TTM Stats
- Sent: 3/29/2022 | Received: 4/29/2022 | 30 Days
- ’03 Fleer, ’05 Upper Deck, ’06 Upper Deck
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Josh Fogg, affectionately nicknamed “The Dragon Slayer,” carved out a solid career as a reliable starting pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). Known for his competitive spirit and ability to rise to the occasion against top-tier opponents, Fogg earned respect from teammates, coaches, and fans alike. His story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and moments of brilliance on the mound.
Joshua Smith Fogg was born on December 13, 1976, in Lynn, Massachusetts. Growing up in a sports-loving family, Fogg developed an early passion for baseball. He attended Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he showcased his talent as a pitcher and hitter. After high school, Fogg continued his baseball journey at the University of Florida, where he played for the Florida Gators. During his college career, Fogg honed his craft, earning recognition as one of the team’s standout pitchers. His success with the Gators led to his selection by the Chicago White Sox in the third round of the 1998 MLB Draft.
Fogg began his professional career in the White Sox organization, steadily progressing through the minor leagues. He made his MLB debut on September 2, 2001, pitching out of the bullpen for Chicago. Before the 2002 season, Fogg was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates as part of a deal for Todd Ritchie. It was with the Pirates that Fogg transitioned into a starting role, showcasing his durability and composure on the mound. In 2002, his first full season as a starter, he went 12-12 with a 4.35 ERA, leading the team in wins and innings pitched.
Fogg’s MLB career spanned 9 seasons, during which he played for the White Sox, Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, and Colorado Rockies. While his overall numbers—a 62-69 record and a 5.03 ERA—may not jump off the page, Fogg was known for his ability to deliver clutch performances, particularly against elite opponents. His most memorable stint came with the Colorado Rockies, where he earned the nickname “The Dragon Slayer” for his knack of defeating some of baseball’s best pitchers. In 2007, Fogg played a key role in the Rockies’ improbable run to the postseason. He won two crucial starts in September and followed that with a strong performance in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), helping the Rockies secure their first-ever World Series berth.
The 2007 postseason was the pinnacle of Fogg’s career. In the NLCS against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he pitched six innings of one-run ball in Game 3, earning the win and putting the Rockies on the brink of a sweep. Though Colorado ultimately fell to the Boston Red Sox in the World Series, Fogg’s contributions during the playoff run solidified his reputation as a clutch performer.
After the 2008 season, Fogg signed a one-year deal to return to the Reds, but injuries limited his effectiveness. He retired after the 2009 season, closing the book on a career that spanned a decade and featured memorable highs.
Off the field, Josh Fogg has maintained a low profile, focusing on family and life after baseball. His teammates often described him as a great clubhouse presence, known for his sense of humor and leadership. Fogg has occasionally returned to the baseball world for alumni events and fan engagements, reflecting on his career and the special moments he experienced, particularly during the Rockies’ 2007 season.
The Score on Josh Fogg – 6.5
Josh’s signature is so compact it almost makes it look like he is inventing a new letter. His “J” and “F” are almost combined. He clearly uses his first initial and then his full last name. I really like these cards he is signing, but while the blue marker cuts through the images on these, I think a black would have gone better with the Bucs cards.
Thanks Mr. Fogg! I’m giving this return a 6.5 overall.
This is my third successful return from him. To see the other successful returns, check out these posts:
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.