ChiSox Collector - Autographs

2013 Topps Tribute Autographs

Doug — Fri, 31 May 2013 20:26:57 GMT

One of my favorite autograph sets of 2012 was Topps Tribute. 2013 appears to be more of the same. These are some gorgeous on-card autographs. I have picked up one variation of each White Sox player included in this year's set. Enjoy!

Albert Belle private signing results

Doug — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:47:24 GMT

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!

A few new bats

Doug — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 00:27:57 GMT

I'm not sure why, but I've been on a bit of a bat kick lately. I've purchased the bats below over the last couple of weeks, and have another nice game used bat on the way.

Paul Konerko game used

Carlos Quentin game used

Steve Sax game used

Jermaine Dye signed w/ inscription

Dick Allen private signing results

Doug — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 23:54:08 GMT

I sent in several items for Tom Orr's private signing with Dick Allen. I wish I could have sent more, but funds are a bit tight right now, due to this signing, another signing for which I'll be posting the results in the next few days, and a few bat purchases.

I already have a slabbed Dick Allen rookie, but half of his signature is in the black area of the card, so I decided to upgrade. This time I clearly labeled where I wanted him to sign it, and he signed it perfectly. I also sent in my two favorite Dick Allen Sox cards, '72 and '73 Topps.

In addition to the cards, I sent in two 16x20s and a Sports Illustrated. Luckily I was able to find a nice condition no-label Sports Illustrated. Chuck Supple hooked me up!

On the 16x20, I had asked for a "Wampum Walloper" inscription. Apparently Dick wouldn't put that, as I got "1972 AL MVP" (which I had listed as a fallback option) instead. Still looks great!

New baseballs

Doug — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:19:15 GMT

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.

Project Rookie Card: Al Lopez

Doug — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 23:43:46 GMT

I got a very good price on this already slabbed Al Lopez 1951 Bowman card. Beckett lists this as his managerial rookie card, and since he was a manager for the Sox, and is in the HOF for his work as a manager, I've decided that it counts. It has terrible centering, and there is some tape on the card, but the signature looks great.

Michael Jordan awesomeness

Doug — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 04:02:42 GMT

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!

Mike Jackson & Mike Devereaux signing results

Doug — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 16:35:01 GMT

The package that contained the Charlotte 50/50 from my previous post also contained my cards from Kev's Mike Jackson and Mike Devereaux signings. I was very happy to finally get Mike Jackson on a Sox card.

Here are the six cards I sent in for the two signings:

Another Charlotte 50/50

Doug — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 16:30:27 GMT

Last week I received my second Charlotte (with a few others mixed in) 50/50. This one came from Kevin (justcrazy on SCN/SG), and boy did he come through! Kev and Derek (scoreset on SG) are my two Charlotte regulars, and they take care of me season after season.

Neil Allen x12
Dylan Axelrod x1
Brian Bruney x2
Anthony Carter x9
Jordan Danks x9
Jack Egbert x7
Jim Gallagher x3
Stefan Gartrell x7
Deunte Heath x1
Gregory Infante x1
Josh Kroeger x7
Charlie Leesman x10
Jhan Marinez x2
Dallas McPherson x1
Jhonny Nunez x4
Brian Omogrosso x8
Josh Phegley x8
Kyle Shelton x1
Joel Skinner x8
Miguel Socolovich x1
Matt Zaleski x1

Here are a few favorites:

White Sox Minor League Lot

Doug — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 14:22:21 GMT

Yesterday I received a lot of 18 different partially signed White Sox minor league team sets. The sets range from 1987 to 1995. 328 of the cards are signed.

I bought the lot from SCN user bamarichard. The transaction went very smoothly, and the cards arrived very fast.

Here are some of the highlights:

Roberto Alomar baseball

Doug — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 17:12:54 GMT

I've been looking for a reasonably priced Roberto Alomar signed baseball with HOF inscription ever since he was inducted last year. I finally found one being sold on eBay auction style, and got it for a pretty good price.

New certs

Doug — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 03:56:18 GMT

This week I added some really nice new certified autos to the collection. Nothing too valuable, but some very attractive cards. The most I paid for any of them was $4, so I'm pretty pleased with the additions.

Charlotte 50/50

Doug — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 03:34:20 GMT

Yesterday I received the results from another 50/50 with Derek (Scoreset on SG). It was mostly Charlotte, with a few other guys mixed in. As usual, he knocked it out of the park! I'll have to ask him about the Brian Bruney card. I can't tell if it's a bible verse, or if he wrote "HAHAHAHAHA" on the card, or something else entirely.

Brian Bruney - 1
Anthony Carter - 4
Jordan Danks - 5
Jack Egbert - 2
Stefan Gartrell - 4
Deunte Heath - 2
Gregory Infante - 8
Charles Leesman - 7
Jhan Marinez - 1
Ozzie Martinez - 1
Brian Omogrosso - 4
Josh Phegley - 7
Kyle Shelton - 1
Miguel Socolovich - 2
Andy Tomberlin - 1
J.R. Towles - 1 (to complete a Donny Lucy)
Matt Zaleski - 1

Here are some of the highlights:

Winston-Salem 50/50

Doug — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 03:27:47 GMT

Today I received the results from a 50/50 I did with James (sicknesseffect06 on SCN). It was the first time I've done a 50/50 with James, though we have exchanged PMs on SCN in the past. I had no doubt it would be successful... he is a fellow Sox fan, after all.

James came through, getting almost everything I sent signed. I wouldn't hesitate to work with him again.

Michael Blanke - 1
David Herbek - 3
Kevan Smith - 3
Scott Snodgress - 3
Steven Upchurch - 3
Keenyn Walker - 3
Ross Wilson - 2

Here are a few of the cards:

Thanks James!

World Series 16x20s

Doug — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 01:38:12 GMT

Last week I picked up a couple of World Series 16x20s for a pretty good price from Schwartz Sports. I already have WS 16x20s from both of these guys, but not with inscriptions. Very happy to add these to the collection!

Picnic in the Park help... Part 2

Doug — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:03:03 GMT

Today I received the results of my second Picnic in the Park consignment. These came with the help of SCN member Macey225. Donnie has helped me at the Picnic before, and always gets the vast majority of my cards signed. Not counting players/coaches that weren't at the Picnic, I think only 4 cards went unsigned.

The vast majority of the cards look good. 2 cards fell victim to a black sharpie, and 1 to a dying blue sharpie. Not bad at all percentage-wise. My only real regret is that one of the 2012 Allen & Ginter cards was signed in black. I'll have to upgrade it at some point.

Anway, on to the cards!

PSA Submission Results

Doug — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 23:18:34 GMT

I've been wanting to send some autographed cards in to PSA for a very long time. I could never get myself to pull the trigger. Frankly, I was confused by PSA's send in form, lol. So I decided to participate in SCN member Tommy Jackley's July PSA send-in.

