2022 National Free Signer - Ron Hansen

Another former Oriole, and another player that I had gotten TTM, but was at this year's National as a free VIP signer was Ron Hansen.  I was out of his cards, or I didn't find any in time.  So, I bought enough to cover the vouchers that I ended up with.  I got this cool 1961 Post Cereals card that will look cool in the album.

I also picked up a few vintage Topps cards, a 1961, 1962 and a 1963.  All of them turned out great.  Hansen was really nice, and I was glad I got to meet him.

Update: I forgot to scan this awesome 1959 Topps that I got signed by Hansen.  It was with another of the signers cards for whatever reason.  Oh well.  Here it is, and it is a beauty.

TTM Success - Ron Hansen

My good friend, Drew, sent me Ron Hansen's autograph on a baseball a while back, but I have never gotten him TTM.  So, I figured I would go ahead and get my 1991 Crown Orioles card signed, along with a couple other Topps cards that I had in my boxes.

All of the cards turned out great; he signed the 1991 Crown and also a 1968 Topps and a 1970 Topps.

Hansen (b. 1938) played in the majors from 1958 to 1972 for the Orioles, White Sox, Senators, Yankees and Royals.  He had 1,007 hits, 106 home runs and a .234 batting average.  He was the AL Rookie of the Year in 1960.  That same year, he finished 5th in the AL MVP race and was an All Star twice.

I mailed to Hansen on April 27 and got the cards back on January 16, for a 264-day TAT.

Postcards From Dan

I met a guy while graphing at Wood Ducks games this season named Dan.  I helped him out early in the season, and we got to be graphing buddies.  Not too long ago, Dan bought some ball cubes off of me, and also gave me a few Orioles post cards that he had gotten signed at a game this past season.

Dan had gone to an Orioles game and got these post cards at an alumni signing.  I think they do this on Monday nights.  I went to one where Al Bumbry was signing a few years ago.  I wouldn't mind catching another and getting some cards signed.

Thank you for the signed post cards, Dan!

IP Autos From Michael

I am really behind on my posts.  It also doesn't help that my desk is a mess and I sat this stack of cards in a spot that conveniently made me forget about them.  About a month ago, I got a package from my buddy, Michael.  He had gone to a bunch of Orioles and Orioles affiliate games this summer.  I sent him some cards to 50/50, and he hooked me up!

From what Mike says, Mark Hendrickson is a tough signer, so I was really happy to get this 2009 Topps back.

I had sent Michael a few generic Orioles cards, just in case he had something to get signed if he ran into any Orioles alumni who he might not have cards of.  Conveniently, he ran into Ron Hansen, and got these done for me.

 I was able to add two more Ryan Ripken cards to my album, thanks to Michael.  Ripken actually had a decent year at low A Aberdeen.  The Orioles sent him to the  AFL, so maybe he can continue in the organization.  I wouldn't mind meeting him.  I know it is a very long shot for him to make the majors, but it is still cool to see him in the organization.

Michael is close personally with Adrian Marin, so it is a bit easier for him to get autos from Marin, as opposed to some other players.  He hooked me up with some nice cards.

Finally, here are two autos from DJ Stewart and Tim Berry.  Berry returned to the organization last year, and I was surprised that he didn't get called up when the rosters expanded.  Surely, he could have done better than Ubaldo.

Thanks for the cards, Michael!

Mail From Drew - Ron Hansen Signed Baseball

My good buddy, Drew, recently went to the White Plains, NY card show and met former Oriole and 1960 AL Rookie of the Year, Ron Hansen.

Hansen (b. 1938) played in the majors from 1958 to 1972 for the Orioles, White Sox, Senators, Yankees and Royals.  He retired with 1,007 hits, 106 home runs and a .234 batting average.  He was with the Orioles he was traded in January 1963 to the White Sox (along with Hoyt Wilhelm, Dave Nicholson and Pete Ward) for Luis Aparicio and Al Smith.

The ball is an OMLB (Selig) ball and as you can see, Hansen inscribed it '1960 AL ROY.'  Pretty cool, and I have Drew to thank.