April 29, 2007

Farmingdale State University Rams

Totals for the day:   33

Keith Osik-33/35-skipper for Rams, signed everything I had and gave him two of his favorites to keep...said he didn't mind signing this many as long as he had the time...pretty cool guy suprisingly

NOTE:   Before the Rams were on at 6PM there was a showcase for high school kids on.  I sat next to the bullpen and watched a handful of kids top off at 90 MPH including a small lefty.  So I make my way over to the field to where infielders were taking infield practice and who do I see?  None other than Jim Buckley (former Red Sox "prospect", and I use that term loosely).  Said hello to him and I think he almost crapped his pants because I actually new who he was.  Guess he will be working with young kids now.

May 4, 2007

Indianapolis Indians @ Pawtucket Red Sox

Totals for the day:  35

Notes:   Entire team just shuffled onto the bus when it arrived, very few guys stoped and signed and if they did it was only for one person.  For the Pawsox, Kason Gabbard, Alex Ochoa, and Craig Hansen (suprise suprise) were the non-signees.  If I was Gabbard and got stolen home on, I wouldn't sign either though.

Indy

• Chris Truby-4/7-luckly he finished my stuff
• Nyger Morgan-3/3-should of had him inscribe "5/4/07 SB Home"

Pawtucket

• Abe Alvarez-6/6-finally, done with my man Abe, only took a couple years
• Craig Breslow-4/9-the fact that Craig Breslow has a limit is just fascinating
• Edgar Martinez-4/6-so much for one per like I heard he was
• Joe McEwing-1/1-2/2 with this guy, heard he was going to be the Dave Berg of 07
• George Kottaras-2/7-I plead the 5th
• Eddie Rogers-1/1-looking for more stuff of this guy, he is a machine
• David Pauley-4/9, 4/5-see Breslow and Kottaras
• Jacoby Ellsbury-2/2-had a special friend help me on this one, made the night worth it, sig is not half as good as what is was when I got him in Lowell

May 11, 2007

Toledo MudHens @ Pawtucket Red Sox

One of the best games I have been to in a while.  Ellsbury robbed Brent Clevlen in the first.  Probably the best catch I have been there in person to witnesss.  Toledo had a lot of great signers to my suprise, especially since it was a travel day.  If you know Pawtucket, anything over 50 is an excellent day.

Totals for the day:  62

Toledo

• David Espinosa-4/4-got me before the game, finished the Topps with Montanez
• Great Dane Sardinha-1/4, 1/3-one before, one after, finish the Vintage that Espinosa started 4 hours earlier
• Zach Miner-1/8-teammates were literally knocking the windows of the van to get him to stop signing
• Chris Shelton-1/9-see Miner
• Chris Maples-2/2-signed for anyone who wanted him
• Jordan Tata-3/9, 1/6-talked to him pre game about his collecting at Rangers/Stars games, cool guy
• Jack Hannanhan-2/2-slop sig of the day
• Brent Clevlen-3/5-no dups, thrown out of game, didnt sign after
• Preston Larrison-2/2-of course find more of this hog when I come home
• Henry Mateo-5/9-see Larrison
• Ron Chiavacci-4/4-always good
• Timo Perez-4/4-see Larrison, was doing 9/9 for some
• Ramon Santiago-3/3-see Larrison, can you tell I was unprepared?

Pawtucket

• Brandon Moss-2/4-don't think he saw the others
• Manny Delcarmen-9/9-threw well tonight as well
• Bryan Corey-2/2-
• David Pauley-3/6-"I'm not doing all of these now"...enough said
• Kevin Cash-1/3-how happy I am to add him to my collection
• Travis Hughes-9/9-waited 5 minutes for him to put his kid in the car, but was happy to sign

Brockton tonight for the Patriots softball game...this should be good

May 12, 2007

Kevin Faulk's Softball Game

     Where or where do I begin.  Well, hit the sharpies for another cool night in the northeast and it started off with "Doug Fluties Bodygaurd."  I was very skeptical of this guy especially as he went on to tell us the history of the Brockton Rox, most of which was incorrect.  He then went on to say that the Brockton Rox play the Lowell Spinners.  Without hesitation I laughed out loud in this body gaurds face.  After announcing Tedy Bruschi was in attendance and realizing I brought a bunch for Chad Jackson who was a no-show I was pissed already.  Well turns out "Doug Fluties Bodygaurd" is the national anthemn signer.  Jay and I laughed because we new the guy was a joke from the beggining.  Event was unorganized to say the least and a mosh pit to be kind.  I kept thinking my wallet was being swiped so I didn't try to hard inside.  Overall I did pretty well for the circumstances.  Jay got his love of his life (Maroney jersey) signed as well.

Total for the night: 8

• Dougie Flutie Flakes-2/2-nothing like a BC guy, couple cards
• J.R. Redmond-1/1-Topps Gallery, thing looks good besides the fact it's J.R. Redmond
• Wes Welker-1/2-swear this guy was avoiding me, Topps 50th anniversary
• Ty Warren-1/3-looked like he was going to do the others, Topps Finest RC
• Laurence Maroney-1/1-mob scene for him, HIT
• Don Davis-1/1-CIC
• Ellis Hobbs-1/1-CIC

May 13, 2007

Toledo MudHens @ Pawtucket Red Sox

     Same teams, same result, another 62 graphs to the collection.  Got there 15 minutes before the gates opened so got a few including Hernandez going in.  Missed Ellsbury by a minute or two apparently.  Get inside and Timo Perez tries charging me a couple of dollars to sign my stuff.  I go "Funny because on Friday you were signing free."  He then preceded to finish my stuff off.  If I get turned down one more time by Mike Hessman I am retiring from collecting.  Ellsbury and Hansen were ushered out by 'security' and we were told they aren't signing today!  Nooooo really

Totals for the day: 62 (again)

Toledo

• Zach Miner-7/7-finally all done with this creature
• Chris Shelton-4/9-signed for a couple people after the game too
• Henry Mateo-4/9-of course the 01 IL Top Prospect card has to smudge
• Brent Clevlen-1/2-got hit in the hand so he didn't sign after, what comes around goes around
• Jordan Tata-4/6-this kid is killing me, please just finish me off
• Great Dane Sardinha-1/1-always good for one
• Ramon Santiago-1/1-done with him now
• Chris Maples-1/1-before game, signed and looked through book
• Preston Larrison-2/2-signed when asked, even rubbed down the cards
• Vic Darensbourg-1/1-takes his time with sig
• Timo Perez-5/5-see above

Pawtucket

• Brandon Moss-2/2-couple after the game
• Craig Breslow-1/3-no comment
• Kason Gabbard-1/3-no comment
• George Kottaras-2/3-signed on the piece of jersey on the JC, thanks
• Alex Prieto-1/1-guy seemed pissed to sign for me, sorry I asked
• Alex Ochoa-1/1-rushed by McEwing
• Abe Alvarez-1/1-got him before the game walking in with Pauley
• Runelvys Hernandez-1/1-still don't believe I got him on a day he was throwing
• David Pauley-3/3-was signing 6 boards
• Travis Hughes-16/16-done with him till the team set
• Manny Delcarmen-2/2-good as usual

May 16, 2007

Durham Bulls @ Pawtucket Red Sox

     A great signing team overall.  Raul Cassanova and Shawn Riggins were the non signees.  Steve Andrade also told Big Bobby to "Get the F$$k away from me."  Missed Ellsbury and Hansen after the game by 25 minutes.

Totals for the day:  46

Durham

• Ben Zobrist-1/1-kid has a lot of potential, probably no shot with D-Rays though
• Scott Dohmann-2/2-threw a lot harder than I thought he did, nice guy
• Dustan Mohr-8/8-signed three at first, then came back and I told him he already got me, he took my book and finished them off
• Seth McClung-4/4-signed when asked
• Jeff Niemann-5/5-three cards before game, two balls outside
• Chris Richard-11/11-awesome guy, said sorry for smudging one
• Ruddy Lugo-4/4-Bobby asked for a ball signed by Julio, what an idiot

Pawtucket

• David Pauley-3/9-don't understand this character
• Eddie Rogers-8/8-pulled a hammy and stilll signed everything for everyone
• Kason Gabbard-1/2-probably the Friday starter for the Red Sox

Oil Can Boyd All-Stars vs. Brockton Rox

     NOBODY they listed was on the roster.  Only guys that were there that had cards were Bill Lee, Oil Can, Wendell Magee, and Delino DeShields.  Awful planning, and fake advertising.