Unfortunately, after they were authenticated, all of my items were sent to the wrong person. Tommy assured me that they would be returned and sent to me as soon as possible. It was one of the most nerve-racking waits of my collecting life... 17 of my favorite White Sox autographs, being sent from PA to AZ, back to PA, then to me in FL. All those chances for them to get lost or damaged.

Well, they arrived today... and they look great! All 17 cards are part of Project Rookie Card. Looks like I'll be sending in all of my White Sox rookies for authentication and slabbing.

Royals_Chiefs consignment results

Doug — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 04:26:47 GMT

This week I received the results of a consignment with SCN member Royals_Chiefs. He did very well with my stuff, getting 7/11 possible cards signed. Here are the results:

I'm especially happy with the Venturas. The 1997 was the last Ventura I needed for my All-Time Upper Deck project. Now I can focus on getting some personal favorites signed.

Thome and Konerko certified additions

Doug — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 04:03:53 GMT

This week my friendly (I assume, I don't think I've actually met him) neighborhood mailman brought me a couple of nice certified autographs. Both were eBay purchases.

I've always been fond of the Sweet Spot certified autographs, so I was very pleased to add the Thome to my collection.

Picnic in the Park help... Part 1

Doug — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 21:52:31 GMT

Two Chicagoans helped me out at the Picnic in the Park earlier this month. Chuck (graphhound1 on SCN) helped me out with a few guys in return for my help with Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg during Nats spring training. Here are the cards he got signed for me:

I'm very happy to add these to the collection. 2005 Donruss Champions and 2011 Gypsy Queen are two sets that I've contemplated trying to complete. These autographs are definitely nudging me in that direction. Thanks Chuck!

190 Joe Borchard signed cards

Doug — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 21:45:19 GMT

I was a big Joe Borchard fan during his time as a White Sox prospect. Not so much because of his play on the field, though he did have light-tower power. It had more to do with his fan-friendliness off the field.

During his time as one of the top prospects in all of baseball, I sent him a note asking if it would be okay if I sent him a few items to be autographed. He returned my postage paid postcard with a message saying he would be happy to sign whatever I sent, whether it was 1 item or 100. I ended up sending him 25 cards, 2 8x10s, and 2 baseballs. Within a week they arrived, every item signed beautifully.

I was browsing Joe Borchard items on eBay last week, and saw a lot of 190 Joe Borchard signed cards. I ended up winning the auction with a bid of $7.73. That's about $.04 a card! I couldn't pass it up.

Here are some of the highlights from the lot:

A few new certs

Doug — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:56:31 GMT

Over the last few weeks, I've added a few new certified autographs to the collection. With one exception, they are nothing to get too excited about, but I'm happy to have them nonetheless.

Rfurnish Rocks!

Doug — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:18:37 GMT

Last week I received a PM from SCN member rfurnish. In the message he said that he had a signed 2008 UD Ryan Bukvich, which I need for my all-time UD project. I asked what he wanted in sale or trade, and he said he would send it to me, free of charge. The card arrived this week. In addition to the Bukvich, Ron included a signed 2008 UD Heath Phillips. I already had this one, but it is a pretty big upgrade over my existing one.

I just want to thank Ron. It's great to know that there are still people that just want to help others. This act of generosity is very much appreciated!

Chris Sale signing results

Doug — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 19:02:49 GMT

I just received my bounty from the recent Chris Sale signing. SCN member pabs82 took my items. He also took my items for the recent Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko signings. I highly recommend him.

I only sent 16x20s for this signing. I should have gotten a 2012 All-Star ball done, but didn't think of it in time.

The Snoop/Sale 16x20 is now one of my personal favorites.

Adam Dunn signing results

Doug — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 21:09:02 GMT

I received my items from the recent Adam Dunn public signing in the Chicago area. I sent 3 cards and a 16x20 photo. Unfortunately, one of the cards (and a multi-signed one at that) ended up with a thumbprint in the signature. You can see it in the picture below. I am currently exploring my options to get it re-signed or receive a refund.

Paul Konerko 16x20s

Doug — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 12:05:31 GMT

I haven't had a chance to break out my DSLR to take better images. Here are some crappy cell phone pics of the Konerko 16x20s that I got done at his recent signing. I already have the World Series 16x20 signed with the same inscription. However, that was a photo that I had printed, whereas this one is a Photofile with World Series hologram, etc.

Paul Konerko signing results

Doug — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 00:11:11 GMT

Today I received my items from a recent Paul Konerko private signing. SCN member pabs82 was kind enough to take my items, and he did a great job with them. Altogether I sent 13 items. 10 cards, 2 16x20s, and 1 2005 ALCS program. Here are the cards and program. I will post the 16x20s later this weekend.

The picture of the program doesn't do it justice. It looks amazing!

Great multi-signed card

Doug — Sun, 27 May 2012 01:27:39 GMT

I just received this card from a Robin Ventura consignment. A friend got Fisk on it for me last year. I love multi-signed cards, and this is now one of my favorites!

A pair of Fisks

Doug — Tue, 15 May 2012 01:55:45 GMT

Carlton Fisk has been very popular with Topps so far in 2012, with autographs in many different Topps products. Earlier I showed you my Topps Tribute Fisk auto. Here are a couple more beautiful on-card Fisk autos that I've picked up recently. 2012 Gypsy Queen and Museum Collection.

2012 Topps Tribute Autographs... Completed!

Doug — Mon, 14 May 2012 01:49:43 GMT

I finally picked up the last 2012 Topps Tribute autograph I needed. The big one. The Big Hurt, Frank Thomas!

2012 Topps Tribute Autographs

Doug — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 14:37:29 GMT

I'm a big fan of the autographs from 2012 Topps Tribute. The autographs are all on-card, which is much better than a sticker autograph. The cards have a refractor-like finish, and a very classy design.

There are five different White Sox in the set. I have the four shown below. The one I am missing is my all-time favorite player, Frank Thomas. I haven't been able to find one at a price that I'm comfortable paying. Some times I wish my favorite player was somebody more affordable, lol.

Behold, my 2012 Topps Tribute autographs! The Minnie Minoso is the gold version, numbered to 15.

Spring Training 2012, Day 18 - Miami Marlins

Doug — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 17:48:49 GMT

Well, spring training is ending on something of a downer for me. I decided to head to Jupiter one last time. Big mistake. The major leaguers didn't work out on the practice fields at all, and all of the minor leaguers traveled. The AAA/AA teams were supposed to be home today against the Mets. But for some reason the A teams went to St. Lucie, and the AAA/AA teams apparently went to Viera.

90% of the totals below were obtained in the parking lot this morning. A handful were obtained in the backfields, as the minor league pitchers that didn't travel had a short workout.

