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.

RBI (176) A Comeback All Star...

Recently I was able to get the autograph of former All Star pitcher Scott Kazmir.

Kazmir was drafted 15th overall in the 2002 Draft by the New York Mets despite verbally committing to the Longhorns. He was traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2004 and became a staff leader until he was traded to the Angels. After the trade his career fell apart and he dropped out of baseball until he worked his way back through independent ball and the minors to come back up with the Indians. He's been a 2-time All Star and was the 2007 AL Strikeout leader.

Scott Kazmir autographed this 2011 Topps Heritage card for me and was nice enough to inscribe "All Star" on it when I asked him to. To be honest I wasn't a huge Kazmir fan but seeing how he fought his way back into baseball to be part of the Indians resurgence makes me respect him a lot.

RBI (175) Terry Francona...

I was very happy to get a Terry Francona autographed baseball to add to my collection. It took a few attempts with him as an analyst, Red Sox manager and as manager of the Indians but I was glad to get a ball signed by Francona in my shelf.

Francona is one of the top autographs for me in Red Sox history since he is the manager that was able to break the curse and bring a World Series championship to Boston. He not only broke the curse but also won the 2007 World Series making himself a key part of the Red Sox dynasty. The infamous breakup of the clubhouse cost him his position in Boston and after some time away from managing he has helped turn the Indians around. He's crossed the 1,000 Win plateau and earned two rings, he's definitely one of the top managers in the game.

I got Terry Francona's autograph on this baseball when the Indians came to play the Angels at Angel Stadium during the 2013 season. I had sent a card to Tito during the 365 challenge that I wasn't able to get back so it really means a lot to put this in my collection. I think I'll be trying to get a copy of Francona's book autographed next season and work on getting Francona's signature on my Fenway Park seat.

RBI (174) Justin Masterson Jersey...

I've posted about my Justin Masterson collection that I've slowly been building and I made a big addition. 2013 has been a huge breakout year for Masterson with him being amongst the top of the AL Strikeout leaders and a strong record. He was named an All Star for the first time so I went ahead and got a Masterson All Star Game bp jersey.

When the Indians came to town I was able to get this Justin Masterson autographed jersey on the numbers with a silver paint pen. He was kind enough to do a dual inscription "1st ASG" and then wrote the bible verse "John 16:33" I'm really happy with how it came out and it's one of my favorite autographs I've been able to get. Without a doubt Justin's one of the nicest and most accommodating signers in baseball whenever he gives out an autograph he really takes his time and knocks them out. He's always sure to give a consistent signature and almost always puts a verse when he signs. Seeing how he incorporated the All Star inscription into his normal signature was a really awesome touch. Justin Masterson's autograph is definitely one of my favorites.

RBI (173) Sandy Alomar Jr...

It's always nice when you're able to get a stud's autograph and it's even nicer when that stud is more than just a player but a respected name within baseball. I was able to get former catcher and current coach Sandy Alomar Jr to sign.

Alomar Jr. was signed by the San Diego Padres as an amateur free agent in 1983. He was traded by the Padres after two short call ups and broke into the Majors with the Cleveland Indians in 1990. Immediately he made a name for himself playing for the Tribe for 10 seasons before becoming a journeyman playing for the White Sox, Rockies, Rangers, Dodgers and finally the Mets. He's a 6-time All-Star and won the 1990 AL Rookie of the Year. After his playing days were over he became a coach for the Indians as well as temporary manager after Manny Acta was fired, but was passed over for Terry Francona to be Acta's replacement.

I was able to get Sandy Alomar Jr. to sign this 1991 Bowman card for me when the Indians were in town to play the Angels during the 2013 season. He was kind enough to inscribe "90 ROY" for me after I asked.

RBI (172) Jim Leyland TTM...

I was pleasantly surprised to see one of my 365 TTM's come back after a long delay. There was no postmark on it so I wasn't sure who had finally responded. When I opened the envelope I was happy to see Jim Leyland signed my card.

Leyland is notorious for chain smoking during games inside the dugout but not many people complain considering the results he's been able to get as a manager. He's won more than 1750 Games, was 2-time NL Manager of the year, AL Manager of the Year and won the 1997 World Series to give the Florida Marlins their first franchise World Series championship. As Detroit's manager he's had another World Series appearance and been one of the more humorous managers in the game. He's quoted as commenting on Orioles stud Manny Machado that he's the league leader of doubles and Leyland is second in doubles, double vodka's and double scotches. 

Jim Leyland autographed this 2011 Topps Heritage card for me that I sent TTM c/o the Tigers at Comercia Park after 1 year and 4 months.

RBI (171) Jonny Gomes...

Big thanks to Matt from MC's Autographs for this one. I was hanging out at the stadium waiting for the Red Sox when he gave me this Jonny Gomes 8x10 that he had an extra copy of so I could get it signed. I never had gotten Gomes before, so it was cool to drop a nicer item than just a card.

Gomes was taken in the 18th round of the 2001 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He debuted for the Rays in September of 2003 and then finally stuck around after a big year in the minors in 2005. He's played for the Rays, Reds, Nationals, A's and currently the Red Sox. He's been a spark plug in the rebuilt Red Sox being a part of the Red Sox beard nation that has helped rebound them from the Bobby Valentine destruction into dominance of the American League.

Jonny Gomes autographed this 8x10 photograph for me when the Red Sox came to play the Angels during the 2013 season. He laughed when he was signing the photo and a player in the dugout I couldn't see made a comment about the shot, responding he must have been hustling after a steak dinner.