Oil Can Boyd All-Stars

• Delino Deshields-1/9-strict about the one per
• Dennis Oil Can Boyd-1/7-no comment

May 18, 2007

Durham Bulls @ Pawtucket Red Sox

     Went there around 2PM because it was a travel day for both squads.  Did very well and got Ellsbury, one of the main reasons for going.  It was pouring out so I could not go chasing after guys because I had to keep cover.  The total for the day is pretty good considering I did not even step foot inside the stadium because the game was a wash.  Kevin Cash gave me a "Not right now man" and I was the only person there.  Lester was already inside when I arrived and didn't feel like waiting any more so I bounced.

Totals for the day: 38

Durham

• Gary Gaetti-9/9-funny guy, seemed like he didn't mind signing whatever people had
• Xavier Hernandez-6/6-took his time with the sigs, missed Guzman, Andrade and Howell while getting him
• Shawn Riggans-4/4-sat and talked to me for a few minutes as I was the only one there
• Jeff Niemann-1/1-guy is a monster, signs whatever you got
• Brent Butler-6/6-finally finished him off

Pawtucket

• Michael Tucker-1/1-fresh off the free agent wire, was only doing one for all
• Ed Rogers-1/1-came out to sign a few and look at the rain
• Craig Hansen-2/2-unloaded his bags and was signing whatever since there was nobody else around
• Jacoby Ellsbury-1/2-thought I had a shot at multiples, talked with him for a minute about his catch last week
• Alex Ochoa-2/2-accidently had him in my binder still as he was released yesterday
• David Murphy-3/3-good as usual
• Craig Breslow-2/2-getting better buddy

May 25, 2007

Road Warriors @ Long Island Ducks

     Nothing to special about this one.  Road Warriors were pretty easy to pick out.  I went over to the Ducks exit after finishing off my Road Warriors.  A lot of the Ducks guys came out in bunches so I missed a few guys here and there.  Might go back tomorrow after work.

Totals for the day:   46

Road Warriors

• Ian Bladergroen-16/16-nice guy, talked about his mother buying all of his cards on eBay
• Steve Doetsch-2/2-one of the first out, signed both off the card
• Vito Chiaravalloti-1/1-NH FisherCats card finally done
• Estee Harris-4/4-local guy had a lot of friends waiting for him

Long Island

• Damian Rolls-3/3-great guy as usual
• Jorge Piedra-6/6-strange guy, said he couldn't sign because he couldn't see them
• Edgardo Alfonzo-2/9-with two kids, said he would finish them off tomorrow
• Donovan Osborne-9/9-mixed him up with Halama, talked about his sickness he just recovered from
• Carl Everett-3/9-asked me 'What you want boy'...not a bad guy at all though, three is his limit

May 26, 2007

Road Warriors @ Long Island Ducks

     Just did the Ducks.  The one guy graphing next to me asked Everett to sign a fourth card when he was handing back the sharpie and he got "Boy you feeling lucky?"  Edgardo Alfonzo said no and got into his car.  His wife saw it all from their car so she rolled down the window and told her to give me my book.  I said no it alright because you are with your family and I can get him another day.  Guy is strange, he said yesterday he will finish them all today, but didn't.  He also has a solid game, so I figured I had a good shot.  Anybody I got only signed three card, just one of those days I guess.  Off to Lake County @ Lakewood since I got Sunday off.

Totals for the day:   15

Road Warriors-Finished them yesterday

Long Island

• Dave LaPoint-3/3-said he was suprised someone was still waiting outside, it was 11:15PM
• Carl Everett-3/3-although you can't read his signature, it looks pretty cool
• John Reidling-3/3-nice enough guy, took his time
• John Halama-3/6-was pissed to sign for me, came out 15 minutes after game, "FINNNNNEEE, Give it to me"
• Danny Graves-3/8-asked if I wanted any certain ones done, will finish him off eventually

May 27, 2007

     I can't remember the last time it was this easy.  If I had access to my full collection, I would have got more.  I went with what I had, which was a lot of Bowman Draft Picks, and hit the in person century mark (100) for the first time this season.  Also got 3 HR balls during BP before being allowed into the stadium.  God do I love A ball.

Lake County Captains @ Lakewood BlueClaws

Totals for the day:   107

Lake County

• Matt McBride-25/25-got him talking and it was in the sharpie from there

Lakewood

• Kyle Drabek-9/9-wasn't going to push my luck and go for more
• Adrian Cardenas-4/4-three cards and a team ball
• Quintin Berry-26/26-no problem with him, told him to sign as many as he wanted
• Jason Donald-20/20-literally a machine, 1 card/sec, rails them off as he asks what I do with all of them, thought it was cool that I traded and other people wanted them
• Team Ball-22 sigs on it, didnt get Berry, Donald, or Drabek on it because they were busy with cards today
• Ticket-2 sigs on it, believe Julian Williams and Kevin Howard

May 30, 2007

Newark Bears @ Long Island Ducks

     Newark decided to come out all at once so it was either I get 16 Edwin Almontes done or I go for the rest of the guys.  I went for the other guys today and will finish them and Almonte tomorrow night.  Carl Everett decided to leave when I left so the bat boy kept poking his head out to see if I had left.  As I was walking to my car, who do I see drive by, none other then Carl Everett himself.  Mostly concentrated on Newark, so didn't get many of LI.  Tomorrow is another day.

Totals for the day:   32

Newark

• Keith Reed-2/2-good as always
• Jose Herrera-3/3-asked if I was from around here, I said "No, not really."  Then he says, are the clubs around here good?
• Joe Jiannetti-1/1-least this time I got him I didn't have to hold his 6 pack of BL's
• Corey Smith-4/4-boy this kid touted to be the next Ripken, now look at him
• Gary Knotts-3/3-probably the best quality as far as SIGNATURE goes I have got this season, too bad he isn't quality

Long Island

• Bud Harrelson-3/3-finally get this guy after two long years of pain and suffering
• Kevin Haverbusch-4/4-heard this guy is tough on the road, nothing but nice when I see him
• Donovan Osborne-12/12-just like last time

June 1, 2007

Newark Bears @ Long Island Ducks

     Another easy day on the Island.  Finished off all of my Newark guys and then walked over to the other side.  On my way over I passed Jose Offerman and traded hellos with him.  Sucks I don't have any cards of him right now as I do not have access to my collection back in MA.  Edgrado told me he will finish the rest tomorrow.  He pulled the same thing on me last week and I asked him to sign and he said no.  Needless to say tomorrow is Trenton.  Could have got a lot more Long Island guys, just am out of a lot of guys.  If anyone needs anything let me know.  Thanks to all who signed tonight.

Totals for the day:     35

Newark

• Edwin Almonte-16/16-awesome guy, he talked about how much he sucked when he was with Pawtucket, so true
• Jose Herrera-3/3-kind of gave off a little 'tude when I asked
• Victor Rodriguez-1/1-told me I don't have anything of him...pretty sure I do buddy, which is why I am asking you to sign
• Javier Colina-2/2-no problems here
• Justin Huisman-1/1-low quality sig, but at least it is signed
• Joey Gomes-7/7-talked to him about Johnny, really appreciated me being a 'real fan'...please note I have only gone inside the Ducks Stadium once in two years and that was for an autograph session, but glad you think I am a real fan Joey

Long Island

• Edgrado Alfonzo-2/6-"Will finish them tomorrow"...haven't heard that before Edgardo
• Pete Rose Jr.-2/2-needs a lesson from pops on how to take pride in your signature

June 2, 2007

Akron Aeros @ Trenton Thunder

     Well, this is one I won't forget.  First time in Trenton so that was pretty cool.  Park was pretty easy even though it was my first time.  So I am standing down the left field line in between the dugout and bullpen waiting for Trevor Crowe.  Chuck Lofgren is warming up and I am kind of watching him as I am in the direct line of his warm up tosses.  Crowe starts to make his way over, so I am getting my ball ready and then I hear "Headddddddddsssss."  Look over and bam.  Lofgren rocks me with a 90MPH fastball off my forearm into my rib.  He felt really bad and his apologies seemed sincere.  I threw the ball back to him because I thought that he wanted it back to finish warming up with.  A couple players saw it an ran over to make sure I was alright.  They gave me a couple balls and Lofgren gave me the ball back when he finished warming up with it.  Still got some battle wounds, but suprisingly it doesn't feel as bad as it looks unless you put pressure on it.  Overall a great time besides that mishaps.  Wish I had more stuff, but I got the guys I went for.

