It was team poster night and the players were signign for an hour before the game, I had to go to this. My bro and I got there 1/2 hour early, got our tickets and waited for the gate to open. I brought my team set in hopes of getting it done, though I found out it would be 1 per. Great news is Buccholz came back a few hours before the signing from Boston after his start against the Angels and not many knew he was there, I did! I got one of their posters, and it was ok but I wouldn't use it my bro couldn't find his team set and had no choice but we did buy a few balls before the game. So the signing was good, it was set up in tables with 2 players to a table and then Joe McEwing at the end with Paws and Ms. Paws, poor SOB. They didn't say who was where so I had to go and find out for myself. I just went to the 1st table and no was was really waiting there and got Bobby Scales and Mike Burns got them both and moved along. Next was some pen guys, Breslow, Travis Hughes and Javy Lopez got them and moved along. Now my bro and I split up after that as he had got a mini helmet for Ells and the line for him was really long and he knew he had to go there now if he was goign to make it. I moved along and next were my 2 Pawsox favorites, Edgar Martinez and Craig Hansen! Edgar was really cool and him and Hansen were joking a lot. Now Hansen was on the DL and I kid after he got his poster signed said "I hope you get better Craig" and he goes"Yea me too" like in a sarcastic tone and mumbled something. Person in front of me asked Edgar where he was from and said "He is Edgar Martinez where do you think he is from Yougislovia!" The person seemed upset and then him and Edgar laughed. I was up next and had asked Craig if he would SS my ball and he goes sure kid. I complemented him on his car and he goes" Thanks man, you have a good day kid" And I think that was the nicest I ever have seen or heard him. Next was Buc and his line wasn't hat long as I mentioned not many knew he was there, he couldn't sign SS though and I got him side panel, line was short so I want back through again got him on another ball. Finished up with Brandon Moss and Devern Hansack, Moss was really cool and just having fun. I a days ago Hansack threw 7 shutout innings so I told him you good job and stuff and he smiled and said thanks and then gave me a microscopicle sig. My bro did end up getting Ells but couldn't get anyone else, Lowrie was signing with him and I heard he was really cool but Ells was kind of a dick. I didn't want to postgame as I got what I wanted and Cuse didn't have anyone I really wanted as McGowian was up.
Bobby Scales 1/1-Team set, really cool and friendly
Mike Burns 1/1- Team set
Craig Breslow 1/1- Team Set
Travis Hughes 1/1-Team set
Javier Lopez 1/1- Team set
Edgar Martinez 1/1- Team set, really cool
Craig Hansen 1/1- SS ROLB, he was a dick to the people in front of me but was cool to me, thanks Craig, you're great!
Clay Buchholz 2/2- 2 Side panels, 1 ROLB, 1 Wilson ball (ran out of ROLB at Olympia sports)
Lincoln Holdzkom 2/2- He was wit Buc and I had nothing for him I just gave him the poster and dumped the poster later, I had another Wilson ball asked him for a SS said nothing gave me a scriblle on the side panel and didn't use my pen used a thick black sharpie, I really don't like this guy. Oh I used that ball in the backyard and ended up tossing over a fence.
Brandon Moss 1/1- 07 IL Top Prospect Card, He was cool as well
Devern Hansack 1/1- Team set , microscopic sig
Headed after school to McCoy got there around 3pm and missed the McCutcheon, Walker and Pearce. Some off the Indy scrubs were coming off buses 3 or 4 at a time but no one big. It was rainy all day and as expected game got called. Headed quickly back out to catch Indy onto the bus and there were 4 people wating including myself. McCutcheon came out with a plate of food in one hand and drink in another I stopped him and asked just to give it a shot, and he gave me a look, shook his head and walked onto the bus. Neil Walker stopped and signed but the whole team was shouting telling him to get on. Awful day at McCoy and not was I was expecting at all. Here are my totals:
David Pauley 4/4 cards: signed coming in
Neil Walker 1/1 8x10: The rain f'd up my shot sig came out ok though could have done more but the his teamates were giving his crap
Brandon Moss 1/1 card : Signed as he was waiting for his girl, really cool and happy to sign would have done more but 1 was what I had.
Total: 6
Well headed out to McCoy for a doubleheader got to the stadium at 11:15 to hang my stuff and I ended up enduring the cold and stayed for both games. 1st game was solid, 2nd game was a blowout and McCutcheon hit a monster hr. Headed to the parking lot at 6 and waited for the buses. Walker, Pierce and Bixler ran on without giving anyone a glance. McCutcheon came out and started heading towards the bus then he come over and started to sign I had to run over and get him and I was one of maybe 10 of the 30 or so people waiting that got him. He grabbed my ball and turn in to SP and before he grabbed my pen I asked him to SS and did nicely. Tried dipping him but he recognized me. All in all a solid day and I came away with what I wanted. Probably won't be making the trip tomorrow and it'll be awhile before I see anyone as Lehigh Valley is in next and they have nobody so I won't waste my time with them, then Pawtucket is away for a while so I will see Buffalo next in 2 weeks.
