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OMGautos

John Danks

John Danks - 2009 Topps
Who: Pitcher John Danks

Team: Chicago White Sox

Card: 2009 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: Coming...

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Greg Walker

Greg Walker - 1987 Topps
Who: First Baseman Greg Walker

Team: Chicago White Sox

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: Greg Walker is currently the batting coach for the Chicago White Sox. I got lucky with this autograph. My buddy spotted Greg walking through one of the hallways outside the ballroom at Soxfest. He stopped and signed a few autographs, and I managed to snag one.

How about that late-80s White Sox uniform. Those jerseys are now becoming classics - so many folks at Soxfest were rockin' that style.

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Juan Nieves

Juan Nieves - 1987 Topps
Who: Pitcher Juan Nieves

Team: Milwaukee Brewers

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: The best part of getting this autograph was what happened before it. At the Comcast autograph booth, Juan and someone else (Kevin Hickey, maybe?) was scheduled to sign and I was there right on time. There was one guy in line and as I snaked through, I saw this guy (pretty tall dude, too) jokingly giving the other former Sox player some grief from the front of the line. As I walk up, he's says "there's someone in line! great!" or something like that, which was kinda odd. So, I smile and walk up behind the first guy in line and he turns around rally fast, sticks out his right hand and says, "Hi! I'm Juan Nieves" with this huge smile. I was like "OHHHHHH!" Haha. Since I'm not the biggest White Sox fan, I didn't recognize him. It was pretty funny. After that, Juan sat down and signed my '87 Topps for me. Couldn't have been any nicer.

Juan's major league career was cut pretty short by an arm injury, but in that time he managed to toss a no-hitter on April 15, 1987. He's currently the bullen coach for the White Sox.

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Ozzie Guillen

Ozzie Guillen - 1987 Topps
Who: Shortstop Ozzie Guillen

Team: Chicago White Sox

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: Going into Soxfest, Ozzie's autograph was the one I was most excited to get. Not only is he the charismatic manager of the White Sox, but I remember him playing when I was a kid, and even saw him play once at Comiskey park during the last season it was standing. Plus, tack on the fact that he has an '87 Topps, and we're cookin'!

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Gary Peters

Gary Peters - 1969 Topps
Who: Pitcher Gary Peters

Team: Chicago White Sox

Card: 1969 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: Yep, still rollin' on the Soxfest autographs. Still have a few more to post. Hang tight.

Gary Peters was a pretty darn good pitcher for the White Sox, winning the 1963 AL Rookie of the Year award. During that season, he had a string of 11 straight wins - impressive. Equally as impressive, during the 1967 All-Star game, retired 9 consecutive batters over three innings, including striking out three future Hall of Famers - Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, and Ferguson Jenkins. Wow.

Pretty nicely signed card, eh? Gary laid down a nice signature on this '69 Topps - the second from that set that I had signed at Soxfest. The other was from Joe Horlen.

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Ron Kittle

Ron Kittle - 1990 Topps
Who: Designated Hitter Ron Kittle

Team: Chicago White Sox

Card: 1990 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: Coming...

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Glenn Braggs

Glenn Braggs - 1987 Topps
Who: Outfielder Glenn Braggs

Team: Milwaukee Brewers

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: In Person, 2010 Reds Caravan

Comments: Glenn was just one of those guys that I figured I might never get an autograph from, but I end up getting meeting him twice within two months. Between the two cards, I've done pretty well.

As with the Brandon Phillips card i posted recently, I met Glenn at the Reds Caravan stop in Columbus last month. I got a little lucky with this one - Glenn was in a hurry to get out of the mall and to his flight and was signing for everyone he could while he was walking out. A fella I know from the Reds was cutting the line for him so he could go and did the cut right at me, making sure I was able to get Glenn's autograph. Pretty cool of him to do that.

Nice to get this '87 Topps signed too. You all know my love for the wood paneled cards of my youth, so I was torn on what cards for Glenn to sign at Redsfest. This one didn't make the cut, but found redemption at the Reds Caravan.

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Moose Skowron

Moose Skowron - 1958 Topps All-Star
Who: First Baseman Moose Skowron

Team: New York Yankees

Card: 1958 Topps All-Star

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: Another vintage card I was able to get signed at Soxfest this year. Moose signed this beat-up, but great looking All-Star card of his, making a nice addition to the vintage end of my autographed card collection.

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Bill Melton

Bill Melton - 1972 Topps

Who: Third Baseman Bill Melton

Team: Chicago White Sox

Card: 1972 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: Coming...

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Bill Melton

Bill Melton - 1972 Topps In Action
Who: Third Baseman Bill Melton

Team: Chicago White Sox

Card: 1972 Topps In Action

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: Beltin' Bill Melton signed this and his other '72 Topps card for me at the bar of the Palmer House Hilton during Soxfest. Since I don't have the ability to recognize most retired White Sox players, my buddy pointed him out for me when we were walking through the bar. Being prepared with your cards in tow is always a good idea.

