2025 National Paid Signer - Miguel Cabrera

The last paid signer that I missed posting from last year's National was Miguel Cabrera. I may have gotten a grunt from Pujols; I didn't get anything from Miggy. He talked to the handler the whole time. I wish Tristar would tell their folks to try to sway the conversation back to the customers if the athlete is talking with them. Either way, I got my ball signed and it'll be a part of the Hall of Fame collection when he is inducted.

Cabrera (b. 1983) played in the majors from 2003 to 2023 for the Marlins and Pirates. He had 3,174 hits, 511 home runs and a .306 batting average. He was the AL MVP in 2012 and 2013. He was the AL batting champ in 2011 (.344), 2012 (.330), 2013 (.348) and 2015 (.338). He was an All Star 12 times (2004-2007, 2010-2016 and 2022). Cabrera is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2029.

2025 National Card Show Paid Signer - Albert Pujols

Last year's National feels like it happened yesterday. Not because I was at THIS year's National yesterday (and today... and the rest of the week), but the year did fly by. So much so, I still have a couple baseballs I had yet to post, including this one I got signed by Albert Pujols.

I paid a good bit to meet Pujols in person and get a ball signed, but he was one of the two big ticket guys I chose to get. He grunted when I said hello, signed my ball, and rhat was it. Oh well. 

Pujols (b. 1980) played in the majors from 2001 to 2022 for the Cardinals, Angels and Dodgers. He had 3,384 hits, 703 home runs and a .296 batting average. He was a 3-time NL MVP (2005, 2008 and 2009) and NL Rookie of the Year in 2001. He was the NL batting champ (.359) in 2003. He batted over .300 in 10 straight seasons. He led the league in home runs twice. Pujols is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2028.

2025 National Pickup - Judy Johnson Signed Baseball

Another Hall of Famer was added to the collection at last year's National when I got a great deal on this baseball signed by Judy Johnson. He was a former Negro Leaguer who was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1975.

Johnson (b. 1899) played in the Negro Leagues from 1923 to 1927, 1929 and 1932 to 1936 for Hilldale Club, Homestead Grays, Pittsburgh Crawfords and New York Cubans. He had documented statistics that included 481 hits, 32 home runs and a .288 batting average. 

I'm pretty sure Johnson is my 177th Hall of Famer on a baseball. 

2025 National Pickup - Dick Allen Signed Baseball

Oops. I may or may not have forgotten to post some of last year's pickups from the National. With this year's event days away, I had better catch up.

I found this baseball signed by the late Dick Allen very cheap at the show. It is authenticated, and has a lot of toning on the ball, but that's ok.

Allen (b. 1942 - d. 2020) played in the majors from 1963 to 1977 for the Phillies, Dodgers, White Sox and A's. He had 1,848 hits, 351 home runs and a .292 batting average. He was the 1964 NL Rookie of the Year and AL MVP in 1972. He led the AL in hone runs in 1972 (37) and 1974 (32).

I'm pretty sure he is Hall of Famer 176 in my collection.

2025 National Paid Signer - Todd Helton

One of the paid signers I got at the National this year was Hall of Famer, Todd Helton.  I needed Helton for my signed baseball collection.  He was giving HOF '24 inscriptions for free.

Helton (b. 1973) played in the majors from 1997 to 2013 for the Rockies.   He jad 2,519 hits, 369 home runs and a .316 batting average.  He was a 5-time All Star (2000 to 2004) and his best MVP finish was 5th (2000).  He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2024 with 79.7% of the vote (on his 6th ballot). 

By my math (which may be off), Helton is my 175th Hall of Famer on a baseball. 

Bout Dang Time

My 174th Hall of Famer on a baseball is someone I've advocated to get into the Hall for quite some time.  Dave Parker finally got in via the Veterans Committee this past December.  It's about time.  Parker is battling Parkinson's, so it is especially good to see him get the call while he is still living. 

