At some point last year I took a bit of a break from collecting.  I would say that it last about 3 months.  To my horror, when I checked SCN for the first time after returning, I saw that I had JUST missed an Albert Belle private signing.  He was at the top of my wantlist, and I was very upset that I had missed it. 

Well, Dana (Er21 on SCN) held another private signing with Albert this month.  I made sure to take advantage this time!  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get everything signed that I had planned.  I had two 16x20s and an 11x14 shipped straight to Dana from Adorama.  For the third time in the last couple of years, Adorama completely screwed me.  When Dana opened the package, the cardboard that the photos were sandwiched between had a crease down the middle.  Sure enough, the 16x20s had a crease down the middle as well.  Luckily, the 11x14 survived.  There wasn't enough time to send replacement photos.  So the 16x20s, which were probably the items I most wanted signed, didn't get signed.

That being said, I did get some nice autographs.  I got a mini helmet, baseball, 11x14, 8x10, 3 jumbo cards, and 6 cards signed.  I asked Dana to hold on to the 11x14, as he said he may be able to get some more items signed, in which case I would send more 16x20s and have them all sent back together.  I also hope to get a bat and/or jersey to send.

Here are the 13 items that have been returned thus far.  I'm not sure why 1989 Fleer cards always scan like that... the card looks great!

Over the last week or two I have picked up some nice new baseballs.  There is one new baseball missing in this post, as it will be posted in post detailing the results of a recent private signing.

The first baseball comes courtesy of SCN member rcphi466.  He was kind enough to get it signed by Alexei Ramirez and Dayan Viciedo at a recent card show.  He didn't even ask for anything in return.  Hopefully I'll be able to return the favor someday.

The second baseball is signed by Mark Buehrle.  I already have quite a few baseballs signed by Buehrle (05 WS x2, Gold Glove, 05 AS, OMLB), but this is the first in my collection with the much nicer signature he used his first couple of years in the bigs.  I also got a VERY good deal on it.

The last baseball is also an upgrade.  I already have Aaron Rowand on a World Series baseball.  But it came from Elite Sports Marketing, and had their ugly hologram right above the World Series logo, where it couldn't be hidden.  I removed the hologram, but it left a very faint outline where the hologram had been.  Aaron's autograph was also TINY.  So I was thrilled to pick up this baseball for a very good price from Schwartz Sports.  The inscription is the icing on the cake.

Behold!  This is now one of my very favorite pieces in my collection.  Both the baseball and hat are Upper Deck authenticated.  The hat is from a limited series of 500, and hand numbered on the back.  I've had the baseball for a few years.  I picked up the sweet display case on eBay.  I figure that if anybody is worthy of a nice display, it's Michael Jordan!

The threat of rain has killed me this spring.  Two days in a row I wanted to hit the Marlins in Jupiter.  Two days in a row I was afraid to make the drive as I was worried about rain making it a wasted trip.  So I hit the Nats yet again. 

Nothing really notable happened today.  It did finally start raining at around 2:45, so I had to leave before Mark Teahen came out.  Most everybody else had already left, including Bryce Harper who did not sign.

Ryan Zimmerman finished his workout and head towards the white van right as it started sprinkling.  So I didn't try to get the 8x10s I have done.  Jayson Werth and Mike Morse went to the van too, but didn't sign.  Earlier, I had gotten Brad Lidge to get out of the van and come over to sign. 

Totals:

Sean Burnett - 4/4
Tyler Clippard - 2/2
Mark DeRosa - 2/2
Ian Desmond - 4/4
Gio Gonzalez - 1/2, 1/1 ROMLB
Jarrett Hoffpauir - 4/4
Destin Hood - 3/3
Edwin Jackson - 2/2 (got the crappy graph today)
Waldis Joaquin - 1/1
John Lannan - 1/1
Brad Lidge - 1/2
Steve Lombardozzi - 2/2
Carlos Maldonado - 2/2
Tyler Moore - 4/4
Chris Michalak - 1/1
Ryan Perry - 2/2
Bo Porter - 2/2
Wilson Ramos - 4/4
Rick Schu - 4/4
Bill Singer - 2/2
Drew Storen - 2/4, 2/2
Chad Tracy - 2/2
Chien-Ming Wang - 1/2
Jordan Zimmermann - 1/1 (signature is tiny, everybody else got normal size)
Ryan Zimmerman - 1/2

Today's total - 57 cards, 1 baseball

Six day total - 375 cards (378 autos), 1 16x20, 1 10x20, 3 tickets, 3 8x10s, 2 baseballs

I had originally planned on going to Jupiter today.  However, the weather forecast didn't look very good, and I really didn't want to drive all the way down there and have it rain.  So I decided to spend the morning at Nats camp, and the afternoon at the movies with the wife!

