Favorite Player: Jarrett Hoffpaiur

In the penultimate Game 5 of the Florida State League Championship Series, my Lakeland Tigers were up tied with the Palm Beach Cardinals in the top of the 10th Inning, Palm Beach 2nd Baseman Jarrett Hoffpauir came up with 2 outs, and promptly Homers, and after the Cardinals got 3 outs in the bottom of the inning, Hoffpauir's Home Run gave the Cardinals the championship. After the game, I got Jarrett to sign my ticket, and he graciously gave me his hat that he wore in the game. I have both the hat, signed ticket, and lineup card from that game proudly displayed in my man-cave, and have collected Jarrett ever since.

JARRETT HOFFPAIUR CARDS I HAVE
2004 SP Rookies (ip auto)
2007 Bowman
2009 Bowman (ip autogrraph)
2009 Bowman Chrome

Favorite Player: Orel Hershiser

Playing at the peak of the overproduction era, Orel Hershiser is up there as being one of the guys I have the most cards of in my Favorite Player Collection. I read his book "Out of the Blue" in grade school, and that's when I became a fan of his. When I couldn't get number 27 on my 6th grade basketball team (because for some odd reason, we couldn't choose numbers over 6), I chose Orel's #55.  I was lucky enough to get his autograph through the mail when he was pitching coach for the Rangers, and I went to a game when he was with them as well, but didn't get close enough to get one in person.

OREL HERSHISER CARDS I HAVE:
1983 Topps Traded custom
1984 Topps custom
1985 Topps
1986 Donruss Diamond Kings
1986 Sportflics
1986 Topps
1987 Leaf
1987 Topps
1988 Fleer Super Star Special (w/Mike Scott)
1988 Topps
1988 Topps Stickers
1989 Donruss 59 and counting
1989 Donruss MVP
1989 Donruss All-Star
1989 Donruss Best
1989 Fleer
1989 Fleer All Star Team
1989 Fleer World Series 'Bulldog'
1989 Fleer World Series 'MVP & his Shutout Magic'
1989 Score
1989 Score World Series
1989 Score Highlights
1989 Topps Record Breaker
1989 Topps All-Star
1989 Topps Dodgers Leaders
1989 Topps Bazooka Shining Star
1989 Upper Deck NLCS
1990 CMC Collect-A-Books
1990 Donruss
1990 Donruss MVP
1990 Fleer
1990 Out of the Blue book edition
1990 Score
1990 Score Score Masters
1990 Topps
1990 Topps Sticker (front)
1990 Upper Deck Team Checklist
1990 Upper Deck
1991 Bowman
1991 Donruss
1991 Fleer
1991 Leaf
1991 Score
1991 Stadium Club
1991 Topps
1991 Topps Cracker Jack
1991 Upper Deck
1992 Donruss
1992 Fleer
1992 Pinnacle
1992 Topps
1992 Topps Gold Winners
1992 Triple Play
1992 Ultra
1992 Upper Deck
1993 Fleer
1993 Select
1993 Stadium Club
1993 Topps
1993 Upper Deck
1994 Bowman
1994 Collector's Choice
1994 Leaf
1994 Pinnacle
1994 Score
1994 Sportflics

1994 Stadium Club
1994 Studio
1994 Topps
1994 Upper Deck
1995 Collector's Choice SE
1995 Score
1995 Stadium Club Super Team Winner Gold
1995 Topps
1995 Topps Traded
1995 Topps Spectra Light/Cyberstats
1995 Upper Deck
1996 Leaf
1996 Score
1996 Topps
1996 Topps Team Set
1997 Collector's Choice
1997 Collector's Choice Team Set
1997 Donruss
1997 Fleer Metal
1997 Pinnacle
1997 Score
1997 Score Reserve
1997 Upper Deck
1998 Collector's Choice
1998 Fleer Tradition
1998 Pinnacle
1998 Pinnacle Inside
1998 Pinnacle Plus
1998 Score Rookie/Traded
1998 Topps
1998 Upper Deck
1999 Upper Deck
2000 Topps
2001 Topps custom
2001 Topps Archives (rookie)
2003 Topps Clubhouse Collection jersey (ttm auto)
2004 Fleer Greats Forever Dodgers
2004 Topps Archives
2005 Topps Pristine

