TTM Stats
- Sent: 6/14/2022 | Received: 6/25/2022 | 11 Days
- ’88 Topps, ’91 Topps Stadium Club, ’93 Leaf, ’93 Fleer Ultra, ’97 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 1/5/2023 | Received: 1/13/2023 | 8 Days
- ’86 Donruss, ’88 Topps, ’89 Score, ’89 Topps, ’97 Upper Deck (kept one card)
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 7/11/2022 | Received: 7/22/2023 | 11 Days
- ’89 Donruss, ’90 Bowman, ’91 Donruss, ’92 Fleer, ’92 Pinnacle (kept one card)
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 1/9/2024 | Received: 1/20/2024 | 11 Days
- ’88 Donruss, ’89 Fleer, ’89 Topps (2), ’93 Select, ’93 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
- Sent: 7/23/2024 | Received: 8/2/2024 | 9 Days
- ’92 Studio, ’92 Topps Stadium Club, ’93 Donruss, ’93 Topps Stadium Club, ’94 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Greg Gagne was a key contributor to two World Series championships, known for his reliable glove, clutch hitting, and quiet leadership. Over a 15-year Major League Baseball career, Gagne played a crucial role for the Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, and Los Angeles Dodgers, making his mark as one of the most underrated shortstops of his era.
Born on November 12, 1961, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Greg Gagne (not to be confused with the professional wrestler of the same name) was a standout athlete at Somerset High School. His defensive skills and strong arm caught the attention of scouts, and in 1979, the New York Yankees selected him in the fifth round of the MLB Draft. However, Gagne never played for the Yankees at the major league level. In April 1982, he was traded to the Minnesota Twins in a deal that sent veteran Roy Smalley to New York. It was with the Twins that Gagne would make his name in the big leagues.
Gagne made his MLB debut with the Twins in 1983 and became the team’s starting shortstop by 1985. Over the next several seasons, he provided Minnesota with steady defense and occasional power, particularly at a position not known for home runs in that era.
His biggest contributions came during the Twins’ 1987 and 1991 World Series runs. In 1987, Gagne helped Minnesota capture its first championship, batting .200 in the ALCS and playing a key defensive role in the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. In 1991, the Twins returned to the World Series, facing the Atlanta Braves in one of the most thrilling Fall Classics ever played. Gagne’s defensive presence and veteran leadership helped the Twins secure another title in a dramatic seven-game series. His ability to turn double plays with second baseman Chuck Knoblauch was a major asset for Minnesota’s pitching staff.
After the 1992 season, Gagne signed with the Kansas City Royals as a free agent. He spent three seasons with Kansas City (1993–1995), continuing to play solid shortstop while providing occasional offensive bursts. In 1996, he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he played his final two seasons. While no longer in his prime, he remained a respected veteran presence and a reliable glove at shortstop. Gagne retired after the 1997 season with a career batting average of .254, 1,440 hits, and 111 home runs.
Though never a superstar, Greg Gagne was a key contributor to two championship teams and one of the most dependable shortstops of his generation. His defensive skills, durability, and leadership made him a fan favorite, particularly in Minnesota, where he was a crucial part of two World Series titles.
After his playing days, Gagne remained involved in baseball at various levels and has been a guest at Twins events over the years. His role in Minnesota’s championships ensures that he will always hold a special place in the hearts of Twins fans.
Greg Gagne’s career may not have been flashy, but for those who value reliability, defense, and championship pedigree, he was one of the best shortstops of his time.
The Score on Greg Gagne – 7.0
Greg has always been one of my favorite signers. I’m sure you could tell that from the number of successes and cards I’ve included in this post. One of my favorite things about his signature is that it’s more vertical than horizontal. There are a bunch of cards that are really great below, but I think the 1988 Topps cards are one of them that shows his signature off the best.
Thanks Mr. Gagne! I’m giving this return a 7.
These aren’t my first returns from him. To see some others, check out these posts:
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.