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Posted by: dd316 Jun 22 2006, 08:45 AM

I'll try to update this every weekday I can, so if I miss a day don't come after me.
I'll give a little story behind the autograph too, even if it's dumb, at least you'll get a little insight into my experiences.

Let's start it out right - my favorite in-person autograph: WILL CLARK!



If you don't know the story - Will Clark's my favorite player. Back when he was on the Orioles (I think it was 1998) they came to Philly for an interleague game. Will was standing in right field during BP, I went over to the corner and called to him, he turned and waved. Thinking that was already beyond cool, once BP was over Will came over to me! He asked my name, shook my hand, signed this card and told me to enjoy the game, then went straight to the dugout, didn't sign for anyone else. I don't even remember what I said, I think I blubbered like a schoolgirl . He didn't start the game, but came in late and hit a home run!!
Out of all the memories I have of Veteran's Stadium, this one will always be at the top.

Oh, and all the subsequent pics won't be this big, Will just deserves it.

Posted by: skatalite Jun 22 2006, 08:50 AM

Cool story!

I wish I could have been there when my brother met Nolan Ryan when Ryan was on the Astros. He got to go into the locker room and got a baseball signed by Ryan and almost the whole team! My brother has since given the ball to me, which is cool

Posted by: aceecards Jun 22 2006, 08:51 AM

So it was a "thrill"..

Posted by: dd316 Jun 22 2006, 09:02 AM

I wish I could have been there when my brother met Nolan Ryan when Ryan was on the Astros. He got to go into the locker room and got a baseball signed by Ryan and almost the whole team!

Posted by: dd316 Jun 22 2006, 09:02 AM

So it was a "thrill"..

Posted by: skatalite Jun 22 2006, 09:08 AM

Wow, how'd he manage that?

Posted by: msuwendy Jun 22 2006, 09:21 AM

Very cool stories guys!!! I hope to be able to meet some of my favourites one day!!!

Posted by: dd316 Jun 22 2006, 09:35 AM

My dad did it some how. I wasn't even born yet (it was in '81,) haha, but I wish I could've been there. I'll ask my dad about it later today.

Posted by: pistolpd22 Jun 22 2006, 10:02 AM

cool story dd316

Posted by: yankeesjetsfan Jun 22 2006, 11:19 AM

Awesome story and auto. I look forward to seeing what else is in your collection.

Mike

Posted by: skatalite Jun 22 2006, 11:27 AM

Cool. So why'd your brother give you the ball?

Posted by: dd316 Jun 22 2006, 11:36 AM

Awesome story and auto. I look forward to seeing what else is in your collection.

Posted by: dd316 Jun 22 2006, 11:38 AM

I gotta get them out and take pictures of them once my girlfriend gets back in town with the camera.

Posted by: skatalite Jun 22 2006, 11:46 AM

Girlfiend - out of town - with camera - hmmmm.....

Just kidding! Can't wait to see pics of those, sounds great!

My pic for tomorrow will hopefully be a ball (or two), depends on what transpires at the game I'm going to tonight...

Posted by: ffman Jun 22 2006, 11:51 AM

Cool story!

I wish I could have been there when my brother met Nolan Ryan when Ryan was on the Astros. He got to go into the locker room and got a baseball signed by Ryan and almost the whole team! My brother has since given the ball to me, which is cool

Posted by: dd316 Jun 22 2006, 11:57 AM

Oh, and nice Clark!  He has a very 'tall' signature, lol.  I saw the end of the 'W' near the top of the page, and was wondering...

Posted by: acampione Jun 22 2006, 01:45 PM

cool

Posted by: jaderock Jun 22 2006, 02:31 PM

Awesome story coming from a blubbering schoolgirl!!!

Posted by: dd316 Jun 22 2006, 02:42 PM

Awesome story coming from a blubbering schoolgirl!!!

Posted by: dd316 Jun 23 2006, 09:52 AM

OK, here's a really cool one.





Now the story:
I went to a Wilmington Blue Rocks (Red Sox High-A) game vs the Potomac Nationals (Nationals High-A) in Wilmington back on May 4. I get free tix in work so it didn't cost me anything, I fiigured I'd go for the giveaway (insulated cooler bag), get some autographs then head home. I left after the National Anthem. I parked behind the outfield wall, so as I'm heading to my car the game starts. 2nd batter of the game is Marcos Yepez, he smacks his third HR of the season right by where I was. I heard it hit the billboard and it dropped idown into the parking lot (there's a gap to allow this). So I run over and HOLY SMOKES, I've got my first Home Run ball ever! So I'm going to leave again and next batter is Marvin Lowrance... BOOM! Back to back HR's and I got both balls! But the awesome thing about Lowrance was that it was his first HR this season! Last night the Nationals were back in town and I was deteremined to get both balls signed. I told them both the story, and Lowrance was nice enough to add the inscription you see above. Yepez also signed his ball but he's Hispanic and I don't think he understood what I was saying, so he didn't add anything to his but at least I got him to sign it (maybe I'll post that pic another time).
Here's a link to the HR game recap: http://www.bluerocks.com/2006scores/wil5040.html

And now to add onto this story, last night I went to leave after the first inning (it was HOT!!) and sure enough... BOOM! I got yet ANOTHER HR ball from the same team, different player (Tony Blanco). I'll have to go for him next time they're in town again.

Posted by: acampione Jun 23 2006, 12:51 PM

cool

Posted by: jaderock Jun 23 2006, 06:58 PM

you got a nice ball - that'll be cool if he became the next Pujols!!!!!!!

Posted by: dd316 Jun 26 2006, 08:24 AM

you got a nice ball - that'll be cool if he became the next Pujols!!!!!!!

Posted by: dd316 Jun 26 2006, 09:12 AM

And now, the man of the hour, Brett Myers:




Got this auto of the wonderful role model back at Veteran's Stadium in Philly. For anyone that doesn't know, the Vet was great for autographs! The players had to walk a little way from their parking lot to the stadium, and you could just hang out in between and hope the players would stop to sign, they had to walk right by you. I managed to get jsut about everyone on the Phillies here (Pat Burrell still eludes me). Brett was always a toughy. One day he actually signed three autographs (you could tell he REALLY wanted to ) and I got his last one. He never put down his cell phone and never put any effort into his signature. As you can see all he did was put a big "B" and "M", not even facing the same direction. He really is a BM. Have fun in jail Brett!!

Posted by: aceecards Jun 26 2006, 09:33 AM

wow thats awesome...

and what luck..!!

Posted by: randallcards Jun 26 2006, 11:23 AM

cool stuff

Posted by: sahetu Jun 26 2006, 11:39 AM

This is great I wanna get a IP auto someday.

Posted by: yankeesjetsfan Jun 26 2006, 02:25 PM

Cool Story behind the Myers.

Mike

Posted by: dd316 Jun 26 2006, 02:38 PM

This is great I wanna get a IP auto someday.

Posted by: sahetu Jun 26 2006, 07:58 PM

Not really, lol, I'll try to get to a couple Auburn Doubledays games this summer, very very very slim chance of seeing Rochester Red Wings.

Posted by: ffman Jun 26 2006, 08:08 PM

I've got two IP autographs, on a scoring card from a Brewer's game in '95 - Matt Mieske and Pat Listach. No 'big' althete, though.

Posted by: yankeesjetsfan Jun 26 2006, 08:31 PM

I consider myself lucky that I am in NYC, with so many sports teams. My best IP was last year at Jets camp. 25 autos on my white pannell ball and Cutris Martin on a mini. I almost got Pennington last year. I promise I will this year and get D'Brickashaw and Clemens as well.

Mike

Posted by: ffman Jun 26 2006, 08:34 PM

I consider myself lucky that I am in NYC, with so many sports teams. My best IP was last year at Jets camp. 25 autos on my white pannell ball and Cutris Martin on a mini. I almost got Pennington last year. I promise I will this year and get D'Brickashaw and Clemens as well.

Mike

Posted by: dd316 Jun 27 2006, 09:12 AM

Today's autograph is of a man who everybody that collected baseball cards in the 1980's knows - Diamond Kings artist Dick Perez:




Dick did a series of paintings of the Phillies for their new ballpark. It just so happened that he was appearing at a game I was already going to to sign prints. I brought a few cards hoping he would sign them (didn't know if it was a "buy a print" only deal, or if he had any qualms about signing Donruss cards since he didn't work for them any more). I asked the lady working the table if he'd sign some stuff for me without buying something, she said to ask him. He said "Absolutely, what do you have?" So I got him to sign the above card and the two Will Clark Diamond Kings cards he did (1988 and 1992). He was a super-nice guy and is a legend in baseball card history.

Posted by: gene01011 Jun 27 2006, 09:15 AM

Today's autograph is of a man who everybody that collected baseball cards in the 1980's knows - Diamond Kings artist Dick Perez:


Dick did a series of paintings of the Phillies for their new ballpark. It just so happened that he was appearing at a game I was already going to to sign prints. I brought a few cards hoping he would sign them (didn't know if it was a "buy a print" only deal, or if he had any qualms about signing Donruss cards since he didn't work for them any more). I asked the lady working the table if he'd sign some stuff for me without buying something, she said to ask him. He said "Absolutely, what do you have?" So I got him to sign the above card and the two Will Clark Diamond Kings cards he did (1988 and 1992). He was a super-nice guy and is a legend in baseball card history.

Posted by: acampione Jun 27 2006, 09:50 AM

cool stuff

Posted by: Charlie Jun 27 2006, 10:22 AM

use to love the DK stuff and the puzzles also

Posted by: dd316 Jun 28 2006, 08:47 AM

I don't know much about NASCAR, but I know this guy's good! Tony Stewart:




Back in 2001 at my old job my boss was a NASCAR freak, he actually got me into it a little bit (sadly, the only race I've ever watched all the way through was the one where Dale Sr. died ). My boss heard that a local Home Depot was sponsoring a Tony Stewart appearance. A bunch of area Home Depot's basically had a drawing to see which store would have him. Tony was pretty new at the time and I don't know how well it was publicized, but there were only maybe 200 people that showed up. I had brought a card with me but they had these nice 8x10's there as well for free. They said he was only signing one autograph per person and no pics with him. He signed the 8x10 and I tossed my card on the table so he ended up signing that too. I got a lot of pics of him but unfortunately wasn't allowed to get one with him. They were also selling Stewart T-shirts for $3, I bought a few.