I may upgrade my ball at some point and get one with a HOF inscription, but above is one I got in 2012 via TTM. Congratulations to the Cobra for finally getting into the Hall of Fame. 

2024 National Pickup - Derek Jeter Signed Baseball

While it has taken me some time to finally clean out my stuff from the 2024 National, I am ashamed to say that I completely forgot to post this signed baseball that I picked up at the show.  I got this ball on the last day of the show, and probably overpaid a bit.  Still, I am glad to cross Derek Jeter off of my list.  I'm not a fan of how high his prices are; I've always contended that had Jeter played for someone like, say, the Royals, he would be held in the same regard as Paul Molitor.  A great player, a Hall of Famer, sure, but not the legend that folks make Jeter out to be.  That may be a little bit of my dislike for the Yankees shining through, but I feel like I am not alone in this sentiment.

Anyway, Jeter (b. 1974) played in the majors from 1995 to 2014 for the Yankees.  He was a part of the late 90s Yankee dynasty that won the 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000 World Series.  He also won the World Series in 2009.  He had 3,465 hits (leading the league twice), 260 home runs and a .310 career batting average (with 12 seasons of batting .300 or better; ok that's actually pretty dang good).  He never won an MVP award (the horror!), finishing second in 2006 and third in 1998 and 2009.  For those that care, he had a career 71.3 WAR, according to baseball-reference's metrics.

Jeter was a 14-time All Star (1998 to 2002, 2004, 2006 to 2012 and 2014) and five-time Silver Slugger Award winner (2006 to 2009 and 2012).  He was the 1996 AL Rookie of the Year and 2000 World Series MVP.  He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2020, his first ballot, with 99.7% of the vote.  No, I don't have a vote, but even I, with my disdain for Jeter, am not dumb enough to say he didn't deserve to get in.  The argument against not voting for someone it a different discussion for a different day, but even I know he is definitely a Hall of Famer.  Duh.

Somewhere along the line, I messed up my HOF count, so in my estimation, Jeter is my 173rd Hall of Famer on a baseball.  That would also make it necessary to say that Dave Parker getting in last month puts him (Parker) as #174.  Hopefully I remember that, and can audit my numbers accordingly.

2024 National Pickup - Albert Belle Signed Baseball

As Michael and I were walking around the National, he spotted this Albert Belle signed baseball.  The vendor had a deal where if I paired this ball with another signed ball (to be shown later), I could get both for $100.  I took that deal, as I couldn't remember the last time I had seen a Belle ball.

Belle (b. 1966) celebrated his 58th birthday today (August 25).  He played in the majors from 1989 to 2000 for the Indians, White Sox and Orioles. He had 1,726 hits, 381 home runs and a .295 batting average.  He was a 5-time All Star and 5-time Silver Slugger Award winner. 

Thanks for seeing this ball and pointing it out to me, Michael.

2024 National Pickup - Fred McGriff Signed Baseball

Another Hall of Famer on a baseball was added to my collection at this year's National when I picked up this ball signed by Fred McGriff.  I had met McGriff a few years ago in Danville, but couldn't get him to sign.  So, I passed on paying the premium to meet him and bought this ball at a good price.

McGriff (b. 1963) played in the majors from 1986 to 2004 for the Blue Jays, Padres, Braves, Devil Rays, Cubs and Dodgers.  He had 2,490 hits, 493 home runs and a .294 batting average.  He was a 5-time All Star (1992, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 2000) and a 3-time Silver Slugger Award winner (1989, 1992 and 1993).  His best MVP finish was 4th (NL, 1993).  He won the World Series with the Braves in 1995.

McGriff was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2023 via the Veterans Committee.  McGriff is my 172nd Hall of Famer on a baseball.

Joe West Signed Baseball

My friend, Gerard, sent me this signed baseball that he got done for me recently of Joe West.  West is a former umpire who likely will be elected to the Hall of Fame at some point.  He missed out during the most recent veterans committee voting, but is likely to be the next unprecedented to get in at some point. 