Edgar Martinez 3/3: signed the 3 I had from the dugout, came out very nice
Abe Alvarez 2/2: see above
Bryan Pritz 3/3: see above, came out from the dugout to tell me it was cool for him to see some of his cards
Brandon Moss: didn't open my binder and signed my binder cover, very upsetting
Jed Lowrie: see above
Jonah Bayliss 1/1: Postgame, he is from Mass and was with family very nice guy would have done more but only had 1
TJ Beam 1/1: postgame coming onto the bus (for a friend)
Ty Tanbenheim 4/4: stood around waiting for someone to call him out, I got ya big guy (3/3 help, 1/1 for a friend)
David Pauley 1/1: postgame
John Van Every 1/1: postgame, surprised he stopped, he hit another HR today so I guess he was in a good mood
Andrew McCutcheon 1/1: SS ROMLB, mission accomplished
Total: 19
Headed to McCoy for the first time in 2 weeks and meet up with a fellow Pawtucket grapher Alex who was with his kids, I arrived at 12:30 for pregame and left at 4. I was looking to get Aaron Laffey (who was the starter today) but never saw him or Jeremy Sowers so they must have taken a cab and snuck in. A McCoy miracle occurred when Craig Hansen signed for us, he was making me, my bro and Alex's son chase him in the backlot before he parked in the player's lot. Also got Hansen's new best buddy Lincoln Holdzkom coming in he actually put down a bag he was carrying to sign for me which was nice, only signed for me and then headed in. Adam Miller who is on the DL then came walking over and I guess he took a cab. Anyways didn't think he would show so was ill prepared but had an ROMLB and he signed the SS nicely. All in all a nice day at McCoy and I'm pleased the results.
Craig Hansen 1/2: See story above, still very surprised he signed.
Lincoln Holdzkom 2/2: Very nice about signing, which was surprising, still have a few left of this guy.
David Pauley 4/4: Good for a couple as always
Abe Alvarez 3/3: same as Pauley
Edgar Martinez 1/1 (50/50): routine
Chad Spann 2/2: Saw him coming in just as I was going to leave
Jordan Brown 1/1 8x10: Had no cards of him and printed out an 8x10 10 min. before I headed over, wish I had more as he was very nice and quietly signed a couple.
Adam Miller 1/1 SS ROMLB: Surprised to see him and he was very nice.
Total: 15
Went for the game today and I don't know why as it was over 90 degrees out. Got their to late to graph pregame or inside so these results are just postgame. So considering it was just post game it wasn't that bad at all. Funny story actually, I over near the Buffalo bullpen and in between an inning I ask Yamid Haad to sign. He says he can't due to league regulations. So a little while after that go to the bathroom near the pen to bleed the lizard and Yamid walks in. He goes "Hey man when your done wait outside, I got to take a pis then I'll sign for you." So when Yamid comes out he checks to see if anyone was around and sigs and says that if anyone saw him signing during the game he'd get in trouble and get a fine and he goes ya man I need to get paid. Nice guy and a nice story I guess. Postgame was solid got all that I really had for Buffalo cept Brian Slocum didn't know he got sent down so my cards of him were sitting at home instead. Solid day and will be back out again this week to clean up on Pawtucket since Louisvile's only propspects got sent up recently.
Inside
Yamid Haad 1/1 (story above)
Postgame
David Pauley 5/5 (2 for me, 3 50/50s-Nice as always, couldn't stop laughing at this Rich Sauver Harrisburg setter from the late 80s I had, his stahce in that pic is crazy.
Hunter Jones 2/3 (1 for me, 2, 50/50s)
Jose Vaquenado 3/3 (1 for me, 2 for a 50/50)
Chris Carter 1/1 8x10: Hit a monster HR today
Tommy Mastny 1/1
Jordan Brown 3/3
Josh Barfield 1/1: Didn't look at anyone coming onto the bus, bus comes back gets dropped of doesn't look at anyone. Then we and he hears inside that he is getting the call to Cleavland so he is taking a cab to the airport from the stadium. He comes out smiling and all and puts down his bags and signs, guess he was happy about getting the call.
Jed Lowrie 1/1: did a card, though said he can no longer SS balls
Total: 19 (12 for myself)
Really had nothing else better to do today so headed down to
the stadium just to graph pregame. Louisville is really a dead team
without Bruce and Bailey only guy I was looking to get for them was
Daryl Thompson who is pitching really well this season and is only 22.
I was really hoping to get Buchholz on a no hitter 8x10 and despite the
small crowd Buchholz pulled into the backlot and walked right in.
Nothing special today just worked on some 50/50s, was another ho-hum
outing at Pawtucket.
Louisville
Daryl Thompson 1/1
Pawtucket
David Pauley 1/1
Dusty Brown 2/2 (1 for me, 1 50/50)
Rich Sauver 1/1 (50/50): It was his Harrisburg Senators team setter from '87 he is our convo
Me: Mr. Sauver can you sign please
Rich: No (pauses) of course I will I'm just kidding
(Hand him my binder)
Rich: Holy s**t will you look at this f**ker! Oh wait, good no kids around.
Me: Didn't know that was out there huh?
Rich: You're telling me that thing is older than my marriage.
