Joe Mauer Signing Via Ironclad

A while ago my sons and I sent in a few items to Ironclad via an SCN contact for a Joe Mauer signing.  We never have luck getting Mauer at TwinsFest or the Autograph Party so we took this opportunity to get a few things signed without having to stand outside in the freezing cold for 6 hours.

I decided to get his autograph on his first Sports Illustrated cover.  I decided to have him sign in silver on his chest protector, but am thinking maybe I should have gone with the open area to his right.  Oh well, it looks okay, it's just not very noticeable.

My older son got a bobblehead signed.  It turned out really nice.  All our items had mlb and Ironclad authentication stickers put on them.

My younger son decided to get Mauer on his Sports Illustrated from 2009.

These weren't super cheap, but my fellow SCN member got enough pieces to get a cheaper price.  Considering we didn't have to wait in line and were assured to get the autographs, I'd take this route any day.  It wasn't cheap enough that I would get cards signed, but it's nice to get these magazines and bobblehead signed.

1951 Topps Wax Wrapper

On an impulse, I bought a 1951 Topps wax wrapper on eBay. It wasn't too expensive (<$10). For some reason, I find stuff like this cool. I also have an empty wax box (box that held several packs of cards for display at the store) from the 1956 Topps set.
I'll have to buy a few cheap '51 Topps to display with it. That year was the first for Topps. The cards came two to a pack along with a piece of caramel. The cards were intended to be used as as game, although I haven't found any specific information on how that was played.


It's been an expensive week, even though I don't have anything to show for it yet. I decided to add a 16x20 to my Willie Mays purchase so I mailed a check for that. I also sent a ball and 2008 Goudey to a Cal Ripken Jr. signing.

Finally, today I ordered a signed Joe Mauer jersey from Ironclad Authentics. They are having a 30% off sale. Mauer was one of the cheapest jerseys on their site to begin with, so it was reasonably cheap after the discount. If he wins the MVP award this year, it will be a long time before I get another chance to buy a jersey this cheap.