will rest with some of my other Dodgers’ balls – Duke Snider, Kirk Gibson, and Orel Hershiser.

Yeah Baby!!

Private Signings Results: Cincinnati Reds Legend, Eric ‘The Red’ Davis

Private Signings Results: Cincinnati Reds Legend, Eric ‘The Red’ Davis

If you know me, and you know about my collection, you know that I really try to honor the baseball heroes from my youth.  As much as I can, I really try to celebrate the careers of the players that helped shape my love for the sport as a kid that has carried me all of the way into adulthood.

As I continue to build my collection in this manner, I look for new ways to honor the guys that I cheered for as a kid.

So, when I had a chance to nab Eric Davis as a recent paid signing event, I jumped in with both feet.

And now, this beautifully signed baseball is in my collection!!

 

I’ve wanted ‘ED’ in my collection for a very long time.  He was a huge star in the mid-to-late 1980’s and into the 1990’s.  I used to love watching him track down balls in center field and run the bases with power and speed.

I opted for the #44 inscription for my ball as that is how I referred to him for a pretty long time.  When talking baseball with my buddies or pulling cards from packs, it was almost always #44 that I spoke when Davis came up.

I’m very happy to have added him to my collection.  And I think I will set this ball right next to my signed ball of his best-bud, Straw.

SIGNING RESULTS: Hall Of Famer & Orioles Legend, Mr. Jim Palmer

SIGNING RESULTS: Hall Of Famer & Orioles Legend, Mr. Jim Palmer

This one has been in the works for 6+ months as the original signing was supposed to take place during Spring Training.  But, due to schedule conflicts and busy schedules, it did not take place until late August.

Thankfully, I am a patient man who has a lot of respect and trust in the organizer of this signing.

So, now more than six months later, I can finally show off my newest addition to my Jim Palmer memorabilia collection – Signed baseball number 4.

Have a look:

 

As you can see this is the Rawlings Black baseball, with Gold stitching.  I opted for a Gold paint pen, knowing how nice it looks when complete.  This is my third ‘Black Ball’ in my collection, and each one looks nice and clean!

Jim Palmer is such a highly decorated pitcher that I could probably go after a few more signed baseballs to help me commemorate his playing days.  And if the chance comes up for me to get a few more again, I will do just that.

Thank you Mr. Palmer, this one is a beauty!!

Incredible ‘Through The Mail’ Mail Day Courtesy Of Mr. Wade Boggs!!

Incredible ‘Through The Mail’ Mail Day Courtesy Of Mr. Wade Boggs!!

As soon as i decided to jump in and go after more baseball cards of Wade Boggs for my collection, the first thing I did was document each and every card I owned that featured him as the primary subject so I could get my ‘Boggs Checklist’ up to date and proceed with my expansion plans.

As I went through the cards I already owned, I saw that a few doubles had crept into the mix.  And they were all pretty good looking cards too.  My mind began to spin, and I started formulating my plan…

First, I went to a few of the sports autograph websites that I frequent to see if Boggs’ signing habits through the mail were still positive.  And as soon as I got that confirmation, I pulled three cards from my small stack of ‘doubles’, jotted a quick letter to Wade, and packed the cards up with a small cash donation and return self-addressed-stamped-envelope.

And off they went.

And just 2 1/2 weeks later, my three cards were returned to me and they are all signed beautifully in Blue Sharpie.

Have a look:

1988 Score – base

1991 Score ‘Dream Team’ w/HOF 05 inscription

2001 Fleer ‘Greats Of The Game’

I told you that they were good looking cards!!!

And even better with that bright Blue Wade Boggs autograph scribbled on each one.

I am so thrilled that Boggs is still signing so generously for his fans.  I may try to grab a few more while I can – time to go back and see what other ‘doubles’ I have that may look just as nice as the above cards.

Which one do you like the best?  My pick is the 1988 Score card – the Blue really pops!!!

Fergie Jenkins 2013 Topps ‘Million Dollar Chase’ Certified Autograph Baseball Card

Fergie Jenkins 2013 Topps ‘Million Dollar Chase’ Certified Autograph Baseball Card

When I tell that I have tracked this card for more than a year, I don’t believe that I am stretching my estimation of the time.  I know that when I first saw versions of this card hitting Ebay that I was going to end up bringing one into my collection of Fergie Jenkins autographs.  I have a good collection of Topps certified signed cards of Fergie, and this one is a great complement to the lot.

Way back, probably 9-10 months ago, I saw one sell for just $4.99.  And ever since that time I’ve been waiting.  Waiting for the next bargain to hit.  Waiting for the next ‘deal’ to cross my plate.

Well, that wait took us until August of 2014.

And while I did not pay as low as $4.99, I did nab this beauty for just $5.95.  Yes – $5.95!

And I am thrilled.   The card is serial numbered to just 300 total copies and mine is stamped as #143/300.

Have a look:

 

I am so excited to finally bring this card into my ‘Ultimate Jenkins’ collection.

