Rey Maualuga

Maualuga is another very easy one to get, he is very fan friendly. I have gotten him at least 8 times, and cant even find a picture of everything.
Along with the pictures I've also gotten 2 more jerseys, possibly another 8x10 and another card or 2. (I also have my 2009 AFC North champs sign and reusable shopping bag with him.)

Maualuga Jersey

Maualuga 8x10 and 2009 Score Rookie

Jay Bruce

As stated in a previous post, Jay Bruce was at the signing I attended that sparked my interest in collecting.
Also one of my favorite cards (due to the picture and the fact I was there to see it) is a Jay Bruce card.
Jay Bruce is hard to get at RedsFest due to his popularity, (His monster first few game winning AB's have something to do with that) but he's fairly easy at public appearances. (One day he even came to my downtown work place and got Chick-Fil-A).



Bruce 8x10

  



Bruce 09 SGA Kahn's card



Jay Bruce ball

This is my favorite card, it pictures Jay after he hit the walk off HR vs Houston to clinch the Central Division in 2010.





Jay Bruce 2011 Topps



I still have a very sweet card I will try to get signed at Redsfest this year ((Upper Deck Masterpiece Rookie) it looks like a canvas painting)

Johnny Bench (Reds HOF exibit) Bobbleheads

 The Reds HOF had an exibit feature the greatest catcher ever, Johnny Bench. Each month of the exibit they gave out a bobblehead. They are pretty cool the first 2 are him abtting and throiwing out a base runner (as he was known to do). The last 3 are even cooler number 3 is his wheates box, 4 is him holding 7 baseballs (showing off his big hands), and 5 is his Johnny Bench Night Sports News Magazine.
(I also have the first ever SGA bobblehead from Riverfront which was Johnny Bench, not pictured here)

Bench Bobbleheads 1-5

Jimmer Fredette

Jimmer was a star that took BYU farther than they ever had (in the NCAA tourny) with his long range shooting ability. Mormons loved him! (teach me how to Jimmer). He was aelected in 2012 by the Kings, and that was lockout year so his first full season (rookie season) was officially 2013.

As you can see in the picture sometimes the stars show gratitude of you writing them. Adds to the personlization and personal value.



Jimmer 2013 Panini Prestige Rookie





Joe Dumars

Joe Dumars played for Detroit in the Bad Boys Era.
He now has a higher position for the team and has lead the team to a title in 04 vs the "HOF" Lakers.
He is one of my favorite to send TTM to, he has signed everything and I thank him for it. I have also received GREAT fan pakcs from the Pistons. I have sent him 5 cards and the base of my Mcfarlane figure (my first one and first non-photo/notecard/card/post card success)



Dumars Mcfarlane figure base, 1997 UD, 1991 UD, 2010 Panini, 2010 Panini Rookies and Stars (Limited Gold/Holographic), 2010 Donruss Jersey King (Limited Ruby)



Reds SGA 2011 Gold Glovers

In 2011 the Reds SGA cards got a little cooler, the award winners the year before got a little special recognition. 2010 MVP Joey Votto had a silver holographic background, and Scott Rolen, Brandon Phillips, and Bronson Arroyo all had Gold holographic backgrounds for their 2010 Gold Glove honors.
I also got cool picture of the 3 gold glovers (which Rolen retired, and Arroyo is on his way out now so will never be completed).
I tried soo hard to get these signed. I have yet to get the MVP Votto but the Gold Glovers are done and each has a unique story.

Brandon Phillips was the 1st one I got, and actually I didnt get it. I was in The Netherlands on summer vaca, so my brother got it. He waited in a line forever long at a Cincinnati Bell store. This is the first Brandon Phillips auto I ever got.

BP signed GG


Scott Rolen was the next one to be completed. Rolen was very hard to obtain with crazy lines at Redsfest every year and ZERO public appearances I waited a long time for this one. My boss' brother had season tickets through his work and I was given the pair for this game. I was able to get in the stadium 2 hours early and that's the only reason I got it. I called him when he walked by and he waved, then on his way back 3 girls stopped him and I frantically ran over and made him stop for me before running off. That's the onlt opportunity I had to get Rolen and the only time I've been able to use season ticket 2 hr. early admission.

Rolen signed GG

Bronson Arroyo was the hardest to get, he only signs for kids at Redsfest (which I'm fully OK with) or for adults he'll sign his CD if you buy it for $10. He also had ZERO public appearances. So the challange was on. I found out his hair dresser was a cousin of a friend of mine (same friend who introduced me to Curtis Granderson's uncle). She did his hair once or twice a month. She said he would definitely sign a card for me.

