Non-HoF Autographs: Matt Kemp and Dave Stewart

It pays to follow other bloggers.  Today I learned through the amazing Dodger-themed blog, Vin Scully is my Homeboy, that Matt Kemp would be a surprise guest at Bank of America in Burbank for a member appreciation event.  I was able to snag his autograph on this Dodgertown baseball that I caught during batting practice at Dodger Stadium.

But that's not all!  I also recognized former MLB pitcher, Dave Stewart, who happens to be Mr. Kemp's agent, so I got him to sign the ball as well!  Mr. Stewart is most likely remembered for his pitching career with the Oakland A's, but I enjoyed watching him as a member of the World Series winning Blue Jays team from 1993.

Dave Stewart was not elected to the Hall of Fame after his career, but Matt Kemp certainly has a chance if he continues to play as well as he has played so far in his young career.

I will have a full review of the event tomorrow on my daily photo blog.

Tips on Who Signs Through the Mail (and what they charge)

A recent comment on one of my old posts passed on some good insight from an avid collector.  He has a few blogs, notably posting his collection of Hall of Famer autographs at Collecting Cooperstown.  Here is what he passed on...


Some of these guys just don't sign TTM or they do very sporadically.

I can give you a list of guys and how much they charge TTM:

Stan Musial-$100 (will send a signed picture/stats index card for free with request)
Yogi Berra-$100 (but a lot of cards signed for free lately)
Monte Irvin-$10
Whitey Ford-$40 (will sometimes sign for less, but usually at least $35)
Al Kaline-$10
Brooks Robinson-$30 (but only signs through the Dugout Zone twice a year)
Lou Brock-$85
Bobby Doerr-Free
Johnny Bench-$60
Joe Morgan-Free (but only an index card)
Ferguson Jenkins-$15
Gaylord Perry-$15
Rollie Fingers-$15
Reggie Jackson-$35 (through his Mr. October for Kids charity)
Steve Carlton-$25 (through Game Winner Sports)
Jim Bunning-Free
Earl Weaver-$20 (through the Miami Children's Hospital)
Phil Niekro-$10
Tommy Lasorda-Free (long waits, preferably c/o Dodgers but will sign at home sometimes)
Lee MacPhail-Free
Nolan Ryan-$45
Orlando Cepeda-$55
George Brett-$55
Carlton Fisk-$40
Gary Carter-$25
Paul Molitor-Free (c/o Twins, up to six month wait, probably should send a little cash...that's how I got my success)
Ryne Sandberg-$20 (home, for charity)
Tony Gwynn-$20 (San Diego St. University)
Goose Gossage-$5-10 (if gotten at home)
Dick Williams-$25
Jim Rice-$10 (c/o New England Sports Network)
Andre Dawson-$20
Whitey Herzog-Free
Doug Harvey-Free (except hof postcards, which can be purchased with his sticker of authenticity at the Bob Feller Museum)
Bert Blyleven-$40
Pat Gillick-Free

Rest in Peace, Harmon Killebrew

I learned today that Twins' great Harmon Killebrew passed away after battling for months with esophageal cancer.  Mr. Killebrew is the fourth player to pass away while I've been trying to collect an autograph from every living Hall of Famer.  Surprisingly, I don't think anyone has passed away who's autograph I haven't yet collected during this same stretch of time.

Mr. Killebrew was a perfect gentleman when I got his autograph at the All Star Game Fan Festival in Anaheim.  I'm sad to learn of this news.