Totals:

John Buck - 2/2
Jeff Conine - 1/1, 1/1 (help)
Joey Cora - 2/2
Scott Cousins - 4/4
Matt Dominguez - 1/2
Michael Dunn - 4/4
Ron Hassey - 4/4
Brett Hayes - 2/2
Chad James - 3/3
Jake Jefferies - 1/1
Kyle Jensen - 2/2
Tom Koehler - 1/1
James Leverton - 1/1
Jobduan Morales - 2/2
Logan Morrison - 4/4
Edgar Olmos - 1/1
Bryan Petersen - 2/2
Jeff Schwarz - 1/1
Randy St. Claire - 4/4
Rett Varner - 2/2
Elih Villanueva - 2/2

Today's total - 47 cards

Eighteen day total - 1537 cards, 2 16x20s, 2 10x20s, 2 11x14s, 5 tickets, 11 8x10s, 2 baseballs, 3 mini helmets

Spring Training 2012, Day 17 - Washington Nationals

Doug — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:14:03 GMT

I spent what might be my last day of spring training at Nats minor league camp. Unfortunately, they started late today (10:30), so the AAA/AA that were traveling to Kissimmee never came out.

These guys are clearly getting tired of me. I was thinking about going back tomorrow to try to get AAA guys, but after some of the looks and comments I got today, I'm having second thoughts. I'll either go to Jupiter tomorrow, or just relax for the first time in over a month.

Of the players that clearly recognized me, Brian Goodwin was the only one that refused to sign for me. I'm sure Matt Purke would have as well, but I didn't see him.

The Single A Astros were here today. Unfortunately, they didn't bring Delino Deshields or George Springer. I was pretty happy to get Cesar Cedeno, though. He was very friendly. When he emerged from the dugout and I asked him to sign, he acted shocked and afraid. Once he took my cards, he started calling over his players and making them look at them, lol.

Totals!

Nationals
Justin Bloxom - 1/1
Bob Boone - 2/2
Matt Buschmann - 2/2
Zach Duke - 4/4
Brian Dupra - 1/1
Cutter Dykstra - 4/4
Brian Goodwin - 1/1 (help)
Rick Hague - 5/5
Trevor Holder - 3/3
Destin Hood - 1/1
Cole Leonida - 4/4
Jason Martinson - 4/4
Yunesky Maya - 2/2
Jack McGeary - 2/2
Adrian Nieto - 3/3
Adam Olbrychowski - 1/1
Hassan Pena - 2/2
J.P. Ramirez - 4/4
Robbie Ray - 4/4
Anthony Rendon - 1/1, 1/1 (help)
Adrian Sanchez - 1/1
Josh Smoker - 4/4
Steven Souza - 3/3
Cory Van Allen - 1/1
Kyle Winters - 3/3

Astros
Dave Borkowski - 4/4
Cesar Cedeno - 2/2
Rene Garcia - 1/1
Miles Hamblin - 4/4
Ben Heath - 4/4
Domingo Santana - 4/4

Today's total - 83 cards

Seventeen day total - 1490 cards, 2 16x20s, 2 10x20s, 2 11x14s, 5 tickets, 11 8x10s, 2 baseballs, 3 mini helmets

Spring Training 2012, Day 16 - Washington Nationals

Doug — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:24:42 GMT

Spent the day at Nats camp. I moved around quite a bit today. My day went like this:

6:30am - 7:45am - Major League Parking Lot
7:45am - 10:00am - Minor League workout
10:00am - 10:30am - Major League starting pitchers batting practice
10:30am - 1:15pm - Minor League workout
1:15pm - 3:15pm - Major League Parking Lot

The most notable thing that happened today was getting Stephen Strasburg for the first time. All of the starting pitchers signed after taking BP, other than today's starter John Lannan. There were quite a few people lined up for Strasburg. Probably 40 or so. Strasburg signed for everybody. Not only that, but he was smiling and laughing. I guess there is a first time for everything!

Gio Gonzalez and Edwin Jackson signed everything put in front of them after BP, and again in the parking lot. Those two guys have been awesome all spring.

Bryce Harper didn't sign anything.

Totals!

Bob Boone - 2/2
Sean Burnett - 1/1
Brian Daubach - 4/4
Gio Gonzalez - 4/4, 2/2
Tom Gorzelanny - 2/2
Brian Goodwin - 2/2
Rick Hague - 4/4
Edwin Jackson - 4/4, 3/3
Adam LaRoche - 1/2
Cole Leonida - 4/4
Steve Lombardozzi - 2/2
Jason Martinson - 4/4
Yunesky Maya - 4/4
Tyler Moore - 4/4
Xavier Nady - 1/1
Xavier Paul - 3/3
Eury Perez - 4/4, 4/4
Matt Purke - 2/2 (Called me out again, saying "Man, how many times do I have to sign for you?")
J.P. Ramirez - 4/4
Anthony Rendon - 2/2
Bill Singer - 4/4 (Called me out as well, saying "No more, this is the third time!")
Matthew Skole - 1/1
Steven Souza - 3/3
Craig Stammen - 1/1
Stephen Strasburg - 1/1
Mark Teahen - 4/4
Chien-Ming Wang - 4/4
Jordan Zimmermann - 1/1

Today's total - 88 cards

Sixteen day total - 1407 cards, 2 16x20s, 2 10x20s, 2 11x14s, 5 tickets, 11 8x10s, 2 baseballs, 3 mini helmets

Spring Training 2012, Day 15 - Miami Marlins

Doug — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:50:25 GMT

Today was kind of a wasted day. Mark Buehrle wasn't there, and most of the big names were on the bus that left at 7am. The only notable guys that stayed behind were Mike Stanton, Heath Bell, and Carlos Zambrano.

Zambrano didn't sign anything, Heath Bell signed everything, and Stanton signed a few in the morning. Stanton and Logan Morrison were still there when I left, doing rehab-related activities. Since I got both in the morning, I decided to call it a day early.

Totals:

Cole Armstrong - 4/4
Heath Bell - 3/3, 2/2 (1 smeared)
Arquimedes Caminero - 1/1
Jose Ceda - 4/4
Steve Cishek - 2/2
Scott Cousins - 4/4
Matt Dominguez - 2/2
Michael Dunn - 4/4
Jose Fernandez - 4/8, 5/5
Gary Glover - 4/4
Brad Hand - 4/4
Ron Hassey - 4/4
Mason Hope - 8/8
Jake Jefferies - 3/3
Kyle Jensen - 1/2
Austin Kearns - 1/1
Tom Koehler - 3/4
Chase Lambin - 2/2
Damon Minor - 2/2
Luke Montz - 1/1
Logan Morrison - 4/4
Omer Munoz - 1/1
Marcell Ozuna - 8/8, 4/4
Gaby Sanchez - 1/2 (only signed for me and then walked away)
Jeff Schwarz - 4/4
Kyle Skipworth - 4/4
Giancarlo Stanton - 1/1
Gary Thurman - 2/4
Terry Tiffee - 2/2
Rett Varner - 4/4
Ryan Webb - 2/2
Christian Yelich - 5/6 (no dupes)

Today's total - 110 cards

Fifteen day total - 1319 cards, 2 16x20s, 2 10x20s, 2 11x14s, 5 tickets, 11 8x10s, 2 baseballs, 3 mini helmets

Spring Training 2012, Day 14 - Washington Nationals (and Astros AAA/AA)

Doug — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 23:23:42 GMT

Spent today at Nats minor league camp. There were a LOT more people there today than have been there previously. Bryce Harper getting sent down will do that.