Between a sweet horizontal In Action card and Melton's smooth sig, this card came out pretty well.

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Minnie Miñoso

Minnie Miñoso - 1957 Topps
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.

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Mark Salas

Mark Salas - 1987 Topps Traded
Who: Catcher

Team: New York Yankees

Card: 1987 Topps Traded

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest

Comments: Hey! Let's do some back-to-back Salas! I normally like to space apart multiple cards from the same fella, but I'm feelin' saucy today.

Here's the second of two cards that Mr. Salas signed for me at Soxfest, this one being of the "Traded" variety.

Pretty sweet that Mark has a palindrome as his last name - SALAS or SALAS... AH!!!!! Crazy.

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Mark Salas

Mark Salas - 1987 Topps
Who: Catcher Mark Salas

Team: Minnesota Twins

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest

Comments: Sox bullpen catcher and coach Mark Salas signed two '87 Topps cards for me at Soxfest - this one and his card from the Traded series. He did a number of signing sessions at Soxfest, so I got them at two different time. One was this card and another later when I realized I also had the Traded card for his as well. That was a nice surprise to myself... haha.

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A.J. Pierzynski

A.J. Pierzynski - 2008 Topps
Who: Catcher A.J. Pierzynski

Team: Chicago White Sox

Card: 2008 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: Not sure what my problem is, but I always have the worst cards for A.J. to sign. This one that he signed for me TTM last year was not the greatest to get signed either. No matter though, it was cool to say hi to A.J. and add another card of his to the collection.

After reading the last A.J. autograph post, it's cool that the friend that I talked about visiting to watch the Reds and White Sox play is the same friend I hit Soxfest with. Good times, all of them.

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Ken Harrelson

Ken Harrelson - 1966 Topps
Who: Ken Harrelson

Team: Kansas City Athletics

Card: 1966 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: In juxtaposition to the Steve Stone Experience™, there was Ken "Hawk" Harrelson, who was great with the fans in line and put down this fantastic autograph on a 1966 Topps. Alongside Steve Stone, Ken is a broadcaster for the White Sox.

When looking into Ken's career, that great little nugget that popped out was his popularization of the batting glove during the '60s. Though he can't be credited with the invention of it - some point out examples of its use as early as 1901 - he is the man that brought it back to stay in baseball. I wonder how much of it has to do with his love of golf? Where they using gloves in golf back then as well?

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Floyd Bannister

Floyd Bannister - 1987 Topps
Who: Pitcher Floyd Bannister

Team: Chicago White Sox

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: I'm tellin' you, I put a nice little dent in the '87 Topps autograph search at Soxfest. I think I was able to to get six in all? Very nice. More to come.

Floyd pitched for the Sox from 1983-'87. Though he had his lone all-star appearance in 1982 with the Mariners, overall he pitched better with with Sox right after that.

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Joe Horlen

Joe Horlen - 1969 Topps
Who: Pitcher Joe Horlen

Team: Chicago White Sox

Card: 1969 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: Joe pitched a no hitter for the White Sox back in 1967. He also help beat my Cincinnati Reds in the '72 World Series when he played with the Oakland Athletics. Drat!

How about that powerder blue Chi Sox uni? On wool, that color looks fantastic. I'm sure those uniforms will still hot as hell in the summer.

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Steve Stone

Steve Stone 1974 Topps
Who: Pitcher Steve Stone

Team: Chicago White Sox

Card: 1974 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Soxfest 2010

Comments: I've got a ton of stuff coming up for the blog over the next few weeks, including a load of autographs from my trip to Soxfest. Had a great time and got a lot of cards signed.

So let's kick off my string of Soxfest autographs with the one I'm disappointed in the most - this 1974 Topps Steve Stone. This is the only card I've ever had signed at a fanfest in ballpoint pen. Seriously, what the heck? When I went though Steve's line at Soxfest, I noticed that he was signing things with ballpoint pen. My buddy in front of me handed him a Sharpie to sign his card, and Steve did. But, when I asked if he wouldn't mind signing my card with my Sharpie, Steve took my card and absolutely obliterated it with his pen. He mentioned something about him knowing that I "Won't sell this on eBay" and that "It's perfectly fine." All with a smile, of course. Really, the pen was literally scraaaaaaaped across the card. The ink is flaking up and you can feel the pen indentation on the back of the card.

Ugh.

You go to these things and there is an understanding on both sides (player and fan) that guys sign baseball cards with a marker and baseballs with a pen. I've received dozens of autographs from many players - stars, hall of famers, journeymen, etc. at fanfests. They all used a Sharpie on my baseball card.

You know, it's really not that big of a deal. I'm actually not too upset about it. I guess if it were a Reds player that I had really admired as a kid I would probably be a little crushed. But, this good ol' Steve Stone autoscrape will live happily in my binder as a funny reminder to what was a really fun weekend.