Charlie Zink 3/3 (1 for me, 2 50/50)
George Kottaras 1/2
Sean Danielson 1/2, 1/1 (help, 50/50)
Chris Smith 2/2 (finally got my Portland setters done)
Michael Tejera 1/1
Bryan Pritz 1/1 (team helmet)
Joe Thurston 2/2 (1 me, 1 50/50)
Hunter Jones 2/2 ( 1 me, 1 50/50)
Total 18 (12 for myself)
Got to the stadium a little after 1pm and stayed till 11. Today turned out to be easily the worst outing I've ever had. I missed Mastersn coming in by 10-15 minutes. And most of Pawtucket recieved the red carpet treatment as Rick (for those of you aren't familiar with Rick he is one of the secuirty guards and he is also the kindof person who takes his job way to seriously) would escort their players from their cars onto his little golf cart right to the side lockeroom entrace doors making it impossible to get autographs. Ortiz was impossible to get and had the whole security staff members of the Pawsox up his ass. I wasn't expecting Ortiz to sign but the treatment he got was unreal. Ortiz did belt a homerun right into the Toldeo bullpen where I happended to be over by. Francis Beltran picked it up and pretended to throw it to some fans then threw it back onto the field, it was kinda funny. Toldeo was tough too, Bazardo, Beltan, Perez, Parrish, Clete Thomas, Erik Almonte among others gave me the silent treatment not only outside but inside, could not believe it. This place is just flat out horrible to try and graph and I had a rough day. 10 hours in 90-95 degree weather and the best pickup was getting my Pawsox team set which was just realsed. Looks pretty nice, anyone needs one pm me. Here are my results:
Jose Vaquedano 2/2 ( 1 50/50), 1/1
George Kottaras 1/3-routine
Chris Carter 1/2-must have missed the other one
Gil Velazquez 1/1
Joe Thurston 1/1
Charlie Zink 2/2
Brent Clevlen 1/1 very nice guy, carried his bags in for him cause the staff was to busy riding Big Papi and not doing their jobs.
Total-10
Scans: Pawsox/Mudhens 1
Also picked up a Travis Snider 8x10 from a 50/50 with a fellow collector who hits Pawtucket regularly.
Got there at 9 for a 1 o'clock game Wade Boggs and Jim Rice were supposed to be there to get inductedinto the IL Hall of Fame and turns out Boggs was a no show Rice was present but didn't see him coming in and good 'ole Rick was all on him after the game. Was looking to finish my Masterson stuff but he got called up this morning to Boston and was not present. Did get Michael Bowden and this guy is going to be a treat was one per, and gave a hack sig on balls, on cards he gave a lengthier sig but still not the full sig he has been giving in Portland. Really nothing big today worked on the team set and picked up the IL All Star set which I was able to also start on. Toledo once again was horrible. Got a no from Almonte pregame, postgame I was turned down by Bazardo, Perez, Almonte and Blane Neal. I was the only one who spotted Neal and called for him 2x postgame while he was carrying bags onto the bus he said he'd get me in a second well 2 hours later I'm typing this. Couldn't even ask Beltran but this is a funny story. I was hanging out for most of the game near the Toledo pen and Beltran is sitting over by a fence in the pen with this latina chick. For 4-5 innings Beltrran and her are just talking, laughing and smiling and he even sneaks her some bags of sun flower seeds through the fence and signs some balls for him. Beltran was really spitting his game, I see her walk away and Beltran is just staring at her ass as she is walking away. I told my friend I garuntee you he told her to wait by the bus after the game. Sure enough she is standing outside the lockeroom and she told the security guys she is waiting for Francis Beltran. Beltran comes out and walks right over to her they talk for a few and I believe he left with her as I didn't see him go onto the bus. I got a kick out of all this, I guess Beltran is going to show her how he pitches. Anyways here are my totals and there are 2 shockers in here:
Pawtucket Redsox
Rich Sauver 1/1
Russ Morman 1/1
Jon Switzer 1/1
Joe Thurston 1/1
Kieth Ginter 3/3
David Pauley 1/1
Eric Hull 1/1
Edgar Martinez 2/3: With how he has been this season I'll take what I can get from the big man.
Michael Bowden 1/1 SS ROMLB, crap sig got it pregame he snuck out postgame. 1st weekend in Pawtucket and he has already learned some tricks. He is going to be tough, for any of you seeing him soon get him while you can.
Hunter Jones 1/1 (50/50))
Chris Carter 1/1
Jeff Corsaletti 1/2: 8x10, he commented one of my 8x10s and I said I had one more he got really excited and said that look'd nice too, I told him he could keep it and he was really pleased about that.
Jon Van Every 1/3: After the game he is the only player who hasn't left yet and there are 10 guys by his car. Now Every made hands down the best catch I've ever seen in person, robbed a homerun honey dip style was an amazing catch even the guys in the Toledo pen went nuts. Anyways Every walks out and me, my bro and my friend are the only one of the 10 who know what he looks like, as I call him the other clowns just haging around with fricking programs and team rosters jump up and and get in front of him he goes "Holy Sh*t....f**k". He signed 1 for each and took off. I was stunned.
Toledo Mudhens
Chris Lambert 4/4
Larry Parish 2/2 (thanks to another collector there)
Virgil Vazquez 1/1
Brent Clevlen 1/1: He crushed one today , nearly left the park
Leon Durham 1/1: Ignored the few people who called him, including myself coming onto the bus he takes his seat in the front of the bus. This pretty decent looking chick with clevage galore was getting her arms signed by players for kicks and asked who that was and when she did she pointed to Leon sitting on the bus. Leon then points to himself and comes back off and signs for her and a few others before going back on.