Posted by: Iplayfootball_90 Jun 28 2006, 09:52 AM

Awesome story's so far. I hope to get to meet Matt Kenseth IP one day and a few of my other all time favorite players.

Posted by: acampione Jun 28 2006, 09:53 AM

cool story

Posted by: notinbtnet Jun 28 2006, 10:33 AM

My only memorable IP auto of note is the Logo himself, Mr. Jerry West.

It must have been back when I was around 10 or 11, and I went out to dinner with my parents and sister. I noticed this one guy walk in and sit down at a table and I kept thinking to myself, that guy sure looks like Jerry West.

Now I wasn't really sure, and my parents being immigrants to this country sure didn't. So I decided I would pretend to go to the bathroom and walk by his table to make sure. I walked by his table and sure enough it was Jerry West! I was pumped, but at the same time intimidated out of my mind. So I ended up walking past his table like 10 times, going back and forth to the bathroom "discreetly." At one point, I think I even considered going to the car and getting my basketball from it for him to sign, but I didn't do that. Instead, I finally got up the guts to talk to him and ask for his auto. He signed on the paper table mat of the restaurant. I still have that auto, framed, with a butter stain from the bread he was eating that night. haha.

I guess that makes it a "dinner used" auto.

Posted by: dd316 Jun 28 2006, 10:57 AM

^ That's a great story, notinbtnet! Personal treasures like that are always the best.

A friend of my dad's saw Will Clark in a bar once and got him to sign a napkin for me, no butter marks or beer foam though.

Posted by: Iplayfootball_90 Jun 28 2006, 11:14 AM

Those are both awesome story's.

Posted by: dd316 Jun 28 2006, 03:41 PM

I won't be able to update tomorrow so you get a bonus one today.

In honor of Steve's great ITG pull today, I present the greatest Flyers goalie ever, Bernie Parent:




Bernie can be found making appearances all over PA and NJ. He made an appearance at a Commerce Bank Grand Opening, so I went over and got him to personalize the above card. He's a really cool guy and loves to talk to Flyers fans.

Side note: My mom has actually worked with him outside of hockey. Apparently the company he works (Star something-or-other) for gets their printing done at the print shop my mom recepts at, and he was their liaison so he had to deal with my mom a lot.

Posted by: ffman Jun 28 2006, 03:48 PM

Nice, especially the Perez autograph.

Posted by: yankeesjetsfan Jun 29 2006, 12:07 AM

Very cool stories. This is becoming one of my favorite threads to visit.

FF, I am flattered you remembered. If I ever get done with my room, I am going to copy it and frame it and hang it next to my pieces.

Mike

Posted by: Iplayfootball_90 Jun 29 2006, 10:16 AM

Awesome story.

Posted by: acampione Jun 29 2006, 12:48 PM

Cool stories. Nice Parent auto, I have some 8x1-s autographed by him.

Posted by: dd316 Jun 30 2006, 08:18 AM

Very cool stories. This is becoming one of my favorite threads to visit.

Posted by: dd316 Jun 30 2006, 08:35 AM

Today's autograph, that HUGE superstar, Mickey Morandini:




My grandmother loved the Phillies, her and my grandfather used to go down to Spring Training every year. I really never knew why, but one of her favorite Phillies of all time was Mickey Morandini. I think she just liked the way his name sounded. Mickey was making an appearance at a local mall around the time my grandmother was in the hospital. I got the above card signed for me, and got him to sign an 8x10 for my grandmom. I asked him to put "To Stella, Get Well Soon". He said "Sure. How do you spell Stella?"

I gave the eulogy at my grandmom's funeral, and I just HAD to mention her love of the Phillies, especially Mickey Morandini. This card always makes me think of her.

Posted by: acampione Jun 30 2006, 10:59 AM

nice autograph.

Posted by: jaderock Jun 30 2006, 07:30 PM

great stories - keep them coming

Posted by: dd316 Jul 3 2006, 08:52 AM

Today's auto is the one, the only... The Warlord!




If you were into wrestling in the 80's, you knew The Warlord. He was just a big dude that didn't take any guff. If I remember correctly Mr. Fuji was his manager for a while. He used to wear a metal Phantom-of-the-Opera-type mask too. There was one Royal Rumble where he came in and just cleaned house (he ultimatley lost though). I always liked him, he's one of my all-time favortie wrestlers. I had a chance to meet him at a Horror convention (it started out as horror anyway, but has evolved into more of a "celebrity" convention with lots of different famous people). So anyway, he was the main reason I was going to this particluar con. He wasn't scheduled to appear until 1:00 so I wandered aroud for a while. Before I went to meet him I dropped and broke my camera, so while I was able to get his autograph I sadly didn't get my picture with him, major bummer.

Posted by: msuwendy Jul 3 2006, 09:18 AM

Wow.....you guys have some really awesome cards and stories to go with them!!!

Posted by: acampione Jul 3 2006, 09:57 AM

cool!!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 3 2006, 01:54 PM

Since I won't be here tomorrow you lucky folks get another one today!


Back to the world of baseball with World Series legend Kirk Gibson.




The autograph is kind of hard to see, it's sideways up the right side. The Tigers were in Philly for an interleague game and Kirk was a coach (not sure if he still is). I've heard he's pretty tough to get, but not for me! The weather had been rainy on and off and there was hardly anyone there during what would have been batting practice (it got scratched, tarp was down). I was the only person waiting for autos when Kirk Gibson came over near where I was standing to talk to someone in the stands. I just walked right over to him, handed him my card and he signed it, no problem at all!

Posted by: jaderock Jul 3 2006, 02:05 PM

...I always liked him, he's one of my all-time favortie wrestlers...

Posted by: dd316 Jul 3 2006, 02:11 PM

He wasn't EVER considered a wrestler...he's a WWF superstar

just recently he was still working the independent scene if I'm not mistaken

Posted by: Hallsgator Jul 3 2006, 03:23 PM

Today's auto is the one, the only... The Warlord!


If you were into wrestling in the 80's, you knew The Warlord. He was just a big dude that didn't take any guff. If I remember correctly Mr. Fuji was his manager for a while. He used to wear a metal Phantom-of-the-Opera-type mask too. There was one Royal Rumble where he came in and just cleaned house (he ultimatley lost though). I always liked him, he's one of my all-time favortie wrestlers. I had a chance to meet him at a Horror convention (it started out as horror anyway, but has evolved into more of a "celebrity" convention with lots of different famous people). So anyway, he was the main reason I was going to this particluar con. He wasn't scheduled to appear until 1:00 so I wandered aroud for a while. Before I went to meet him I dropped and broke my camera, so while I was able to get his autograph I sadly didn't get my picture with him, major bummer.

Posted by: Iplayfootball_90 Jul 3 2006, 03:35 PM

Nice autos and story's.

Posted by: acampione Jul 4 2006, 11:27 AM

cool!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 5 2006, 07:50 AM

haha, Mr Fuji works at a movie theater here in Knoxville.

Posted by: dd316 Jul 5 2006, 09:13 AM

With the uncertain flux the state of New Jersey is in right now, today's auto is an appropriate one, former Governor Jim McGreevey:




In 2002 I went to a Trenton Thunder game (at the time they were Red Sox AA team). While I was outside waiting for the gates to open McGreevey appears and gives some short speech (I don't even remember what about). Then he started to schmooze with fans, so I had him sign the only thing I had on me, a pocket schedule. McGreevey later gained national attention when he held a press conference to admit his homosexuality, the whole "I am a gay American" speech. I think he resigned (don't recall if he was impeached), then NJ had an interim Governor Cody for a few months. Now we're stuck with John Corzine screwing everything up.

Posted by: acampione Jul 5 2006, 10:12 AM

cool story...

Posted by: jaderock Jul 5 2006, 08:39 PM

Very cool stories that acoompany each auto - keep it up!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 6 2006, 08:56 AM

Today's autograph, Braves catcher Todd Pratt:




Like my Brett Myers story, I got Todd when he was on the Phillies at the Vet by the player parking lot. It was kind of drizzly out and when Todd walked by he said "I'm not signing today." Then he stopped, signed one, then two, then signed for everybody. So much for not signing.

Posted by: aceecards Jul 6 2006, 08:59 AM

McGaysy...

Nice auto...

I think NJ is still shut down today !! so are the state bulls patrolling the road ways or are they affected too?

Posted by: dd316 Jul 6 2006, 09:03 AM

McGaysy... 

so are the state bulls patrolling the road ways or are they affected too?

Posted by: Iplayfootball_90 Jul 6 2006, 10:07 AM

Nice auto's and storys keep them coming I can read them all day.

Posted by: Tarasadie17 Jul 6 2006, 10:24 AM

This truly is an awesome thread... thanks for sharing, great stuff...

Posted by: dd316 Jul 6 2006, 11:24 AM

Thanks for the comments gang, I am enjoying doing this.

Posted by: jaderock Jul 6 2006, 07:48 PM

It was kind of drizzly out and when Todd walked by he said "I'm not signing today." Then he stopped, signed one, then two, then signed for everybody. So much for not signing.

Posted by: chadnrudi Jul 6 2006, 11:01 PM

I got j-kidd to auto a ball a few years back and his kid actually gave me a high-five which was pretty cool

Posted by: dd316 Jul 7 2006, 08:04 AM

I got j-kidd to auto a ball a few years back and his kid actually gave me a high-five which was pretty cool

Posted by: Iplayfootball_90 Jul 7 2006, 08:08 AM

lol That sounds funny Kidd's kid.

Posted by: dd316 Jul 7 2006, 08:57 AM

Sticking with catchers, today's autograph is Detroit Tiger Ivan Rodriguez:




Went down to Baltimore for a game vs the Tigers last season. As anyone can tell you, Camden Yards is the BEST stadium to get autographs. Waited outside for the players to arrive. When I-Rod got there, he walked past everyone waiting and turned us all down, not even a guy in a wheelchair could get him to sign. Bummer.

