It really is amazing how much putting a 2 strike ball in play can change the outcome vs just standing there watching a called third strike go by like it's a babe in a bikini.
I have a custom Cardinal t-jersey with Andujar's name and number on the back. The looks people give me after they ask if that's for 'Joaquin Andujar' are priceless.
One of you guessed it... With a caveat (it will be a cut signature).
I already own every Topps Stan The Man Musial signed.
It is only Topps. I do have several vintage Bowman, and I would love to have signed Musial rookie but I do not as of yet. I am focused on 1952 - 2019 Topps.
Everything mentioned above I already own and have posted....except for one (and, of course, the plethora of Pujols LL, AS, and Misc cards of his in the Topps sets).
The "BEST POSSIBLE AUTO HEADED MY WAY" that I alluded to is in hand, but it is not time to post it yet because I always post in the order in which I receive.
This post is from a Scott Rolen private signing from someone at SCN. I have all of Rolen's regular Topps cards, but after this post I still need one more to have every single Topps Scott Rolen card signed in a Cardinals uniform.
From this private signing, I got three -
2005 Topps #346 2004 NL RBIs League Leaders Scott Rolen (w/ Pujols NOT signed)
2005 Topps #708 Scott Rolen Gold Glove Award Winner
2006 Topps Update #UH197 Postseason Highlights Scott Rolen (already signed by Jim Edmonds) (w/ Pujols NOT signed)
Like I said, I still need one more - a 2007 Topps #302 Gold Glove Scott Rolen.
This next one is NOT from a private signing, but is a Topps buyback where they stamp "Topps Archives Signature Series". Again, these are regular cards and not reprints. They just add the stamp and the player signs it. I decided a while back to include these as I could find them since they are original cards.
Here is a 2006 Topps Update #UH255 Scott Rolen All Star. I got this one just after I received the 3 above from the private signing. This card was going to be sent in on my next Scott Rolen private signing. Fortunately, I got it slightly cheaper than a private signing would cost. Plus, this one is labeled 1/1, whatever significance that means. That means, (as I stated in the above post), I only need a 2007 Topps #302 Gold Glove Scott Rolen to have all of Rolen's Topps Cardinals cards signed.
@GDM67 said:
Are you going to try to get Pujols on those two, as well?
Yes, but it will be tough. I have only participated in one Pujols private signing back in December 2022 and that's the last one I've seen. Plus, it's cost was $349 per auto. I sent a 2004 Topps and got it signed. I still have a couple of regular Topps cards to get first. It is going to take a lot of years and a lot of expense to get all of his.
Ok folks....here it is. This is the best, most legendary possible.
First of all, let me say that I only go after autos that are possible for "on card" signatures. For instance, in 1979 Topps, there are "All Time Record Holders" cards. There is one for batting average featuring Rogers Hornsby (for a single season) and Ty Cobb (for entire career). With the cut signatures in mind, if I were a Tigers collector, I would not be going after a Ty Cobb cut signature because it would be impossible to have an "on card" signature because he died in 1961. Same thing for Hornsby because he died in 1963. Well...
There just happens to be a 1961 Topps Rogers Hornsby "Baseball Thrills" card featuring his .424 batting average back in 1924. Since the card is in 1961, and Hornsby died in 1963, this one is possible. The PSA/DNA population report shows that there are 2 signed cards that they have authenticated. There can't be many more than that in existence. As I have stated earlier, I will still be on the lookout for any and all that I have used cut signatures on because I would rather have an "on card" signature, obviously. Affordability, of course, plays a role. I might find that I just can't afford something like this one if one ever becomes available.
Having said that, and deciding months ago to go with the "cut signature" route for cards that I am finding impossible to obtain, I knew I was going to have to swallow hard and find a Rogers Hornsby signature to use on his 1961 Topps. After looking for several weeks, I finally bit the bullet, and found the most affordable one I had ever found. And I think it is a really nice signature. I wasn't going to risk an unauthenticated one on Mr Hornsby, and this one happened to be authenticated by PSA/DNA.