Totals for the day:     15

Akron

• Charles Lofgren-2/2-got the TriStar I needed for my set as well as a proof wound
• Brian Barton-1/1-his signature is as follows: BB
• Pat Osborn-1/1-signed whenever anyone called for him
• Asdrubal Cabrera-2/2-saw him last year in Buffalo, apparently progression isn't on somebodies agenda
• Ryan Goleski-3/3-stinks the Indians have so many OF's, this kid seems to have some potential
• Rodney Choy Foo-3/3-smudged one

Trenton

• Jeff Marquez-1/1-04 BDP

June 4, 2007

Road Warriors @ Long Island Ducks

     Stopped in to show the Ducks a little love after class.  Got my main goal of Mark Watson, finally.

Totals for the night:     39

Long Island

• Carl Everett-3/3-wouldn't inscibe 2005 WS Champs for some kid next to me, told him "You can do that!"
• Mark Watson-36/54-gave him two pages to keep for himself, asked how in the world I got all of them

June 5, 2007

Bridgeport Bluefish @ Long Island Ducks

     Very smooth night.  Only non signers were Junior Spivey and Tommy John at first.  Did well for both teams tonight.

Totals for the night:     41

Bridgeport

• Bob Malek-3/5-the more I think about this, the more I want to throw up
• Jay Caliguri-1/1-nice guy, signed right after the game ended inside
• Matt Beech-1/1-came out during the game and was drinking beers with this girl
• Matt Perisho-1/1-no problems here
• Quinton McCracken-1/3-it is going to be a long season and playoffs
• Shaun Boyd-5/5-signed for whoever
• Tommy John-2/2-two per tonight, got a few more I need done though

Long Island

• Damian Rolls-7/7-takes forever, but always is good and personable
• Edgardo Alfonzo-4/6-"Don't you have school tomorrow man?"  "I work and go to school at nights."  The conversation took off from there and he must of lost track of how many he was doing for me, stunned I got more than two
• Todd Erdos-1/1-caught him sneaking out the back
• John Halama-2/3-see Erdos
• John Riedling-1/4-see Erdos
• Danny Graves-2/3-see Erdos
• Jose Offerman-1/1-see Erdos
• Donovan Osborne-9/9-see Erdos

June 6, 2007

Bridgeport Bluefish @ Long Island Ducks

     Didn't get the numbers I wanted, but did get the guys I wanted.  Nice little night.  Heard Pete Rose will be in town soon to watch Jr. play.  Hopefully can score a sig or two!

Totals for the day:     21

Bridgeport

• Bob Malek-3/3-also got his bat from the bat boy and had him sign it and add "2007 Game Used", asked how I got his bat and how much do you think I will end up selling it for...I told him I will give him a cut when I get the first down payment
• Quinton McCraken-2/2-had some help
• Junior Spivey-1/2-decided to walk not run down the steps and sign tonight
• Tommy John-5/5-had some help as well

Long Island

• Donovan Osborne-4/4-easy enough
• Danny Graves-1/4-always another day
• John Reidling-3/3-all three guys leave together and live together
• Jose Offerman-2/3-catch of the night

June 7, 2007

Bridgeport Bluefish @ Long Island Ducks

     Bit of a rough night, just went to get another Spivey done, but he got on the bus as I was getting John Halama of all people.  Got hooked up with a game used bat, actually has Mike Cameron's name on it, from the bat boy.  He is a viewer of the site, which is pretty cool.  A lot of people are coming up to me, especially lately asking if I am the kid from Sean & Jays.  Funny how they know it is me, but I like the love folks.  If anyone needs help with Long Island or visiting team guys let me know.  Team is off on a long road trip and I am going back to Boston next week, so no LI for a while.

Totals for the night:     6 (Believe this is the season low)

Total for the year so far:     661 (hoping for 1500-2000 by season end, good pace so far)

Bridgeport

• Quinton McCracken-1/2-only need 18 more now!

Long Island

• Buddy Harrelson-1/1-signed a ticket on the way out
• Jose Offerman-2/3-easy going guy, seems a bit shy
• John Halama-1/1-done with him for now
• Kevin Haverbusch-1/1-got him on the LI side after the game, unlike the rest of the guys

June 15, 2007

Nashua Pride @ Brockton Rox

     The Great One once told me, "It is not quantity it is quality, and Rich Garces is quality at it's finest."  Well maybe not so much, but Garces was the man and the one guy we really wanted.  It was pretty cool to met a guy we grew up watching and making fun of as kids.  Even better to see him smiling with his arm around me rubbing my back as we took some pictures with the guy.  As wrong as that may sound, Jay and I were lucky not to be in jail, so at that point we didn't care.  What a night.

Totals for the day:     9

Nashua

• Rich Garces-5/5-also took some pictures with him, will post them later if I remember
• Butch Hobson-4/4-even ignored a phone call to sign them for me

June 17, 2007

Richmond Braves @ Pawtucket Red Sox

     Did not really have a lot of Richmond guys, as most of the guys on the team were either there last year or called up.  Got a nice mix of guys rather than quanity.  Lester and Ellsbury are leaving through some security gate, which makes them impossible to get.  That sucks, but what can you do really.  Biggest shut down quite possibly ever came from Devern Hansack.  Guess making one start in the big leagues last week and getting shelled by the Braves makes him too good to sign.  Lastly if your name is Hansack and/or your ERA is a higher digit then your height, you should always sign.  Period

Totals for the day:     40

Richmond:

• (4) Different guys on seperate ticket stubs
• Trey Hodges-6/6-funny how last year he was one per, how things change
• Blaine Boyer-1/1-2000 BDP
• Brayan Pena-4/4-just like last year
• Corky Miller-1/2-see Pena
• Larry Bigbie-1/1-good as usual, always interacting with fans
• T.J. Bohn-1/1-signed after the game
• Gregor Blanco-1/1-played a great game in the field

Pawtucket

• Bryan Corey-1/1-took my book for a good five minutes, thought he forgot how to spell his name, gave it back to me with all the Hughes signed, I couldn't see what was happening because it was inside above the dugout
• Travis Hughes-7/7-Corey got them done for me, easy enough
• Kason Gabbard-1/2-signed four for a lady today, I must look like one of those seller guys
• George Kottaras-1/3-equivalent to how many games he has mattered this season in
• Chad Spann-2/2-how he smudged one of these I have no idea, guess its from not signing because nobody want him, not enough practice I guess
• Edgar Martinez-1/3-gave me an excellent signature today
• Brandon Moss-1/2-threw the ball into the stands after making the second out...understandably he wasn't in a good mood
• Craig Hansen-1/2-signed one a piece after being caught sneaking out
• David Pauley-4/4-getting better, I will try 5 next weekend, I feel like I am doing therapy
• Ron Johnson-2/2-classic guy as usual, laughed at the Wilmington Blue Rocks card, "Wow, 50 pounds skinner"

June 18, 2007

Somerset Patriots @ Long Island Ducks

     Man this team was tough.  Everyone I needed fit into the 30 year old, white, balding, what am I doing with myself category.  After the game I felt the same way.  Sparky Lyle shook his head no for a good 10 seconds as I asked him to please sign.  Excuse me as I go throw up.  Couldn't bear to do Long Island after this.

