Manny Machado
| Birthdate | 7/6/1992 |
| Death Date | |
| Debut Year | 2012 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Dodgers, Orioles, Padres |
| Position | Third Base |
Third baseman Manny Machado has three top-5 MVP finishes, a Silver Slugger, two Gold Gloves, and a Platinum Glove – all before the age of 30.
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Manny Machado was the third overall pick in the 2010 draft and signed for $5,250,000
Manny Machado was the third overall pick in the 2010 draft and signed for $5,250,000
After starring for the Brito Miami Private High School Panthers, Manny Machado committed to Florida International University. The Baltimore Orioles changed his mind by selecting him with the the third overall pick in the 2010 draft.
Machado signed with the club for $5,250.000. The star-studded draft round also included #1 pick Bryce Harper, Chris Sale, and Christian Yelich.
Each first-rounder that year received a note card like this one from Hall of Fame commissioner Bud Selig. Here Selig congratulates the first-round selection and closes with, “You are the future of our great game and I wish you the best in your career.”
Selig has signed the bottom of the card in blue ink.
By the end of his age-30 season Manny Machado was on the path to Cooperstown
By the end of his age-30 season Manny Machado was on the path to Cooperstown
Manny Machado plays third base – the least represented position in Cooperstown. By the end of his age-30 season the slugger built a solid case for baseball’s highest honor.
Machado started in the bigs with the Orioles, less than 5 weeks after turning 20. After 51 games in 2012, he became Baltimore’s everyday man at the hot corner in 2013. Manny responded by leading the league with 51 doubles, earning a Gold Glove, making the All Star team, and receiving votes in MVP balloting.
From 2013-2018 Machado made four All Star teams, and slugged at least 33 homers each season. Then at the trade deadline of ’18 he was dealt to Los Angeles where he helped the Dodgers reach the World Series.
The following season the Padres signed Machado to a 10-year deal. In 2019 he slammed 32 homers for the Friars. The following season he earned his first Silver Slugger and finished third in the MVP race. In 2021 Machado made his 5th All Star team then repeated the feat in 2022.
At the end of his age-30 season Machado boasted 1,737 hits, 333 doubles, 313 homers, and 904 RBI to go along with a 125 OPS+ and 54.8 WAR.
If he continues his production, Machado will someday earn a plaque in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
In the collection is this signed program from the 2010 Aberdeen Ironbirds, Machado’s first pro team. The program is dated September 3, 2010. The Orioles first-round pick was just 14 at bats into his minor league career and already had 5 hits, a double, RBI, and two walks.
Machado has signed the page that features him in this JSA-certified piece.
Machado's late slide into Boston's Dustin Pedroia derailed a Hall of Fame career
Machado's late slide into Boston's Dustin Pedroia derailed a Hall of Fame career
Dustin Pedroia started his career with a bang. The American League’s Rookie of the Year in 2007, Pedroia capped his dream season with a World Series triumph over the Colorado Rockies.
In the collection is a limousine receipt signed by Pedroia on 1/26/08. Pedroia. The fare took him from JFK Airport to the New York Hilton Midtown at 53rd and 6th. The next night at the baseball writers’ awards dinner where Craig Biggio presented Pedroia with the Rookie of the Year Award.
Just 24 years old at the time, Pedroia was on top of the baseball world. The AL’s outstanding first year player capped his season with a sweep over the Colorado Rockies in the World Series. Pedroia continued his outstanding play. In 2008 he earned the American League MVP Award, a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger.
From 2008-2014 Pedroia was selected to four All Star Games and earned four Gold Gloves. He seemed destined for Cooperstown. On April 21, 2017 everything changed.
Manny Machado slid late and hard into Pedroia’s left knee. The second sacker’s knee immediately buckled; the injury severe. Multiple surgeries including a partial knee replacement curtailed Pedroia’s production and forced him to retire. To this day Red Sox fans blame Machado for Pedroia’s absence from Cooperstown.