West (b. 1952) umpired from 1976 to 2021, for a record 43 seasons.  He resigned during the 1999 Umpires strike, but was rehired in 2002.  Born in Asheville, NC, West later moved to Greenville, NC and attended ECU and Elon College.  He was part of the inaugural ECU football team, but transferred to Elon after that first season when the then ECU coach was fired.  He is a graduate of JH Rose High School in Greenville.

West umpired for a record 43 seasons and a record 5,460 games.  He umpired three All Star games (1987, 2005 and 2017) and six World Series (1992, 1997, 2005, 2009, 2012 and 2016).

Thanks for getting this ball done for me, Gerard.

Hall of Fame Signed Baseball - Peter Gammons

My good friend, Gerard, got this baseball signed for me by Hall of Fame sportswriter, Peter Gammons.  Gammons was a signer at a show near Boston, so Gerard took the ball for me and dropped it off so I could add another Hall of Famer to my collection.  My 173rd Hall of Famer on a baseball came as a result.  The ball turned out great, and Gammons added the HOF inscription for free.

Gammons (b. 1945), after graduating from UNC Chapel Hill, joined the Boston Globe in 1969, covering the Red Sox and/or penning national baseball coverage from 1969 to 1975 and 1978 to 1986.  He worked for Sports Illustrated from 1976 to 1978 and 1986 to 1990.  He joined ESPN as an on-air baseball analyst, and worked there until 2009.  He was selected for the J. G. Taylor Spink Award for outstanding baseball writing given by the Baseball Writers Association of America in 2005, enshrining him in the Hall of Fame.

Thanks for getting my ball signed, Gerard!

Hall of Fame Signed Baseball - Joe Castiglione

My good friend, Gerard, picked up this signed baseball for me of newly minted Hall of Famer, Joe Castiglione.  He was just named as the 2024 Ford Frick Award winner.  Gerard saw him at a recent card show.

Castiglione (b. 1947) has been the Red Sox radio announcer since 1983.  Prior to that, he capped games for the Brewers and Indians.

I had a chance to get Castiglione on a ball when I was in Boston in July and again in Baltimore in October.  I reacted too.slowly both times. Thankfully, Gerard got him for me and I can add a new Hall of Famer to the collection.  Castiglione is my 171st Hall of Famer on a baseball. Thanks Gerard!

2023 National Paid Signer - Scott Rolen

The next paid signer I got at the National added the 170th Hall of Famer on a ball to my collection.  Scott Rolen was recently inducted to the Hall, so when he was added to the autograph lineup, I went ahead and crossed him off of my list.

Rolen (b. 1975) played in the majors from 1996 to 2012 for the Phillies, Cardinals, Blue Jays and Reds.  He had 2,077 hits, 316 home runs and a .281 batting average.  He was a 7-time All Star (2002 through 2006, 2010.and 2011) and an 8-time Gold Glove Award winner.  He was the 1997 NL Rookie of the Year.  He won the World Series in 2006 with the Cardinals.  

Rolen was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2023, on his 6th ballot with 76.3% of the vote.

Hall of Fame Signed Baseball - Tony Oliva

My buddy, Drake, hooked me up big time when he was able to get a baseball signed first me at Spring Training by Hall of Famer, Tony Oliva.

Drake was pretty sure he would see Oliva, so he took an OMLB ball from me to try to add Oliva to the collection.

Oliva ended up swapping out my ball for a Spring Training logo ball; Drake was upset thinking I'd be mad about the switch.  I'm actually really happy about it, because I didn't have a Spring Training ball in the collection.  Crisis averted.

Oliva (b. 1938) played in the majors from 1962 to 1976 for the Twins.  He had 1,917 hits, 220 home runs and a .304 batting average.  He was the AL batting champ in 1964, 1965 and 1971.  He hit over .300 in 7 seasons.  He was an All Star 8 times (1964 to 1971).  He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2022 when he was selected by the Veterans Committee.  Oliva is my 169th Hall of Famer on a baseball.

