Tuesday, January 5, 2010

An Interesting Card-Less Valuable Once Signed

Bobby Bonner 1980-83
Jeff Schneider 1981

I think that this is the only autographed card that I own that is worth considerably less because it's signed. I have a few autographed Vladimir Guerrero rookie cards that this could apply to as well, but not to the extent as with this card.

As most of you probably know, this is Cal's rookie card, and while it's not as rare as his '82 Topps Traded card, is still considered his de facto RC. I remember when my dad and I first got this card in the late '80s or early '90s: it went in one of those extremely thick top loaders and was worth $100+ dollars; not that I cared about that part. I had my favorite player's rookie card!

Now, this card might be worth near it's current book value of $40 if Cal had at least completed the triple auto, but since it's only signed by Bonner & Schneider, I don't imagine it's worth much. However, since I do this blog for the autographs and not for the value of anything, I present to you my Bobby Bonner & Jeff Schneider autographed card. I'm pretty sure that my dad gave me this card, which was very nice of him.

Bobby played with the O's for four seasons 1980-83 but only appeared in 61 games over that stretch. He retired from baseball after the '83 season and along with his wife became a missionary, traveling to Africa to spread his faith. It appears as though he's currently running a youth baseball league.

Jeff appeared in relief in 11 games over the 1981 season. He earned one save and had a 4.88 ERA over those games, his only action in the Majors. The O's took him from the Phillies in the 1978 Rule V draft and he was traded to the Angels in January 1982 along with Doug Decinces for "Disco" Dan Ford.

11 comments:

Collective Troll said...

I had that card signed by all 3. 2 in person (first) and then Schneider TTM. I was sweating, but he returned it. I gave it away to a friend as a gift a few years back...

Anonymous said...

I think it would definitely be worth more than the current book value if it were signed by all three players. I just don't think it would be worth enough to justify paying Cal Ripken Jr.'s autograph fee.

Cool card, though.

zman40 said...

That's pretty cool. Not too many people would have had the guts to get Bonner or Schneider to sign the card, or even Ripken for that matter. Hopefully, you will be able to add Cal's signature to it at some point. That would really complete the card.

Anonymous said...

I disagree, (this card is more valuable) it is of a well known player and at least 25 years old. Even if Ripken never signs it the card is very unique. This is an interesting concept (getting those multi player Topps cards from yesteryear signed.

Orioles Magic said...

Troll-That's very cool. Way to take a risk with Schneider too.

Paul- I agree with you on that accord. Maybe I should start taking it to Camden Yards in case I run into Cal!

Zach- I'm not really sure who got this signed originally but my dad found it on eBay. Thanks.

Anonymous- I totally agree with the uniqueness of this one. I doubt many people have it signed by only Bonner & Schneider.

SAinPA said...

I vote to try to add Cal. I know that I have never seen this card triple signed.

Anonymous said...

Keep posting stuff like this i really like it

Orioles Magic said...

Sounds like this might be a card that will make some trips to "the Yard" next summer.

And thank you very much, I will try to keep posting some interesting or different autos.

JMBeck said...

Are Bonner and Schneider tough to get Auto's from these days? I'd like to put together a "display" of the card with a baseball signed by each... just wondering if it's worth attempting.

JMBeck said...

How tough is it to get auto's from Schneider and Bonner these days? I'm thinking of putting together a "display" of this card along with a signed ball from each (I prefer signed balls to cards), but I don't know how tough this may be- if it's worth the time trying to put together. Thoughts?

Orioles Magic said...

As far as I know Bonner signs through the mail, not sure about Schneider. I know Cal is pretty easy to get if you're willing to pay. So I think you might be onto something.

Good luck!