# UH 320 - Heath Bell

One back today from Padres closer, Heath Bell. Heath's off to a pretty good start this season. He's quickly making a name for himself and proving that he's worthy of being Trevor Hoffman's successor.

# UH 320 - Heath Bell

Progress: 55/990

# UH 40 - Jon Rauch

Okay so I guess the Arizona Diamondbacks are my favorite team. I actually have a few favorite teams but I'd have to say that the DBacks are at the top of the list.

I was glad to get my first DBack TTM today. Jon Rauch quickly signed the card below from the 08 Topps U&H set. Thanks, Jon!

# UH 40 - Jon Rauch

Progress: 54/990

# 618 - Pat Neshek

Fan favorite, Pat Neshek quickly signed a card for the set. For those that don't know, Pat has his own blog. If you've never seen it before, it's definitely worth checking out.

# 618 - Pat Neshek

Progress: 53/990

# 589 - Dave Trembley

One more 08 Topps back today. Orioles manager, Dave Trembley signed a card for the set. The Orioles haven't been very competitive in the American League East in a number of years, maybe Dave can help turn them around.

# 589 - Dave Trembley

Progress: 52/990

Award Winners: Jake Peavy

No good mail again today so I thought I'd go ahead and highlight another award winner. I thought I'd mix it up a little bit this time and go with a current player... Jake Peavy.

With the Padres being one of my favorite teams, Jake quickly became one of my favorite players. He's a really nice guy and always trys to sign tons of autographs at Spring Training. He signed the card below for me at a ST game last year. He's a pretty good player too. Jake is a two time all-star and he has played in both of the World Baseball Classics for Team USA.

Jake's best year so far has been 2007. He won the pitching triple crown by leading the National League in wins, strikeouts, and ERA. These numbers would make him the unanimous choice for Cy Young.

There have been a lot of trade rumors surrounding Jake this past year. Even though it seems unlikely, I hope he will remain in San Diego for at least a few more years.

Jake Peavy - 2007 NL CY

Award Winners: Bobby Richardson

During his career with the New York Yankees, Bobby Richardson played in seven World Series. The Gold Glove secondbaseman, helped lead his team to three championships however his most remarkable post season play came in a losing effort. During the 1960 World Series, Bobby had an average of .367 with a grand slam and 12 RBIs. This was good enough to win him the honor of World Series MVP. Unfortunately for Yankee fans, despite being dramatically outscored over the seven games, Bill Mazeroski and the Pirates prevailed. Nearly fifty years later, Bobby is still the only player from a losing team to be selected as World Series MVP.

Bobby graciously signed the card below for me last week. Great return from a Yankee legend!

Bobby Richardson - 1960 WS MVP

# 234 - Bobby Doerr

I wasn't really sure what to do with card # 234 at first. No one Red Sox player is really predominately featured. Instead of going with a current player or coach, I quickly decided it would better to have this one signed by a Red Sox legend. Who better than Hall of Fame second baseman, Bobby Doerr?

Bobby Doerr quickly signed my "Postseason Highlights" card. Thanks, Bobby! This is already one of my favorites from the set.

# 234 - Postseason Highlights

Progress: 51/990

# 611 - Garret Anderson

Hit a milestone today. Got our 50th 08 Topps card signed. It took current Braves outfielder, Garret Anderson just over a week to sign our card. Looks great! Thanks, Garret!

50 down, 940 to go!

# 611 - Garret Anderson

Progress: 50/990

# 453 - Josh Fogg

Received a package today from a 50/50 I sent to a friend on SportsGraphing.com. It included Josh Fogg on an 08 Topps. Nice.

# 453 - Josh Fogg

Progress: 49/990

# UH 317 - Brian Buscher

Good news! Got my first card back that was mailed out during the 2009 regular season. Brian Buscher quickly returned my 08 Topps card signed.

# UH 317 - Brian Buscher

Progress: 48/990

Award Winners: Dick Groat

Dick Groat had many accomplishments during his career. He was an All-Star five times. He won two World Series rings (1960 Pirates, 1964 Cardinals). In 1960, he led the National League in batting average hitting .325. This was good enough not only to help lead his Pirates team to the World Series but he won the National League MVP award. You have to be a pretty good player to make the cover of Sports Illustrated three times but Dick wasn't just a pretty good player. He was an MVP.

Mr. Groat was nice enough to sign the card below for me last week. Thanks, Mr. Groat!

Dick Groat - 1960 NL MVP

Award Winners: Mark Fidrych

I've been trying to come up with ways to update my blog on days when I don't have any cards to add for my 08 Topps set. I've decided to highlight some of the players that have won various awards like MVP, Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, etc. There are some great players who may not be in the Hall of Fame but had a large impact on the game of baseball.

First up, Mark "The Bird" Fidrych. The 1976 American League Rookie of the Year signed two cards for me through the mail last week. This is when I first got the idea that I should do posts for players who were award winners.

In 1976, Mark led the league in ERA and complete games. His 19 wins put him fourth in the league and helped him finish second in voting for the AL Cy Young award. Unfortunately, Mark passed away yesterday. I've heard nothing but the kindest words for this former award winner. He was kind of a quirky pitcher who captivated the hearts of American baseball fans. His career was cut short due to injuries but he will always be remembered for his dominance on the mound in 1976.

Mark Fidrych - 1976 AL ROY

# 541 - Adam Jones

Got one more back today. Orioles outfielder, Adam Jones nicely signed one for the set. Hopefully 2009 will be a breakout year for Adam in Baltimore.

# 541 - Adam Jones

Progress: 47/990

# 529 - Masahide Kobayashi

Cleveland Indians pitcher, Masahide Kobayashi signed a card for the set. Kobayashi made his MLB Debut on April 2, 2008 after a successful career as a reliever in the Japanese Pacific League.

# 529 - Masahide Kobayashi

Progress: 46/990

# 379 - Hideki Okajima

Glad to get this one back today. Hideki Okajima signed an 08 Topps for the set. After serveral all-star seasons in Japan, Hideki came to the United States in 2007. During his first season he was named to the American League All-Star team and helped the Red Sox win the World Series.

# 379 - Hideki Okajima

Progress: 45/990

# UH 134 - Joey Devine

Oakland A's relief pitcher, Joey Devine signed a card for me c/o Spring Training. Joey will be starting the season on the DL. Hopefully he'll be back pitching in Oakland soon.

# UH 134 - Joey Devine

Progress: 44/990