First IP Graphing Of 2023 - Wayne County Hot Stove Event

The first IP (in person) graphing event of 2023 is in the books, and I was able to add a few cards to the autograph album.  I was told about the event by a fellow Wood Duck fan, and made my way to Goldsboro last night.  Entry for Chris and I was $15 each, and we were able to meet Marlins player, Brian Miller, as well as Goldsboro native, Jerry Narron.  I knew about Miller ahead of time, so I picked up the above 2022 Topps green foil card.

I also used my 2022 Topps base cards of Miller for a couple more autos.  I brought a clean OMLB and two filler cards just in case I ran into someone else at the event.  I was glad I did, because I was able to get Jerry Narron on a 1987 Topps checklist and a game insert/ad card.  I get asked all of the time about why I use the checklists.  I had, at one point, about 200 checklists, so they are easy to grab and put just about anyone on.  Same with the ad inserts.  A lot of people like to use blank dummy cards, but I've also seen where players won't sign blanks, so I figure these will pass as decent enough items to put some ink scribbles on.

I got a couple cases of ROMLBs from my old friend, Sam, and he would be happy to know that I have put two worthy subjects on two of the balls, so far.

I sat at a table with fellow Wood Duck fan, Jessie, and had a good time.  The food was good, along with the stories.  It was a nice start to graphing in 2023, with a couple more events coming up for me in the next couple of weeks.

In all, I got Brian Miller x 3 and Jerry Narron x 3 (6 total autographs).

2022 National Pickup - Roy Campanella Signed Baseball

While cleaning out my backpack from the National, I realized that I forgot to post a few of the baseballs I picked up, most importantly, this one signed by Hall of Famer, Roy Campanella.  I don't know how I missed it; I really thought I had already posted it.  Anyway, I got a great deal on it and was glad it was a pre-accident signature.

Campanella (b. 1921 - d. 1993) played in the majors from 1948 until 1957 for the Dodgers.  A car accident in January 1958 left him paralyzed.  He had 1,161 hits, 242 home runs and a .276 batting average.

He was an All Star from 1949 to 1956 and a three-time NL MVP (1951, 1953 and 1955).  He won the World Series with the Dodgers in 1955.

Campanella was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1969 (his 7th ballot, includong two run-offs) with 79.4% of the vote.

Campanella is my 166th Hall of Famer on a baseball.

2022 National Pickup - Barry Bonds Signed Ball

A signed ball, albeit controversial, has been added to my collection.  Barry Bonds is a very polarizing entity in the world of baseball, but if I had the chance to add him to my signed baseball collection at a great price, I sure was going to take it.

I bundled this ball with the purchase of a Hank Aaron (isn't it ironic, don't ya think? Yeah I probably didn't use that right, either) for a friend. 

Still, I didn't have Bonds in my collection, but now I do.  The ball is a 1994 All Star baseball from when the game was in Pittsburgh.  I love the yellow and black stitching.  I had a chance to get a steal on a Ken Griffey, Jr. signed All Star ball just like this one years ago at a National, but I let it pass.  I regretted not picking up that ball.  When I saw this one and was able to get the guy to quote me a great price, I had to take it.  The autograph is also PSA authenticated.

2022 National Pickup - Travis Jackson Signed Baseball

Hall of Famer #165 was added to my collection at the National as part of two big pickups. I had been keeping an eye on Travis Jackson baseballs for a long time and I found this one lower than what I had seen elsewhere. The signature is great, as is the ball.

Jackson (b. 1903 - d. 1987) played in the majors from 1922 to 1936 for the Giants.  He had 1,768 hits, 135 home runs and a .291 batting average.  He was an All Star in 1934 and his best finish in the NL MVP race was 4th, also in 1934.  He won the World Series with the Giants in 1933.  Jackson was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1982 via the Veterans Committee.

