News Summary

URBANA — Thomas Russell of Urbana never imagined he'd get his own moment of stardom when he had Cincinnati Reds pitcher David Weathers autograph a jersey.

Russell, 12, planned to watch Weathers warm up before the May 28, 2006, game when the pitcher offered to sign autographs for the crowd.

Russell wore a ball cap to the game that had been made for a baseball team for which he played. His last name and the number "3" were sewn on the back.

More than a year later, Russell didn't believe a friend who said he'd bought a pack of baseball cards and found Russell pictured in the foreground of one of the cards.

When Russell saw the card, he was shocked that he could pick himself out, right in front of Weathers signing autographs.

Though most everything surrounding Weathers is blurry, Russell — sporting his personalized ball cap and holding the Reds jersey Weathers would soon sign — can be seen just in front of the pitcher.

Russell and his dad, Andy, have bought many packs of baseball cards since, hoping to find a duplicate card, but have yet to have any luck.

While searching through all the cards they've bought, Andy said they've noticed that cards rarely have anyone pictured other that the baseball player.

"We'll keep looking to try to find another one from that series," Andy said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0226 or nmorales@coxohio.com