RBI (227) Alex Rodriguez

Alex Rodriguez, Arod, A-roid. Plenty of names have been put on Rodriguez since he was caught, disciplined and suspended for his infractions. At the end of the day he's still an autograph that is desirable, collectible and for my 2014 Topps heritage set, incredible necessary. Thankfully I was able to come in possession of one during the Arod "Forgiveness" tour as he's been playing this season and knocking out untold numbers of autographs at stadiums around the country.

I was very happy to get this Alex Rodriguez autograph in my collection and now no longer have to worry about one of the most difficult cards I thought I'd have to obtain. I'm highly doubtful he ever makes it in the hall of fame despite his numbers, but he's always going to be a name brought up for his era of baseball.

As always if you have any signed 2014 Topps heritage, let me know what you have and we can work something out.

RBI (225) Mike Witt...

I've previously posted about getting former Angel and Yankee pitcher Mike Witt. The 2-time All Star posted 117 wins with 1,373 Strikeouts but most importantly he posted his own spot in MLB history. He finished out Mark Langston's No Hitter and I had the two of them sign a ball, but now I had Witt sign his own.

Witt threw out the first pitch at the Angel Stadium home opener to start the 2015 season off. I was able to hang around and get Witt afterwards and had him sign a ball.

Previously Witt had declined to inscribe his piece of baseball history but this time he had no problem doing so and inscribed "PG 9/30/84" for me. It was a nice way to start off the season and getting a Mike Witt autograph is tough so this is a really nice piece for me to put into my collection.

Autograph Recap, Garrett Richards Eco Challenge Day 7/26/14

Gerrett Richards made an appearance at Angel Stadium for Orange County Eco Challenge Day. Participants brought in household waste, clothing and electronic waste to be recycled and were given a wristband for an autograph and the first 200 donators received either tickets to that nights Angel game or the Discovery center.

Richards is a difficult autograph to get at the stadium, he doesn't often sign so I had to take advantage of the opportunity to get his autograph. I arrived at the stadium and while I thought I had come early I was sorely mistaken and there was an impressive line of cars waiting ahead of us.

Eventually we were let inside to form another line next to the famous hats at the home plate gate to wait for Garrett to show up for the signing. 

Garrett arrived a few minutes early and promptly started signing autographs for those waiting in line. He was polite and was giving out nice signatures on everyone's items. The handler was more lax at the start so some were able to get two items signed but by the time I arrived to the front it was more strictly held to one per.

I was glad to get my Garrett Richards 2014 Topps Heritage card autographed to add to my set.

He's got a great signature and getting it done at a sit down setting made it look great. It was a quick signing that supported a good eco-driven cause.

Autograph Recap, Angels Mystery Bags 2014

Well it was that time of the year again when the Angels girlfriends and wives host their annual mystery grab bag fundraiser. Each bag costs $40 and proceeds go to support the Special Olympics. You have the chance to pull a baseball autographed by a participating player and if you're exceptionally lucky you can find a gold ball that gives you the opportunity to go on the field before a game to meet the player.

I waited in line with some friends and took my shot at the chance for the opportunity. I ended up pulling a Kole Calhoun and two Howie Kendrick baseballs. I traded one of the Howie Kendrick's for a Josh Hamilton baseball and then traded that Josh Hamilton for a Jered Weaver.

To say I'm happy with this is an understatement. A Jered Weaver autographed baseball in blue on the sweetspot is more difficult to get than I'd care to even really think about. The fact that it has paperwork from the Angels certifying it makes it even better. It'll look extra great next to my other Weaver autographed ball inscribed with Weaver's no hitter.

The Howie Kendrick autographed baseball is a nice full signature so I'm reasonably happy with it.

The Kole Calhoun I gave as a present already so I don't have a photo of it, but Kole's actually a bit tough so it was nice to get the ball so I could focus on other graphing instead of chasing him. Overall it wasn't a bad haul for me and it could have gone much worse. The Angels also were kind enough to learn from bad experiences the past few years and the players gave out nice signatures on the sweetspot in good blue pens. Every fan I saw may have wished they had pulled a Pujols or Trout autograph, but I don't think close to everyone left with a quality signature from their player.