A quick glance at Jackson's stats definitely make you wonder why he is in the Hall of Fame.  It turns out, he was regarded as the best shortstop of his era.  That makes a lot more sense; his career fielding percentage is .952 and his career defensive WAR 31st all time.  Injuries kept him off of the field for a good chunk of his career, otherwise, his offensive stats may have been higher.

In all, I am very happy that I added this Hall of Famer to my collection, even though no one knows who he is when I talk about him.

Christmas Gift From Mom - Mariano Rivera Signed Baseball

Mom always enjoys finding me stuff for Christmas that will find its way to the blog, and this year was no different.  She did get me a trash bag full of about 100 pounds of antique baseball gloves, which were really cool.  She also knocked another huge name off of my Hall of Fame list with this signed baseball of Mariano Rivera.  I wanted to get in on a Rivera signing, but baseballs were super expensive, and the cards I would do would also cost me an arm and a leg, so I held off.  This ball is amazing, and has the HOF inscription and the 1st 100% vote inscription.  Pretty amazing!

Rivera (b. 1969) played in the majors from 1995 to 2013, for the Yankees.  The greatest closer of all time retired with a record 652 saves.  His 952 games finished and 205 ERA+ are also all-time records.  He had a won-loss record of 82-60 with a 2.21 ERA and 1,173 strike outs.

Rivera was a 13-time All Star (1997, 1999-2002, 2004-2006, 2008-2011 and 2013) and his best Cy Young and MVP finishes were 2nd (2005) and 9th (2004, 2005), respectively.

He won the World Series with the Yankees in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2009.  He took home the 1999 World Series MVP and 2003 ALCS MVP honors.  His playoff record was 8-1, with 42 saves, 110 strike outs and a 0.70 ERA.  

Rivera was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2019 with 100% of the vote.  He is the only person ever elected to the Hall with 100%, and probably will be the only one, since there are idiots out there who like to make statements with their ballots; the handful of people who didn't vote for Hank Aaron, WIllie Mays, Ken Griffey, Jr., or Cal Ripken should never be allowed near another ballot.

Rivera is the 159th Hall of Famer in my collection.  Thanks Mom!  Merry Christmas, everyone!

David Ortiz Signed Baseball From Kyle

When I went to the National this past year, I was really excited, because I was going to meet David Ortiz.  He ended up having a death in the family, so he wasn't able to attend.  I took the refund from Tristar, but my friend, Kyle, ended up sending off his ball for a later signing.

Kyle ended up getting two baseballs back, so he sold me this one, which has Tristar authentication.  I was really glad to make a deal and still get a ball signed by Ortiz.  I figured that there might be other players I want to see at next year's National, so I would go ahead and cross Ortiz off of my list.

Ortiz (b. 1975) played in the majors from 1997 to 2016 for the Twins and Red Sox.  He had 2,472 hits, 541 home runs and a .286 batting average.  He was a 10-time All Star (2004 to 2008, 2010 to 2013 and 2016) and a 7-time Silver Slugger Award winner (2004 to 2007, 2011, 2013 and 2016).  His best MVP finish was 2nd (AL, 2005).  He won the World Series with the Red Sox in 2004, 2007 and 2013.  He was the ALCS MVP in 2004 and the World Series MVP in 2013.  Ortiz was the AL home run champ in 2006 with 54 home runs.

Ortiz will appear on the 2022 Hall of Fame ballot, where he will face off against Alex Rodriguez, among others, who will be appearing on their first ballot.  Ortiz's case is a complex one, with steriod allegations and his career as a DH.

Interestingly, Ortiz was originally signed by the Mariners in 1992, then was sent to Minnesota as a Player to be Named Later in a trade for Dave Hollins.  Ortiz was released by the Twins in December of 2002, only to latch on with the Red Sox and go down in history as one of the players who helped snap the Curse of the Bambino.