My Topps Cardinals Autograph Collection (modern stuff)

frankhardy · February 15, 2025 12:04PM

Up next is a 2013 Topps #269 NLDS Game 5 Cardinals team card signed by Jason Motte. This one comes directly from a private signing from over at SCN.

The new total is 2,414.

yankeesman · February 15, 2025 1:12PM

Sweet Motte auto!

frankhardy · February 19, 2025 3:56PM

Up next is another modern one. Here is a 2021 Topps Update #US303 Andrew Knizner from a reputable source on Ebay.

The new total is 2,415.

frankhardy · February 26, 2025 5:24PM

This is a first. This is my first replacement of one of my cut signatures. Here is an "on card" 2006 Topps Update #UH198 WS Game 1 Anthony Reyes. This one comes from a reputable collector over at SCN.

Since this is a replacement, the total remains the same at 2,415.

frankhardy · March 21, 2025 7:49AM

This one is unique. I THOUGHT I had every Cardinals card and player autographed from 1952 - 2002 Topps. I discovered that I had overlooked one signature. I have a 1982 Topps Cardinals team leaders autographed by Keith Hernandez. This card also features Bob Forsch, but I didn't have one with his signature. I have been looking and can't find one as of yet, so I went the cut signature route. I took a paper scorecard with his signature from Ebay and made a cut signature. This will work until I find an on card version. NOW, the run is complete!

The new total is 2,416.

BBBrkrr · March 21, 2025 8:38AM

Man, Forsch passed way too young. Guy was as dependable as anything the Cards.

frankhardy · April 5, 2025 4:18PM

I have not had one of these in a long time. This PSA/DNA authentic one is a replacement for a non authenticated one I have had for years. The price was reasonable. Anytime I have one where the player passed away decades ago, I want to be extra sure, even if I am confident in my original one (which I am). So, when they become available with reputable authentication, if the price is right, I try to go for it. Such is the case with this one. This is a 1958 Topps Phil Paine. Phil Paine passed away back in 1978 at the young age of 47 from a brain tumor.

My original card will go in my duplicates album.

The total remains the same at 2,416.

frankhardy · May 3, 2025 4:26PM

It has nearly been one month since I have posted last. Things have slowed down dramatically. Until Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina do more (or any more) private signings, it will be "slow go" for years.

I do have a modern one here. This is a a 2020 Topps Update #U146 Andrew Knizner. This one comes from a reputable seller on Ebay. It was signed IP at Spring Training.

The total is now 2,417.

frankhardy · May 4, 2025 6:37AM

This is my first one from 2024. This is a 2024 Topps Luken Baker. He has been a tremendous power hitter in the minor leagues, but hasn't quite caught on in the Big Show. Time will tell. This auto comes from a reputable seller on Ebay who got it IP at Spring Training.

The total is now 2,418.

yankeesman · May 4, 2025 6:50AM

Nice pickups Shane! It's always exciting when you get that first one of a new year in the books. Congrats!

frankhardy · May 13, 2025 3:35PM

This guy is really starting to light it up! An injury set him back a few weeks ago, but he hit another HR a day or two ago. He has 5 in just a few games. He already has a 3 HR game this year. I think he is going to be a stud. Here is a 2023 Topps #58 Ivan Herrera PSA/DNA. I got this one from Ebay. This is my first one from 2023. Hopefully, he keeps up his torrid pace!

The total is now 2,419.

frankhardy · June 7, 2025 10:42AM

This is another cut signature of one I can't find. This is a 2004 Topps #343 NL Batting Avg League Leaders with Edgar Renteria. I took a 2017 Donruss (Panini) certified auto and made a cut signature. I love the fact that this one was a small signature and could fit in Renteria's "window". Now, I just need Albert Pujols on this card! Here is before and after scans.

The total is now 2,420.

frankhardy · June 7, 2025 12:05PM

Even though I still need Pujols on the above card (plus several more), I am pleased to present to you an "on card" Albert Pujols that I was missing. Here is a 2006 Topps #263 Albert Pujols MVP card authenticated by Beckett (BAS).

The bad thing about collecting Cardinals autographs and when the collector wants total completion is that Pujols made tons of cards just in the regular Topps sets. This is a result of him being the most dominate player in the 2010's. You have his regular card, plus any All Star cards, League Leaders cards, and any misc. cards in the set. With Pujols and this collection, it gets daunting at times!

