# 189 - Gregg Zaun - Chrome

Gregg Zaun began Spring Training in the San Diego Padres camp but soon decided it was his time to retire. He signed this card for us at the Padres Spring Training Fan Fest just a few days before he made the announcement. Thanks, Gregg.

# 189 - Gregg Zaun - Chrome

# 424 - Aaron Harang

Former Reds ace, Aaron Harang is another new addition to the San Diego Padres this year. It's been awhile since I saw Aaron when he was with the Oakland A's. He was nice then and still is. Another nice addition to our 08 Topps set.

# 424 - Aaron Harang

Progress: 397/990

# 458 - Brad Hawpe

Former Colorado Rockies slugger, Brad Hawpe has a new home in San Diego with the Padres. The Padres will need his bat to regain the form it had a few years ago if they are going to win the NL West. I had never gotten Brad's autograph before so he was a welcome addition to one of my favorite teams to see during Spring Training.

# 458 - Brad Hawpe

Progress: 396/990

Cal Ripken Jr Signed Book

I'm not really into collecting signed books. Yes, I know this is the second signed book I've posted this month. What can I say? I like a good deal and this was definitely a good deal.

A few weeks ago Barnes & Noble had autographed copies of Cal Ripken Jr.'s new children's book available on their website. I couldn't pass up an autograph of one of my favorite Hall of Famers for $15. The two books I ordered arrived on Friday and they look great. I kept one for myself and surprised my Dad with the other. Not too bad.

If you're interested there are a ton of signed copies of Hothead on eBay right now and most are selling at pretty reasonable prices.

# UH 106 - Josh Hamilton

We got lucky this year and were able to finish off the last three Josh Hamilton cards for our 08 Topps set. The final card we got signed was his Classic Combos card with Detroit Tigers All-Star Carlos Guillen.

# UH 106 - Josh Hamilton

Progress: 395/990

# 22 - Takashi Saito - Team Gift Set

In addition to signing the base card from the 2008 Topps set that we already posted, Takashi Saito also signed his regular card from the 2008 Dodgers Team Gift Set.

I saw somewhere where he had taken a break from Spring Training to return home to Japan to check on his family after the earthquake. Hopefully everyone was okay.

# 22 - Takashi Saito - Team Gift Set

# 25 - Trevor Hoffman - Opening Day

Trevor Hoffman has always been a nice guy. When I got back into collecting autographs around 1999, he was one of the best signers on the Padres. He signed this 08 Topps Opening Day card for us over in Peoria at their Spring Training Complex. He is still as great as ever. Thanks, Trevor!

# 25 - Trevor Hoffman - Opening Day

# 52 - Trevor Hoffman

Yesterday's post seemed like the perfect segway to our 394th signed 08 Topps card.

Future Hall of Famer and the current All-Time Saves leader, Trevor Hoffman has been hanging around the Padres Spring Training camp alot this year. We caught up with him the other day and he signed a card for our set. Thanks, Trevor!

# 52 - Trevor Hoffman

Progress: 394/990

2009 Topps Ticket to Stardom - Trevor Hoffman

Last week Daniel from It's Like Having My Own Card Shop posted a few cards he had available for trade. I saw a card with the familiar 2008 Topps bubbles on it but it wasn't an 08 Topps card. It was a Trevor Hoffman card from the 2009 Topps Ticket to Stardom set with a piece of a ticket stub. I didn't know the Padres used the 08 Topps design on their ticket stubs that year. Very cool.

Daniel was nice enough to trade it to me for a Brandon Webb jersey card and a few other D-Backs. Thanks, Daniel. This card is awesome!

# TS-63 - Trevor Hoffman

# 81 - Orlando Hudson - Opening Day

I like Orlando Hudson and I'm glad he's on the Padres. I heard he may even be their number three hitter this year. Yah the Padres will probably have a difficult time scoring runs in 2011. Hopefully their pitching can carry them to the division title.

O-Dog recently signed an 08 Topps Opening Day card for us.

