Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Geno Auriemma 9/3/13

About 2 weeks or so ago, I got a text from my cousin that Uconn Head Coach, and Hall of Famer Geno Auriemma would be signing autographs 20 minutes away from my house to promote a new package store in the area. He has a line of wines, so this is actually a common occurrence throughout the area, but this was the first one I could make it to.

The only issue surrounding this was that I'm only 20, so obviously I wouldn't have been able to go into the store, and I had the brilliant idea of shaving my beard this weekend, so I was not exactly looking 21+. I brought my dad with me, but age would not matter even a little since there was a tent set up outside the store in the parking lot. Thankfully in 6 months, I will be able to 'graph the casino floor at Mohegan, and other events like this without even wondering.

Anyways, Geno came out exact at the scheduled time which was nice, and he seemed pretty happy to be there. My regular readers will remember that I met him on > 6/20/12 and > 6/19/13.

We each got one item signed, and I was thrilled to finally get the 39-0 Sports Illustrated signed:

The "Perfect Season" Sports Illustrated is such a busy cover, so I just went with the gold Sharpie that the store had for him. I'm going to add some of the girls on it as I see them.

Total Autographs for 2013: 929

2012&2013 ACM Vocal Duo of the Year, Thompson Square 9/1/13

It is fair season in New England, and while working/being at school a lot caused me to miss some really big names/groups in the last few weeks, I had a chance last night to finally meet another music act( the last was The Goo Goo Dolls way back in the Spring).

Thompson Square was playing a few minutes away from my house. I got to the fair a few hours before the show, and to my surprise there were 4-5 other people trying to get them. There was great access by the bus(we were behind a fence, but were mere feet away, and had a great view.) We were told that they wouldn't sign unless in was at the Meet and Greet which goes towards a charity they greatly support. I held out for a while, but just decided that I would do the Meet and Greet. I usually don't pay for autographs, because it somewhat defeats the whole idea of ' 'graphing' ', but it was for a good charity, and my chances at meeting anyone have been dwindling, and will be almost non-existent until basketball season, so it was worth it.

Both Keifer and Shawna were extremely nice, and signed whatever people had. I got 4 photos signed, plus a free one that was included with the Meet and Greet. They also had a photographer taking photos of everyone, so hopefully I can get that eventually.

Their show afterwards was VERY good. If you like country music it was fantastic.

The crowd was actually really big, here is a photo from the duo's official twitter account:

          thanks for an awesome night Woodstock !!! pic.twitter.com/MGJkWftS5M

                       — thompson square (@thompsonsquare) September 2, 2013

Total Autographs for 2013:927

Pawtucket Vs. Syracuse(Nationals) 8/28/13

I attended what will be my last (regular season) game last night at McCoy. Syracuse was in town, which meant that I could finish up some leftover cards from their last trip through.

I got to the stadium as gates opened, and luckily, the Syracuse pitchers were throwing.

At that time, I was able to get 2 guys that I had cards of.

Erik Davis:

Ryan Tatusko:

Just a few minutes later, former Tampa Bay Ray, Will Rhymes popped out of the dugout, and he was nice enough to sign a ball I had on me:

Nobody on Syracuse signed after the game. I did get a few Sox after the game.

The best was Jackie Bradley Jr. I didn't have any items left for him since the season is finishing, so I just got him on my ticket:

Unfortunately, I forgot my Bryce Brentz cards at home, but also got him on a ticket:

The only other autographs I got were 2013 Red Sox, Jose De La Torre, and Jonathan Diaz:

Nobody on Syracuse signed after. I called out to Rhymes, Lowe, Marrero, and a few others.

I should be able to make it to at least one playoff game. I'll see what I can work in now that school has started back up.

Total Autographs for 2013: 917

Pawtucket Vs. Scranton-Wilkes Barre (Yankees) 8/25/13

I got out of work at 4 yesterday, and Pawtucket was playing at 6:05. Knowing that it was impossible to get anything before the game, I figured I would just see what I could get afterwards, since we still have season tickets to use up anyway.

I didn't have anything for the Yankees because it is the end of the season, and I don't feel like having anything left over when it is over.

Dellin Betances came over to us by the buses, but he wouldn't do a white sheet. I didn't expect him to, but it would have been nice to get him.

A few Red Sox guys signed, but the only one that I saw and wanted wanted was Red Sox #2 Prospect, Jackie Bradley Jr. His girlfriend was with him this time, and he was really nice.

I think I might go to Wednesday's game after school, and that will probably be my last one until the playoffs.

Total Autographs for 2013: 909

Pawtucket Vs. Buffalo (Blue Jays) II 8/20/13

Last night I had the night off so I decided to give another try at Buffalo. You may remember that I did horribly with them Sunday, and Tuesday was more of the same.

I started with the guys coming off of the field after batting practice. I didn't have anything for a few that signed, and Chien-Ming Wang didn't sign again, but I was able to get Joel Carreno, who I last met 3 seasons ago, before I had this blog.

He was the only one I got pre-game. 

My next shot at autographs was the charters after the game, but the ushers booted my friend and I and escorted Allen Webster out. Pawtucket sucks for that, and just about anything autographs related.

Post-game by the buses was next. I had good luck the last time Patucket had getaway day, and this time was no different. There was a huge crowd, and security made it a point to put kids in front. I'm not going to complain about kids getting autographs, but when they have no idea who the players are, and the older people have to call them over anyway, what's the point? It's not like people aren't going to let them get their turn, and it's not like an amazing superstar was there.

Anyways, the only Pawtucket player that signed and I missed was Ryan Lavarnway.