I hung out with Ed, Kirk, Jesus, Nelson, Elsa, Cathy (Kathy?) and a few others. Having people to talk to definitely makes the day go by faster. Kirk also turned me on to the pizza place inside of the gas station down the street from the complex. Glad to have somewhere to eat within walking distance!

Bryce didn't sign anything. Not only that, but he now has a "shadow" that says no for him. The shadow walks with him throughout the camp. Whenever he needs to go to the clubhouse, he hops on a golf cart.

Totals:

Nationals
Colin Bates - 1/1
Bob Boone - 2/2
Brian Daubach - 3/3
Erik Davis - 4/4
Brian Dupra - 4/4
Brian Goodwin - 1/1, 1/1 (help)
Rick Hague - 4/4
Blake Kelso - 1/1
Kevin Keyes - 4/4
Jeff Kobernus - 4/4
Cole Leonida - 4/4
Jason Martinson - 4/4
Yunesky Maya - 4/4
Paul Menhart - 1/1
Tyler Moore - 4/4
Xavier Paul - 4/4
Eury Perez - 4/4, 4/4
J.P. Ramirez - 5/5
Anthony Rendon - 1/1, 1/2 (8x10)
Rick Schu - 3/3
Matthew Skole - 1/1
Steven Souza - 3/3
Ryan Tatusko - 2/2
Mark Teahen - 4/4, 2/2 (8x10s)
Kylin Turnbull - 2/2
Chien-Ming Wang - 4/4 (Major League parking lot)

Astros
Adam Bailey - 4/4
Mark Bailey - 4/4
Brandon Barnes - 1/1
Enos Cabell - 4/4
Joel Chimelis - 4/4
Collin DeLome - 1/1
Jon Gaston - 2/2
Jacob Goebbert - 2/2
Kyle Greenwalt - 1/1
Ben Heath - 4/4
Gary Ruby - 1/1
Jonathan Singleton - 2/4, 2/2 (help)
Jonathan Villar - 4/4 (should have brought more, he was signing everything)
Chris Wallace - 4/4

Today's total - 123 cards, 3 8x10s

Thirteen day total - 1209 cards, 2 16x20s, 2 10x20s, 2 11x14s, 5 tickets, 11 8x10s, 2 baseballs, 3 mini helmets

Spring Training 2012, Day 13 - Miami Marlins

Doug — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 23:15:07 GMT

Today I hit Marlins camp. My main objective was Marlins major leaguers, but I also brought stuff for the AAA/AA Mets, as they were there playing the AAA/AA Marlins.

Today was both a great day and a horrible day. The great news was that I got both Ozzie Guillen and Mark Buehrle for the first time this spring, not counting the season ticket holder event.

The bad news was that Ozzie completely annihilated the mini helmet he signed for me. He had to toss it over the fence after signing it. The first time he tossed it, it bounced off of the top of the fence and he caught it with his hand right on the signature, smearing it. The second time he tossed it he airmailed it over two sections of the fence back into the players parking lot. It bounced around for a while before Guillen picked it up. So now, in addition to the smeared signature, the helmet itself is all scratched up. The third time he was successful. The helmet is trash. This completely ruined my day. What is it with my luck with mini helmets this spring?

Buehrle parked in the stadium to avoid the players parking lot. He pulled out while the Major League game was still going on, and there were only 2 kids and 3 adults near the parking area getting autographs. The two kids were waiting where Buehrle pulls out to try to get him to roll down his window. Unbelievably, he did! Derek, C.B., and I all ran over. Buehrle did sign for us, though you could tell he wasn't happy about it. He actually said to us "I park in here so I can avoid you guys!". As I wasn't expecting Buehrle to sign, I didn't have any of the nice items I need him on ready, so I just got him on a card.

Andre Dawson and Tony Perez drove in together. Only two of us approached them. Tony Perez wasn't having it, but Dawson stopped. The guy I was with, Jesus, asked Dawson to sign a HOF program. Dawson refused. He then went on a fairly long diatribe about how he doesn't sign in the morning. Nonetheless, he did sign a card for each of us.

Giancarlo Stanton signed going in and coming out. He is making a point of refusing to come over when people call him Mike. But as soon as somebody called him Giancarlo, he came over, and was very friendly both times.

Today was my best quantity day so far this spring, and would be a good quality day as well if it weren't for the Guillen mini helmet fiasco.

Totals!

Marlins
Jose Alvarez - 2/2
Chase Austin - 2/2
Andy Barkett - 2/2
Heath Bell - 2/2
Emilio Bonifacio - 1/2
John Buck - 2/2
Mark Buehrle - 1/1
Mark Canha - 4/4
Steve Cishek - 4/4
Joe Coleman - 4/4
Jeff Conine - 1/2, 1/1
Joey Cora - 2/2
Scott Cousins - 4/4
Andre Dawson - 1/1
Matt Dominguez - 2/2
Michael Dunn - 4/4
Jose Fernandez - 4/4
Ryan Fisher - 2/2
Isaac Galloway - 3/3
Chad Gaudin - 4/4
Nick Green - 1/1
Ozzie Guillen - 1/1 mini helmet (smeared and scratched)
Brad Hand - 4/4
Ron Hassey - 4/4
Josh Hodges - 2/2
Mason Hope - 4/4
Chad James - 2/2
Jared Jefferies - 4/4
Kyle Jensen - 1/2
Austin Kearns - 1/1
Ben Lasater - 4/4
Tim Leiper - 2/2
James Leverton - 2/2
J.D. Martin - 2/2
Brian McConkey - 2/2
Blake McGinley - 4/4
Damon Minor - 4/4
Frank Moore - 2/2
Robert Morey - 2/2
Jobduan Morales - 4/4
Edward Mujica - 4/4
Jim Negrych - 2/2
Ricky Nolasco - 4/4
Edgar Olmos - 4/4
Eduardo Perez - 3/4
Bryan Petersen - 2/4
Dallas Poulk - 3/3
Omar Poveda - 3/3
J.T. Realmuto - 2/2
Jared Rogers - 4/4
Cookie Rojas - 1/1
Aaron Rowand - 1/1 11x14
Gaby Sanchez - 2/2
Jeff Schwarz - 4/4
Aaron Senne - 3/3
Jake Smolinski - 4/4
Giancarlo Stanton - 1/1 8x10, 1/2
Randy St. Claire - 2/2
Graham Taylor - 2/2
Rett Varner - 4/4
Sean West - 1/2
Christian Yelich - 4/8