When I received the index card in the mail, I gulped really hard because the signature was so large, I was wondering if it would even fit on the card. After making sure that it would fit, I then began to be concerned if it would look right or not. I for sure didn't want to cover up Mr Hornsby himself. I also didn't want to cover up the placard at the bottom. I also didn't want any part of the signature going into the border. I had to compromise with the border and a little bit with the placard, but I got it to fit the best I could. I cut as close to the signature as I could without cutting into the signature at all in order to get the best fit I could. Then, I got nervous as I applied the paste because once it's on the card, I have only a couple of seconds to adjust before it's there permanently.
So, here it is - a 1961 Topps #404 Rogers Hornsby "Baseball Thrills" with a cut signature authenticated by PSA/DNA.
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
Congrats - that looks absolutely incredible. I am a huge fan of the ‘61 Baseball Thrills and love the Hornsby. The way you worked the signature around the players looks great. Definitely one to be proud of.
These are the only two Cardinals autographs I have are on this photo (nothing on cards) - The picture is from the 1939 season Lon Warneke, Mickey Owen and the other who did not sign I believe is Joe Medwick- Triple Crown Winner in 1937
Great Hornsby signature
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
I actually have a few Joe Medwick signatures from a random collection I bought years ago. I was able to get in on a few of the "Uncle Jimmy" auctions and was able to snag a few. Obviously there are no Topps cards, but these are in my Misc Cardinals Autographs album.
Up next is another tough one that I had to resort (for now) to a cut signature. This one comes from a new Canadian source who is a former professional autograph authenticator. This is the source from which I got my "Sad" Sam Jones index card for my 1959 Topps cut signature.
Here is a 1955 Topps Tony Jacobs with a cut signature from an album page.
He had a brilliant minor league career. Jacobs was virtually unbeatable for two full seasons, posting a combined 28-4 record for the Rochester Red Wings in 1953 and 1954. He went 12-3 with a 2.63 ERA in '53, then followed that with a 16-1 record and a 2.91 ERA in '54. He wrapped up his Red Wings career with an 8-7 mark in 1955 (this is according to the Rochester Red Wings Hall of Fame).
Interestingly enough, Tony Jacobs only played in 2 games in his entire MLB career, and those 2 games were 7 years apart. He appeared for the Cubs in 1948 for 2 innings. As stated above, he was a solid relief pitcher in the minor leagues. In 1953, he was traded to the Cardinals farm system and was on the opening day roster for the Cardinals in 1955. He pitched 2 innings, giving up 4 runs and 6 hits. He never saw the "Big Show" again.
I have been looking for an "on card" signature for literally over 15 years. Will still be looking, but his will do for now.
This completes my entire 1955 Topps Cardinals signed team set.
He passed away in 1980 at the age of 55.
Here is number 2,345 including before and after pictures.
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
I have another difficult one to post today. Ken Boyer's autographed cards are findable, even though they can be fairly expensive. He passed away in 1982. However, what makes this one so difficult is that this is a 1959 Topps high number. So, until I can find an "on card" example, I felt it was worth it to make me a cut signature example.
Here is a 1959 Topps Ken Boyer All Star (high number) with a cut signature.
I love viewing the collection and I won't say I have not thought about the cut on card idea, but I just couldn't do it, especially if I had to trim the autos down as tight as you have in some cases. I wouldn't be opposed to buying them if already assembled, but I just couldn't cut down the signature myself. That Hornsby kind of made me a little sad to be honest with you. I don't want to pee on your parade though. Everyone collects the way it makes them the most happy and you are doing your thing! Congrats on the latest pick-ups.
I collect Steve Garvey, Dodgers and signed cards. Collector since 1978.
@mrmopar said:
I love viewing the collection and I won't say I have not thought about the cut on card idea, but I just couldn't do it, especially if I had to trim the autos down as tight as you have in some cases. I wouldn't be opposed to buying them if already assembled, but I just couldn't cut down the signature myself. That Hornsby kind of made me a little sad to be honest with you. I don't want to pee on your parade though. Everyone collects the way it makes them the most happy and you are doing your thing! Congrats on the latest pick-ups.
I do not take that in a negative way at all. I figured someone would say something like that before now and I'm surprised that you are the first. I get it. I totally do. However I do not think it is even close to doing something like cutting up a Babe Ruth bat and putting it on a card. That is something that I cringe at. Even if this was cut from a historical letter that he wrote to someone, I don't think I could have cut his signature out of a document like that. But this was just an index card with nothing wasted. I guess it could be argued that the backside of the recipient's address and the postage stamp on the back has some significance. That's why I always keep everything that I wasted. I have a spot for everything that I have cut out and wasted.
