Hobby Musings: Catching up with former Major Leaguer, Mike Trombley – Former major league pitcher Mike Trombley faced his fair share of batters during his professional career. He’s also signed his fair share of autographs for fans and collectors. The former right-hander, who pitched for the Twins, Orioles and Dodgers, was kind enough to take some time to discuss his experiences in the memorabilia industry. The following interview was conducted via email.
KS: The sports memorabilia world has come a long way in a relatively short time. How do you feel it is different today from when you started your career?
MT: The sports memorabilia world has changed. I feel that more people are collecting for resale and less people are collecting for personal collections. With the internet, I believe that selling memorabilia is easier.
KS: You appeared on several trading cards throughout your career. Do you have a favorite among them?
MT: My favorite card is my 1992 Upper Deck card. It was my first. Very special to see yourself on a MLB baseball card for the first time.
KS: What memorabilia, if any, have you kept from your playing career?
MT: I do have a good collection of memorabilia from my career. I tried to collect and keep things that were special to me. I have many balls, bats, jerseys and some other items from my career.
KS: Is there any memorabilia that you wish you had kept?
MT: No but I do wish I had more pictures of teammates and opponents from my career.
KS: I noticed you did an autograph appearance a few weeks ago along with Billy Jo Robidoux and Cards 4 a Cause’s Brady Kahle among others. What do you enjoy most when you do events like that?
MT: I always enjoyed doing card shows in the hometown or state of the team I was playing for at the time. I really enjoyed meeting the fans in Minnesota and Baltimore during them. I really enjoyed that card show. Not only did I have a great opp to get to know Billy Jo better, but also got to meet some local folks. Signing with Brady was great too. What a great kid and a great cause. CARDS 4 A CAUSE
KS: How often do you receive autograph requests whether it’s through the mail or in person?
MT: I probably get 10-15 a month.
KS: What is the strangest thing anyone has ever asked you to sign?
MT: Probably a part of the body. I’ll let you guys figure that one out.
KS: On the flip side of that, what is the coolest thing anyone has ever asked you to sign?
MT: I gave up Mark McGwire’s #36 of 70 HR in 1998. I was asked to sign an item that the gentleman was getting all pitchers who gave up a HR to Mark that year. (Along with Mark)
KS: Did you ever ask any fellow players or celebrities for autographs or memorabilia while you played?
MT: Of course! Some of my favs- Harry Caray, Phil Mickelson, Bill Murray, Mickey Mantle, Sandy Koufax
KS: I’ll get you out of here on this. If a fan wanted to know the best way to get your autograph, how would they do so?
MT: Send it to my office. Trombley Associates 85 Post Office Park Wilbraham, MA 01095
Hobby Musings: Catching up with former Major Leaguer, Mike Trombley
- 2024 Leaf Metal Football Cards Checklist - April 17, 2024
- 2023 Leaf Magnificence Multi-Sport Trading Cards Checklist - April 16, 2024
- 2024 Craniacs Trading Cards Series 1 - April 16, 2024