Bill Gullickson

Who: Pitcher Bill Gullickson

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: Private Signing

Comments: Once I started my little '87 Topps Reds Project, I soon found out that Bill Gullickson would be one of the tougher autographs to obtain. Thanks to a private signing on SportsCollectors.net, I was able to get Bill's '87 Topps signed nicely and added to the collection. Nice!

Bill didn't pitch for the Reds for long - all of 1986 and part of the '87 season, but had a pretty good career. He even left to pitch in Japan for a short period before returning to MLB again.

I don't know about you, but I would want to play in Japan too.

Brandon Phillips

Who: Second Baseman Brandon Phillips

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: TTM 1/1 3/17/2010 (22 days)

Comments: Brandon's another great signer on the Reds roster. I've been wanting to get this one signed for the 2009 Topps Heritage Reds set, but every-time I had an autograph opportunity with Brandon, I didn't have it with me! Nice to get it through the mail this spring.

Jim Merritt

Who: Pitcher Jim Merritt

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1972 Topps

Acquired: TTM 1/1 3/22/2010 (160 days)

Comments: Another great addition to the Reds '72 Topps Project. Jim Merritt pitched for the Reds from 1969-72, having some of the best seasons of his career with the young Big Red Machine. He was even a 20 game winner in 1970, helping the Reds get to their first World Series appearance in 19 years.

Great looking card and the pen signature really enhances the vintage look of the card. Gotta love those stirrups, too! Perfect length right there.

Matt Maloney

Who: Pitcher Matt Maloney

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps

Acquired: TTM 1/1 3/22/2010 (26 Days)

Comments: Matt is a solid, young left-handed pitcher for the Reds. He was in contention for the fifth starter spot this spring training, but looks like he's a long shot at this point. It's been a hotly contested position between him, 2009 Reds first round pick Mike Leake, Travis Wood and Aroldis Chapman. He may be out of the running at this point, but I have no doubt we'll see him up with the big league club during the 2010 season - it's great to have a left handed starter in the mix.

Matt's a great TTM signer, just like a lot of the Reds. They take care of their fans!

Jonny Gomes

Who: Outfielder Jonny Gomes

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps

Acquired: TTM 2/2 3/4/2010 (9 days)

Comments: The second of two cards that Jonny signed for me through the mail during spring training. The other was a sweet little Topps 206.

Drew Stubbs

Who: Outfielder Drew Stubbs

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Redsfest

Acquired: TTM 1/1 2/25/2010 (12 days)

Comments: The Reds have quite a few great TTM signers on the team. Drew is right there with the best of them. I've missed him at Redsfest the past two years, but he's hooked me up TTM twice now - very cool.

This is a Topps promo card from Redsfest 2009. They gave cards of a few featured Reds away at various tables around the convention. It was nice to send Drew a card with him in a Reds uni. Of course, right about the time that I got this back, I picked up a pretty sweet 2010 Topps Heritage card of him that would be perfect for a signature. Maybe later this year we can take care of that.

Jonny Gomes

Who: Outfielder Jonny Gomes

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps 206

Acquired: TTM 2/2 3/4/2010 (9 days)

Comments: What a great signer! Jonny hooked me up last season as well. Nice to get him on a Reds card this time around. I'm excited to see him in left field this season for the Reds. The guy brings a ton of energy to the ballpark everyday and he's the dude you want to have on your side in a bench-clearing brawl.

Chris Heisey

Who: Outfielder Chris Heisey

Team: Dayton Dragons (Reds Single A)

Card: 2007 Dayton Dragons

Acquired: TTM 1/1 3/8/2010 (10 Days)

Comments: Chris is really turning some heads in Reds camp this spring. I wouldn't be surprised to see him up with the club sometime in 2010.

Yeah, and great stirrups - love the stripe.

These Dayton Dragon cards have come in handy. I bought them a few years ago at Redsfest so I could get a few of the younger guys on cards. As guys come through the system, I'm slowly adding to the Dayton collection.

Micah Owings

Who: Pitcher Micah Owings

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps 206

Acquired: TTM 1/1 3/4/2010 (19 days)

Comments: Micah was another one of my first returns from spring training mailings. He always goes out of his way to add a little extra personalization to the request and this time even had a little hand-written note suggesting I check out his performance pledge on his website. Pretty cool he takes a little time to do those things for fans.

Aaron Harang

Who: Pitcher Aaron Harang

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: TTM 1/1 2/25/2010 (12 days)

Comments: Aaron has one of the best signatures in the game. Always great to get a TTM return from him. He signed one for me last year, and I sent to him again this year and he was one of the first returns I got from spring training.

