TTM Stats
- Sent: 9/6/2019 | Received: 9/14/2019 | 8 Days
- ’86 Topps, ’89 Donruss All-Stars, ’89 Topps, ’90 Donruss, ’90 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Johnny Ray is a former second baseman in Major League Baseball. He played from 1981 through 1992 with the Pirates and Angels. After his time in the MLB he spent time in Japan with the Yakult Swallows.
Ray was born and raised in Oklahoma. He played college baseball for the University of Arkansas. During his time there the Razorbacks would make it to the College World Series final in 1979 and finish as runner-up. The Astros then drafted him the 12th round of the MLB Draft. In 1981 he was traded to the Pirates in a deal that gave the Astros Phil Garner.
He was immediately put in the role of starting second baseman and had a great rookie campaign in 1982. The Sporting News named him their Rookie of the Year. He was a good hitter and led the league in doubles in 1983 and ’84. The switch-hitting Ray would earn the Silver Slugger Award in 1983.
In an effort to get younger in the late 80’s, the Pirates traded Ray to the Angels in 1987. Ray earned an All-Star bid while with California in 1988 and continued his good hitting. His 1988 season was pretty much a resurgent season for him. He played 153 games with six homers, 42 doubles (a career high), seven triples (tying a career high), 83 RBI (a career high) and a .306 average.
He played two years in Japan after his time with the Angels. These days Ray lives in his hometown in Oklahoma and is recognized with a “Home of Johnny Ray” sign.
The Score on Johnny Ray – 6.0
Johnny is another guy that I’d tried for a couple of times with no success. I’m glad I was successful this time, but because I’d failed a few times, I didn’t send out the best cards to get signed. Now that I’ve been successful, I’ll try again with cards that will take his signature better.
Thanks Mr. Ray! I’m giving this return a 6.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.