I was at Nats camp until 5pm yesterday.  I was only there until 10am today, and yet I had a MUCH better day.  No Strasburg or Harper of course, but I got all of the Sox guys, and for the very first time I got Ryan Zimmerman!  He came out to the cages by the parking lot at about 9:30, and after he hit he came over to the fence and signed 2 a piece for the 10-15 of us that were there.

Edwin Jackson also signed for everybody by the fence.  All of the players were coming back there to talk to the Rawlings reps, and get new gloves.  Most of them went back inside without signing, but Edwin came over and signed multiples for everybody. 

Right after Zimmerman signed, I got in my car and drove over to the practice fields.  As soon as I got out of my car, I saw Gio Gonzalez walking down the sidewalk.  I approached him, and he told me "After practice".  I told him I had to leave to take my wife to the movies... and it actually worked, lol.  He stopped and signed 2 cards for me.

There is a new setup at the practice fields.  When the players walk over, they go in an opening to the far left of the fence, rather than the one that fans enter through.  They have ropes set up so that you can't get right up to the players.  They still have to walk right by you, there is just a rope between you.  It seemed to me that more players signed taking the field with the ropes up than they usually do without the ropes.

Here are the totals for my abbreviated day:

Bob Boone - 2/2
Corey Brown - 1/1
Sean Burnett - 4/4
Brett Carroll - 2/2
Tyler Clippard - 1/2
Mark DeRosa - 2/2
Danny Espinosa - 1/1 8x10
Gio Gonzalez - 2/2
Jarrett Hoffpauir - 2/4
Edwin Jackson - 1/1 8x10, 1/1 ROMLB w/ No Hitter inscription
Davey Johnson - 1/1
Cole Kimball - 1/4 (ouch)
Steve Lombardozzi - 2/2
Ryan Mattheus - 4/4
Yunesky Maya - 4/4
Jason Michaels - 4/4
Tyler Moore - 4/4
Ryan Perry - 2/2
Wilson Ramos - 2/2
Anthony Rendon - 1/2, 1/1 (help)
Mark Teahen - 4/4
Jordan Zimmermann - 1/1
Ryan Zimmerman - 2/2

Today's total - 49 cards, 2 8x10s, 1 baseball

Five day total - 318 cards (321 autos), 1 16x20, 1 10x20, 3 tickets, 3 8x10s, 1 baseball

Well, today was my last day in Arizona.  I had a blast, but I think I am definitely ready to go home.  I think the White Sox players are ready for me to go home as well!

Today was a much better day than yesterday.  At least I am ending things a positive note.

Michael Waltrip and some other NASCAR drivers were there today.  They were all wearing Sox jerseys.  Lots of people were getting Waltrip's autograph, and taking pictures with him.  I have to admit, I didn't have the slightest interest in doing either.

The pitchers only worked out for a short while, then called it a day.  Unfortunately, John Danks rode in on a golf cart with Mark Buehrle, so neither one signed.

Here are my totals:

Gordon Beckham - 1/1
Daryl Boston - 4/4
Justin Cassel - 3/3
Jesse Crain - 4/4
Jordan Danks - 4/4
Richard Dotson - 4/4
Stefan Gartrell - 4/4
Kevin Hickey - 4/4
Edwin Jackson - 2/2
Josh Kinney - 2/2
Tim Laker - 3/3
Brent Lillibridge - 2/3
Donny Lucy - 4/4
Joe McEiwing - 2/2
Dallas McPherson - 4/4
Brent Morel - 1/2, 1/1 (8x10)
Will Ohman - 2/2
Jake Peavy - 1/2, 1/1 (help)
Josh Phegley - 4/4
Juan Pierre - 2/4
A.J. Pierzynski - 1/1
Charles Poe - 4/4
Carlos Quentin - 1/1
Alexei Ramirez - 1/1
Santos Rodriguez - 8/8
Chris Sale - 4/4, 1/1 (ball)
Sergio Santos - 4/4
Brandon Short - 4/4
Luis Sierra - 2/2
Matt Thornton - 1/1 (All-Star ball)
Dayan Viciedo - 2/2 (8x10s)
Devon White - 1/2

Another phenomenal day!  Though not as good as I originally thought.  While I was back in my hotel room sorting my stuff, I found that one of the best autographs I got today was smeared beyond recognition.  =(

I'm going to have to dispense with the details today... I need some sleep!  I'll post some more detailed info and stories tomorrow.