Solid graphing day for McCoy standards just have a few left for the set. It was a very entertaining day though to say the least.
Total: 25
Pats Training Camp
Headed down to Gillette Stadium for the Pats open practice, it was from 2:30-4:30 got there at 1:45 and had to wait in a ridiculous line to get in. I was able to grab a good spot and was right up front, so I felt good about my chances. Randy Moss had took the day off so I was a bit disappointed, but not as disappointed about being shutout for the day. Only players to sign were Laurence Marouney, Kyle Eckel, Chad Jackson, Matt Slater, and Jabar Gaffney. Bellicheck signed for a few little kids who got underneath the rope and onto the field. Marouney and Jackson jumped around and I was close to obtaining them both but as I said they jumped around and I just missed them on a 2 occasions. I could have easily gotten Eckel as he is still probably signing still there as I'm typing this, but I mainly had premium items and wasn't going to waste it on him. Rough day and I was just unlucky.
Total: 0
I was supposed to get off work early and I intended on getting to the park to hang my stuff though the person who was supposed to cover for me ended up not only coming in late to cover but late for her shift and I had to end of covering for her. This would be my only chance for Scranton as I was unable to get off work for tommorow like I was supposed too. End up just doing postgame and stayed for an hour then took off. Though it was a very good outing considering it was just an hour. Funny story too Bobby "Da Bear" decides he wants to get Scranton coming onto the bus and tries to get around the barricade to a good spot but there are too many little kids and he of course is too big to fit around. So he attempts to go one the barriers (now for those of you who know or have seen Bobby you can imagine how funny this was), one his hump hits the barrier the whole thing colapses and he was so sure he'd fit under it too. I couldn't contain my laughter it was like watching a bear do the limbo. Anyways here are my totals for my outing once again it was a good one being just postgame for an hour.
Pawtucket Redsox
Chris Carter 3/3
George Kottaras 1/1-caught him trying to sneak out, boy was he disappointed
Hunter Jones 1/1
Jeff Corsaletti 1/1
Jose Vaquedano 1/1
Sean Danielson 1/1
Scranton Yankees
Ian Kennedy 2/2: card and SS ROMLB and he added 06 1st rd pick as requested, very nice guy
Chase Wright 6/6 (smeared one bad though)
Mark Melancon 2/3: All were team USA cards, personalized both one he added "Go Yankees" other added "God Bless", also very nice
Total: 18
Pats Training Camp
Was unsure wether I'd be going today or not after my last experience but decided to hit it up Randy and Brady were no shows but I had a nice pick up. Had a good spot and Wes Welker came right over and signed for me, flipped my hat and took off my shades and tried dipp'n him but he still remembered me and told me he got me already. Wasn't a bad outing at all may be going back one last time for training camp.
Wes Welker 1/1, 0/1 (caught me dip'n)-mini helmet, didn't sign it in the best spot but he used my blue sharpie and soon after he signed for me he pulled out a black one and signed everything else in black
CJ Jones 1/1-program
Chris Dunlap 1/1-program
Sam Aiken 1/1-program
Charlotte Knights @ Pawtucket Pawsox
Decided i wanted to knock out some Pawtucket stuff today so I got to the stadium at 8:30 in the morning in the pouring rain like an idiot. Really was hoping to get the future Rich Garces, Bartolo Colon but he didn't show, waited till about 10:45 would have waited longer but 2 hours in the rain was enough from me. Alot of the players came in around the same time so I had to pick and choose other wise my numbers would be better. Also Rick ushered a few guys in which also didn't help but I got to see Rick nearly choke himself to death on a jimmy dean sausage. He comes out wolfing one down and starts wheezing and pounding his chest like he was King Kong it was extremely difficult to contain my laughter. Anyways nothing special today just a fairly routine outing.
Michael Bowden 2/2: Odd guy, it is pouring and he comess in wearing sunglasses. He looks pissed off as he is walking in too so I was surprsied he did 2, but hey I'll take it.
David Pauley 4/4 (2 50/50)
Jeff Corsaletti 1/1
Eric Hull 1/1 (50/50)
Sandy Madera 2/2-One of the worst sigs I've ever seen
Jeff Bailey 1/3-Rick opened up one of the side doors to let him in, but he came out 5 min. later to get something from his car and was able to get one out of him.
Chris Smith 1/1
Hunter Jones 2/2
Beau Vaughn 1/1
Charlotte
Chris Getz and Jack Egbert gave me the silent treatment and I missed the other bus waiting for Bartolo.