So once we're inside the stadium (my cousin and I) we're waiting down the Tigers side for players to come onto the field. We notice someone over at the dugout start signing... whoa, it's Ivan!! We made our way over there quickly and got in the makeshift line. Thankfully we got there as soon as we did, he only signed two more after I got him! Not only did I snag one of the best catchers in MLB, but it was also the first Game Used card I ever got signed (it's a piece of All-Star jersey), and it looks awesome!!

Posted by: jaderock Jul 8 2006, 12:48 AM

Sweet!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 10 2006, 10:00 AM

Let's jump to the NBA with human beanstalk Manute Bol:




The signature is a little hard to see because it's in gold paint pen. It looks Like "Mt B O L"
Got this way back when he was on the 76ers. No real story here as I don't think he spoke much (if any) English. Sitting at the table he was taller than me, and his knees stuck out across the table!!

Posted by: Iplayfootball_90 Jul 10 2006, 10:20 AM

Sweet storys and autos.

Posted by: acampione Jul 10 2006, 11:02 AM

Human beanstock

nice!!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 11 2006, 08:52 AM

Today we move to music with the band Seether:




Lead guitarist Pat Callahan (who actually just quit the band) had his guitar "inducted" into the Hard Rock Cafe in Philadelphia last year. They were also to perform an exclusive acoustic set there as well, and the only way to go was to win passes from WYSP, a local radio station. Well, I won tix so my wife and I headed over. There were maybe 80 people at this thing, real intimate. I brought along the CD to get signed. When we got in they actually had a free buffet set up, so we grabbed some grub. As we sat down to eat the band came out to mingle, sign autographs and take pictures. We already started eating, so I figured we'd just wait. Bad move, since they started to leave to get ready to play. By the time I got to them only the bass player (Dale Stewart) was left, d'oh! At least I was able to get him. So we hung out, saw the official unveiling of Pat's guitar on the wall, and watched their set (about an hour). They were and are a really good live band. After they were done playing they all headed into the back except for Pat. So I went up to him and got his auto and a pic with him (my wife wouldn't get in the pic, I think she has the hots for him ). Then I went over by where the other guys exited and the singer (Shaun Morgan) came out and signed for people. He is one ugly dude, lol. So the only member I never got was the drummer. Still, was an excellent experience!!

Posted by: Iplayfootball_90 Jul 11 2006, 09:16 AM

Very nice. Seether is a good band.

Posted by: acampione Jul 11 2006, 09:44 AM

Very nice. Don't listen to that music, cool though!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 11 2006, 10:43 AM

Very nice. Don't listen to that music, cool though!

Posted by: Iplayfootball_90 Jul 11 2006, 12:22 PM

Yes, very few radio friendly.

Posted by: jaderock Jul 11 2006, 05:30 PM

With Mt Bol...I liked it when he was with Golden State...the 3pt bomber!

He almost passed away several years ago if I'm not mistaken!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 12 2006, 08:03 AM

With Mt Bol...I liked it when he was with Golden State...the 3pt bomber!

He almost passed away several years ago if I'm not mistaken!

Posted by: aceecards Jul 12 2006, 08:45 AM

Seether.. awesome ...!

and manute Bol..

Posted by: gene01011 Jul 12 2006, 09:11 AM

Today we move to music with the band Seether:


Lead guitarist Pat Callahan (who actually just quit the band) had his guitar "inducted" into the Hard Rock Cafe in Philadelphia last year. They were also to perform an exclusive acoustic set there as well, and the only way to go was to win passes from WYSP, a local radio station. Well, I won tix so my wife and I headed over. There were maybe 80 people at this thing, real intimate. I brought along the CD to get signed. When we got in they actually had a free buffet set up, so we grabbed some grub. As we sat down to eat the band came out to mingle, sign autographs and take pictures. We already started eating, so I figured we'd just wait. Bad move, since they started to leave to get ready to play. By the time I got to them only the bass player (Dale Stewart) was left, d'oh! At least I was able to get him. So we hung out, saw the official unveiling of Pat's guitar on the wall, and watched their set (about an hour). They were and are a really good live band. After they were done playing they all headed into the back except for Pat. So I went up to him and got his auto and a pic with him (my wife wouldn't get in the pic, I think she has the hots for him  ). Then I went over by where the other guys exited and the singer (Shaun Morgan) came out and signed for people. He is one ugly dude, lol. So the only member I never got was the drummer. Still, was an excellent experience!!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 12 2006, 09:22 AM

if i remember right I think they are from area and staided to, talked to the drummer of staind at walmart around x-mas time, didnt have anything for him to sighn and i didnt have a camera phone at the time, now I do

Posted by: dd316 Jul 12 2006, 09:31 AM

Today is the best player on the Devil Rays, Carl Crawford:




Unless you live under a rock (or haven't read my entire thread ) you know that Will Clark is my favorite player. But if I had to pick a favorite current player it would be Carl, and I'll tell you why - when I was drafting my Fantasy Baseball team in 2004 I picked up this guy named Carl Crawford, much to the amusement of the rest of my league. I was seriously mocked for picking up this no-name guy. "Carl Crawford? Who the heck is THAT?" I stood by my pick and said "You'll see." Needless to say he tore it up and helped me into the Championships (I ended up losing the championship). But ever since then I've liked him.

Now about the autograph - So last year I went down to Baltimore when the D-Rays were in town in hopes of nabbing Carl. If you don't know Baltimore there are two entrances, one on either side of the stadium, that players enter. It's basically a crapshoot to guess which entrance they'll use (and if they'll even sign!). Naturally I picked the wrong entrance (another collector told me he went in the other way) and I was unable to get him inside. Missed him after the game too. Rats. So I went back again later in the season to try again, I was DETERMINED to get Carl!! This time after the game I waited by the "other" entrance. Sure enough, eventually out comes Carl fidgeting with his I-Pod. About half a dozen people approach him. He says "I'm not stopping, walk with me." So I was able to get him on his way out, I was so happy!!! I also got a nice picture of him stealing second base.

Posted by: gene01011 Jul 12 2006, 09:43 AM

You were in Walmart - you should have just BOUGHT a CD to get signed!

The guy Pat from Seether was from the Philly area that's why they did it at the Hard Rock there. I think the rest of the band is Australian. I may be wrong about that though, but for some reason that sounds right.

Posted by: dd316 Jul 12 2006, 09:52 AM

I may have thought they were from around here because they play around here in clubs alot but I do know staind is from here and we were both standing in line to check out with all kinds of x-mas gifts, but now I am prepared with my camera phone!!!!!

Posted by: gene01011 Jul 12 2006, 09:58 AM

Where are you from?

Posted by: jaderock Jul 12 2006, 06:20 PM

You are a dedicated IP auto seeker!

Posted by: gopackgo Jul 12 2006, 06:27 PM

Getting an auto of your favorite player is sooo cool, you remember it forever, and you shiver when you see them coming to sign

Posted by: dd316 Jul 13 2006, 08:28 AM

You are a dedicated IP auto seeker!

Posted by: bravesfan09 Jul 13 2006, 09:56 AM

nice crawford

Posted by: acampione Jul 13 2006, 10:22 AM

Cool! Does anybody know if he does in the mail autographs??

Posted by: dd316 Jul 13 2006, 10:25 AM

Today is Cardinals left fielder So Taguchi:




I got So back when he was in AA at a Trenton Thunder game (he wasn't on the Thunder, I forget who the Cards' minor league affiliate was). He didn't speak any English but knew what I wanted when I called him over. He smiled a lot and signed my card in English (I think, lol) and in Japanese. At least I think that's supposed to be his name in Japanese, it could be a curse word for all I know.

Posted by: dd316 Jul 13 2006, 10:43 AM

Cool! Does anybody know if he does in the mail autographs??

Posted by: acampione Jul 13 2006, 11:59 AM

Nice auto of Taguchi!

Posted by: jaderock Jul 13 2006, 12:47 PM

That is a VERY nice DUAL auto SO Iguchi! No comment on the ball placement by Topps!

Posted by: ffman Jul 13 2006, 12:59 PM

Nice Toguchi!! Toguchi was one of my first low-numbered cards - a Fleer mini.

Posted by: aceecards Jul 13 2006, 01:01 PM

Today is Cardinals left fielder So Taguchi:


I got So back when he was in AA at a Trenton Thunder game (he wasn't on the Thunder, I forget who the Cards' minor league affiliate was). He didn't speak any English but knew what I wanted when I called him over. He smiled a lot and signed my card in English (I think, lol) and in Japanese. At least I think that's supposed to be his name in Japanese, it could be a curse word for all I know.

Posted by: ffman Jul 13 2006, 01:04 PM

Today is the best player on the Devil Rays, Carl Crawford:


Unless you live under a rock (or haven't read my entire thread ) you know that Will Clark is my favorite player. But if I had to pick a favorite current player it would be Carl, and I'll tell you why - when I was drafting my Fantasy Baseball team in 2004 I picked up this guy named Carl Crawford, much to the amusement of the rest of my league. I was seriously mocked for picking up this no-name guy. "Carl Crawford? Who the heck is THAT?" I stood by my pick and said "You'll see." Needless to say he tore it up and helped me into the Championships (I ended up losing the championship). But ever since then I've liked him.

Now about the autograph - So last year I went down to Baltimore when the D-Rays were in town in hopes of nabbing Carl. If you don't know Baltimore there are two entrances, one on either side of the stadium, that players enter. It's basically a crapshoot to guess which entrance they'll use (and if they'll even sign!). Naturally I picked the wrong entrance (another collector told me he went in the other way) and I was unable to get him inside. Missed him after the game too. Rats. So I went back again later in the season to try again, I was DETERMINED to get Carl!! This time after the game I waited by the "other" entrance. Sure enough, eventually out comes Carl fidgeting with his I-Pod. About half a dozen people approach him. He says "I'm not stopping, walk with me." So I was able to get him on his way out, I was so happy!!! I also got a nice picture of him stealing second base.

Posted by: dd316 Jul 13 2006, 02:17 PM

Some people are saying Iguchi, this is Taguchi. Iguchi plays for the White Sox.

Just wanted to straighten that out.

Posted by: ffman Jul 13 2006, 02:18 PM

Duh....I dunno what I was thinking. I was referring to Taguchi.

Posted by: dd316 Jul 13 2006, 02:18 PM

No comment on the ball placement by Topps!

