Hidden Treasures #2: Joe Mauer

Have you ever reached into your pocket and found money? It's one of the best feelings in the world. Sort of like hitting the lottery. Well, this weekend... I had the opportunity to experience that feeling, except I didn't find money... I found something better (well IMHO).

On Saturday night, I was digging through my collection looking for cards of Team USA players in honor of America's birthday. I came across a small stack of USA autographs that I had pulled from 2004 Upper Deck USA Baseball sets that I had busted years ago. I found autographs of John Olerud, Robin Ventura, and Shawn Green. All of these players were popular at one time or another in their careers, so I pulled them aside when I opened the sets.

In addition to those three, I also discovered that I had an autograph of Twins catcher Joe Mauer. He has been one of the best catchers in baseball the past few seasons. I've always appreciated players who hit for average and Mauer is the epitome of a pure hitter. He would probably be one of my favorite, but unfortunately he plays for the Twins (. Regardless, I've been wanting to buy an autograph of his for awhile now, but they're way out of my price range. I guess now, I won't have to... because I now have one resting in my PC.

First a Roy Halladay autograph, now a Joe Mauer. Thank goodness for hidden treasures.

What about you, have you ever flipped through your collection and found a card you didn't remember having?