Connecticut(Tigers) Vs. Lowell(Red Sox) 6/18/13

I kicked off my New York-Penn League 'graphing season today in Norwich, but not without some disappointment. It had rained a lot today, but it was supposed to clear up. I pulled into the stadium, and the team bus for Lowell came in right behind me, so I figured that meant bad news. As soon as I got out of the car, players started coming out of the clubhouse.

I wasn't familiar with many of the new faces, but Red Sox, Chris Carpenter was rehabbing so I got him to sign a couple of photos:

I was able to recognize new Red Sox signee, Manuel Margot. It is really weird 'graphing guys younger than me now:

The only other player I got was Taylor Grover:

Unfortunately I missed Ty Buttrey, but I will see Lowell again.

By the time Lowell left, every Tigers player I needed was gone.

Total Autographs for 2013: 399

Baltimore Vs. Boston 6/14/13 & 6/15/13

I once again took my annual trip down to Baltimore with my Dad and some of his friends from work to see the Red Sox in Baltimore. I need to preface this entry by saying, this isn't much of a 'graphing trip because of time restrictions, but last year I had a little success inside anyway, but this year was a different story.

Day 1:

I was one of the first people in, but there were so many season ticket holders already inside by the Red Sox dugout that I had very little opportunity. I did end up getting an amazing spot right at the entrance to the dugout, but this ended up not mattering at all, because the Red Sox literally signed ONE autograph during batting practice. If you're wondering, it was Will Middlebrooks for a little kid.

While disappointed, I knew I could salvage the 'graphing portion of my day by getting some Boog Powell items signed. The Orioles legend owns a barbecue stand (I guess you could call it), and is often sitting in front signing autographs.> I met him last year<, and was able to once again.

The only Red Sox related person I met the entire trip was Nick Cafardo, who has recently done some games for NESN in Jerry Remy's absence:

We got to talk for a few minutes, which was cool.

After I saw Boog, another person on the trip told me that 3 NAVY football players were signing on the concourse nearby, so I got 2 posters done. One is pictured, zoomed in on the individual autographs. The players were, Matt Aiken, Obi Uzoma, and Cody Peterson:

Day 2 was a complete wash. Once again, A SINGLE autograph was signed during batting practice, which was Jose Iglesias for a kid.

Autographs during this trip: 11

Total Autographs for 2013: 390

Pawtucket Vs. Charlotte II 6/5/13 (Will Middlebrooks)

This was my best baseball 'graphing day so far this season. While there were some weird interactions, which I will touch on, I got a very solid amount of items signed.

First, Red Sox Third Baseman, Will Middlebrooks was rehabbing again, and while I missed him last night, he did not disappoint today by any means. I was starting to worry that he got scratched from the line up because it was after 4 and he had still not came in, but soon after, he came in, signed a ball for me, and took a photo with me as well.

This is an auto heavy entry, so to keep things simple, I will group both times I met him together.

I also was able to get Will after the game, and he was again, extremely nice. This time, he signed 2 cards. When everyone had gotten something signed, I asked him to sign another ball, and he had absolutely no problem with that. This kid is such a class act.

Also outside before the game for Red Sox guys, I got:

Former Royal, Mitch Maier (really nice guy):

Ryan Dent (yes again, and I still have more. I just don't like crushing guys too much):

Alex Wilson, who was recently sent down from Boston signed 2/3:

Alfredo Aceves seriously never goes without giving an interesting story for here. I only had this one card out, but my friend had a page open with various other players on it, and Aceves pointed at various cards and went ," I hate that guy. I hate that guy too." It was just really funny, and something that isn't exactly surprising coming from Aceves. Then again, what is?

Rubby De La Rosa, one of the star pitching prospects also signed. I didn't have any cards, and I don't want to waste another baseball on his horrendous signature, so I just threw him on a ticket.

The second weird interaction I will talk about, is when I got manager,  Gary Disarcina to sign. It is pretty well known that he is a real, lets say unpleasant soul, and I learned that first time today.

Gary could you please sign?

"Didn't I get you yesterday?"

No, I wasn't here yesterday (you may remember I went yesterday, but only to the game. So he literally never saw me.

"You weren't here yesterday?"

Nope, I've actually never even met you(truth).

"GOOD!!!!!"

Whatever Gary. Seriously though, you can tell he just hates his job.

I was able to get Allen Webster again inside. He was coming back in from the barbecue tent. He went to sign my ball with a Sharpie and I would have been really upset, because that would pretty much be a waste of a ball. He seemed mad when I asked him to use my pen, but ohh well.

After the game, other than Middlebrooks, a nice surprise was seeing Ryan Lavarnway. Seeing him does not happen very much there:

I did okay with Charlotte today as well. I got some guys which I missed yesterday which was cool.

Coaches:

Joel Skinner (I finished off my stuff from yesterday):

I got Richard Dotson again after the game. He is a pretty hilarious guy. He joked around with us. He seems to Like Pawtucket/Providence, and doesn't mind signing by any means.

Simon Castro signed off the bus. It was nice to get him, but my gosh, look at that signature:

Carlos Sanchez who is a good prospect also signed off of the bus:

Bryan Anderson signed after batting practice:

Brandon Short signed outside post game:

And finally..........  Mr. Lars Anderson. You may know how rude Lars is, or you may not. We have experienced it for years in the Sox system, but now that he has been with 4 organizations in less than a year, you would think he would become a little humble. Nope.