Posted by: acampione Jul 13 2006, 02:24 PM

That is a VERY nice DUAL auto SO Iguchi! No comment on the ball placement by Topps!

Posted by: jaderock Jul 13 2006, 09:46 PM

here is an added bit of trivia about So taguchi..

His Father is the legendary world Famous Violinist tabuchi!!. he has a theatre in branson MO where him, his spouse and daughter have shows daily.

Posted by: dd316 Jul 14 2006, 09:49 AM

Going into the weekend let's check out one of my all-time favorite autographs - the late great Jonathan Harris:




If you don't know who he is (I can't believe anybody WOULDN'T), he was Dr. Smith on the classic TV series Lost In Space, one of the greatest characters in the history of television.

About 5 or 6 years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Harris at a horror/sci-fi con. The man was great in person, he really was Dr. Smith! He talked exactly the same, it was so awesome. As you can see in the picture, he had a little trouble with his pen when he started to sign his name. Nothing will ever beat hearing Dr. Smith blurt out "Oh this damn pen!"

He decided to add the "Grrrrrrr." Don't really know why, I guess because of his expression in the pic. Then he handed it to me, saying once again in that Dr. Smith voice "There you are, my boy." This was definitely a top-5 autograph experience for me.

Posted by: aceecards Jul 14 2006, 10:02 AM

neat

Posted by: acampione Jul 14 2006, 02:48 PM

cool, lovely facial expression!!

Posted by: jaderock Jul 14 2006, 09:22 PM

I hate LOST IN SPACE - I grew up with it and loved it, but as I grew oldere I couldn't understand WHY I liked it! His eyes are bugging out!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 17 2006, 08:15 AM

I hate LOST IN SPACE - I grew up with it and loved it, but as I grew oldere I couldn't understand WHY I liked it! His eyes are bugging out!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 17 2006, 09:07 AM

Today is another guy I got in Baltimore but he's actually ON Baltimore, Miguel Tejada:



I know, it's on the back of the card, that was beyond my control. Inside Camden Yards when an Orioles player comes over to sign there's a HUGE crush of people. Miggy came over and was signing, I was a little bit back. Some girl in front of me got him and turned to me and asked if I wanted her to hand him my card, I said sure. She handed it to him upside-down so he just signed the back. It would've looked really nice on the front too, oh well.

Posted by: bravesfan09 Jul 17 2006, 09:55 AM

Today is another guy I got in Baltimore but he's actually ON Baltimore, Miguel Tejada:



I know, it's on the back of the card, that was beyond my control. Inside Camden Yards when an Orioles player comes over to sign there's a HUGE crush of people. Miggy came over and was signing, I was a little bit back. Some girl in front of me got him and turned to me and asked if I wanted her to hand him my card, I said sure. She handed it to him upside-down so he just signed the back. It would've looked really nice on the front too, oh well.

Posted by: Hallsgator Jul 17 2006, 10:17 AM

Really???!!!

Posted by: Iplayfootball_90 Jul 17 2006, 10:34 AM

Getting an auto of your favorite player is sooo cool, you remember it forever, and you shiver when you see them coming to sign 

Posted by: dd316 Jul 17 2006, 10:42 AM

Yea, he rips the tickets before you see the movie

Posted by: acampione Jul 17 2006, 10:59 AM

nice

Posted by: sahetu Jul 17 2006, 05:53 PM

These are great! I gotta figure out a way to do this someday!

Posted by: ffman Jul 17 2006, 06:29 PM

Today is another guy I got in Baltimore but he's actually ON Baltimore, Miguel Tejada:



I know, it's on the back of the card, that was beyond my control. Inside Camden Yards when an Orioles player comes over to sign there's a HUGE crush of people. Miggy came over and was signing, I was a little bit back. Some girl in front of me got him and turned to me and asked if I wanted her to hand him my card, I said sure. She handed it to him upside-down so he just signed the back. It would've looked really nice on the front too, oh well.

Posted by: dd316 Jul 18 2006, 08:07 AM

These are great! I gotta figure out a way to do this someday!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 18 2006, 09:31 AM

Sticking with the Orioles, here is one of their best catchers ever, Elrod Hendricks:




If you went to an O's game within the past few years, you no doubt saw Ellie chatting with fans and signing autographs (he was a coach after he retired from playing). He was such a personable guy, when you met him you'd think he'd known you for years. I didn't have any of his cards to get signed so I printed up some blank cards with the O's logo to get signed. I was actually very saddened when he died recently, he really was one of the nicest players I've ever met.

Posted by: ffman Jul 18 2006, 09:34 AM

Nice autograph.

Posted by: jaderock Jul 18 2006, 11:39 AM

Cute story on the Tejada and SMART to print up Logo cards for signing!

Posted by: acampione Jul 18 2006, 03:08 PM

cool!!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 19 2006, 09:06 AM

Today's guy is pitcher Jung Bong:




I got him a few years ago when he was on the Braves 40-man roster at the Vet in Philly (I'm not even sure he plays any more). I was waiting for Braves players by their bus after the game and Jung came out. People called for him and he didn't respond. Luckily there were two Japanese guys standing next to me and they yelled out something straight out of a Godzilla movie. Jung turned around and came over to sign for them and he signed for me too then got on the bus.

So yeah he's not the most exciting player, but he has one funny name!

Posted by: yankeesjetsfan Jul 19 2006, 10:12 AM

Awesome stories. I have a large picture book here filled with autographs from Wrestlers like Ric Flair, Lex Luger, Kerry Von Erich, Jimmy Snuka, Jake Roberts, Owen Hart (in a Blue Blazer pic), Davy Boy Smith, Bam Bam Bigalow, Tazz and others. I also have 8x10s of Ox Baker, Mick Foley, Kurt Angle, Steve Austin, Bret Hart, Francine, Missy Hyatt and others. I have been dying to add Roddy Piper to my collection and missed on on a comic con he was appering at in June in NYC. I haven't been to a siging for wrestlers in such a long time. I just may go and get some more to add to my collection.

Mike

Posted by: skatalite Jul 19 2006, 10:47 AM

Those are pretty sweet!

Posted by: ffman Jul 19 2006, 10:58 AM

Awesome stories. I have a large picture book here filled with autographs from Wrestlers like Ric Flair, Lex Luger, Kerry Von Erich, Jimmy Snuka, Jake Roberts, Owen Hart (in a Blue Blazer pic), Davy Boy Smith, Bam Bam Bigalow, Tazz and others. I also have 8x10s of Ox Baker, Mick Foley, Kurt Angle, Steve Austin, Bret Hart, Francine, Missy Hyatt and others. I have been dying to add Roddy Piper to my collection and missed on on a comic con he was appering at in June in NYC. I haven't been to a siging for wrestlers in such a long time. I just may go and get some more to add to my collection.

Mike

Posted by: dd316 Jul 19 2006, 01:04 PM

Awesome stories. I have a large picture book here filled with autographs from Wrestlers like Ric Flair, Lex Luger, Kerry Von Erich, Jimmy Snuka, Jake Roberts, Owen Hart (in a Blue Blazer pic), Davy Boy Smith, Bam Bam Bigalow, Tazz and others. I also have 8x10s of Ox Baker, Mick Foley, Kurt Angle, Steve Austin, Bret Hart, Francine, Missy Hyatt and others. I have been dying to add Roddy Piper to my collection and missed on on a comic con he was appering at in June in NYC. I haven't been to a siging for wrestlers in such a long time. I just may go and get some more to add to my collection.

Posted by: jaderock Jul 19 2006, 01:22 PM

dd316,

here's a question I throw out to In Person autograph seekers, how many cards do you take to the ballpark (for example)? One of each known player or 3 of your favorite or what?!?

Posted by: jaderock Jul 19 2006, 01:33 PM

Awesome stories. I have a large picture book here filled with autographs from Wrestlers like Ric Flair, Lex Luger, Kerry Von Erich, Jimmy Snuka, Jake Roberts, Owen Hart (in a Blue Blazer pic), Davy Boy Smith, Bam Bam Bigalow, Tazz and others. I also have 8x10s of Ox Baker, Mick Foley, Kurt Angle, Steve Austin, Bret Hart, Francine, Missy Hyatt and others. I have been dying to add Roddy Piper to my collection and missed on on a comic con he was appering at in June in NYC. I haven't been to a siging for wrestlers in such a long time. I just may go and get some more to add to my collection.

Mike

Posted by: acampione Jul 19 2006, 01:35 PM

cool!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 19 2006, 03:07 PM

dd316,

here's a question I throw out to In Person autograph seekers, how many cards do you take to the ballpark (for example)? One of each known player or 3 of your favorite or what?!?

Posted by: dd316 Jul 19 2006, 03:10 PM

If you get a chance, I would love to see these autographs (aacecards has a lot of wrestling autos, but hasn't found them yet) of wrestlers...

Posted by: dd316 Jul 19 2006, 03:15 PM

OK, since I won't be able to update tomorrow or Friday you get two bonus ones today!


So for Thursday's auto (and because wrestling is the hot topic right now), how about Madusa Micelli:




Met her last year at a Monster Jam Monster Truck Rally in Philly. She's a driver now. Before the show the drivers do meet-n-greets with fans in the pit area alongside their trucks. I got a pic with her and handed her this card to sign from her... um... more "pronounced" days in WCW. She seemed taken aback by the picture on the card (it's kind of 3D-ish). She was like "Wow, look at me." She didn't have to tell me twice!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 19 2006, 03:19 PM

And for Friday, one of my ugliest autographs ever, Walter Young:




Walter is an up-and-coming prospect. I forget which team he's with now (he's been around), but I got him when he was on the Orioles AA team at a Trenton Thunder game a couple years back. Let me tell you, this guy is a HOUSE!! He must be 8'3" and 579 lbs But as you can see, for some reason he didn't seem able to put any of that mass into his autograph effort.

Posted by: ffman Jul 19 2006, 03:33 PM

And for Friday, one of my ugliest autographs ever, Walter Young:


Walter is an up-and-coming prospect. I forget which team he's with now (he's been around), but I got him when he was on the Orioles AA team at a Trenton Thunder game a couple years back. Let me tell you, this guy is a HOUSE!! He must be 8'3" and 579 lbs But as you can see, for some reason he didn't seem able to put any of that mass into his autograph effort.