2006 Topps custom

2021 Donruss

2021 Donruss Purple

Favorite Player: Dustin Hermanson

I thought Dustin Hermanson would be a lights-out closer in the Majors, and when he finally got the chance, he was, saving 34 games for the World Champion White Sox in 2005. He was the 3rd overall player taken in the 1994 MLB Draft, and he pitched in the Majors for 12 seasons. I don't know what he is doing now, but probably around 2010 or so, I sent him some cards in the mail to sign, and he sent back a signed Monavie business card with his website and e-mail on it, encouraging me to buy some Monavie juice from him. I checked the website the other day, and it was no longer active, and I haven't had the guts to try the email.

DUSTIN HERMANSON CARDS I HAVE:
1993 Topps Traded (ttm auto)
1994 Classic 4 Sport
1994 Topps Traded
1995 Collector's Choice SE
1995 Stadium Club
1995 Topps (ttm auto)
1995 Upper Deck (ttm auto)
1995 Upper Deck Minors (ttm auto)
1995 Upper Deck Minors Draft Class Private Stock
1996 Bowman's Best Refractor (ttm auto)
1996 Collector's Choice
1996 Score
1996 Topps (ttm auto)
1997 Topps
1998 Collector's Choice
1998 Leaf Rookies & Stars
1998 Topps
1998 Upper Deck
1999 Topps Chrome
1999 Upper Deck MVP
2000 Skybox Dominion
2000 Topps
2000 Ultra
2001 Fleer Triple Crown
2001 Topps (ttm auto)
2001 Topps Traded Dual Relic
2002 Topps
2003 Donruss Team Heroes
2003 Upper Deck 40-Man
2005 Fleer
2005 Topps (ttm auto)
2006 Topps (ttm auto)

Favorite Player: Greg Halman

Greg Halman was part of the 2009 Dutch team that played in the WBC, as well as the Dutch National Team. He was tragically killed in a stabbing in 2011.

GREG HALMAN CARDS I HAVE:
2008 Bowman
2008 Bowman Gold
2008 Bowman Chrome
2008 Donruss Threads certified autograph
2008 Donruss Threads bat
2009 Bowman Chrome WBC
2009 Topps WBC
2011 Allen & Ginter
2011 Bowman
2011 Bowman International
2011 Topps
2011 Topps Heritage

2012 Topps custom

Favorite Player: Mark Grudzielanek

Around 2011 or so, I was lucky enough to purchase a game-used Spring Training Dodgers jersey of Mark Grudzielanek for 30 bucks or so from a collector on SportsCollectors.net. After getting the jersey, I decided to add Mark to my Favorite Player Collection.

MARK GRUDZIELANEK CARDS I HAVE:
1995 Bowman's Best Refractor
1995 Topps Traded
1995 Upper Deck Minor League
1995 Zenith
1996 Donruss
1996 Finest
1996 Fleer Flair
1996 Score
1997 Bowman
1997 Collector's Choice
1997 Donruss
1997 Donruss Signature Series certified autograph
1997 Pacific Gold Crown
1997 Stadium Club
1997 Topps
1997 Topps Gallery
1998 Bowman
1998 Collector's Choice
1998 Donruss Preferred
1998 Pacific Aurora
1998 Pacific Paramount
1998 Pinnacle
1998 Pinnacle Plus
1998 Score Rookie/Traded
1998 Skybox Dugout Axces
1999 Topps
2000 Pacific Paramount Red retail
2000 Topps
2000 Upper Deck MVP
2001 Fleer Triple Crown
2001 Topps
2001 Upper Deck Victory
2002 Fleer Tradition
2002 Topps
2003 Topps
2003 Upper Deck
2003 Upper Deck 40-Man
2004 Topps
2005 Topps
2005 Topps Update
2006 Bazooka Rewind jersey
2006 Fleer
2006 Topps
2006 Topps Team Leaders
2007 Topps Gold Glove
2007 Topps
2007 Upper Deck
2008 Topps

