Merv Rettenmund

Who: Outfielder Merv Rettenmund

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1976 Topps

Acquired: In Person

Comments: Merv had a nice 13 year career with the Orioles, Reds, Padres and Angels, earning two World Series rings in three appearances. One of those rings was with the '75 Reds, one of the greatest teams in baseball history. Judging by his numbers, Merv probably would have been better known in Cincinnati history if it weren't for be over-shadowed by The Big Red Machine, aka, the Great Eight.

I was able to meet Merv and get his autograph at the Moeller Card show, the same one that I met Don Pavletich at. Though there were a few other retired players there signing, these were the only two I got that day. While I was talking to Merv, he mentioned something about pens that Upper Deck had sent him to sign some cards (or stickers?) with. I should have asked what set he may be in. I would guess that he would appear as an Oriole on whatever cards feature him, as he best years where with them in the early '70s. I'll keep my eyes pealed for those.

Charlie Joiner

Who: Hall of Famer Wide Receiver Charlie Joiner

Team: Cincinnati Bengals

Card: 1976 Topps

Acquired: TTM 2/2 4/4/2009 (11 days)

Comments: Growing up, I only knew Charlie Joiner as a San Diego Charger and eventual hall of famer. What I didn't know was that he played 3+ seasons with the Bengals early in his career. Though he didn't tear the league up while rockin' The Jungle, he did end up putting together a Hall of Fame career with the Chargers, catching passes from another Hall of Famer - Dan Fouts. It's great to know the Bengals had a little action in a great football player's career... it's too bad no one knows about it here in Cincinnati.

So, about about that photo? Topps was really firing on all cylinders back in the '70s, huh? We all know that they couldn't use team logos back then because of licensing, but, come on! I can hear is now... "Hi Charlie, I'm Chuck from Topps. We need your photo from next year's release... can you stand... um... yeah... right there against the wall... yeah... mmm humm... fantastic. Thanks."

Bill Russell

Who: Bill Russell

Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

Card: 1976 Topps

Acquired: TTM 2/2 11/21/2008 (7 days)

Comments: The second of two cards that Dodger great Bill Russell put his pen to for me. A nice 1976 card - great set.

Joe Theismann

Who: Quarterback Joe Theismann

Team: Washington Redskins

Card: 1976 Topps & 1978 Topps

Acquired: TTM 2/2 10/24/08 (8 days)

Comments: I love getting these old cards signed. Joe was a pretty good quarterback back in the day. Not a hall of famer, but not a slouch either. Pretty nice signature to have in the collection. Joe signed these for me and back in 12 days. Pretty quick. Thanks, Joe! Hope your leg is feeling better.