I'm hoping Aaron has a great season in 2010. He's had a pair of rough years and comes into this season looking to bust out again. He's already been named the Opening Day stater for the Reds, so management thinks he's still got it. I do too.

I sent out ~50 requests this spring training. Doing pretty well so far on returns. I sent to a lot of guys that sign regularly and only took a few chances here and there. Always fun to get stuff back in the mail. More TTM posts coming soon.

Johnny Bench

Who: Hall of Fame Catcher Johnny Bench

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1972 Topps

Acquired: TTM

Comments: It's nice to add the autograph of the greatest catcher to ever play the game to the collection. One of two cards that Johnny Bench has in the 1972 set, this card keeps my '72 Topps Reds project going.

While I do prefer autographs of the free variety, reaching a little deeper to get the autograph of a Hall of Famer from my favorite team is worth it. It also helped that the autograph was a gift from my wife for my birthday. Pretty nerdy, eh? Haha... Works for me.

Regardless of you personal opinions of Bench, everyone has to agree that he has a beautiful signature.

Zack Cozart

Who: Infielder Zack Cozart

Team: Cincinnati Reds (xx on card)

Card: 2007 Just Rookies

Acquired: In Person, Reds Caravan 2010

Comments: Coming...

Bob Miller

Who: Reds Assistant General Manager Bob Miller

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage Reds Team Card

Acquired: In Person, Reds Caravan 2010

Comments: Ha, this is great. Amongst the fellas signing at a Reds Caravan was the Reds VP of Baseball Operations and Assistant General Manager Bob Miller. What better card to have him sign than the Reds team card. I already have Reds General Manager Walt Jocketty on one, so might as well get the whole staff. Ha! Awesome.

I love how he stayed away from the team and signed up in the corner. He had a good laugh about it when he signed it. I wonder if he has ever signed any of these? ZOMG - it's a 1/1!!!! haha

Brandon Phillips

Who: Second Baseman Brandon Phillips

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2007 Topps Heritage

Acquired: In Person, Reds Caravan 2010

Comments: It was a really, really last minute thing that I hit up one of the Reds Caravan stops recently. My wife and I were headed to Columbus for the day and right before we left I saw a Tweet from someone that was at the Reds Caravan stop in C-bus that day. The stop was at the same place we were going, and figuring with the drive time, we were able to make the last 20 minutes or so of the scheduled stop. So, I grabbed some cards for the guys on the stop and we headed up.

We got there in time, but the line was still kinda long and I was told that I was not likely to get an autograph due to the Reds having to keep their schedule. I stuck it out anyways, and got lucky. In Brandon's case, he hopped down from the stage where he and the other guys where signing and came through the line to sign and take photos with everyone that was there. It was pretty cool. Brandon signed my card and got in a photo with me as well. Kinda nerdy, but pretty fun.

I've had this card of Brandon for a while, but other cards keep trumping it when I am able to get his autograph.

I've got a couple of other cards from the Columbus Caravan stop coming up.

Jay Bruce

Who: Outfielder Jay Bruce

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2008 Topps Heritage Rookie Performer

Acquired: In Person

Comments: This autograph came along in a pretty out-of-the blue manner. I ended up getting a last minute invite to a meet & greet that the Reds Hall of Fame was hosting. I ended up getting to chat with Jay for a few minutes. He's a great kid and seems to have a real good head on his shoulders - even though he's just 22 years old. I'm really rooting for the guy to succeed.

Of course, I came to the event prepared and Jay kindly signed my card for me. What a great looking card too. This is one of my favorite subsets. Joey Votto also has a card like this as well. I'll have to get that signed sometime too so that this Jay will have some company in the binder.

Chris Stynes

Who: Chris Stynes

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1998 Upper Deck Collector's Choice

Acquired: TTM 2/2 1/2/2010 (10 days)

Comments: This is the second card that Chris signed for me through the mail. Once I was out of college and back to going to Reds game, I discovered Chris Stynes. A great hard-nosed player from the cut of Pete Rose. Cincinnati folks love it.

Chris Stynes

Who: Chris Stynes

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2001 Topps Heritage

Acquired: TTM 2/2 1/2/2010 (10 days)

Comments: Coming...

Eddie Kasko

Who: Infielder Eddie Kasko

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1960 Topps

Acquired: TTM 2/2 1/6/2010 (14 days)

Comments: Coming...