RBI (210) Brian Roberts...

Brian Roberts. Multiple time All Star second baseman who was quick on the base paths for steals and doubles. This guy has never signed for me before and has been notoriously difficult to get.

Apparently it's easy to get him when he rolls up to the stadium 10 minutes before the gates are supposed to open for fans to come into the game. Roberts signed a few autographs on his way in and I was finally able to cross him off the list.

Brian Roberts autographed my 2014 Topps Heritage card for me to add to my set. I'll be doing a massive update about the progress of my set but it's looking very nice right now.

RBI (208) NFL HOF'er Warren Sapp...

As you all know it's Derek Jeter's farewell trip around the league so fans are turning out in droves to see their final chapter of the captain's playing career. I made out to the Big A to try graphing the Yankees and didn't have too much luck. One random graph that I was happy to get was a fan that came out who had fans himself. NFL Hall of Famer Warren Sapp came to Angel Stadium to catch a game.

Sapp was a 7-time Pro Bowler, had 4 First team All-Pro selections, won Super Bowl XXXVII,  was named to the all-decade team for the 1990's and 2000's and for good measure won the Defensive Player of the Year award. All while playing as a DT instead of the more heralded DE position. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2013 and has maintained a visible profile as a retired player appearing as a commentator, judge on BBQ Pittmasters and runner up on Dancing with the Stars.

I was really surprised to see Warren Sapp at the stadium, but really glad he was spotted. I asked him if I could get his autograph and if he'd sweetspot the baseball and as I started to point out where to sign he told me not to worry that he had me and immediately knew where to flip the ball to. Awesome. He signed it nicely and inscribed "HOF 13" on the ball.

I'm glad to put him in the collection and already have my Warren Sapp autographed ball next to the ball I got signed by fellow NFL star Tony Gonzalez.

RBI (206) Sonny Gray...

Well Billy Beane's done it again in finding the right arm at the tight time in starting pitcher and future star Sonny Gray. Gray was first drafted in the 27th round of the 2008 draft but held out and went to Vanderbilt until the 2011 MLB draft when he was taken 18th overall by Oakland.

Gray made an immediate impact for the A's when he was called up in 2013 and made his MLB debut. He helped the A's clinch their playoff berth and then went up against reigning Cy Young winner Justin Verlander in the playoffs for two strong starts. He's stepped up as a big arm in the rotation as the starter who took the mound for the A's home opener and is pushing them toward another AL West title.

I was able to get this Sonny Gray autographed baseball before a game when the A's came to play the Angels during the 2014 season. It's nice getting promising young players and getting him on a ball sweet spotted before the hype train really gets going and they stop sweet spotting is always a bonus.

Autograph Recap Angels vs Mariners Opening Series...

Baseball. It's back. The first team to come into town was Seattle Mariners and I did pretty well knocking out the first part of my complete 2014 Topps Heritage set.

Game 1: I wasn't able to get anything pre-game so I gave up and went to grab a nice lunch with Rob and Benson to celebrate baseball coming back. It was a good change of pace from the normal value menu binge we make later on in the season. When we went inside it was great to be officially back. I started off with Logan Morrison signing a pair of his Topps Heritage. Lomo autographed one normally and on the other wrote his twitter handle "@cupoflomo" for me.

Next up I was able to get the new man of the hour Robinson Cano's autograph. To be honest I was a little unprepared for Cano to come out and point at me to sign so I went with the first thing I had in front of me and tossed my card instead of a ball. It's official I'll have to be committed to this set now that I've got Robinson Cano's 2014 Topps heritage short print autographed.

After Cano signed I got Abraham Almonte to sign his half of his rookie stars card. He's an interesting prospect making good use of his chance so it'll be interesting what he does.