Favorite Player: Gabe Gross

There are so many reasons to collect Gabe Gross. He is a former Auburn Tiger. He played for the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays. He is a nice Christian example. I collect him for all 3 of those reasons.
I was lucky enough to see him play against the Rays while he was a Blue Jay. It was in the late innings, and the Rays had Carl Crawford at 3rd, and less than 2 outs and they were trying to get a rally going. The Jays put Gross in the game in leftfield, and sure enough, the Rays batter hits a flyball to Gross. I figured with his speed that Crawford would score easily on a Sac Fly. Gross caught the ball, and threw a strike to the catcher to get Crawford thrown out. I could see why Gross was a quarterback at Auburn. One of the greatest throws I had ever seen.

GABE GROSS CARDS I HAVE:
2001 Topps Gold
2002 Bowman
2002 Topps
2002 Topps Chrome Refractor
2003 Topps
2003 Topps Heritage (ttm auto)
2004 Topps custom
2005 Studio
2005 SP Rookie Edition National Pride jersey
2005 Topps (ttm auto with Quiroz ip auto)
2006 Topps
2007 Topps
2008 Topps
2008 Topps Heritage
2009 Topps
2009 Topps Team Set
2010 Topps
2010 Topps Update
2010 Upper Deck

Favorite Player: Didi Gregorius

Didi Gregorius is one of the newest members added to my Favorite Player Collection, as he played for the Netherlands team in the 2017 WBC. I try not to add any Yankees to my binders, but since he played for the Dutch team, I guess I can make and exception for Didi.

DIDI GREGORIUS CARDS I HAVE:
2011 Grandstand Bakersfield Blaze

2013 Bowman Platinum

2013 Bowman Platinum Gold

2013 Topps

2013 Topps Update
2015 Topps
2015 Topps Update
2016 Topps Gypsy Queen
2016 Topps Holiday
2018 Topps
2018 Topps Chrome
2019 Donruss '85 Jersey
2019 Topps Yankees Combo (pictured with Judge)
2019 Topps base
2019 Topps Yankees Combo (#263)
2020 Topps

2020 Topps Fire

2021 Topps

2021 Topps Chrome Pink Refractor

2021 Topps Fire

2022 Topps

2022 Topps Opening Day

2022 Topps Opening Day Opening Day insert (pictured with team)

Favorite Player: Todd Greene

Todd Greene hit 40 Homers in the minors, and put up some decent power numbers in the Majors when he actually got some at-bats.
I have a ton of cool cards of Todd, and got many of them signed over the years, as he is generally good with his fan mail.

TODD GREENE CARDS I HAVE:
1991 Topps Traded
1992 Stadium Club Dome (ttm auto)
1994 Topps custom
1995 Bowman's Best Refractor
1995 Topps (ttm auto)
1995 Upper Deck
1995 Upper Deck Minors
1996 Best certified autograph
1996 Bowman's Best Atomic Refractor (ttm auto)
1996 Bowman's Best Refractor (ttm auto)
1996 Classic certified autograph
1996 Collector's Choice
1996 Collector's Choice Silver Signature
1996 Fleer Metal Mining For Gold
1996 Score Board
1996 Topps (ttm auto)
1996 Topps Chrome Refractor (ttm auto)
1996 Topps Gallery Player's Private Issue (ttm auto)
1996 Ultra (ttm auto)
1996 Upper Deck (ttm auto)
1997 Bowman's Best Refractor
1997 Collector's Choice (ttm auto)
1997 Donruss
1997 Donruss Preferred
1997 Leaf
1997 Pinnacle
1997 Pinnacle Museum Collection
1997 Pinnacle Certified

