The Mystery of Byron McLaughlin..

grote15

I am not an autograph collector, but I like mysteries and bizarre stories and came across the story of former major league pitcher Byron McLaughlin, who pitched for the Mariners and the Angels in the late 70s and early 80s. After his retirement, he was charged with counterfeiting large shipments of knock-off athletic shoes and convicted of money laundering. He jumped bail while awaiting sentencing in 1990 and fled the United States, presumably to France, where I guess he remains today. I came across this old auction listing for one of his autographs and found the description and the story behind it (if true) to be rather fascinating. Does anyone here have a McLaughlin auto?

Here's the link to the auction listing and the story behind it. Boy, talk about a dedicated collector, LOL!

McLaughlin Auto

Ironmanfan

I thought he went by Bo?

IMF

Sethro

Two different players, but both were pitchers.

FINESTKIND

That's a strange write up for an autograph auction.

Dboneesq

Tim ... that was discussed here once before. Very interesting story. I'm going to see if I can come up with that thread.

grote15

<< <i>That's a strange write up for an autograph auction. >>



That's what I was thinking, as well! It does seem to stretch the limits of credibility! But was very interesting!

grote15

Doug, that is one guy I guess who isn't on the TTM database, LOL!

Dboneesq

Tim ... I am going to guess that you are correct! BTW ... I found that thread. It was just a small entry on a much larger thread and the story that was LINKED probably gave the same info that you already read.

GDM67

Also not to be confused with Joey McLaughlin, who exasperated Bobby Cox in both Atlanta and Toronto.

Dboneesq

<< <i>Also not to be confused with Joey McLaughlin, who exasperated Bobby Cox in both Atlanta and Toronto. >>



Or Nancy McLaughlin, who was in my first grade class!

mrmopar

When I went back and started trying to get all of the Mariner cards signed from 1977 to about 1987, I started learning of the strange and tough players and why. I grew up in the Seattle area and used to go to a fair number of games in the 78-87 time frame, but was never really following the team. I went to see the opposing teams. I gathered a bunch of autographs, but few were Mariners.

I also enjoy the stories behind the players who are tougher to find. The Mariners certainly have their fair share in their shorter history, especially in the range I am trying to track down. The multiplayer rookie cards are especially loaded with guys who seem to have slipped under the autograph radar!!

I picked this up on ebay. I think the seller actually had it listed as Greg Biercevicz and although it could be fake, I didn't see any reason to believe it wasn't real at the time. All three of those guys seem to be somewhat tough, especially McLaughlin. I'd love to have that triple signed card. I would love to add the 80 and 81 McLaughlin cards someday. Maybe he'll reappear or do a signing for someone someday.

[URL=http://s9.photobucket.com/user/mrmopar/media/My Collection/Autographs for show/Bo.jpg.html][/URL]

mrmopar

I think that is dcameron99's description. He seems to have fair success tracking down toughies and seals on ebay at times.

alnavman

Bud Anderson, didn't know he was with Mariners, knew he pitched for the Indians......

Nathaniel1960

<< <i>I thought he went by Bo?

IMF >>

dennis07

The story almost sounds like a Grisham novel. It would probably make a good movie. Who wants to play the part of the overly aggressive autograph hound?

Dboneesq

Not Mine: