In Person Autograph - James Kaprielian

UCLA's Friday night starter the past two seasons, James Kaprielian combined with David Berg on what is to believed to be UCLA's first recorded no-hitter last Friday night, a 1-0, 10-inning win against Arizona. I had planned to attend the game in person, but a late start time combined with the rare threat of rain in the Southland kept me at home in front of the television. To my chagrin, I missed out on Bruin history. Below is his 2015 UCLA team card, signed after Saturday's game.

In keeping up with the Team USA theme, I had James sign his Team USA cards at the UCLA Alumni Game in January.

In Person Autograph - Dillon Tate

A relative unknown at the start of the college baseball season, Dillon Tate has rocketed up the draft boards and is now generally regarded as a surefire Top 5 selection in the upcoming June draft. Tate is currently a junior at UC Santa Barbara, and being in the Big West Conference, was sure to make an appearance at Long Beach State or Cal State Fullerton this year. I had long ago marked this weekend down as the date when I could hopefully get him to sign my 2 USA cards. I made the trek postgame after the Fullerton/UCSB contest last night and after what was probably a 40 minute wait, Tate happily signed for everyone who asked.

 

Since the release of the 2014 USA box set, Panini has also come out with a USA Stars & Stripes set. I was able to pick up the Tate base card from that set as well, which I also got signed.