Total for the night:    32

Somerset

• Jason Richardson-2/2-nice enough guy
• Jose Morban-1/1-easiest guy to pick out on the whole squad
• Alan Zinter-1/1-old old Pawsox team set card, he was hardly impressed
• Brian Adams-5/5-old old Portland and Lowell team sets, also hardly impressed
• Danny Garcia-5/5-thought he was goign to be tough, very nice however, signed whatever
• Brandon Knight-18/42-said he would finish the rest tomorrow

June 20, 2007

Somerset Patriots @ Long Island Ducks

     Sparky gave me the no yet again, thanks a lot buddy for signing nothing the whole trip.  Banged out some solid Long Island guys tonight which was a good thing to finally get them out of my book.

Totals for the night:     29

Somerset:

• Jeff Urban-2/2-signed a few for everyone
• Jeff Nettles-9/9-talked to him for a bit, easy going, leading the AL in HR's
• Sam Marsonek-1/1-knew it was him the other night, but did not pull the trigger, asked him and sure enough, it was him
• Jason Romano-4/5-asked to keep one, gave it to him, then he signed it, must of been giving it away??
• Andy Van Hekken-4/4-nice guy, was tough when he was coming up with the Tigers

Long Island:

• Danny Graves-1/4-ouch, but I will take it
• Buddy Harrelson-8/8-"Are you a collector son?"...takes forever to sign, thought I was waiting for my taxes while these things were being signed

June 21, 2007

Lancaster Barnstormers @ Long Island

     Rained all night, very tough conditions to graph in.  Called it a night after the 6th inning when they did not call it.  Will probably finish these guys off on Saturday.  Rick Wise was the one and only big shot of the night.

Totals for the night:  17

Lancaster:

• Lance Burkhart-2/2-couple team setters
• Michael Woods-2/2-signed when I popped the question
• Clayton Andrews-4/4-was doing whatever for whoever, nice to finally get him
• Danny Gonzalez-9/12-said he had to go warm-up, it was actually understandable, as the game was starting in 5 minutes

June 23, 2007

Lancaster Barnstormers @ Long Island Ducks

     Great, easy night.  The bat boy Matt, hooked me up again tonight, which was pretty cool.  He gave me a ball, bat and a pair of batting gloves.  Decided to make the ball a team ball instead of letting all the guys walk by me while just waiting for the couple guys I need on cards.  Talked to Ross Peeples for a while.  He asked me if I got Rick Wise this series and I said no.  Ross told me to tell him "Congrats on the No-No 36 years ago."  Wise comes out and just looks like he is in an awful mood so I skip it.  Well, he comes off the bus and pulls up a seat on the curb and starts smoking a cigar and drinking out of a paper bag.  I figure I would let the Jack kick in and then ask him before he got back on the bus.  Sure enough him and Glenn Murray were kicking it for half hour and I asked Rick to sign the team ball and told him congrats and it was like he was a totally different man.  Put down the booze, took out his cigar and flat out shook my hand and asked me how I knew about that.  I lied and told him I am a walking baseball almanac and he agreed.  Ross was in the backround pertending to swing a bat, so I asked Rick, "Didn't you hit a bunch of dingers?"  Never seen this guy happier "Oh yahhhh I hit 15 bombs in the NL, but when I got to the AL I never had a chance."  Guy loved me, but I wasn't going to push my luck and ask him to sign my card.  Russ Cleveland if you are out there: you are the only person I need to finish my 2007 Lancaster team ball, so don't go to Taiwan or get released before you come back to Long Island.  Unique night to say the least.

Totals for the night:     32, pair of batting gloves, and GU broken bat

Lancaster:

• Dominick Ambrosini-1/1-team ball, why he signed the SS I have NO CLUE
• Glenn Murray-1/1-team ball
• Brett Every-1/1-team ball
• Eric Ackerman-1/1-team ball
• Frank Klebe-1/1-team ball, 'Who signed my SS'
• Jutt Hileman-1/1-team ball, literally signed "Jutt 5"
• Jason Norderum-1/1-team ball
• Rick Wise-1/1-team ball, see above for story
• Steve Booker-1/1-team ball
• James Lira-1/1-same
• Michael Woods-1/1-same
• Barry Armitage-1/1-same
• Jeremy Todd-1/1-same, also got his GU broken bat, will have him sign it next series
• Josh Stevens-1/1-same
• Derrick DePriest-1/1-same
• Lance Burkhart-1/1-same, talked to him about how I grew up watching Morgan
• Rob Henkel-3/3-same and two cards
• Ross Peeples-1/1-same, my main man for the night
• Clayton Andrews-1/1-same
• Jeremy Deitrick-1/1-same
• Gustavo Martinez-1/1-same
• Steve Vander Note-1/1-same
• Danny Gonzalez-4/4-same and three more cards
• Chris Vander Rossum-1/1-same

Long Island

• Ed Yarnall-3/3-got him as he was walking to his car, seemed a bit rushed

June 27, 2007

Road Warriors @ Long Island Ducks

     Not a bad night considering it rained throughout the entire contest.  Also got a ball and a broken bat from Vito Chiravalloti.  Called it a night after the game ended.  Too rainy for graphing.

Totals for the night:     2

Road Warriors

• D.J. Boston-1/1-signed the card already signed by Shawn Wooten and Roberto Petagine
• Ian Bladergroen-1/1-card was badly smeared by rain pelets...took the signature off and will try it again in a couple weeks

June 29, 2007

Norfolk Tides @ Pawtucket Red Sox

     Another one of those games where I did not get the totals I wanted, but I got the items I wanted.  Brought my Adam Stern and Tike Redman broken bats I have been trying to get signed for a while, and got them both.  Did not do after the game as I was with the family.

Totals for the night:     7

Norfolk

• Tike Redman-1/1-signed the broken bat he gave to me back in 2006, his name is engraved on it
• Adam Stern-1/1-signed the broken bat he gave to me way back in 2003, his name is engraved on it
• Jon Knott-5/5-what a way to top things off

July 1, 2007

Charlotte Knights @ Pawtucket Red Sox

     Jay and I went down for some postgame fun and didn't do to shabby.  Lance Broadway was the only na-sayer of the day.  Lester left from the back parking lot which is enclosed.  Rick the infamous security gaurd ushered him out like he was the President.  Hansen told Jay he had to run so he didn't sign as well.

Totals for the night:     12

Charlotte

• Heath Phillips-1/1-ticket
• Ehren Wasserman-1/1-ticket
• Andy Sisco-1/1-ticket
• Casey Rogowski-1/1-ticket
• Ryan Sweeney-3/3-ball and two cards
• Gavin Floyd-2/2-had a bit of help, looked every person right in the eyes before signing, got him to break a smile when I asked how Michael was doing...he is apparently working on his degree back in college, retired from baseball
• Kenny Kelly-2/2-also had help as he was doing one per
• Charlie Haeger-1/1-2006 BOWMAN DRAFT PICK

July 2, 2007

Camden RiverSharks @ Long Island Ducks

     Not a bad night at all, team ball boosted my totals a bit.  Pete Shier and Danny Bautista were not traveling with the team.  Denny Abreu said he would be back and sign for me.  He came back and chatted with family and I left him alone.  While I was getting somebody else, he snuck away.  Overall a solid night.

Totals for the night:     31

Camden

• Erick Burke-1/1-team ball
• Alberto Castillo-1/1-team ball
• Anthony Ferrari-2/2-team ball and 2002 Harrisburg team set
• Mark Ion-1/1-team ball
• Aric Leclair-1/1-same
• Ramon Linares-1/1-same
• Gregg Powell-1/1-same
• Luke Lockwood-1/1-did not know he was there, so had nothing for him besides the team ball
• Nate Buttenfield-1/1-team ball
• Ryan McGarvey-1/1-same
• Rene Aqueron-1/1-same
• Matt Demarco-1/1-same
• Milko Jaramilo-1/1-same
• Craig Paquette-7/9-did not sign the cards that were sideways, strange guy
• Angel Pena-3/3-skipped one of the card so I asked him to sign it and he looked dazed like he forgot he was on the same card as Paul LaDuca, then signed it, another unique guy
• L.J. Biernbaum-1/1-team ball
• Dwight Maness-1/1-same
• Joe Ferguson-1/1-same

Long Island

• Todd Erdos-1/1-8x10, had a couple more items, but Everette came out
• Carl Everette-2/3-don't think he saw the other one

July 3, 2007

York Revolution @ Long Island Ducks

     Very strong night.  Thought it was going to be tough with post-game fireworks, but I managed to do well on both sides of the stadium.  Excellent night.  Only guy that got by me was Peter Bergeron.  Need 7 more for the team ball.

