SoCal Autograph Odysses

There has been a bit of a shift to my rankings of my top 10 autographs as my newest addition is sure to push some others down a peg or two. I've always made it a point to keep an eye toward the direction I really would like my autograph collection to go and that is to try and consolidate some of what I have into obtaining autos from some of the greatest players in their sports. Chasing the GOATs if you were. That is definitely an overused term but you get what I'm trying to do here. Recently I added a Pele /10 auto and the newest arrival which I just signed off the delivery for came today. This is a 2017-18 NBA Hoops auto of Lakers great and NBA legend, the late Kobe Bryant.  As you can see this one has been slabbed by Beckett and the card itself was given an 8.5 grade while the auto got a 10. I shopped around in the Kobe world for a couple of weeks before deciding to go with this card and I'm happy with the choice I made.

 The second of four private signings I'm participating in was recently completed and the item sent back to me. I sent a 1991 Upper Deck rookie card to a signing being done with MLB Hall of Famer and one of the best pitchers all time, Pedro Martinez.  I like the way this card turned out, with a bold blue signature that stands out against the background.

 I'm going to compile all of the soccer autos that I've not yet posted about into one blog entry as there have been a lot over the past five to six weeks, some coming from direct buys of the single card and others coming from packs I've opened, etc.  The first card was a single bought off eBay of arguably the best defender of all time, Italian and AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini. The card itself was goofier looking in person than I originally anticipated so I'll know to avoid Merlin sorcerer's auto cards later. I liked the price though when I bought it to add someone of this stature.  Anyone that plays FIFA (now EAFC) or watched soccer during the 90's will undoubtedly know the next card. Bulgarian forward Hristo Stoichkov who was most known for his days playing with Barcelona and at one time was the Ballon d'Or winner as the best player in the world. Contrary to the Maldini card, I really like the way this card pops in person. Another eBay add comes in the for...

 I've recently sent a few cards through the mail to private signings that are going on and the first one of those came back to me yesterday in the form of NFL Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith, of the Buffalo Bills. I sent a rookie card in for this signing and I am happy with the way it turned out.