Don Kessinger

Don Kessinger was one of the first players I got for my Cubs project, which is appropriate because his was the first autograph I ever got as a kid. Well, technically I didn't get it, it was given to me.

Back in my Park Forest days a neighbor of ours attended a Rotary luncheon where Kessinger was speaking. The guy knew I was a fan and had the forethought to ask Kessinger to sign the program from that days events. I still remember him stopping by the house and handing my Mom the folded paper with "To Mark, Best Wishes Don Kessinger" scribbled on it. My mother promptly had the thing laminated, cursing any value but preserving it for my future. I still have that sheet. Thanks Mom.

Many years later I tracked Kessinger down in 1986 at a tiny card show in Charlotte, North Carolina where I was living. I remember he was sitting at a long table looking rather lonely. It wasn't much of a card show and I guess old Cubs didn't warrant a lot of excitement in a town still buzzing with excitement over their very own NBA franchise.

The lack of a line allowed me a brief moment to speak with Kessinger. He told me how he was coaching college baseball down in Mississippi or some other state like that. As I said, we didn't speak for long. I got the sense he really didn't want to be there.

Nevertheless, I finally got my chance to get Kessinger's autograph in person. It's always neat to actually get an autograph in person, but truth be told. I think the scribbled signature on a forty year old Rotary luncheon program will always be my favorite Kessinger sig.

John Hairston

John Hairston played in exactly two games in his major league career. The only thing that saves him from Moonlight Graham territory is that he played those two games with the 1969 Chicago Cubs. That and the fact that he is the uncle of solid major league star Jerry Hairston.

Hairston actually started one game at catcher for the '69 Cubs. He lasted 5 innings. He played in another five innings as an outfielder. That's it. Thank you John for playing. You can pick up a copy of the home game as you leave.

All sarcasm aside. The very fact that I am mentioning him on a web page proves that, when all is said and done, he won.

Manny Jimenez

I purchased this signed photo from a very reputable dealer. He tells me that little scribble on Jimenez' shoulder is indeed his autograph.

Again, a very reputable dealer. I guess I'll believe him. Jimenez was one of my "terrible four." He lives in the Dominican Republic so he doesn't get to many card shows to sign.

Rich Bladt

Rich Bladt signed photos don't seem that hard to come by. He does a lot of signing. Works for me. He's the kind of player who might make things difficult for completists like me but he's accomodating.

Jimmie Hall

This was a HUGE get for me. Jimmie Hall has publicly stated that he doesn't like signing autographs. He viewed baseball as a job, nothing more. I got a George Brace photo of him (a fabulous resource by the way), got Hall's home address from someone on a message board and sent it away with fingers crossed.

Two years later - yes, two years - I get an envelope back with his signed photo. He signed in ball point pen but I'm willing to accept that. Jimmie Hall was a 'terrible four" and I finally got him.

Gene Oliver

Gene Oliver recently passed away. I was sorry to hear that. He was a good signer and a solid ballplayer.

I picked this one up at a Chicago card show. There are a couple of different poses of him from this session but this one works for me.

Oscar Gamble

Oscar Gamble was probably the most notable rookie from the 1969 Cubs. He went on to have a very solid major league career and some really awesome hair.