Tim Lynch with Seattle Mariners’ Nelson Cruz
Hobby Musings: Meet Collector Yankees Prospect Tim Lynch – While there are several of us out there who have spent many years collecting autographs, there are few fewer who have also gone on to play professional baseball. For recently-drafted Tim Lynch, the chance to do both has become a reality.
Now a member of the Yankees organization, Lynch was recently featured in several media articles regarding his collecting background. He was kind enough to take some time out to talk about his experiences as an autograph collector. The following interview was conducted via email.
KS: First off, congratulations on being drafted. What has life been like since becoming a member of the Yankees organization?
TL: Thanks, it has been awesome. To have the opportunity to be a part of such a historic franchise is really a huge privilege. Playing baseball every single day is just really awesome.
KS: You’ve been receiving a lot of press and attention related to your experiences as an autograph seeker who now gets to play baseball for a living. Have you been surprised at all by the amount of attention?
TL: Yes, I just never really thought it would be such a big story because I don’t think it is that unique to be a collector and ballplayer, but I guess it is. When Ken Rosenthal originally called me to do a story I was almost speechless, and after that I had an idea that he would not be the only person to approach me about the story.
KS: As a fellow autograph collector, I’m curious as to what it’s like being on the other side of the curtain now in terms of making the transition from autograph seeker to baseball player?
TL: I have always kind of been both, practicing during the day and collecting at night or whenever I can, but I guess the idea that this is what I do for a living and I really have an opportunity to make a dream come true, is probably the biggest difference. There’s a much greater distance of importance now in regards to baseball and collecting.
KS: Have you been asked for your autograph yet?
Tim shows off autographed items in his collection of the Kansas City Royals’ Lorenzo Cain
TL: Yes, we have a really big baseball following back at Southern Miss, so I was asked there a decent amount, and then every day in pro ball there are a few people who ask. Pretty cool being on the other side.
KS: One of the biggest knocks against players today is the lack of a quality signature. Being a little more in tuned to that, how would you critique your own signature style?
TL: I would say it’s pretty solid, after all, my name only has 8 letters. How bad could it be?
KS: There are plenty of players, including Astros reliever Pat Neshek, who are noted for putting in autograph requests to players on other teams. Do you still intend to pursue your hobby now that you are a player?
TL: I haven’t yet, and I won’t interfere with my work or anyone else’s in order to do so, but when Spring Training rolls around and all of those legends are around, I don’t know if It’ll be able to hold back.
KS: According to a Fox Sports article, you had said you wanted to try and get fellow Yankee Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod actually responded that he would be happy to sign for you. Have you been able to get him yet?
TL: I haven’t but I’m sure I will. For such a superstar, he signs a lot of autographs, it was always just a matter of fighting the crowds (sometimes 2-300 people) to get him.
KS: Is there anyone else you’d really like to add?
TL: Ha, this list could go on forever, but if I had to pick one I’d probably have to go with Barry Bonds.
KS: Going back a little further, how did you get started with collecting autographs?
TL: I grew up in Jupiter, FL., so I first started going to Cardinals and Expos Spring Training games, trying for Mark McGwire and Vladimir Guerrero. I fell in love with it, and then I eventually started doing minor league, other sports, pretty much anything I could.
Tim with Seattle Mariners’ Robinson Cano
KS: If you could pick one, what do you think is your favorite autograph in your collection?
TL: Buster Posey batting gloves, Mark McGwire card (first bigtime graph), Miguel Cabrera 16×20
KS: Every collector has at least one bizarre story related to chasing down an autograph. What would you say is yours?
TL: There a bunch, but probably one of the funniest moments (now that I look back on it) was Kevin Millar came over to a crowd of about 50 people to sign autographs, he asked the crowd, “Who all is selling autographs?” Maybe three people raised their hands, of course all older guys. He said, “I’m only signing if you’re selling it, none of my stuff is even on eBay anymore!”
He was true to his word and signed for those people, unfortunately I didn’t get him that day (but I got him probably 5-10 other times, he’s great about signing) but seeing his personality on TV and putting that story together is just hilarious now that I look back on it.
KS: I’ll get you out of here on this. If someone out there would like to add your autograph to their collection, how should they go about doing so?
TL: Just mail it with an SASE to Calfee Field, home of the Pulaski Yankees.
Kelsey’s ability to bring hobby coverage to the mainstream sports fan has been a true asset. GTS is happy to feature his thoughts on collecting in Hobby Musings. The opinions expressed are his and do not necessarily reflect those of GTS Distribution.
Hobby Musings: Meet Collector Yankees Prospect Tim Lynch
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