Being a Christian myself, I can personally testify that becoming a Christian doesn't make a person perfect in a sinless way. Anyone that accepts Jesus Christ as their Saviour still have struggles and battles with sin and different things. The difference is that Jesus paid for the penalty of that sin on the cross. He was able to do that because He is perfect and that sacrifice paid a ransom for anyone willing to accept that pardon. We may not be perfect, but God looks at us like we are perfect because our record is wiped clean! A true Christian may not be perfect or sinless, but that repentant heart is a changed heart that strives to be the kind of person God wants us to be, even though I fail miserably at it sometimes.
Up next is a really tough modern one. This is a 2013 Topps Yadier Molina. He is a tough and expensive modern signature. It is really tough to find specific Topps base cards of his. Got this one from my main source via Ebay. Glad to get this one!
Up next is a 2015 Topps Cardinals team card signed by Manager Mike Matheny. I had sent one of these cards to GM John Mozeliak and one to Owner Bill DeWitt, Jr back several months ago, but they have not been returned. So, I decided to get this one.
Here is a very tough one. This is a 2019 Topps Update Paul Goldschmidt. To find a regular Topps card by some modern players is very tough, unlike pack inserted non base cards. However, I had to settle for one with a Topps Archives Signature Series stamp from 2023. It is a real 2019 Topps Update base card buyback with a gold stamp on it. I have a few of these now. I have made exceptions on these because they are indeed the real card. This is numbered 22/30.
Up next is a guy that was pretty decent at baseball. Here is a 2005 Topps Albert Pujols authenticated by Beckett. I am obviously working on getting them all. For regular base Topps, I still need 2006, 2008, and 2009, plus a bunch of the many league leaders, all star cards, etc.
Being this is one of his MVP years, this one is a key card to get. Glad to have it!
Here is a 1982 Topps Darrell Porter and a 1982 Topps Darrell Porter In Action. I have been looking for these 2 cards for a very long time. I was able to snag these from an autograph collector over at SCN who got these TTM years ago. So glad to get these for a very good price. Mr Porter passed away in 2002.
Mr Porter signed a Bible passage below as was his custom. He signed both of the with the inscription of Proverbs 3:5-6 which says - Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. This happens to be one of my favorite passages in the entire Bible. Sometimes we don't understand what happens in life and we want to lean on our own understanding. But if we will just acknowledge the LORD in the different areas of our lives and look to Him, He will guide us and direct our paths.
Up next is a 1979 Topps Roger Freed. Mr Freed passed away in 1996. The signature is a little smeared, but I have been looking for this one for a while and it will do. This completes my 1979 Topps Cardinals team set. There is a Rogers Hornsby all time records card in this team set, but it is impossible because he passed away in 1963.
Up next is a 2016 Topps team card signed by manager Mike Matheny. I had sent one to owner Bill DeWitt, Jr and another one to GM John Mozeliak, but no returns yet. I got this from a longtime source on Ebay.
Up next is a tougher one than you might think. Here is a 2012 Topps Update Carlos Beltran All Star. This was obtained in person from a reputable Ebay seller.
Here is another one that has alluded me for many years. I was finally able to snag one. This is a 1966 Topps NL SO League Leaders card signed by Bob Gibson. In my experience, league leaders cards are some of the hardest to find. Since his passing in 2020, his autographs have gone very high. I was glad to get this one for what I paid for it.
Up next is another very tough one that I have been looking for for a very long time. At this point, I could say this about every single post!
Here is a 1981 Topps Traded Darrel Porter. He passed away in 2002. His inscription is a verse of scripture from Romans 10:9 that says - That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. He also personalized it so some guy named Walter. I'm glad Walter didn't think enough of it to keep it!
This card completes my 1981 Topps Cardinals team set signed. This totally completes 1970 through 1991.
The total of Topps Cardinals signatures goes to 2,299.
Here is another very tough league leader card. I got this one from the same seller as the 1966. This is a 1967 Topps PItching Wins NL League Leaders signed by Bob Gibson. This one is JSA authenticated as well as the 1966 that I posted recently. Now, I just lack one card finishing 1967, which is a very tough Ron Willis who died in 1977.
@GDM67 said:
That is one of the very coolest cards in Topps history and this example is that much cooler with Hoot's signature.
I actually learned something.... I did not know that Bob Gibson's nickname was "Hoot". I had to look it up just now. At first I thought, "what is he talking about?" LOL!
This next post requires a little explanation and back story.
If you keep up with this thread, you know that my goal is always to collect authentically signed Topps Cardinals cards to try to get the entire run from 1952 to 2019. I will eventually go forward from 2020 and onward.
I have always had some self imposed rules that I go by. For instance, I will absolutely have no reprints substituting for the real card. Also, if the signature is not officially authenticated, I will only buy from sellers that I am comfortable with and then I will only accept it after I do the research on EVERY single autograph to make sure I am comfortable with the authenticity. I have returned some purchases on a few occasions, but that's ok. I have also replaced a few cards that I was comfortable with at first and after further research I rejected in my collection and then replaced. For instance, there were 2 different players by the name of Bob Miller for the Cardinals. One had a card in 1959 that never even played for the Cardinals because he retired, but still had a 1959 Topps card featured as a Cardinal. Then, there was a younger Bob Miller that had cards in 1960 and 1961. I had a suspicion about my 1961 Topps Bob Miller that it was signed by the older Bob Miller from the 1959 card. Even though their signatures had some similarities, I studied them enough to be able to tell the difference. I was able to find the correct 1961 Topps Bob Miller. I promise I'm going somewhere with all of this.
Even though I have had some hard rules that are fixed in stone for my collection, I have made a few allowances for certain situations. One of them was resigning myself to accepting Topps Archives Signature Series cards. I have about 3 or 4 of those. These are actual original cards that were "buybacks" from Topps that were signed and they put a gold stamp on the card the year it was signed. A 2019 Topps Update Paul Goldschmidt comes to mind. That is one change that I made an allowance for because it is a real card and not a reprint. Basically, it just means that Topps bought it back, witnessed the player signing it, and then stamped it for authentication purposes. I have been totally fine with that ever since.
Another allowance I have made comes in regards to a 2014 Topps Update Oscar Taveras. Oscar Taveras was a very hot prospect in the Cardinals minor league system and got called up in 2014. Shortly after the Giants eliminated the Cardinals in the playoffs, Taveras went back home to the Dominican Republic and was killed in a car crash.
Here is the timeline -
The 2014 Topps Update Set was released on October 15, 2014.
The Cardinals were eliminated from the playoffs the next day on October 16, 2014.
Taveras was killed on October 26, 2014 in the D.R.
That leaves an 11 day window for his regular card (#US175) and/or his rookie debut card (#US113) to have been signed. It is possible, but highly doubtful that any were signed because he was on his way home in the Dominican Republic within a couple of days.