The total is now 2,421.

yankeesman · June 9, 2025 8:40PM

Nice Albert!!

frankhardy · June 12, 2025 7:24AM

This is one I never thought I would have in this way. I thought it might be possible to get two cards with one signature each, but I never thought I would be able to grab a dual signature! Here is a 2007 Topps #329 Classic Combos featuring Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols. It is authenticated by Becket (BAS). This was NOT an easy find!

The total is now 2,422. Total only went up by one because I already had Molina on another card.

coinkat · June 12, 2025 7:42AM

There was an autographed 1957 Topps Walker Cooper card on ebay… not sure if you already had one. I suspect that may not be too common.

frankhardy · June 13, 2025 9:54PM

@coinkat said:
There was an autographed 1957 Topps Walker Cooper card on ebay… not sure if you already had one. I suspect that may not be too common.

It is a tough one, but I already have it. Thanks for the heads up anyway!

coinkat · June 14, 2025 3:35AM

I suspect you probably did…

frankhardy · June 15, 2025 3:34PM

Up next is a really tough modern one. This is a 2024 Topps #118 Nolan Arenado authenticated by PSA/DNA. I hope he retires a Cardinal!

The total is now 2,423.

yankeesman · June 16, 2025 4:23PM

Nice Nolan!

frankhardy · June 21, 2025 2:14PM

Up next is another cut signature. This is a 2006 Topps Update #UH296 Team Leaders Albert Pujols & Chris Carpenter. I got the Chris Carpenter signature from a 2000 Skybox Autographics certified auto.

The total is now 2,424.

frankhardy · June 29, 2025 6:41PM

Up next is a replacement for one of my cut signatures. I was involved in a private signing for Jeff Weaver who hardly ever signs. I couldn't pass it up.

This is a 2006 Topps Update #US330 Classic Duos featuring Jeff Weaver and his younger brother, Jared.

The total stays the same at 2,424.

frankhardy · July 14, 2025 5:04PM

Here is another replacement from a cut signature. This is a tough one because he rarely signs. I was able to participate in a rare private signing. This is a 2015 Topps John Lackey.

Again, this is a replacement so the total remains at 2,424.

frankhardy · July 15, 2025 4:09PM

Ok folks....this is a big one for me! This comes from a private signing a few days ago. This is a 2009 Topps Albert Pujols. This is Beckett Witness authentication with a sticker on the back. This completes a basic run of Topps Albert Pujols until he left for the Angels (just regular cards, not league leaders, all stars, etc).

More coming soon....

Total is now 2,425.

baseballfan · July 16, 2025 7:02AM

that's a great looking card

congrats

frankhardy · July 18, 2025 6:56AM

Here is the next one. It is from the same private signing. This is a 2022 Topps Update Albert Pujols. This also has a Beckett Witness authentication sticker on the back.

I was so stoked when he came back for that final season! What memories! My son and I were there in St Louis when he hit HR #698. I have it on video! It was awesome! And my son just got married to his sweet, beautiful bride tonight!....July 18, 2025.

Total is now 2,426.

frankhardy · July 19, 2025 6:20PM

I am surprised no one has commented on the above card or even liked it. I am not fishing for likes or comments, but I am just a little surprised. That is one of my all time favorite signed cards in my entire collection. He came back. The card in the above post pictured his first at bat in St Louis after rejoining the Cardinals.

Up next is a 2023 Topps Albert Pujols. This was also signed at the same private signing with a Beckett Witness authentication sticker on the back. This card pictures the celebration after hitting home run #700 at Dodgers Stadium. What a memory!

This now concludes every single Topps Cardinals Albert Pujols regular base and Update card signed. Now, I just need several misc. cards like league leaders, all stars, award winners, etc in the regular Topps and Update sets with every one of them authenticated.

If I get time, I may scan every one of them in one post to see them all at once.

Total is now 2,427.

yankeesman · July 19, 2025 6:45PM

Whoa! Those Alberts are amazing! I was so glad he could finish where he started. What great memories for you and your son as well. Awesome achievement on the Pujols run.

frankhardy · September 18, 2025 8:49AM

Up next is not such much a unique card or signature (even though it is a tough one), but the background surrounding my purchase is definitely unique. This has never happened before.

When I purchase an unauthenticated autograph (on Ebay or elsewhere), I study it carefully and I compare it to many other known authentic examples. If I am comfortable with it, I will purchase. Then, when I receive it in hand I will carefully examine under magnification to see if it passes my own test. I have even sent back a fair amount over the years that I was not comfortable with.