Arroyo signed GG

It took 2 years but I got the Gold Glove set signed. They still do this for today's SGA cards and Silver Sluggers get some kind of recognition too. I haven't been able to get a SGA set since this one because they only give them to kids 14 and under now and they sell for $20+, when everyone got them they were $5 or less.

Anderson Varejao surprise success

 This is one of the best successes a fan could get. I sent a topps card to Anderson Varejao and received this 8x10 with an awesome personalized inscription in its place. And for that this is one of my favorites.

Varejao 8x10 signed to Tyler All the best for you...
GO CAVS!

Maria Sharapova

I will start out by saying I share the same birthday as Maria April 19.
A few years back I sent an email to Maria Sharapova's sponsor and I received a HUGE yellow envelope with a double sided picture (unfortunately a little bent with no crease) one side with 4 pics of her holding 4 tennis trophies (presumably grandslam?) and the other side signed in silver paint pen aome kind of fasion looking photo. It also has a little booklet with a daisy which she signed the back cover of. I have looked through the booklet a few times but I think its a catalog thing because I never actually remember what it is.
Maria was my 2nd and last non-fan pack email success. Also my 2nd and last international TTM autograph.


Sharapova signed photo and booklet



Kim Clijsters

A few years ago I sent an email to Kim Clijsters agent/sponser, and after about 3 weeks I received a letter from Belgium. Kim sent me 2 signed postcards. Kim Clijsters is a tennis player and had just come off a big tournament victory at the time.
This is the first international and first non-fan pack success I had gotten.

Clijsters signed family portrait and champ photo

2010 Netherlands World Cup Soccer

In 2010 I went to The Netherlands for the first time to learn about where my Opa grew up. My 2nd night there was the World Cup Final Netherlands vs Spain (which I am still very bitter of the poor offiating). The Netherlands lost 1-0 (their 3rd loss in 3 appearances in the Final), it was a heart breaker because they were undefeated through all the qualifiers and group stage and so on matches if I remember correctly.
After I got home I did something I usually don't do, I bought some autographs off ebay.\
I bought a 12x8 Wesley Sneijder, and Topps match Attax (i thick thats what they're called) Dirk Kuyt, Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben, And Giovanni Van Bronckhorst. The Sneijder came with a COA from a company I've never heard of, so the authenticity of these is unknown but I still really enjoy having them.
(Sorry for the poor pictures.)

12x8 Wesley Sneijder

Match Attax Topps Kuyt, Robben, Van Bronckhorst, and Van Persie (holograophic)

The autographs that started the chasing

As I have mentioned in a past post or 2, I used to go to A LOT of Reds games as a kid. When we got there early enough we would wait at the wall for autographs (back then only the bullpen pitchers signed to my knowledge). I used to get a ball or ticket signed most of the time. In his last game I got Barry Larkin on a hat (with some other players too, tune in to a future post for that). But as I got older my autograph chasing died.
But one morning on the news I heard that 4 Reds were collecting e-waste at my neighborhood Krogers.
I drove on over with only a Reds mini helmet, but I met some other people and bought the Kahns cards they hand out at the stadium ((step 1 of the regaining interest) I later found the guy I bought them from to work at my favorite card shop). The players collecting e-waste were Drew Stubbs (card was not in that years set), Micah Owings, Jay Bruce, and Chris Dickerson. After getting cards signed I saw how easy it was to remember which signature was which. I also got to chat with the players a bit.
This experience may single handedly be what drove me to start being to collector I am today!

2009 Kahn's SGA Bruce, Dickerson, and Owings

My many encounters with Leon Hall

Leon Hall was the Bengals first round draft pick in 2007. He has been our best man coverage corner since then. The past 2 years he has missed a lot of time to injury, and it shows in our coverage.
I have met Leon at least 5 times since 2007 and can't even find all my signed items.


Me and Leon Hall



Leon Hall 8x10 and 2010 Score



Leon Hall 8x10, 2007 Rookie Topps and 2008 Topps



Leon Hall jersey (front and back)

Reds retired numbers and World Series pins sets

When I was a kid going to Reds games at Cinery/Riverfront Stadium was the thing to do. We went at least once a week. We sat in the same area of nose bleed seats everytime. I became frinds with the guy at the consession stand. One of the best things I remember about that stadium was the retired numbers display they had. They also had a pin set availabler for them. I wanted it so bad and saved up (for a really long time (I was too young to work yet)). I bought it about the last week of Riverfrant's existence. There have been even more =numbers retired since the set was released.