And now, I can turn my attention to the next hunt!  Fingers crossed that I can find another sweet deal like this one…

Wish me luck!

‘Ultimate Dawson’ Soars To New Levels!!

‘Ultimate Dawson‘ Soars To New Levels!!

If you missed it last night, I showed off my latest and greatest Andre Dawson autograph conquests  – another ball for my collection and a signed 1977 Topps Rookie card.

Here they are one more time:

 

I’m still thrilled at how both pieces came out and even more excited about how nicely they add quality and depth to my ‘Ultimate Dawson‘ collection.

If you haven’t been to the page recently, you should really stop by and check it out.  It is truly the greatest part of my collection – and it has been a joy putting it together, piece by piece, over the last 6 years.

I cannot wait to see what comes next!!

Thanks for reading.

An Amazing Andre Dawson “Mail Day” For 30-YOC!!

An Amazing Andre Dawson “Mail Day” For 30-YOC!!

Friends, I have had a lot of great ‘mail days’ since I started this blog.  There have been great purchases.  There have been incredible trades.  There have been fantastic gift.

But, today’s ‘Mail Day’ is just a tad more special, and a tad more unique.

I sent a package to Andre Dawson a few weeks ago, after all of the MLB All-Star and HOF induction festivities were done.

And on Saturday, that package was returned to me with two great items enclosed.

For starters, I was able to add another signed baseball to my collection, that would be Andre Dawson signed ball #18 for my collection.

As with all of the balls in my Dawson collection, I sought out another unique inscription – this time going for a career achievement.

Have a look:

Yep, it is a ball celebrating Andre’s 2,774 career hits.  And it is a perfect complement to my other achievement balls.

The next item is the one that I am really excited about.

Are you ready?

You sure?

Buckle Up…

Yessir, that is a 1977 Topps signed rookie card.

I have wanted a signed rookie card in my collection for a very long time and I have no idea why I waited as long as I did to get this one done. But, now that it is home, I can officially scratch it off of my ‘Want List’.  And trust me when I tell you, it  has been on that list for years!!

Two fantastic items – two great additions to the collection that honors my favorite baseball player of all-time!!

Happy Monday.

SIGNING RESULTS: 1985 National League Most Valuable Player, Willie McGee!!

SIGNING RESULTS:  1985 National League Most Valuable Player, Willie McGee!!

Thanks to the generosity of loyal ’30-YOC’ reader Gerad (aka McGee-Fan51), I was able to take part in a signing with the 1985 NL MVP, Willie McGee two weeks ago in St. Louis.

I’ve wanted to add McGee to my collection for some time and a signed ball by him is another great MVP-themed ball for my collection.

Gerad hooked me up by working with the promoter of the event as he had  a few things to get signed as well.  And when he asked if  I was interested as well, I jumped right in!

I put a ball and payment in the mail the very next day.  And now, I am the proud owner of this new ball.

Have a look:

I love it.  Signed right on the sweetspot in Blue ink, this ball and autograph look sharp and clean.  And while Mr. McGee may not have the best looking signature around, I am thrilled to finally have one in my collection, especially when the cost was a fraction of what a signed ball would cost me on Ebay.

Thank you again, Gerad!  Another great piece has been added to my signed baseball collection.

🙂

Adding Some More Depth To My ‘Ultimate Jenkins’ Tribute

Adding Some More Depth To My ‘Ultimate Jenkins‘ Tribute

While organizing pictures for the ’10’ post I did the other night that showcased the 10 signed Fergie Jenkins baseballs in my collection, I noticed some obvious omissions on my ‘Ultimate Jenkins‘ page.

So, I set aside some time to comb through that entire page with the goal of bulking it up and adding more that honors the great career of my favorite pitcher of all-time.

The results?  A few more photos!

Here they are:

Fergie Jenkins Game-Used Relic Cards

Fergie Jenkins IP/TTM Signed Cards

Fergie Jenkins Certified Autographed Cards

Sweet!

All great stuff, and all stuff that deserves to be a part of the newly refreshed ‘Ultimate Jenkins’ page.

If you haven’t checked it out in a while, come see what you are missing!!!

Andre Dawson Signed Baseball #17 – ‘Final Game’ Ball

Andre Dawson Signed Baseball #17 – ‘Final Game’ Ball

Friends, I have done it again.

I have added another unique autographed baseball to my Andre Dawson collection.

And the ball is a perfect complement to another ball that was already in my collection.

Have a look:

 

This time around I asked Andre to add a ‘Final Game’ inscription with the date of 9/29/96 and he obliged my request with a great looking signed baseball.

And as I mentioned, the ball is a perfect complement to another ball in my collection – my ‘MLB Debut’ ball that Andre signed for me a year or so ago.

As I mentioned, this is signed ball #17 for my ‘Ultimate Dawson’ collection ,and I am so excited about how this collection is rounding out.

Do I want more?  You better believe I do.  And I will go after them too.  Just give me a little time and I will be showing off some more.

I cannot wait!!  I hope you will join me for the ride.