Mets
Wally Backman - 2/3
Darrell Ceciliani - 4/4
Matt Den Dekker - 2/2 (he smeared 2 handing them back to me)
Wilmer Flores - 1/4, 1/1 (help)
Blake Forsythe - 4/4 (2 got smeared in the rain)
Sean Ratliff - 3/3
Cory Vaughn - 2/2

Today's total - 182 cards, 1 11x14, 1 mini helmet

Thirteen day total - 1081 cards (1086 autos), 2 16x20s, 2 10x20s, 2 11x14s, 5 tickets, 8 8x10s, 2 baseballs, 3 mini helmets

Spring Training 2012, Day 12 - Washington Nationals

Doug — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 18:26:24 GMT

Spent another day at Nats minor league camp. I thought the AAA/AA Astros were going to be here today, but I mixed up the dates. It was just a camp day. Oh well! Here are the totals:

Paul Applebee - 3/3
Justin Bloxom - 4/4
Greg Booker - 3/3
Bob Boone - 2/2
Brian Daubach - 4/4
Paul Demny - 2/2
Amaury Garcia - 2/2
Brian Goodwin - 1/2 (Either he hit me with a 1-per, or he doesn't sign dupes. I was the only one there.)
Rick Hague - 4/4
Jarrett Hoffpauir - 3/3
Blake Kelso - 4/4
Cole Leonida - 4/4
Jason Martinson - 4/8
Alex Meyer - 2/2
Hassan Pena - 2/2
Eury Perez - 4/4
Matt Purke - 2/2
J.P. Ramirez - 8/8
Robbie Ray - 2/2
Anthony Rendon - 2/2 (Hadn't seen his 2011 Playoff Contenders Prospect Ticket card)
Carlos Rivero - 1/1
Danny Rosenbaum - 1/1
Adrian Sanchez - 4/4 (gorgeous autograph)
Matthew Skole - 4/4 (Hadn't seen his 2011 Playoff Contenders Draft Ticket card)
Steven Souza - 3/3
Kylin Turnbull - 4/4 (2 smeared)

Today's total - 79 cards

Twelve day total - 899 cards (904 autos), 2 16x20s, 2 10x20s, 1 11x14, 5 tickets, 8 8x10s, 2 baseballs, 2 mini helmets

Spring Training 2012, Day 11 - Washington Nationals

Doug — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:24:28 GMT

No time for a recap right now.

Totals:

Marlon Anderson - 2/2
Colin Bates - 4/4
Erik Davis - 4/4
Cutter Dykstra - 4/4
Amaury Garcia - 4/4
Christian Garcia - 4/4
Brian Goodwin - 2/2
Bob Henley - 2/2
Destin Hood - 2/2
Kevin Keyes - 4/4
Cole Kimball - 2/2
Randy Knorr - 2/3 (wouldn't sign 1 card because it wasn't him pictured)
Jeff Kobernus - 4/4
Matt Lecroy - 2/2
Pat Lehman - 4/4
Cole Leonida - 4/8
Sandy Martinez - 1/1
Alex Meyer - 1/1
Adrian Nieto - 3/3
Matt Purke - 2/2 (help from Holly)
Robby Ray - 4/4 (sweat all over them again)
Danny Rosenbaum - 4/4
Steven Souza - 3/4
Tony Tarasco - 1/1
Ryan Tatusko - 3/3

Today's total - 71 cards

Eleven day total - 820 cards (824 autos), 2 16x20s, 2 10x20s, 1 11x14, 5 tickets, 8 8x10s, 2 baseballs, 2 mini helmets

Spring Training 2012, Day 10 - Washington Nationals

Doug — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 20:03:42 GMT

Today I spent the morning at the Nats Major League parking lot, and then I headed over to the back fields to get the Nats Minor Leaguers.

I've done the parking lot a couple of times recently. The first time, I was the only person there. Today, there was one other person. I've been surprised at how many players refused to sign for just one person. Rick Ankiel, Matt Purke, Cole Kimball, Yunesky Maya, John Lannan, Jordan Zimmerman, Anthony Rendon, & Eury Perez all refused to sign both times. Surprisingly, Henry Rodriguez stopped and signed today.

When I got Colin Bates on the back fields, he pointed to my hat and asked if I was a Sox fan. It turns out he grew up in the Chicago area and is a big Sox fan as well. He said his favorite player was Paul Konerko. I keep forgetting that I'm 10+ years older than some of these minor leaguers, otherwise how could it be anyone other than the Big Hurt?

Cutter Dykstra skipped both of the Bowman Chrome cards that I had out. It turns out he thought they were already signed. He has to have signed a bunch of these before, right? In any case, he was very friendly.

I had 4 Heritage cards for Robbie Ray to sign. The first one turned out perfectly. The other 3 look like they were signed in a sharpie that had been capless for about 2 weeks. While signing, he said "Your pen is dying". That didn't make any sense, as the first card looked perfect. Once he handed my book back, I realized why: he had left puddles of sweat on the cards. No wonder they didn't turn out! To those who sent Ray cards for a 50/50, I won't charge you extra for the game used sweat!

Ryan Tatusko asked whether he should sign above or below the facsimile signature on his Bowman card. Alex Meyer asked where I'd like the photos signed. Both good guys.

The totals!

Marlon Anderson - 4/4
Paul Applebee - 4/4
Colin Bates - 4/4
Seth Bynum - 2/2
Brian Daubach - 4/4
Erik Davis - 4/4
Ross Detwiler - 4/4
Cutter Dykstra - 4/4
Danny Espinosa - 4/4
Gio Gonzalez - 2/2
Mark Grater - 2/2
Rick Hague - 4/4
J.R. Higley - 1/1
Destin Hood - 3/3
Trevor Holder - 2/2
Blake Kelso - 4/4
Kevin Keyes - 4/4
Stephen King - 2/2
Pat Lehman - 4/4
Cole Leonida - 4/4
Sandy Martinez - 4/4
Jack McGeary - 2/2
Alex Meyer - 2/2 8x10s
Adrian Nieto - 4/4
Luis Ordaz - 3/3
Ryan Perry - 2/2
Wilson Ramos - 4/4
Robbie Ray - 4/4
Henry Rodriguez - 2/2
Brian Rupp - 2/2
Rick Schu - 4/4
Matthew Skole - 4/4
Josh Smoker - 2/2
Ryan Tatusko - 4/4
Michael Tejera - 3/3
Dean Weaver - 1/1

Today's total - 111 cards, 2 8x10s

Ten day total - 748 cards (751 autos), 2 16x20s, 2 10x20s, 1 11x14, 5 tickets, 8 8x10s, 2 baseballs, 2 mini helmets

Spring Training 2012, Day 9 - Washington Nationals

Doug — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:14:48 GMT

I don't have time for a long write-up today, so I'll jump right to the totals. Not a bad day at all!

