I Now Have 13 Michael Brantley Autographs (+1 Surprise)

it's become an offseason tradition for me to post recaps of all the autographs i got from Michael throughout the year once the season is over. in 2013, i wrote a blog detailing the 10 autographs i got from him between 2010 and 2013. then at the conclusion of last year, i wrote a blog telling the story of the 1 time i got his auto during that season. links to those blogs will be provided at the end of this post.

as for 2015, i got his autograph 2 times, giving me a grand total of 13 autographs from none other than Dr. Smooth in my collection. now i will recount exactly how they came about.


i obtained my 12th Brantley autograph on May 23, 2015 in the players parking lot after the game versus the Cincinnati Reds, and i wasn't even originally planning on getting it. i made the decision not to stand over by his truck because i didn't think he'd sign and i wanted to try for some other players' autographs who i knew i wouldn't get by standing over at that gate.

Michael was one of the last players to come out despite not playing in this game. Terry Francona had told him the day before that he would be getting the game off. so why did it take him so long to come out? my guess is he was probably getting treatment for his lower back and/or working with the trainers. (keep in mind, his back strain was still an issue that needed attention at this point in the season.)

Michael walked to his truck and

Brantley's Career High 12 Outfield Assists

Michael has set a plethora of offensive career highs this season, and now it's time for a defensive one. last year, he achieved a personal high of 11 outfield assists, which he matched on August 7, 2014. but this afternoon, during the 2nd game of the September 11 doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins, Michael was credited with his career high 12th outfield assist of the season.

with Chris Parmelee at 1st base, 1 out, and no score in the top of the 3rd inning, Brian Dozier was batting. TJ House was on the mound for the Tribe and after a 1-1 count, Dozier hit a fly ball to left field. Michael recorded the putout on the warning track right in front of the wall for the 2nd out of the inning.

photo courtesy of The Plain Dealer (Chuck Crow)

screenshots cropped from a video on Indians.com

then came the fun part. Michael quickly threw the ball in to the cutoff man, shortstop Jose Ramirez, like usual.

(close-up:)

screenshots cropped from a video on Indians.com

but Parmelee was already at 2nd base,

screenshots cropped from a video on Indians.com

so when Ramirez threw the ball to 1st baseman Chris Gimenez, Parmelee was unable to get back in time and therefore doubled off 1st.

screenshots cropped from a video on Indians.com

that gave Michael OF assist #12 for the season. it also added a double play to Michael's stat line, his 2nd of this year. and look at his reaction. i love it! you be proud cause that was awesome!

screenshots cropped from a video on Indians.com

so congratulations again, Michael, on acquiring yet another career high amid your terrific career year. i am gonna be really sad to see this season end because you are on such an incredible run and i don't it want to stop lol what else are you going to do in the final 16 games? ;D