He came over when we calle dhim, but when he was done, he looked at my friend and said, "How many times have I signed for you" 10? 20? 40?

My friend responded honestly, mind you, "Probably more than I need."

Lars then snaps, "Oh so you're giving me some sarcastic answer?" Then stares us down.

Then he got on the bus and started complaining to his teammates.

Honestly the whole thing with Lars over the years is so ridiculous, it makes it worth asking him to sign to see what he will come out with. 

All he has to do is say no, but he feels the need to go farther than any other players.

Anyways, see you in the Independent leagues soon Lars.

One was pre game, one was post game:

Total Autographs at this game: 47

Total Autographs for 2013: 379

Pawtucket Vs. Charlotte + Patriots Tavon Wilson & Michael Hoomanawanui 6/4/13

Tonight at McCoy, Patriots players Tavon Wilson and Michael Hoomanawanui were scheduled to make an appearance. I got to the stadium later than usual, but was still able to be about 6th or so in line. My dad got some autographs for me as well, and we got a good amount of each guy. I had a lot of Wilson photos, so I didn't want to push it and ask for black, but I was able to give Michael a blue Sharpie.

Both guys were very nice, and seemed to actually be happy to be there.

We got 8 Wilson photos:

5 Hoomanawanui photos:

They also signed a poster that was being given out for me:

Because of the signing, I wasn't able to get any baseball autographs before the game, but I did well afterwards.

Will Middlebrooks was rehabbing tonight, but I never saw him.

The only Sox player I got was Ryan Dent:

Tonight marked Lars Anderson's return to McCoy. My dad and I each got one of his new, and well shorter autographs( as if that was possible):

I was VERY happy to get Brent Morel, because he was once a good player for the White Sox:

Blake Tekotte also signed 3 cards for me:

Pitching coach, Rich Dotson signed 6 cards for me:

Joel Skinner also signed 9 old school cards for me:

Total Autographs Tonight: 38

Total Autographs for 2013:332

Pawtucket Vs. Syracuse 6/3/13

This will be a rather short entry, because I was only able to 'graph inside before the game. When I got inside, a few PawSox were having a bullpen session. I noticed that Allen Webster was one of them, and I had yet to get him on a ball, so I got him to stop when he was done throwing. He even asked me if I wanted it sweet spotted. I hope he gets another chance in Boston soon. He is very nice every time I see him, but elusive.

The main target of the day however was one of the Nationals Top Prospects, Anthony Rendon. He went out to play catch about an hour before the game, and when he came back in I asked him to sign. He ignored me until the last second, and then snapped, "NOT NOW, I HAVE TO GO GET READY FOR THE GAME. I'LL BE BACK OUT LATER."

Okay Anthony. Sorry you can't take 5 seconds to interact fans, more than an hour before the game. He went on to go 0-5.

A few guys on Syracuse did sign however.

Chris Marrero who is crushing it this year signed 2 for me:

Brian Jeroloman signed one:

Brian Bocock signed 5:

That was it for the night. I wish I could say more about getting each player's autograph, but as many of you know about Pawtucket, there isn't much interaction due to the need to hang items. You just have to hope someone opens your binder. There are small tricks to get them to open it, but it is a big crap shoot.

Apparently Jim Rice was there today, but I never saw him.

Total Autographs for 2013: 294

Connecticut Sports Foundation Cancer Fundraiser 5/31/13 (Bobby V, Merril Hoge, Steve Levy +More!)

Yesterday afternoon I took a short trip down to Mohegan Sun to 'graph many different sports personalities, as they were checking in for the CSF's annual fundraiser that helps cancer patients, with things such as transport, and other various needs. When I arrived at the hotel, I saw a few other local collectors, so it was cool to talk to them. It was my first time getting autographs at a hotel, and it couldn't have gone much more smoothly.

NFL legend, Jon Gruden was supposed to headline the event, but he didn't show up. This event was supposed to be in February I believe, but it was snowed out by the blizzard.

The first person I met was Uconn legend, Rebecca Lobo. She was pretty nice, but has a very short autograph:

The next person I met was former NFL player, and current NFL expert on ESPN, Merril Hoge. I had never met him, and I am happy to say that he is such a nice guy. He seemed to have no problem signing, and took a picture with me as well. I appreciate his work, because he is simply honest. I especially respected how he always stuck to his guns about Tim Tebow, when the network was covering him every second.

After Merril was Uconn Football Head Coach, Paul Pasqualoni. He was quiet, but signed my photo:

Next was a HUGE surprise. Bobby Valentine was not scheduled to be at the event, but all of a sudden I saw him walking through the hotel lobby. I asked him to sign, and he said he would when he came back down. He stuck to his word, but made me work for it. He is a fast walker, and took me with him.

Coincidentally, it is about 53 weeks after >I last met him in Baltimore<, so it was almost a year to the day.

Another ESPN great, Steve Levy was next, and he was very classy as well. I asked him about meeting Michelle Obama, and he said it was just a great experience:

Last but not least, was the amazing Bill Raftery. Bill is known for his VERY famous, "SEND IT IN JEROME!!!" call, from 1988.

He was VERY nice and joked, "You guys don't mess around."

I'll print a nice photo on there in the near future, as I will with Rebecca's photo sheet.

I wish I could have met Jon Gruden, but it just wasn't meant to be.

Total Autographs for 2013: 285