TTM Stats
- Sent: 10/14/2021 | Received: 5/12/2022 | 208 Days
- ’86 Fleer, ’90 Fleer (returned two cards unsigned)
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Brad Komminsk entered professional baseball with sky-high expectations, thanks to his immense talent and success in the minor leagues. While his major league career didn’t fully match the lofty predictions, his journey in baseball is one of resilience and dedication to the sport.
Brad Komminsk was born on April 4, 1961, in Lima, Ohio. A standout athlete, he excelled in high school baseball, catching the attention of MLB scouts with his power-hitting ability and strong arm. In 1979, the Atlanta Braves selected Komminsk with the fourth overall pick in the MLB Draft, making him one of the most highly regarded prospects of his generation.
Komminsk quickly rose through the Braves’ farm system, dominating at every level. His combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess earned him comparisons to some of the game’s greats. By the time he reached Triple-A, Komminsk was considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball. He was so good that the Braves rejected a trade from the Red Sox that would involve Jim Rice, just because it was proposed that Komminsk would be part of the deal.
Komminsk made his MLB debut with the Braves in 1983. However, despite his success in the minors, he struggled to find the same consistency at the major league level. Over four seasons with Atlanta, he hit .217 with 12 home runs, never quite living up to the hype surrounding his arrival. Despite the challenges, Komminsk’s work ethic and determination never wavered. He remained a valuable defensive outfielder and continued to provide power when given opportunities.
After his time with the Braves, Komminsk became a journeyman, playing for several teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, and Oakland Athletics. While he never established himself as a regular starter, he contributed as a role player and provided veteran leadership.
Komminsk’s best season came in 1989 with the Indians, when he hit .237 with 8 home runs and 33 RBIs in 71 games. Despite the modest numbers, his presence in the clubhouse and willingness to embrace any role made him a valued teammate.
After retiring from playing in 1991, Komminsk transitioned to coaching, where he found success and fulfillment. He managed and coached in various minor league systems, including the Cleveland Indians and Philadelphia Phillies organizations. His experience as a player allowed him to mentor young prospects, many of whom faced similar struggles in their transition to the majors. Komminsk’s calm demeanor and knowledge of the game made him a respected figure in player development. His ability to connect with players and share lessons from his own career helped shape future generations of baseball talent.
Brad Komminsk’s career may not have reached the heights once predicted, but his story is one of perseverance and adaptability. He continued to impact the game long after his playing days, leaving a legacy as a dedicated coach and mentor.
For those who followed his journey, Komminsk represents the unpredictable nature of baseball—where talent alone doesn’t guarantee success, but hard work and resilience can lead to meaningful contributions on and off the field. His commitment to the game and his role in developing young players ensure that his impact will be felt for years to come.
The Score on Brad Komminsk – 6.5
Brad has a pretty condensed signature. Usually I would mean that it’s condensed from the start to the end. But this time I mean from the top to the bottom, particularly with the lower case letters. When I might comment on somoene signing on a line I would mean it looks like it’s sitting on a line. But these lower case letters actually look like they are a line almost.
Thanks Mr. Komminsk! I’m giving this return a 6.5.
This is my second successful return from him. To see the first successful return, check out my post from December 2021.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.