White Sox
Harold Baines - 1/1
Gordon Beckham - 1/2
Buddy Bell - 1/2
Aaron Boone - 1/1 (ball)
Brian Bruney - 4/4
Ramon Castro - 4/4
Kyle Cofield - 4/4
Jeff Cox - 4/4
John Danks - 2/2, 2/2 (16x20s)
Jordan Danks - 4/4, 1/1 (16x20)
Adam Dunn - 1/2
Eduardo Escobar - 4/4
Tyler Flowers - 2/2
Stefan Gartrell - 4/4
Lucas Harrell - 2/2
Curt Hasler - 4/4
Philip Humber - 2/4
Brandon Hynick - 4/4
Greg Infante - 4/4
Edwin Jackson - 2/2, 2/2 (10x20s)
Nate Jones - 3/3
Paul Konerko - 1/2 (smeared!)
Brent Lillibridge - 3/3
Donny Lucy - 4/4
Jeff Manto - 4/4
Jeff Marquez - 4/4
Jose Martinez - 8/8
Dallas McPherson - 4/4
Lastings Milledge - 3/4
Brent Morel - 1/3
Jake Peavy - 1/1 (mini helmet)
Josh Phegley - 4/4
Juan Pierre - 1/4, 3/3, 1/1 (ball)
A.J. Pierzynski - 1/1
Jared Price - 1/1
Carlos Quentin - 1/2
Alexei Ramirez - 1/2
Jerry Reinsdorf - 1/1 (ball)
Chris Sale - 4/4
Sergio Santos - 4/4
Brandon Short - 4/4
Mark Teahen - 3/3
Omar Vizquel - 1/2
Devon White - 1/2
Kenny Williams - 1/1 (ball)

Dodgers
J.D. Closser - 2/2
John Ely - 4/4
Damaso Espino - 2/2
Dana Eveland - 2/2
Jay Gibbons - 1/1
Javy Guerra - 2/2
Ken Howell - 2/2
Gabe Kapler - 1/1
Hiroki Kuroda - 2/2
Jon Link - 4/4
Mike MacDougal - 4/4
Bill Mueller - 2/2, 1/1 (ball)

Another day, another White Sox rackfest!  Today was just about as good as yesterday.  I got more autographs today despite the fact that I didn't have any other generous graphers helping me out.

Last year at Twins camp, Jesse Crain would always stop his car on his way out of the parking lot to sign for everybody.  He had some fun with us, though.  At some random point, he would honk the horn of his giant truck, and scare the crap out of all of us.  I asked him if he was doing that this year, and he said he couldn't bring his truck with him because it is way too big for Chicago.

John Danks was great as usual.  He would have signed two more cards, but he got sweat all over them, and he didn't want the autograph ruined.  He told me that his mom would love a copy of each of the prints I've made or had made of him.  I'll bring those to him tomorrow.

Jake Peavy was very appreciative of the "South Side Aces" print that I gave him.  He was doing 1 per for everybody as he was in bit of a rush, but he made sure to knock out 3 for me.

I was surprised to see Darrin Jackson there today.  That makes two announcers in camp.  Luckily, DJ is no Steve Stone.  When he came out, he said he would sign on his way back in.  About an hour later, I turned around and DJ was heading right for me.  I didn't even have to remind him.

I haven't yet decided what I think of Will Ohman.  When he was taking the field in the morning, I asked if he had time to sign.  He looked at his wrist (no watch) and said "I checked my watch, I don't have time".  At the end of practice, he answered the same question with "I do have time now" and signed 2/4 cards.

When I asked Kirk Champion to sign, he replied "You must have dug deep if you've got cards for me".

