Brooks Robinson (1937-2023)

The latest addition to my collection is this Brooks Robinson blue pen autograph on a 3x5 note card. I got it for a decent price on eBay. 

Robinson was an incredible infielder for the Baltimore Orioles, and this is a great addition to my quest. I was especially interested in getting this one after an unsuccessful attempt through the mail. 

UPDATE: On September 26, 2023, Brooks Robinson passed away. 

Orlando Cepeda

Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda was the last player's signature I added to my collection at the 2013 All Star FanFest.  To say he had a colorful career would be putting it lightly.  He played for several teams, spent time in prison on drug charges, and eventually was elected to the Hall by the Veterans Committee.  

Despite a bit of a shaky signature in blue pen, this was a nice one to add to my collection. 

Fergie Jenkins

Update from the original post: I made a big trade which included sending the Jenkins book, and in part of the return I ended up with a Jenkins autograph on a baseball card. This works much better for me because I can display this card in the ring binder where I keep all my autographs. I'm sad to see the Jenkins book go, but the deal was too good to pass up!

Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins was supposed to sign today at the MLB All Star FanFest, but he canceled that appointment.  Fortunately he signed yesterday, and a memorabilia stand had a few of his books on hand for a reasonable price.  I picked one up to add to my collection.

I'm still making my way through this biography, but beyond his record-setting seasons, he is notable for being the first (and still only) Canadian-born Hall of Famer enshrined in Cooperstown, AND he also played for the Harlem Globetrotters during the offseason!

Rollie Fingers

Hall of fame pitcher Rollie Fingers was on hand at this year's MLB All Star FanFest - handlebar mustache and all.  I stood in line for a few hours, and was able to get him to sign in blue marker (I think?) on a 3x5 note card.  

Mr. Fingers played for those flashy Oakland A's teams, and his crazy facial hair fit right in with the bright yellow and green 70s uniforms.  It was nice to get this one a few years after getting an unsuccessful return in the mail from him.  Even nicer to save the $10.

MLB All Star FanFest

I experienced one of baseball's annual traditions today - the All Star Game FanFest. Part carnival, part MLB exhibition, this week-long event can be a gold mine for autograph seekers. Today's list included a handful of Hall of Famers. I will post the ones I got. 

Wade Boggs

I was really excited to get this one in the mail today!  I had tried getting Hall of Famer Wade Boggs to sign before on a blank 3x5 card with no success. Baseball cards apparently did the trick!

Boggs was a great player for three American League East teams - Yanks, Sox, and Rays. He was always known for his high average.  He was instrumental (or so the story goes...) in changing the way that teams are assigned to players when they are inducted.

Boggs signed BOTH cards I sent him, meaning I have an extra one to trade!  

Thanks Mr. Boggs!  This one ends up being number 20 in my collection.

Phil Niekro

Update from the original post: I made a big trade and ended up trading away this autographed photo of Niekro, removing him from my collection. I'm now on the lookout for a replacement for this signature. I'm sad to see it go, but I think its for the best! Niekro is still living, and perhaps I'll be able to obtain one in person someday (or a smaller 3x5 card like many of my others).

I found this in a local card shop for a reasonable price.  Phil Niekro was an incredible pitcher - one of the last great knuckleballers of the modern era.  "Knucksie" may have had some incredible numbers, but this sharpie signed photo is pretty ridiculous.  From the bowl cut greying hear sticking out of the hat, to the glassy eyes...  it is topped off with the satin jacket tucked in to the road baby-blue 80s pants.  Wow.

Aside from the brilliance/ugliness of this photo, he played for my favorite team, in fact he was the first Blue Jay inducted.

Aside from all of that, I had already received a rejection letter from Niekro informing me that he charges for his signature, making this an easy purchase.