I already posted about getting Brad Miller's autograph on a baseball, and I got Miller's heritage card signed after game one.

Game 2: I started the day off pretty well getting outfielder Dustin Ackley's autograph. He was nice and knocked a few out for those who asked.

It was a good feeling getting Michael Saunder's autograph finally after being unsuccessful over the past few years to get him to sign something. It's very satisfying to have him sign his heritage early.

After Saunders signed for me slugger and 2-time All Star Corey Hart came over and autographed his heritage.

Game 3: For the third game I picked up where I left off getting a guy who has been historically tough for me. Even though Justin Smoak has played his whole career in the AL West I've never been able to get him to sign for me. I got his heritage autographed and it's nice to get him off the list.

After Smoak I got third baseman Kyle Seager to sign for me before the game started. Seager's part of the new wave of prospects establishing themselves early into true big league players so it's good to have him done before he gets tougher.

I didn't stay for post game action and headed home satisfied to have knocked off most of my Mariners heritage cards and glad baseball is back.

Autograph Recap 2014 Exhibition Angels Vs Dodgers series...

As I posted previously when I put up the Kenley Jansen autograph I got I went to Dodger Stadium to graph the Angels. The following day was the Angels pitiful excuse of a "fiesta" fan fest, Mike Trout extension press conference and Dodger game. This year I'll be beginning the long and arduous task of collecting the Topps Heritage 2014 set and getting it autographed. I've bought a complete low number set and am working on assembling the short prints.

The first card I got signed for my set was my David Freese short print during Spring Training so it was time to finally get to work on the set. While at Dodger stadium I was able to get Kole Calhoun to sign his heritage and inscribe "Red Baron" on it.

I started off the next day Saturday at Angel Stadium getting this Matt Shoemaker autograph on his Rookie stars card with my buddy David.

After Shoemaker we went to the press conference and the fiesta where the only coaches to sign were Steve Soliz, Gary DiSarcina, and Don Baylor, and no active player did an autograph session or signed at the press conference. Bust.

We went inside the stadium and I was able to get a long time favorite Matt Kemp's autograph on his heritage card when he finished his batting practice session.

After Kemp signed I waited for the rest of batting practice to finish up, but it was slow so I tried my luck with the players when they stretched. I got my Carl Crawford autographed card, even though it wasn't the best signature.

Post game was a bust as I got shot down by the players as they left for San Diego to start the regular season.

RBI (204) Brad Miller…

It's not often that I prospect on players, but every once in a while I have to take a shot after watching the guy with my own eyes. After watching this weeks 2014 Opening Series at Angel Stadium between the Angels and Mariners I decided I had to get shortstop Brad Miller's autograph.

Miller's a top prospect who was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2011 MLB draft he's flown through the minors to the bigs. Now that he's established himself he is making a solid name for himself as a big leaguer after last season's call up. In his short career so far he's shown to have big boom in his bat with 4 multi-home run games.

I got this Brad Miller autographed baseball inscribed "4-1-14 2 HR Vs. LAA" at Angel Stadium during the 2014 season. Brad was really nice to stop and put the inscription for me, I appreciated it and am looking forward to watching more of him.

RBI (201) Jim Fregosi...

Unfortunately longtime fan favorite and baseball lifer Jim Fregosi passed away today. Fregosi was a great example of what a player could mean to the game, players and fans.

Fregosi was a Gold Glove short stop paired with fellow Gold Glove teammate Bobby Knoop and named to 6 All Star games. He hit the first cycle in Angels franchise history. Even his leaving meant much to the team as he was part of the deal that brought Nolan Ryan to the Angels. His number was retired by the Angels for his service as a player and a manager.

Jim Fregosi autographed this Angels 50th Anniversary baseball for me on the way into a game at Angel Stadium to scout the Angels for the Braves during the 2011 season.

RBI (188) Mike Scioscia, Last 2013 Graph...

