1992 Barry Colla Collection Certified Autographs*
*Collector's Please Note: This page has been heavily re-edited since posting the original content written between 2000-2003
Changes made to this page are based on a discussion I had with Barry Colla on August 20, 2007

And before I get to the guts of this amazing issue, please note that I apologize to all Frank Collectors out there for misunderstanding this rare early autograph of a young Big Hurt. While unintentional, and in many respects unavoidable given the hobby resources I used which were also incorrect, I realize that many of you have come to rely on this website to provide cold hard facts. Had it not been for a recent auction which showcased the back (reverse side) of the card below - we would all still be 'in the dark'. I want to thank Barry Colla for taking time out of his very busy schedule to talk with a crazed (but benign) collector and for not calling the authorities about a potential stalker. {;-D

1992 Barry Colla Frank Thomas Collection Boxed Set Autograph
1 of 200 random autographs issued into the well-known 'Frank Thomas Collection 12-Card Box Set'.
Collector's Note: Located on card backs - this version has a gold border framing Frank in his Away uniform

Also note: There is a fake version of this card running around the hobby that comes with a WHITE card back, which was taken directly from the boxed set. You'll note that both authentic versions come with a BLACK card back.

1992 Barry Colla All-Star Game Frank Thomas Collection Autograph
(Unissued in boxes, sold to a large hobby distributor)
Barry Colla actually produced another boxed set of Big Frank which was destined to be issued at the 1992 All-Star Game (San Diego). However, because Frank was not able to attend the game - Mr. Colla could not in good conscience issue the sets.

Those All-Star Box Sets were never issued and later destroyed. However, the autograph card was saved and later sold to a large distributor. These All-Star Autos were issued with Barry's own COA (seen here) and distributed throughout the hobby.

Collector's Note: Found on card backs - you can see that this version pictures Frank in his Home uniform framed in a Silver border.

Final Collector's Note: Both these fantastic images were taken on the same day. {:-D

« Back to 10 Near Toughest | « Back to Site Updates

« Back to 1992 Checklist