Luckily for me, Allen Webster did stop. He was clearly avoiding me, but I finally got him towards the end:

Another great player that signed last night, was Jackie Bradley. I tried to talk him up, but he again seemed to want no part of talking to people. Ohh well.

Anthony Ranaudo pitched a great game, and surprisingly signed for the big crowd after. He wasn't personalizing this time either.

Brock Holt, who was recently sent down from Boston, was nice as always:

Another recent send-down, Jose De La Torre signed as well:

Red Sox player, Alex Wilson also signed:

Other guys I got last night include:

Anthony Carter:

Chris Carpenter:

The only Buffalo player I met was Mike Nickeas:

Total Autographs for 2013: 907

Pawtucket Vs. Buffalo (Blue Jays) (Dwight Evans III, Bogaerts,Ranaudo, Bob Stanley) 8/18/13

Yet another Sunday meant another full day of 'graphing in Pawtucket, RI. Buffalo was in town, and they really didn't have many prospects. The players I wanted on the Bisons were Chien-Ming Wang, Joel Carreno, Ricky Romero, and Kyle Drabek. I didn't get a single one of those guys ALL DAY! I was shocked that I couldn't get even one of them.

Buffalo did however have someone who I actually used to know a little bit though, as did all of Red Sox nation. Mr. Bob Stanley. Bob was the best Red Sox closer ever before Jonathan Papelbon, and when I was very young he was the manager of the Norwich Navigators. We would talk every game, and at the end of a season he gave me his hat. That happened to be my first Red Sox autograph ever, and now I have 113 different guys who have played for the team.

I got him inside, and he said it was the first time he ever signed this particular item:

He was literally the only Buffalo autograph I got on the day. Wang ignored me twice, Drabek said he had to get inside, and Romero ignored us as well.

Luckily for me, Dwight Evans was in town again, and this time I had 2 Sports Illustrated's with him on the cover with me. He signed for both my dad and I:

Here are links to the last two times I've met him. Today made 3 months in a row!

Dwight Evans 6/30/13

Dwight Evans 7/14/13

I was pretty pumped, because Sports Illustrated issues are my favorite sports items to get signed.

I was also pumped when Xander Bogaerts stopped again. He is hitting so well right now, and is on the verge of being called up:

Another highly regarded prospect I met was Anthony Ranaudo. I had gotten him with Portland earlier this season a few times.

Manager Gary Disarcina was not nice as always, but did it nonetheless:

Pedro Beato signed again as well. It's always nice getting a Red Sox player:

Jose Contreras was nice as always, and was the first player to arrive at the stadium:

I got Chris Carpenter again:

After the game I got 2013 Red Sox, Jonathan Diaz:

Steven Wright actually signed this inside:

I also added him to my team ball:

I put Tony Thomas on there as well:

Anthony Carter signed after the game:

Before the game, an old man with a World Series ring was walking in, and nobdoy knew who he ws, so we all got him on blanks, and it turned out to be a legendary scout named, Mel Didier. I had never heard of him, but it didn't hurt to ask:

Total Autographs for 2013: 894

Pawtucket Vs. Louisville(Reds) (David Ross, Xander Bogaerts, Billy Hamilton, Jackie Bradley) 8/13/13

I've had some solid 'graphing days this summer, and this was towards the top of them. Lousiville was in town, which meant the Billy Hamilton show was here, and David Ross was rehabbing from his concussion for Pawtucket. On top of those factors, Pawtucket is of course STACKED with other great Red Sox prospects.

David Ross was actually one of the first players that I got. He wasn't talkative at all, but was nice enough to sign a batting practice Official MLB Baseball, and take a photo with me:

Another great autograph that I got was Xander Bogaerts. He has been a tough get this year, but I am always happy when I can get the Red Sox #1 prospect. He actually signed for everyone today, and I got a photo taken with him as well.

What happened next SHOCKED me. I can't stress enough how difficult Jackie Bradley is compared to last season. It really is night and day. I mean I'm sure he's a nice enough person, but he barely even will mutter a word to autograph collectors anymore. Ohh well, I'm just glad I got him. This may be the first time I have gotten the Red Sox #1 & #2 Prospects in the same day... not quite sure.

I didn't really get much for Pawtucket quantity wise, but the quality was almost as good as it possibly could have been for this team.

Other guys I got were the always fan-friendly, Jose Contreras:

Chris Carpenter:

Pedro Beato, who was just sent down from Boston signed 5 for me:

And, Anthony Carter. For whatever reason, he just kept avoiding me (I have maybe asked him once to sign, so it wasn't that he recognized me. After he signed for 3 people, he started walking towards the door. I then said, "Reallly?" He turned around, signed 1/3 and went in.

Anthony Ranaudo wouldn't sign for anyone.

The big target for Louisville was Billy Hamilton, who is the Reds #1 Prospect, and the #18 Overall Prospect in baseball. When he came off the bus, he completely ignored everyone, but luckily a little kid stopped him. He then signed for about half of the people. I got him on a card. I tried for a baseball inside, and he was just being really weird and messing with everyone. He would skip around a ton, then come back, etc. He pretended not to know what the sweet spot was for one kid. Then with me, he held his hand out for me to toss him my ball, then he let it hit the dirt on purpose. I would have been BEYOND pissed off if it was a brand new ball, but thankfully it was only an already rubbed down ball. He threw it  up without signing it.

I was able to get two other Louisville players.

Daniel Corcino:

As well as Greg Reynolds (One smudged badly):

Overall it was a VERY solid day. I was able to get a Red Sox, and 3 of the top prospects in baseball.

Total Autographs for 2013: 872