1997 Pinnacle Certified Certified Red
1997 Pinnacle Totally Certified Platinum Blue (ttm auto)
1997 Pinnacle Totally Certified Platinum Red
1997 Select Select Company (ttm auto)
1997 Stadium Club
1997 Topps
1997 Upper Deck
1998 Bowman
1998 Circa Thunder
1998 Collector's Choice
1998 Finest (ttm auto)
1998 Finest Refractor
1998 Leaf
1998 Leaf Rookies & Stars
1998 Pinnacle Inside
1998 Pinnacle Performers
1998 Score
1998 Score Rookie/Traded
1998 Topps(ttm auto)
1999 Topps custom
2000 Skybox Dominion
2001 Topps custom
2003 Upper Deck 40-Man
2005 Topps Total Silver
2006 Upper Deck
2007 Topps
2007 Topps Heritage (ttm auto)

Favorite Player: Reid Gorecki

I saw Reid play about 5 times in the minors. He was always a threat to get on base, and I was happy to see him make the Majors with the Braves.  I only have 2 of his cards, but will probably add some the next time I have an order from COMC.

REID GORECKI CARDS I HAVE:
2010 Topps
2010 Upper Deck

Favorite Player: Dee Gordon

I went to college at Southeastern University about 5 years before Dee Gordon did. It's weird to think that I could've sat in the same seat that he did in their chapel building and that we walked the same sidewalk. My Mom actualy works there now, so maybe I will leave her a card or two of Dee in case he ever decides to come back for some reason.

DEE GORDON CARDS I HAVE:
2008 Bowman ip autograph

2011 Bowman
2011 Bowman Bowman's Brightest
2011 Bowman Purple
2011 Topps
2012 Topps Rookie Cup
2012 Topps
2012 Topps Gold Futures
2012 Topps Chrome
2013 Topps
2015 Donruss
2015 Donruss Elite
2015 Topps Gypsy Queen
2016 Allen & Ginter jersey
2016 Donruss
2016 Finest
2016 Topps
2016 Topps AVG Leaders
2016 Topps Archives Father/Son
2016 Topps Chrome Refractor
2016 Topps Heritage
2016 Topps Heritage Then & Now
2018 Donruss
2018 Topps 1983 Topps Blue
2018 Topps Opening Day
2019 Topps
2019 Topps Archives
2019 Topps Chrome Prism Fractor
2019 Topps Chrome X-Fractor

2020 Stadium Club Chrome
2020 Topps

2020 Topps Chrome Pink Refractor

2020 Topps Chrome X-Fractor

2020 Topps Holiday

2020 Topps Stickers (back)

2021 Topps

2021 Topps Rainbow

2021 Topps Heritage

Favorite Player: Yan Gomes

I've followed Yan Gomes since he was in the minors, and saw him play a few times when he was with the Dunedin Blue Jays.

YAN GOMES CARDS I HAVE:
2010 Topps Pro Debut Blue
2015 Bowman
2015 Topps

2015 Topps photo variation 
2016 Topps
2016 Topps Gold
2016 Topps Heritage
2016 Topps Triple Threads jersey

2017 Topps
2018 Topps
2018 Topps All-Star
2019 Topps

2019 Topps Heritage
2019 Topps Update

2019 Topps Update Gold
2020 Topps

2021 Topps

2022 Topps

2022 Topps Update

Favorite Player: Derrick Gibson

Derrick Gibson was a big guy who used to play football, and who I thought would be good for 30-40 Homers per year. He didn't get much of a shot in the Majors, only playing for Colorado in 7 games in 1998, and 10 in 1999. He has a slew of cards though, and I have alot of them.

DERRICK GIBSON CARDS I HAVE:
1995 Bowman
1995 Fleer Excel
1996 Bowman Rookie of the Year Favorites
1996 Bowman's Best Previews Atomic Refractor
1996 Bowman's Best Previews Refractor
1996 Bowman's Best
1996 Bowman's Best Refractor
1996 Topps
1997 Bowman Chrome
1997 Collector's Choice
1997 Donruss
1997 Donruss Signature Series certified autograph
1997 SP Minors certified autograph
1997 SPX Great Futures
1997 Topps
1998 Bowman
1998 Donruss
1998 Donruss Signature Series Millenium Marks certified autograph
1998 E-XL Signature 2001 certified autograph
1998 Topps
1998 Topps Chrome Refractor
1999 Bowman Autographs
1999 Bowman's Best Future Foundations
1999 Skybox Thunder
1999 SP Signature Edition certified autograph
1999 Stadium Club Millenium
1999 Topps
1999 Topps Chrome
1999 Upper Deck
1999 Upper Deck MVP
1999 Upper Deck MVP certified autograph
2000 Pacific Paramount Blue
2000 SPX Radiance