Totals for the night:     55

York

• Frank Castillo-3/9-rushy, yet still a nice sig
• Chris Hoiles-1/1-team ball
• Tippy Martinez-1/1-team ball
• Byron Batson-1/1-team ball
• Jeff Farnsworth-1/1-team ball
• Matt Ford-1/1-team ball
• Charlie Hesseltine-1/1-team ball
• Matt Hirsh-2/2-team ball and Greenville Astros team set card
• Franklin Nunez-3/3--finally got the Scanton Wilkes-Barre team set card done
• Chris Steinborn-1/1-team ball
• Bryan Edwads-1/1-team ball
• Greg Brown-1/1-same
• Luis Taveras-1/1-same
• Rayner Bautista-1/1-same
• Luis Cotto-1/1-same
• Keoni De Renne-2/2-team ball and last years Portland Sea Dogs team set, little cocky
• Matt Dryer-1/1-team ball
• Nate Espy-1/1-same
• Travis Hake-1/1-same
• Ramon Nivar-4/4-team ball and three cards
• Willie Matos-1/1-team ball
• Justin Singleton-1/1-same
• Kaz Tanaka-1/1-same
• Ryan Minor-1/1-same

Long Island

• John Riedling-1/1-card
• Damian Rolls-6/6-five cards and a 8x10
• Pete Rose Jr.-5/9-said he would finish them another day, when I told him nice job lately, he said, "Man, I have been dog tired because my family has been in town."...yah I think I will bring a OMLB on Thursday for his dad
• Mark Watson-2/2-couple cards
• Carl Everette-3/3-few cards, did 4 for the kid before me
• Todd Erdos-2/2-couple 8x10s
• Donovan Osborne-3/3-8x10s and also included his #31, a rare touch, must have liked them

July 4, 2007

Brooklyn Cyclones @ Staten Island Yankees

     Incredible night.  Sat at the stadium and watched the fireworks go off all around NYC.  Great backdrop of the city.  By far, the best park I have ever been to.  Didn't do pregame and didn't do much postgame due to rain.

Totals for the night:     22

Staten Island:

• Zach McAllister-12/13-gave him one to keep, nice guy, little rushy
• Dellin Betances-3/9-this kid is going to be TOUGH, get him NOW, skipped over the TriStar card, looks like it will be a long summer Dellin
• Fred Jones-1/1-team ball
• Jason Kiley-1/1-same
• Jeffey Livek-1/1-same
• Adam Olbrychowski-1/1-same
• Justin Segal-1/1-same
• Ryan Zink-1/1-same
• Damon Sublett-1/1-same

July 5, 2007

York Revolution @ Long Island Ducks

     Not a bad night, left when York left.  Only need Franklin Perez and David Gil to complete my team ball.  Hoiles and Tippy Martinez would not sign post game.

Totals for the night:     19

York

• Ryan Minor-1/1-team ball
• Jason Aspito-1/1-same
• Frank Castillo-3/3-team ball and two cards
• Chris Cooper-1/1-team ball
• David Maust-1/1-same
• Jason Olson-1/1-same
• Peter Bergeron-11/11-team ball and ten cards

July 7, 2007

Jamestown Jammers @ Brooklyn Cyclones

     First time in Brooklyn was a great experience.  Stood in line for tickets for 30 minutes prior to the game because a guy decides to buy a season ticket package and doesn't know what games to go to.  The field was awesome, took a bunch of cool photos of the stadium and my boy Justin Jacobs.  Been talking to Justin for almost a year now and he asked me if I could get a lot of his cards for him and his family a while back because Bowman had not sent him any.  Well, by the time I got my lot, Bowman sent him 500 or so.  He said he would sign them for me when I saw him this season.  We talked for a while about life, love, cars, it was nice to catch up with him.  He is only 17 days older than me, so it is easy to relate to him.  He is the youngest guy in the NY Penn League I have seen so far (18).  Corey Madden was very cool and loved signing.  Talked to me for a while before, during and after signing.  Overall a very fun night.

Totals for the night:     139

Jamestown

• Justin Jacobs-78/84-guess 78 is his limit...just kidding, the bus was pulling away without him, see above for more about this
• Corey Madden-21/21-loved signing, said this was the most he has signed at one time, cool guy
• Johnny Rodriguez-1/1-team ball
• Andrew Alsup-1/1-same
• Mark Badgley-1/1-same
• Andrew Battisto-1/1-same
• Steven Cishek-2/2-same
• Rafael Galbizo-1/1-same
• Kevin Hammons-1/1-same
• Christopher Ingoglia-1/1-same
• Garrett Parcell-1/1-same
• Andrew Snow-1/1-same
• Tyler Belcher-1/1-same
• Torre Langley-1/1-same
• Ryan Anetsberger-1/1-same
• Ryan Curry-1/1-same
• Ben Lasater-1/1-same
• Carlos Piste-1/1-same
• Rigoberto Silveno-1/1-same
• Lucas Waters-1/1-same
• Christopher Dunn-1/1-same
• Dustin Kaats-1/1-same
• Bryan Petersen-1/1-same

Brooklyn

• Micah Schilling-1/1-SAL League top prospect, only been in A Ball for 6 years
• Nick Carr-1/1-team ball
• Steve Cheney-1/1-same
• Grady Hinchman-1/1-same
• David Koons-1/1-same
• J.J. Leaper-1/1-same
• Greg Mullens-1/1-same
• Eric Niesen-1/1-same
• Dylan Owen-1/1-same
• Todd Privet-1/1-same
• Edgar Ramirez-1/1-same
• Tim Stronach-1/1-same
• Nick Waechter-1/1-same
• Jake Eigsti-1/1-same
• Chris Fournier-1/1-same
• Jordan Abruzzo-1/1-same
• Jeffries Tatford-2/2-team ball and program

July 13, 2007

Road Warriors @ Long Island Ducks

     Normal night at the park.  Nice to get back into some Atlantic League graphing.  Shock of the night was when Jeff Tam told me, "Hell no," when I asked him to sign.  He preceded to literally grab my binder and say, "I will sign, but I ain't doing them all."  No comment

Totals for the night:     23

Road Warriors

• Jeff Tam-2/5-almost lost sleep over this one...not
• Benito Baez-2/2-took my cards and put them on his Bible, the cards ressurected with signatures on them
• Steve Doetsch-3/3-thata boy
• Vito Chiaravalloti-3/3-couple cards and a GU Broken Bat from last series, inscribed 2007 Game Used
• Pete Rose Jr.-6/6-finished them as he said he would, no sign of his dad though

Long Island

• John Halama-4/4-had a little help with Johnny Attitude
• Jose Offerman-3/3-took my binder into his Benz, my binder got the royal treatment today

July 14, 2007

Delmarva Shorebirds @ Lakewood BlueClaws

     One short of the century mark.  Excellent night, got the hook up with tickets so I spent the money on a team set.  Worked on that and a couple of team balls.  Finished off Drabek and Berry even though I have more incoming.  Rowell was easy, but you could tell he wasn't loving it.  He looked very alone on the bench and acted as though he was better than everyone else.  Looks to have a lot of potential, just needs to get his head on straight.  This is the first guy ever that I have got who is YOUNGER than me.  Either I am getting old or he is very young.  His family was there after the game, which I think helped my chances of getting him.  He asked me if he missed me inside, and I said no.  Must have appreciated my honesty because he still did 5/5.  Did 8/8 for a guy pre game.  Think he is random.  Worst shut down of the year, both of the trainers.