In other words, what I am wasting is blank white index card material that has nothing to do with the signature. I still have what is most valuable. That was my reasoning behind it. And because my goal is total completion of a certain select brand with an end in sight, i felt like this was the only way to achieve it for now. If I just collected Cardinals autographs in general I would not have done this.
I just received a really tough one. Here is a 2016 Topps Yadier Molina authenticated by PSA/DNA.
This one totally completes my 2016 Topps Cardinals signed team set. This is the most modern complete set I have accomplished. Previous to this one is 2002 Topps.
Wow. What a blast from the past. I went to my first Cardinal game in 1963. I actually got to see Stan in his last year of playing. I was 8 - 9 that summer. I've been a fan every since. I didn't get through all 29 pages but what a great collection. I watched them all on the great teams of the 60s. Suffered through the 70s. Then Whitey ball of the 80s. I watch Ken Oberkfell play with the AAA Springfield Redbirds, along with Tom Herr and Terry Kennedy. What a time. Thanks for taking the time to post these.
Dave
@coinnerd said:
Wow. What a blast from the past. I went to my first Cardinal game in 1963. I actually got to see Stan in his last year of playing. I was 8 - 9 that summer. I've been a fan every since. I didn't get through all 29 pages but what a great collection. I watched them all on the great teams of the 60s. Suffered through the 70s. Then Whitey ball of the 80s. I watch Ken Oberkfell play with the AAA Springfield Redbirds, along with Tom Herr and Terry Kennedy. What a time. Thanks for taking the time to post these.
Dave
Thanks for the kind words. Take some time and go through them all! Glad you liked!
I think you missed a golden opportunity. When your son was about nine or so you should have taken him to spring training loaded with cards. Mr Molina, your my favorite player would you sign my cards. Gee Mr Wainright your my favorite player .... Players of all sports are suckers for kids.
I always liked the Ucher cards. His pictures look like he is laughing and there is a joke on you somewhere and you haven't got it yet.
@coinnerd said:
Wow. What a blast from the past. I went to my first Cardinal game in 1963. I actually got to see Stan in his last year of playing. I was 8 - 9 that summer. I've been a fan every since. I didn't get through all 29 pages but what a great collection. I watched them all on the great teams of the 60s. Suffered through the 70s. Then Whitey ball of the 80s. I watch Ken Oberkfell play with the AAA Springfield Redbirds, along with Tom Herr and Terry Kennedy. What a time. Thanks for taking the time to post these.
Dave
Thanks for the kind words. Take some time and go through them all! Glad you liked!
So, how do you store these at your house? Do you have them all out in a room, some on display, all in boxes or what? Do you organize them by year, player or what?
@coinnerd said:
Wow. What a blast from the past. I went to my first Cardinal game in 1963. I actually got to see Stan in his last year of playing. I was 8 - 9 that summer. I've been a fan every since. I didn't get through all 29 pages but what a great collection. I watched them all on the great teams of the 60s. Suffered through the 70s. Then Whitey ball of the 80s. I watch Ken Oberkfell play with the AAA Springfield Redbirds, along with Tom Herr and Terry Kennedy. What a time. Thanks for taking the time to post these.
Dave
Thanks for the kind words. Take some time and go through them all! Glad you liked!
So, how do you store these at your house? Do you have them all out in a room, some on display, all in boxes or what? Do you organize them by year, player or what?
Just curious and fascinated by how you keep them.
I keep them in three albums stored on a bookshelf in my bedroom with my regular Cardinals team sets. That's 30 albums total. For Topps Autographs I have an album for 1952 through 1973, another album from 1974 through 1999, and another albums from 2000 to present.
That is very organized and a nice way to keep them. I guess you need to be considering the numbers you're storing. I think I'd find myself flipping through those all the time.
@BBBrkrr said:
That is very organized and a nice way to keep them. I guess you need to be considering the numbers you're storing. I think I'd find myself flipping through those all the time.
