Alert 2006 UD SPA Autograph Error

2006 Upper Deck SP Authentic Chirography #'d to 75
The signature seen is a genuine Frank Thomas Autograph. So why am I saying it's an 'error'? Because: The man who signed it is currently 77 years old, white, and played primarily for the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets from the early 1950's thru the mid 1960's.

Collector's Note: I purchased this at a price way out of line for a card of similar value. Why? Because I know that once Upper Deck admits to their error - they're going offer replacements with Frank's real signature. And you have to figure at least some of them will be kept by hardcore Big Hurt collectors and not exchanged.

2005 Upper Deck Ultimate Signature Numbers #33/35

This is an example from Upper Deck too. Can you see the difference between the two autographs?

Check out the two samples below.

Note: He actually writes out "The Original One" which is how he markets himself on the show circuit.

Update (12/31/06): I happened upon a forum thread which notes the auction which I purchased this wonderful card. Apparently I paid a little too much. <g> Well, in my own defense, I was foolish in 2001 when I purchased the Greco original Pinnacle painting for $230, an amount which certainly seemed out of line then - today, I feel confident I'd be able to get 2x, possibly 3x that now. There's several collectibles which fall into the 'foolish' category - but I'm pleased to call them part of my collection. However, if I'm being honest with myself, at least part of it (regarding the above card) was that I wanted to be 'first', which by definition, is indeed somewhat foolish. <g>