The Cardinals were eliminated at AT&T park in San Francisco. Taveras was in St Louis the next day to pick up his belongings before heading back to the D.R. While he was in St Louis picking up his things, a collector held a private signing. Among the items he signed was a sheet of clear stickers. I was able to purchase 2 of these clear stickers and affix them to the 2 Topps Update cards. Ten days after signing these stickers, he was dead. To see pictures of this, it was posted on 7/30/2022 in this thread.
This is the part that I wanted to get to. As you know, 1952 Topps high numbers are hard to come by even unsigned. To find them signed is very, very difficult. The St Louis Cardinals have 4 high numbers in the team set - Wilmer Mizell (died 1999), Les Fusselman (died 1970), Eddie Yuhas (died 1986), and Hal Rice (died 1997). The only one I have been able to come up with is Wilmer Mizell. It was signed in red ink, but the border was totally trimmed off. The seller was selling a bunch of these signed trimmed 1952s. Anyway, in order for it to look right in my album, I took a "donor" 1952 Topps card and made a decent looking border for the card. I am much more pleased with it than if it was just trimmed. Most importantly, it is a signed 1952 Topps Wilmer Mizell high number. One down....three to go.
If you look at the PSA/DNA population report, the Mizell shows 5 authenticated, the Fusselman shows 1, the Yuhas shows 1, and the Rice shows 4. Needless to say, these things are VERY difficult to find, especially the Fusselman since he passed away in 1970. You have a very rare card and an even rarer signature. To find the combination is almost impossible. So, I had an idea......
I had an extra low grade 1952 Topps Les Fusselman (in addition to my unsigned, regular team set version). I was able to find a JSA authenticated index card signed by Mr Fusselman. I was able to acquire it with this specific idea in mind. I think you know where this is going.....a cut signature version.
Some people may think this was silly. Some may think I am sort of cheating. Some may think this is horrible. Some may think I ruined a perfectly good card. Think what you want to think. This is my collection, and I enjoyed the process. Most importantly, I liked the outcome. This card will certainly do until I can find one signed that Mr Fusselman actually held in his hand.
So, yes.....in situations like this I am making an exception. There are only a few that I will make this exception for. I am in search of an extra 1952 Topps Hal Rice. I already have the autograph in my possession on a piece of paper.
Anyway, here is a 1952 Topps Les Fusselman high number with a cut signature. Since he passed away in 1970, this is one of the toughest, if not THE toughest in the entire 1952 Topps set.
This one raises the total to 2,301.
Fronts before procedure:
Backs before procedure:
Finished product: I had to go sideways on the right side with it because I didn't want to cover his face or cover the Cardinals logo.
This next one finally finishes up my 1982 Topps signed team set. This is a 1982 Topps Joaquin Andujar, Mr Andujar passed away in 2015. I was able to get this one from a guy on SCN who is breaking up his 1982 Topps signed set. So glad to get this one out of the way!
These next two were obtained via a private signing at the National Convention in Chicago on 7/29/2023 from a source on SCN. Here is a 2004 Topps Scott Rolen All Star and a 2003 Topps Scott Rolen All Star. I have all of his regular base cards. Now, I just need the extra cards like these all star cards, league leaders, etc.
Up next are two very tough ones that I had to get from another private signing from a source at SCN. Here is a 2001 Topps J.D. Drew and a 2002 Topps J.D. Drew. He doesn't sign much at all. This was a rare opportunity and I'm glad to get these out of the way.
Now, I only need a nearly impossible one to complete 2000 Topps, 2001 Topps, and 2002 Topps......the deceased Darryl Kile who passed away in 2002. I have seen several 1990s Topps cards signed by him, but never seen one of the 3 that I need.
This next one totally completes my 1968 Topps Cardinals signed team set. This is a 1968 Topps #154 World Series Game 4 featuring Bob Gibson. Again, this is one of those tough ones because usually the regular card gets signed.
Now, I only need one in 1967 and one in 1969 to have completed 1966 - 1991. Both of them are cards of Ron Willis.
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
Shane… love the completion story updates!!! So impressive!!!!
And I LOVE the cut signature addition to your set!!! Everything about this set is so personalized… How could you not do something this creative!!!
I look at it this way…. If I paid admission to the Cardinals Hall of Fame 50 years from now and saw your sets on display…(as I’m sure they will want it)…
Nothing about that card would bother me!!! I would be bowled over by the completion and awesomeness of the entire works!!!
GREAT JOB!!!!!
The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Or the one. Live long, and prosper.
Knowing that I was going to do something similar with the other 2 1952 Topps high numbers I needed (Eddie Yuhas d. 1986 and Hal Rice d. 1997) as I did with the 1952 Les Fusselman (d. 1970) above, I have started researching and buying the cards and the signatures to make the cut signatures to fill those holes. I am also plan on doing the same things to cards like the 1953 Topps Fusselman, Eddie Yuhas, and Hal Rice. I am even going to expand to some very, very tough needs in other years as well. I think this adds a little flair, excitement, and creativity to this project since I am nearing a standstill on these impossible cards.
There is one thing I would like to add.....if for some reason an "on card" signature becomes available, I may look to replace these cut signatures, depending on price and whether or not I can afford it.
Here is my next cut signature. This is a 1953 Topps Hal Rice (d. 1997). Since I didn't have an extra 1952 Topps Hal Rice high number yet, I thought I would use this cut signature from a vintage slip of paper on this extra 1953 Topps. It is not authenticated, but I have studied it enough to know it is real, and I trust the source. I think this one turned out quite nicely.
Since I am caught up on posting everything that I have, I thought I would take this opportunity to post my want list by year. I will also try to add up the percentages shortly. Keep in mind the numbers will be skewed because many team cards have multiple signatures and only one is required.
