Oriole #790- Fernando Tatis

Throughout the offseason, I'm going to continue to count down the Orioles players whose autographs I have yet to write about; up today is Fernando Tatis.

Fernando debuted for the Orioles on July 21, 2006 and went on the play in 28 games for the '06 Orioles. He was a true super-utility player and appeared in at least one game at third base, first base, second base, left field, right field, and also served as the DH. 


During the World Series this year, I showed off my signed Rangers card of Fernando, since the Rangers were playing in the Series. I wrote a little bit about him at that time, and will repeat that he is the only player to ever hit two Grand Slams in the same inning of a game which he accomplished against Chan Ho Park and the Dodgers. 

I recently added these Orioles signed 8x10 and card to my collection, so he is officially scratched off my list. This 2006 Upper Deck card is the only card that pictures him as an Oriole, so it took me quite a long time to track down a signed copy of it. It's interesting that the card and 8x10 certainly look as if both pictures are from the same at-bat, with the card photo being from an angle slightly closer to home plate and as the pitcher was throwing the ball. But you can see the same red fungo bat, folding chair(s) and trash can in the background, and it also looks as if Fernando is wearing the exact same uniform in both pictures. 


The autographed Rangers card of Fernando's is now available for trade, if anyone is interested.

The Time is Right

Today seemed like an appropriate time to show off the three remaining autographs in my collection that picture players wearing Cardinals or Rangers uniforms.

I need to start with Orlando Sanchez since this is the only Orioles card of the trio and because I'm rooting for the Cardinals to come back and win the series.

I guess no one thought to get a picture of Orlando in an Orioles uniform during his four game stint with the O's in 1984. He played parts of the 1981-83 seasons for the Cardinals and saw his last big league action in Baltimore; he appeared in 73 total games over his four years in the Majors.

Rick Helling spent eight of his 12 MLB seasons with the Rangers, and is one of only three players to have won 20 games in a season for them, which he accomplished in 1998 when he went 20-7.

He spent part of the 2003 season with the Orioles and was largely unsuccessful pitching for the Birds, but certainly wasn't the only pitcher from that period of time who couldn't find success in Baltimore. He is pictured on a few cards as an Oriole, so I'm hoping to upgrade to one of those some day soon.

Last up is Fernando Tatis, who began his big league career with the Rangers in the late '90s. He is best remembered for being the only player to hit two grand slams in one inning, a feat he accomplished off of Chan Ho Park during his time with the Cardinals in 1999. He appropriately also holds the record for most RBI in one inning.

Tatis played for the Orioles in 2006 and also was featured on a card in an Orioles uniform, so one day I would like to upgrade this signature as well.

Tuesday O's autos

I went to Tuesday's O's-Mets game in the hopes of getting the two current Mets players who are former Orioles. Anyone know who they are? They aren't very big names, more backup types. They both are Hispanic. Any guesses yet?

They are Omir Santos and Fernando Tatis, and I was hoping that they would sign a card for me, but had no luck. In fact, I only saw Brian Schneider & Livan Hernandez sign for a handful of people while the rest of the Mets avoided the throng of their fans at OPACY.

Especially in the case of Santos, I have two of his 08 Tides cards, one of which I sent to the Mets AAA affiliate the week he was called up so that card is in limbo, while the other is still in my possession. But I am now reluctant to send that one out since I would prefer to avoid buying another complete 08 set just for him. And that is my thought and concern that goes into obtaining a backup catcher's autograph. Hey, it's a collection not an obsession, right?

Well anyway, on the Orioles side of the field I had much better luck. I saw George Sherrill, (2 games signing in a row!?! attaboy Brim Reaper!!) Rich Hill, and Brad Bergesen signing but narrowly missed out on them. I did have better luck with Dave Trembley,

This one's available for trade if you still need him

Dennis Sarfate,


and Ty Wigginton!!!

This was my first time getting Ty to sign and he was the last member of the '09 Opening Day lineup that I did not yet have an autograph of.

Ty commented that Topps was nice enough to misspell his last name on this card. I hadn't even noticed even though this card has been with my set all season. But that is pretty funny, it would be even funnier if he signed his card "Wiggington".