Tag Archives: sp 2001

CFL, NFL, University of Texas

Williams, Ricky (7) ‘Little Earl’

CARDS: Adrenalyn 2009 Extra, Adrenalyn 2010, Bowman’s Best 2000, Bowman’s Best 2001, Collectors Edge 2000, Donruss Classic 2004, Donruss Classic 2006, Donruss Elite 2004, Donruss Elite 2009 Chain Reaction Black, Fleer Showcase 2003, Leaf 2000, Panini Phoenix 2018 Adrenalin, Panini Classics 2016 Monday Night Moves, Playoff Contenders 2003, Donruss Gridiron Gear 2009, Panini Threads 2009, Panini Ultra 2016, Panini Vanguard 2000, Playoff Prestige 2004, Playoff Signatures 2002, Playoff 2006, Score 2001, Skybox Dominion 2000, SP 2001, SPx 2004 Winning Materials, SPx 2003, Topps Heritage 2003, Upper Deck 2000 Piece of History, Upper Deck 2001 Vintage, SPx 1999 Authentic, Upper Deck 2000 Ionix, Upper Deck 2002 MVP
ACQUIRED: IP, 2025

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

NOTES:

Well after a long wait, Ricky appeared again in… 2023- but I missed him. I didn’t realize he showed up early- and pretty much was leaving as I came in, again putting my cards on hold. I kicked myself over it, but really, is that what it’s about?

Fast forward to 2025. I finally got a last second notification of an event he was appearing at, and I was not going to miss it. He was promoting a mocktail and they were giving away samples at an HEB, so I packed my stuff, sent out the notifications to all the friends who would be interested and went.

Mark G contacted me and had me stop by his house. I picked up his cards along the way and met him there. I was the first person in line and Ricky was pretty happy to see me. We talked for a bit and caught up. When the gatekeeper came over and asked me to move along after 10 or so autographs, Ricky said, “It’s no big deal. I’m not going anywhere.” I got back into line and went through multiple times- and we just kept chatting. I ended up giving him one of my trading cards with my contact information, and told him if he just wanted to hang out to HMU.

In total Ricky signed 65 cards for me. The lines were not long and by the time I got to him for the 4th or 5th time, there was almost nobody in line. Now… You’re looking at this and saying, “Wait a minute… There’s not 60 cards here!” -That’s true. I cleared out ALL the favors and SHiLs I had over the years, and gave away almost half of them to members of my Facebook group.

I’ve always said to share the wealth, but the best gift you can get- is one that you do not expect. Thanks again Ricky! I’m reloading already!

NFL

Batch, Charlie

Upper Deck MVP 2002, #79

CARDS: Upper Deck MVP 2002, SP 2001
ACQUIRED: TTM 2023, C/o Home
SENT: 10/17/23 RECEIVED: 11/8/23 (22 days)*
*Signing fee enclosed

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Charlie Batch played QB at Eastern Michigan from 1994-’97.
  • In his senior season he threw for 3280 yards, completed 247 of 434 passes, and 23 TDs to 11 interceptions.
  • Over his 4 years with the Eagles he threw for 7592 yards and 53 TDs.
  • Selected in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.
  • He’d start 12 games in 1998- throwing for 2178 yards and 11 TDs as the team started moving away from starter Scott Mitchell.
  • During that rookie year, he’d complete a 98 yard TD pass.
  • In ’99 the Lions offense had to deal with the sudden retirement of bell cow running back Barry Sanders.
  • Despite this Batch led the team to the playoffs starting 10 games.
  • He’d deal with a carousel of coaches and quarterback changes over his tenure in Detroit.
  • Eventually on the street, Charlie was signed by the Steelers in 2002.
  • He’d grow into his role as a top level backup quarterback, first to Tommy Maddox and Kordell Stewart, and then later to Ben Roethlisberger.
  • Batch ended up spending a total of 11 seasons with the franchise.
  • In 2013, the Steelers selected Landry Jones in the NFL Draft, signaling the end of Batch’s time in Pittsburgh and in the NFL.
  • Charlie remains active in the NFL community doing pregame work and color commentary.
  • He’s also highly involved in and respected in charitable work.
SP 2001, #32

NOTES:

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NFL

Dyson, Kevin

Upper Deck MVP 2002, #240
Atomic 2001, #140

CARDS: Upper Deck MVP 2002, Atomic 2001, SP Authentic 2001
ACQUIRED: TTM 2022, C/o Home
SENT: 7/8 RECEIVED: 12/5 (150 days)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Played WR for the University of Utah from 1993-’97.
  • Caught 192 passes for 2,726 yards and 18 touchdowns.
  • First round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 1998.
  • Caught 21 passes for 263 yards and 2 TDs his rookie season.
  • Had a career high 54 catches in 1999.
  • Caught the lateral from Frank Wycheck in the Music City Miracle.
  • Then was stopped one yard short of the goal line in the closing moments of Super Bowl XXIV.
  • After an injury in 2000 limited him to two games, returned to form in 2001 and tied his career high with 54 receptions, along with 825 yards and 7 TDs.
  • Joined the Panthers in 2003, but spent most of the season on IR.
  • Spent the off season with the Chargers (’04) and Redskins (’05).
  • Went back to school, obtaining his doctorate, spending time in coaching, and education.
SP 2001, #85

NOTES:

Every once in a while I’m just surprised by an older card set I’ve discovered. Case in point- SP 2001. Simple, elegant, lots of space to work with.. it’s just great design, and the landscape format helps make autographs pop and look more cinematic.