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

Top 50 Autographs of 2013

Well, another successful year has gone by. 2013 Really flew by, and brought a ton of new adventures for my blog and I. This year brought me the experience of  'graphing in New York City for the first time, as well as meeting a ton of interesting people. In the past I have done shorter countdowns, but my collection quality has gotten so much better over the last few years that I really thought it would be cool to do a huge countdown of my top 50 autographs of the year.

Remember, as always the list is HIGHLY subjective, and I ranked people based on:
Ovaerall Quality
Name Value
Impact on 2013
Overall Relevance

This is why for instance, Ace Hood is ranked higher than say Bob Woodward. Clearly Bob has had a bigger impact on the world, but Ace Hood was extremely relevant in 2013.

With all of that said, please enjoy!

Previous Countdowns:
2012 Top 12
2011 Top 5

The Breakdown:

City| Spots On List
Cromwell,CT|9.5
Pawtucket,RI|8.5
Uncasville,CT|7
Storrs,CT |7
New Britain,CT|5.5
New York,NY|4
Willimantic,CT|4
Providence,RI|2
Canton, CT|1
Woodstock, CT|1
Brooklyn, CT|.5
*A .5 means that I met the person in 2 cities in 2013, so their spot is divided in 2.*

Rank|  Name  |Organization/Team|City Obtained In
50.Kevin Gausman, Baltimore Orioles. Pawtucket,RI

49.Billy Hamilton, Cincinnati Reds. Pawtucket,RI

48. Scott Burrell, Former NBA/UCONN player. Cromwell,CT

47.Tim Daggett, Olympic Gold Medalist. Cromwell,CT

46.Jackie Bradley Jr.,Boston Red Sox. Pawtucket,RI

45. Steven Adams, Oklahoma City Thunder. Providence,RI

44.Kevin Ollie, Uconn Head Coach/Former NBA Player. Cromwell,CT

43. Boog Powell, Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame. Baltimore,MD

42.Tina Charles, 2012 WNBA MVP. Uncasville,CT

41.Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians. New Britain,CT

40.Miguel Sano, Minnesota Twins. New Britain,CT

39.Will Middlebrooks, 2013 Boston Red Sox World Series Champion. Pawtucket,RI

38.Jose Contreras, Former World Series Champion. Pawtucket,RI

37.John Thompson III, Georgetown Head Coach. Storrs,CT

36.Thompson Square, 2012&2012 ACM Duo of the Year. Woodstock,CT

35.Rickie Fowler, PGA Tour. Cromwell,CT

34. Zach Johnson,2007 Masters Winner. Cromwell,CT

33.Billy Donovan,Florida Head Coach(2006,2007 National Champions). Storrs,CT

32.Doug Flutie, Former Heisman Trophy Winner/NFL Player. Cromwell,CT

31. Bubba Watson, 2012 Masters Winner.Cromwell,CT

30. David Ross, 2013 Boston Red Sox World Series Champion. Pawtucket,RI

29. James Woods, Actor(Family Guy, Various movies).Uncasville,CT

28. Branford Marsalis, 3x Grammy Winning Artist. Storrs,CT

27. Xander Bogaerts, 2013 Boston Red Sox World Series Champion. New Britain, CT& Pawtucket,RI

26. Bob Woodward, Legendary Journalist(Broke Watergate). Willimantic,CT

25.Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves. Pawtucket,RI

24.Justin Rose, 2013 U.S. Open Winner. Cromwell,CT

23.Caroline Kennedy, Author/Daughter of JFK. New York,NY

22.Michael Carter-Williams, Philadelphia 76'ers. Providence,RI

21.Bucky Dent, Former MLB Star. Uncasville,CT

20. Geno Auriemma, Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer/UCONN Head Coach. Brooklyn,CT&Cromwell,CT

19.Jim Calhoun, Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer/Former UCONN Head Coach. Storrs,CT

18. Ralph Nader, Former Presidential Candidate/Consumer Activist. Canton, CT

17.Dick Vitale, Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer/ESPN Legend/ Former NBA Head Coach. Uncasville,CT

16. Ace Hood, Hip Hop Artist(Hit Song in 2013, "Bugatti".) Willimantic,CT

15. Tommie Smith, Civil Rights Activist/Olympic Icon/Medalist. Storrs, CT

14.Rick Pitino, Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer/ 2013 National Champions/Former NBA Head Coach.Uncasville,CT.

13.Tim Wakefield, 2004&2007 World Series Champion. Cromwell,CT

12.Jim Rice, National Baseball Hall of Fame/Red Sox Legend. Uncasville,CT

11.Roy Williams, Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer/ 2005&2009 National Champions. Uncasville,CT

10.Dwight Evans, Red Sox Legend. Pawtucket,RI

9.B.o.B., Hip Hop Artist. Willimantic,CT

8.Jim Gaffigan, Comedian. New York,NY

7.Paul Molitor, National Baseball Hall of Fame. New Britain,CT

6.Rudy Giuliani, Former NYC Mayor/Presidential Candidate. New Britain,CT

5.Kendrick Lamar, Nominated for SEVEN Grammy Awards in February. Storrs,CT

4.Jeff Bridges, Academy Award Winning Actor. New York,NY

3.Sonia Sotomayor, United States Supreme Court Justice. New York,NY

2.Seth Meyers, SNL Legend/Future Host of Late Night. Storrs,CT

1.Johnny Rzeznik and Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls. Willimantic,CT