Another thing to keep in mind, since it has been a while since I have said this.....I always bust out any slabbed autos in order to put them in my album. I keep the label/flip, put the card in a penny sleeve, tape the label/flip to neatly to the back of the penny sleeve, and then put the card in the album. The only 2 cards that I have not done that to is a 2001 Topps Traded Albert Pujols (BGS/JSA slab), and 2001 Topps Traded Pujols ROY (w/ Ichiro; signed by both; BAS slab). I have those on my desk. I do have a duplicate unauthenticated (and smeared) 2001 Topps Traded Albert Pujols in my album. I have studied it enough to know it is authentic. I sits nicely in my album so I can display the one pictured below.
Picture below along with my rookie year (2001 Spring Training) and second year (2002) signed Albert Pujols baseballs (with others on the team).
hey frankhardy! i have another cards ball to show you! it's one of the strongest bold auto's i have seen yet! will send to psa/dna someday. 1952 Cards.
@Chargers49ersLakers Wow! That is some kind of a nice ball! Les Fusselman passed away in 1971, I believe. There are some rare signatures you have there!
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 one doesn't look like that big of a deal, but it is much, much bigger than it appears. There are 3 minor league cards signed by this guy on Ebay right now. I have been looking for this card for years and years. I think this is his only Topps card, so finding it signed has definitely been a challenge.
This is a 2004 Topps Traded Benji DeQuin. As long as I have searched for this card, when it came up for auction, I put my max bid WAY, WAY, up there to make sure I got it. Fortunately, I paid $5.29 including shipping and sales tax!
Up next is another tough one that has taken me years to find. At this point, as far along as I am, they are all going to be that way. I already had this card signed by Lindy McDaniel but since Larry Jackson passed away in 1990, I knew this was going to be a tough one. I would have taken two cards signed by each, but I was fortunate enough to find one with both signatures. I already had one signed by Lindy McDaniel so since I had already counted that one this card only adds one signature to the total.
Ironically there is a similar card in 1961 Topps and I already have one signed by both.
Here is another tough one that I had too resort to settling for a cut signature. This one is a high number card, Plus he died way back in 1977.
This is a 1967 Topps Ron Willis. The cut signature is from a PSA/DNA slabbed index card. The cut signature had its challenges getting it to fit like I wanted it to fit. However, I believe it worked out to my satisfaction.
This one totally completes my 1967 Topps Cardinals signed team set.
This is one confuses me more than any that I have tried for in a long time. This one should be simple. There are several Rene Arocha signed cards on Ebay, but I have looked for years for a 1995 Topps and have never been able to locate one.
So, of course, I did the next best thing and bought a signed index card for less than a combo meal at a cheap fast food restaurant. I think it turned out beautifully. Of course, an on card signature is still on my search list, and I would predict that this one will be the first of these cut signatures that I will replace. Maybe not, but probably. Anyway, it was so inexpensive that I went this route for now and I think it looks great.
Edited to say - after posting and after saying, "I think it looks great", I noticed what looks like a smudge or possibly where the glue had not dried yet in the loop of the "R" at the start of his signature. I picked up the card and didn't see it with the naked eye, so I rescanned it....and it still shows up. I then thought that it might be his red shoe "shining through", but the positioning doesn't line up. Now, I believe it may be a clump of glue. Believe me when I say that this does not show up with the naked eye. I guess the scanner exposes it and it doesn't look great. It does look great in person, though.
Here is a 1995 Topps Rene Arocha.
This completes my signed 1995 Topps Cardinals team set. Also, it completes an entire album! I have 3 albums. One for 1952 - 1974. The second is 1974 - 1999. The third is 2000 - present (2019 mostly, but a couple afterwards). This Arocha completes the ENTIRE second album from 1974 - 1999!
It also totally completes signed team sets from 1966 - 2002! I never dreamed that would be possible!
Could you not get a recent address or get the team to help you
out on this. Maybe the Giants could help.
"So, of course, I did the next best thing and bought a signed index card for less than a combo meal at a cheap fast food restaurant. "
Inflation not an issue in your area?
@Tibor said:
Could you not get a recent address or get the team to help you
out on this. Maybe the Giants could help.
"So, of course, I did the next best thing and bought a signed index card for less than a combo meal at a cheap fast food restaurant. "
Inflation not an issue in your area?
I look on SCN constantly for private signings. He does not sign TTM....Zero percent in the sites history.
Inflation? Yes! Cheap is a relative term. I paid $6.88 for the index card. I did say LESS THAN a combo meal at a cheap fast food restaurant!
