2008 Topps Cameron Maybin

Who is this? Florida Marlins outfielder Cameron Maybin

What is this? An autographed card from the 2008 Topps set

Where'd I get it? I purchased it from Anthony when he was clearing out his card collection this summer

How much did it cost? Around $2

Why is this so special? Cameron Maybin was one of the best-regarded prospects heading into the 2005 draft. The Detroit Tigers selected him with the 10th overall pick, and eventually signed him to a contract with a $2.65 million bonus.

He made his major league debut in 2007, after two seasons in the minor leagues. He hit his first major league home run off Roger Clemens on Aug. 18.

That winter, Maybin was traded to the Florida Marlins as a key component in an 8-player deal that brought Miguel Cabrera to Detroit.

Maybin spent most of the 2008 season in the minor leagues, but made a splash in his September callup. He set a Marlins record by reaching base in ten consecutive at-bats over his first three games.

After being giving the Opening Day center field start in 2009, Maybin handed it right back by not hitting enough to stay in the lineup. He returned in September, but it was still a disappointing season.

In 2010, Maybin was the Opening Day center fielder again, but he lost his starting job by early June and was sent to the minors before the month was out. He missed some time with injuries, but returned to the major league starting lineup before the end of the season.

Maybin may never live up to the star potential that scouts saw when he was in high school, but it’s far too soon to give up on a 23-year-old.

Maybin’s signature on this card is interesting… his first name is written neatly, but it seems like he ran out of room for his last name.