Category: Autographs

Jose Abreu Private Signing

BM Authentics recently held a private signing with Jose Abreu. This was Abreu’s first signing in quite some time. It was a pretty expensive signing, but I was still excited to send in a few items. I sent in 5 cards and a jersey.

Some of the items turned out great. Unfortunately, some of the items turned out less than great. As you can see in the pictures (click the images to see the full size image), two of the Allen & Ginter cards bubbled fairly badly. The third A&G also bubbled slightly, but it isn’t very noticeable.

I contacted the promoter, but unfortunately they were not willing to do anything. The owner of BM Authentics proved to be very difficult to deal with, so I doubt I’ll be doing further business with them, and I wouldn’t recommend them to anyone else either.

Luckily, the jersey turned out well. The two rookie refractors turned out nicely, though the Topps is too dark for the signature to stand out.

I’m pretty happy to add most of these to the collection. Other than the two $100 (each!) busts, of course.

   

   

Paul Konerko Private Signing

Big T Authentics, AKA Jackson Traylor, recently had another private signing with Paul Konerko. Paulie isn’t an especially cheap signing, so I typically only get 1-2 things signed when he does one. That was the case here.

As you can see, I completed what is now one of my favorite multi-player cards. I also got a 2002 All-Star baseball with inscription. I’m thrilled to add these to the collection!

   

Sases for Sox: Lance Broadway

Lance pitched in parts of three seasons with the Sox from 2007-09. He didn’t have much success overall, but did pitch well in the only two starts of his career. He combined for 11.1 innings with 9 strikeouts and only 2 runs allowed.

After his playing career ended, he gave acting a try. He had small roles in several shows and movies from 2011-17, including Olympus Has Fallen and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Lance has a beautiful autograph, so I’m very happy to knock off his 2008 UD card for my project. I only sent one card, because he is known for keeping or switching out cards. I really wanted the UD card signed, so I didn’t want to take any chances. Thanks Mr. Broadway!

Send Date: 9/21/21
Receive Date: 10/16/21
Total Days: 25
Items Sent: 1 Card
Items Received: 1 Card
Pen Used: Blue Sharpie

Sases for Sox: Britt Burns

Britt Burns was a mainstay of the White Sox rotation from 1980-1985. He took a hard luck loss in the final game of the 1983 ALCS against the Orioles. He pitched 9 shutout innings, but gave up the game winning home run in the 10th inning. His career ended after a very good 1985 season, due to a chronic hip injury. He won 18 games in his final season, one of only 3 pitchers ever to do so. The others are just a couple of guys named Sandy Koufax and Mike Mussina.

After his playing days ended, Burns had a long career as a minor league pitching coach. He coached in the Marlins, Tigers, Astros, and White Sox minor league systems. He always seemed a bit cranky during his coaching days, so I was very happy when I saw that he was signing his mail for a very reasonable $5 per item. I might have to pick up a 1981 All-Star baseball for him to sign. Thanks for the autographs Mr. Burns!

Send Date: 10/1/21
Receive Date: 10/16/21
Total Days: 15
Items Sent: 4 Cards
Items Received: 4 Cards
Fee: $5 per card
Pen Used: Blue Sharpie

   

   

Sases for Sox: Harold Baines

FI think I’m the only White Sox fan on the planet that doesn’t love Harold Baines. I was actually disappointed when he was elected to the Hall of Fame. He had a very nice career, but c’mon, he was NOT a Hall of Famer. If I could replace him with Dick Allen, or Billy Pierce, or even guys like Wilbur Wood and Robin Ventura, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Harold never seemed very fan-friendly when I met him. You can’t blame it on a bad day either, as I have met him several times, and he was the exact same every time.

He has also been very hit or miss TTM. Sometimes he signs an item for $20, sometimes he returns the unsigned item and money in your SASE. Sometimes he’ll do an inscription, sometimes he won’t. I decided to take a chance with $20 and a 2021 Allen & Ginter card. He signed it very quickly for me. Thanks Mr. Baines!

Send Date: 10/1/21
Receive Date: 10/9/21
Total Days: 8
Items Sent: 1 Card
Items Received: 1 Card
Fee: $20
Pen Used: Blue Sharpie

Sases for Sox: Ron Lolich

Ron Lolich only played in 2 games for the Sox before moving on to the Indians for the final 2 seasons of his MLB career. Ron is Mickey Lolich’s cousin. Ron faced his cousin twice, going 2 for 6 with a double. Lolich only hit 4 big league home runs, but one of them was a game winning grand slam in the 11th inning, in a game his team was trailing by 3 runs. Not bad!

Dave Lemonds signed this card for me TTM a couple of weeks ago. I’m very happy to complete it so quickly. Thanks Ron!

Send Date: 10/1/21
Receive Date: 10/9/21
Total Days: 8
Items Sent: 1 Card
Items Received: 1 Card
Pen Used: Blue Ballpoint/Gel Pen

Sases for Sox: Sparky Lyle

Sparky Lyle was one of the best relief pitchers of the 1970s. His most famous seasons came with the New York Yankees, including his Cy Young winning season in 1977. But he also had some excellent years for the Red Sox before ever played in New York. However, he finished his career with 11 games pitched for the White Sox in 1982.

For somebody that was a high profile Yankee, I’m shocked he only charges $5 for an autograph through the mail. I sent him his two White Sox Topps cards, as well as his 1969 Topps rookie card. He signed all three beautifully in blue sharpie. Thanks Mr. Lyle!

Send Date: 10/1/21
Receive Date: 10/8/21
Total Days: 7
Items Sent: 3 Cards
Items Received: 3 Cards
Fee: $5 per card
Pen Used: Blue Sharpie

   

Sases for Sox: Floyd Robinson

Floyd Robinson played for 4 teams during his 9 year Major League career, but all of his best seasons came with the ChiSox. He was one of the best offensive players on some excellent 1960s teams. His 1962 season was especially impressive. He slashed .312/.384/.475, which was good for a 131 OPS+. He also led the league that year in doubles with 45.

Robinson signs mail for a very reasonable $5 an item. So I sent him 4 cards, as well as a new blue sharpie. Unfortunately, he signed my cards with what appears to be a black ballpoint or gel pen. He did include an extra 1964 Topps, which is much appreciated. I’m not going to complain about the pen choice when his price is so reasonable. Thanks Mr. Robinson!

Send Date: 8/23/21
Receive Date: 10/7/21
Total Days: 45
Items Sent: 4 Cards
Items Received: 5 Cards
Fee: $5 per card ($20 total)
Pen Used: Black Ballpoint

   

   

Sases for Sox: Tony La Russa

I’m not going to lie. I was very unhappy when the Sox announced Tony La Russa as their new manager. And I think I was right to be unhappy, particularly in the first half of the season. He made so many mistakes, and completely threw one of his players (Yermin) under the bus. He was a bit better in the second half, but I can only imagine how good this team might have been with somebody like A.J. Hinch as manager. Oh well, I can only hope we have a new and improved manager next season.

With all that being said, La Russa is a Hall of Famer, and deservedly so. I’m certainly not going to pass up an opportunity to get his autograph, especially for free! So I send him his 2021 Topps Now card. I think it turned out pretty well. Thanks Mr. La Russa!

Send Date: 9/20/21
Receive Date: 10/6/21
Total Days: 16
Items Sent: 1 Card
Items Received: 1 Card
Pen Used: Blue Sharpie