Panini America Previews the On-Card Autos Coming to 2013 Hometown Heroes Baseball

Some of the most beloved baseball players from the last 45 years — cult heroes, fan favorites, flashes in the pan, Hall of Famers and more — are sure to command interest from all walks of baseball fandom when Panini America’s appealing, throwback-themed 2013 Hometown Heroes Baseball set releases in early October.

Popular names from the frolicking, more-recent past of America’s pastime — guys like Lenny Dykstra, Tom Brunansky, Tony Pena, Andres Galarraga, Willie Wilson, Oscar Gamble, Rob Dibble and many more — have headlined the early on-card autograph arrivals for the product. At this point, it’s hard for me to determine which is more impressive: The checklist, the superior penmanship of the men on it or the Seventies-screaming design.

So, since I can’t decide, I figured I’d present this special Sunday gallery to you to get your thoughts. What follows, then, are examples of the first 36 signers who’ve already returned their autographs for inclusion in 2013 Hometown Heroes Baseball. Take a look for yourself and let us know . . .