Congratulations on the accomplishment Shane! That's an incredible run of cards to have completed. There are so many like the Arocha that are "minor" names in the footnotes of MLB but are particularly tough as we both know when it comes to collecting a run of something.
Don Mattingly, Yogi Berra, Thurman Munson, Brian McCann and Topps Rookie Cup autograph collector www.questfortherookiecup.com
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
Comments
Andujar was always one of my favorites, too. 😎
.
It really is amazing how much putting a 2 strike ball in play can change the outcome vs just standing there watching a called third strike go by like it's a babe in a bikini.
First day lesson in the Trouty 101 curriculum.
I have a custom Cardinal t-jersey with Andujar's name and number on the back. The looks people give me after they ask if that's for 'Joaquin Andujar' are priceless.
Was it Andujar or Soto that missed a postseason because he punched a fan (the electric type that cools a room not the type that cheers)?
Hints...
One of you guessed it... With a caveat (it will be a cut signature).
I already own every Topps Stan The Man Musial signed.
It is only Topps. I do have several vintage Bowman, and I would love to have signed Musial rookie but I do not as of yet. I am focused on 1952 - 2019 Topps.
Everything mentioned above I already own and have posted....except for one (and, of course, the plethora of Pujols LL, AS, and Misc cards of his in the Topps sets).
Shane
I was going to guess Curt Flood.
www.questfortherookiecup.com
Oh wow. After looking at the guesses boy I hope it's Rahjah!!!
www.questfortherookiecup.com
Let's just say that I've got all of Curt Flood's.
Shane
The "BEST POSSIBLE AUTO HEADED MY WAY" that I alluded to is in hand, but it is not time to post it yet because I always post in the order in which I receive.
This post is from a Scott Rolen private signing from someone at SCN. I have all of Rolen's regular Topps cards, but after this post I still need one more to have every single Topps Scott Rolen card signed in a Cardinals uniform.
From this private signing, I got three -
2005 Topps #346 2004 NL RBIs League Leaders Scott Rolen (w/ Pujols NOT signed)
2005 Topps #708 Scott Rolen Gold Glove Award Winner
2006 Topps Update #UH197 Postseason Highlights Scott Rolen (already signed by Jim Edmonds) (w/ Pujols NOT signed)
Like I said, I still need one more - a 2007 Topps #302 Gold Glove Scott Rolen.
Here are the 3 from this private signing -
This raises the total to 2,342.
Shane
This next one is NOT from a private signing, but is a Topps buyback where they stamp "Topps Archives Signature Series". Again, these are regular cards and not reprints. They just add the stamp and the player signs it. I decided a while back to include these as I could find them since they are original cards.
Here is a 2006 Topps Update #UH255 Scott Rolen All Star. I got this one just after I received the 3 above from the private signing. This card was going to be sent in on my next Scott Rolen private signing. Fortunately, I got it slightly cheaper than a private signing would cost. Plus, this one is labeled 1/1, whatever significance that means. That means, (as I stated in the above post), I only need a 2007 Topps #302 Gold Glove Scott Rolen to have all of Rolen's Topps Cardinals cards signed.
Up next is my "BEST POSSIBLE AUTO".
Here is number 2,343.
Shane
Are you going to try to get Pujols on those two, as well?
Yes, but it will be tough. I have only participated in one Pujols private signing back in December 2022 and that's the last one I've seen. Plus, it's cost was $349 per auto. I sent a 2004 Topps and got it signed. I still have a couple of regular Topps cards to get first. It is going to take a lot of years and a lot of expense to get all of his.
Shane
Ok folks....here it is. This is the best, most legendary possible.
First of all, let me say that I only go after autos that are possible for "on card" signatures. For instance, in 1979 Topps, there are "All Time Record Holders" cards. There is one for batting average featuring Rogers Hornsby (for a single season) and Ty Cobb (for entire career). With the cut signatures in mind, if I were a Tigers collector, I would not be going after a Ty Cobb cut signature because it would be impossible to have an "on card" signature because he died in 1961. Same thing for Hornsby because he died in 1963. Well...
There just happens to be a 1961 Topps Rogers Hornsby "Baseball Thrills" card featuring his .424 batting average back in 1924. Since the card is in 1961, and Hornsby died in 1963, this one is possible. The PSA/DNA population report shows that there are 2 signed cards that they have authenticated. There can't be many more than that in existence. As I have stated earlier, I will still be on the lookout for any and all that I have used cut signatures on because I would rather have an "on card" signature, obviously. Affordability, of course, plays a role. I might find that I just can't afford something like this one if one ever becomes available.
