Huge Set Pickup - Bo Diaz Signed 1987 Topps

His autographs on 1987 Topps cards do exist, from what I have been told, but there is a finite number of cards that Bo Diaz could have signed from when they were issued in 1987 and his untimely death in 1990.  A friend of mine has told me that Diaz signed TTM back then, and there are cards from the set with his signature, but they carry a high premium.

I learned how high last week when this gem popped up on Ebay.  I wasn't going to let it pass, so I made sure I had some funds allocated for it.  Thankfully, the race that my dad puts on every year came about the same weekend that the card went off, and I earned enough money to pay for the card.  We'll just leave it at that.

I cross checked this signature with PSA Diaz cards, and also ran it by two other 87 set collectors (thankfully, they weren't bidding against me), and it is legit.

Diaz (b. 1953) played in the majors from 1977 to 1989 for the Red Sox, Indians, Phillies and Reds.  He had 834 hits, 87 home runs and a .255 batting average.  He was a two-time All Star (1981 and 1987).

He was killed when a satellite dish that he was installing on the roof of his house fell on him, and decapitated him.  He left behind a wife and two sons.

I became familiar with Diaz once I set out to complete the signed 1987 set.  I knew the previously deceased players would be tough, but I assumed the toughest would be maybe Gary Carter, Kirby Puckett or Tony Gwynn.  In reality, the toughest ones are Diaz, Dick Howser, Dan Quisenberry, Rod Scurry, etc.  Those guys have been a challenge to even find, let alone afford.