Favorite Player: Joey Gathright

Joey Gathright was supposed to be faster than Carl Crawford, but never got much of an opportunity in the crowded Tampa Bay outfield. I was a fan of his back when he was a Ray, and still am now.

JOEY GATHRIGHT CARDS I HAVE:
2004 Bowman Heritage

2004 Bowman Sterling
2004 Bowman's Best
2004 Elite Extra Edition Aspirations Gold autographed
2004 SP Prospects
2004 Topps
2004 Topps Gold
2004 Ultra
2005 Bazooka
2005 Donruss certified autograph

2005 Donruss Champions Blue
2005 Donruss Diamond Kings
2005 Donruss Diamond Kings bat/jersey
2005 Topps Total
2005 Ultra
2005 Ultra Gold Medallion
2005 Upper Deck
2006 Fleer (Rays)

2006 Upper Deck

2006 Upper Deck Special Edition

2006 Upper Deck Special Edition Purple
2007 Fleer
2008 Topps Heritage
2008 Upper Deck First Pitch
2009 Topps Heritage

Favorite Player: Ryan Garko

While in Spring Training in 2006, I met Ryan Garko. He gave me one of his broken bats, and I have been a fan ever since. I have a handful of his cards, and hope to add more in the future.

RYAN GARKO CARDS I HAVE:
2005 Bowman Gold
2005 Topps
2005 Upper Deck USA certified autograph
2006 Bazooka
2006 Topps
2007 Topps
2007 Upper Deck
2008 Topps Year in Review
2008 Topps Heritage Chrome
2008 Topps Opening Day
2008 Upper Deck Timeline jersey
2009 Topps
2009 Topps 206
2009 Topps Heritage
2009 Topps Heritage Update
2009 Upper Deck First Pitch
2009 Upper Deck Signature Stars
2010 Upper Deck

Favorite Player: Karim Garcia

I always thought Karim would hit a ton of Homers in the Majors, and he did turn in some nice seasons with the Indians during the tail end of his career. He has a good number of cards since his career came right as companies put out a ton of product, and I am always happy to find new cards of his.

KARIM GARCIA CARDS I HAVE:
1994 Classic
1994 Upper Deck Minor League
1995,Signature Rookies autograph
1995 Topps
1995 Upper Deck
1995 Upper Deck Minor League
1996 Bowman's Best Atomic Refractor
1996 Bowman's Best Mirror Image Atomic Refractor
1996 Bowman's Best Mirror Image Refractor
1996 Collector's Choice Rookie Class
1996 Fleer
1996 Fleer Flair
1996 Leaf Gold Rookies
1996 Pinnacle Aficionado Global Reach
1996 Score
1996 Signature Rookies
1996 Select
1996 Topps
1996 Topps Chrome (ip auto)
1996 Upper Deck
1996 Upper Deck Ticket to Stardom
1997 Bowman Autographs (not autographed)
1997 Bowman Autographs (autographed)
1997 Bowman Rookie of the Year Favorites
1997 Bowman Chrome International Refractor
1997 Bowman's Best Previews International Atomic Refractor
1997 Bowman's Best Atomic Refractor
1997 Collector's Choice
1997 Donruss
1997 Donruss Rated Rookies
1997 Donruss Signature certified autograph
1997 Leaf
1997 Pinnacle Inside
1997 Score
1997 Select Artists Proof
1997 Topps
1997 Topps Chrome Refractor
1997 Upper Deck
1998 Bowman's Best (ip auto)
1998 Bowman's Best Refractor
1998 Circa Thunder
1998 Collector's Choice
1998 Pinnacle
1998 Pinnacle Plus
1998 Pinnacle Plus Artists Proof
1998 Score Rookie/Traded
1998 Skybox Dugout Axcess Little Dawgs
1998 Topps
1998 Topps Chrome
1999 Fleer Tradition
1999 Topps custom
1999 Upper Deck series 1
1999 Upper Deck series 2
1999 Upper Deck Victory
2003 Topps
2003 Upper Deck
2003 Upper Deck 40-Man
2004 Topps Total

