for players born in Alaska - Josh Phelps. Had to be tricky with the title of this thread since I figured no one would look if I wasn't!
I have been collecting stuff related to Josh's career for over a decade now and have had the good fortune to get to know him over the past few years. I had always hoped his career would take off...alas it did not. Still, he spent 8 years in the big leagues and played in the Atlantic League (Bridgeport) and Italy (Telemarket Rimini), too.
The chances of putting a collection like this together for a HOF or even All Star caliber would be impossible (for me) so it's a great opportunity to pick things up from various teams, leagues and types. I'll post some of my collection over time as well as any new pickups...finding things has become harder of late but every now and again I find a gem.
The above photo was taken back in March 2011...since that time I've added a bunch of things...
At this point, I have:
20 Game Used Jerseys (includes Yankee Spring Training and Home Uniforms)
1 Game Used Batting Helmet (Yankees)
13 Game Used Bats (including a Yankee bat from Josh for my birthday)
3 Locker Name Plates (Blue Jays, Devil Rays & Yankees)
175+ different cards
Assorted Programs, Autographs, etc.
and here's my latest find...a 2002 Blue Jay Season Ticket Holder Christmas Greeting Card...
...and yes, Josh was on the cover of the 2003 edition of Baseball Prospectus.