Andre Dawson

Who: Outfielder Andre Dawson

Team: Chicago Cubs

Card: 1987 Topps Traded

Acquired: TTM 2/2 3/19/2010 (25 days)

Comments: 1987 was the first season Andre spent with the Cubs. While he had an MVP season that year, his '87 Topps Traded card didn't live up to his stellar season. Andre's graph does though. Check it.

Justin Masterson

Who: Pitcher Justin Masteron

Team: Boston Red Sox

Card: 2009 Goudey

Acquired: TTM 1/1 ()

Comments: Justin gave me such a great lookin' autograph last season, I had to write him again. Boy, did he come though, too. No longer with the Sox, Justin is throwin' for the Indians. Maybe I'll get to see him pitch against the Reds this season at GABP during inter-league play.

Phil 4:13

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Andre Dawson

Who: Outfielder Andre Dawson

Team: Montreal Expos

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: TTM 2/2 3/19/2010 (25 days)

Comments: The Hawk! I've been meaning to send his two '87 Topps cards to him to get signed for quite a while now - before his HOF announcement too. That got me in gear to get these bad-boys out. I was more than happy to include a small donation for his autograph - which is quite a beauty.

This is a great looking card. Andre's photo is composed quite well, featuring him in a delicate position as he finishes up his swing. Great stuff.

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.

Minnie Miñoso

Who: Outfielder Minnie Miñoso

Team: Chicago White Sox

Card: 1957 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: Ah, this was one card I was really looking forward to getting signed. White Sox great Minnie Minoso, the first black player to where their uniform, has made a habit out of getting into uniform well past his prime in the 1950s. He is the only baseball player to play professionally in seven different decades. More about he professional appearances here.

Saturnino Orestes Armas Miñoso Arrieta, aka, Minnie Minoso has been a part of baseball history for quite a long time.

When I met Mr. Minoso, he autographed my card in a very interesting way. He took a piece of paper or note card and lined it up diagonally across my card and used it as a guide as he put his signature on it. That's how he was able to get the extremely straight autograph you see above. I've never seen that before! He did it for everyone too. I'm sure if you've gotten his autograph you have a similar story.

Sid Bream

Who: Sid Bream

Team: Pittsburgh Pirates

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: TTM 1/1 10/5/2009 (34 days)

Comments: Romans 10:13

for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Nice sig from Mr. Bream! You combine that with the hat and mustache and this card is a real winner. It will get a prime spot in my binder.

Luis Quiñones

Who: Infielder Luis Quiñones

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1990 Topps

Acquired: TTM 3/3 9/8/2009 (41 days)

Comments: I know I've said it before, but Luis has a gorgeous signature. A beauty! It definatly looks classic on this '90 Topps with the halftone special.

Franklin batting gloves. My favorite. I love that some guys in the bigs are starting to wear them again. They haven't changed at all since the 80s and they still look great. Luis has a nice pair of red gloves with the grey inset to match his away uniform. I appreciate guys that pay attention to those details. I wonder if his wristbands have his face on them. Remember those?

Luis Quiñones

Who: Infielder Luis Quiñones

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: TTM 3/3 9/8/2009 (41 days)

Comments: Coming...

Luis Quiñones

Who: Infielder Luis Quiñones

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1990 Upper Deck

Acquired: TTM 3/3 9/8/2009 (41 days)

Comments: Oh my. I've seen it before, and it's great. But, until you see Luis Quinones' signature in person, you have not truly seen it. It's BEAUTIFUL. Wow. Just wow. I'm still taking it in. Plus, it's perfect on this '90 Upper Deck. Just a great looking set.

These days, Luis is coaching for the Oneonta Tigers, the Detroit Tiger's Single-A affiliate. They wrapped up there season last weekend, missing out on the playoffs in the New York Penn League.

Tony Perez

Who: Hall of Fame First Baseman Tony Perez

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2008 Goudey

Acquired: TTM 1/1 9/5/2009 (206 days)

Comments: I was shocked to open up an envelop addressed to myself and find an autographed Tony Perez inside. I sent this '08 Goudey to The Doggie during spring training with slim hopes of ever seeing it again. What a great return. It pays to take some chances every now and again - not that writing a letting and sending an inexpensive card is a gamble... well, you know what I mean.

On on the heels of telling the world that I was go try and have all of the Reds in the 2009 Goudey set sign their cards, this card comes in and has got me thinking about how to complete the 2008 set. Agh!

Well, competed sets or not, I'm really happy to have an autograph from Tony Perez in my collection. What a great signature too!

UPDATE: Looks like some other folks got returns from The Doggie as well. Very nice.