I've got some nice looking autographs coming up soon. Stay tuned.

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Eddie Kasko

Eddie Kasko - 1972 Topps
Who: Manager Eddie Kasko

Team: Boston Red Sox

Card: 1972 Topps

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

Comments: Coming...

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Jim Fregosi

Jim Fregosi - 1987 Topps

Who: Manager Jim Fregosi

Team: Chicago White Sox

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: TTM 1/1 1/11/2010 (7 Days)

Comments: The funny thing about this post is the fact that I was just at the White Sox's SoxFest. While I got a ton of autographs from current and former Sox players, Jim Fergosi was not one of them I got this one through the mail - in just 7 days too. Another '87 Topps in the books thanks to Mr. Fergosi. More '87 Topps - and White Sox - are coming soon.

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Lonnie Smith

Lonnie Smith - 1987 Topps
Who: Outfielder Lonnie Smith

Team: Kansas City Royals

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: TTM 1/1 1/9/2010 (12 days)

Comments: Coming...

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Fernando Valenzuela

Fernando Valenzuela - 1987 Topps
Who: Pitcher Fernando Valenzuela

Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: TTM 1/1 11/17/2008 (9 days)

Comments: Coming...

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Dusty Baker

Dusty Baker - 1987 Topps
Who: Outfielder/First Baseman Dusty Baker

Team: Oakland Athletics

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: TTM 1/1 1/12/2010 (315 days)

Comments: DUSTY! I shot this card to Dusty Baker during the 2009 spring training. Glad to see it back. A nice addition to any '87 Topps autograph selection, really. This is one of three Dusty Baker cards I have in the my autograph collection. Should I keep going?

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Eddie Kasko

Eddie Kasko - 1960 Topps
Who: Infielder Eddie Kasko

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1960 Topps

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

Comments: Coming...

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Randy St. Claire

Randy St. Claire - 1987 Topps
Who: Pitcher Randy St. Claire

Team: Montreal Expos

Card: 1987 Topps

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

Comments: Coming...

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Tommy Helms

Tommy Helms - 1990 Topps
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.

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Jay Hook

Jay Hook - 1960 Topps
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.

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Lou Piniella

Lou Piniella - 1991 Topps
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.

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Gary Roenicke

Gary Roenicke - 1987 Topps
Who: Outfielder Gary Roenicke

Team: New York Yankees

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: TTM 2/2 12/29/2009 (77 Days)

Comments: Coming...

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Randy St. Claire

Randy St. Claire - 1989 Topps
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.

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Tracy Jones

Tracy Jones - 1988 Topps
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.

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Brandon Phillips

Brandon Phillips - 2009 Topps
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.

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Claude Osteen

Claude Osteen - 1960 Topps
Who: Pitcher Claude Osteen

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1960 Topps

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

Comments: Coming...

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Ramon Hernandez

Ramon Hernandez - 2009 Topps
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.

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Chris Speier

Chris Speier - 1972 Topps
Who: Infielder Chris Speier

Team: San Francisco Giants

Card: 1972 Topps In Action

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: This is just a sweet card. I couldn't pass up the chance to get it signed at Redsfest by Mr. Speier himself.

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Brook Jacoby

Brook Jacoby - 1987 Topps
Who: Third Baseman Brook Jacoby

Team: Cleveland Indians

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: In Person, Redsfest 2009

Comments: Last year at Redsfest it was an '86 Topps, this year it was an '87 Topps. Brook throws down another nice sig for me.

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Tommy Helms

Tommy Helms - 1968 Topps
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.

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Eric Davis

Eric Davis - 1987 Topps
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.

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Lee May

Lee May - 1971 NL Home Run Leaders
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

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Pat Corrales

Pat Corrales - 1972 Topps In Action
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.

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Pat Corrales

Pat Corrales - 1972 Topps
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.

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Chuck Harmon

Chuck Harmon - 1955 Topps
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.

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Pedro Borbon

Pedro Borbon - 1973 Topps
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.

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Clay Carroll

Clay Carroll - 1972 Topps In Action
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.

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Hal Morris

Hal Morris - 1991 Topps
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.

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Glenn Braggs

Glenn Braggs -1991 Topps
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.

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Ron Oester

Ron Oester - 1987 Topps
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.

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Eddie Milner

Eddie Miler - 1985 Topps
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.

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Danny Darwin

Danny Darwin - 1987 Topps
Who: Pitcher Danny Darwin

Team: Houston Astros

Card: 1987 Topps

Acquired: TTM 1/1 11/27/2009 (11 days)

Comments: Coming...

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Joe Gibbon

Joe Gibbon - 1972 Topps
Who: Pitcher Joe Gibbon

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1972 Topps

Acquired: TTM 1/1 11/27/2009 (6 days)

Comments: Another '72 Topps for the to the project. Awesome. More later...

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