Luis Salazar 2/2 in 13 days in 2023. Gotta love getting a two-fee back (even if the autograph isn’t anything to write home about). That Padres color scheme was the best in the late 80’s!

Card 339 of 792 of my 1989 Topps autograph set.

Gary Varsho 3/3 in 138 days in 2023. Varsho, father of Dalton of the Blue Jays, had a journeyman career playing for 4 teams in 8 years. His son is one of the top defensive Center Fielders in the game (who came up as a catcher). Gotta love the 92 Upper Deck at Wrigley Field.

Card 338 of 792 from my 1989 Topps autograph set.

Juan Gonzalez 3/4 in 934(!) days back in 2024. I thought this return with Juan Gone, but then it showed up one day, almost 2.5 years later! Gotta love the 2014 Topps 89 Mini, Diamond King and a Signing Autographs return. The one he didn’t sign was an 1993 Upper Deck Checklist card, but at least he returned it.

I am still a little chapped that Gonzo beat out A-Rod in the 1996 MVP race by 3 points even though A-Rod led in WAR 9.4 to 3.8(!). A travesty of travesties, it should have been Griffey battling him for it since he had 9.7 WAR. I wish voters wouldn’t have prioritize RBIs and “winning” over pure, hard stats. Maybe a second year MVP for A-Rod would have led him down a different PED-less experience, he would have stayed with the Mariners and been a dynasty with World Series wins in 2000, 2001 and 2003. (A boy can dream)

Terry Kennedy 4/4 in 10 days back in 2023. Gotta love getting an autograph on a 2017 Rediscover Topps, a Topps Traded and a Diamond King! Have to add “Orioles Magic” as the soundtrack, since it is a favorite of @1988toppspodcast. Also, just finished listening to episode 263 of @twostrikenoise that featured Kennedy in Wax Pack Heroes. Two of my favorite podcasts, check them out if you haven’t already!

Card number 337 of 792 of my 1989 Topps Autograph set.

Bob Boone 4/4 in 11 days back in 2023. Bob was the second generation of Boones to play in the Bigs. His dad Ray Boone, and his sons Bret and Aaron all played as well. I wonder if there will be a 4th generation?

The base card is number 336 in my 1989 Topps Autographed set (I already had the All-Star). The Topps Traded and Diamond King are feat to add as well! Man, whoever sends out these cards knows me well, ha ha!