Having said that, and deciding months ago to go with the "cut signature" route for cards that I am finding impossible to obtain, I knew I was going to have to swallow hard and find a Rogers Hornsby signature to use on his 1961 Topps. After looking for several weeks, I finally bit the bullet, and found the most affordable one I had ever found. And I think it is a really nice signature. I wasn't going to risk an unauthenticated one on Mr Hornsby, and this one happened to be authenticated by PSA/DNA.
When I received the index card in the mail, I gulped really hard because the signature was so large, I was wondering if it would even fit on the card. After making sure that it would fit, I then began to be concerned if it would look right or not. I for sure didn't want to cover up Mr Hornsby himself. I also didn't want to cover up the placard at the bottom. I also didn't want any part of the signature going into the border. I had to compromise with the border and a little bit with the placard, but I got it to fit the best I could. I cut as close to the signature as I could without cutting into the signature at all in order to get the best fit I could. Then, I got nervous as I applied the paste because once it's on the card, I have only a couple of seconds to adjust before it's there permanently.
So, here it is - a 1961 Topps #404 Rogers Hornsby "Baseball Thrills" with a cut signature authenticated by PSA/DNA.
Below are before and after pictures.
This one raises the total to 2,344.
Shane
Whoa. Sweet pick up.
Great pickup, Shane!!!
The Rogers Hornsby signature looks amazing and you did a great job getting it on the card, just right.
Congrats on a major pickup for your auto 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)
Very Nice!!
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
Congrats - that looks absolutely incredible. I am a huge fan of the ‘61 Baseball Thrills and love the Hornsby. The way you worked the signature around the players looks great. Definitely one to be proud of.
These are the only two Cardinals autographs I have are on this photo (nothing on cards) - The picture is from the 1939 season Lon Warneke, Mickey Owen and the other who did not sign I believe is Joe Medwick- Triple Crown Winner in 1937
Great Hornsby signature
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
Thanks, guys! I did my best with it. On to another tough one....
@coinkat,
I actually have a few Joe Medwick signatures from a random collection I bought years ago. I was able to get in on a few of the "Uncle Jimmy" auctions and was able to snag a few. Obviously there are no Topps cards, but these are in my Misc Cardinals Autographs album.
Shane
Up next is another tough one that I had to resort (for now) to a cut signature. This one comes from a new Canadian source who is a former professional autograph authenticator. This is the source from which I got my "Sad" Sam Jones index card for my 1959 Topps cut signature.
Here is a 1955 Topps Tony Jacobs with a cut signature from an album page.
He had a brilliant minor league career. Jacobs was virtually unbeatable for two full seasons, posting a combined 28-4 record for the Rochester Red Wings in 1953 and 1954. He went 12-3 with a 2.63 ERA in '53, then followed that with a 16-1 record and a 2.91 ERA in '54. He wrapped up his Red Wings career with an 8-7 mark in 1955 (this is according to the Rochester Red Wings Hall of Fame).
Interestingly enough, Tony Jacobs only played in 2 games in his entire MLB career, and those 2 games were 7 years apart. He appeared for the Cubs in 1948 for 2 innings. As stated above, he was a solid relief pitcher in the minor leagues. In 1953, he was traded to the Cardinals farm system and was on the opening day roster for the Cardinals in 1955. He pitched 2 innings, giving up 4 runs and 6 hits. He never saw the "Big Show" again.
I have been looking for an "on card" signature for literally over 15 years. Will still be looking, but his will do for now.
This completes my entire 1955 Topps Cardinals signed team set.
He passed away in 1980 at the age of 55.
Here is number 2,345 including before and after pictures.
Shane
Amazing Hornsby auto!!!! congrats!!!
www.questfortherookiecup.com
great accomplishment on the 55 Set!!
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
I have another difficult one to post today. Ken Boyer's autographed cards are findable, even though they can be fairly expensive. He passed away in 1982. However, what makes this one so difficult is that this is a 1959 Topps high number. So, until I can find an "on card" example, I felt it was worth it to make me a cut signature example.