Favorite Player: Peter Gammons

I've always admired Peter Gammons, and wished that he would become commissioner of MLB. He seems down to earth, and like he would do some things in the game for the fans, and not for money or the owners. There aren't too many cards of Gammons out there, but highlights of my Gammons PC include his '11 Allen & Ginter t-shirt relic card.

PETER GAMMONS CARDS I HAVE:
2011 Allen & Ginter
2011 Allen & Ginter relic

Favorite Player: Eddie Gaillard

Well, if you wondered who was the guy who had the Lakeland Tiger's single-season Saves record before Eric Dinyar broke it, it was Eddie Gaillard with 25 in 1995, the year before Dinyar had 27. Eddie went on to save 28 games in AAA Toledo in 1997, before getting called up by the Detroit Tigers that same year. He got drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the expansion draft in November 1997, and pitched with them for 2 years. He spent 2000-2004 in Japan, saving 26, 35, 29, 34, and 22 games, before getting injured and sitting out most of 2005. He attempted comebacks with the Colorado Rockies in 2005, and the Florida Marlins in 2006 before retiring.
I believe I probably saw Gaillard pitch for the Rays. I went to about 10 games during their first 2 seasons. I always thought he would save 30 games a year in the Majors, and I am happy to have some cards of him.

EDDIE GAILLARD CARDS I HAVE:
1996 Best (autographed, purchased on eBay)
1998 Topps custom
1999 Fleer Tradition

Favorite Player: Charlie Furbush

I got to see Charlie pitch for the Lakeland Tigers in 2009 and 2010. He was always nice, and signed a few cards for me. I sold off part of my collection, including the Furbush autographs in 2013, and a few years later, decided to add Charlie to my Player Collection. I only have 4 cards, but hope to add some more in the future.

CHARLIE FURBUSH CARDS I HAVE:
2009 Donruss Elite Extra Edition certified autograph
2011 Bowman
2011 Topps
2012 Topps
2014 Topps
2015 Topps
2016 Topps

Favorite Player: Sheldon Fulse

From the middle of my 2nd grade year through the middle of 5th grade, I attended Temple Christian School in Lakeland, Florida. Sheldon Fulse also went there, and was a few grades older. He was in 4th when I was in 2nd, and I have the yearbook picture to prove he went to school with me.

After getting drafted in 1999, he went on to play for 10 seasons in organized ball, making it as high as AA. He was lucky enough to get into a few card sets, and I have a few of them. At Rob Ducey's Pro Free Agent Showcase in 2010, Sheldon was there, and I got him to sign his 2001 Royal Rookies card.

SHELDON FULSE CARDS I HAVE
2001 Royal Rookies (ip auto)
2001 Royal Rookies certified autograph
2004 Bowman
2004 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor
2004 Bowman Chrome Refractor

Favorite Player: Carson Fulmer

Carson Fulmer is another guy who went to Lakeland High School, my high school. He pitched on Team USA, and made it to the Majors with the White Sox.
His 2017 Topps card is the only one I have so far, but I did get it signed through the mail this year.