Posted by: dd316 Jul 19 2006, 04:10 PM

That's Dimitri's bro, right?

Posted by: jaderock Jul 19 2006, 05:06 PM

Nice Young auto - I wish he makes it big (doubt it) as I have a #1/1 of his!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 19 2006, 05:23 PM

Nice Young auto - I wish he makes it big (doubt it) as I have a #1/1 of his!

Posted by: gopackgo Jul 20 2006, 01:44 PM

Hmmm, I honestly don't know!

Posted by: jaderock Jul 20 2006, 04:53 PM

Madusa -------Oh my gosh!!!! My eyes are bugging out!

Posted by: Iplayfootball_90 Jul 20 2006, 08:56 PM

Nice auto's so far keep them coming man these are really cool!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 24 2006, 09:20 AM

Today is Pittsburgh Pirate Freddy Sanchez:




I got Freddy on a few occasions while he was coming up through the Red Sox organization. This particular card I got signed when the Red Sox were in Philly for interleague play and he was a late-season call up. He was the only Red Sox player to sign inside the park that day and he signed like a champ, all the way down the third base side. It's fun tracking these guys on their ascent to the majors, I feel good for them when they finally make it.

Posted by: Iplayfootball_90 Jul 24 2006, 09:42 AM

That is cool. Sanchez always seemed like a nice guy.

Posted by: acampione Jul 24 2006, 04:12 PM

neat!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 25 2006, 08:32 AM

Over to St. Louis for Scott Rolen:




I just got this earlier this season when the Cardinals were in town (never got him when he was with the Phils). Got to the game early and as I'm walking the concourse I see someone come over to sign so I went for it. As I made my way down I saw it was Rolen, so I moved a little faster. He was signing up a storm and I got him to sign a Phillies card, which I understand is a tough feat nowadays. Many people have said he won't sign Phillies stuff, maybe he didn't notice?

Posted by: acampione Jul 25 2006, 09:22 AM

nice Rolen!

Posted by: gopackgo Jul 25 2006, 12:49 PM

I think it's cool that you have a story behind all of your autos

Posted by: dd316 Jul 25 2006, 01:38 PM

I think it's cool that you have a story behind all of your autos

Posted by: jaderock Jul 25 2006, 02:08 PM

Everybody has their own stories that can make getting a card signed by Freddy Sanchez as exciting as "pulling" an pack certified auto of A-Rod. My collection is filled with no-name autos that I'd never get rid of.

Posted by: ffman Jul 25 2006, 02:16 PM

This is what collecting is about...the ones that care about BV more often than not are the ones that eventually leave the hobby.

"...was it was Rolen's...moved a little faster"

Posted by: dd316 Jul 25 2006, 02:18 PM

This is what collecting is about...the ones that care about BV more often than not are the ones that eventually leave the hobby.

Posted by: seanbig Jul 25 2006, 08:34 PM

Here is a link to my weekend experience at the Steve Nash charity classic.

http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=548802&start=0

Posted by: dd316 Jul 26 2006, 08:33 AM

seanbig - nice read!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 26 2006, 08:44 AM

Here's an up-and-coming Red Sox rookie, Mickey Hall:




He's currently on the Wilmington Blue Rocks. I picked up this card for $3 purposely for him to sign. I noticed it says the swatch is from his high-school jersey. I thought that was odd, that a high school would allow Topps to use its stuff. Is Topps allowed to buy that kind of stuff? I was determined to find out. So when I finally caught up with Mickey I handed him the card and asked "How did Topps get your high school jersey?" He replied, "I have NO idea." Makes me wonder if it's even legit?

Posted by: aceecards Jul 26 2006, 08:47 AM

Nah they do.. one of the kids from my alma mater.. had his jersey bought by topps last summer when he was drafted.. the herald Whig even had an article about it..

Posted by: acampione Jul 26 2006, 08:51 AM

Nice Hall auto! That story is pretty cool too!

Posted by: aceecards Jul 26 2006, 08:53 AM

Here is a link to my weekend experience at the Steve Nash charity classic.

http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=548802&start=0

Posted by: dd316 Jul 26 2006, 09:29 AM

Nice Hall auto!

Posted by: acampione Jul 26 2006, 09:39 AM

Shame he stuck his thumb in the ink at the end of his sig though.

Posted by: Hallsgator Jul 26 2006, 09:41 AM

Yea, in the UD Junior National Team set, they have High School kids sign cards, and they use there National Team jersey. Pretty odd, soon they will be using kids middle school and Little League jsys.

Posted by: dd316 Jul 26 2006, 09:54 AM

On the other hand...  

That sucks. How did Hall manage that one??

Posted by: dd316 Jul 26 2006, 09:56 AM

Nah they do.. one of the kids from my alma mater.. had his jersey bought by topps last summer when he was drafted.. the herald Whig even had an article about it..

Posted by: Iplayfootball_90 Jul 26 2006, 03:17 PM

Here's an up-and-coming Red Sox rookie, Mickey Hall:


He's currently on the Wilmington Blue Rocks. I picked up this card for $3 purposely for him to sign. I noticed it says the swatch is from his high-school jersey. I thought that was odd, that a high school would allow Topps to use its stuff. Is Topps allowed to buy that kind of stuff? I was determined to find out. So when I finally caught up with Mickey I handed him the card and asked "How did Topps get your high school jersey?" He replied, "I have NO idea." Makes me wonder if it's even legit?

Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jul 26 2006, 03:27 PM

This thread is what it's all about.

Posted by: cbware88 Jul 26 2006, 03:52 PM

these are cool stories and autographs.............Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: gopackgo Jul 26 2006, 03:56 PM

Thats a great one, you definently don't care about BV if you get a jersey card signed (which is a good thing! ) I persponally think they look really cool when you get them signed in person.....

Posted by: dd316 Jul 26 2006, 04:02 PM

I'm really glad people are enjoying this thread. Keep coming back, I can probably keep this thing going for a couple years!

Posted by: Iplayfootball_90 Jul 26 2006, 04:20 PM

Well that is just fine with me. lol

Posted by: ffman Jul 26 2006, 04:23 PM

I like this thread - keep it going.

Posted by: dd316 Jul 27 2006, 07:50 AM

Here is umpire Eric Gregg:




If you know baseball and anyone asks you to name an umpire, chances are you'd say Eric Gregg. He was a boisterous umpire for the Phillies since sometime in the late 1970's, I think. His large size and no-nonsense attitude made him famous. He was on the Howard Stern show about a year ago, umping a softball challenge.

A couple years ago after he was retired from umping my dad ran into him at The Vet (I think, might've been Citizen's Bank Park, my memory there isn't so good), Eric was tending bar at Chickie & Pete's. My dad asked him to sign something for me and Eric had a stack of his own cards to give out, and he personalized it to me. So technically this wasn't an in-person auto for me, but for my dad. I trust him though, I don't think he'd be one to forge an Eric Gregg auto.

Eric just died a few months back. Very sad, from what I heard he was a real nice guy.

Posted by: acampione Jul 27 2006, 08:32 AM

Nice autograph.

Posted by: gopackgo Jul 27 2006, 11:35 AM

Great auto and story....sorry to hear that he died....

Posted by: ffman Jul 27 2006, 11:47 AM

Sorry to hear he died. That's a nice autograph.

Posted by: jaderock Jul 27 2006, 01:46 PM

I remember Gregg very well...you couldn't miss him! Your stories are a pleasure to read each time you post...thank you for sharing!

Posted by: ffman Jul 27 2006, 01:50 PM

I remember Gregg very well...you couldn't miss him! YOu're stories are a pleasure to read each time you post...thank you for sharing!

Posted by: dd316 Jul 28 2006, 08:24 AM

Unless you're a big-time Indians fan, you've probably never heard of Ray Narleski:




That's ok, I'd never heard of him either. He played for a couple teams, most notably Cleveland, back in the late 50's-early 60's.

My wife works at a veterinarian hospital, and Ray lives next door. He's real good friends with the doctors and my wife has also gotten to know him. She told me about him so I picked up this card off Ebay and asked her to have him sign it for me when she saw him around. Well the one day I went to pick her up from work and the doctor told me to follow him. So he took me and my wife next door and introduced me to Ray. The doc says "Ted has something to ask you." So I reluctantly asked him to sign the card (I felt like a tool, bothering him at home for this). He didn't seem to mind and invited my wife and I in. We met his wife and he signed my card. Then he asked his wife to go in the back and bring out "the box." We sat at his kitchen table and he showed me all kinds of unreal memorabilia - gloves, jerseys, balls, etc. He also shared some great stories about how he was technically one of the first relief pitchers, before there was such a designation, and how he and Al Kaline had a long feud because Al couldn't hit him. He also said how a few years back the Indians had a "50 GREATEST INDIANS" celebration which he was a part of. They flew him out there, set him up, held on-field ceremonies and such. He said they did an autograph session and they were all laughing at Bob Feller ("Bobby" ) because he wasn't getting paid to sign his autograph.

He just went on and on and I was enthralled. My wife said she wished I'd show her that attention.

I asked him if he got any autograph requests in the mail. He said he gets 1 or 2 every week. He assumed they just got his address off the internet somehow.

I still see Ray occasionally at the hospital. He has a big garden in his backyard and is usually out there working on it. He just took me over to see his new rooster and chickens the other week.

It's just really cool knowing someone who was a big leaguer on a personal level. This autograph and the story with it is easily one of the highlights in my collection.

Posted by: jaderock Jul 28 2006, 02:53 PM

Fascinating story - very down to earth! It seems Ray has the same interest as Vince McMahon

Posted by: acampione Jul 28 2006, 03:40 PM

Great story once again! Cool autograph!!

Posted by: Charlie Jul 28 2006, 07:00 PM

great story

Posted by: cbware88 Jul 28 2006, 07:54 PM

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love Ray's autograph!!!!!!!!!!

Do you have his address that you can PM too me? I'm a huge Indians fan and would love too add it to my collection.

Posted by: gene01011 Jul 30 2006, 06:31 PM

Unless you're a big-time Indians fan, you've probably never heard of Ray Narleski:


That's ok, I'd never heard of him either. He played for a couple teams, most notably Cleveland, back in the late 50's-early 60's.