Tommy Helms

Who: Manager Tommy Helms

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1990 Topps

Acquired: In Person

Comments: This is the second of two cards that Mr. Helms signed for me at a Kroger opening. At the rate in which I have the opportunity to get his autograph during any given year, I might as well try and get all his baseball cards signed... haha.

This card reminds me of Christmas. Not sure why.

Ramon Hernandez

Who: Catcher Ramon Hernandez

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Ramon was kind enough to sign two cards for me at Redsfest. I actually shot a '09 Heritage to him during the season in hopes of getting him TTM. The card has yet to make it's way back to me, so I'm glad I was able to have him sign it in person.

Right when I got up to him in line he ended up having to take a quick phone call. He rattled off some Spanish to the person on the other end of the line and made it pretty quick. He apologized to me and was pretty nice about it.

It seems that having Ramon as one of our catchers really helped in landing lauded Cuban prospect Aroldis Chapman. Having a handful of important folks on the team that speak Spanish was big for Chapman according to what he said in his initial press conference. Right on!

As for the card... Normally I would be kinda "eh" about massive airbrushing on a card. But in this case, I think that it helps the card a lot. At times the photo filtering on other heritage cards, aka "Heritagizing™" flakes out big-time. Since there was some artwork done to change Hernandez' hat and uni, it softens the look and actually gives the card some appeal that other don't have. That's just me, though. I'm sure others would disagree. One thing though: the "C" on his cap is a bit over-sized.

Jay Hook

Who: Pitcher Jay Hook

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1960 Topps

Acquired: TTM 1/1 1/9/2010 (49 days)

Comments: Jay pitched for the Reds from 1957-61, breaking into the starting rotation in '61 and posting a 11-18 mark. The Reds made an improbably run to the World Series, eventurally losing to the stacked New York Yankees. After a poor '62 season, Jay was picked up by the Mets in the expantion draft and went on to record the first regular-season victory in Mets history.

This 1960 Topps is a great vintage card and even nicer with a signature.

Lou Piniella

Who: Manager Lou Piniella

Team: CIncinnati Reds

Card: 1991 Topps

Acquired: TTM 1/1 1/9/2010 (11 Days)

Comments: I'm really excited to get this card back signed from Sweet Lou. I missed him when he was at Redsfest 2009. He appeared only on Friday night and did one autograph session. I didn't even attempt to get in line for him, as I figured his line would be mobbed pretty quickly. A few summers ago, when the Cubs were in town, a sports memorabilia store that was within walking distance of my place had him in for a signing, but wanted around $70 per autograph. I passed on that. So, when I noticed on sportscollectors.net that he had signed a handful of things through the mail during the off-season, I shot this card off and did a little dance. Both must of worked!

Of course, Lou was the manager of the 1990 World Champion Cincinnati Reds. Though he now manages the NL Central Division rival Chicago Cubs, Reds fans welcomed him back with enthusiasm for during this past Redsfest.

As for the card, while it wasn't the greatest looking card to begin with, it seemed to have lost a bit of ink during transit, fading it out quite a bit. I had a few other 1991 Topps signed, so I figured I would keep in step with them for Lou's request.

Randy St. Claire

Who: Pitcher Randy St. Claire

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1989 Topps

Acquired: TTM 2/2 12/14/2009 (173 days)

Comments: Randy had a pretty brief stint with the Cincinnati Reds in 1988, appearing in just 10 games. He did manage to get a win out of it though, finishing his career with the Reds 1-0 with a 2.63 ERA. He started the 1989 season with the Minnesota Twins.

Hal Morris

Who: First Baseman Hal Morris

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1991 Upper Deck

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: This is the second of two cards that Hal signed for me at Redsfest. The other was a '91 Topps.

Tracy Jones

Who: Outfielder Tracy Jones

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1988 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Outspoken local radio personality Tracy Jones finally got his wish to be a guest at Redsfest. I caught up with him when he was at a table signing with Glenn Braggs and Herm Winningham. Tell you what, that was entertainment. Between him and Herm, they kept the entire line entertained the entire time they were signing.

I don't listen to sport talk radio at all, so I don't get to hear what Tracy says about the Reds and other sports, but I guess he rubs people the wrong way.... A LOT. But, he probably just playing the bit, being on the radio and all. He was pretty nice to me at Redsfest. I'll take that.

Mike Lincoln

Who: Pitcher Mike Lincoln

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Reds SGA

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Mike's becoming a nice, solid part of the Reds' bullpen. Nice to get an autograph from him at Redsfest.