Roger Bernadina - 2/2
Sean Burnett - 3/3
Tyler Clippard - 2/2
Mark DeRosa - 2/2
Ian Desmond - 4/4
Chad Durbin - 4/4
Jesus Flores - 3/3
Tom Gorzelanny - 2/2
Bryce Harper - 1/1
Edwin Jackson - 1/1 11x14
Adam LaRoche - 1/1
Brad Lidge - 1/2
Steve Lombardozzi - 2/3
Ryan Mattheus - 2/2
Mike Morse - 4/4 (was very cool today)
Ryan Perry - 2/2
Wilson Ramos - 4/4
Craig Stammen - 1/1
Drew Storen - 3/3
Chad Tracy - 4/4
Chien-Ming Wang - 4/4

Today's total - 51 cards, 1 11x14

Nine day total - 637 cards (640 autos), 2 16x20s, 2 10x20s, 1 11x14, 5 tickets, 6 8x10s, 2 baseballs, 2 mini helmets

Spring Training 2012, Day 8 - Miami Marlins

Doug — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:16:39 GMT

I attended the Marlins season ticket holder autograph event today. It is a great event, very similar to the White Sox Picnic in the Park. The one big difference is that there are only 3 lines, rather than a line for each player. Each line is for about 20 players. Today, they had the big names split up as follows:

Ozzie Guillen, Josh Johnson, Jose Reyes

Hanley Ramirez, Mike Stanton, Carlos Zambrano, Heath Bell

Mark Buehrle... umm... Gaby Sanchez?

For some reason Buehrle was the only big guy in his line. This was no good for me, as I planned on hitting Buehrle's line at least twice, if not three times. It would have been nice to knock out another big name each time through.

I had bought an extra ticket, and gave it to a guy I had been hanging out with a bit this spring. In exchange for the ticket, he would get Buehrle on a mini helmet for me. I'm not sure if he just didn't know how to handle a mini helmet, or just didn't make any effort to take care of my item, but the damn autograph ended up smeared. It looks like the helmet was probably shoved in his bag, and something rubbed up against the autograph. So the item I most wanted signed ended up being trash. This really ruined the whole day for me.

It was a bad day for mini helmets. I had a mini helmet in a bag attached to my 16x20 portfolio that I'd planned on getting Ozzie Guillen to sign. When I pulled it out just before getting to Ozzie, it was completely scratched all over. There was no way I could get it signed.

Other than the mini helmet fiascos, it wasn't a bad day. I made it through Buehrle's line twice, and through Guillen's line 1.25 times. The .25 worked out, as I was one of the last guys to get Guillen my second time through. I didn't make it to Josh Johnson or Jose Reyes the second time though.

I didn't prepare well for the event either. It didn't dawn on me that if I was going through Buehrle's line twice, I would be able to get the other people in his line twice as well. So I had nothing for anybody else in his line the second time through, other than Gaby Sanchez who signed only 1/2 the first time through.

Ozzie Guillen really got a kick out of the 12x18 photo, and the guys next to Buehrle were into the 16x20 with Derrick Rose.

I'm really happy with the two Aaron Rowand cards that got done today. They are both rookie refractors.

Prior to the event, I also hit the Marlins parking lot. Here are both sets of totals:

Autograph event
Heath Bell - 1/1 help
Emilio Bonifacio 2/2
John Buck - 2/2, 1/1 (help)
Mark Buehrle - 1/1 16x20, 1/1 10x20, 1/1 mini helmet (help, smeared)
Randy Choate - 3/3
Joey Cora - 1/1, 1/1 help, 1/1 help
Matt Dominguez - 2/2
Greg Dobbs - 4/4
Gary Glover - 4/4, 1/1 (help)
Ozzie Guillen - 1/1 12x18, 1/1, 1/1 5x7 card (help)
Brett Hayes - 4/4
Omar Infante - 2/2, 1/1 (help)
Josh Johnson - 1/1 8x10
Wade LeBlanc - 2/2
Logan Morrison - 2/2, 1/1 (help)
Ricky Nolasco - 4/4, 1/1 (help, smeared)
Eduardo Perez - 2/2
Jose Reyes - 1/1
Aaron Rowand - 1/1, 1/1 help
Gaby Sanchez - 1/2, 1/1, 1/1 (help)
Randy St. Claire - 2/2
Carlos Zambrano - 1/1 (help)

Parking Lot
Jose Ceda - 4/4
Chris Coghlan - 1/2
Scott Cousins - 3/4
Matt Dominguez - 2/2 debut tickets
Michael Dunn - 4/4
Nick Green - 1/2 (smeared it by dropping pen right on autograph)
Gary Glover - 4/4
Brad Hand - 4/4
Kyle Jensen - 1/2, 1/1 (help)
Austin Kearns - 1/2
Tom Koehler - 2/4
Wade LeBlanc - 4/4
J.D. Martin - 1/1
Logan Morrison - 4/4
Edward Mujica - 2/4
Eduardo Perez - 4/4
Rob Rasmussen - 1/1
Evan Reed - 2/2
Sandy Rosario - 2/2 8x10s
Wayne Rosenthal - 2/2
Alex Sanabia - 2/2
Anibal Sanchez - 1/2 (only signed 2 total)
Kyle Skipworth - 4/4
Graham Taylor - 4/4
Gary Thurman - 3/3
Elih Villanueva - 2/4
Sean West - 2/2

Today's total - 116 cards, 1 mini helmet, 3 8x10s, 1 16x20, 1 10x20, 1 12x18, 3 tickets

Eight day total - 584 cards (384 autos), 2 16x20s, 2 10x20s, 5 tickets, 6 8x10s, 2 baseballs, 2 mini helmets

Spring Training 2012, Day 7 - Miami Marlins

Doug — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 18:45:56 GMT

I have tickets to tomorrow's Marlins season ticket holder event, so I decided to hit the Marlins today as well and get a hotel using my endless Hilton Honors points. Sounds good, right? Wrong. Unbeknownst to me, there was a fanfest in Miami today. None of the big names, save Heath Bell, were even in Jupiter today. They all went straight to Miami.

I got some decent quantity done, but not much quality. Aaron Rowand was here, so at least it wasn't a total waste. Also, some of their minor leaguers were here today, so I was able to knock out a couple of their top prospects.

I also had a strange experience. Right after I got Joey Cora, I looked down at the card the guy after me got signed. It looked VERY familiar. It turns out it was my card that I'd sent on a consignment, lol. I got to meet quite a few SG and SCN members today. Always cool hanging out with those guys!

The totals!