Met up with jetpig and minorleaguetraveler from the SASE Boards

Totals for the night:     99

Delmarva

• Billy Rowell-11/12-would have liked to get him on another OMLB, but wasn't going to push my luck
• Pedro Beato-9/9-helped out the kid who hooked me up with a ticket, team ball
• Ryan Ouellette-1/1-team ball
• Gary Kendall-1/1-same
• Brandon Snyder-1/1-same
• Todd Donovan-1/1-same
• Miguel Perez-1/1-same
• Kimera Bartee-1/1-same
• Luis Lebron-1/1-same
• Chad Thall-1/1-same
• Zachary Clark-1/1-same
• Miguel Abreu-1/1-same
• Kyle Schmidt-1/1-same
• David Cash-1/1-same
• Reid Hamblet-1/1-same
• Stuart Musslewhite-1/1-same
• Wilfredo Perez-1/1-same
• Brandon Tripp-1/1-same
• Brent Bordes-1/1-same
• Christopher Vinyand-1/1-same
• Pedro Florlmon Jr.-1/1-same
• Jeffrey Moore-1/1-same
• Daniel Figueroa-1/1-same
• Unknown-1/1-same

Lakewood

• Carl Henry Jr.-1/1-team set
• Michael Dubee-2/2-team set and team ball
• Garet Hill-1/1-team set
• Justin Blaine-1/1-team set
• Darren Byrd-2/2-team set and team ball
• Andrew Cruise-1/1-team set
• Jay Miller-1/1-team set
• Adrian Cardenas-1/1-same
• Ed Hodge-1/1-same
• Buster-1/1-same
• Charlie Yarbrough-9/9-2006 BDP's
• Quinitin Berry-7/7-06 BDP's and team sets
• Kyle Drabek-24/24-Just Rookies, BDP's and TriStar, team set
• Joel Naughton-1/1-team set
• Doug Morales-1/1-same
• Gus Milner-1/1-same
• Sergio Escalona-1/1-team ball
• Zach Shlitter-1/1-same

July 15, 2007

Vermont Lake Monsters @ Staten Island Yankees

     Hot as a mother in SI today, but I braved the heat and made the trip.  Sitting in the stands and decided to move my seat to a shaded area.  Sit down, look over and lookie lookie lookie what we have here.  Harold Reynolds, former Baseball Tonight and sexual harraser, who was fired from ESPN for that very thing.  Had a nice, random chat with him about life, baseball and his future.  He is on a baseball show now on MLB.com.  He was very sincere and was a down to Earth feller.  Harold was in attendance because Darrell Coles (skipper for Vermont) is his best friend as they came up in the minor together.  He signed a ticket more than willingly.  Once I got up and left, the guy sitting in front of Reynolds turns around and goes, "You look familiar (to Reynolds)."  Way to ease drop on my convo buddy.

Totals for the day:     60

Vermont

• Tony Tarasco-6/9-course he skipped the first card, Norfolk Tides team setter
• Rusty Meacham-7/7-talked to me before and during the came, cool Nomar nose
• Colton Willems-26/26-solid guy as advertised, won't be suprised to see him move up soon
• Sean Rooney-1/1-program
• Craig Stinson-1/1-same
• Dan Lyons-1/1-same
• Anthony benner-1/1-same
• Jake Rogers-1/1-same
• Ricky Caputo-1/1-same
• Ryan Delaughter-1/1-same
• Jordan Zimmermann-1/1-same
• Ryan Harrison-1/1-same
• Ryan Butcher-1/1-same
• Hassan Pena-1/1-same
• Matt Perks-1/1-same
• Glenn Gibson-1/1-same
• Darnell Coles-1/1-same

Other

• Harold Reynolds-1/1-signed condom wrapper...I mean ticket

Staten Island

• Dellin Betances-2/9-got SHELLED today, could not throw a strike, came out walked a B line right at me, told me he could only sign a few because his family was there, last I checked a couple was two and a few was 3 or more
• Zach McAllister-4/8-understandable as I got him while he was charting

Road Warriors @ Long Island Ducks

     Got two balls after the game so I started a Ducks team ball.  Guy comes out of the locker room, ask him to sign, he says I have a hidden identity.  Didn't know who he was, thought he was a new pickup.  Signs my ball and tells me he is QuackerJack, the mascot.  Nice call by me.  That ball is a wash.

Totals for the night cap:     11

Road Warriors

• DJ Boston-2/2-couple cards
• Ian Bladergroen-1/1-redid the one that got destroyed by rain drops last series

Long Island

• QuackerJack-1/1-team ball, see above for this crap
• Jaime Pouge-1/1-team ball, eventually destroyed by "QJ"
• Ben Grezlovski-1/1-same, also included a queer smiley face to deface my baseball even more
• Rob Cafiero-1/1-same
• Edgardo Alfonzo-2/2-with kids and still signed, thought I was getting the "manana"
• Danny Graves-1/3-righhhhhttttttttt
• Ray Navarette-1/1-Altoona team setter

July 16, 2007

Lancaster Barnstormers @ Long Island Ducks

     Strange night with a little bit of everything happening.  Got a HOF and 5/5 Carl Everett.  Something fishy about today's ball game.  Lancaster another good group of guys like last series.  Everett came out totally trashed.  The converstation went as follows:

Carl Everett:  Man this Mets card sucks
Me:  I like the Red Sox one myself
CE:  (Blank) Red Sox
Me:  They are my team, I am from Boston
CE:  (Blank) Red Sox
Me:  I know, but they are in first place, got to give them some credit
CE:  (Blank) Red Sox

And I tip my hat to Josh Stevens.  He came out with 24 Coors Lights and sat there and talked to me for a while.  I asked him if I could get a couple and as he was about to hook me up Michael Woods came out and said, "Man you could go to jail for that (blank)," (because I am 18).  There is a 0 tolerance for minors drinking so if I had got pulled over and was caught with beer in my system, bye bye license.  So Stevens ends up saying find me when you turn 21.  Strange thing is that I got pulled over on my way home from the park.  I would have been (Carl Everett's favorite word).

Wierd wierd night

Totals for the day:     25

Lancaster

• Lance Odom-1/1-team ball
• Russ Cleveland-1/1-team ball
• John Wolff-1/1-team ball
• Felix Jose-1/1-team ball
• Rob Henkel-2/2-couple cards
• Rosee Peeples-2/2-same
• Glenn Murray-1/1-card
• Rick Wise-1/1-"Man you guys are up late."  "Rick it is 10:30."  "Here is your card, take it"
• Brett Evert-1/1-2001 Bowman

Long Island

• Carl Everett-5/5-obviously drunk, signatures show about 6 beers worth of quality
• Dave LaPoint-4/4-"I bet you guys just murdered Felix Jose."  "Does a team ball qualify as murder?"
• Jose Offerman-3/3-always good if you can catch him

Other

• Bob Wolff-his son or grandson John, plays for Lancaster so Bob was in attendance, signed a pocket schedule (all I had) and included HOF 95, thought I was going to be elligble for retirement by the time he was done signing my one item

July 22, 2007

Louisville Bats @ Pawtucket Red Sox

Totals of the day:     14

Either I miss the old days or security is getting rediculous.  Pawtucket is just getting dominated by dealers and idiots.  Simply put.  Besides that it was a quality over quantity type of day.

Louisville:

• Phil Dumatrait-1/1-huge signature
• Marcus McBeth-2/2-nice enough to come over and sign

Pawtucket:

• Jacoby Ellsbury-1/1-8x10, gorgeous
• Clay Buchholz-4/8-I'll take it
• Alex Prieto-2/2-team setters
• Bryan Carey-1/2-not sure he saw the other
• Ed Rogers-2/2-no problem as usual
• Edgar Martinez-1/2-mobbed like he was good or something, poor mans C.C. Sabbathia if he is lucky

July 23, 2007

Somerset Patriots @ Long Island Ducks

     Rarely or should I say ever have I been shut down by two guys in one night at an Independant League team.  Needless to say Brandon Larson and Sparky Crocadyle were the culprates.  Left when the Somerset bus pulled away.  Still have a ton left.  Roster was a one time Red Sox prospect reunion.

