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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

Sean Casey

Who: First Baseman Sean Casey

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2004 Upper Deck

Acquired: TTM 2/3 8/12/2009 (16 days)

Comments: Another autographed card from one of my favorite Reds, Sean Casey. Here's the other card he signed for me, a 2003 Upper Deck "First Pitch".

It's kinda funny the card has the Great American Ball Park logo on it, yet Sean is playing against the Indians in Cleveland. The Indians are also the team that Sean was drafted by, and eventually made his MLB debut with (1997).

Mariano Duncan

Who: Second Baseman Mariano Duncan

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1990 Upper Deck

Acquired: TTM 2/2 8/20/2009 (310 days)

Comments: A return from WAY BACK. I've actually sent and received an autograph request from Mr. Duncan since I sent this card and another back in October of '08. I remember the night I sent this - the Dodgers were on TV and in the playoffs. That's how I found out that Mariano was 3rd base coach for the Dodgers. I'm stoked to get this one back. Not only because I thought it was a lost cause, but it's a set that I am slowly working on - all the Reds from the 1990 Upper Deck release. There are a lot of toughies in that one, so no rush, really. It's a great set from my youth - Upper Deck raised the bar for sports cards forever with this one. Plus, the Reds won the World Series that year. Bonus, yo.

Sean Casey

Who: First Baseman Sean Casey

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2003 Upper Deck First Pitch

Acquired: TTM 2/3 8/12/2009 (16 days)

Comments: Sean is one of my favorite Reds - right up there with Barry Larkin. "The Mayor" as he became know in Cincinnati was a fantastic hitter, always threatening to win a batting title, but just never quite did it. I'm really stoked to get a return back from him. The odd thing about my return though, was that the envelope was taped shut. Now, this doesn't completely surprise me, as some folks don't want to lick the envelopes to seal them shut. But, I only received two of the three cards I sent to him back. He may have kept one, which I don't mind, but I wonder if it came open at a post office or something and it was taped shut. The other card may have been in there at the time and is now lost. I'll never really know, and it's not a big deal. The missing card was the one I was most stoked about getting singed - a Topps Heritage card. Oh well... still very happy to have a couple of autographs from one of my favorite players.

Jamie Moyer

Who: Pitcher Jamie Moyer

Team: Philadelphia Phillies

Card: 2008 Upper Deck First Edition

Acquired: 3/3 TTM 7/9/2009 (34 days)

Comments: A modern card of Mr. Moyer right here. Over 21 seasons in Major League Baseball - that's just awesome. Gotta love the stirrups he's rockin' in this photo. Old school right there with the low cut. My favorite style.

Jerome Simpson

Who: Wide Receiver Jerome Simpson

Team: Cincinnati Bengals

Card: 2008 Upper Deck Star Rookies

Acquired: TTM 2/2 6/19/2009 (10 days)

Comments: Coming...

Joey Votto

Who: First Baseman Joey Votto

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2008 Upper Deck Premier (Silver Edition)

Acquired: eBay

Comments: Getting cards signed in-person and thru the mail is great. But, a few certified autographs here and there are pretty nice as well.

Hopefully Joey is coming off the DL soon. From they way Dusty has been talking lately, he's getting better. I really do hope he is. Baseball is just a game, and I hope Joey is getting the break he needs for his own sake. All the rest will fall into place after that.

Dallas Clark

Who: Tight End Dallas Clark

Team: Indianapolis Colts

Card: 2007 Upper Deck

Acquired: TTM 2/2 3/25/2009 (137 days)

Comments: This is a great card of Dallas Clark. He's making the grab, as he's right about to cross the endline for six. Upper Deck really had some nice photography in this football set.

Lauri Korpikoski

Who: Winger Lauri Korpikoski

Team: New York Rangers

Card: 2009 Upper Deck SPX

Acquired: Upper Deck NPN

Comments: Yeah! I won this card from Upper Deck. Pretty sweet, huh? Always nice to get a little surprise in the mail. I have no clue who Lauri Korpikoski is, but I'm a fan now.

As far as the card itself goes, I really like SPX. Slick modern design, combined with a dual jersey, sticker autograph and numberde 225/999. It's got a lot going for it. I have no clue if this card has much value... but I really don't care much. It's a little prize for the collection.

Danny Graves

Who: Pitcher Danny Graves

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2003 Upper Deck

Acquired: TTM 2/2 3/12/2009 (15 days)

Comments: This ended up being a great card for Danny to sign, but it ended up getting a little smeared in transit. No biggie. Danny also signed a Topps Heritage card for me as well.

Here's the passage for the Bible verse that Danny added to his signature:

Philippians 4:13
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength"

via: biblegateway.com

Joey Votto

Who: First Baseman Joey Votto

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2008 Upper Deck Timelines

Acquired: TTM 1/1 3/19/2009 (36 days)

Comments: Another auto from big Jo-Eh! I shot this sucka off at the beginning of spring training, not expecting to get it back until the end of the season. Well, low-and-behold, I it was in my mail box on March 19th. Very kind of Joey to hook me up during the spring. The Joey Votto collection is starting to beef up a little bit, and I've got a few others two - including two on baseballs. Nice!