Here is a 1959 Topps Ken Boyer All Star (high number) with a cut signature.
Before and after pictures are below.
The total is now 2,346.
Shane
Nice Boyer! I met his brother Clete at a show in Atlanta and one of the nicest people I'd ever been around. Very cool.
www.questfortherookiecup.com
I love viewing the collection and I won't say I have not thought about the cut on card idea, but I just couldn't do it, especially if I had to trim the autos down as tight as you have in some cases. I wouldn't be opposed to buying them if already assembled, but I just couldn't cut down the signature myself. That Hornsby kind of made me a little sad to be honest with you. I don't want to pee on your parade though. Everyone collects the way it makes them the most happy and you are doing your thing! Congrats on the latest pick-ups.
I do not take that in a negative way at all. I figured someone would say something like that before now and I'm surprised that you are the first. I get it. I totally do. However I do not think it is even close to doing something like cutting up a Babe Ruth bat and putting it on a card. That is something that I cringe at. Even if this was cut from a historical letter that he wrote to someone, I don't think I could have cut his signature out of a document like that. But this was just an index card with nothing wasted. I guess it could be argued that the backside of the recipient's address and the postage stamp on the back has some significance. That's why I always keep everything that I wasted. I have a spot for everything that I have cut out and wasted.
In other words, what I am wasting is blank white index card material that has nothing to do with the signature. I still have what is most valuable. That was my reasoning behind it. And because my goal is total completion of a certain select brand with an end in sight, i felt like this was the only way to achieve it for now. If I just collected Cardinals autographs in general I would not have done this.
Shane
I just received a really tough one. Here is a 2016 Topps Yadier Molina authenticated by PSA/DNA.
This one totally completes my 2016 Topps Cardinals signed team set. This is the most modern complete set I have accomplished. Previous to this one is 2002 Topps.
The total is now 2,347.
Shane
Shane,
Some nice scores recently. I think you are doing a nice job with the cut signatures.
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)
Wow. What a blast from the past. I went to my first Cardinal game in 1963. I actually got to see Stan in his last year of playing. I was 8 - 9 that summer. I've been a fan every since. I didn't get through all 29 pages but what a great collection. I watched them all on the great teams of the 60s. Suffered through the 70s. Then Whitey ball of the 80s. I watch Ken Oberkfell play with the AAA Springfield Redbirds, along with Tom Herr and Terry Kennedy. What a time. Thanks for taking the time to post these.
Dave
Thanks for the kind words. Take some time and go through them all! Glad you liked!
Shane
I think you missed a golden opportunity. When your son was about nine or so you should have taken him to spring training loaded with cards. Mr Molina, your my favorite player would you sign my cards. Gee Mr Wainright your my favorite player ....
Players of all sports are suckers for kids.
I always liked the Ucher cards. His pictures look like he is laughing and there is a joke on you somewhere and you haven't got it yet.
So, how do you store these at your house? Do you have them all out in a room, some on display, all in boxes or what? Do you organize them by year, player or what?
Just curious and fascinated by how you keep them.
I keep them in three albums stored on a bookshelf in my bedroom with my regular Cardinals team sets. That's 30 albums total. For Topps Autographs I have an album for 1952 through 1973, another album from 1974 through 1999, and another albums from 2000 to present.
Shane
That is very organized and a nice way to keep them. I guess you need to be considering the numbers you're storing. I think I'd find myself flipping through those all the time.
Another thing to keep in mind, since it has been a while since I have said this.....I always bust out any slabbed autos in order to put them in my album. I keep the label/flip, put the card in a penny sleeve, tape the label/flip to neatly to the back of the penny sleeve, and then put the card in the album. The only 2 cards that I have not done that to is a 2001 Topps Traded Albert Pujols (BGS/JSA slab), and 2001 Topps Traded Pujols ROY (w/ Ichiro; signed by both; BAS slab). I have those on my desk. I do have a duplicate unauthenticated (and smeared) 2001 Topps Traded Albert Pujols in my album. I have studied it enough to know it is authentic. I sits nicely in my album so I can display the one pictured below.
Picture below along with my rookie year (2001 Spring Training) and second year (2002) signed Albert Pujols baseballs (with others on the team).
Shane
Those early Pujols autos are amazing.
www.questfortherookiecup.com
Love love love the Hornsby!!!