Totals for the night:     55, also got two bats and two balls, kids around me were besides themselves

Somerset:

• Tony Peralta-2/2-team setters
• Sam Marsonek-2/2-same, looks like Jon Lester
• Travis Anderson-2/2-wanted to look through my book, no problem at until guys started pouring out of the clubhouse
• Danny Garcia-4/4-easy going fella
• Pat Boran-2/2-former Sox prospect, must be where his ego comes from
• Mike Lockwood-2/2-yet another Sox bust
• Elliott Ayala-2/2-incredible plays in the field
• Keith Ramsey-3/3-ugly sigs, but they are done
• Jason Richardon-2/2-Red Sox bum number 3
• Saul Solverson-2/2-team setters
• Brett Jodie-2/2-signed 50 something cards for me a few few years ago TTM, sent me a note to save them because they were going to be worth a lot of money, told him I still had it and he laughed and said they're not worth (stuff) now
• Alan Zinter-3/6-broke his bat, asked for it post game and he said no, he stared at me for ten seconds and gave it to me, Red Sox shab number 4, they also have Josh Pressley (#5) and Hector Almonte (#6)
• Andy Van Hekken-7/7-hanging outside the clubhouse during the game
• Jose Morban-8/8-took a minute per card
• Brandon Knight-9/9-will finish with him tomorrow
• Jason Romano-3/3-golden

July 28, 2007

Vermont Lake Monsters @ Brooklyn Cyclones

Fun to do some of the low A guys.  Nice and easy, no hassle graphing. 

Totals for the night:    79

Vermont:

• Colton Willems-26/26-great kid, nothing has changed from two weeks ago
• Tony Tarasco-18/18-some before, some after, all garbage signatures
• Darnell Coles-9/9-unlike Tarasco, excellent sigs, took his time with them
• Glenn Gibson-4/4-kid is pretty cool, signed whatever, shoes, shirts, bras
• Few more guys on the program I started last time
• Dan Lyons-1/1-photo I took of him in Staten Island couple weeks back
• Mark Gildea-1/1-same
• Jake Rogers-1/1-same
• Boomer Whiting-2/2-same
• Garrett Bass-1/1-same
• Sean Rooney-1/1-same
• Aaron Suess-1/1-same

Brooklyn:

• 13 guys on the program

July 30, 2007

York Revolution @ Long Island Ducks

Nothing special about this one, still waiting for the team set to come out.

Totals for the night:     57

York

• Chris Hoiles-2/3-wouldn't even sign more with his son standing there
• Frank Castillo-9/9-shocked he signed this many, got him talking and it was magic from there
• Tippy Martinez-1/1-gave me a decent signature tonight
• Matt Ford-1/1-card
• Ramon Nivar (Martinez)-1/1-same
• 3 more no namers I needed to add on the team ball

Long Island:

• John Reidling-1/1-Cinci team photo card he is in
• Damian Rolls-5/5-great guy as usual
• John Halama-3/3-saw me coming and hurried to get in his car, rolled his window down before pulling away
• Bud Harrelson-4/4-didn't want to push my luck and hear him complain
• Donovan Osborne-7/9-was rushed by Graves
• Danny Graves-2/2-had help
• Carl Everette-5/5-had help again
• Pete Rose Jr.-2/2-signed a couple sideways as usual
• Dave LaPoint-8/8-his wife stopped him and told him I was waiting for him
• Ed Yarnall-1/1-signed the double card with Wily Mo, said "Why don't you have Wily Mo sign it?"
• Edgardo Alfonzo-3/4-"How is three tonight?"

August 3, 2007

Bridgeport Bluefish @ Long Island Ducks

     Picked Justin up for the first of a three day road trip.  This was our first game, and it went decent.  Tommy John wouldn't sign and we waited on the Long Island side because Justin wanted to see some X-Red Sox shabs.

Totals for the night:     27

Bridgeport:

• Hector Mercado-3/7-no dups, maybe because he was signing after the first pitch, whatever
• Junior Spivey-1/1-got him right after he finished talking to Bryant Nelson, besides me and Jay he turned down everyone else because his hands were full
• Jay Caliguri-3/3-right before first pitch
• Quinton McCracken-1/2-always good for one with a crowd
• Franlin Perez-2/2-no probs here
• Terry McGriff-1/1-nice guy, doesn't say or do much
• Bobby Malek-1/1-old Brooklyn Cylones team setter

LI:

• John Halama-2/2-signing at the signing booth inside, this guy has a switch, he was as nice as could be today
• John Reidling-4/4-help someone with a 50/50
• Donovan Osborne-9/9-always the man

August 4, 2007

Lowell Spinners @ Staten Island Yankees

     Second day of the road trip with Jay.  We went all over NYC and paid rediculous amounts of money for parking, but it was a great day.  New York Yankees tomorrow afternoon, Red Sox caps and all.  It was Robby Cano appreciation night as they were retiring his number in SI.  Of course, he is a no show.

Totals for the night:     50

Lowell:

• Carlos Febles-4/9-inside and outside, two both times
• Willy Mota-14/14-had Jay take a few for me just to bang them all out
• Eric Beattie-5/5-few Just 06ers
• 15 Spinners signed program

Staten Island:

• Zach McAllister-5/9-had help from Jay, guy is at most 3 per
• Julio Mosquera-1/1-"You don't have me son."  Okay dad
• 6 Yanks signed program

August 5, 2007

Aberdeen Ironbirds @ Brooklyn Cyclones

     This was the final stop in the Sean & Jay road trip of 2007.  We hit the Yankees game earlier in the day and decided to hit up Tyler Henson, formely Bobby.  Etchenbarren and Maduro would not sign after and just got right on the bus. 

Totals for the night:     82

Aberdeen:

• Bobby "Tyler" Henson-64/64-quiet, but a character, talked to us about how a guy in Aberdeen gave him 120 cards right before the road trip, he took them into the clubhouse and handed them back in 15 minutes, sharp shortstop, plays the game hard and right, sure the Oreo's will give him a chance one day down the road
• 18 guys signed a program from the ball game, while waiting for Henson to appear

August 10, 2007

Newark Bears @ Long Island Ducks

     Got a Newark team set, so I worked on that even though it was raining and nasty out.

Totals for the night:     52

Newark:

• Joey Gomes-3/8-no dups I guess??  maybe rain to blame??
• Jason Torres-2/2-team setters
• Pat Peavey-2/2-same
• Carlos Mirabal-2/2-same
• Lipso Nava-2/2-same
• Marcus Nettles-2/2-same
• Javier Colina-2/2-same
• Corey Smith-3/4-no dups
• Keith Reed-4/4-
• Jose Herrera-4/4-
• Steve Foucault-3/3-team setters and card
• Victor Rodriguez-3/3-AL All Star set and team sets
• Wayne Krenchicki-9/9-took them under cover and signed away
• Edwin Almonte-5/6-must of missed the last sucker, good guy
• RUBEN MATEO-5/5-stunned he did them all, finally add his graphs to my collection

August 11, 2007

Auburn Doubledays @ Brooklyn Cyclones

     Another fine weekend for graphin, especially with a top prospect and first rounder, J.P. Arencibia in town.  Thought this kid was going to be tough, but found out my sources were incorrect.  Great signing team, all guys were very fan-friendly and this is the type of graphing I miss.

Totals for the day:     56

Auburn:

• J.P. Arencibia-8/9-didn't sign the Team USA logo checklist card, no biggie
• Brett Cecil-1/1-signed ticket, kid looks to be a sharpe lefty out of the pen, nice guy
• 33 Doubledays on my program, only guy I am missing is Arencibia, life goes on

Brooklyn:

• 14 Cyclones on a program I started a while back

TO THE NIGHTCAP...

Newark Bears @ Long Island Ducks

     Got let in about half way through the game (when I arrived) and stayed after for graphs.  Wanted to finish up on Newark as much as I could.  Decided to go to the Long Island side to work on the team set after the game though.

