Since the Tampa Bay Rays’ debut in 1998, a remarkable collection of autographed baseballs has been amassed by St. Pete Beach residents Jennifer McKenney and her father, Jeff. Their collection, featuring signatures from all 593 players who have donned the Rays uniform, stands as a unique testament to their dedication. This father-daughter duo claims to have the only complete autograph collection of any American pro sports franchise.
Maintaining this collection has required creativity and a bit of luck, especially during the socially distanced era of the coronavirus pandemic. With the Rays’ future in St. Pete uncertain, the continuation of this cherished family project remains in question.
Jeff McKenney, who moved to St. Pete Beach in first grade, never set out to become an autograph enthusiast. “It started off as something to do during batting practice and has grown from there into a family tradition,” he explains.
The McKenneys’ journey began at the first Rays Fan Fest in 1997, where Jeff purchased season tickets on the first day they were available. Jennifer recalls the early days at Tropicana Field, where the concrete floor was a stark contrast to the vibrant atmosphere they would come to love. Their seats in the right field bleachers became a home away from home, where they forged lifelong friendships.
From the age of nine, Jennifer missed only about ten games in the team’s first decade, usually due to illness or her own baseball or softball commitments. Her playing days ended abruptly at age 12 when a bunt attempt resulted in a lost tooth. Fortunately, a teammate’s father, an orthodontist, was able to save the day.
Despite the mishap, Jennifer’s passion for baseball remained undeterred. The McKenneys’ routine involved arriving at games two hours early, perfect for securing autographs during batting practice. “I’m ready to walk in the minute they open the gates,” Jeff says, reflecting on their dedication.
Jennifer, now a pharmacy technician, fondly remembers late nights returning to St. Pete Beach after games, never wanting to leave early. “We loved every minute of it,” she says.
Their autograph collection began without a master plan. It grew organically, and after the first year, Jennifer suggested they continue the tradition. They have done so every year since 1999. While Jennifer’s brother, Raymond, was initially part of the effort, he lost interest as a teenager.
Over the years, the McKenneys have perfected their process. Each signed ball is placed in a UV-resistant acrylic case, and Jeff crafts decorative wooden display cases for each year’s collection. “Dad always told us, ‘don’t bother them often, don’t ask the same guy twice and don’t get greedy,'” Jennifer shares.
While most players appreciate their polite approach, some have been less accommodating. One unnamed star once made a sarcastic comment about selling his signature, and Pat Burrell was notoriously difficult, only signing on his last day with the team in 2009.
Securing elusive signatures brings more relief than excitement for Jeff. “Mostly it’s just ‘Ah good, one down and now let’s focus on the next one,'” he admits.
Organizing the collection is crucial, especially during spring training when they juggle dozens of balls across multiple fields. “You can tell a lot about players by how they sign,” Jeff notes, appreciating those who take pride in their autographs.
Some players, like Bubba Trammell and Mickey Callaway, have particularly artistic signatures. However, as players gain fame, their signatures often become less meticulous, as seen with Rocco Baldelli.
The McKenneys store their collection in a climate-controlled environment, showcasing it annually at Rays Fan Fest. Despite offers to purchase the collection, they have always declined. “We don’t do it for the money,” Jennifer explains. “My entire childhood is in that collection. My memories of my family are wrapped up there.”
While the tradition has become more burdensome over time, Jeff remains committed. “The novelty of it has worn off on me,” he admits, but the investment of time and effort keeps him going.
The hobby has grown more expensive, with MLB balls now costing significantly more than when they started. Jeff even gave up golf to fund their passion. Last year, they resorted to purchasing two signatures on eBay for the first time.
Jennifer has also reached out to players on Instagram, sending pre-paid envelopes for autographs. While some players don’t respond, many are supportive of their family tradition. “A bunch of them have told me they think what we’re doing is really cool,” she says.
Despite the challenges, the McKenneys remain determined to continue their collection as long as the Rays stay in Tampa Bay. “Otherwise, there’s no finish line unless we drop dead,” Jeff concludes.
