Who is this? Birmingham Barons hitting coach Andy Tomberlin
What is this? An autographed card from from the 1989 Star minor league set
Where'd I get it? From Zach. I think he got it signed at the Rickwood Classic this summer.
Why is this so special? Andy Tomberlin had an interesting career. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 1985, Tomberlin began his pro career as a pitcher. He apparently had control issues, so the Braves decided to turn him into an outfielder in 1988.
Tomberlin didn't get his first shot at the majors until 1993, after he left the Braves organization. He got into 27 games for the Pirates that year. In 1994, he played in 17 games for Boston. In 1995, it was 46 games for Oakland. In 1996 and 1997, Tomberlin played a total of 69 games for the Mets. Then in 1998, he played in 32 games for Detroit.
Between 1985 and 2000, Tomberlin played in nearly 1000 minor league games. He stayed in baseball following his retirement, working as a scout and minor league coach.
Tomberlin's signature is somewhat recognizable, but it wouldn't earn him a very good penmanship grade. (Do they still teach that subject in grade school? Somehow I doubt it.)
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