I already posted about getting Albert Pujols' autograph on the last day of the regular season at Angel Stadium, well I neglected to post knocking out another long time goal longtime Angels manager Mike Scioscia.

Scioscia as a player won 2 World Series Championships with the Dodgers while being a 2-time All Star. He's managed the Angels to over 1,200 Wins, 2 AL Manager of the Year awards, a World Series Championship and somehow found time to make two appearances in the Simpsons.

I haven't had much luck getting this Mike Scioscia autograph so getting after he got to the stadium was a nice pull for me. I've been after him for my 1987 Topps project for two seasons now. It's not like I have any sort of realistic belief that I'll finish the set but the guys in the set seem to be decent signers, its a pleasant design and it's something to work on every once in a while.

RBI (187) Evan Longoria...

On occasion I'll get an autograph and instead of immediately posting it I'll wait until that player does something noticeable or until he is relevant to post about. Right now with the Rays in postseason against the Red Sox Tampa Bay Rays 3rd baseman Evan Longoria is incredibly relevant and noticeable.

Longo was the 3rd overall pick in the 2006 MLB Draft taken out of Long Beach State University the home of fellow stars Jered Weaver, Jason Vargas and Troy Tulowitzki. He's been the power of the heart of the Rays lineup and been recognized with multiple All-Star selections, Gold Glove awards and been named a Silver Slugger. If a third baseman can do it well he's doing it and been one of the main challengers to Adrian Beltre's reign as top third baseman within the American League the past few seasons.

Evan Longoria autographed this 2012 Allen and Ginter "What's in a Name" card for me when the Rays played the Angels during the 2012 season. I like these cards and got his fellow star ace pitcher David Price to sign his version of the card. With stars like Longoria, Price and Ben Zobrist it's easy to see why the Rays are making waves and in the post season.

RBI (186) Rays Magic...

The past few seasons the Tampa Bay Rays have been regular contenders in October and a big part of it has been digging out talent from all parts of the draft. Pitcher Jake McGee is one of those arms they found to be a solid arm coming out of the pen.

McGee was drafted out of the 2004 MLB Draft in the 5th round and debuted in 2010 for the Rays. The lefty has provided solid results for Joe Maddon when he comes out in games appearing in 71 games and recording his first career save this season. He's one of the under the radar guys that has helped the Rays hold on to their magic to push into the post season.

Jake McGee autographed this 2011 Topps Lineage rookie card for me when the Rays were in town to play against the Angels in the 2013 season. I like McGee and especially since the season before he gave me a Orioles commemorative baseball that I saved and ended up getting Adam Jones' autograph on.

RBI (184) Albert Pujols, Graphing the season's final home game...

It took two seasons but I finally did it. I got Albert Pujols' autograph on the final day of the 2013 season after two full seasons of trying to hunt him down.

The last home game was scheduled for the early afternoon so I was able to get to the stadium and catch some of the players going in for the game before I had to go into work. I was too late for a few of the players but Albert Pujols rolled in and after loading up his bags he came to the waiting crowd and started signing. It was a magical high pressure moment for me since it had taken so long for me to even be close to Pujols picking up a pen to sign and I was really worried if he would pick me or not. He reached for my clipboard and sharpie so I was super excited and thanked him for signing.

Albert signed this 8x10 photograph that I took of him at the Angels press conference after he signed as a free agent for the 2012 season. I was so excited to finally put the future Hall of Famer into my collection and it's a huge relief to finally knock him off the list after he signed this photograph at Angel Stadium. Talk about a great way to graph my last day of the season.

RBI (182) A Utility All Star...

The past few seasons I've had mixed luck when the Rays come into town. I've gotten David Price before and it's one of my favorite pieces in my autograph collection but the position players have been tough for me. I was finally able to get Ben Zobrist's autograph this past season.

Zobrist was drafted in the 6th round of the 2004 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros but was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. He's played every position but pitcher and catcher and that versatility has helped Joe Maddon turn the Rays into a contender. He's been an All-Star two times already with his defensive abilities being valued by the AL All Star managers while having a decent average with pop and speed knocking in over 100 career Home Runs and having 90 career stolen bases.

