Host of Nick Cannon Presents: Wild 'N Out & America's Got Talent Nick Cannon 3/29/14

Unlike the last few times I have posted in which there were about a month between entries, this one comes just a night after I met former secretary Albright, and I think I'm finally back in the swing of things with both MLB and MiLB starting this week.

Somehow despite taking 18 credits, and in the middle of planning/working on a huge programming/statistics project at school, I was able to make time to head to Mohegan Sun tonight to meet one of my favorite television personalities, Nick Cannon, who would be signing copies of his newly released CD. I have seen every single of episode of Wild 'n Out ever created, and have watched America's Got Talent from time to time, so I was pretty excited for this event. I had gotten my bracelet for the event in the morning, so I knew I would guarantee myself a place in line, so I showed up right as the event was starting. I was probably 25-30 people back, and the line was moving very quickly.

When I got to Nick, he greeted me with a huge handshake, and he was very nice. I told him about how I was a big fan of Wild 'n Out, and he told me about some new episodes that will be aired soon.

As with all of my Mohegan Sun signing posts, I will update this in a few days with my photo with Nick, as soon as it is released.

While I would have liked to get a photo or something else signed also, only the new CD was allowed for guests to get signed.

As I said, it's good to be back, and I can't wait to get back to the backbone of my site, baseball entries. For my friends in New Britain and Pawtucket who are regualar readers, I will probably be making mostly Pawtucket appearances in April, but very rarely after that, because I will be working in Central Connecticut from May-the end of August. The last 5 years I have spent regularly in Pawtucket have been real, and the 8 total since I've started have been full of memories. I'll miss going there all of the time, but I will probably see a few weekend games here and there. As for New Britain, I'll be making regular stops there, probably starting at the same time Byron Buxton arrives in the area after his injury heals.

Total Autographs for 2014: 37

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright 3/28/14

Well I feel like I've been saying this a lot, but it's been over a month since my last entry, but I'm back with a great success from this afternoon.

My school is actually very good for getting famous lecturers for the Arts and Lecture series, and when this year's lineup was released last fall, it was surprisingly weak compared to last year when we had Dan Rather and Bob Woodward come through. There was one exception to this though, and that was the Secretary of State under the Clinton administration, Madeleine Albright.

I went into the day thinking I would just get her autograph upon arrival at the event(outside), but as I was doing homework for a few hours, I found out that she would also be at a dinner before her lecture. The access is fantastic to where the dinner was going to be, and there was no possible chance of her getting in without walking by where I was doing homework, which was nice.

Before I go on, I should mention that both Dan Rather, and Bob Woodward had book signings after their respective lectures, whereas Dr. Albright would not, so there were no guarantees, as there usually aren't in this hobby.

A little before she was supposed to arrive, it started to rain, so it was good that I was waiting indoors for once, rather than outside.

She walked through the door with an agent and a bodyguard, both of which were friendly. Dr. Albright was extremely nice as well. I thought she might say no because she was running a little late, but she actually talked to me a little bit, probably spending about a minute with me, with her guests waiting inside the dining area.

Overall, it was a great experience, and I can't wait to watch her speak in about an hour.

Total Autographs For 2014: 37

Former High School All American/NCAA National Champion Maurice Clarett 2/25/14

It has been over 3 weeks since my last post, because I have been very caught up with school and work, but today I somehow in the middle of exam week, and despite taking 18 credits of classes this semester,  was able to make time to get an autograph.

Last week I found out that former Ohio State running back, Maurice Clarett would be at my school for a few lectures. For those that don't remember(even I'm a little hazy because I was so young), Maurice tore up the SEC and lead the Crimson Tide to a perfect record, as well as the National Championship in 2002. For quite some time now he has been traveling the country talking to young adults and teenagers about making the right decisions, because in his earlier years he got himself into a lot of trouble.

I was just sitting and studying where I knew he would walk in so I knew I wouldn't be wasting any time, so this 'graphing opportunity was kind of a no brainer.

The public lecture was set for 3:00, and I had a meeting to go to right after, and an exam after that so I had to get him before his lecture for any chance of success.

He came in at about 2:40, and I followed him into the theatre where he would be speaking. One or two other people followed me, and while he was quiet, he signed my Sports Illustrated no problem. It would have been cool to talk to him, but I got what I wanted signed, and ended the day on a good note.

This was the 16th different Sports Illustrated I have gotten signed.

Total Autographs For 2014:36

Providence Vs. St. John's 2/4/14

It's been a while since I've been able to post, but I finally was able to get some time to do a little 'graphing. I actually went to the Uconn vs. Houston game last week, but it started at 9, and other circumstances kept me from 'graphing.

When I got to the Dunk last night I went right down to the tunnel, and was able to meet Bryce Cotton, who is one of the best 3 point shooters in the country, and also always very nice. I was also able to stop Tyler Harris who signed 1/2.

Providence played terribly in the first half, and almost overcame a 21 point deficit in the second half, but ended up just falling short.

After the game, I was able to get St. John's head coach, Steve Lavin coming off the court from his interview on Fox Sports One:

After a few minutes, both D' Angelo Harrison, and Rysheed Jordan popped out of the locker room, so I was able to meet them as well. Harrison had a really solid game, as did Bryce Cotton who scored 32 for Providence.

