Shredded Cut Signatures Need To Go Away

2011 SP Legendary Cuts Traynor cut signature

Tonight while trolling the Upper Deck blog I read the story about the recently released 2011 SP Legendary Cuts product and the Pie Traynor cut signature caught my attention. I am just amazed at the ability that someone was able to hack in to this signature with a chainsaw and still be able to make a card out of it.

2005 SP Legendary Cuts Traynor cut signature

Compare the 2011 version to a 2005 version, there is no question as to which card most collectors would want. I realize that companies put out big money to purchase authentic autographs to use in these sets but when a signature is going to be mangled to make it work maybe the best decision is to remove the player from the set all together.

Back in 2008 Upper Deck put a mangled up Jackie Robinson cut signature in the 2008 SP Legendary Cuts product so this is an on-going problem. I know collectors like pulling big name/high dollar cuts but this is just ugly. Don't collectors deserve better?

2008 SP Legendary Cuts Robinson cut signature

Why Do Card Designers Insist On Frankencuts?

 Why does Topps have to take a very cool idea and turn it in to a monstrosity? That is exactly what has come out of 2010 Topps Tribute with the Legendary Lineup cut signature card.

To get to the gist of my rant, Topps should have created 9 separate cut signature cards that could have been awarded to one lucky collector who pulls the special redemption card. Instead they take 9 cut signatures and jam them together on a 6-panel booklet card. Way to ruin 9 autographs Topps with your Frankencuts booklet.

The New York Yankees Legendary Lineup card was just put up for auction using Beckett’s consignment auction with a starting bid of $20,000 and no reserve. The card contains the 9 signatures of the 1927 New York Yankees Murders Row, one of the best lineups every to take the field.

Earle Combs

Mark Koenig

Babe Ruth

Lou Gehrig

Bob Meusel

Tony Lazzeri

Joe Dugan

Pat Collins

Waite Hoyt


And Beckett called this the “Coolest Cut Ever”? I think Upper Deck may have something to say about that, their SP Legendary Cuts releases are some of the best cut signature cards out there.