# 7 - Mickey Mantle

Like most of the recent Topps sets, the 2008 Topps set included Mickey Mantle as card # 7. A fitting tribute to one of the most influential players of the last century.

I've kind of wondered what to do with this card for awhile now. Not too long ago I saw someone else get a TTM request back from one of Mickey's sons, David. David signed an Allen & Ginter card for the set they were working on. They shared the address so I went ahead and gave it a try.

A few weeks David returned my cards signed. He signed this one twice. Once on the front and once on the back. I'm guessing it's because the front is kind of dark and it's a little hard to see.

Thanks, David! I appreciate you taking the time to answer my request.

# 7 - Mickey Mantle

Progress: 510/990
 
     

# 136 - Robinson Cano

We've got a good one today. Check out this signed card of Robinson Cano. It's a great additon to our set.

Robinson is getting ready to play in his fourth All-Star game. I'll never forget watching him win the Home Run Derby last year. I was rooting for Adrian Gonzalez but whatever it was still cool.

There's a guy who posts on one of the autograph websites I visit who goes down to the Dominican Republic to get autographs. I picked this one up from him. I probably won't see Cano any time soon, so I'm glad I did.

# 136 - Robinson Cano

Progress: 492/990
 

# 407 - Johnny Damon

Blog reader Dan has helped us out with some great signed 2008 Topps cards in the past. This time he's really out done himself. He sent over seven new cards. All of them are amazing!

No saving the best for last this time. We're jumping right in. My favorite card in the group is this Johnny Damon from Series 2. Damon is now on the Cleveland Indians and Dan had some luck getting his autograph before a recent game.

This one's awesome. I'm not sure if Johnny will end up in the Hall of Fame but he'll definitely be one of the most remembered players from the past ten years.

# 407 - Johnny Damon

Progress: 484/990

# UH 69 - Chad Moeller

Former Diamondbacks catcher, Chad Moeller signed a card for our set. Since his days in Arizona, Chad has spent most of his time in the minor leagues with an occasional cup of coffee.

# UH 69 - Chad Moeller

Progress: 457/990

# 300 - Chien-Ming Wang

We sent off a few TTM requests this Spring Training but didn't get a whole lot back. Our best return for the set was from former Yankees ace, Chien-Ming Wang. Wang hasn't pitched since 2009 due to injuries. He is currently attempting a comeback with the Washington Nationals.

# 300 - Chien-Ming Wang

Progress: 407/990

# UH 128 - LaTroy Hawkins

Veteran reliever, LaTroy Hawkins signed a card for our set. LaTroy made his MLB debut back in 1995 with the Minnesota Twins. We caught up with him during Spring Training in Maryvale at the Milwaukee Brewers camp.

# UH 128 - LaTroy Hawkins

Progress: 402/990

# 445 - Hideki Matsui

This is probably the best autograph we got this Spring Training. Former New York Yankees outfielder, Hideki Matsui signed a card for our set. Hideki is a two-time All-Star and was MVP of the 2009 World Series. This is one that I thought we might never get signed. It's great to have it now as part of our collection.

# 445 - Hideki Matsui

Progress: 400/990

# UH 36 - Xavier Nady

Killed two birds with one stone. Xavier also signed his 08 Topps Updates & Highlights card for us. Well maybe that should be four birds. Check back tomorrow for two more Xavier Nady posts!

# UH 36 - Xavier Nady

Progress: 385/990

# 209 - Andy Phillips

Former New York Yankees infielder, Andy Phillips signed a card for our set. Andy was recently named the hitting coach for the University of Alabama's baseball team.

# 209 - Andy Phillips

Progress: 368/990

# 253 - Bronson Sardhina

Former New York Yankees prospect, Bronson Sardhina made his MLB debut in 2007 but hasn't made it back to the Majors since. After spending time with the Seattle Mariners and Cleveland Indains organizations, he is currently with the Colorado Rockies.

# 253 - Bronson Sardhina

Progress: 367/990

# 207 - Alberto Gonzalez

The second card from our eBay lot was of Alberto Gonzalez. I don't know much about Alberto Gonzalez besides the fact that he had a card in the 2008 Topps Updates & Highlights set. After a quick Google search I learned that Alberto is now in the Nationals system and played with the Syracuse Chiefs in 2009. He hit .311 but only had 90 at bats in 23 games.

# 207 - Alberto Gonzalez

Progress: 152/990

Mail: Jonathan Albaladejo

I received a nice package from a friend on SweetSpotGraphs.com. I sent him a few 08 Topps cards of Yankees pitcher Jonathan Albaladejo for my half of a 50/50 and he sent them back signed.

# 103 - Jonathan Albaladejo
# UH 73 - Jonathan Albaladejo

Progress: 137/990

# 349 - Mike Mussina

Got back a signed card today from five time All-Star, Mike Mussina. Mike won 270 games and struck out over 2800 batters in his career. Stats like those along with seven gold gloves may be just enough to earn his election to the Hall of Fame.

Another great addition to our set. Thanks, Mike.

# 349 - Mike Mussina

Progress: 115/990

# 102 - Ross Ohlendorf

Princeton graduate and current Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitchers, Ross Ohlendorf signed a card for the 08 Topps set. Of all of the players who have signed a card for our set, I think it's pretty safe to say Ross is the player who scored the highest on the SATs.

# 102 - Ross Ohlendorf

Progress: 97/990

# 188 - Kei Igawa

I'm pretty sure that Yankees pitcher, Kei Igawa isn't really considered a prospect any longer. Kinda glad to get this one back because I have a feeling he may find himself pitching in Japan soon.

# 188 - Kei Igawa

Progress: 67/990