Here is my Sox tally for day 2:

Harold Baines - 1/2
Gordon Beckham - 1/2
Kyle Bellamy - 4/4
Mark Buehrle - 1/2 (10x20)
Anthony Carter - 1/1
Kirk Champion - 3/3
Kyle Cofield - 4/4
Jesse Crain - 4/4
John Danks - 2/4, 4/4 (2 10x20s, 2 10x30s)
Jordan Danks - 2/2 (8x10s)
Alejandro De Aza - 4/4
Adam Dunn - 1/3
Tyler Flowers - 2/2
Gavin Floyd - 2/2
Darrin Jackson - 2/2
Nate Jones - 4/4
Paul Konerko - 1/2
Charlie Leesman - 4/4
Brent Lillibridge - 2/4
Ever Magallanes - 4/4
Jeff Marquez - 4/4
Joe McEwing - 2/2
Dallas McPherson - 4/4
Brent Morel - 1/4
Juan Nieves - 4/4
Will Ohman - 2/4
John Orton - 4/4
Jake Peavy - 3/4
Tony Pena - 4/4
Juan Pierre - 2/4, 2/2
A.J. Pierzynski - 1/2
Alex Rios - 1/2
Chris Sale - 1/1 (16x20)
Sergio Santos - 4/4
Brandon Short - 4/4
Mark Teahen - 2/2
Matt Thornton - 2/2
Dayan Viciedo - 1/1 (16x20)
Devon White - 2/2

When I was finally convinced that there was no point hanging around the empty Sox camp, I again headed to the Dodgers parking lot.  My main objective was still to get Jon Garland to complete my All-Star 16x20.  The only difference is, this time I completed it!  I was giddy for about 15 minutes afterwards.  This bad boy is getting framed!

John Kruk was doing a report from Camelback Ranch today.  He entered on the Sox side, but was in a big rush and couldn't stop to sign.  He exited on the Dodgers side, and couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating.  I just wish I had had some Sox stuff with me!

Here are my Dodgers totals:

Casey Blake - 1/1
John Ely - 4/4
Jon Garland - 1/1 (16x20)
Jay Gibbons - 4/4
Gabe Kapler - 1/2
John Kruk - 1/1 (baseball)
Hiroki Kuroda - 1/1
Mike MacDougal - 3/3
Dioner Navarro - 1/2
Trent Oeltjen - 1/1
Ramon Troncoso - 2/2
Maury Wills - 2/2

Finally!  I'm in Arizona and just finished my first day at White Sox camp.  This is something I have wanted to do for about 15 years.  I'm happy to say it was worth the wait!

First off, those who didn't sign.  Mark Buehrle, Ozzie Guillen, Edwin Jackson, & Alex Rios denied all autograph requests.  Several others didn't sign, but that was due more to the fact that 10 people were already signing, and nobody had a chance to call them over.  I believe this was the case with John Danks (can't believe I missed him!), Jordan Danks, Matt Thornton, and a few others.  Also, I missed Chris Sale, who did sign, because I was getting Jake Peavy.

When Jake Peavy saw the South Side Aces photo, he replied "You know what, I'd really like to have one of those".  I told him I would bring him one tomorrow.  Hopefully he hooks me up!  He is a class act, and signed for everybody.

When Vizquel saw the 2011 Topps Diamond card, he exclaimed "Ooooh, shiny!".

Now, on to Steve Stone.  If you've been reading my site from the beginning, you know my feelings about Steve Stone.  If not, let me lay it out for you.  He's a jerk!  I don't think you'll get much argument if you talk to other collectors that have tried getting his autograph.  Read my 2009 Soxfest recap for more details.

Anyway, back to today.  For some reason, Stone was at the White Sox workout.  Announcers don't usually show up until the games start, but he was there anyway.  He was about 5 feet from the 3 foot tall fence we were standing behind.  Somebody asked for an autograph, and to my surprise he agreed to sign.  However, he refused to walk the 5 feet to the fence.  He said "Toss it".  When the lady said she didn't hear him, he repeated "toss it".  So she tossed him his ball.  After he tossed it back, I asked if he would please sign a card for me.  He finally walked up to the fence, and took my book that had two of his cards.  I was completely surprised to be getting Steve Stone's autograph!

Well, I shouldn't have been.  After he returned my book, I looked at the card he "signed".  He printed his name on the card!  Instead of using his autograph, he wrote out his name like he was in kindergarten.  Not only that, but he did it write across his face!  I looked at the autograph he signed for the other person, and it was his normal autograph! 

Just so we're clear, let me repeat:  Steve Stone is a jerk!