Here is my list -
Topps Cardinals (only Base / Traded / Update)
1952 Topps - 386 Eddie Yuhas (d. 1986); 398 Hal Rice (d. 1997)
1953 Topps - 70 Ed Yuhas (d. 1986); 218 Les Fusselman (d. 1970)
1954 Topps - COMPLETED
1955 Topps - 183 Tony Jacobs (d. 1980)
1956 Topps - COMPLETED
1957 Topps - 287 Sam Jones (d. 1971)
1958 Topps - 248 Herm Wehmeier (d. 1973); 287 Sam Jones (d. 1971)
1959 Topps - 75 Sam Jones (d. 1971); 557 Ken Boyer AS (d. 1982)
1960 Topps - COMPLETED (with a caveat; one coaches card has Johnny Keane; another coaches card only has Ray Katt signature and Harry Walker; still need Howie Pollet d. 1974)
1961 Topps - 43 NL HR LL Ken Boyer (d. 1982); 404 Rogers Hornsby (d. 1963)
1962 Topps - 52 NL Batting LL Ken Boyer (d. 1982)
1963 Topps - 9 NL SO LL Bob Gibson (d. 2020)
1964 Topps - 413 Johnny Keane (d. 1967)
1965 Topps - 477 Fritz Ackley (d. 2002) (already have Steve Carlton); 12 NL SO LL Bob Gibson (d. 2020)
1966 Topps - COMPLETED
1967 Topps - 592 Ron Willis (d. 1977)
1968 Topps - COMPLETED
1969 Topps - 273 Ron Willis (d. 1977)
1970 Topps - COMPLETED
1971 Topps - COMPLETED
1972 Topps - COMPLETED
1973 Topps - COMPLETED
1974 Topps - COMPLETED
1975 Topps - COMPLETED
1976 Topps - COMPLETED
1977 Topps - COMPLETED
1978 Topps - COMPLETED
1979 Topps - COMPLETED
1980 Topps - COMPLETED
1981 Topps - COMPLETED
1982 Topps - COMPLETED
1983 Topps - COMPLETED
1984 Topps - COMPLETED
1985 Topps - COMPLETED
1986 Topps - COMPLETED
1987 Topps - COMPLETED
1988 Topps - COMPLETED
1989 Topps - COMPLETED
1990 Topps - COMPLETED
1991 Topps - COMPLETED
1992 Topps - 96 Tom McKinnon Draft Pick
1993 Topps - Traded 77T Rene Arocha
1994 Topps - Traded 41T Bret Wagner
1995 Topps - 24 Rene Arocha
1996 Topps - COMPLETED
1997 Topps - COMPLETED
1998 Topps - COMPLETED
1999 Topps - COMPLETED
2000 Topps - Traded T94 Darryl Kile (d. 2002)
2001 Topps - 289 Darryl Kile (d. 2002)
2002 Topps - 213 Darryl Kile (d. 2002)
2003 Topps - 344 NL Runs LL Albert Pujols; 346 NL RBI LL Albert Pujols; 699 Edgar Renteria GG; 711 Edgar Renteria AS
2004 Topps - 343 NL Avg LL Albert Pujols & Edgar Renteria; 344 NL Hits LL Albert Pujols; 694 Fan Favorites Albert Pujols; Traded T181 Benji DeQuin
2005 Topps - 632 Yadier Molina; 345 NL HR LL Albert Pujols; 346 NL RBI LL Scott Rolen & Albert Pujols; 350 NLDS Larry Walker & Albert Pujols; 708 Scott Rolen GG; 719 Albert Pujols AS; Update UH129 NLCS Game 5 Albert Pujols; Update UH141 NL HR LL Albert Pujols; Update UH142 NL Avg LL Albert Pujols; Update UH143 NL RBI LL Albert Pujols; Update UH157 Albert Pujols AS; Update UH170 Chris Carpenter AS; Update UH187 Albert Pujols AS
2006 Topps - 200 Albert Pujols; 263 Albert Pujols MVP; 238 Matt Morris w/ Giants (STL uniform); Update UH186 NLDS Game 1 Albert Pujols; Update UH193 NLCS Game 7 Yadier Molina; Update UH198 WS Game 1 Anthony Reyes; Update UH210 NL HR LL Albert Pujols; Update UH211 NL Avg LL Albert Pujols; Update UH212 NL RBI LL Albert Pujols; Update UH255 Scott Rolen AS; Update UH296 Team Leaders Albert Pujols & Chris Carpenter; Update UH330 Classic Duos Jeff Weaver
2007 Topps - 537 Kip Wells; 660 Yadier Molina; 302 Scott Rolen GG; 308 Albert Pujols GG; 329 Classic Combo Yadier Molina & Albert Pujols; Update UH320 Troy Percival; Update UH254 Albert Pujols AS; Update UH289 Albert Pujols HR Derby
2008 Topps - 490 Albert Pujols; 536 Classic Combs Albert Pujols; Update UH136 Classic Combos Albert Pujols; Update UH274 Albert Pujols AS
2009 Topps - 172 Yadier Molina; 290 Albert Pujols; 536 Khalil Greene; 4 NL Avg LL Albert Pujols; 217 Albert Pujols MVP; Update UH263 Matt Holliday; Update UH327 Julio Lugo (d. 2021); Update UH14 Yadier Molina AS; Update UH48 Albert Pujols AS; UH300 Albert Pujols HR Derby
2010 Topps - 476 Yadier Molina; 4 NL Avg LL Albert Pujols; 42 NL RBI LL Albert Pujols; 206 NL HR LL Albert Pujols; 327 Albert Pujols MVP; Update US56 Matt Holliday HR Derby; Update US97 Checklist Matt Holliday; Update US161 Matt Holliday AS; Update US200 Albert Pujols AS; Update US215 Checklist Albert Pujols; Update US259 Yadier Molina AS
2011 Topps - 90 Yadier Molina; 490 Matt Holliday; 643 Jaime Garcia; 334 Cardinals Team any player; 11 NL Wins LL Adam Wainwright; 82 NL ERA LL Adam Wainwright; 138 NL RBI LL Albert Pujols; 318 NL HR LL Albert Pujols; 547 Checklist Albert Pujols; Update US242 Matt Holliday HR Derby; Update US260 Matt Holliday AS; Update US268 Yadier Molina AS
2012 Topps - 174 Yadier Molina; 77 NL HR LL Albert Pujols; 124 Active NL Avg LL Albert Pujols; 159 Active NL RBI LL Albert Pujols; 192 Active NL HR LL Albert Pujols; Update US72 Carlos Beltran HR Derby; Update US273 Yadier Molina AS
2013 Topps - 54 Jaime Garcia; 537 Carlos Beltran; 125 NL Wild Card Game Matt Holliday; 269 NLDS Game 5 any player; Update US22 Carlos Beltran AS; Update US104 Matt Carpenter AS; Update US142 Yadier Molina AS
2014 Topps - Update US272 Mark Ellis
2015 Topps - 361 Matt Holliday; 488 John Lackey; 647 Yadier Molina; 61 NL ERA LL Adam Wainwright; 85 NL Wins LL Adam Wainwright; Update US135 Jason Heyward; Update US171 Jhonny Peralta AS; Update US177 Matt Holliday AS; Update US214 Yadier Molina AS
2016 Topps - 134 Yadier Molina; 448 Cardinals Team any player
2017 Topps - 373 Yadier Molina; 370 Cardinals Team any player; Update US47 Yadier Molina AS;
After 187 days, Cardinals owner, Mr Bill DeWitt, Jr, sent these back to me signed TTM. Included in this post are the following:
2011 Topps Cardinals Team Card
2015 Topps Cardinals Team Card (I have another one signed by Manager Mike Matheny)
2016 Topps Cardinals Team Card (I have another one signed by Manager Mike Matheny)
2017 Topps Cardinals Team Card
2018 Topps Cardinals Team Card (I have another one signed by Manager Mike Shildt)
2019 Topps Cardinals Team Card
2020 Topps Cardinals Team Card
In 2012, 2013, and 2014, Topps did not produce team cards. Since Bill DeWitt, Jr has owned the team since 1995, I now have every team card Topps produced signed by him up to 2020. I only focus on Topps cards up to 2019, but I have a few after 2019. I also have a few team cards signed by other players during those earlier years. Those are counted, but per my rules, I only need one signature per team card for completion. Just FYI.
those are very cool adds to the project, congrats!!
