Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum

"Autograph please!" "Autograph please!" it is a plea that has echoed through ballparks since the earliest days of our national pastime. The quest for an autograph from a baseball hero has consumed young and old alike for generations. Over these many years, autograph collecting has evolved from a simple hobby to a billion dollar industry. To have an autograph of a favorite player is to have a part of that player. It preserves a cherished memory or becomes a financial investment. Many times it does both.

In 2013, the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum examines the extraordinary history of autographs in "Signature Reds" presented by Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, a special exhibit that explores the autograph phenomenon through the prism of Reds baseball. Highlighted by the display of autographs from virtually every player to wear a Reds uniform since 1920, "Signature Reds" will immerse visitors in the world of autograph collecting while taking them on an unforgettable journey through the last eight decades of Reds history. From superstars to journeymen to players whose careers were measured in single games rather than seasons, "Signature Reds" will include them all. "Signature Reds" will present the largest assemblage of Reds autographs ever made available for public display.

Visitors to the exhibit will experience the world of autographs in all its varied forms. From signed baseballs to photographs to game used equipment to novelty items , if an item is connected in any way to the game, a player has inevitably been asked to sign it.

Visitors will also have a chance to leave their mark on the exhibit by signing their own names on the exhibit's Signature Wall.

Throughout the exhibit's run, Reds past and present along with other baseball notables will make appearances offering visitors an opportunity to add to their autograph collections.

The "Signature Reds" exhibit, promises to be an informative, engaging and entertaining exploration of the utterly fascinating world of autograph collecting; an exhibit that will appeal to anyone who ever uttered that most familiar phrase, "Autograph please!"

The Joe Morgan Exhibit

Second baseman Joe Morgan was the spark that ignited the engine of the Big Red Machine to the pinnacle of the baseball world in the 1970s. Arriving in Cincinnati in 1972 in a blockbuster trade with Houston, Morgan was crucial to the five division championships, three National League pennants and two world Championships the Reds won during the World Championship seasons of 1975 and 1976. Morgan was the league's MVP in each of this world title seasons, an unprecedented feat in the long and illustrious history of the Reds. An All-Star in each of his eight seasons in a Reds uniform and a Gold Glove winner each season from 1973-1977, Morgan was the definition of a complete player, combining speed, power and superlative defense like no second baseman the game had ever seen. A first ballot inductee to the Reds Hall of Fame in 1987 and the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990, Morgan received the highest individual honor a club can bestow when his uniform number 8 was retired by the Reds in 1998.

In 2013, the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum honors Joe Morgan with a special exhibit that examines the many highlights of his illustrious career. Featuring game-used equipment, rare photographs and memorabilia and items from Joe's personal collection, the exhibit shines a light on the player who many historians consider to be the best second baseman in the history of the game.

The Joe Morgan Exhibit is part of a season-long celebration of Joe's great career that culminates with the dedication on September 7 of the Joe Morgan Statue. With the unveiling of his statue, Joe's name will be added to the short list of iconic players in Reds history to be so honored. To be located on Crosley Terrace at Great American Ball Park, Joe's statue will becomes the latest statue addition to the home of the Reds, joining statues dedicated previously to Johnny Bench, Ted Kluszewski, Ernie Lombardi, Joe Nuxhall and Frank Robinson.