A few years ago I was at GABP and a new set with pins for each World Series victory was available, I picked that up right away.

The sets say #/2500 and #/1500 but I know they were only on the shelves a limited time and IDK if they sold all of them.



World Series pins /1500 Retired Numbers pins /2500



Ken Griffey 500th HR comemorative ball

On June 20, 2004 Ken Griffey Jr. joined the ranks of some of the greatest hitting his 500th HR in St. Louis on Father's Day with his dad in attendance. after the Reds retruned from the road trip GABP had a poster handout (I'm sure I have the poster somewhere) and for the first 500 to run to a stand a limited edition ball. I thought the ball was a handout to the first 500, until later I asked someone who had one. I went to every stand in the park and finally found one at the last stand to check and it was the last one! (I bought the last available ball in the park!)

Griffey Jr. comemorative 500th HR ball.

AJ Green

AJ Green was the Bengals first round draft pick in 2011 and he has been a beast since he stepped on the field for us. I believe with a more accurate QB he would be even better, and he does all this without a legitimate 2nd WR as well.
He has had a few signings dince he was drafted, I have gotten his signature at 3. My mom went to his draft day signing the day after we drafted him. I was at Bengals Nation (Dalton was there too). My mom was also at his rookie signing.


 

Green 8x10



Green 2011 Score Rookie

Green signed mini Bengals autoball

Todd Frazier

In 2011 Todd Frazier was a backing up Rolen at 3rd and becoming a fan favorite. Now a days Frazier is our every day 3rd basemen. He is easily recognizable when approaching the plate because his music is Frank Sinatra, It's AWESOME!
In 2011 I met him at a WEBN autograph signing. This year someone I know had lunch with him a few times and asked him to sign a card for me, that day happened to be his bobblehead night at the game (they picked that up for me too).





Todd Frazier signed notecard and ball





 





Todd Frazier signed 2011 Topps Rookie and bobblehead









Met Chris "Drama" Pfaff

In Sept. 2010 a newer store that sells custom shirts and old school skater type clothing hosted a signing with Chris "Drama" Pfaff. I am a HUGE Rob & Big fan so I took my cover of Season 2&3 DvD set with Drama and bought a Young & Reckless (Drama's clothing line) to get signed.  At the time of this signing Rob & Big was finished and Fantasy Factory was starting. I asked Drama about Big and he said he was in Texas. (Now Big is also staring on Fantasy Factory with the old gang.)

Me and Drama



Signed Rob & Big DvD set cover



Signed UnHeardOf brand Y&R shirt




















At the time of this signing Rob & Big was finished and Fantasy Factory was starting. I asked Drama about Big and he said he was in Texas. (Now Big is also staring on Fantasy Factory with the old gang.)

Met Alfonso Soriano and Starlin Castro

In Sept. 2011 the Cubs came to Cincinnati for a series vs the Reds. I happened to see Soriano at T-Mobile and recognized him because he had a translator. I asked for an autograph or picture but I didn't know who he was so they said no and rushed out. I quickly ran to the computer and researched, finding that it was indeed Alfonso Soriano. The next day I was ready and when I received that he came back I ran to the foodcourt and found Soriano, his translator, and another person at Sakio Japan restaurant. I asked the translator if I could get an autograph and he told me to ask Soriano. Soriano smiled and said sure as I was asking for a picture the translator asked if I knew thew other guy with them. To my surprise it was Starlin Castro, he also signed a notecard and took a picture with me. I found that Sakio was their favorite restuarant to visit while in town, and met them a few more times while the Cubs were in town. The autographs I aquired from these encounters are in my post autograph hunting at work.
Another cool note about these pictures is my future wife is in the background, you can see her to the left of me in my pic with Soriano and her elbow in my pic with Castro.

Me and AllStar Left Fielder Alfonso Soriano

Me and Allstar Second Basemen Starlin Castro

Tyler Eifert (finally met him)

On Oct. 27 the Bengals blew the Jets out of Cincy 49-9. Just yesterday I posted the Eifert signatures that I have had people get because I haven't had a chance to go and meet him. Well while I was at work the night after the game, I had my chance.

Apparently he's a Red Sox fan (and they won game 4 that night)

Tyler Eifert

Tyler Eifert has had 4 signings and I have yet to be able to meet him. I have had people go for me to 2 of them. Eifert had a signing the day after draft day, He has been on 2 radio show signing days and he had his rookie signing with Sanzenbacher on Oct. 26.
Eifert is a rising star for the Bengals offense this year. He was our number 1 draft pick to help us add a double TE set to our offense.