Fred
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
This 1964 Topps Carl Sawatski is a replacement. The first one I had was a lighter signature, and I noticed this one was bolder and authenticated as well, so I decided to buy it.
Here is a new cut signature creation, which I started doing recently with unattainable or nearly impossible signatures that I still need for my collection. I have resorted to this, even though I didn't want to at first. Once I started doing this, I really enjoy the process and I love the outcome. All (or at least, most) of these would probably be out of my price range IF (and that's a BIG IF) one ever became available.
This is a 1952 Topps Eddie Yuhas high number. Mr. Yuhas passed away back in 1986. I bought a low grade Yuhas high number and separately bought a signed index card. I cut it out and glued it to the card. I wanted to avoid getting the signature into the border of the card, and I was successful.
Here is my next attempt at a cut signature. This is a 1953 Topps Eddie Yuhas. Again, Mr Yuhas passed away in 1986, so his signature is rare, and his Topps cards signed are even more scarce. Fortunately, just the card is a common, unlike his high number 1952 Topps above. I had this card in my duplicates box (duplicate from my unsigned Topps Cardinals team set collection).
I bought a signed post card. If any of these are unauthenticated, like the last couple, I have done my due diligence under magnification, along with researching the signatures so that I feel comfortable with them to make sure they are not fake, printed, or rubber stamped, as I do all of my signatures.
There are before and after pictures of this cut signature project, just like the others. However, on this one, I had already performed the basic cutout when I realized I had not scanned it in it's original form. So, I stopped what I was doing and scanned them.
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
This is the toughest creation yet. It is not the outcome that I would have wanted because of his long, flamboyant signature, but it's the best I could do. This is a 1958 Topps Herm Wehmeier. Mr Wehmeier passed away all the way back in 1973, so this is a very tough signature to come by. It is even more difficult when trying to find a specific card. I already have a 1957 Topps, but I have been looking for a 1958 Topps for several years. I decided that this one was a candidate for a cut signature.
Like I said, it did not turn out as good as I would have liked, but I did the best I could. I did not want to cover his face completely. I did not want to get into his name at the top. I did not want to cover the logo or any of the words at the bottom. I also did not want to get into the border. This is the best I could come up with.
Here are some before, reverse, and after pictures.
Here is another tough high number and an even tougher (MUCH tougher) signature. This was also a very challenging creation. This is a 1952 Topps Hal Rice high number with a cut signature attached.
As you can see in the "before" picture, this comes from a cutout from a postcard that was taped years ago to an index card. The old tape was a bit of a problem. Also, the inclusion of his nickname in his signature made it a problem as well because of the length of it. Sometimes he signed his nickname "Hoot" and sometimes he did not. Mr Rice passed away in 1997, which, being 26+ years ago, makes it tough enough. However, it appears that Mr Rice did not sign all that much. That's why I couldn't be picky when it came to obtaining a signature. I had to make do with what I could. So....
I tried to take a knife and scrap way the tape that covered the "R" in "Rice". At first, I tried to take a hair dryer in hopes of peeling it, but the tape was too old and brittle. I could tell it would pull that part of the signature off the paper. So, I scrapped away the tape from around the "R" and left it over the top of the "R".
Then there is the problem of fitting the entire signature. That was not going to work, so, I cut out the "Hoot" and used "Hal Rice". It did not turn out very pretty. I was kind of disappointed in the outcome, but at least it is an authentic signature on a tough 1952 Topps. I would have used a better signature, but there are none to be had. I kind of wished I would have waited and used the 1953 Topps cut on the 1952 card, but what is done is done. I had to recently purchase this 1952 Topps Hal Rice. I did not have it at the time or I would have used the other signature on this card.
The good news is that this totally completes the 1952 Topps St Louis Cardinals team set all autographed.
As opportunities present themselves, I will consider replacing or upgrading to either an on card signature or better cut signatures. I guess what I am saying is that some of these may not be the final product. I have replaced a good number of "on card" signatures in the past with one being very recent (1964 Topps Carl Sawatski). But for right now, this one will suffice.
Up next is a 1963 Topps Bob Gibson Strikeout League Leaders card. These LL cards sometimes are very difficult to find, especially specific ones needed. I now only need a 1965 LL to have all of Gibson's.
This wraps up a completed 1963 Topps signed Cardinals team set.
I have Eddie Yuhas’ sig on one of those “Dear Friend” postcards (postmarked 1978), as well as one of Nelson Burbrink (a longtime scout who played one season for the Cards). They’ve been stored away for decades and I was wondering if anyone knew approximately what they may be worth.
@bherman912 said:
I have Eddie Yuhas’ sig on one of those “Dear Friend” postcards (postmarked 1978), as well as one of Nelson Burbrink (a longtime scout who played one season for the Cards). They’ve been stored away for decades and I was wondering if anyone knew approximately what they may be worth.
I would estimate Nelson Brinkbrink (d. 2001) might be worth around $10-15 maybe. That's just a guess. Eddie Yuhas is anywhere between $40 and $80 because he passed away in 1986. I paid $40 for mine.
This next one is super tough! This is a 1969 Topps Ron Willis. He passed away 46 years ago in 1977. I have looked for this card for many years. I was able to locate one by "normal" means, but found out the seller lives 20 minutes away from me. We met in person and I was able to trade it for an extra signed 2002 Topps Albert Pujols authenticated and slabbed by BAS.
I have examined this Ron Willis signature under magnification and compared it to others and the JSA authenticated 1968 that I already had and this one is definitely the real deal. I am so very glad to get this one! Now, I just need a 1967 Topps Rookie Stars featuring Ron Willis. I thought I found one the other day but it was signed by the other rookie on the card.
This completes my 1969 Topps Cardinals signed team set.
Comments
Very well said.
I really appreciate those last 2 comments!
@Tibor
@threeofsix
Shane
Up next is a really tough modern one. This is a 2013 Topps Yadier Molina. He is a tough and expensive modern signature. It is really tough to find specific Topps base cards of his. Got this one from my main source via Ebay. Glad to get this one!
New total is 2,289.
Shane
Up next is a 2015 Topps Cardinals team card signed by Manager Mike Matheny. I had sent one of these cards to GM John Mozeliak and one to Owner Bill DeWitt, Jr back several months ago, but they have not been returned. So, I decided to get this one.
This one raises the total to 2,290.
Shane
Here is a very tough one. This is a 2019 Topps Update Paul Goldschmidt. To find a regular Topps card by some modern players is very tough, unlike pack inserted non base cards. However, I had to settle for one with a Topps Archives Signature Series stamp from 2023. It is a real 2019 Topps Update base card buyback with a gold stamp on it. I have a few of these now. I have made exceptions on these because they are indeed the real card. This is numbered 22/30.
Total is now 2,291.