CARSON FULMER CARDS I HAVE:
2015 Bowman

2015 Bowman's Best Best of 2015 Autographs

2015 Panini USA Stars and Stripes Longevity

2015 Panini USA Stars and Stripes Crusade
2016 Elite Extra Edition Future Threads jersey

2016 Elite Extra Edition Future Threads Silhouettes Duals Holo Silver jersey
2017 Bowman
2017 Bowman Platinum
2017 Topps (ttm auto)
2018 Donruss Daimond Collection jersey
2018 Topps

Favorite Player: Sam Fuld

I collect Sam Fuld for 2 reasons. The main one is that he is a Type 1 Diabetic, and he has done a great job as an ambassador for the disease, letting kids know that it doesn't have to keep them from doing what they want to do. The second is that he is a great player. He gives his all every day, and is fast, and can make any play in the field on defense. He is one of the kind of guys I would want every player on my team to be like if I were a coach.

SAM FULD CARDS I HAVE:
2002 Upper Deck Future Watch jersey

2002 Upper Deck Future Watch jersey with stripe and ip autograph
2007 Bowman Chrome
2008 Topps
2008 Topps Chrome certified autograph
2008 Upper Deck Piece of History
2011 Topps

2011 Topps Gold
2013 Topps Team Set
2014 Topps
2015 Topps
2015 Topps Pride and Perserverance

Favorite Player: Alejandro Freire

Alejandro Freire was a big power hitter. I remember in 1996 watching him play for the Kissimmee Cobras and there was just a presence around him like you didn't want to pitch to him because of his power. He got drafted by the Tigers the next year, and I got to see him play for Lakeland for a full season. He led the Florida State League in Homers in 1997 with 24, and I really didn't hear much about him after that until 2005 when he finally made it to the Majors with the Orioles.

ALEJANDRO FREIRE CARDS I HAVE:
2006 Fleer Tradition
2006 Topps '52
2006 Upper Deck Sweet Spot certified autograph

Favorite Players: Anton French

Anton French was a speedster who I got to see play for the Lakeland Tigers in 1996. He had a '96 Topps card at the time, and I really wanted to pull it so I could get it signed, but I didn't buy much of Series 2 that year and never did. I now have the card, and a '97 Classic certified autographed card. I got him to sign 2 baseballs in '96. He is on the bottom of the first one, and on the top of the second one.

ANTON FRENCH CARDS I HAVE:
1996 Topps
1997 Best certified autograph

Favorite Players: Jason Frasor

Back in 2005 when I was doing autographs through the mail, I sent a letter and some cards to Jason, and he not only signed the cards, but wrote a nice response back, so I have always been a fan of his. Besides cards, I have a batting order from the 2002 season that he is listed on in the pitcher section.

JASON FRASOR CARDS I HAVE
2004 Bowman Chrome
2004 SPx auto/jersey
2004 Topps (ttm auto)

2004 Upper Deck

2004 Upper Deck Play Ball Rookie Portfolio (certified autograph)
2005 Topps (ttm auto)
2005 Topps Heritage
2006 Topps Gold
2007 Topps
2010 Topps
2011 Topps Blue Jays Team (pictured with team)
2012 Topps
2012 Topps Gold Sparkle
2015 Topps

Favorite Players: Ben Francisco

Ben Francisco is in my Favorite Player Collection because he shares the same birthday as my wife (10-23-81). I also saw him play a bunch in Spring Training when he was with the Indians. I don't have many of his cards, but I hope to pick up an autograph the next time I'm on COMC.

BEN FRANCISCO CARDS I  HAVE:
2003 Bowman
2006 Topps '52 certified autograph
2008 Topps Heritage
2009 Upper Deck
2010 Topps
2010 Topps Heritage
2011 Topps
2013 Topps custom

Favorite Player: Rikkert Faneyte

Rikkert Faneyte played for the Giants from 1993-1995. He also was a member of the Dutch National Team. I don't have many of his cards, and I don't believe he had many made, but I hope to pick some more up the next time I place a COMC order.

RIKKERT FANEYTE CARDS I HAVE:

1993 Topps Traded custom

1994 Bowman

1994 Collector's Choice

1994 Topps

1994 Topps Gold

1995 Pinnacle

1995 Pinnacle Museum Collection

1995 Score Platinum Team Edition

1995 Signature Rookies certified autograph

Favorite Players: Scott Elarton

Scott Elarton had a dominating 2000, posting a 17-7 record. I always figured he would keep up those stats, but injuries, and pitching in Colorado didn't help that. When I started getting autographs through the mail, he was the first one 1 got back, so that is also a reason I collect him.