Jerry Reuss

Who: Jerry Reuss

Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: TTM 2/2 8/24/2009 (33 days)

Comments: I remember pulling Jerry's card out of a pack as a youth in 1987. It wasn't actually THIS card, but I remember thinking to myself "How old is this guy?! He's WAY too old to be pitching."

Well, I'm still in awe of it. By time Jerry's professional career was over in 1991 he was 41 years old. I'm always amazed by those Satchel Paige types that just keep going, playing and playing well into their 40s and beyond. Jamie Moyer is another great example of guys that defy their age.

If you have been following along here at OMGautos, you have seen my love for '87 Topps. It's great that Jerry is in that set and is a great reason to send him a request. But, it's his signature that really did it for me. It's a beauty.

Pat Neshek

Who: Pitcher Pat Neshek

Team: Minnesota Twins

Card: 2009 Topps

Acquired: TTM 1/1 6/25/2009 (9 days)

Comments: Pat was my first TTM return last year. A man that is alway good for signing stuff, Pat comes through again for me this year on a 2009 Topps - the first one that I've had signed so far. As always, Pat has a great signature and even added "Go Twins" in the upper right corner. Love it.

Make sure to check out Pat's website: On The Road With Pat Neshek

Rollie Fingers

Who: Hall of Fame Pitcher Rollie Fingers

Team: Oakland Athletics

Card: 2008 Goudey

Acquired: TTM 1/1 6/13/2009 (8 days)

Comments: Sweet, another 2008 Goudey signed by a hall of famer - this time the one and only Rollie Fingers. He's in the mustache hall of fame as well, right? Well, I couldn't exactly find a Mustache Hall of Fame to check, but here's a great 'stache-related interview with him to fill the void.

I will say that Rollie's autograph is as nice has his mustache. It has a certain elegance to it, doesn't it?

Joe Nathan

Who: Pitcher Joe Nathan

Team: Minnesota Twins

Card: 2009 Goudey

Acquired: TTM 2/2 6/12/2009 (11 days)

Comments: Wow. Joe has a fantastic signature. This is definitely going into the "So Choice" category. This is the first 2009 Goudey I've had signed, and it's a dandy.

Mariano Duncan

Who: Mariano Duncan

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1990 Topps

Acquired: TTM 2/2 6/10/2009 (42 days)

Comments: Mariano was a member of the great 1990 Reds team that swept the A's in the World Series. Those were great times. What a sweet signature from Mariano. I think this one will get cataloged under "So Choice, but just barely. How about this card? Topps kicked of the '90s in halftone style with this colorful release. Inspired by comic books, maybe?

So, the photo... I can see the Art Directors at Topps sitting down with their contact sheets looking for "variety". Poor Mariano provided the "variety", while other players were featured in pretty swings, sweet follow-thrus and flattering stances in the outfield. Ol' Mariano has his eyes closed, catching a line drive Little League style. Maybe he'll get some respect in 1991 Topps?

Jeff Keppinger

Who: Shortstop Jeff Keppinger

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2009 Topps Heritage

Acquired: TTM 5/9/2009 (24 days)

Comments: This card is bringin' it right here, boy. You got the sweet mess that is '09 Heritage with a signature from Jeff Keppinger that is laying down the funk. Crescent fresh.

This card has inspired a new category here at OMGauto: "So Choice". Cards that fall under the "So Choice" category are signature that have high artistic value. They are flat out pretty. Keppinger's certainly applies. Others include Aaron Harang, Whitey Herzog, Jim Breech, Bruce Berenyi, Norris Hopper, and more.

Whitey Herzog

Who: Manager Whitey Herzog

Team: Kansas City A's

Card: 1960 Topps

Acquired: TTM 2/2 5/6/2009 (7 days)

Comments: Absolute fantastic looking autograph! Whitey has a great looking sig, and the card is perfect for it. These 1960 Topps really do look great autographed - as do their modern counterparts, Topps 2009 Heritage. I'll be hunting more of these down, for sure.

Jim Breech

Who: Kicker Jim Breech

Team: Cincinnati Bengals

Card: 1993 Pro Set Power

Acquired: TTM 11/20/2008 3/3 (31 days)

Comments As they did so many times in there careers, Jim Breech and Lee Johnson are photographed here hooking up for the Bengals kicking game.

Bruce Berenyi

Who: Pitcher Bruce Berenyi

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1983 Topps

Acquired: TTM 2/2 3/18/2009 (124 days)

Comments: The second of two cards that Bruce signed for me. I'm pretty sure I got this card from my cousin Scott when I was a kid. He's a few years older than me and was cleaning out his stuff in high school and decided baseball cards weren't his thing anymore. He gave me a couple hundred baseball and football cards from the late-70s and early-80s. I still have all of them in my boxes today. They've been a great resource for getting some autographs lately. Thanks again, Scott.