Shane
Up next is a guy that was pretty decent at baseball. Here is a 2005 Topps Albert Pujols authenticated by Beckett. I am obviously working on getting them all. For regular base Topps, I still need 2006, 2008, and 2009, plus a bunch of the many league leaders, all star cards, etc.
Being this is one of his MVP years, this one is a key card to get. Glad to have it!
New total is now 2,292.
Shane
Here is a 1982 Topps Darrell Porter and a 1982 Topps Darrell Porter In Action. I have been looking for these 2 cards for a very long time. I was able to snag these from an autograph collector over at SCN who got these TTM years ago. So glad to get these for a very good price. Mr Porter passed away in 2002.
Mr Porter signed a Bible passage below as was his custom. He signed both of the with the inscription of Proverbs 3:5-6 which says - Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. This happens to be one of my favorite passages in the entire Bible. Sometimes we don't understand what happens in life and we want to lean on our own understanding. But if we will just acknowledge the LORD in the different areas of our lives and look to Him, He will guide us and direct our paths.
Total is now 2,294.
Shane
Shane, some great additions to your Cardinals auto set. Congrats on your most recent pickups.
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
Up next is a 1979 Topps Roger Freed. Mr Freed passed away in 1996. The signature is a little smeared, but I have been looking for this one for a while and it will do. This completes my 1979 Topps Cardinals team set. There is a Rogers Hornsby all time records card in this team set, but it is impossible because he passed away in 1963.
Total is now 2,295.
Shane
LOVE the Pujols. What an auto. Thing takes up the whole card. That's awesome. And as a "catcher guy" big fan of Porter's. Congrats!
www.questfortherookiecup.com
@yankeesman
@divecchia
Thanks, guys!
Up next is a 2016 Topps team card signed by manager Mike Matheny. I had sent one to owner Bill DeWitt, Jr and another one to GM John Mozeliak, but no returns yet. I got this from a longtime source on Ebay.
Total is now up to 2,296.
Shane
Up next is a tougher one than you might think. Here is a 2012 Topps Update Carlos Beltran All Star. This was obtained in person from a reputable Ebay seller.
Total is now 2,297.
Shane
Here is another one that has alluded me for many years. I was finally able to snag one. This is a 1966 Topps NL SO League Leaders card signed by Bob Gibson. In my experience, league leaders cards are some of the hardest to find. Since his passing in 2020, his autographs have gone very high. I was glad to get this one for what I paid for it.
The total is now 2,298.
Shane
By the way.... I forgot to mention that the 1966 Topps LL Gibson finishes my 1966 Topps Cardinals team set totally autographed.
Shane
Shane,
Congrats on completing the 1966 Topps Cardinal autographed set.
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
Up next is another very tough one that I have been looking for for a very long time. At this point, I could say this about every single post!
Here is a 1981 Topps Traded Darrel Porter. He passed away in 2002. His inscription is a verse of scripture from Romans 10:9 that says - That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. He also personalized it so some guy named Walter. I'm glad Walter didn't think enough of it to keep it!
This card completes my 1981 Topps Cardinals team set signed. This totally completes 1970 through 1991.
The total of Topps Cardinals signatures goes to 2,299.
Shane
Shane,
Great job on completing a straight run of more than 2 decades with the last pickup.
Congrats, Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
Thanks @divecchia
Here is another very tough league leader card. I got this one from the same seller as the 1966. This is a 1967 Topps PItching Wins NL League Leaders signed by Bob Gibson. This one is JSA authenticated as well as the 1966 that I posted recently. Now, I just lack one card finishing 1967, which is a very tough Ron Willis who died in 1977.
This one makes the total a nice, even 2,300.
Shane
That is one of the very coolest cards in Topps history and this example is that much cooler with Hoot's signature.
I actually learned something.... I did not know that Bob Gibson's nickname was "Hoot". I had to look it up just now. At first I thought, "what is he talking about?" LOL!
Shane
This next post requires a little explanation and back story.
If you keep up with this thread, you know that my goal is always to collect authentically signed Topps Cardinals cards to try to get the entire run from 1952 to 2019. I will eventually go forward from 2020 and onward.
I have always had some self imposed rules that I go by. For instance, I will absolutely have no reprints substituting for the real card. Also, if the signature is not officially authenticated, I will only buy from sellers that I am comfortable with and then I will only accept it after I do the research on EVERY single autograph to make sure I am comfortable with the authenticity. I have returned some purchases on a few occasions, but that's ok. I have also replaced a few cards that I was comfortable with at first and after further research I rejected in my collection and then replaced. For instance, there were 2 different players by the name of Bob Miller for the Cardinals. One had a card in 1959 that never even played for the Cardinals because he retired, but still had a 1959 Topps card featured as a Cardinal. Then, there was a younger Bob Miller that had cards in 1960 and 1961. I had a suspicion about my 1961 Topps Bob Miller that it was signed by the older Bob Miller from the 1959 card. Even though their signatures had some similarities, I studied them enough to be able to tell the difference. I was able to find the correct 1961 Topps Bob Miller. I promise I'm going somewhere with all of this.
Even though I have had some hard rules that are fixed in stone for my collection, I have made a few allowances for certain situations. One of them was resigning myself to accepting Topps Archives Signature Series cards. I have about 3 or 4 of those. These are actual original cards that were "buybacks" from Topps that were signed and they put a gold stamp on the card the year it was signed. A 2019 Topps Update Paul Goldschmidt comes to mind. That is one change that I made an allowance for because it is a real card and not a reprint. Basically, it just means that Topps bought it back, witnessed the player signing it, and then stamped it for authentication purposes. I have been totally fine with that ever since.
Another allowance I have made comes in regards to a 2014 Topps Update Oscar Taveras. Oscar Taveras was a very hot prospect in the Cardinals minor league system and got called up in 2014. Shortly after the Giants eliminated the Cardinals in the playoffs, Taveras went back home to the Dominican Republic and was killed in a car crash.
Here is the timeline -
The 2014 Topps Update Set was released on October 15, 2014.
The Cardinals were eliminated from the playoffs the next day on October 16, 2014.
Taveras was killed on October 26, 2014 in the D.R.
That leaves an 11 day window for his regular card (#US175) and/or his rookie debut card (#US113) to have been signed. It is possible, but highly doubtful that any were signed because he was on his way home in the Dominican Republic within a couple of days.
The Cardinals were eliminated at AT&T park in San Francisco. Taveras was in St Louis the next day to pick up his belongings before heading back to the D.R. While he was in St Louis picking up his things, a collector held a private signing. Among the items he signed was a sheet of clear stickers. I was able to purchase 2 of these clear stickers and affix them to the 2 Topps Update cards. Ten days after signing these stickers, he was dead. To see pictures of this, it was posted on 7/30/2022 in this thread.
