The National - Submit Your Guest Request

Who do you want to see in the TriStar Autograph pavilion at The National?

My list includes Roger Staubach, Gary Carter, Stan Musial (despite rumors of him not doing shows anymore, I've heard may still come around to a few), Gordie Howe, Joe Namath, Mike Piazza, Bob Boone, Willie Wilson, Bo Jackson and Jennie Finch. Here's the list that appeared last year.

I posted this on the Facebook group, but here's the the form to send your request to TriStar.

Gary Carter Autograph Collection - Hall of Fame

Gary Carter entered the baseball Hall of Fame in 2003. He was elected with Eddie Murray. To end my Gary Carter autograph baseball week, here's Gary's autograph with his HOF inscription.

Who's the best catcher ever? Here's my list:
1. Josh Gibson
2. Yogi Berra
3. Johnny Bench
4. Gary Carter
5. Carlton Fisk
6. Ivan Rodriguez
7. Mike Piazza
8. Jerry Grote
9. Todd Hundley
10. Mackey Sasser

OK, I'm joking of course with 8-10, but I like the top 7.

New Florida Marlins Stadium Images

New images have been released for the proposed Florida Marlins baseball stadium.

Miami-Dade County Commissioners and Miami City commissioners vote February 13 on the new stadium (hopefully Friday the 13th doesn't jinx the vote for baseball fans).

It's hard to tell exactly how this could look once finished, but clearly is a move away from newer ball park designs in Baltimore, San Francisco, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and a couple of others.

Thanks to the Biz of Baseball for posting images.

Gary Carter Autograph Collection - Shea Stadium

This is the only Gary Carter autograph I have without a special inscription. I couldn't think of a good one for this Shea Stadium specialty baseball.

Gary Carter signed this one for me at last year's MAB Metsfest. Again, I asked him to sign it directly under the Shea Stadium logo for display purposes.

Gary Carter signs a lot of autographs with Tri-Star so I'm hoping he'll be at The National this year (did I mention that crazy Facebook group for The National - yes, I'm sick of writing that already). I doubt Gary will be at this year's National considering his new manager job for the Long Island Ducks.

Gary Carter Autograph Collection - 1984 All Star MVP

Gary Carter Baseball Autograph Collection week continues!

Gary Carter earned his second All-Star game MVP in 1984. The game was held in San Francisco on July 10, 1984.

A go-ahead home run by Gary Carter earned him the MVP. This autograph is under the 1984 All-Star game logo with Carter's MVP inscription. He also signed this for me at the 2007 National.

Gary Carter Autograph Collection - 1981 All Star MVP

What? An autograph not on the sweet spot?!

In my opinion, if you're getting a specialty ball signed, then get it right under the special logo. The reason is because of the display. You're going to want to display the baseball with the special logo and the autograph. Get it done this way, so both will show.

Originally, the 1981 All-Star game was going to be played on July 14, but had to be moved back due to the player's strike. As a result, the game was held in Cleveland on August 9. Gary Carter hit two home runs in the game to earn the 1981 All-Star game MVP award.

This autograph is on a 1981 All-Star game baseball and has Carter's MVP inscription. I obtained this one from the 2007 National in Cleveland. If you're on Facebook, be sure to join The National group!

Mr. Cub Ernie Banks Autograph

A friend of mine sent this picture to me from last month's Toys for Tots drive in Naperville, IL. Ernie Banks signed a baseball, added the inscription "Mr. Cub," and paused for a great photo opportunity.

Wouldn't it be great if more athletes did this!? Banks isn't looking for a couple more dollars, he's raising funds for a charity.

How much better would local charities do if athletes charged toys, canned goods, meals, or donations in exchange for their autograph. Wouldn't we all feel better about the experience?

I know this is probably more common than I know about. I'm sure there are plenty of athletes that do this type of charity work. I only wish there were more like Mr. Cub.

Gary Carter Autograph Collection - Gold Glove

In addition to being one of the best hitting catchers in baseball history, Gary Carter won his share of gold gloves. Gary Carter is a 3-time gold glove winner (80, 81, 82).

This sweet spot autograph is on a Gold Glove baseball with the Gold Glove years inscribed.