SCOTT ELARTON CARDS I HAVE:
1995 Classic 4 Sport
1995 Topps
1997 Bowman Chrome
1998 Upper Deck
1999 Topps
1999 Upper Deck
2001 Fleer Triple Crown
2001 Topps (ttm auto)
2001 Topps Opening Day (ttm auto)
2001 Upper Deck Victory (ttm auto)
2001 Upper Deck Victory Team Leaders
2005 Topps Total (ttm auto)

Favorite Players: Robert Eenhoorn

Robert Eenhoorn was part of the Dutch National Team, and also played in the Majors from 1994-1997. He was part of the 1996 New York Yankees World Championship team.  There aren't many cards of him to collect, and I have 2 of his bigger issues, 1991 Bowman and 1991 Upper Deck Final Edition.

ROBERT EENHOORN CARDS I HAVE:
1991 Bowman
1991 Upper Deck
1994 Upper Deck Diamond Debuts Electric Diamond
1995 Donruss Gold Press Proofs
1995 Pinnacle
1995 Pinnacle Museum Collection
1995 Score
1995 Score Platinum Team Edition
1996 Upper Deck Global Impact

Favorite Players: Rob Ducey

In 2010, Rob Ducey had a great idea to hold a free-agent showcase, where minor league free agents could come together in Florida and show off their skills. There would be scouts in attendance, as well as former Major Leaguers as coaches to help run the process. The event happened shortly before Spring Training, and somehow didn't generate enough interest to continue happening. I thought it was a great idea, and wished it had. The event had a website (since removed) where you could contact Rob if you were a player interested in attending. I contacted him and asked him if it was ok to come and try to get autographs of him, some players, and coaches. He responded to my e-mail very quickly and gave me the ok. I arrived at the park, and he immediately came up to me and signed a card and I thanked him for how fast he responded and for letting me come. Later, I remember him going outside of the stadium to retrieve a foul ball hit down the right field side, and the coaches kidding him for being cheap and getting the ball. Towards the end of the event, he came up to me and asked me if I was hungry. They had apparently got some catered BBQ for the event and the players were done and he wanted to make sure I got something to eat. I will never forget how nice Rob was. He is now coaching in the minors for Clearwater, and I hope to make it to Daytona to see him again.

ROB DUCEY CARDS I HAVE:
1987 Donruss Highlights
1988 Fleer
1989 Topps
1990 Topps
1990 Upper Deck
1991 Score
1991 Topps
1992 Donruss
1992 Topps (ip auto)
1992 Topps Gold Winners
1993 Topps
1993 Topps Gold
1994 Topps Team Stadium Club 1st Day Issue
1994 Topps
1994 Topps Gold
1998 Topps custom
2002 Topps custom

Favorite Players: Darren Dreifort

When Darren Dreifort got drafted, I always thought that LA would make him a closer. They never did, and he became a decent starter, but I figured he would be saving 30+ games a year with them.

DARREN DREIFORT CARDS I HAVE:
1991 Topps Traded

1992 Topps Traded
1992 Topps Traded Gold
1994 Pinnacle
1995 Collector's Choice Silver Signature (autographed, purchased at show)
1995 Leaf Gold Leaf Rookies
1995 Score
1995 Ultra
1995 Upper Deck
1997 Pinnacle
1997 Score
1997 Ultra
1998 Upper Deck
1999 Skybox Thunder
1999 Stadium Club
2000 Skybox Impact
2000 Topps
2000 Upper Deck Victory
2001 Pacific Private Stock game-used bat
2001 SP Chirography authentic autograph
2001 Topps
2001 Topps Opening Day
2001 Upper Deck
2001 Upper Deck MVP
2001 Upper Deck Victory
2002 Topps
2003 Fleer Tradition
2003 Topps
2003 Topps Total
2003 Upper Deck
2003 Upper Deck 40-Man
2004 Topps
2005 Topps