Total: 15
Next Up: Tommorow Scranton Yanks @ Pawtucket (aka the Phil Hughes show), Maybe Wednesday for the SWB Yanks again
SWB Yanks @ Pawtucket Redsox
Well for the 3rd day in arow headed to Pawtucket and for the 3rd day in a row went home disapoointed, though that is what I expect now when I come to McCoy. Phil didn't sign coming off the bus before the game, though I was able to knock out my Ian Kennedy stuff. It was autograph night, where the Pawsox would sign on the field four an hour before the game. And I really din't bother with it, just picked out a few guys could have really killed them if I wanted to but the little bastards and creatures running around killed it for me. Saw Phil Hughes running laps on the field and waited to he was done and going to head into the lockeroom, wlaked right up to him and asked him to sign and told me"I can't sign dude, only Pawtucket is signing", meanwhile all the other Scranton guys are picking up sharpies/pens. Hughes was escorted in and after the game the Scranton buses were not parked in front of the lockerrom like always so it was extremely difficult to get anyone. Phil Hughes gave the silent treatment after the game, but w/e. Anyways was a normal day in Pawtucket for me numbers wise. Could have really bolstered it if I wanted to but was not going to bother with the tools that were running all over for autos. Anyways here are my totals:
SWB Yanks (pregame)
Ian Kennedy 3/3 (2 8x10s, 1 of them 50/50, and a card)
SWB Yanks (postgame)
Chris Britton 2/2 (only Yank that signed after the game)
Pawsox (inside for autograph session)
Chris Carter 1/2 (8x10)
Keith Ginter 2/2 ( 1 50/50)
Charlie Zink 4/4 ( 1 50/50)
George Kottaras 1/1
Michael Bowden 1/1
Devern "I like to grab other people's sack"- 1/2-why?
Jose Vaquedano 1/1
Jeff Bailey 2/2
Jeff Corsaletti 2/2
Total: 20
Next Up: Next Thursday, Cuse Skychiefs @ Pawtucket Pawsox
Just a small event the Pawsox held really meant for kids and such but former Red Sox Lou Merloni and current sox minor league Jeff Natale were in attendance so I went. Was really easy to work only took about 10 minutes to get my stuff done.
Lou Merloni 4/4 (2 8x10s, promo poster, ball for a 50/50) Merloni 8x10, Merloni 8x10
Jeff Natale 7/7 (2 cards, promo poster, 3 4x6s, ball for a 50/50)
Good outing yet again at Pawtucket very nice quality day. Did pre-game, went inside for a bit left and came back for postgame. Carlos Carrasco didn't touch a pen/sharpie all day but no biggie as I hit him yesterday. Got turned down by John Mayberry Jr on 3 different occasion and Mike Cervanek and Andrew Carpenter also turned me down after the game but still had a productive day. Here are my totals, got some numbers and quality so that is always nice. I can't believe I got 2 out of Buchholz in one day when last year I went well over 10x just trying to get him. Hope Pawtucket continues to be accommodating this year.
LHV Ironpigs
Jason Donald 2/2 cards, 2/2 8x10s (8x10-1, 8x10-2)
Kyle Kendrick 1/1
Pawtucket Redsox
Jose Vaquedano 6/6
Kris Johnson 4/4, 2/2
Fernado Cabrera 4/4
Russ Morman 1/1
Sean Danielson 1/1
Jeff Bailey 1/1, 1/2
Daniel Bard 1/2, 1/1 SS ROMLB
Michael Bowden 1/2
Clay Buchholz 1/1 SS ROMLB, 1/1
Other
Bob Montgomery 1/1
Inside over by LHV dugout Buchholz starting signing for everyone with club seats down on the field and is signing away, I run over and hand my ball down to him and he is holding a black sharpie and the fun begins:
Me: Clay would you mind using my pen
(Clay nods, I hand him my pen)
Me: Clay could you sign on the SS please?
Clay: Boy you sure are bossy, (he goes ahead and signs on the SS beautiful, hands it back)
Me: Thanks Clay I appreciate it
Clay: (Very Sarcastically) Yea....I'm sure you do.
Two nice days in Pawtucket and they both have something in common, Rick staying out of the way and Bobby not being around.
Total:31
Rochester Redwings @ Pawtucket Redsox
Just did some pregame graphing today before the rain came. As I was pulling into the stadium Buccholz's BMW zooms by me and he parks over by the batting cages. I race in see him get to the door....a few seconds late. And Julio Lugo was in for rehab assignment and there were 4 of us outside and he had nothing in his hands and came in at 8:30 for a 12:00 game so hey looks like there is no excuse not to sign, he says "I'll see you guys later". Lugo apparently went 0-2 2ks, on 7 pitches in his first two at bats. And Pawtucket's favorite son Johnathan Van Every came back up from the DL and he came in with Billy Traber.....what a surprise. Otherwise it was a good outing, it was awesome getting Rochester because the bus driver dropped them off at the far end not in front of the lockeroom so everyone had to walk up and I was picking guys off, I wish every team made that mistake. Anyway here are the numbers:
Pawtucket
Michael Bowden 1/1
Daniel Bard 1/1
Rich Sauver 1/1
Ron Johnson 2/2
Zach Daeges 4/4
Sean Danielson 2/2
Kris Johnson 2/2: It has been 1 week in Pawtucket and he already sick of signing, get ready for a looooong season Kris.
Rochester
Anthony Swarzak 1/1
Mike Gosling 8/8
Alejandro Machado 2/2 "Good to be back my friends!"
Sean Henn 2/2
Reid Santos 1/1
Kevin Mulvey 1/1
Brock Peterson 1/1
Brian Duensing 1/1
David Winfree 1/1
Drew Butera 1/2
Total: 32
Went this morning to graph pre-game and did pretty well quality wise and numbers wise. Didn't see Clay Buchholz but got Bowden, Bard and Hanson so definitely can't complain. Bard was doing 2 per today, and he has been doing 1 per all year that I've seen so just brought one, but still a good day graphing. Here are my totals:
Pawtucket Redsox:
Carlos Maldonado 1/1
Travis Denker 5/5
Jose Vaquedano 3/3
Kris Johnson 3/4, 2/2
Chip Ambres 2/2
Rich Sauver 1/1
Dusty Brown 1/1
Ivan "The Terrible" Ochoa 2/2
Sean Danielson 0/1: "Dude come on.....ugh everyday" Well Sean I need to finish you up before they cut you mid-way through the season.