Jeff Cox showed what a character he is after signed 4 cards for me.  I was the only fan left on the White Sox side of Camelback Ranch when Cox came in.  Everybody else had either left or gone over to the Dodgers side.  After signing my 4 cards, Cox yelled out "Go White Sox!"  What persuaded him to do that, I have no idea.

Well, it's about time I gave you what you came here to see.  My tally!  If it doesn't say what item was signed, then it's a card.

Gordon Beckham - 1/2, 1/1 (help)
Daryl Boston - 1/1
Brian Bruney - 2/2
Jeff Cox - 4/4
Freddy Dolsi - 2/2
Adam Dunn - 1/1 mini helmet
Eduardo Escobar - 4/4
Tyler Flowers - 2/2 8x10s
Gavin Floyd - 2/2 10x20s, 1/1 card (help)
Lucas Harrell - 3/4 (Lucas doesn't sign dupes, and he thought that the 2010 Bowman and 2010 Bowman Chrome Refractor were the same card)
Philip Humber - 4/4
Gregory Infante - 4/4
Paul Konerko - 1/2
Jeff Manto - 4/4
Lastings Milledge - 2/2
Jhonny Nunez - 4/4
Jake Peavy - 1/1, 1/1 (help), 2/2 10x20s
Tony Pena - 4/4
Josh Phegley - 2/2 8x10s, 4/4 (help)
Juan Pierre - 2/2
A.J. Pierzynski - 1/2
Carlos Quentin - 1/2
Alexei Ramirez - 1/2 11x14s
Mark Salas - 2/4
Steve Stone - 1/2 (I guess)
Dayan Viciedo - 2/2 11x14s
Omar Vizquel - 1/2
Devon White - 1/1 (97 World Series baseball)

A few minutes before I planned on leaving the Sox side, a guy that I had been hanging out with hollered at me from a ways away that Don Mattingly was signing on the Dodgers side.  It is a bit of a trek to the Dodgers side, but I felt Mattingly was worth.  Unfortunately, I had stuff scattered everywhere, so I was going to have to spend a couple of minutes gathering it all together.  Luckily, the nice security lady that I had been talking to said "Go!  I'll watch your stuff".  So I ran like the wind (ha!) over to the Dodgers side.  There was a line formed for Mattingly, so I got in line.  When I was the next person to get him, he said "I'm signing 3 more, then I'm done".  I had barely made it, all thanks to the nice security lady!

I returned to the Sox side with Mattingly ball in tow, and packed up my stuff and head to my car.  Apparently the Sox never sign at the parking lot, so I decided to drive over to the Dodgers lot to see if Jon Garland and Juan Uribe had left yet.

Unfortunately, Garland was already gone.  Uribe was still there, but didn't sign anything when he did leave.  However, I did get a few autographs, including another from Mattingly and a couple from Maury Wills.  Maury was in the best mood I had ever seen him in.  He was asking everybody that had a nice item if they wanted an inscription or personalization.  He ended up signing for a good 10-15 minutes.

James Loney was great.  Instead of getting in his car, and then rolling down his window to sign, he actually turned around and walked over to us graphers.  We had a long row of people gathered in what appeared to be a line, and I was the first person he got to.  Right as he was about to take my item, he said "What about those guys (pointing to the back of the line)... I think I'll start there!  So instead of being first, I got him last!  Still, he signed one a piece for everybody, and was very personable and friendly throughout.

When Mattingly was getting ready to pull out, the security guard suggested we form a line.  He thought that it would increase the chances of Mattingly stopping.  So we formed a line, again with me in the front.  When Mattingly pulled out, he said "Wow!  You guys formed such a nice line, now I have to sign!".  I'd never really met Mattingly before today, but now I'm definitely a fan.

Anyway, here is my Dodgers tally:

Rod Barajas - 2/2
Casey Blake - 2/2
Jamey Carroll - 2/2
John Ely - 2/2
Tony Gwynn Jr. - 1/1
Rick Honeycutt - 2/2
Kenley Jansen - 4/4
James Loney - 1/2
Don Mattingly - 1/1
Maury Wills - 2/2

All in all, it was a fantastic day!  I can't wait to do it again tomorrow!

I will post better pictures when I get home.

Today's total: 74 cards, 4 8x10s, 2 baseballs, 2 11x14s (3 autographs), 2 10x20s (4 autographs), 1 mini helmet

2011 Spring Training 3 day total: 162 cards, 4 8x10s, 2 baseballs, 2 11x14s, 2 10x20s, 1 mini helmet