Heath Bell - 2/2 (Very grumpy)
Tarrik Brock - 2/2 (When I asked him to sign after his run, he replied "as long as you don't mind me sweating on it".
Arquimedes Caminero - 2/2
Jose Ceda - 4/4
Chris Coghlan - 1/2
Joey Cora - 2/2 (What has gotten into this guy? He has signed both days I've been here)
Scott Cousins - 4/4
Greg Dobbs - 4/4
Mike Dunn - 4/4
Joe Espada - 1/1
Chad Gaudin - 4/4 (Also ran into Chad at Target after leaving camp)
Nick Green - 2/2
Brad Hand - 4/4
Josh Hodges - 4/4
Kyle Jensen - 2/4
Beau Jones - 3/3
Austin Kearns - 1/2, 1/1
J.D. Martin - 2/2, 2/2
Corey Madden - 4/4
Luke Montz - 4/4
Edgar Olmos - 4/4
Marcell Ozuna - 4/4
Eduardo Perez - 4/4
Robert Ray - 2/2
Aaron Rowand - 1/1 mini helmet, 1/1 (help)
Kyle Skipworth - 4/4, 4/4
Randy St. Claire - 2/2
Elih Villanueva - 2/4
Sean West - 3/3
Christian Yelich - 4/4

Today's total - 93 cards, 1 mini helmet

Seven day total - 468 cards (381 autos), 1 16x20, 1 10x20, 3 tickets, 3 8x10s, 2 baseballs, 1 mini helmet

I will have better pictures when I get home tomorrow. Here are some highlights:

Spring Training 2012, Day 6 - Washington Nationals

Doug — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:36:37 GMT

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

Spring Training 2012, Day 5 - Washington Nationals

Doug — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 16:02:49 GMT

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

Spring Training 2012, Day 4 - Washington Nationals

Doug — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 22:58:39 GMT

Had another mediocre day today. Decent quantity, but pretty bad quality. I didn't get any of the big guys. I skipped Strasburg's line, as that guy isn't worth wasting my time on. Zimmerman, Gonzalez, and LaRoche signed in the back of the practice facility, but I missed them. I saw Edwin Jackson signing, but was searching for Gonzalez and missed getting him.

The worst thing about today was waiting for Bryce Harper in the parking lot. A group of about 12-15 of us waiting until 5:00 for Harper. Everybody else had left, including coaches. When Harper finally emerged, he took the center field path to avoid us.

During the workout, I saw an older gentleman walking around with his grandson. I took a good look at him, and thought that it was Bill Singer. I've been carrying his cards around for years, as he is the Scouting Director for the Nats. I asked him if he was Bill Singer, and it turned out I was right. I tried to find all of the regulars I know to point him out to them, as I figured I couldn't be the only one carrying his cards around. One other person had stuff for him.

The only other remotely interesting thing that happened was getting called out by Matt Purke. I got him on 2 cards (out of 4) in the parking lot in the morning. He was signing again after the workout, so I tried to get him again. He said "Didn't you get me this morning?" When I said yes, he handed my book back without signing.

Here are the totals:

Rick Ankiel - 1/2
Andres Blanco - 2/2
Greg Booker - 1/4
Bob Boone - 2/2
Corey Brown - 4/4
Sean Burnett - 4/4
Brett Carroll - 1/1 8x10
Tyler Clippard - 2/2
Ian Desmond - 4/4
Ross Detwiler - 3/4
Danny Espinosa - 2/4
Jesus Flores - 2/4
Eric Fox - 4/4
Jeff Fulchino - 2/2
Jeff Garber - 1/1
Brian Goodwin - 2/2
Jarrett Hoffpauir - 4/4
Davey Johnson - 2/2
Matt Lecroy - 4/4
Steve Lombardozzi - 1/1 Debut ticket
Chris Marrero - 4/4
Steve McCatty - 2/2
Jason Michaels - 4/4
Tyler Moore - 4/4
Xavier Paul - 3/4
Bo Porter - 4/4
Matt Purke - 2/4, 1/1 (help)
Wilson Ramos - 1/1 Debut ticket
Anthony Rendon - 2/4, 1/1, 1/1
Bill Singer - 4/4
Drew Storen - 1/1 Debut ticket
Tony Tarasco - 2/2
Mark Teahen - 1/4, 3/3
Chad Tracy - 3/3
Chien-Ming Wang - 4/4
Jordan Zimmermann - 1/1

Today's total - 89 cards (92 autos), 3 tickets, 1 8x10

Four day total - 269 cards (272 autos), 1 16x20, 1 10x20, 3 tickets, 1 8x10

Spring Training 2012, Day 3 - Atlanta Braves

Doug — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:24:59 GMT

Today I went to Braves camp. I had almost convinced myself to skip this camp this year, as I always have a miserable time, and the quality of the graphs is almost never enough to make it worth it. I probably should have skipped it, and will almost certainly do so next year.

The main thing that bothers me about Braves camp is the fact that you are guaranteed to miss guys, due to the setup of the facility. Do you stand by the cages, by the back fields, or down the first base line? Today, I missed Julio Teheran, Michael Bourne, Mike Minor, Brian McCann, and Jair Jurrjens. All because I picked the wrong spot.

The one time I picked the right spot, I got Jason Heyward. He signed a ton through the gate between home plate and the first base dugout. I got 2 cards signed, but I could have gotten more if I could have reached my duffel, which was sitting on a seat about 5 feet away. Unfortunately, once he started signing, there were about 396 people crammed into that 5 feet.

I got a strange bit of deja vu from my encounter with Greg Walker. Last year at White Sox camp, I asked Greg Walker to sign about 50 times, and he always said he would sign later. Finally on my 5th and final day, he started to respond with the same "I'll get you later". But then he looked up at me, and recognized me as the guy that had been asking him over and over. He jumped out of his golf cart and said something like "I'll sign for you, I've been putting you off all week.". He then signed for me, and then got back in his golf cart and left without signing for anybody else.

Today, I asked Greg to sign as soon as he got to the batting cage area. He said he would sign later. I thanked him, and blurted out "I'm a huge White Sox fan!". About an hour later, he started to head back towards the stadium. I called out to him, and he looked up at me and recognized me again. He came over to me, and while he was walking he addressed the crowd, saying "I've got stuff to do, I'm only gonna sign for this guy right now". Sure enough, he signed 4 cards for me and left without signing for anybody else.

Anyway, on to the mediocre totals!

Christian Bethancourt - 2/2
Todd Cunningham - 2/2 (he smeared one), 2/2 (help from Nick, gave one to him)
Doug Dascenzo - 4/4
Matt Diaz - 1/4
Scott Fletcher - 8/8
Stefan Gartrell - 8/8
Tommy Hanson - 1/2
Jason Heyward - 2/2
Dusty Hughes - 2/2
Mathew Kennelly - 1/1
Kris Medlen - 4/4
Ernesto Mejia - 1/1
Tyler Pastornicky - 1/1
Martin Prado - 1/2
David Ross - 1/2
Andrelton Simmons - 1/4
Greg Walker - 4/4
Josh Wilson - 4/4
Jose Yepez - 2/2

Today's total - 52 cards

Three day total - 180 cards, 1 16x20, 1 10x20

Spring Training 2012, Day 2 - Miami Marlins

Doug — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:39:27 GMT

Today I attended my first ever workout in Jupiter. I was there for the Marlins. More specifically, I was there for Mark Buehrle, Ozzie Guillen, Aaron Rowand, and Joey Cora. Unfortunately, I would end up pretty disappointed on that score.