Congrats!!!!!!
Live long, and prosper.
My sincere thanks! It's one of my favorites too!
Shane
hey frankhardy! i have another cards ball to show you! it's one of the strongest bold auto's i have seen yet! will send to psa/dna someday. 1952 Cards.
@Chargers49ersLakers Wow! That is some kind of a nice ball! Les Fusselman passed away in 1971, I believe. There are some rare signatures you have there!
Edited to say - Fusselman died in 1970.
Shane
Great looking baseball there!!
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 one doesn't look like that big of a deal, but it is much, much bigger than it appears. There are 3 minor league cards signed by this guy on Ebay right now. I have been looking for this card for years and years. I think this is his only Topps card, so finding it signed has definitely been a challenge.
This is a 2004 Topps Traded Benji DeQuin. As long as I have searched for this card, when it came up for auction, I put my max bid WAY, WAY, up there to make sure I got it. Fortunately, I paid $5.29 including shipping and sales tax!
The new total is 2,348.
Shane
Up next is another tough one that has taken me years to find. At this point, as far along as I am, they are all going to be that way. I already had this card signed by Lindy McDaniel but since Larry Jackson passed away in 1990, I knew this was going to be a tough one. I would have taken two cards signed by each, but I was fortunate enough to find one with both signatures. I already had one signed by Lindy McDaniel so since I had already counted that one this card only adds one signature to the total.
Ironically there is a similar card in 1961 Topps and I already have one signed by both.
I am very glad to get this one out of the way.
The total is now 2,349.
Shane
Here is another tough one that I had too resort to settling for a cut signature. This one is a high number card, Plus he died way back in 1977.
This is a 1967 Topps Ron Willis. The cut signature is from a PSA/DNA slabbed index card. The cut signature had its challenges getting it to fit like I wanted it to fit. However, I believe it worked out to my satisfaction.
This one totally completes my 1967 Topps Cardinals signed team set.
Below are before and after pictures.
Total is now 2,350.
Shane
This is one confuses me more than any that I have tried for in a long time. This one should be simple. There are several Rene Arocha signed cards on Ebay, but I have looked for years for a 1995 Topps and have never been able to locate one.
So, of course, I did the next best thing and bought a signed index card for less than a combo meal at a cheap fast food restaurant. I think it turned out beautifully. Of course, an on card signature is still on my search list, and I would predict that this one will be the first of these cut signatures that I will replace. Maybe not, but probably. Anyway, it was so inexpensive that I went this route for now and I think it looks great.
Edited to say - after posting and after saying, "I think it looks great", I noticed what looks like a smudge or possibly where the glue had not dried yet in the loop of the "R" at the start of his signature. I picked up the card and didn't see it with the naked eye, so I rescanned it....and it still shows up. I then thought that it might be his red shoe "shining through", but the positioning doesn't line up. Now, I believe it may be a clump of glue. Believe me when I say that this does not show up with the naked eye. I guess the scanner exposes it and it doesn't look great. It does look great in person, though.
Here is a 1995 Topps Rene Arocha.
This completes my signed 1995 Topps Cardinals team set. Also, it completes an entire album! I have 3 albums. One for 1952 - 1974. The second is 1974 - 1999. The third is 2000 - present (2019 mostly, but a couple afterwards). This Arocha completes the ENTIRE second album from 1974 - 1999!
It also totally completes signed team sets from 1966 - 2002! I never dreamed that would be possible!
The new total is 2,351.
Shane
Could you not get a recent address or get the team to help you
out on this. Maybe the Giants could help.
"So, of course, I did the next best thing and bought a signed index card for less than a combo meal at a cheap fast food restaurant. "
Inflation not an issue in your area?
I look on SCN constantly for private signings. He does not sign TTM....Zero percent in the sites history.
Inflation? Yes! Cheap is a relative term. I paid $6.88 for the index card. I did say LESS THAN a combo meal at a cheap fast food restaurant!
Shane
Congratulations on the accomplishment Shane! That's an incredible run of cards to have completed. There are so many like the Arocha that are "minor" names in the footnotes of MLB but are particularly tough as we both know when it comes to collecting a run of something.
www.questfortherookiecup.com
This collection looks like the kind of thing that should someday be in the St Louis Cardinals official museum!
D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
Great accomplishment, congrats
fun to watch it take place
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