My wife works at a veterinarian hospital, and Ray lives next door. He's real good friends with the doctors and my wife has also gotten to know him. She told me about him so I picked up this card off Ebay and asked her to have him sign it for me when she saw him around. Well the one day I went to pick her up from work and the doctor told me to follow him. So he took me and my wife next door and introduced me to Ray. The doc says "Ted has something to ask you." So I reluctantly asked him to sign the card (I felt like a tool, bothering him at home for this). He didn't seem to mind and invited my wife and I in. We met his wife and he signed my card. Then he asked his wife to go in the back and bring out "the box." We sat at his kitchen table and he showed me all kinds of unreal memorabilia - gloves, jerseys, balls, etc. He also shared some great stories about how he was technically one of the first relief pitchers, before there was such a designation, and how he and Al Kaline had a long feud because Al couldn't hit him. He also said how a few years back the Indians had a "50 GREATEST INDIANS" celebration which he was a part of. They flew him out there, set him up, held on-field ceremonies and such. He said they did an autograph session and they were all laughing at Bob Feller ("Bobby" ) because he wasn't getting paid to sign his autograph.

He just went on and on and I was enthralled. My wife said she wished I'd show her that attention.

I asked him if he got any autograph requests in the mail. He said he gets 1 or 2 every week. He assumed they just got his address off the internet somehow.

I still see Ray occasionally at the hospital. He has a big garden in his backyard and is usually out there working on it. He just took me over to see his new rooster and chickens the other week.

It's just really cool knowing someone who was a big leaguer on a personal level. This autograph and the story with it is easily one of the highlights in my collection.

Posted by: dd316 Jul 31 2006, 09:35 AM

    WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love Ray's autograph!!!!!!!!!!

Do you have his address that you can PM too me? I'm a huge Indians fan and would love too add it to my collection.

Posted by: dd316 Jul 31 2006, 11:05 AM

Today is the entire cast (and the FX guy) of the legendary horror movie, Evil Dead:




Many of you have seen this one before. I love horror movies and I paint. It finally dawned on me to merge the two together and get horror folks to sign paintings I do. This isn't the first one I've gotten signed, but it's probably my favorite. I'll go into meeting each person...

First off, I got all the signatures at one convention last year - Horrorfind, held just outside of Baltimore (I'm going back there in two weeks, can't wait!!). When I heard everyone was going to be there I got down to business with my paints. I think it's took me about 20 hours total to do. I pulled all the images off scenes directly from the DVD of the movie (hooray for technology!). So first off I met Bruce Campbell....

Bruce Campbell - Played Ash in the Evil Dead trilogy (Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness). Anyone who knows horror knows this man, he is essentially the god of horror films. I've met him before, so I wasn't as star-struck this time. He said I did a really good job and signed the painting big in the space I left (purposely for signatures). The line was moving quick so I didn't really get a chance to chat with him much. I won't even tell you how long I waited in line for him - suffice to say I probably could've watched the entire trilogy in that time.
Another horror icon, Doug Bradley (played Pinhead in the Hellraiser movies), remarked about Bruce's autograph - "Since when did Bruce start signing his name 'Zug'?"

Hal Delrich - Played Scotty in the original. He's a real ham. I don't remember everything he said because he wouldn't stop talking. He was busting my chops over the painting. He said everyone else looked great except him. He was like "Look at me! My hair's wrong, you messed up the teeth..." Whatever, just sign the darn thing, lol.

Sarah York, Ellen Sandweiss & Betsy Baker - Collectively the "Ladies of Evil Dead." They always make appearances together and are a lot of fun to meet. They joked around and were really impressed with my work.

Tom Sullivan - He was the main special effects guy on the movie and signed for free (always a plus ). He had brought along a whole slew of props and stuff from the movie, really neat stuff.

Posted by: jaderock Jul 31 2006, 02:02 PM

You can not imagine how estatic I feel about this EVIL DEAD piece of your's!!!! Evil dead was the 1st Horror movie I saw when I was a kid...me and my friend went and afterwards he wanted to throw up and I just wanted more....Bruce Campbell is one of my favorite actors I miss seeing on the screen.

I always thought there was going to be a squeal after Army of Darkness?

Evil Dead continues to be one of my all-time favorite movies!

Your drawing could bring a pretty penny on ebay if you ever decide to sell. Fascinating auto'd piece and again story!!!!

BTW - what size is you drawing?

Posted by: Charlie Jul 31 2006, 02:11 PM

very nice painting and congrats on the autos

Posted by: dd316 Jul 31 2006, 03:54 PM

Posted by: acampione Jul 31 2006, 07:07 PM

nice auto!!

Posted by: dd316 Aug 1 2006, 09:04 AM

Today's auto bids a fond farewell to now ex-Phillie Bobby Abreu:




Bobby's always been a really good signer. I got this particular autograph back at the Vet by where the players entered. Bobby was always the last one to arrive. That day they were to play the Red Sox but the weather wasn't cooperating and the game got called about an hour before it even began. We decided to stick it out in case all the players didn't know yet (plus we knew Bobby hadn't arrived yet). Sure enough in comes Bobby Abreu. We (all three of us) told him when he came by that the game was called. He continued to walk by when an employee confirmed it for him. So he came over and signed for us (thankfully the weather did let up a bit then) then he headed back out.

Posted by: Iplayfootball_90 Aug 1 2006, 10:05 AM

Nice story's and auto's dd.

Posted by: acampione Aug 1 2006, 12:41 PM

cool Abreu!

Posted by: dd316 Aug 2 2006, 10:54 AM

Today is ex-player Tim Bogar:




Tim currently coaches the Indians AA team the Akron Aeros. I got him Friday when they were playing vs Trenton. Not much of a story to go with this one. He was standing at one end of the dugout talking to a friend. When he was done I asked him to sign and he did, and he was real nice about it. I was really happy to get him because I had been a fan of his for years - not for his baseball skills, but because his last name sounds like "booger" and has been a joke between a friend and I for ages.

Posted by: ffman Aug 2 2006, 11:24 AM

Unless you're a big-time Indians fan, you've probably never heard of Ray Narleski:


That's ok, I'd never heard of him either. He played for a couple teams, most notably Cleveland, back in the late 50's-early 60's.

My wife works at a veterinarian hospital, and Ray lives next door. He's real good friends with the doctors and my wife has also gotten to know him. She told me about him so I picked up this card off Ebay and asked her to have him sign it for me when she saw him around. Well the one day I went to pick her up from work and the doctor told me to follow him. So he took me and my wife next door and introduced me to Ray. The doc says "Ted has something to ask you." So I reluctantly asked him to sign the card (I felt like a tool, bothering him at home for this). He didn't seem to mind and invited my wife and I in. We met his wife and he signed my card. Then he asked his wife to go in the back and bring out "the box." We sat at his kitchen table and he showed me all kinds of unreal memorabilia - gloves, jerseys, balls, etc. He also shared some great stories about how he was technically one of the first relief pitchers, before there was such a designation, and how he and Al Kaline had a long feud because Al couldn't hit him. He also said how a few years back the Indians had a "50 GREATEST INDIANS" celebration which he was a part of. They flew him out there, set him up, held on-field ceremonies and such. He said they did an autograph session and they were all laughing at Bob Feller ("Bobby" ) because he wasn't getting paid to sign his autograph.

He just went on and on and I was enthralled. My wife said she wished I'd show her that attention.

I asked him if he got any autograph requests in the mail. He said he gets 1 or 2 every week. He assumed they just got his address off the internet somehow.

I still see Ray occasionally at the hospital. He has a big garden in his backyard and is usually out there working on it. He just took me over to see his new rooster and chickens the other week.

It's just really cool knowing someone who was a big leaguer on a personal level. This autograph and the story with it is easily one of the highlights in my collection.

Posted by: MVPujols Aug 2 2006, 11:30 AM

In case it hasn't been stated yet: seether is from South Africa, and Madusa has nice jugs These are awesome stories dd, thanks for sharing!

Posted by: dd316 Aug 2 2006, 11:37 AM

I like how asking for an autograph led to you becoming acquainted to a person on a personal level.

Posted by: dd316 Aug 2 2006, 11:38 AM

In case it hasn't been stated yet: seether is from South Africa, and Madusa has nice jugs  These are awesome stories dd, thanks for sharing!

Posted by: aceecards Aug 2 2006, 11:41 AM

Narleski and Dick radatz made up the first ever righty lefty closer duo!!

Posted by: jaderock Aug 2 2006, 09:50 PM

Wow..without looking at the story...when ended up thinking alike "booger" --- now that's funny!

Posted by: Charlie Aug 2 2006, 10:20 PM

just went back and read all of your posts I love this thread and will continue to come back. I wish I was close to something. I am over an hour from anything sports related and then that would be either WVU or the Charleston WV minor league baseball team

Posted by: acampione Aug 3 2006, 08:32 AM

Nice Bogar!

Posted by: dd316 Aug 3 2006, 08:50 AM

Today is BJ Surhoff:




I don't even know if he plays any more? Does anyone know if he retired?

Two years ago (actually, it might've been 3) my cousin and I went down to the Orioles Fan Fest in January at eh Baltimore Convention Center. Lots of games, giveaways, and player signings. Many people lined up for the better players (like Palmeiro) 3-4 hours in advance! Surhoff was one of the last signers of the day and his line was WAY too long, so we meandered around until the closing time. For the heck of it on the way out, I suggested checking out Surhoff's table upstairs. He was finishing up with the people who were in the line, and there were maybe 8 or so people just standing around, hoping he would sign more. He asked the handler if all those people were waiting for him and he said yeah. So BJ waved everyone that was standing around (including us) over and signed for everyone. He was real nice about it, which was surprising to me because I've heard a lot of bad stories about him. I have nothing but respect for him now, staying later than his scheduled time.

Another cool thing, the handler said out of all the autos he saw BJ sign that day this was the first time he saw this particular card.

Posted by: acampione Aug 3 2006, 02:00 PM

I remember him, I'm not all that big on baseball...

Posted by: Charlie Aug 4 2006, 07:12 AM

very nice story always a good day when a player is willing to be there for the fans

Posted by: dd316 Aug 4 2006, 08:52 AM

Today a good one for the weekend, actor Alan Ruck:




Pic is a little light, had to do that so you could see the auto better.

