2024 National Free Signer - Benito Santiago

Another of the free signers during Wednesday's VIP party at the National was Benito Santiago.  He had come to the National before, and I missed the announcement that he was returning, so I didn't bring anything for him to sign. 

I picked up the above 8 x 10 amd had him sign that.  It turned out nicely.  I know I had some Santiago cards at the house, but not very many.  Still, I was glad I could get the photo done.

2018 National Free Signer - Benito Santiago

I was really looking forward to meeting Benny Santiago at the National this year, ever since my friend, P. A. reminded me that this 1991 Topps existed.  This is another example of the great photography in this set, and I now have this card in my album.

Santiago was really cool when Nate and I met him.  Nate had the 1997 Fleer of Santiago that we found in a dime box.  That card has a yellow Ferrari or Lamborghini on it and we asked Benny if he still had the car.  He said "I almost died in that car, man."  I asked him how fast he had it up to, and he said "180 man".  It was a pretty awesome exchange, to be honest.

Santiago (b. 1965) played in the majors from 1986 to 2005 for the Padres, Marlins, Reds, Phillies, Blue Jays, Cubs, Giants, Royals and Pirates.  He had 1,830 hits, 217 home runs and a .263 batting average.  He was the 1987 NL Rookie of the Year, a four-time Silver Slugger Award winner, five-time All Star and a three-time Gold Glove Award winner.  His best MVP finish was 20th in 2002.

I was really glad to get this card signed, and it helped that my buddy, Gerard had an extra one for me, because I couldn't find any in my collection, without breaking my 1991 Topps set.

Instagram Trade With Billy

I completed a trade recently with a guy named Billy.  He is a rare case of a younger person who is into building older Topps sets.  So, I sent him two team bags of 1984 and 1986 Topps in exchange for a few 1994 Topps that he had for my set.

I have since put together a stack of 1987 Topps that Billy needed for that set.  He is waiting to find a few things that he can send me for them, but I think I almost have that set knocked out for him.  It was nice clearing out some room in that box.  I really want to complete this 1994 set soon so it isn't hanging over me this summer.  I will then work on the 1995 set.

Thank you so much for the trade, Billy!