Josh Reddick 3/3: Friday night Reddick (who is on the DL for Portland) came into Pawtucket to workout inside. And I heard he was there yesterday after the game so I brought some stuff just in case. Glad I came prepared.
Michael Bowden 1/1 : Was wearing this ridiculous suede purple jacket and purple sneakers, most have lost a bet since his Bulls lost.
Daniel Bard 1/1: 8x10 w/06 1st Rd. pick inscription, came out nice.
Gwinett Braves
Manny Acosta 3/3
Tommy Hanson 1/1 SS ROMLB
Total: 37
Toledo Mudhens @ Pawtucket Redsox
Drove straight from school to Pawtucket and missed pretty much most of the Pawtucket team by the time I got there. Stuck around for like 20-25 minutes and left but not without coming away with a few graphs. May go back tomorrow to finish up the little I have for Toledo, but it is supposed to poor so might not do that.
Michael Bowden 2/2 card, media guide cover: Only three of us waiting so I don't think he minded doing two for me.
Dontrelle Willis 1/1
Dontrelle walks off the bus and goes "Shoot me in the f**k'n face" he then proceeds to come over and sign while he is signing someone on Toledo goes. "Dontrelle is such a nice guy, if I was a chick I'd be so in love with him".
Both Willis and Bowden are starting the game tonight too so that was nice that they both stopped. Not bad for 20 minutes.
Total: 3
Louisville Bats @ Pawtucket Redsox
Bats are in for the first and only time this year and it is a 4 game set. Looks like rain is on the way and I have a crazy schedule as it is so today was my only chance to see them. I went to the game so I graphed inside and postgame today and I was pretty please with my results, nice quality that is for sure as well as an eventful night.
So I was hanging my binder inside as was Bobby and 2 other collectors. So some time passes after BP and all of a sudden Bobby's binder drops to the ground. Than my binder a minute later drops and than another collector's binder drops we look and we see that our ropes/strings were cut. Then Homer Bailey comes out and picks up my binder and with the biggest smirk on his face goes "Hey dude I think you dropped something" So he says "Hey you want it back, can you catch" and he tosses it back up to me and I snag it but i wanted to say "Homer can you pitch?". Never have I seen or heard of a player cutting someone's rope, a McCoy first. Bobby and his mom are flipping out saying he assaulted his book and it is destruction of private property cause apparently he lost some 4x6s of Daniel Dorn or some Louisville scrub. Anyways here are my numbers for the night:
Pawtucket
Freddy Guzman 2/2
Iggy Suarez 7/7 (one kinda bubbled will get it re-done)
Carlos Maldonado 1/1
Hunter Jones 1/2: BIG LEAGUED
Clay Buchholz 1/1 No Hitter 8x10, 1/1 card
Louisville
Daryl Thompson 2/2
Matt Maloney 2/2
Drew Stubbs 3/3: 2 cards & 8x10, appears to be no dupes
Homer Bailey 1/4: He pitched a great game comes out as always in leather spiked boots, cowboy hat on and he signed for maybe 3 or 4 people and someone thanked him and said great game and he goes "Ahh, I know it, felt really good to dominate", this guy's ego is ridiculous. But I'll take the one.
Total: 28
Just did pre-game for a little bit today as I had some free time. Didn't really have much for Charlotte and they have no body on their roster worth putting in time for. Kind of a slow day but not bad for 2 hours at McCoy stadium. Oh and Tartar Teeth showed up yet again and when Travis Denker was getting bats out from his car he ran up up to him and small talked with him to try and get one of his bats. I was also trying to contain my laughter when he was talking about a picture he took with Jeff Bailey, as he said it was so hot that day his skin was peeling off. Can believe I missed alligator arms shedding his scales.
Pawtucket
Paul McAnulty 4/4
Carlos Maldonado 2/2
Enrique Gonzalez 2/2
Fernando Cabrera 2/2
Charlotte
Jack Egbert 2/2
John Van Benschoten 0/2: John can you sign please...."No, I'm not John"
Kieth Ginter 0/2: Gave me the silent treatment.....really.
Chris Chambliss 1/1 SS ROMLB: Refused to do AL ROY inscription.
Total: 14
Got word last night that Smoltz will be making one last rehab start for Pawtucket so I went over just to strictly get Smoltz got there around 2:40 for his 7:00 pm start and a 4pm he pulls into the back gate and signs for everyone there, tarter teeth was about to crap his pants when he saw him and he was almost going to ruin it by running right up to his car. Smoltz came over and signed for everybody, there was about 9 people (including 1 Pawsox employee). Couldn't be more happy about this success, even did his CY inscription when i asked.
John Smoltz 1/1 SS ROMLB w/CY insc.