This is the part that I wanted to get to. As you know, 1952 Topps high numbers are hard to come by even unsigned. To find them signed is very, very difficult. The St Louis Cardinals have 4 high numbers in the team set - Wilmer Mizell (died 1999), Les Fusselman (died 1970), Eddie Yuhas (died 1986), and Hal Rice (died 1997). The only one I have been able to come up with is Wilmer Mizell. It was signed in red ink, but the border was totally trimmed off. The seller was selling a bunch of these signed trimmed 1952s. Anyway, in order for it to look right in my album, I took a "donor" 1952 Topps card and made a decent looking border for the card. I am much more pleased with it than if it was just trimmed. Most importantly, it is a signed 1952 Topps Wilmer Mizell high number. One down....three to go.
If you look at the PSA/DNA population report, the Mizell shows 5 authenticated, the Fusselman shows 1, the Yuhas shows 1, and the Rice shows 4. Needless to say, these things are VERY difficult to find, especially the Fusselman since he passed away in 1970. You have a very rare card and an even rarer signature. To find the combination is almost impossible. So, I had an idea......
I had an extra low grade 1952 Topps Les Fusselman (in addition to my unsigned, regular team set version). I was able to find a JSA authenticated index card signed by Mr Fusselman. I was able to acquire it with this specific idea in mind. I think you know where this is going.....a cut signature version.
Some people may think this was silly. Some may think I am sort of cheating. Some may think this is horrible. Some may think I ruined a perfectly good card. Think what you want to think. This is my collection, and I enjoyed the process. Most importantly, I liked the outcome. This card will certainly do until I can find one signed that Mr Fusselman actually held in his hand.
So, yes.....in situations like this I am making an exception. There are only a few that I will make this exception for. I am in search of an extra 1952 Topps Hal Rice. I already have the autograph in my possession on a piece of paper.
Anyway, here is a 1952 Topps Les Fusselman high number with a cut signature. Since he passed away in 1970, this is one of the toughest, if not THE toughest in the entire 1952 Topps set.
This one raises the total to 2,301.
Fronts before procedure:
Backs before procedure:
Finished product: I had to go sideways on the right side with it because I didn't want to cover his face or cover the Cardinals logo.
Shane
It’s not cheating if you’re the one making the rules!
Nice job, Shane!!!
Sometimes we have to get creative to achieve the goals we set for ourselves. Your set, your rules. Way to go!!!
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
This next one finally finishes up my 1982 Topps signed team set. This is a 1982 Topps Joaquin Andujar, Mr Andujar passed away in 2015. I was able to get this one from a guy on SCN who is breaking up his 1982 Topps signed set. So glad to get this one out of the way!
Total is now 2,302.
Shane
These next two were obtained via a private signing at the National Convention in Chicago on 7/29/2023 from a source on SCN. Here is a 2004 Topps Scott Rolen All Star and a 2003 Topps Scott Rolen All Star. I have all of his regular base cards. Now, I just need the extra cards like these all star cards, league leaders, etc.
These two increase the total to 2,304.
Shane
Up next are two very tough ones that I had to get from another private signing from a source at SCN. Here is a 2001 Topps J.D. Drew and a 2002 Topps J.D. Drew. He doesn't sign much at all. This was a rare opportunity and I'm glad to get these out of the way.
Now, I only need a nearly impossible one to complete 2000 Topps, 2001 Topps, and 2002 Topps......the deceased Darryl Kile who passed away in 2002. I have seen several 1990s Topps cards signed by him, but never seen one of the 3 that I need.
These 2 increase the total to 2,306.
Shane
This next one totally completes my 1968 Topps Cardinals signed team set. This is a 1968 Topps #154 World Series Game 4 featuring Bob Gibson. Again, this is one of those tough ones because usually the regular card gets signed.
Now, I only need one in 1967 and one in 1969 to have completed 1966 - 1991. Both of them are cards of Ron Willis.
Total is now 2,307.
Shane
Always love a Gibby sighting
congrats
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
Shane… love the completion story updates!!! So impressive!!!!
And I LOVE the cut signature addition to your set!!! Everything about this set is so personalized… How could you not do something this creative!!!
I look at it this way…. If I paid admission to the Cardinals Hall of Fame 50 years from now and saw your sets on display…(as I’m sure they will want it)…
Nothing about that card would bother me!!! I would be bowled over by the completion and awesomeness of the entire works!!!
GREAT JOB!!!!!
Live long, and prosper.
Love the Gibson. He is a favorite of mine. You have made some great progress on the older cards.
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
Thank you so much for the comments you guys! Very thoughtful and I really appreciate it.
Shane
Knowing that I was going to do something similar with the other 2 1952 Topps high numbers I needed (Eddie Yuhas d. 1986 and Hal Rice d. 1997) as I did with the 1952 Les Fusselman (d. 1970) above, I have started researching and buying the cards and the signatures to make the cut signatures to fill those holes. I am also plan on doing the same things to cards like the 1953 Topps Fusselman, Eddie Yuhas, and Hal Rice. I am even going to expand to some very, very tough needs in other years as well. I think this adds a little flair, excitement, and creativity to this project since I am nearing a standstill on these impossible cards.
There is one thing I would like to add.....if for some reason an "on card" signature becomes available, I may look to replace these cut signatures, depending on price and whether or not I can afford it.
Here is my next cut signature. This is a 1953 Topps Hal Rice (d. 1997). Since I didn't have an extra 1952 Topps Hal Rice high number yet, I thought I would use this cut signature from a vintage slip of paper on this extra 1953 Topps. It is not authenticated, but I have studied it enough to know it is real, and I trust the source. I think this one turned out quite nicely.
The total is now 2,308.
Before -
After
Shane
Since I am caught up on posting everything that I have, I thought I would take this opportunity to post my want list by year. I will also try to add up the percentages shortly. Keep in mind the numbers will be skewed because many team cards have multiple signatures and only one is required.
