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