Got word Wade Boggs was appearing at a local sports bar at 9:00 so I headed over. Was unsure if I'd get in as I'm not 21 but I look it lol. Didn't get carded and it was just a $5 cover. Wade showed up a bit after 9 did a Q&A session and an exclusive interview with the bar to put on their website or something which took some time. Boggs was absolutely hammered, before he even took a seat to sign. He was slurr'n words and saying absurd nonsensical things. Boggs was doing a few at a time and taking pics so it took a little while. In the end got it done, took some time but easy none the less.
Also some bar employee gave out a few tickets to some people there and said that it was for a surprise. Later they announced anyone with a ticket would get a free Miller Lite from Wade Boggs, all I'm going to say is thankfully I got a ticket.
Wade Boggs 4/4: SS ROMLB w/HOF insc, Yankee Final Season Yankee Mini bat, Final Season Yankee Stadium SI cover w/HOF insc, 5X7 giveaway.
Did the Pro-AM today at a local golf tourney, and when I say local I mean local as the place was a just a several minute walk from my house to hit Roger Staubach. He was pretty much one per and did any inscription you asked at first but as the day progressed he cut back on inscriptions, I was fortunate enough to get inscriptions on most on my stuff even tough he recognized me after my 2nd time dip'n. As the day progressed more dealers and graphers showed up for him and I had to fight off his portly pig of a security guard, who was pretty much a joke. Also this dad with his 2 kids who looked like they were reps from Jimmy Jazz were handing him Wheaties box and SB posters non stop, they were practically riding along with him in his cart. I finised up what I had by the 4th hole, was easy to work here are my results.
1 Mini Helmet w/HOF insc
2 Footballs w/HOF insc
3 8X10s (one with HOF insc) & 2 cards w/HOF insc.
Total: 10
Had a really nice outing in Norwich today, was well equipped for both teams and just got the 2009 Portland set and knocked out most of it. Lars signed off the bus but really rushed his sig and seemed as if he couldn't be bothered. He also isn't SS anymore at least that is what he said. Tazawa signed off the bus for big Bobby and his mom but didn't do it for me which really ticked me off, he didn't sign inside either. After the bus got in made a trip to Subway for a delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch and got a mountain dew slushie from 7/11, possibly the best success of the day. Also set my new career high for graphs obtained, just shy of triple digits ahh.
I snuck into the stadium a good 20 minutes before the gates opened and went down to the Connecticut side and a few pitchers were just toss'n the ball around with each other including Bumgarner. I was the only one there and politely asked Madison to sign and he did 2 for me. He was also charting but denied me while charting saying he already got me, to his credit he did. Though he was with Darayl Maday and Daryl said to me after Madison signed for me that he'd buy that off ebay tonight. Anyways had a good day of graphing, the numbers are for pre-game outside and inside during warmups
Portland
Lars Anderson 1/1 Baseball America, signed it pretty big and it wasn't personalized
Mark Wagner 3/6
Ryan Kalish 3/3
Blake Maxwell 1/1
Reid Engel 4/9....in a hurry
Matt Sheely 1/1
Josh Reddick 3/3
Andrew Dobies 4/4
Tj Large 1/1
Iggy Suarez 4/4
Juan Apodoca 1/1
Chad Roades 1/1
Argenis Diaz 1/1
Arnie Beyler 1/1
Dave Joppie 1/1
Mike Cather 4/4
Ryan Knoury 2/4...skipped over the team set, this goofy bastard pisses me off
Felix Doubront 2/2 charting
Chris Province 1/1
Bryce Cox 1/1
Richie Lentz 1/1
Jorge Jimminez 1/1
CT
Madison Bumgarner 1/3, 2/2, 0/1
Henry Sosa 5/5
Tim Alderson 12/12 (remaining Aldersons)
Jesse English 1/1
Brett Pill 1/1: Terrible graph
Eddy Martinez-Esteve 1/1
Anton Richardson 1/1
Bob Felmy 1/1
Brad Boyer 2/2
Jackson Williams 6/6
Brandon Crawford 19/19 (Crawford , Crawford)
Total: 95
Did pregame today and Pawtucket sucked, didn't get 1 autograph from that side but to my credit most of the team if not half the team didn't show up for when the gates opened. Syracuse team was very good about signing and I did fairly well. Michael Bowden only signed for Tarter teeth because he was waiting right outside his car door with soup or something, to bribe him with. Also just missed getting Jed Lowrie signed for 4 people then stopped. Team set for Pawtucket came out today too, which is pretty early for them, looks ok but will be a challenge to complete. Anyways here are my totals:
Collin Balester 11/11 (remaining Balesters)
Garret Mock 2/3...Did 9 for someone else, must have missed it
Zechery Zinicola 3/3
Justin Maxwell 3/3
Brad Eldred 2/2
Tim Foli 2/2
Corey Doyne 1/1
Cory Patterson 2/2
Jason Bergman 6/6..."this whole fishing for autographs thing is retarded"
JD Martin 1/1
Jorge Padilla 2/2
Total 35
Didn't really plan on doing these guys again but I had some free time in the afternoon and tried to finish up my stuff for Cuse. Ryan Langerhans was traded yesterday so of course the bulk of my stuff would be for him and I'd be unable to get it done, Scott Olsen was also called up to pitch for the Nats yesterday too so the two guys I had the most of were gone. By the time I got there everyone for Pawtucket was already in but the bus came shortly after I arrived and it made for a quick trip, got Corey Paterson as well getting out of a cab. For the time I put in I did really nicely, got everyone I needed but Seth Bynum. Here are the totals:
Corey Patterson 1/2, 1/1
Pete Orr 3/3
Collin Balester 2/2
Kory Casto 2/2
Seth Bynum 0/1.....ignored
Saul Rivera 2/2
Fernado Cabrera 1/1
Total:12
SWB Yankees @ Pawtucket Redsox
Decided to do postgame for SWB, was fireworks night and apprently the place was sold out and filled to capacity with bit over 10,000 people this made for a fairly chaotic postgame graphing experience. Did very nicely though, put in just a bit over an hour of work and got A-Jack, was one of 2 people who he signed for, and was able to get a pretty nice graph from him too. Jose Molina was there on assignment and signed, I had no idea he was with them so didn't get his sig but I watched someone put him on an ROMLB but got Austin Jackson on an IL ball. Anyways pretty pleased with my results.
