Obsession w/ Ink

[sanjosefuji]

A while back, one of my coworkers showed off her back, which was completely covered in tattoos. The artwork was pretty amazing and badass. I've considered getting one, but never settled on anything that I'd want to see for the rest of my life. I mean it's so permanent... well kind of.

For now... I'll just stick to collecting another type of ink: autographed sports cards.

My obsession started back in the mid90's with products like Signature Rookies and Be A Player that offered a guaranteed autograph per pack. Eventually I started chasing the tougher to pull autographs like Stadium Club Co-Signers and Fleer Autographics.

Two decades later, I'm much more selective in the autographs I choose to add to my collection. For the most part, I no longer add sticker autographs unless the price is right or there's no other option. I'm also pretty picky about card designs and have no problem waiting until the card falls into my price range.

Today I'm taking on the fifth installment of Tony's 30-Day Baseball Card Challenge, which happens to be showing off a certified autographed card of one of my favorite players. And since autographs are my favorite thing to collect, I figured I'd show off five certified autographs from five of my favorite players.

Without further adieu...

#1: Tony Gwynn

2007 UD Masterpieces Stroke of Genius #GW

Framed and signed on faux canvas, this autograph set is truly a thing of beauty. Adding Tony in his late 80's brown and orange uniform makes this one of my favorite autographed cards in my collection.


#2: Rickey Henderson

2016 Topps Strata Signature Patch #SSP-RH

I realize that there are some collectors are traditionalists who believe baseball cards should be made only out of cardboard. If they ever held one of these, they might change their minds. There's a reason, I named it my favorite card of 2016.


#3: Greg Maddux

2016 Topps Tribute Rightful Recognition #NOWGM

For years, Greg Madduxautographs were out of my price range. His printing plates were too. Thanks to Topps, there are plenty of both floating around our hobby... which allowed me to pick up this signed printing plate at a very affordable price.


#4: Steve Carlton

1999 Century Legends Epic Signatures #SC

There are so many beautiful autographed card designs out there today, I'd be hard pressed to choose one. But the 1999 Century Legends Epic Signatures would definitely be in the discussion.

#5: Ichiro Suzuki

1993 BBM #239

My latest addiction is picking up autographed rookie cards. This card represents a few things. It's my first and only autograph of Ichiro. It features one of Ichiro'sofficial Japanese rookie cards. And it represents my most pricey single card purchase and is easily one of my favorite signed rookie cards.

Well there you have it. Five of my favorite certified autograph cardssigned by five of my favorite baseball players.

Some of you may have noticed that one of my favorite players was left off the list. That's because I couldn't figure out which of the following cards is my favorite:

2007 SP Authentic By The Letters #125

Now that I have revealed my obsession with collecting ink... how about you?

Are you into tattoos, autographed cards, or both?

And if you haven't joined in on Tony's 30-Day Baseball Card Challenge...

What's your favorite autographed card of your favorite player?

I hope all of you enjoyed a safe holiday weekend. Happy Monday and sayonara!


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[Camco2]

awesome cards!