Brandon Phillips

Who: Second Baseman Brandon Phillips

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Got really lucky on this one at Redsfest. I was hoping to get a 2009 Topps Heritage signed, but pretty much wrote-off getting into a BP line. I ended up giving my Heritage card to my 3-year-old nephew so he could get it signed in a kids-only line. I'm glad I always bring some extra cards and had this '09 Topps to get signed. Great photo on this one - love the gum bubble.

Glenn Braggs

Who: Outfielder Glenn Braggs

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1991 Upper Deck

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest '09

Comments: Glenn Braggs was on the top of my autographs to get at Redsfest 2009 list. Coming away with two was more than I could have hoped for.

Claude Osteen

Who: Pitcher Claude Osteen

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1960 Topps

Acquired: TTM 2/2 12/18/2009 (14 Days)

Comments: Coming...

Ramon Hernandez

Who: Catcher Ramon Hernandez

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Ramon Hernandez is a favorite around my household. Why? Because my 3-year-old nephew calls him "Home Bananas". Totally awesome.

Dusty Baker

Who: Manager Dusty Baker

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest '09

Comments: I really like this Dusty card. If a manager is going to have a place in a set of baseball cards, it should always be as good as this. The design from the '60 Topps set is classic and still holds up well today. The pennant motif at the top with the vintage Mr. Redlegs is totally boss. The other subtle thing you get with this card is Dusty's signature look... the hug wristbands. While you might argue that an "action" shot would be better, Dusty's upright stance just seems classically managerial. Plus, it was just begging for an autograph - which Dusty helped me with during Redsfest 2009. While some may point out flaws in managing style and decisions, you can say that he isn't one of the nicest guys in baseball. He's always great with the fans.

Walt Jocketty

Who: General Manager Walt Jocketty

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: I figure if I'm going to try and get the entire 2009 Reds Topps Heritage team set signed one day, I need to get this card signed too. Who better to sign it than the General Manager of the club, Walt Jocketty?

Funny story as to how it got signed. I was in an autograph line for some former Reds from the '90 team (Braggs, Winningham and Tracy Jones) and Walt Jocketty was signing at the same time in the line next to us. As you can imagine, Walt's line was not terribly busy. Right before he was about to leave, I handed this card to a friend that was in the line next to us waiting for the next autograph session - the one after Walt's. My friend handed it to someone closer to Walt, and he got it signed. Too cool. I was able to get this card signed while in line for other folks.

For a team card, it's a great looking piece of cardboard. Nice to get it meaningfully singed and great to have a little story with it too. If Dusty Baker didn't have a card in this set, I would have had him sign it, but Walt adds something fun to the mix, even if he's not pictured on the card.

Herm Winningham

Who: Outfielder Herm Winningham

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1990 Upper Deck

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: How about this SWEET 1990 UPPER DECK card? So much better than those ratty '89s. Haha.

Redsfest stipulates that you are allowed one autograph per player in the autograph lines. Sometimes though, there are guys that don't seem to mind signing a couple while you are there. Herm was one of those guys - and a reason I always bring a few cards of each player with me. I am totally fine with one, but never more then two, and I always ask if they are cool with it - and that's only after I see them sign multiples for others. I never want to assume. I asked Herm and he said he didn't mind at all, "as long as it's not 8 or something." I think he signed at least five or six for the dude in front of me in line and was referring to that guy.

Overall, Herm was cool as hell. Hope he's back at Redsfest next year. And the next year. And the next year...

Chris Dickerson

Who: Outfielder Chris Dickerson

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: In Person, 2009 Redsfest

Comments: Chris is really one of my favorite Reds. He's a madman out in the field, diving all the time for fly balls, and was a decent lead-off hitter this past season when Willy Taveras didn't work out so well. Also, Chris seems like a hella-nice guy. Also having a good time and really nice with fans, he really seems to enjoy the whole ballplayer thing. You gotta like that. Plus, look at that autograph... that's a great signature, especially considering what some of today's ballplayer scribble down. Chris must take pride in his autograph.

Tommy Helms

Who: Second Baseman Tommy Helms

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1968 Topps

Acquired: In Person

Comments: A nice '68 Topps here of Tommy Helms. He was signing at a local Kroger grand opening, so my wife and I went. She parked the car while I chatted it up with Mr. Helms. Always a great looking autograph, he signed this and another card. So, be on the lookout! I actually missed Mr. Helms at Redsfest this year, so it worked out that I had a couple of cards handy when this signing came up.