Pawtucket
Carlos Maldonado 1/1
Enrique Gonzalez 1/1
Gil Velazquez 1/1
Chris Carter 1/3
Sean Danielson 1/1
Rich Sauver 1/1
Ron Johnson 1/1
Russ Morman 1/1
Hunter Jones 1/2, 0/1 (skipped my eam set)
SWB Yankees
Jonathan Albaladejo 5/5
Juan Miranda 3/4.....not a typo either
Kei Igawa 5/5
Austin Jackson 2/2: SS ROMLB & card
Total: 24
July 10th 2009: Trenton Thunder @ Connecticut Defenders
Trenton Thunder @ Connecticut Defenders
Made the drive to Norwich in hopes of snagging Jesus Montero and adding a few more Bumgarners to my collection but apparently Bum left in the morning for the Future's Game and early on there was word that Montero wouldn't be traveling. Trenton bus comes in and there are at least 12 or so graphers waiting and Jesus got off with only I and one other grapher calling him, he didn't stop.
Inside the park Montero threw on his catching gear and walked out from the dugout to one spot and signed for maybe 2 minutes. As he was signing he kept asking for the time, maybe about 10 people had got him out of the 40 graphers that were waiting inside the park to get him. Luckily I was one of them. They amount of graphers that I saw inside was incredible one of the Defenders's security people said that it was the most autographers he had seen at Dodd Stadium by far for a non rehab'n player. Helped another collector get Zach McAllister while he was charting. Got Alderson while he was charting as well. Didn't stick around for postgame as I figured the crowd would be even bigger and the chances of Montero signing would be slim. Anyways it was a really nice day number wise, set my new record for graphs obtained at a game and almost got everything I had on me signed. Only one I missed that I need was Ryan Pope. Here are the totals between pre-game outside and warmups inside.
Connecticut Defenders
Henry Sosa 40/40: He hasn't started since June 30th so I told him I thought he should work his arm out and basically throw a side session with me outside. And of all people Bobby was complaing about how much I had him sign. (More Sosas)
Brandon Crawford 20/20
Tim Alderson 20/20, 1/1 SS ROMLB w/07 1st rd. pick (charting)
Brett Pill 3/3: I don't know how he didn't make the All Star team, he is hitting about .310 with 60 RBIs and has a nice glove. To hit .310 in Dodd Stadium is very impressive.
Jackson Williams 9/9
Trenton Thunder
Zach McAllister 7/8, 4/4, 2/2 (while charting, for anohter collector)
Jesus Montero 1/1 SS ROMLB, 0/3 just missed him before he went to warm up Bliech
Kevin Whelan 3/3
Eric Wordekemper 1/1
Frank Menechno 1/1
Vic Valencia 1/1
Chris Malec 1/1
Edwar Gonzalez 1/1
Kyle Anson 1/1
James Cooper 1/1
Justin Snyder 1/1
Kanekoa Texeira 1/1 (charting)
Wilkins Arias 1/1
Total: 117
Had some time to kill tonight and I need Anthony Swarzak on some set cards so decided to swing by and get what I could. Got there just in time for the game to end stuck around for a bit over an hour and did ok. Not many graphers out there tonight. Anyways here are the totals, should be making one more outing this year.
Pawtucket
Aaron Bates 2/2
Bubba Bell 1/1
Mark Wagner 1/1
Chris Carter 1/1
Rochester
Anthony Swarzak 2/2
Matt Tolbert 1/1
Matt Macri 2/2
Total: 10
Made my NFL debut yesterday I made my first attempt at graphing football and it was a success. Waited outside the hotel for about like an hour and 1/2 with my brother and roughly 12 other collectors. Bus pulled in obviously the target was going to be Matt Ryan. Turner, Gonzalez and Roddy White all didn't do it, at least off the bus. Matt Ryan walked in put down his two bags and said he'd sign one for each, but you could dip and a few people got two. He was talkative the whole time and very nice. My brother is a big BC fan and was very happy to get him, to see him I think would have been enough for him. After getting Ryan I left as I had plans with my girlfriend that night so I couldn't put in more hours but definitely a nice outing.
Matt Ryan 1/1, 1/1 (both on 8x10s, on one was his BC# the other he included his Falcons #)
Also, I saw Laurence Maroney in a local mall in front of me in line at the food court before I headed over to the hotel. Wasn't going to bother him for a graph as he was with his mother and daughter.
