Hobby Musings: Jeff Keppinger Lends Support for Signatures for Soldiers – During his playing career, former MLB player Jeff Keppinger signed countless autographs. In retirement, he’s put his signature to a good cause by signing for Signatures for Soldiers. It turns out the former big leaguer is also quite a collector himself. I had the chance to catch up with Mr. Keppinger to discuss his experiences in the trading card and memorabilia world.
KS: Mr. Keppinger, how did you get involved in supporting Signatures for Soldiers?
JK: Tim Virgilio reached out to me and asked if I would sign some cards.
KS: Did you ever imagine you’d be able to utilize your signature for a good cause like this?
JK: Never in a million years did I think my signature could help people in need.
KS: Do you remember the first time you were asked to sign an autograph?
JK: The first time I was ever asked to sign an autograph was in college.
KS: What is the strangest thing anyone has asked you to sign?
JK: I signed a dollar bill one time.
KS: How often do you get autograph requests now?
JK: I get mail a few times a month asking for autographs.
KS: What memorabilia, if any, did you keep from your career?
JK: I have bats, gloves, my first major league hit and home run. I also have some of my rookie cards.
KS: Is there anything from your career that you didn’t keep that you wish you still had?
JK: My Royals Jersey. I have every team’s jersey that I played on except the Royals.
KS: Did you ever ask any fellow players for autographs or memorabilia?
JK: Absolutely!!! I played with a lot of great ball players. I have my basement set up with autographed bats, balls, and pictures.
KS: I saw that you’re into trading cards yourself. What got you into the hobby?
JK: I collected cards as a kid and loved it. About four years ago an old high school buddy, Andy Buell, became a breaker and asked me to join his show one day. I got back into collecting ever since.
KS: What is your favorite piece in your collection?
JK: I have a few pieces that I love, but my favorite would be my Pete Rose autographed jersey. He was my favorite player growing up so when I got to meet him, while I played for the Reds, I had to get an autograph.
KS: Do you have a favorite card of yourself?
JK: Yes, I have a 1/1 from 2011 while I played with the Astros. The pic has me diving after a ball.
KS: Did you ever imagine that the trading card and autograph industry would get as big as it is now?
JK: Actually, yes! I thought the card industry was huge in the 80’s when I was a child collecting. I know there were issues in the 90’s that made the card market tank. I will say I never thought cards would fetch the kind of money they sell for today!
KS: What’s a dream item you’d like to have in your collection eventually?
JK: Two dream items I will have one day is a Pete Rose and Mickey Mantle rookie card.
Hobby Musings: Jeff Keppinger Lends Support for Signatures for Soldiers- More Resources
- Website – Signatures for Soldiers
- Facebook – Signatures for Soldiers
- Twitter – Signatures for Soldiers
- Instagram – Signatures for Soldiers
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.
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