I met Alan at the Chiller Theatre convention in June. The show started out as horror but has since grown to feature just about any celebrity. Alan was a real nice guy. He had a ton of photos to choose from, from Spin City and Speed and so on... but I had to get a Ferris Bueller pic, it's one of the greatest comedies of all time! I also tried to come up with a quote from the movie real quick for him to add, and it occurred to me that Cameron didn't really have many lines that might translate well to this, so I remembered when they were leaning on the glass at the top of the Sears Tower and he looked down into the streets and said "I think I see my dad." So he added that.

Posted by: Charlie Aug 4 2006, 09:05 AM

very sweet auto.... I need to get out more this is my favorite thread so I am thinking I might like to do it myself

Posted by: acampione Aug 4 2006, 09:06 AM

cool auto!

Posted by: dd316 Aug 7 2006, 09:09 AM

Marlins pitcher Anibal Sanchez:




Got Anibal last year when he was in high-A on the Wilmington Blue Rocks. He got traded off and is now tearing it up in the majors, made the jump pretty quick!

The card he signed is one I made. For minor league teams I try to make my own sets, because by the time the "official" team sets come out mid-season half the players have already moved on. Most players seem to enjoy seeing them, and I know it's something nobody else has.

Posted by: ffman Aug 7 2006, 09:12 AM

Nice design on that card.

Posted by: acampione Aug 7 2006, 09:35 AM

nice autograph! nice card, made it yourself!

Posted by: dd316 Aug 8 2006, 09:07 AM

Mr. I-Used-Steroids-And-I-Admit-It-But-So-Did-Everyone-Else-Just-Buy-My-Book, Jose Canseco:




There's an indeendent league in the northeast US not affiliated with MLB called the Atlantic League. A lot of times teams will sign players who have been altogether dropped from MLB teams. Case in point - Jose Canseco.

Jose was on the Newark Bears (and so was his brother Ozzie). The Bears are pretty much the Yankees of the Atlantic League - they sign all the big name guys. 3 years ago (maybe 4 now?) the Bears were playing against the team local to me, the Camden Riversharks. The game was mobbed with people wanting to get Jose's autograph. Eventually after he came out on the field and stretched he signed down the third base side. Unfortunately he just used a ballpoint pen the whole time, so the signature is kind of hard to see (not that it matters, it's not legible anyway, lol). He was skipping over some groups of people at random, so I was lucky enough to get him. My cousin was one of the people he skipped over so I got back at the end of the line to try and get him again for my cousin but he stopped before he got back to me.

Posted by: aceecards Aug 8 2006, 09:40 AM

Jose can you see...baseball first 40 /40 man...as in needles used..

I love the annibel.. I got a couple of duty card issued cards of him and Mccarthy from the sox..

BJ Surhoff no longer plays..

Posted by: dd316 Aug 8 2006, 09:51 AM

Posted by: acampione Aug 8 2006, 08:51 PM

cool Mr. Blah Blah Blah!

Posted by: Charlie Aug 8 2006, 10:08 PM

nice additions love all the pics

Posted by: jaderock Aug 8 2006, 10:48 PM

keep the stories coming...I Canseco with or without steriods - at least when he was with the A's

Posted by: dd316 Aug 9 2006, 07:49 AM

And now that awe-inspiring iceman, Shjon Podein:




Back when I actually followed hockey I managed to get a few Flyers players. Shjon was doing an appearance at a local mall for free so I went and got him to sign this card. I don't really remember it (or him ) much.

Posted by: Charlie Aug 9 2006, 07:56 AM

what a story there. Nice auto though

Posted by: cbware88 Aug 9 2006, 08:30 AM

Cool autos................I like how you through in the Alan Ruck. I wasn't expecting that twist but it was nice. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: dd316 Aug 9 2006, 02:06 PM

what a story there. Nice auto though

Posted by: aceecards Aug 9 2006, 03:39 PM

Nor good players...

Posted by: jaderock Aug 9 2006, 08:58 PM

I sure this is posted somewhere...but how huge is your IP autograph collection!?!

Posted by: acampione Aug 10 2006, 07:26 AM

I don't remember him either...

Posted by: dd316 Aug 10 2006, 07:59 AM

I sure this is posted somewhere...but how huge is your IP autograph collection!?!

Posted by: dd316 Aug 10 2006, 08:00 AM

Nor good players...

Posted by: aceecards Aug 10 2006, 08:02 AM

Im waiting for todays..

Posted by: dd316 Aug 10 2006, 08:30 AM

Im waiting for todays..

Posted by: dd316 Aug 10 2006, 08:36 AM

Well, it's not Shjon Podein, but at least this one shows promise - Phils pitcher Gavin Floyd:




Last season when Gavin got the call-up I happened to have tickets for that game. He pitched a spectacular game and got his first MLB win in his first appearance. After the game I hung out by the player parking lot and when Gavin came out I was the last person to get him to sign, he only did a few. I think something was up with my pen because the auto came out real faint (as you can see). Chrome cards usually look awesome when signed but this one just didn't turn out. Maybe it was the humidity too, I dunno. Looking back I wish I would have asked him to add "1st MLB win" with the date, but there was such a rush to get him and he only did a few I didn't have much time to think about that. I'd still like to get him to sign my ticket from that game though, that would be pretty cool. I think he's down in Triple-A again now, hopefully he'll make it back up.

Posted by: yankeesjetsfan Aug 10 2006, 09:46 AM

and that's including the coaches and mascot. Also items like that Evil Dead painting have multiple autos on them.

Posted by: dd316 Aug 10 2006, 10:47 AM

You got the mascot? Now that is what I call an autograph hound

Posted by: aceecards Aug 10 2006, 11:45 AM

I like floyd and that cole hamels guy two bright young prospects~!

Posted by: dd316 Aug 10 2006, 12:46 PM

I like floyd and that cole hamels guy two bright young prospects~!

Posted by: acampione Aug 10 2006, 02:41 PM

cool auto

Posted by: Charlie Aug 10 2006, 04:37 PM

nice auto and on a special day for the player makes it even better

Posted by: dd316 Aug 11 2006, 09:54 AM

Now the human ping-pong ball, Eric Byrnes:




I call him the ping-pong ball because I know he's been jumping teams lately, he went from Oakland to Baltimore, now I'm not sure where he is. I got him when he was still on the A's. They played a double-header at the Vet a few years back and my cousin and I managed to get him between the games, we went down to the field and waited. He came out and began stretching. This random guy near us knew we were waiting for Eric to finish to call him over and he just yelled out "Hey Eric!!" He turned and the guy motioned at us, Eric gave us the "one moment" sign and once he was done stretching he came over and signed just for us, then ran back into the dugout.

The pic on the card is kinda funny. I showed the card to my mom and she said "Oh, he's an older guy." He is still pretty young, but this picture does nothing for him.

Posted by: aceecards Aug 11 2006, 11:31 AM

Byrnes... my fantasy secret weapon..

Posted by: acampione Aug 11 2006, 04:22 PM

nice!

Posted by: Charlie Aug 11 2006, 05:23 PM

another sweet moment

Posted by: jaderock Aug 11 2006, 09:40 PM

nice story..I hope Steve is talking fantasy baseball!!

Posted by: dd316 Aug 14 2006, 10:46 AM

Another painting I just did, signed by George Romero and Howard Sherman:




I'm sure by now you know I'm into horror movies and I paint. Went to a horror convention outside Baltimore Saturday and got legendary director George Romero and the actor Howard Sherman who played Bub (the zombie) in Day of the Dead to sign my painting.

Got George first. He was blown away by it. He couldn't give me enough compliments, he kept touching the paint, I guess to see if it was real . I wanted him to sign it at the top but he was very reluctant to, so I said you can just sign it anywhere you want, so he chose the bottom. I think he felt bad writing on it. The best part - his autograph was $15, but his handler didn't make me pay, woohoo!

Then I got the actor Howard Sherman to sign it. He also said he was impressed, but he's a pretty quiet guy so he didn't really say much else. He still charged me.

Posted by: Charlie Aug 14 2006, 11:11 AM

very awesome painting

Posted by: acampione Aug 14 2006, 12:54 PM

cool picture!

Posted by: yankeesjetsfan Aug 14 2006, 03:36 PM

That is an awesome painting. Have you ever thought about doing commisions?

Mike

Posted by: dd316 Aug 15 2006, 08:02 AM

Posted by: dd316 Aug 15 2006, 08:31 AM

Today is Mr. Error, Dave Hollins:




Mr. Error because when he was on the Phillies it seemed that was what he did best.

My dad actually got this auto for me. Dave was coaching I believe the Mets AA team (Binghamton) last year and my parents went to a game when they were in Trenton, so I gave my dad this card to get him to sign (I couldn't find any cards with him pictured on the Phils). My dad said when he handed him the card he said "Sorry, it's the wrong team." Dave replied "I'll say." Guess he didn't have a good time on the Angels.

Posted by: gopackgo Aug 15 2006, 01:31 PM

Great looking painting, nice card of Mr. Error, lucky he signed it....some players are kind of touchy about signing cards of old teams or teams they didn't enjoy playing on.....

Posted by: acampione Aug 15 2006, 03:30 PM

nice!

Posted by: jaderock Aug 15 2006, 03:34 PM

that painting is super nice!

Posted by: dd316 Aug 16 2006, 09:57 AM

Today is Rockies pitcher Ramon Ramirez:




Got him last year when he was a prospect for the Yankees at a Trenton Thunder game. Not really a story to tell, but this is one of the coolest looking autographs I have in my collection!

Posted by: acampione Aug 16 2006, 11:21 AM

nice auto Ted!

Posted by: dd316 Aug 17 2006, 08:51 AM

Today is retired pitcher Dan Plesac:




Yet again another player I got while on the Phillies, outside the Vet. He announced his retirement the next day, so I guess as his going away gift to the fans he signed like a champ. One kid he signed nine cards for - you should've seen the kid's face! He was a great guy and you could tell he appreciated his fans.

Posted by: aceecards Aug 17 2006, 08:53 AM

so I got a ramirez card issued auto..

doesnt his sig look like ramon ramon ramirez?

Posted by: acampione Aug 17 2006, 09:35 AM

nice...

Posted by: dd316 Aug 17 2006, 10:04 AM

doesnt his sig look like ramon ramon ramirez? 