Joe Oliver

Who: Catcher Joe Oliver

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1990 Upper Deck

Acquired: TTM 2/2 1/10/2009 (52 days)

Comments: Coming...

Joey Galloway

Who: Wide Receiver Joey Galloway

Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Card: 2007 Upper Deck

Acquired: TTM 1/1 1/3/2009 (63 days)

Comments: I haven't followed he career with great detail, but I've always been a big fan of Ohio State grad Joey Galloway. When I went to OSU Football Camp when I was in high school, he was a senior (I think) at the time. He was a stud on the field of course, but what really got me was how many power lifting records he held at OSU. He was crushing linebackers and running backs in all kinda of categories - squats, clean & snatch, etc. His athletic ability and strength are insane. It's probably a big reason why he is still in the league today. He's a total freak. I love it.

Chris Hammond

Who: Pitcher Chris Hammond

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1991 Upper Deck

Acquired: TTM 2/2 11/14/2008 (7 days)

Comments: I like Chris' style on his autograph. He got these back to me REALLY quick too - in seven days. Very nice. Very nice.

Tim Birtsas

Who: Pitcher Tim Birtsas

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1990 Upper Deck

Acquired: TTM 11/13/2008 (12 days)

Comments: Tim didn't have a terribly long career (five seasons), but he certainly made it count by playing for the awesomest team on the planet, the Cincinnati Reds. This is what I love about collecting autographs - guys like Tim. Many folks probably have never heard of Tim Bartsas, but I have because I'm a Reds fan - and he signed my card for me. Great stuff.

Jeff Reed

Who: Catcher Jeff Reed

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1990 Upper Deck

Acquired: TTM 3/3 11/10/2008 (11 days)

Comments: Man, Jeff has a great signature. Look at that thing! Awesome. I didn't realize until I looked up his statistics, but Jeff had a pretty long major league career - 17 seasons. That's a loooong career for a catcher. This card goes toward my Reds 1990 Upper Deck Project.

Chris Hammond

Who: Pitcher Chris Hammond

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1990 Upper Deck

Acquired: TTM 2/2 11/14/2008 (7 days)

Comments: Chris enjoyed a pretty good 16 year major league career that started in Cincinnati in 1990 and wrapped up back in Cincinnati in 2006. Chris signed a pair of cards for me and had them back to me in just seven days. Super-awesome. Thanks, Chris! This one goes towards my 1990 Reds Upper Deck Project. I've got a long way to go on that one.

Todd Benzinger

Who: First Baseman Todd Benzinger

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1990 Upper Deck

Acquired: In Person

Comments: Man, Todd is a super guy. I met him at the same Reds Hall of Fame event where I also met Tom Browning and Ron Oester. I chatted with Todd for a while and he was super nice. He even let me hold his World Series ring. That's pretty trusting, huh? Anyways, I can't say enough about him - great dude. He is now coaching in the Reds minor league system - he'll be a hitting coach for Class A Dayton. Another former Red and class-act guy the Reds are adding to the coaching ranks.

Edwin Encarnacion

Who: Third Baseman Edwin Encarnacion

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2008 Goudey

Acquired: 'Bay

Comments: Let me say this: Edwin Encarnacion is a clutch player. Well, sometimes, at least. Sweet card, huh? I really like the 2008 Goudey design. I picked this card up REALLY cheap. Always nice to have a Reds autograph. Not much of a sig from Edwin, but that's okay.

Let's hope EE has a breakout season in 2009. He's certainly due.

David Weathers

Who: Pitcher David Weathers

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 2007 Upper Deck Series 1

Acquired: TTM

Comments: David Weathers has been in the league 18 years. Yes - 18 years. Amazing. I sent this card to Mr. Weathers and he turned it around very quickly - within two weeks. I think there was a road trip for the Reds in there somewhere too. The great thing about this card is he is signing an autograph for a fan - a nice card to get an autograph on for myself. The other great part of this card is him wearing his glove on his head. Classic. Look at the huge grin he's got too.

In the end, a great card to get autographed by a pretty good player.

Tom Browning

Who: Pitcher Tom "Mr. Perfect" Browning

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1990 Upper Deck

Acquired: In Person, October 2005

Comments: Tom Browning is the man. Great with fans. He loves the attention, but in a good way. He always seems to be giving back to the baseball community around Cincinnati. I got Tom's auto at a Reds Hall of Fame event opening the Reds 1990 World Championship exhibit. Several other players were there including Ron Oester and Todd Benzinger, Tom signed this for me up on the top floor of the Reds Hall of Fame by the pitching cage. He was helping some high school kids that were there with some pitches. Pretty cool, I thought. He was great to chat with. This is one of my favorite autographs.

Ron Oester

Who: Infielder Ron Oester

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Card: 1990 Upper Deck

Acquired: Redsfest 2007, In Person

Comments: Ron Oester - Nice! I ended up meeting him at a Reds function once and didn't have a card for him to sign. He was really great to talk with and said he would sign something for me anytime. I ended up getting my chance, along with everyone else, at Redsfest. I'll take it though. I always like this 1990 Upper Deck set too. Great for 'graphs. I have several other Reds cards from this set signed. I may have to try and get them all signed.