Bruce Bochy

Who: Catcher Bruce Bochy

Team: San Diego Padres

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: TTM 1/1 3/4/2010 (8 days)

Comments: 1987 Topps, WHAT! Heck yeah... this one comes from current San Fran manager Bruce Bochy. Not only has he enjoyed a long career as a major league baseball player, he's also had a long career as a manager. Not a bad way to earn a living, eh?

What a 'stache, right?!

Darrin Jackson

Who: Outfielder Darrin Jackson

Team: San Diego Padres

Card: 1990 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: Alright, this is the LAST card I am posting from a pretty loaded Soxfest haul. Darrin Jackson is currently works on White Sox radio along-side Ed Farmer. Before his radio days, Darrin was the color-man on White Sox broadcasts.

Jake Peavy

Who: Pitcher Jake Peavy

Team: San Diego Padres

Card: 2009 Goudey

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: Wow, what a score here. I was pretty jacked to get Jake's autograph at Soxfest. He couldn't have been any nicer with the fans too. It was the first autograph line of the day for us on that Saturday - a great way to start out.

Before Soxfest I was pretty torn on what card to get signed by Jake. I really did getting the '08 Goudey set signed, and Jake has a card in there. But, that card has him with a big glove right on the "sweet spot" for a signature. This card was utterly perfect for an autograph, so it won out. Jake has a pretty unique signature - glad to have it in the collection.

Will Venable

Who: Will Venable

Team: San Diego Padres

Card: 2009 Upper Deck

Acquired: TTM 1/1 11/12/2009 (209 Days)

Comments: Very cool to get this return back from the Padres rising star, Will Venable. Reds fan are familiar with his father, Max.

While I'm pretty happy with the return, I was slightly bummed he didn't sign the card that I sent - a 2009 Topps Heritage "Rookie Stars" card. Those have a pretty sweet design. I guess he thought it was pretty cool as well and added it to his collection. That's cool with me.

I sent my request to Will care of the Portland Beavers since Will broke spring training with them. He promoted to the Padres not too long after and stuck for the rest of the season.

Dave Dravecky

Who: Pitcher Dave Dravecky

Team: San Diego Padres

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: TTM 1/1 9/14/2009 (10 days)

Comments: Like many baseball fans my age, I remember hearing about Dave Dravecky breaking his arm while pitching for the San Francisco Giants. This was of course after his miraculous return to baseball after a diagnosis of cancer in his pitching arm. Amazing stuff. Soon after the break though, there were some complications in his arm and amputation was required. Dave has gone on to write several books about his experiences in baseball, his comeback and his relationship with Jesus Christ. He's an amazing person, and I'm really happy to have an autographed card of his in the collection. You can read more about Dave and his journey at his website: www.davedravecky.com.

Mike Cameron

Who: Outfielder Mike Cameron

Team: San Diego Padres

Card: 2008 Topps

Acquired: TTM 3/3 1/16/2009 (7 days)

Comments: For the most part, 2008 Topps aren't very good for autographs. I received two other cards signed by Mike Cameron, and they both look better then this one. A real signature fighting with a facsimile signature never really helps, does it?

Again, Mike as an autograph machine.