# 477 - Ben Broussard

I remember hearing an interview with Ben Broussard on MLB Network Radio last Spring. He had just finished playing winter ball in Mexico and was trying to make a comeback. It took a while but he reemerged in the Atlantic League later that summer. A friend on SCN helped us out by getting this 2008 Topps card signed for us.

I've been a fan of Ben's since he played in the Arizona Fall League back when he was the Reds top prospect. I wish him the best in his comeback and musical career.

# 477 - Ben Broussard

Progress: 523/990
 

# 564 - Frank Catalanotto

For those of you keeping track at home this is our 495th signed 2008 Topps card. We've officially hit the 50% mark for the 990 card set!

Frank Catalanotto signed this card for us via his charity. Frank was one of those no nonsense guys who always worked hard. During his career he played every position except shortstop, center field, and pitcher.

Hey, Frank! Thanks for helping us make history.

# 564 - Frank Catalanotto

Progress: 495/990
 

# 148 - Gerald Laird

I'm sure Tigers fans are glad to have this guy back in Detroit. I'm glad to have his 2008 Topps cards signed. Who am I talking about? Gerald Laird, of course.

# 148 - Gerald Laird

Progress: 463/990

# 374 - Jason Jennings

Former Rookie of the Year, Jason Jennings has the distinction of being the first player to sign a card for our set TTM. Back on March 3, 2009 we got his U&H card signed. You can relive that historic moment by clicking here.

Over two years have passed since that day. In that time we've accumulated over 420 signed 2008 Topps cards. Thanks, Jason for helping getting this all started and for now signing your card from Series 2 for us.

# 374 - Jason Jennings

Progress: 432/990

# UH 186 - Wes Littleton

Former Texas Rangers prospect, Wes Littleton signed a card for our set. Wes last played in the Major Leagues in 2008 with Texas. He is now with the Seattle Mariners organization.

# UH 186 - Wes Littleton

Progress: 426/990

# 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

# 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

# 439 - Josh Hamilton

The best autograph we got at the Texas Rangers Spring Training complex was of 2010 American League MVP, Josh Hamilton.

I might have said this before, but I've been a fan of Josh's since he played in the Arizona Fall League back in 2001. It's great to see him doing so well. Thanks, Josh!

# 439 - Josh Hamilton

Progress: 389/990

# UH 215 - Josh Hamilton

Got a nice Christmas present from the 2010 American League MVP. Josh Hamilton signed his All-Star card from the 08 Topps set for our collection. I was a surprised to get this one back after the monster year Josh had. I'm glad to know he hasn't forgotten about his fans. He's been one of my favorites since he played in the Arizona Fall League in 2001. Getting this card totally made my day.

# UH 215 - Josh Hamilton

Progress: 363/990

# 19 - Robinson Tejada

A friend from SweetSpotGraphs.com was able to get us a few 08 Topps cards signed last season. His home team is the Kansas City Royals so all four cards are of players who were on the Royals at some point last year.

The final card is of former Texas Rangers reliever, Robinson Tejada. Tejada has been with the Royals since June 2008 when they claimed him off waivers from Texas.

# 19 - Robinson Tejada

Progress: 357/990

# UH 277 - John Rheinecker

I remember when John Rheinecker was going to be the next superstar pitcher in Oakland. After putting up big numbers in 2002, it looked like it wouldn't be long before Rheinecker was joining the big three (Zito, Mulder, Hudson) in the A's rotation.

Well that never happened. Rheinecker was traded to the Texas Rangers before ever making his Major League debut. He has had some health problems since and hasn't played since 2007.

John was always extremely nice when we saw him during his time with the A's. He may not be the best known card in our 08 Topps set but I think this one's pretty cool.

# UH 277 - John Rheinecker

Progress: 272/990

# UH 239 - Milton Bradley

This will be the last week of Spring Training 2010 posts. I do still have a few cards to post about that aren't from the 08 Topps base set but those will come later.

First up this week is Seattle Mariners outfielder, Milton Bradley. Milton made his only All-Star team in 2008 while with the Texas Rangers. He signed his 08 Topps All-Star card for us over in Peoria last month.

# UH 239 - Milton Bradley

Progress: 254/990

# 313 - Kameron Loe

The 2010 baseball season is well underway but we still have a handful of Spring Training autographs to catch up on.

Former Texas Rangers pitcher, Kameron Loe is now with the Milwaukee Brewers. He is currently on the roster of the Brewers AAA affiliate, the Nashville Sounds.

# 313 - Kameron Loe

Progress: 249/990

# UH 45 - Eric Hurley

Last year, I was able to get off to a good start on our set by getting cards signed by most of the Texas Rangers players. Pitcher Eric Hurley was one guy I didn't have a shot at getting. He missed all of 2009 with a torn rotator cuff but is already practicing with the rest of his team in Surprise, Arizona.

# UH 45 - Eric Hurley

Progress: 218/990

# UH 111 - Brandon Boggs

Brandon Boggs time in the majors can't be described as much more than a cup of coffee. This Spring, he is fighting to land on the Texas Rangers roster as a backup outfielder.

# UH 111 - Brandon Boggs

Progress: 217/990

# UH 231 - Chris Davis

Another great card from an up and coming Texas Rangers star. Chris Davis signed his card from the 08 Topps Updates & Highlights set for us before during a Spring Training practice last week.

# UH 231 - Chris Davis

Progress: 216/990

# UH 112 - Josh Hamilton

Everyone's favorite Texas Ranger, Josh Hamilton signed a card through the mail for us. Josh has five cards in the 2008 Topps set so it's good to have the first one out of the way.

This is the first "Classic Combos" card we have been able to get signed. Hopefully I'll come accross J.D. Drew sometime and be able to have him sign it as well.

# UH 112 - Josh Hamilton

Progress: 176/990

# 53 - Hank Blalock

It seems as though Hank Blalock's time in Texas has come to an end. Over the past 7 seasons he has been pretty reliable at third base for the Rangers. He hit over 150 home runs and drove in over 500 runs. However, Hank's contract is up and I don't see the Rangers resigning him for 2010. Hopefully he'll find a new home and be able to put up All-Star numbers again like he did in 2003 and 2004.

# 53 - Hank Blalock

Progress: 165/990

# 132 - Ramon Vazquez

Card number three from the five card eBay lot is of former Mariners, Padres, Red Sox, Indians, and Rangers infielder Ramon Vazquez. Ramon just finished up the 2009 season with his sixth team, the Pittsburgh Pirates. He hit .230 with 1 home run and 16 RBIs.

# 132 - Ramon Vazquez

Progress: 153/990

# UH 191 - Ian Kinsler

Today brought our 150th card for our set. A nice return from my son's favorite player.

# UH 191 - Ian Kinsler

Progress: 150/990