On my way out, I walked over to say hello to Fox Sports One/SNY analyst(as well as former St. John's player), Tarik Turner. He was really nice, talked for a minute, and even remembered me from Twitter.

Total Autographs for 2014:35

Uconn Vs. Louisville 1/18/14

Last night was Uconn's first ESPN game of the week since the 2011-2012 season, and boy was it just as cold. The game began at 9, and I headed up and got there around 10:30 since I had to work. With the National game of the week in town, some of ESPN's biggest stars would be in town such as Dick Vitale, Dan Schulman, Jalen Rose, Jay Bilas, etc. I went to the spot where ESPN personalities usually come out and for lack of a better term, it was a s&!t show. People walking by everywhere, over bearing security, the whole 9. The funny thing is that the police back there cared less that we were there, but arena security was being a pain. When I showed up back there, Jalen Rose was standing by his car but he wouldn't sign for us. Jay Bilas was already in his vehicle which was in a rush. I really don't blame the ESPN guys for being in a rush since they started the morning in Philadelphia then drove 4-5 hours to get to Storrs.

I did strike gold though when Dick Vitale came out. You may remember that I met him at Mohegan Sun earlier this season. He wasn't as friendly last night, but regardless, he still signed for me. I was probably the 3rd person or so:

I had really wanted to get Dan Schulman's autograph since he is the lead Sunday Night Baseball Commentator, but that will have to wait for another time.

After that, it was time to get my spot for the Louisville team. I did well, getting everybody I wanted except for Russ Smith who was in a huge rush.

I was able to meet Luke Hancock again, as I did at the casino:

Wayne Blackshear:

I was also able to get a few autographs from Montrezl Harrell who had the game of his life last night:

On a team piece I was able to get a few guys as well:

Luke Hancock, Montrezl Harrell, Terry Rozier, and Wayne Blackshear:

My last autograph of the night was from Providence legend/former Celtics Head Coach, Rick Pitino. I was lucky with this one because he was also in a huge rush, had a policeman with him plus team security, and only signed for a few people.

Any night you are able to get two Hall of 'famers is a great night in my book.

I did see a few Uconn players including Ryan Boatright, but last time was not the time to ask Boatright to sign, as his cousin who was more like a brother to him was tragically murdered in Aurora,Illinois a few days ago. It looked like family picked him up to head back home.

Total Autographs for 2014:26

Uconn Vs. Harvard 1/8/14

For the third season in a row I was able to go to the match up between the Huskies and Crimson in Storrs, which is always a close one. Both teams were very sloppy, but Uconn was able to win out in the end.

I was surprisingly able to sneak down to courtside after the game(actually VERY hard to do at Uconn). I still had my Ricky Moore Sports Illustrated that I've been carrying around for two years, and he told me he would get me later. I wasn't able to get anybody inside so I headed outside into the 12 degree weather. Storrs is also super windy, which always makes things more interesting(and bone-chilling cold).

The first person I got last night was actually Uconn legend, and Hall of Famer, Jim Calhoun. I happened to be walking out and by the door he usually comes out, and he was in the lobby at the perfect time. He was very nice as always, and signed, then went on his way.

I believe the next person I got was Wesley Saunders of Harvard,who I had a magazine for, as well as a few photos. I should have gotten the photos signed in silver, but I wasn't about to risk it in the cold, and the blue was hard enough to dry.

I was able to meet former Duke stand out and current Harvard head coach, Tommy Amaker, for the third season in a row. He is always a very kind guy.

Niels Giffey, who is having his best season for Uconn this year was next, and we talked to him for a few minutes which was cool.

I was able to get Ryan Boatright on a couple of items. The magazine with Wesley Saunders(above), as well as a program from a while back.

I also saw DeAndre Daniels.

I saw Ricky Moore outside for the first time ever, and was FINALLY able to get my Sports Illustrated signed. I'll probably buy another one, but hopefully that one doesn't take 2 years to get signed.

I finished the night on a very strong note by getting 13 year NBA veteran, and Uconn Head Coach, Kevin Ollie. Kevin is a very nice guy, but I have gotten him very few times. My last time had been this past June at the Travelers.

Total Autographs for 2014:15

Providence Vs. Seton Hall 12/31/13

This was my final 'graphing trip of 2013, though I didn't try very hard for autographs. It  was my first trip to Providence this season, which meant I could hopefully get Bryce Cotton to sign my magazines that Shabazz Napier of UCONN had signed weeks ago. Seton Hall only really had one player worth getting, Fuquan Edwin, who I met last season at Mohegan Sun>2012 Tip Off Tournament<.

Providence also has N.C. State Transfer, Tyler Harris, who is a star player. I missed him going for Cotton, but I will have at least a few other chances this year. I only got autographs during pre-game warm ups. The game went to double overtime, and it was New Year's Eve, so I didn't really feel like staying around, especially after the very tough loss.

Bryce was nice as can be as always:

Fuquan was nice as well, and signed for a lot of people after warm ups:

It was a GREAT year. Be sure to check out my Top 50 Autographs of the Year Countdown!>

Top 50 Autographs of 2013

Total Autographs for 2013:981