Justin Masterson

Who: Pitcher Justin Masterson

Team: Boston Red Sox

Card: 2008 Topps Heritage

Acquired: TTM 1/1 2/26/2009 (8 days)

Comments: Great success! Justin is a fantastic young pitcher for the Red Sox. Great card, and a great signature - very distinct. You can tell he has worked on his technique and takes pride in his autograph. This is a favorite in my collection.

Talk about a great turn around too... just 8 days.

Aaron Harang

Who: Pitcher Aaron Harang

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2008 Goudey

Acquired: TTM 1/1 2/27/2009 (16 days)

Comments: This right here is one epic TTM return. Reds ace, Aaron Harang dropped a BEAUTY of a signature for me on this gorgeous 2008 Upper Deck Goudey card. It's all work on this one, folks. Now, the fantastic signature makes sense, as Mr. Harang was a graphic design major at San Diego State University before he was drafted in '99 - for the second time (originally in '96). More on all that good stuff over at Red Reporter.

Seriously, did you look at the signature? That is craft right there folks. That just doesn't happen. He perfected the beat years ago and takes pride in a great signature - as many graphic designers naturally would. The "A" has a great shape - one that you don't see too often. The "N" at the end of "Aaron" leads right into the crossbar of the "H" and he finishes it off nicely with a truncated "Harang" with the a leading right into the descender of the "g". Great balance to the whole signature. Plus, what a perfect card to have signed. It just all came together on this one, folks. Even Ken Griffey Jr. says it's awesome.

Dan Jansen

Who: Speed skater Dan Jansen

Team: USA

Card: 2008 Allen & Ginter

Acquired: TTM 1/1 11/24/2008 (11 days)

Comments: Great card. Great athlete. I remember watching Dan win that gold medal in the '94 Winter Olympics. Pretty epic. I really dig the way Dan signed the card right in line with the corner of his body. A very nice touch.

Norris Hopper

Who: Outfielder Norris Hopper

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2007 Reds SGA

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest '08

Comments: The Reds could really use a health Norris Hopper this season. He got great quickness and can lay down a wicked slap bunt. He's a real weapon when we need to play some small-ball and get some runs going. I really like Norris' "N" in his signature. Something kinda old school about it. When I got this autograph from Norris at Redsfest, I was the VERY last person in line. Lucky me, huh?

Jim O'Toole

Who: Pitcher Jim O'Toole

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1959 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest '08

Comments: OH YEAH. A goal of mine for this year's Redsfest was to have this particular card signed by Jim O'Toole. This is one of Topps' classic designs from the late 50's. Great stuff. Mr. O'Toole and I chatted real quick about the card when he signed it... one of his favorites as well. One of my other favorite players is featured on a 2008 version of this design... Joey Votto.

Barry Larkin

Who: Shortstop Barry Larkin

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: TTM 1/1 9/??/08

Comments: This one right here might be my favorite. If you were a Cincinnati kid growing up in the 80's & 90's you probably love Barry Larkin. I know I did. Probably the best shortstop of the 90's and a likely hall of famer, Barry was the man in Cincinnati for over a decade. His autograph is one that I always wanted, so I sent this to him c/o the Washington Nationals where he's an assistant to GM Jim Bowden (aka Leather Pants). Barry signed the card and had it back to me in something like two weeks. I was pretty stoked the day I got it in the mail. Thanks, Barry, for the autograph and all the memories.

Jim O'Toole

Who: Pitcher Jim O'Toole

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1961 Topps

Acquired: 2007 Redsfest

Comments: Jim is another Reds Hall of Famer and a regular at Redfest. I got this autograph at the 2007 Redsfest, I believe. I didn't have a Jim O'Toole card in my collection, so I bought this "well-used" 1961 Topps from a vendor over in the collectibles section. 1961 just happens to be his best year when he went 19-9 with a 3.10 ERA.

I really like that the card all worn to hell. It's got some character and has Wrigley Field as the backdrop in the photo.

Pat Neshek

Who: Pitcher Pat Neshek

Team: Minnesota Twins

Card: 2008 Topps Allen & Ginter

Acquired: TTM 5 business days

Comments: This is actually the first card I have ever received through the mail. Pretty cool! Pat has his own website and openly invites folks to send in cards to be signed. He has a pretty impressive collection of his own. I'm a big Neshek fan now.