I got to the Marlins parking lot at 7am, and there were already quite a few graphers there. I staked out a place along the fence, and waited. We saw most of the big names come in, but the only one that signed was Josh Johnson. Mark Buehrle parked in the very back of the parking lot, and went the long way around to avoid us. Ozzie Guillen and Mike Stanton went into a fenced area in the stadium, and had somebody drive their cars over to the parking lot. Jose Reyes and Carlos Zambrano both said they would sign later. Only one of them was true to their word.

Inside, things were apparently a lot different than they usual are at a Marlins ST workout. They stretched on the field closest to the stadium, and then jogged out to the fields for the drills. They usually walk out to the fields to stretch, and you could get quite a few of the players while they walked. Nobody signed on the way to the fields today.

I spent most of the day shadowing Mark Buehrle. He kept saying he couldn't sign, and that he would sign later. Later never came. Ozzie pretty much ignored everybody. I was able to get Joey Cora (big shock!) and Aaron Rowand. Mike Stanton only signed a few, and Jose Reyes signed for just about everybody.

I didn't stay very long in the parking lot after the workout. Once Buehrle snuck out, I left.

Emilio Bonifacio - 2/4
Steve Cishek - 4/4
Chris Coghlan - 1/2
Joey Cora - 2/2
Matt Dominguez - 2/4
Josue Espada - 1/1
Nick Green - 1/4
Brad Hand - 4/4
Chad James - 3/3
Josh Johnson - 1/2
Wade LeBlanc - 4/4
Logan Morrison - 4/4
Ricky Nolasco - 4/4
Rob Rasmussen - 3/3
Jose Reyes - 1/1
Aaron Rowand - 1/4
Clint Sammons - 4/4
Alex Sanabia - 4/4
Jeff Schwarz - 4/4
Kyle Skipworth - 4/4
Mike Stanton - 1/2
Ryan Webb - 4/4
Sean West (no dupes, ignore the unsigned card in images below) - 3/4

Today's total - 62 cards

Two day total - 128 cards, 1 16x20, 1 10x20

Spring Training 2012, Day 1 - Washington Nationals

Doug — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:45:35 GMT

Today was the day that chisoxcollector reported to spring training. I spent the day at Nats camp, though I had to leave a bit earlier than I would have liked for a doctors appointment.

I got to the parking lot at approximately 6:45am. There was one other guy there, and we remained the only two there for close to an hour. During that time, the only big name to arrive was Jayson Werth. To my surprise, he actually signed! He signed a ball (SS) for the other guy, and two cards for me. The only notable person to arrive during that time was Davey Johnson. He didn't sign, saying "I might get in trouble". I wanted to say "But you're the manager!".

Gio Gonzalez, Chien-Ming Wang, Tyler Clippard, and Mark DeRosa were some other notable players that signed in the parking lot in the morning.

During the workout, the position players went out to the field just outside of the stadium, and the pitchers went to the practice fields. I went with the pitchers, as Edwin Jackson was my main objective. He was one of the first pitchers to come out. He was very cool, and signed 4 cards for me. I also had a 16x20 and 10x20 that I wanted him to sign, but I didn't want to carry it with me while I was walking, as I was afraid of them getting bent.

I also got Brad Lidge, Jordan Zimmermann, and a few others as they walked to the practice fields. I think good old Stephen Strasburg was the only person that refused to sign.

Once I got to the practice fields, I decided to get in line to try to get Strasburg. I was in line for about 1.5 hours when the pitchers finished their workout. When Strasburg left the field, he walked right past the line of people waiting for him. He got about 25 feet away, and then turned around and started signing for those that followed him.

I was one of the first people that got to Strasburg. During the entire time he signed, I was standing right in front of him. He repeatedly went out of his way to reach around me and take other people's items. At one point, he took an item from a guy that didn't have a pen. I volunteered my pen, and Strasburg took it. After signing the guy's item, he handed my pen back, still refusing to sign for me. After signing about 15-20 autographs, he announced he was done. I asked him why he blatantly avoided signing for me, and his response was "Well, I can't sign for everybody". That obviously didn't answer my question. I really wanted to tell him what I think of him as a person (I think he one of the two biggest assholes I've ever attempted to graph), but I didn't want to be "that guy" that "ruined it for everybody".

After getting stiffed by Strasburg, I noticed Edwin Jackson had just started making his way out of the practice facility and towards the stadium. I ran to my car and grabbed the two large photos. He signed them both for me, giving a particularly beautiful signature on the 16x20. Stephen Strasburg could learn a thing or two from Edwin Jackson.

After that I head back to the parking lot, hoping to get Bryce Harper. Unfortunately, I had to leave at 1:30, and he hadn't left by then. I'm sure I'll find out that he left at 1:32 and signed for everybody.

All in all it wasn't a bad day, as I got all 3 of the former Sox that were my targets (Jackson, Gonzalez, Teahen).

Roger Bonifacio (this dude has Popeye arms!) - 2/2
Sean Burnett - 4/4
Tyler Clippard (flat out told a young blond that she had a nice ass) - 2/4
Mark DeRosa - 2/2, 1/1
Gio Gonzalez - 2/4
Tom Gorzelanny - 1/2, 1/1
Edwin Jackson - 4/4 cards, 1/1 16x20, 1/1 10x20
Randy Knorr - 4/4
John Lannan - 1/2
Adam LaRoche - 1/2
Jim Lett - 1/1
Brad Lidge (extremely nice)- 1/2, 1/1
Steve Lombardozzi - 2/2
Chris Marrero - 4/4
Steve McCatty - 2/2
Ryan Perry - 1/4, 1/1
Wilson Ramos - 2/2, 1/1, 1/1
Craig Stammen - 4/4
Drew Storen (very cool guy) - 2/2
Tony Tarasco (much nicer than usual) - 2/2
Mark Teahen - 4/4
Chad Tracy - 4/4
Chien-Ming Wang - 4/4
Jayson Werth - 2/2
Spin Williams - 1/1
Jordan Zimmermann (gave a ridiculously exaggerated sigh when I asked him to sign) - 1/2

Today's total - 66 cards, 1 16x20, 1 10x20

2010 Upper Deck completed!

Doug — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:57:08 GMT

I have finally completed my first signed Upper Deck team set. Josh Fields was the last guy I needed to complete the 2010 set, and I found one on eBay a few weeks ago.