Here is my list -
Topps Cardinals (only Base / Traded / Update)
1952 Topps - 386 Eddie Yuhas (d. 1986); 398 Hal Rice (d. 1997)
1953 Topps - 70 Ed Yuhas (d. 1986); 218 Les Fusselman (d. 1970)
1954 Topps - COMPLETED
1955 Topps - 183 Tony Jacobs (d. 1980)
1956 Topps - COMPLETED
1957 Topps - 287 Sam Jones (d. 1971)
1958 Topps - 248 Herm Wehmeier (d. 1973); 287 Sam Jones (d. 1971)
1959 Topps - 75 Sam Jones (d. 1971); 557 Ken Boyer AS (d. 1982)
1960 Topps - COMPLETED (with a caveat; one coaches card has Johnny Keane; another coaches card only has Ray Katt signature and Harry Walker; still need Howie Pollet d. 1974)
1961 Topps - 43 NL HR LL Ken Boyer (d. 1982); 404 Rogers Hornsby (d. 1963)
1962 Topps - 52 NL Batting LL Ken Boyer (d. 1982)
1963 Topps - 9 NL SO LL Bob Gibson (d. 2020)
1964 Topps - 413 Johnny Keane (d. 1967)
1965 Topps - 477 Fritz Ackley (d. 2002) (already have Steve Carlton); 12 NL SO LL Bob Gibson (d. 2020)
1966 Topps - COMPLETED
1967 Topps - 592 Ron Willis (d. 1977)
1968 Topps - COMPLETED
1969 Topps - 273 Ron Willis (d. 1977)
1970 Topps - COMPLETED
1971 Topps - COMPLETED
1972 Topps - COMPLETED
1973 Topps - COMPLETED
1974 Topps - COMPLETED
1975 Topps - COMPLETED
1976 Topps - COMPLETED
1977 Topps - COMPLETED
1978 Topps - COMPLETED
1979 Topps - COMPLETED
1980 Topps - COMPLETED
1981 Topps - COMPLETED
1982 Topps - COMPLETED
1983 Topps - COMPLETED
1984 Topps - COMPLETED
1985 Topps - COMPLETED
1986 Topps - COMPLETED
1987 Topps - COMPLETED
1988 Topps - COMPLETED
1989 Topps - COMPLETED
1990 Topps - COMPLETED
1991 Topps - COMPLETED
1992 Topps - 96 Tom McKinnon Draft Pick
1993 Topps - Traded 77T Rene Arocha
1994 Topps - Traded 41T Bret Wagner
1995 Topps - 24 Rene Arocha
1996 Topps - COMPLETED
1997 Topps - COMPLETED
1998 Topps - COMPLETED
1999 Topps - COMPLETED
2000 Topps - Traded T94 Darryl Kile (d. 2002)
2001 Topps - 289 Darryl Kile (d. 2002)
2002 Topps - 213 Darryl Kile (d. 2002)
2003 Topps - 344 NL Runs LL Albert Pujols; 346 NL RBI LL Albert Pujols; 699 Edgar Renteria GG; 711 Edgar Renteria AS
2004 Topps - 343 NL Avg LL Albert Pujols & Edgar Renteria; 344 NL Hits LL Albert Pujols; 694 Fan Favorites Albert Pujols; Traded T181 Benji DeQuin
2005 Topps - 632 Yadier Molina; 345 NL HR LL Albert Pujols; 346 NL RBI LL Scott Rolen & Albert Pujols; 350 NLDS Larry Walker & Albert Pujols; 708 Scott Rolen GG; 719 Albert Pujols AS; Update UH129 NLCS Game 5 Albert Pujols; Update UH141 NL HR LL Albert Pujols; Update UH142 NL Avg LL Albert Pujols; Update UH143 NL RBI LL Albert Pujols; Update UH157 Albert Pujols AS; Update UH170 Chris Carpenter AS; Update UH187 Albert Pujols AS
2006 Topps - 200 Albert Pujols; 263 Albert Pujols MVP; 238 Matt Morris w/ Giants (STL uniform); Update UH186 NLDS Game 1 Albert Pujols; Update UH193 NLCS Game 7 Yadier Molina; Update UH198 WS Game 1 Anthony Reyes; Update UH210 NL HR LL Albert Pujols; Update UH211 NL Avg LL Albert Pujols; Update UH212 NL RBI LL Albert Pujols; Update UH255 Scott Rolen AS; Update UH296 Team Leaders Albert Pujols & Chris Carpenter; Update UH330 Classic Duos Jeff Weaver
2007 Topps - 537 Kip Wells; 660 Yadier Molina; 302 Scott Rolen GG; 308 Albert Pujols GG; 329 Classic Combo Yadier Molina & Albert Pujols; Update UH320 Troy Percival; Update UH254 Albert Pujols AS; Update UH289 Albert Pujols HR Derby
2008 Topps - 490 Albert Pujols; 536 Classic Combs Albert Pujols; Update UH136 Classic Combos Albert Pujols; Update UH274 Albert Pujols AS
2009 Topps - 172 Yadier Molina; 290 Albert Pujols; 536 Khalil Greene; 4 NL Avg LL Albert Pujols; 217 Albert Pujols MVP; Update UH263 Matt Holliday; Update UH327 Julio Lugo (d. 2021); Update UH14 Yadier Molina AS; Update UH48 Albert Pujols AS; UH300 Albert Pujols HR Derby
2010 Topps - 476 Yadier Molina; 4 NL Avg LL Albert Pujols; 42 NL RBI LL Albert Pujols; 206 NL HR LL Albert Pujols; 327 Albert Pujols MVP; Update US56 Matt Holliday HR Derby; Update US97 Checklist Matt Holliday; Update US161 Matt Holliday AS; Update US200 Albert Pujols AS; Update US215 Checklist Albert Pujols; Update US259 Yadier Molina AS
2011 Topps - 90 Yadier Molina; 490 Matt Holliday; 643 Jaime Garcia; 334 Cardinals Team any player; 11 NL Wins LL Adam Wainwright; 82 NL ERA LL Adam Wainwright; 138 NL RBI LL Albert Pujols; 318 NL HR LL Albert Pujols; 547 Checklist Albert Pujols; Update US242 Matt Holliday HR Derby; Update US260 Matt Holliday AS; Update US268 Yadier Molina AS
2012 Topps - 174 Yadier Molina; 77 NL HR LL Albert Pujols; 124 Active NL Avg LL Albert Pujols; 159 Active NL RBI LL Albert Pujols; 192 Active NL HR LL Albert Pujols; Update US72 Carlos Beltran HR Derby; Update US273 Yadier Molina AS
2013 Topps - 54 Jaime Garcia; 537 Carlos Beltran; 125 NL Wild Card Game Matt Holliday; 269 NLDS Game 5 any player; Update US22 Carlos Beltran AS; Update US104 Matt Carpenter AS; Update US142 Yadier Molina AS
2014 Topps - Update US272 Mark Ellis
2015 Topps - 361 Matt Holliday; 488 John Lackey; 647 Yadier Molina; 61 NL ERA LL Adam Wainwright; 85 NL Wins LL Adam Wainwright; Update US135 Jason Heyward; Update US171 Jhonny Peralta AS; Update US177 Matt Holliday AS; Update US214 Yadier Molina AS
2016 Topps - 134 Yadier Molina; 448 Cardinals Team any player
2017 Topps - 373 Yadier Molina; 370 Cardinals Team any player; Update US47 Yadier Molina AS;
2018 Topps - 544 Yadier Molina; Update US60 Yadier Molina AS
2019 Topps - 225 Yadier Molina; 466 Yairo Munoz; 679 Adam Wainwright; 31 Cardinals Team any player; 536 Checklist Get Up! Yadier Molina (already have Marcell Ozuna)
Shane
After 187 days, Cardinals owner, Mr Bill DeWitt, Jr, sent these back to me signed TTM. Included in this post are the following:
2011 Topps Cardinals Team Card
2015 Topps Cardinals Team Card (I have another one signed by Manager Mike Matheny)
2016 Topps Cardinals Team Card (I have another one signed by Manager Mike Matheny)
2017 Topps Cardinals Team Card
2018 Topps Cardinals Team Card (I have another one signed by Manager Mike Shildt)
2019 Topps Cardinals Team Card
2020 Topps Cardinals Team Card
In 2012, 2013, and 2014, Topps did not produce team cards. Since Bill DeWitt, Jr has owned the team since 1995, I now have every team card Topps produced signed by him up to 2020. I only focus on Topps cards up to 2019, but I have a few after 2019. I also have a few team cards signed by other players during those earlier years. Those are counted, but per my rules, I only need one signature per team card for completion. Just FYI.