Eifert signed retro mini helmet, signed at draft pick signing

Eifert personalized signed football penant, signed at draft day signing

Tyler Eifert 2013 Bowman Rookie, signed at rookie signing

Reds HOF fan appreciation day

October 26 the Reds HOF had fan appreciation day with raffle prizes, autograph appearances, half price ball park tours, and lots of Halloween things for kids.

Among Reds signing were Jim O'Toole, Joe Price, Leo "Chico" Cardenas, and Tommy Helms.

I already have O'Toole and Cardenas so I had someone go through for Price and Helms for me, He also  got a free 2013 Reds HOF members poster and had O'Toole sign that.

Joe Price 1987 Topps

Tommy Helms 1969 Topps

Danny Tartabull through the mail

On 10/24/13 I received this Danny Tartabull card back. It was my longest wait for awhile, about 75 days. Tartabull was an All-Star in 91 and had a few good season for the Royals, and he also appeared on Seinfeld. He is also known for his public criticism of the Yankees ownership after being traded.
Danny Tartabull is one I wanted due to a childhood friend always beating me with him and Griffey Jr. in video games.

Danny Tartabull 1987 Donruss

Peyton Manning through the mail 2013 edition

About a month ago I sent a card to Peyton and today I received it back. This is the 3rd time I have had a success from Manning. This card is Topps 2013 and with the year he is having, Super Bowl or not, this is an instant gem. He is on pace to break records and is proving the decision Indy made to be probably the worst of the franchise history. 

Sending this card was a little shot in the dark, but i took a chance and man it was a rewarding one.

2013 Topps 2012 AllPro Peyton Manning

T.Y. Hilton through the mail

Today I received back the 3 cards I sent to T.Y. Hilton through the mail about 40 days ago. He is quickly becoming a star and fan favorite in Indy.

T.Y. Hilton 2013 Bowman and 2 2012 Hit Rookie cards

Reds Crosley Terrace replica statues

In 2013 the Reds HOF gave away mini replicas of the 6 bronze statues they have out front GABP in Crosley Terrace. Ernie Lombardi, Joe Nuxhall, Frank Robinson, Ted Kluszewski, Johnny Bench and the newly unvailed Joe Morgan. The of the statues Morgan is right out front stealing 2nd base (which would be in the middle of 2nd St.), Kluszewski is in an on deck position with 3 bats over his shoulder, Robinson is swinging at a pitch from Nuxhall to Lombardi, and Bench is in front of the HOF entrance throwing out a baserunner somewhere near the Holy Grail Bar across the street.

Ernie Lombardi, Joe Nuxhall, Frank Robinson, Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench

Jordy Nelson through the mail

I sent Jordy Nelson a card and about 40 days later I got it back signed

Jordy Nelson 2012 Topps

Gio Bernard and Rex Burkhead

Gio is a super star rookie with awesome talent at the HB position for the bengals this year. He shows power, finesse, 3rd down or all down abilities. He has great hands to catch passes out of the backfield and has great open field speed. He currently is splitting snaps and taking less behind BJGE who is having a good year himself, but looks to be the future number one back for the bengals.

Action Photo of Gio's acrobatic diving TD vs GB

Burkhead has yet to take a snap in the regular season but showed enough potential in his opportunities in the preseason to make the cut. He is also known for his make a wish contribution to a young boy who was diagnosed with cancer who visited Rex and scores a TD during a scrimmage.


Rex Burkhead 2013 Bowman Rookie

Joe Morgan 1976 Topps

On 9/26 a  HOFer were signing at The Sports Gallery in West Chester. Big Red Machine 2nd Baseman Joe Morgan HOF '90 has had a lot of exciting celebrations these past few weeks with his statue dedication and all the other Big Red Machine Reunion events a few weeks ago.

1976 Topps Joe Morgan

This card makes me 1 closer to completing the set, leaving only Johnny Bench left to get.

In the past I tried to get Joe at the Octoberfest chicken dance and he was a jerk to me. Saying there were too many people and I was the only one looking for a signature

Michael Johnson

After the W over Green Bay yesterday the Bengals Line Radio Show for ESPN 1530 am had guest star Michael  Johnson signing. Johnson is in the last year of his contract, due to complications in negotiations he may not be back next year.

Michael Johnson 2009 Upper Deck Rookie Draft Edition

I also got him his rookie year at his rookie signing at the proshop

Micheal Johnson 8x10