2003 Fleer Tradition Scott Speizio

Who is this? Newark Bears infielder Scott Spiezio

What is this? An autographed card from the 2003 Fleer Tradition set

Where'd I get it? Spiezio signed it for me before a Bears game earlier this year.

How much did it cost? I got the card out of a pack.

Why is this so special? Scott Spiezio spent 12 seasons in the major leagues and won two World Series rings, with the 2002 Angels and the 2006 Cardinals. He is the son of former major leaguer Ed Spiezio.

If I could bring back one discontinued baseball card set, I'd revive Topps Total. It was perfect for autograph collectors because of the number of different players included and the lack of glossy coating on the cards. But if I could bring back a second discontinued set, Fleer Tradition would be the one I'd choose. It appealed to me more than the Topps Heritage sets, maybe because the cards weren't direct copies of a previous design (except in 2003). Or maybe it was because the pack prices were more affordable. I'm not really sure.

Spiezio's autograph looks like a scribble on this card, unfortunately.

2003 SP Chirography Jim Edmonds

Who is this? Milwaukee Brewers centerfielder Jim Edmonds.

What is this? An autograph card from the 2003 SP Chirography set.

Where'd I get it? I bought it off eBay a few months ago.

How much did it cost? I don't remember exactly how much it cost, but I remember it being fairly cheap, maybe around $3 plus shipping.

Why is this so special? Jim Edmonds has always been one of my favorite players, simply because he is such an amazing outfielder. So far he has won 8 Gold Gloves in his 16 year career, and he has been know for making some of the most amazing catches in baseball history. The one that most people remember was the one he made while playing for Anaheim against the Royals on June 10, 1997 to rob a sure double.

Edmonds is hitting .280 with 3 homers in 27 games this season for the Brewers, which isn't bad for a guy who didn't even know if he'd be playing this season.

Edmonds has a very nice and distinctive auto. He has an interesting way of making the d's in his last name, but I really like his signature.

2003 Upper Deck Vintage Darin Erstad

Who is this? Darin Erstad, an outfielder/first baseman for the Anaheim Angels, Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros

What is this? An autographed card from the 2003 Upper Deck Vintage set

Where'd I get it? I wrote to Erstad and asked him to sign it during the summer of 2003. I got it back in January of 2005.

How much did it cost? Just postage and the cost of the card.

Why is this so special? If you've ever gotten involved with the hobby of collecting autographs through the mail, you probably understand the appeal of getting a card back that you'd forgotten that you even mailed out.

Erstad was the California Angels' first round draft pick in 1995, and he reached the majors the next year. (He's the first Angels' player I've found who played for the California Angels, Anaheim Angels, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.)

Erstad won three Gold Gloves, a Silver Slugger and was a two-time All-Star. His best season came in 2000, when he hit .355 with 25 home runs and 100 RBI. He led the league with 240 hits in 676 at-bats and 747 plate appearances.

Since 2006, Erstad has been a part-time player. He is currently a free agent.

Darin Erstad has a quick, squiggly signature. You can make out most of the letters in his last name if you know what you're looking for.

2000 Topps Traded Autographs Elvin Nina

Who is this? Elvin Nina, a former pitcher who enjoyed a 10-year professional career

What is this? An autographed card from the 2000 Topps Traded Autographs insert set

Where'd I get it? I bought at a local baseball card show this weekend.

How much did it cost? $1

Why is this so special? Though Elvin Nina played professionally for 10 years, he never reached the major leagues. But he did go to high school a couple of towns over from where I grew up, and I got to see him play professionally in his final season with the Atlantic League's Road Warriors.

He has a nice, clear autograph. I wish more players took the same pride in their signature.