TTM autographs received: David and Diego Segui

The second generation big leaguer and signed my cards in about two years - I'd written this off and was surprised to see a response, because I kept thinking about a TTM request I sent 15 years ago that I never got back.

David's father Diego signed my cards in about a couple of months, one of the TTM success I got when I was on vacation in September - the elder Segui was generally a successful big league pitcher over a 15-year career, despite a 92-111 won-loss record.

The 30-Day Baseball Card Challenge - Day 13

"One of your favorite cards from the 1990s."

1993 Upper Deck SP Ken Griffey Jr. #4 - the card holds some allure because it seemed natural to associate Griffey Jr. with the baseball card company that had a part in introducing the phenom to the hobby in 1989.

Because Griffey Jr. was one of UD's marquee athletes, I assume the company took more time in selecting an image that would pop - I do wonder how this image of Griffey Jr. leaping up in the air, trying to make an over the shoulder catch came to be.

Because UD SP was such a high-end product, it wasn't like I was able to go into a Target or Toys "R" Us and pick up loose packs - I want to say I finally picked up the Griffey Jr. years after the card came out, though I'd have to check where it is.

Featured pickup: 1993 Upper Deck SP Derek Jeter #279 - Jeter is the most overrated player in Major League Baseball.

Though he is capable of turning his season around at any time - Mr. November is probably having his worst season in years [.345 on-base percentage/.394 slugging] so far.

Still, I picked this card up [on Ebay for around $55 shipped] - just so I can say I've got a Jeter rookie card that isn't his 1993 Topps or his 1993 Upper Deck.

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Jeter isn't everyone's favorite player, but the concept of picking up singles [i.e. rookie cards] for my personal collection intrigues me - instead of doing a number of other things like:

1.) Picking up a box of a random 2008 baseball box - that isn't going to land in my mailbox for free, anytime soon. I think most boxes are put together, where the guy pulling the case hit is the only one who is going to be happy.
2.) I could go for two hobby boxes of varying quality - they are out there, but what would the assortment of cards lead to?
3.) I could pick up assorted packs - but all that is all about is having a cheap, wax orgy of cards headed for eventual storage.
4.) Picking up a $275 box of 1993 Upper Deck SP is just not an option - I'd rather get the key card from the product in an acceptable condition, instead of hoping to pull out from a box.