With this card, I carefully examined the Ebay picture and compared it with other Beltran autos. It seemed to pass the first test, so I bought it through the auction format. I think I got a fair deal on it for $28 plus shipping and tax. Then, when I received it I was in the process of examining it and turned it over....it had a JSA authentication sticker on it! The seller made no mention of that whatsoever, nor did he show a picture of the back of the card! I believe the card would have went for more money had the seller listed as JSA authenticated. The is the first time this has happened for me. I am pleasantly surprised and pleased!

This is a 2012 Topps Update #US72 Carlos Beltran HR Derby card.

Also, another tidbit...this one replaces a cut signature version that I had, so the total does not change because this is a replacement.

Total is still 2,427.

divecchia · September 18, 2025 9:06AM

Hi Shane,

It's been a while since I've checked out your Cardinals autograph collection and you have made some great progress.

Keep up the hunt!!!

Donato

frankhardy · September 20, 2025 9:22AM

So now that I have all of the regular Topps and Topps Traded/Update cards of Albert Pujols in a Cardinals uniform, I thought I would share them all in one post.

Albert Pujols signature has evolved over the years. The basics have sort of been the same, but slant, neatness, size, and style vary somewhat. Plus, he can have a very sloppy signature when it is a rushed one. An example of this is the 2003 below. There are several forgeries on Ebay, and I have studied them enough through the years to spot a fake.

An example of the differences can be seen within 2 years of each other. The following 4 examples are all Beckett Witnessed (not just authenticated from an opinion). The 2004 Topps was signed and Beckett Witnessed in 2022. The 2009, 2022, and 2023 Topps were all in June of 2025. The 2004 Topps has a different slant than the other 3.

My point is that even though some of these look different, his signature has definitely evolved, and sometimes even reverts back to an earlier style. The 2010 Topps and 2011 Topps are identical styles that are on my game used gloves (see avatar) and the certificate of authenticity from his foundation (which he signed as well) and those were from 2006.

I have 2 different 2001 Topps Traded autos. The first one I ever got was Beckett / JSA slabbed as you see below. If you keep up with my thread, you know that I always bust them out of the slab and put them in my albums. I could not bring myself to bust that one out. Eventually, I was able to spot an unauthenticated (and smeared) 2001 Topps Traded, and because of the smear, I was able to get it for around $100 (if my memory is correct). I examined it thoroughly and not only do I believe it to be the real thing, I actually think it is a rookie year signature because his signature changed from 2001 to 2002. A 2001 "Pujols" is much more slanted and sloppier than a 2002 "Pujols". I have team signed baseballs from both years to prove this. So, I said that to say that I got a second 2001 auto to put into my album while the slabbed 2001 is on my shelf to display.

My 2001 Topps Traded Pujols / Ichiro dual auto (as seen below) also remains in the slab and on my shelf for display. I cannot bring myself to bust it out. I would love to get one only signed by Pujols. It would be less expensive and I could justify busting it out to put into my album.

One more thing that I want to add. I do have several other Pujols signed cards that are in Topps base sets like All Stars, Highlights, League Leaders, etc, that are not shown here. And I need many more than I actually have. I have a long way to go to get those signed. I have two 2003 Topps League Leaders headed to a private signing right now. Once I get them back my 2003 Topps Cardinals signed team set will be complete.

Also....once I get a card, even if authenticated, I examine closely and under magnification to see if it passes the test with my own eyes,

Here is the list -

2001 Topps Traded Albert Pujols Beckett / JSA slabbed
2001 Topps Traded Albert Pujols / Ichiro dual signed Beckett slabbed
2001 Topps Traded Albert Pujols (for my album; rookie year signature) unauthenticated
2002 Topps Albert Pujols JSA sticker
2003 Topps Albert Pujols PSA/DNA busted out and label with the card
2004 Topps Albert Pujols Beckett Witnessed sticker from private signing
2005 Topps Albert Pujols Beckett busted out and label with the card
2006 Topps Albert Pujols JSA sticker from private signing
2007 Topps Albert Pujols GAI sticker (carefully examined by me and am confident)
2008 Topps Albert Pujols JSA sticker from private signing
2009 Topps Albert Pujols Beckett Witnessed sticker from private signing
2010 Topps Albert Pujols JSA sticker
2011 Topps Albert Pujols GAI sticker (carefully examined by me and am confident)
2022 Topps Update Albert Pujols Beckett Witnessed sticker from private signing
2023 Topps Albert Pujols Beckett Witnessed sticker from private signing.

Here they are.