Eric Davis

Who: Outfielder Eric Davis

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Awesome! ED is a fan-favorite around Reds Country, if you call it that. I usually don't. But, you get my drift, right?

Eric The Red brings me another card closer to completing the 1987 Reds Topps team set. I promise you there will be a big celebration the day that it becomes complete. Might be a while though... John Franco is on that list!

So, I got this bad-boy signed at Redsfest 2009. I was in line for his and Chuck Harmon's autograph, but had to bail before I could get an autograph from them. My good friend Dave actually got an '87 Topps and this '55 Topps Chuck Harmon signed for me... so huge. Well, I was actually able to return the favor in a way and had this card signed the next day at Redsfest on my own. I was able to meet Eric at the Reds Hall of Fame VIP area away from the hustle and bustle of Redsfest. I wanted to get my '90 Upper Deck card signed as well, but he didn't seem to be in a chipper mood, so I didn't push my luck. Don't worry though, he was cordial with me. Getting one signed was good enough for me.

So, I'm keeping this '87 Topps and the other is going back to the homeboy that got it signed for me.

Nick Masset

Who: Pitcher Nick Masset

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Reds SGA

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Coming...

Lee May

Who: First Baseman Lee May

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1972 Topps NL Home Run Leaders

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Lee May, "The Big Bopper" signed this with precision at Redsfest for me. It's another addition to the '72 Topps Reds set and the only Leaders sub-set card any Red appears on - I believe. While I do love me some multi-signed cards, I'm afraid this is where this card meets its final resting place in my binder.

1971 Home Run Leaderboard:

48 Willie Stargell
47 Hank Aaron
39 Lee May

Pat Corrales

Who: Catcher

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1972 Topps - In Action

Acquired: TTM 2/2 12/4/2009 (27 days)

Comments: Speaking of "In Action," check out this great photo of Pat giving the business to the Cubs' Rick Monday at Wrigley Field. This would have happened shortly after he was traded by the Reds to the Padres in 1972 - Pat's second-to-last season as a player in the bigs.

Pat Corrales

Who: Catcher

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1972 Topps

Acquired: TTM 2/2 12/4/2009 (27 days)

Comments: Pat Corrales is likely best known for his managerial career these days rather than as a player. Corrales spent most of his nine major league seasons with the Reds as backup to Johnny Bench. He was on the 1970 World Series team that lost to the Oakland A's, but unfortunately missed out on another World Series appearance in '72 when he was traded mid-season to the San Diego Padres.

Still active in baseball, Corrales wrapped up the 2009 season as bench coach for the Nationals for interim manager Jim Riggleman.

Bronson Arroyo

Who: Pitcher Bronson Arroyo

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Bronson is one of the few guys on the current Reds squad that I had yet to get an autograph from. Despite being with the Reds the past four years, the opportunity just hasn't come up, and I've missed him at past Redsfest. So, nice to add him to the collection. Not the best signature, but whatevs, we'll take it.

I'm really diggin' the 1960 inspired 2009 Topps Heritage. I'm going to try and get most of the Reds in this set to sign their cards. I got a good jump on it during Redsfest 2009.

Jay Bruce

Who: Outfielder Jay Bruce

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Goudey

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Two words: JAY BRUCE.

Nice. Really nice one to get. These Goudeys are great for the signatures. I've got a nice little Reds set going with BP, Volton, and Votto.

Chuck Harmon

Who: Infielder Chuck Harmon

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1955 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: This is the second Chuck Harmon autograph I've obtained, but the first on an official release. The other card he signed for me was his very own custom when I met him by chance at a Reds game this past summer. Mr. Harmon's '55 Topps is the oldest signed card in my collection now.

While this card was signed in person, I didn't actually get to see Mr. Harmon sign it. I was in an autograph line for him and Eric Davis on the Friday night of Redsfest 2009, but I had to bail a bit early. Since Eric appeared 15 minutes late to the signing, I had to cut bait and get out of line. Fortunately, my friends took my card and got it signed... along with an Eric Davis card. A HUGE solid, especially the Davis since I'm working on that '87 Topps set and all.

I'm really glad that Mr. Harmon was able to sign the card, but a tad bummed that I didn't get to see it in-person. Maybe I'll catch him at a Reds game this year... I have another card of his floating around here somewhere.

While you're at it, check out Mr. Harmon's website - www.chuckharmon.org.

Pedro Borbon

Who: Pitcher Pedro Borbon

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1973 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Pedro Borbon was on the top of my list of former Reds players to meet and get an autograph from at Redsfest 2009. I did end up getting his autograph along with Clay Carrol's while in the same line towards the end of Saturday night in the waining hours of Redsfest. Mr. Borbon adds to a small list of players that signs baseball cards vertically.

