Signed Baseball Cards - Oldest MLB Players Alive

[Rikki Gins]

I've collected quite a lot of paper collectables over the years, but never any baseball cards, until several months back, that is. I am now collecting baseball cards that show the oldest living Major League Baseball players. Just to make things interesting, I have stipulated that the cards must be personally hand autographed by the players themselves. So anyway, here we go.

The oldest MLB player is currently a fellow by the name of Bill Greason, who is 101 years old. Bill played in the Negro leagues for quite a few years until he was finally acquired by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1954. I honestly doubt if I will be able to get a signed card of Bill's because they currently fetch a hefty price. There are some cards of his that are affordable out there, but they aren't signed.
Bill Greason at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Greason

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Bobby Shantz is currently the second oldest MLB player. He is currently 99 years old, and if he can hang around for another 14 days, he will be 100 years old.
Bobby Shantz at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Shantz

[Walks_At_Night]

I'll enjoy following this thread for sure.

[Rikki Gins]

I'll enjoy following this thread for sure.

Oh, that's great to know, WAN! I'll be posting a card each and every Friday.

[Bart Ell]

I wonder if Shantz secretly hopes Greason kicks it so he can get the title.

[Rikki Gins]

I wonder if Shantz secretly hopes Greason kicks it so he can get the title.

I'm inclined to think so, for no other reason than that everyone would like to hold a record of some sort. In this case, I wasn't able to find any current info on Greason's health, though he did throw a ceremonial pitch in June of 2024.

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Bill Greason

There was an update on Bobby Shantz's current state in his Wiki profile:

According to an interview with The Athletic, as of August 2025, Shantz lives in Ambler, Pennsylvania with his wife Shirley. They own a dog named Jake. He formerly operated a bowling alley and a dairy bar in nearby Chalfont, Pennsylvania, with his former Athletics teammate, Joe Astroth. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing golf. Health limitations include a bad hip, and he can no longer travel, but overall, he "feels good". He frequently watches baseball on television.

Thus far, Mr. Greason has held the oldest player title for 6 months & 9 days. He had to wait 2 years & 8 months to get it.

[Rikki Gins]

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Jim Willis is currently the third oldest MLB player. He is 98 years and 6 months old. Mr. Willis resides in Boyce, Louisiana. There are no current articles about him. I did find one that covered his reactions to the final game of the 2016 World Series, which was won by his old team, the Chicago Cubs.  He became a school principal after his baseball career, and he also wrote a book called "My Baseball Story."

 

[Bart Ell]

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I have never seen a W like that before.

[Walks_At_Night]

I have never seen a W like that before.

Almost like a drawing of a corn on the cob.

[Rikki Gins]

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Deceased.

Bob Oldis was the 4th oldest MLB player and I was all set to put his card in this exclusive baseball card thread when, to my surprise, I read that he passed away, just last Sunday. So, I'll still put him here, as a memorial of sorts, but sadly, it will be the only time that he appears here. Rest in Peace, Bob.

Bob Oldis at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Oldis

An article announcing Bob's death:  https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/bob-oldis-catcher-for-1960-world-champion-pirates-passes-away/ar-AA1NaZjO

[Rikki Gins]

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Public Domain

On a happier note, our current 2nd oldest MLB player Bobby Shantz, is celebrating his 100th birthday today. Happy Birthday, Bobby!

A guide to Bobby Shantz baseball cards:  https://www.beckett.com/news/a-guide-to-bobby-shantz-baseball-cards/

An article about Bobby: https://www.royalsreview.com/2025/1/23/24347796/remembering-the-career-of-bobby-shantz

[Rikki Gins]

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Roy Face is currently our fourth oldest ex-Major League Baseball player. Roy, or Elroy if you prefer, was born on February 20, 1928, making him 97 years, 7 months, and 14 days old at the time of this posting. Roy was a relief pitcher and his nickname was "the Baron of the Bullpen." He did carpentry/plumbing work after his retirement from baseball.

There are no recent articles about Roy, but he is still signing photos and cards that are sent to him, for ten bucks a whack.

Elroy Leon Face at Wikipedia:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Face

[Walks_At_Night]

Elroy Face won 18 games a reliever in 1959.  AFAIK that record still stands. Also a little guy - like 5' 7" or 8"

[Rikki Gins]

Elroy Face won 18 games a reliever in 1959.  AFAIK that record still stands. Also a little guy - like 5' 7" or 8"

Have you noticed, WAN, how these older ballplayers had to take up secondary jobs after their retirement from MLB? Sad, but they weren't paid a gazillion dollars like today's players are.

[JUAN]

I remember him as Elroy.  Didn't he have a spacial pitch?  Maybe a forkball?

[Walks_At_Night]

Have you noticed, WAN, how these older ballplayers had to take up secondary jobs after their retirement from MLB? Sad, but they weren't paid a gazillion dollars like today's players are.

Not only after retirement but during the offseason as well.  Richie Hebner dug graves in the off season.

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