Ben Zobrist autographed this 2013 Topps Heritage card and was nice enough to inscribe "All-Star" when he signed it for me. I got Zobrist to sign when he came into town with the Rays to play the Angels during the 2013 season.

RBI (181) New York State of Mind...

I've got to give it up to outfielder/first baseman Nick Swisher. Even when he was a New York Yankee he was a reliable autograph signer and he's kept that trend up since crossing over to the Cleveland Indians.

Swisher was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 2002 MLB draft as part of Billy Beane's Moneyball movement. He played for the A's before moving on to the White Sox, Yankees and Indians. While in New York he was a member of the 2009 World Series Championship team and was voted an All Star in 2010. He's crossed the 1000 hits and 200 Home Run marks being a reliable RBI machine despite his fairly pedestrian career batting average.

I had Nick Swisher autograph this 2012 Topps Heritage card for me when the Indians came to Anaheim to play the Angels during the 2013 season. You can find Nick Swisher's twitter @NickSwisher here.

RBI (180) Adrian Beltre...

One of my favorite players growing up has been Adrian Beltre. He's a slick fielding, power hitting third baseman who I've always enjoyed watching play. His career has primarily been on the West coast besides a year out in Boston so I've always been able to keep track of him and watch his career.

Beltre was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. He debuted for the Dodgers at age 19 and hasn't turned back since developing into one of the premier 3rd basemen of his era of play. He's a multiple time All-Star, Gold Glover and Silver Slugger winner. He's rapidly advancing his stats to impressive career plateaus with more than 2300 hits, 370 Home Runs and 1,200 RBI's. All of these statistics have been acquired while maintaing top level defense at third so it's going to be interesting to see when he decides to end his career since he still has years left he could play at first base or as a DH when his defense declines. He may make a very interesting run at the traditional Cooperstown marks in the next few years.

I was able to get Adrian Beltre's autograph on this baseball before a Rangers vs Angels game in Anaheim. The ball is actually my first baseball I've gotten from during a game with umpire Brian Knight being kind enough to toss me the ball at the end of the first inning of the Indians vs Angels game on the 19th of September, 2013. Since it was my first ball given to me actually during a baseball game I held onto it for someone special and one of my favorite players is definitely special enough for me to use on him.

RBI (179) Troy Percival...

I've written in the past before about getting Angels pitcher Troy Percival's autograph in person on a baseball and through the mail. The Angels held a fiesta celebration at the stadium and had current players as well as alumni come to sign autographs for the fans and Percival was among the alumni who came back.

I had Troy Percival autograph this baseball and he was nice enough to inscribe "02 CHAMPS" on the ball under the World Series logo. The autograph and inscription came out nicely so I don't think I'll turn this into a 2002 team ball and will leave it as a Percival solo signed ball. The ball was actually a nice surprise my parents found when going through some old boxes that they picked up back when the team actually won the World Series so it was awesome to find a 11 year old baseball and get it signed by one of my favorite former Angels.

RBI (177) Jason Kipnis...

The American League is stacked with some quality second basemen from Robinson Cano, Dustin Pedroia and now Jason Kipnis. Kipnis is a huge part of the Indians revival as a cornerstone of the franchise.

Kipnis was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2009 MLB draft and debuted in 2011 for the Indians. He's been a reliable solution for the tribe at second base with a combination of solid defense, home run power and speed on the base paths. In two full seasons he's already developed into a consistent 15/25 player. His solid numbers have resulted in an All Star nod already with more recognition likely in store for him down the road though hardware will be tough to come by considering Pedroia and Cano's residence in the AL.

I was lucky enough to get this Jason Kipnis autographed 2012 Topps Heritage card during the Indians vs Angels series at Angel Stadium during the 2013 season. I did well getting Cleveland Indians autographs this season so I'm looking forward to them coming back around so I can work on getting a few more signatures.