From what I understand, Mr. Borbon is one of the tougher autographs to track down from the Big Red Machine era teams. For that reason, and the fact that he is going to be inducted in the Reds Hall of Fame in 2010, he was a priority for me at Redsfest.

This 1973 Topps set is another favorite of mine.

Clay Carroll

Who: Pitcher Clay Carroll

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1972 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest '09

Comments: Another great autograph from Big Red Machine fireballer, Clay Carroll. The Reds always have him back for Redsfest, and I always manage to get an autograph from him there. This '72 Topps "In Action" completes the pair of cards that Clay is featured on in this set - here's the other.

The design for these "In Action" cards are pretty sweet. It has a great contrast with the rest of the set, making for a very collectable sub-set. I bet opening up a pack back in the day and finding one as you're shuffling through your cards was a pretty good feeling. I've actually looked around for un-opened packs of '72 Topps, but they are all priced a bit too high for me. Sure would be fun to open one someday, though.

Hal Morris

Who: First Baseman Hal Morris

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1991 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Hal's autograph was one that I really wanted to get at this year's Redsfest. After missing his autograph lines on two different occasions, I had the pleasure of running into him in the Reds Hall of Fame VIP area. He signed a pair of cards for me and we chatted for a few minutes. He was extremely nice and a pleasure to talk to.

Hal had a pretty good playing career, batting .304 over 13 seasons - most of them with the Reds.

Herm Winningham

Who: Outfielder Herm Winningham

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1989 Upper Deck

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Herm may have been the best part of my Redsfest. The guy is flat-out a ham. While waiting in a pretty long line to get an autograph from him, Glenn Braggs and Tracy Jones, he single-handily kept the entire line entertained. He gave folks in line good-natured ribbings, examined random things, asked questions and was generally rowdy and down-right fun. Nice to see guys with some personality.

Speaking of personality, the '89 Upper Deck has an akward one. I believe 1989 was the first year Upper Deck released cards. While the quality did blow away from Topps, Donruss and Fleer were doing at the time, the design has not stood the test of time. The digitally illustrated basepath on the right of the card is pretty cliché and a lot of photos in this set were poor - most suffering to low lighting or akward crops. Photo-wise, Herm actually made out pretty well compared to a lot of other cards I've seen from this set.

Glenn Braggs

Who: Outfielder Glenn Braggs

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1991 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest '09

Comments: Glenn was one of those Reds that I never thought I would get an autograph from. You just don't hear anything about it. Well, the Reds invited him to Redsfest 2009 to help celebrate the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Reds last World Series Championship in 1990. Glenn was traded to the Reds from the Brewers early in the season and helped get the Reds to the playoffs and eventually to that World Series victory. Any Reds fan that watched the 1990 World Series will remember Glenn breaking a bat over his back on a follow through from a swinging strike. It was - and still is - utterly amazing. Well, it's no wonder since he's built like a brick shit house. Yes, he still is. The pipes this guy still has are amazing. While his teammates from 1990 are growing old and balding, Glenn, at age 47, is still hitting the weight room on a mission.

So, yeah... it was great to get an autograph I figured I would never get. Nice to meet Glenn too, he seemed to be a really nice guy.

Ron Oester

Who: Infielder Ron Oester

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: Redsfest 2009, In Person

Comments: I had the good fortune of meeting Ron Oester again at this year's Redsfest. I'm a member of the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum and they had a little members-only VIP area in their setup where you members could go back and chill away from all the action. One of the perks was having ex-Reds players chilling in there with you. I chatted it up with Ron for a while, and he signed my '87 Topps card as well. He couldn't be any nicer to fans - he's been very personable ever time I've chatted with him.

Great signature in blue. I think my Sharpie was uber-fresh too. Looks great. Oester even included his number as well - 16. Nice touch.

This is another one towards the '87 Topps Reds Project. I was able to get another one aside the Oester taken care of at this year's Redsfest too. I'm really down to the nitty gritty now - I may need some help on a few others.

Eddie Milner

Who: Outfielder Eddie Milner

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1985 Topps

Acquired: In Person

Comments: Eddie Milner was the third and final autograph I got at the fall Moeller Card show. I had recently received a TTM return from Milner, so I figured I would throw down and couple of bucks and support him since he was kind enough to return a signed card for me. He was more than nice and really chatty at the show. A dapper dresser as well.