# 81 - Orlando Hudson - Opening Day

# UH 287 - Chase Headley - Gold Border Parallel

One of the guys who has been wearing a Padres uniform longer than most of the other current San Diego Padres, Chase Headley signed a Gold Border Parallel card for our collection.

# UH 287 - Chase Headley - Gold Border Parallel

# UH 320 - Heath Bell - Gold Border Parallel

We were able to get a few 08 Topps-related cards signed at the San Diego Padres complex in Peoria at their Spring Training Fan Fest a few weeks ago.

Two-time All-Star closer, Heath Bell signed a Gold Border Parallel card for our collection. Hopefully the Padres can find a way to resign him and keep him in San Diego for a long time.

# UH 320 - Heath Bell - Gold Border Parallel

# 21 - Chris Dickerson - Redsfest Team Set

Here's another card I was really hoping to come home with signed when we visited the Brewers Spring Training facility. Chris Dickerson signed his card from the Redsfest Team Set.

# 21 - Chris Dickerson - Redsfest Team Set

# 9 - Randy Wolf

Another former Dodgers pitcher who is now with the Brewers. Randy Wolf signed his card from Series One of the 2008 Topps Set. Back in 2009, he signed his card from the Updates & Highlights set for us.

# 9 - Randy Wolf

Progress: 393/990

# 406 - Takashi Saito

The Milwaukee Brewers signed former Dodgers closer, Takashi Saito this off season. Not sure where he fits in with the club. I guess he's a veteran presence to back up John Axford if necessary. Either way, I'm glad they brought him to camp this Spring Training.

# 406 - Takashi Saito

Progress: 392/990

# 313 - Kameron Loe - Gold Border Parallel

Here's another former Texas Ranger who is now with the Milwaukee Brewers. It's also another signed Gold Border Parallel card for our collection. This one is of reliever Kameron Loe.

# 313 - Kameron Loe - Gold Border Parallel

# UH 111 - Brandon Boggs - Gold Border Parallel

Former Texas Rangers outfielder, Brandon Boggs is over in Maryvale at the Milwaukee Brewers camp this year. We caught up with him recently and he signed his 08 Topps Gold Border Parallel card for us.

# UH 111 - Brandon Boggs - Gold Border Parallel

# 13 - Chris Dickerson - Red Hot Rookies

Had a rough day at the Milwaukee Brewers Spring Training camp. None of the big names signed on the day I was there. I was able to get a few guys on 08 Topps cards so still ended up being a good day anyway.

The best card I got signed was of former Cincinnati Reds outfielder, Chris Dickerson. He signed his Red Hot Rookies card for us. Very cool.

# 13 - Chris Dickerson - Red Hot Rookies

# 219 - Kevin Kouzmanoff - Gold Border Parallel

Here's another 2008 Topps Gold Border Parallel card we've been able to get signed this Spring Training. This one is of Oakland A's third baseman, Kevin Kouzmanoff.

# 219 - Kevin Kouzmanoff - Gold Border Parallel

Topps Diamond Giveaway - Part One

Finally unlocked my first two codes from the Topps Diamond Giveaway. It's hard to get excited about a 1980 Leon Roberts or a 1971 Dick Green. I guess they're both better than an 1987 Thad Bosley.

# 62 - David DeJesus - Topps Chrome Blue Refractor

David DeJesus's Blue Refractor from the 2008 Topps Chrome set is a great looking card. Unfortunately he didn't give us his greatest autograph. David did scribble something on our card. He was walking and had me hold the card while he signed it. Not too bad I guess.

# 62 - David DeJesus - Blue Refractor

# 268 - Daric Barton

Here's another base card for our set. We caught up with Daric Barton at an Oakland A's Spring Training practice a few days ago. He signed his card from Series One of the 08 Topps set.

# 268 - Daric Barton

Progress: 391/990

# UH 15 - Kevin Cash - Gold Border Parallel

When I saw Kevin Cash's name on the Texas Rangers roster I was excited because I knew I had three different 2008 Topps cards for him to sign. The final is the Gold Border Parallel version of his card from the Updates & Highlights set.