Total is now 2,315.
Shane
those are very cool adds to the project, congrats!!
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
Simply amazing!!!
Congrats on getting the TTM's back.
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
This 1964 Topps Carl Sawatski is a replacement. The first one I had was a lighter signature, and I noticed this one was bolder and authenticated as well, so I decided to buy it.
The total stays the same at 2,315.
Shane
Here is a new cut signature creation, which I started doing recently with unattainable or nearly impossible signatures that I still need for my collection. I have resorted to this, even though I didn't want to at first. Once I started doing this, I really enjoy the process and I love the outcome. All (or at least, most) of these would probably be out of my price range IF (and that's a BIG IF) one ever became available.
This is a 1952 Topps Eddie Yuhas high number. Mr. Yuhas passed away back in 1986. I bought a low grade Yuhas high number and separately bought a signed index card. I cut it out and glued it to the card. I wanted to avoid getting the signature into the border of the card, and I was successful.
More coming soon.
Pictures below include before and after pictures.
This one makes the total 2,316.
Shane
Here is my next attempt at a cut signature. This is a 1953 Topps Eddie Yuhas. Again, Mr Yuhas passed away in 1986, so his signature is rare, and his Topps cards signed are even more scarce. Fortunately, just the card is a common, unlike his high number 1952 Topps above. I had this card in my duplicates box (duplicate from my unsigned Topps Cardinals team set collection).
I bought a signed post card. If any of these are unauthenticated, like the last couple, I have done my due diligence under magnification, along with researching the signatures so that I feel comfortable with them to make sure they are not fake, printed, or rubber stamped, as I do all of my signatures.
There are before and after pictures of this cut signature project, just like the others. However, on this one, I had already performed the basic cutout when I realized I had not scanned it in it's original form. So, I stopped what I was doing and scanned them.
This raises the total to 2,317.
Shane
very cool additions, congrats!!
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
Shane,
Nice job on the signature cutout and adding it to the 1953 Topps card. The final product looks great.
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
Fabulous!!!
Live long, and prosper.
Thanks, guys!
This is the toughest creation yet. It is not the outcome that I would have wanted because of his long, flamboyant signature, but it's the best I could do. This is a 1958 Topps Herm Wehmeier. Mr Wehmeier passed away all the way back in 1973, so this is a very tough signature to come by. It is even more difficult when trying to find a specific card. I already have a 1957 Topps, but I have been looking for a 1958 Topps for several years. I decided that this one was a candidate for a cut signature.
Like I said, it did not turn out as good as I would have liked, but I did the best I could. I did not want to cover his face completely. I did not want to get into his name at the top. I did not want to cover the logo or any of the words at the bottom. I also did not want to get into the border. This is the best I could come up with.
Here are some before, reverse, and after pictures.
This raises the total to 2,318.
Shane
Hi Shane,
I love his signature, it looks very elegant and flamboyant. as you mentioned. You did the best you could with what you had. I think it looks great.
Congrats on a tough pickup. Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
@divecchia
Thank you kindly.
Here is another tough high number and an even tougher (MUCH tougher) signature. This was also a very challenging creation. This is a 1952 Topps Hal Rice high number with a cut signature attached.
As you can see in the "before" picture, this comes from a cutout from a postcard that was taped years ago to an index card. The old tape was a bit of a problem. Also, the inclusion of his nickname in his signature made it a problem as well because of the length of it. Sometimes he signed his nickname "Hoot" and sometimes he did not. Mr Rice passed away in 1997, which, being 26+ years ago, makes it tough enough. However, it appears that Mr Rice did not sign all that much. That's why I couldn't be picky when it came to obtaining a signature. I had to make do with what I could. So....
I tried to take a knife and scrap way the tape that covered the "R" in "Rice". At first, I tried to take a hair dryer in hopes of peeling it, but the tape was too old and brittle. I could tell it would pull that part of the signature off the paper. So, I scrapped away the tape from around the "R" and left it over the top of the "R".
Then there is the problem of fitting the entire signature. That was not going to work, so, I cut out the "Hoot" and used "Hal Rice". It did not turn out very pretty. I was kind of disappointed in the outcome, but at least it is an authentic signature on a tough 1952 Topps. I would have used a better signature, but there are none to be had. I kind of wished I would have waited and used the 1953 Topps cut on the 1952 card, but what is done is done. I had to recently purchase this 1952 Topps Hal Rice. I did not have it at the time or I would have used the other signature on this card.
The good news is that this totally completes the 1952 Topps St Louis Cardinals team set all autographed.
As opportunities present themselves, I will consider replacing or upgrading to either an on card signature or better cut signatures. I guess what I am saying is that some of these may not be the final product. I have replaced a good number of "on card" signatures in the past with one being very recent (1964 Topps Carl Sawatski). But for right now, this one will suffice.
This one makes the total 2,319.
Shane
Up next is a 1963 Topps Bob Gibson Strikeout League Leaders card. These LL cards sometimes are very difficult to find, especially specific ones needed. I now only need a 1965 LL to have all of Gibson's.
This wraps up a completed 1963 Topps signed Cardinals team set.
The new total is 2,320.
Shane
I have Eddie Yuhas’ sig on one of those “Dear Friend” postcards (postmarked 1978), as well as one of Nelson Burbrink (a longtime scout who played one season for the Cards). They’ve been stored away for decades and I was wondering if anyone knew approximately what they may be worth.
I would estimate Nelson Brinkbrink (d. 2001) might be worth around $10-15 maybe. That's just a guess. Eddie Yuhas is anywhere between $40 and $80 because he passed away in 1986. I paid $40 for mine.
Shane
That's pretty much in the ballpark of what I'd guessed. Thanks, Frank!
This next one is super tough! This is a 1969 Topps Ron Willis. He passed away 46 years ago in 1977. I have looked for this card for many years. I was able to locate one by "normal" means, but found out the seller lives 20 minutes away from me. We met in person and I was able to trade it for an extra signed 2002 Topps Albert Pujols authenticated and slabbed by BAS.
I have examined this Ron Willis signature under magnification and compared it to others and the JSA authenticated 1968 that I already had and this one is definitely the real deal. I am so very glad to get this one! Now, I just need a 1967 Topps Rookie Stars featuring Ron Willis. I thought I found one the other day but it was signed by the other rookie on the card.
This completes my 1969 Topps Cardinals signed team set.
This raises the total to 2,321.
Shane