Posted by: dd316 Aug 17 2006, 01:13 PM

Won't be around tomorrow, so here's a bonus for today - the band Breaking Point:




They're not real well known, but they've had some nice exposure. Their song "One of a Kind" was Rob Van Dam's theme song, and they had a song on the Scorpion King soundtrack.

I hadn't heard of them before, they were just a no name band opening up at a Sevendust concert I went to about 4 years ago. They just blew me away, so after their set I headed over to the merch table to meet them. Bought their CD and got them all to sign it. I've never seen anyone open a sealed CD as fast as the singer did, he was like Houdini guess he does it a lot. Also had a cool conversation with the guitar player about the differences between 6 and 7 string guitars (never understood the need for 7 strings).

They kind of disappeared for a while but they put out a new album last year.

Posted by: jaderock Aug 17 2006, 01:26 PM

Funny how WWE didn't keep any of the "original" music for the ECW wrestlers and gave them generic theme music, but for Kelly Kelly - she gets an original song!

BTW the Roman guy has a "cute" sig! =)

Posted by: dd316 Aug 17 2006, 01:33 PM

Funny how WWE didn't keep any of the "original" music for the ECW wrestlers and gave them generic theme music, but for Kelly Kelly - she gets an original song!

Posted by: gene01011 Aug 17 2006, 08:47 PM

Today is Rockies pitcher Ramon Ramirez:


Got him last year when he was a prospect for the Yankees at a Trenton Thunder game. Not really a story to tell, but this is one of the coolest looking autographs I have in my collection!

Posted by: acampione Aug 18 2006, 09:27 PM

cool autos..

Posted by: Charlie Aug 19 2006, 06:13 PM

very nice auto

Posted by: dd316 Aug 21 2006, 07:59 AM

For Trade???

Posted by: dd316 Aug 21 2006, 09:47 AM

Today's autograph is... I don't know!




These are some of the first in-person autographs I've ever gotten. I remember being at the game and seeing all these Expos guys just hanging out by the stands with nobody around, so I went down and got them to sign my ticket stub (thankfully my dad always carries a pen with him). I don't remember who any of them are, but the one name I can make out is Scott Foster on the bottom left. Can anyone help with the other three? I don't even know what direction they should be facing - the top one looks upside-down. You can see the date was in September of 2000, so my guess is they were probably all call-ups. Help!

Posted by: msuwendy Aug 21 2006, 11:06 AM

No idea about the ticket stub

But you've got a great collection there! Man, would love to have the chance of meeting some of these ppl in real life!!!

Posted by: dd316 Aug 21 2006, 11:14 AM

I'm now doing some research... I think the one in the middle might be Brian Schneider. The one on the right - Andy Tracy? Looks like he signed #46 next to it, and that's who was #46 in 2000. I'm gonna guess the one at the top is Steve Kline (upside-down). Actually, now that I realize that, I've gotten Steve another time, I'll have to compare the sigs tonight! I may have just solved the greatest mystry ever!

Oh, and the one guy was Scott FoRster. Not that it really matters.

Here's the roster I'm checking through, what do you all think? http://baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/roster.php?y=2000&t=MON

Posted by: acampione Aug 21 2006, 04:34 PM

very cool autographs!

Posted by: dd316 Aug 22 2006, 08:07 AM

Bah, I went to a game last night and totally forgot to look up that Kline when I got home.


Oh well, onto today's auto, because Steve demanded it , Phillies rookie pitcher Cole Hamels:




Got Cole on Father's Day this year. He and Scott Matheison (who I also got, but that's an auto for another day) were walking down the 3rd base line and stopped to sign just next to the dugout. They both made sure they got everybody (which was only about a dozen people, the gates had just opened) and were both pretty friendly, chatting with the fans. I've heard Cole's been tough, so this was nice to see.

Posted by: Charlie Aug 22 2006, 08:18 AM

nice clean looking auto

love this thread and all the storied just wish I knew half the peopel

Posted by: dd316 Aug 22 2006, 09:01 AM

just wish I knew half the peopel

Posted by: acampione Aug 22 2006, 09:02 AM

very nice!!

Posted by: jaderock Aug 22 2006, 10:12 PM

That ticket is AMAZING!!!!!!!
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Only $22.50!!!! The autographs are a nice addition too!

Posted by: dd316 Aug 23 2006, 08:09 AM

That ticket is AMAZING!!!!!!!
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Only $22.50!!!! The autographs are a nice addition too!

Posted by: dd316 Aug 23 2006, 09:17 AM

Today is whozit Jason Dickson:




I got Jason when he was in the Atlantic League - same independent league as when I got Jose Canseco. I asked another player if Jason was there that day and he said "Yeah, you can't miss him, he's the midget."

For some reason I brought along every card I had of Jason (6 total) I normally don't bring that many, I really don't know my motivation (probably just to do SOMETHING with those cards ). So when I finally got him I said "I brought a whole bunch of your cards, could you sign a couple?" He said "Here, I'll sign them all." So I handed him my cards and he signed all 6! That's the most I've ever had one person sign at one time.

And yes, he was pretty short.

Posted by: acampione Aug 23 2006, 09:20 AM

cool auto!

Posted by: jaderock Aug 23 2006, 10:06 PM

How many games do you attend in a year?!?

Dickson - sounds like he would have signed a million if you have them with you that day!!!

Posted by: Charlie Aug 23 2006, 10:08 PM

very neat story

Posted by: dd316 Aug 24 2006, 08:01 AM

Posted by: dd316 Aug 24 2006, 08:46 AM

Here's another whozit, but at least this one has a well-known brother, Tim Drew:




Forget what team he was on, but I got him during the last season at The Vet. He was walking on the field and I called him over. He signed with no problem (and added a Bible verse). This guy next to me asked him a favor - to go grab him some infield dirt (everybody wanted stadium souvenirs that year). Tim kind of gave him an odd look, but walked over to third base and brought the guy back a handful of dirt. The guy put it in a little jar and went on his way.

Posted by: Charlie Aug 24 2006, 06:19 PM

lol dirt was a funny request it probally came from them digging the new building

Posted by: Iplayfootball_90 Aug 24 2006, 06:22 PM

lol Great story, but that is sort of strange about the dirt. lol

Posted by: acampione Aug 24 2006, 06:33 PM

very cool auto!

Posted by: jaderock Aug 24 2006, 07:44 PM

This guy next to me asked him a favor - to go grab him some infield dirt (everybody wanted stadium souvenirs that year). Tim kind of gave him an odd look, but walked over to third base and brought the guy back a handful of dirt. The guy put it in a little jar and went on his way.

Posted by: dd316 Aug 25 2006, 08:24 AM

Got some Star Wars fans on here that'll dig this one - Ray Park a.k.a. Darth Maul:




Met Ray at the Chiller convention in north NJ a few years back. He was super cool. I mentioned how much I liked the Darth Maul character and the first X-Men movie (he played Toad). He said in his British accent "Oh, you liked that one, ay?"

His writing is pretty hard to decipher. He signed it:

To Ted
"Feel the force."
Ray Park
Darth Maul

Posted by: aceecards Aug 25 2006, 10:39 AM

neat auto!!

Posted by: acampione Aug 25 2006, 03:49 PM

man I love that auto! looks sweet!!

Posted by: jaderock Aug 25 2006, 07:18 PM

sweet auto - don't scare the kids now!

Posted by: cbware88 Aug 25 2006, 07:36 PM

Man I REALLY like that Star Wars autograph!!!!!!!! My son and I love all the movies and he would just DIE if we ever got to go to a convention and go too a meet and greet.

Posted by: Charlie Aug 25 2006, 09:05 PM

awesome Maul auto love his charecter

Posted by: dd316 Aug 28 2006, 08:42 AM

Today's auto is proof that I'll get an autograph of pretty much anybody - Rodeo Clown Wayne Kroll:




Went to the rodeo (yeehaw!!!) a couple years ago with my cousin and when I was walking to get some food Wayne was just wandering around with a stack of 8x10's, so I asked for one and he signed it. I wonder how much I could get for it on Ebay?

Posted by: Bags5MVP Aug 28 2006, 10:07 AM

These are great, terrific stories too!

Posted by: acampione Aug 28 2006, 03:50 PM

cool auto..

Posted by: Charlie Aug 28 2006, 08:09 PM

sweet cowboy auto

Posted by: jaderock Aug 28 2006, 09:58 PM

Went to the rodeo (yeehaw!!!) a couple years ago with my cousin and when I was walking to get some food Wayne was just wandering around with a stack of 8x10's, so I asked for one and he signed it. I wonder how much I could get for it on Ebay?

Posted by: ffman Aug 28 2006, 09:59 PM

Here's another whozit, but at least this one has a well-known brother, Tim Drew:


Forget what team he was on, but I got him during the last season at The Vet. He was walking on the field and I called him over. He signed with no problem (and added a Bible verse). This guy next to me asked him a favor - to go grab him some infield dirt (everybody wanted stadium souvenirs that year). Tim kind of gave him an odd look, but walked over to third base and brought the guy back a handful of dirt. The guy put it in a little jar and went on his way.

Posted by: ffman Aug 28 2006, 10:00 PM

Got some Star Wars fans on here that'll dig this one - Ray Park a.k.a. Darth Maul:


Met Ray at the Chiller convention in north NJ a few years back. He was super cool. I mentioned how much I liked the Darth Maul character and the first X-Men movie (he played Toad). He said in his British accent "Oh, you liked that one, ay?"

His writing is pretty hard to decipher. He signed it:

To Ted
"Feel the force."
Ray Park
Darth Maul

Posted by: dd316 Aug 29 2006, 06:43 AM

Today let's look at someone you DO know, Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett:




Got Josh when he was in AA at a Trenton Thunder game. Almost didn't get him. He eluded me during batting practice, but for some reason I was determined to get him (he was still pretty much nobody at that time, but was still one of the Marlins' better prospects). After the game I went down to the dugout and managed to snag him just as he was entering the tunnel to leave. He turned around and signed quickly, then scooted off. Not the friendliest fellow but still he accomodated. It was really cool to see him make the pros the following year (he blew through AAA if I remember correctly), but the coolest was when he won the World Series MVP, and I was able to say I got his autograph way back when.