# UH 15 - Kevin Cash - Gold Border Parallel

# UH 225 - Ryan Tucker - Gold Border Parallel

This Spring, we've been able to add a good number of signed Gold Border Parallel cards to our collection.

Here's one that Ryan Tucker signed for us.

# UH 225 - Ryan Tucker - Gold Border Parallel

The Simpsons: Homer at the Bat Signed Photo

I don't think it's a big secret but I'm a HUGE Simpsons fan. It's probably the one thing I like as much as baseball. On February 20, 1992 Matt Groening & the Simpsons writers brought my two favorite things together in the classic episode entitled, Homer at the Bat. Nine of the biggest names in baseball were brought in as guest voices.

Steve Sax
Ozzie Smith
Don Mattingly
Jose Canseco
Darryl Strawberry
Mike Scioscia
Roger Clemens
Wade Boggs
Ken Griffey, Jr.

About five years ago, I bought a press photo from the episode and decided to try to get it signed by all of nine players. I caught up with Mike Scioscia at an Angels Spring Training game. Ozzie Smith at a taping of a television show. Jose Canseco at a paid signing. Darryl Strawberry was another paid signing. Don Mattingly at a Dodgers Spring Training practice last year.

On Friday, I was able to get the sixth player to sign my photo. This was the main reason I went to the Steve Sax book signing.

Out of all of the autographs in my collection, this is by far my favorite. With six down, I have just three more players to go.

Steve Sax Book Signing

The past few days former Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman, Steve Sax had a few appearances scheduled around the Phoenix area. On Friday, I made my way over to Antar's Sports Bistro to see him.

It was supposed to be a book signing but of course I brought along a few extra things just in case. The three hour signing was scheduled to start at 3pm. I chose to be fashionably late and showed up about thirty minutes after the start. I was the only person there.

I paid $22 for a copy of Steve's book, Shift. If you're interested, they're available on Amazon for around $14.

While he signed my book, he talked to me for a few minutes about the new telecommunications project he is launching in Phoenix. Since I was the only one there, I decided to press my luck and see if I could get additional things signed. He didn't seem to happy about it but I did walk away with a few signed cards.

The cards & book were great but check back tomorrow to find out the real reason I went to this signing.

# 202 - Josh Hamilton

One of my favorite memories of the 2008 season was the Home Run Derby. Josh Hamilton stole the show. Most people probably don't even remember that Justin Morneau actually won the thing.

This card does a great job capturing that amazing night. It's even more great now that Josh signed it for us.

# 202 - Josh Hamilton

Progress: 390/990

# 576 - Dave Bush - Gold Border Parallel

Former Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher, Dave Bush is now with the Texas Rangers. Two years ago he signed his regular 08 Topps card for us over at the Brewers camp. This year he signed the Gold Border Parallel.

# 576 - Dave Bush - Gold Border Parallel

# 138 - Ian Kinsler - Opening Day

One of my favorite players, Ian Kinsler signed his Opening Day card for us during a Spring Training practice the other day. Thanks, Ian!

# 138 - Ian Kinsler - Opening Day

# 32 - Kevin Cash - Team Gift Set

In addition to his regular 2008 Topps card, Kevin Cash also signed his card from the 55 card Boston Red Sox gift set. It looks almost indentical to his regular card but its cropped just slightly different. You can see more of his shoes in this one.

# 32 - Kevin Cash - Team Gift Set

# 62 - Brandon Webb - Opening Day White Border Parallel

Starting March off with a signed card of the 2006 National League Cy Young award winner. Brandon Webb signed with the Rangers this off season as a free agent. After missing almost two full seasons, it would be nice to see him back on track. Unfortunately everything I've heard so far points to him not being ready for Opening Day.

This is the first 2008 Opening Day White Border Parallel card that we have gotten signed. These are pretty cool and are numbered to only 2199.

# 62 - Brandon Webb - Opening Day Gold Parallel