Vaderb8 · September 20, 2025 9:46AM

Very cool project! Congrats!

mrmopar · September 20, 2025 2:25PM

Have not checked in for a while. Looks good. I was glad, but concerned, when Pujols joined the Dodgers. Although i had his auto already, I was able to get a couple Dodger cards signed, so happy about that. It was harder to get a Mookie Betts in a Dodger uniform and still only have an unlicensed/logo-less Leaf card. I'll never land a Ohtani, so the complete LA Dodgers autograph quest is over.

yankeesman · September 20, 2025 4:12PM

What an incredible Pujols run! Congrats!!

frankhardy · October 25, 2025 2:06PM

Up next is another fairly tough modern one. Here is a 2005 Topps Update #UH170 Chris Carpenter AS. This comes from Ebay. I have checked it over under magnification and compared to the several that I have it this is legit. I always check everything to make sure I am convinced of authenticity.

The new total is 2,428.

frankhardy · November 21, 2025 4:12PM

Up next are two very tough ones obtained via a private signing. Since I have all of his regular cards, I am now working on cards like this a couple at a time. Here is a 2003 Topps NL Runs League Leaders Albert Pujols and a 2003 Toppps NL RBI's League Leaders Albert Pujols. These both come with Beckett Witness stickers on the back. Still several more like this to go, but I am chipping away.

This completes my entire 2003 Topps Cardinals team set. This means that I am complete (this includes cut signatures) from 1952 - 2003.

The new total is 2,430.

baseballfan · November 24, 2025 9:00AM

Awesome 50+ year run

frankhardy · December 3, 2025 4:44PM

Here is another fairly tough modern auto to get signed on specific cards. See, doing this since 2007, I have noticed that some autographs can be generally easy to get if you are not specific about which card you want to find signed. The big challenge is to find the specific card you need. Early on, when you need all of a player like Adam Wainwright, it is easy to pick up a few here and there. But when you get down to needing specific cards, it can be tough, and such is the case here. This is a 2019 Topps #679 Adam Wainwright. I got this one from Ebay, and after examining it closely and comparing it to many others, it passes the test.

The new total is 2,431.

frankhardy · January 23, 2026 4:31PM

Here are 5 from 2020 Topps that I got from Ebay. All have passed my inspection, and I am very comfortable with them.

2020 Topps #39 Tyler O'Neill
2020 Topps #55 Jose Martinez
2020 Topps #386 Dakota Hudson
2020 Topps #676 Rangel Ravelo
2020 Topps Update #U162 Giovanny Gallegos

These 5 increase the total to 2,436.

frankhardy · January 24, 2026 8:18AM

Here are more modern ones from Ebay.

2021 Topps Update #US57 Seth Elledge
2021 Topps Update #US172 Giovanny Gallegos

These 2 increase the total to 2,438.

frankhardy · January 31, 2026 10:10AM

Here are 3 from 2022 Topps.

2022 Topps Update #US209 Steven Matz
2022 Topps Update #US306 Jake Walsh
2022 Topps Update #US329 Andrew Knizner

These 3 make the total increase to 2,441.

frankhardy · January 31, 2026 10:17AM

Here are 4 from 2023.

2023 Topps #13 Giovanny Gallegos
2023 Topps #34 Zack Thompson
2023 Topps #269 Steven Matz
2023 Topps #458 Dakota Hudson

These 4 make the total 2,445.

frankhardy · January 31, 2026 10:18AM

Just 5 more before I reach the milestone of 2,500.

Should I save that slot for something extra special, or should I just "let be what will be?"

divecchia · January 31, 2026 10:24AM

Shane,

It's been a while since I've checked in. You are making some nice progress. Congratulations on your new pickups. They look great.

Keep up the great work.

Donato

frankhardy · February 1, 2026 7:38AM

Correction....I need 55 more before the 2,500 milestone. That will take a while!

divecchia · February 1, 2026 7:42AM

@frankhardy said:
Correction....I need 55 more before the 2,500 milestone. That will take a while!

It may take a while, but I have no doubt that you will get there.

Donato

frankhardy · September 23, 2026 3:20PM

After a long hiatus (mainly due to playing a lot of golf).....I need to get this thread caught up. Even though the acquisitions have slowed down dramatically, I have gotten a few since February.

I'll start with this simple one. It is a 2020 Topps Update #U131 Alex Reyes. This one was acquired from Ebay. Injuries have basically ended this one time top prospect and he has not pitched in a few years.

This makes the total rise to 2,446.

My Topps Cardinals Autograph Collection (modern stuff)

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