In the late 1970s, John Smallwood was on the Bridgeport High School basketball and tennis teams. His appreciation for sports – particularly professional sports - has been preserved through a most impressive collection of autographed baseballs and other sports paraphernalia.

 

Carefully displayed in a specially-made shadowbox, Smallwood – who now lives in Potomac Falls, Va. – has in his possession balls signed by everyone from golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer to the entire 1969 St. Louis Cardinals’ roster.

 

He also has a 1971 Pittsburgh Steelers football, signed 2002 Steelers football – received directly from Russ Grim, a mini Redskins helmet autographed by Sonny Jurgeson and Gus Forrette , a Hall of Fame mini helmet signed by Redskins receiver Charlie Taylor and a collection of Yankees and Pirates items. The list goes on - and on. 

 

Smallwood’s collections bring him joy and he’s been able to pass his passion for collecting on to his grown son, Joshua. But more precious than the items are the stories behind them.

 

Perhaps no childhood memory is as vivid as a road trip to Lakeview Resort when he was 12 years old.

 

“My dad had told me the day before that I wouldn’t be going to school, then he showed me two tickets to the West Virginia Amateur Golf Championship. I still have them,” Smallwood said.

 

Prior to the outing, John Smallwood Sr. had actually called Jack Nicklaus – his third cousin – and advised he was bringing his son to the match. Smallwood’s mom Norma participated in the phone call, too – getting Nicklaus’s input on what her son should wear to the golf tourney.

 

Upon arrival, Smallwood’s dad told his son that if he wanted to get autographs, he should do so before the golf action started.

 

“I was determined to get the autographs,” Smallwood recalls. “I walked up to the rope and saw Arnold Palmer standing there. I said, ‘Mr. Palmer, would you autograph my book?’ and he said, ‘Absolutely, Johnny.’ My mouth dropped. He knew who I was because of what I was wearing.”

 

Smallwood’s luck continued as Nicklaus invited him inside the roped area and let him accompany the golfers from hole to hole, even asking young Smallwood to help him out on judging putting distance on the 18^th hole.

 

He ended up with a souvenir golf ball – which he still has, of course.

 

Another memorable trip was to Pittsburgh to see his favorite pro baseball team – the Pittsburgh Pirates - face off against the St. Louis Cardinals.

 

It was July 16, 1969 and Smallwood was just 9 years old.

 

“I walked into Forbes Field and just couldn’t believe I was there,” said Smallwood, vividly remembering a day 45 years ago. “A couple of the guys were walking the field and talking. My favorite player, Roberto Clemente, was doing batting practice.”

 

Suddenly, his dad shouted out to a guy he called “Bubbles,” who turned out to be Jay Randolph – radio voice of the St. Louis Cardinals – with whom he had attended Salem University. Not only did Randolph get Clemente’s autograph for Smallwood, he gave him a ball signed by every single player on the team.

 

“Bob Gibson signed it, Joe Torre, Tim McCarver, Dal Maxvill – everyone,” Smallwood said. “I still have it.”

 

Another amazing story is behind a surprise encounter with Andy Russell, linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers which resulted in – you guessed it – a football autographed by the entire 1971 team.

 

Smallwood said he was raised to have utmost respect for others and to always use his manners. He was also taught to be independent.

 

“My dad always told me it was up to me to ask for the autographs,” he said. “He said he would get me there, but if I wanted them, I had to ask for them.”

 

Without a doubt, the traits which his parents instilled in him have followed Smallwood throughout his life and have been key in landing some high-profile sales jobs which have taken him all over the globe. Presently, he works for Orange, France Telecommunications, the second largest telecommunications carrier in the world.

 

Looking back, it’s apparent that his dad had a lot of connections. Some of them came from playing baseball at Salem University. He made it  priority to share that network – and most importantly his time – with his son. That is perhaps the very best story behind his sports collection, Smallwood said.

 

For the most part, Smallwood has raised his son Joshua himself. He said he has tried to follow in his late dad’s footsteps when it comes to being a hands-on dad.

 

 

Editor's note: Pictured above right is an autograph obtained from world famous tennis coach, Harry Hop, when Smallwood and his dad attended his tennis camp in Florida.

 

Also pictured is Joshua and John Smallwood and Joshua and his grandfather.