Hobby Musings: Catching up with Royals prospect Daniel Tillo – For many in the hobby community, it’s a dream to have your own trading card made. One person who has been able to see that become a reality is Royals pitching prospect Daniel Tillo. A third-round pick in 2017, Mr. Tillo took that dream a step further by acquiring his 2017 Bowman Chrome SuperFractor. To talk about this and his other trading cards experiences, I had the chance to catch up with the lefty.
KS: Daniel, I saw on your Twitter that you acquired your own Bowman Chrome SuperFractor. Why make the decision to pick it up?
DT: I’ve been watching it for a while. Thought it seemed high but the manager at Phoenix Sports Cards said it was a good deal for a SuperRefractor, so I jumped on it and bought it.
KS: Did the seller know it was actually you buying it?
DT: Yes he did. I told him it was me and asked if there was any way I could get it cheaper. He raised the price the next day.
KS: Did you collect cards and autographs growing up?
DT: Yes I’ve collected since I was 10 probably. My older brother brought me into it. We’ve been collecting ever since pretty much.
KS: Do you have a dream card that you want to own some day?
DT: I’d kinda consider my own card my dream card!! Never thought I’d have that someday but I do!! Crazy. Still in shock I have it honestly. If not my own, probably a Baker Mayfield Gold Prizm #’d/10.
KS: How surreal has it been seeing your own trading cards?
DT: It’s been unreal. Like I said it’s crazy to think I have my own card. Being that young collector, I didn’t think I’d be here with my own card! A dream!!
KS: What has been your favorite experience when it comes to autographs and trading cards?
DT: Probably every Christmas morning when me and my older brother Nick get the same hobby box and see who gets the better box. A box battle haha. A tradition that will go on forever!
KS: Do you ask any of your fellow baseball players for autographs?
DT: Yes in the fall league, I had all the pitchers sign two baseballs. One for me and one for my older brother! Also had the top 5 draft picks with the Royals in 2017 do the same thing.
KS: Is there any memorabilia from your career that you’ve kept so far?
DT: I actually got my team USA jerseys framed for Christmas!! They will be up in my man cave someday!! Was so pumped opening them up!!
KS: When was the first time you were asked for your autograph?
DT: In high school. After a basketball game. A surreal moment.
KS: What is the strangest thing anyone has ever asked you to sign?
DT: I don’t think there’s ever been anything too strange I can think of…
Hobby Musings: Catching up with Royals prospect Daniel Tillo – Resources
Currently, Tillo’s only autographed cards can be found in 2017 Panini Elite Extra Edition.
- You can follow Daniel Tillo on Twitter @DT4Cero
- Daniel Tillo – Baseball Reference Profile
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