Total graphs for the night:     23

Newark:

• John Pachot-2/2-got him going to the clubby from the field

LI:

• Travis Wade-3/3-team setters
• Ben Grezlovski-3/3-same
• Ed Yarnall-3/3-same
• Kevin Haverbusch-3/3-same
• Jared Price-3/3-same
• Jamie Pouge-3/3-same
• Randy Leek-1/1-signed logo card
• Danny Graves-2/3-knew he would budge eventually

August 12, 2007

Jamestown Jammers @ Staten Island Yankees

     Another double-header today.  Got a couple balls, but gave them away to some younger kids who were waiting.  Met up with my boy Justin Jacobs and chatted for a while about ladies and life.  He is hitting a lot better and it seems like his confidence is there, compared to when it wasn't when I say him in Brooklyn.  Madden was pissed he didn't have time to sign because Jacobs was taking forever between signing and talking to me.  If I was smart I would of had them in two binders.  Onto the totals...

Totals for the Game 1:     119

Jamestown:

• Tom Hickman-8/8-'You want all these signed?'...this was prior to Jacobs racking 70 something for me
• Justin Jacobs-71/71-left me with, "If you have anymore send them to Cali with those pics you owe me."
• Torre Langley-6/32-"Is that enough for you?"...needs some schooling from Jacobs...Langley's sig is quick enough he could of railed 32 out in 90 seconds
• Corey Madden-18/79-my four eyed friend gave me permission to ship them to Alaska at season's end...the bus was literally closing on him as he finished page 2
• 5 Jammers on my program as I was anxiously waiting for the big dogs

TO THE NIGHTCAP...

Newark Bears @ Long Island Ducks

     As if that wasn't enough sigs to hold me over for a month, I decided to hit the Duckies postgame on the way home.

Totals for Game 2:     19

Duckies:

• QJ-6/6-signed all mascot cards OUT of uniform, sadly I can pick him out of uniform too
• Rob Cafiero-3/3-slugger batting .122
• Donovan Osborne-3/3-team setters
• Danny Graves-1/3-that two per idea didn't last long
• Eric Colon-3/3-bullpen catcher, team setters
• Pete Rose Jr. (P.J.)-3/3-same

August 20, 2007

Bridgeport Bluefish @ Long Island Duck

     Tried to bang out some Tommy John among others I need.  Tough with a light mist/showers all night.

Totals for the night:     14

Bridgeport:

• Jay Caligiuri-1/1-AL All Star set
• Tommy John-1/3-in a rush with another old fella
• Willis Otanez-4/4-looked like a deer in headlights when I called his name to see if he would sign...gave me the Who me?! look, popular look in the Atlantic League
• Hector Mercado-4/4-finished me off this time
• Luis Figueroa-1/1-tough to pick out with this team
• Bobby Malek-1/1-always a nice guy and good to fans
• Quinton McCracken-2/2-thought I was getting the usual one until he smiled and said I will get your second one because you are standing out here in the rain, you know its way more than a hobby when Quinton McCracken feels bad for you...ohh what to do when the season ends

August 24, 2007

Aberdeen Ironbirds @ Lowell Spinners

     Calvin Maduro, the only other guy I went for had to go to the bullpen to help warm up his pitcher.  Didn't feel like staying after the game.  I was team set giveaway night, so I got 3 of them and will work on them later this week.  Got hooked up with tickets from someone I get graphs for who works for the Spinners.  Sat right behind Hagadone and next to a couple Sox scouts.

Totals for the night:    4

Aberdeen:

• Andy Etchenbarren-2/2-after he finished smoking in the dugout, he came over and signed a couple old Rochester team setters

Lowell:

• Nick Hagadone-2/2-two OMLB SS, one is FT/FS

August 25, 2007

CanAm League Grays @ Brockton Rox

Went for one guy and one guy only.  And got him.

Totals for the night: 1

CanAm League Grays:

• Chuck Jeroloman-1/1-06 Wilmington Blue Rocks team setter

August 26, 2007

Worcester Tornadoes @ North Shore Spirit

     Went to my yearly meet and greet with my former AAU coach, who is an IF/OF for the Spirit.  Had him rack me big time and hit up Worcester for some graphs and then had to get to Lowell.

Totals for the day:     8

Worcester:

• Rich Gedman-1/9-came over so late because he was talking to guys while they were warming up, he did one and said he had to go meet the umps at home plate as they were waiting for him.
• Bob Ojeda-6/9-shocked he did this many for me, always got 2 out of him in Brockton last year, had a much better attitude than I remember

North Shore:

• Mike Torres-1/1-brought an old school card of him playing for Brockton

TO THE NIGHT CAP...

Staten Island Yankees @ Lowell Spinners

     Free tickets again through my buddy boswell, thanks man.  This game was nothing but a stroll in the park.  Didn't even care about Zach McAllister as I am sick of his three per garbage.  Nothing like graphing Low A guys with a handful of cards for every guy.  Worked mostly on Lowell, will finish Staten Island (hoping they are playoff bound) when I return to Long Island for school on Tuesday.

Totals for the night:     96 (should of had Hagadone do 4 more)

Staten Island:

• Julio Mosquera-2/2-couple 8x10's, asked for copies, I declined
• Jose Gil-2/2-couple of 8x10's, asked for copies, I declined, that Red Sox instinct inside I guess
• Braedyn Pruitt-1/1-even though his parents forgot to spell check his first name, nice kid, signed a cover of a SI program

Lowell:

• Nick Hagadone-7/7-team setters, among other items
• Oscar Tejeda-1/1-newspaper clipping, NEXT HANLEY RAMIREZ, you heard it here first ladies
• Felix Doubront-1/1-also a newspaper clipping
• Brett Lewis-4/4-team setters
• Dan Milano-4/4-same
• Alan Mauthe-5/5-same
• Jorge Jimenez-5/5-same
• David Marks-4/4-same
• Eammon Portice-4/4-same
• Eric Beattie-4/4-same
• Kade Keowen-4/4-same
• Jordan Craft-4/4-same
• Yamaico Navarro-4/4-same
• Ty Wedden-4/4-same
• Luis Segovia-5/5-same
• Miguel Socolovich-4/4-same
• Joe Capellan-4/4-same
• Adam Blackley-4/4-same
• Felix Ventura-5/5-same
• Pedro Vasquez-4/4-same
• Carlos Fernandez-Oliva-4/4-same
• Carlos Febles-3/3-team set, old Pawsox team set he always skips and another beauty
• Willy Mota-2/4-sorry but I have to complain when this kid does 8/8 in Staten Island 3 weeks ago
• Will Vasquez-1/4, 1/3-almost called the parametics over for oxygen

August 29, 2007

Buffalo Bisons @ Pawtucket Red Sox

     The Ellsbury family was in town, which is bad news because Jacoby's brothers look like him.  He used that to his advantage and snuck out after the game.  Did get Buchholz through some of my own magic on a nice 8x10.  He declined my request to put his debut date on the photo.  Win some you lose some I guess.  25 used to be a horrible night at Pawtucket, now its like you struck a gold mine.

If anyone needs a Pawsox team set, they are $6 and I can ship it to you for $8 total.

Totals for the night:     25

Buffalo:

• Adam Miller-3/3-TriStar and 2 OMLB SS, one is FT/FS
• Keith Ginter-6/8-no dups
• Andy Marte-3/3-shocked he signed, first time in 3 years I have got him
• Luis Rivas-5/6-did not sign the 01 Bowman Heritage because it's not him, I think it is Jacque Jones
• Shin Soo Choo-1/1-nice guy, spoke fluent English, told everyone one per

Pawtucket:

• Mike Burns-2/2-at least he still does everything
• Bryan Corey-1/1-finished the one he missed last time
• Bobby Scales-1/2-need a say more
• Charlie Zink-3/3-always will rack

August 31, 2007

Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees @ Pawtucket Red Sox

     Another day at Pawtucket means another day in the twenties I guess.   Can't wait to get back to NY and do some real graphing again.  Raul Chavez told me he already got me, when he most certainly didn't.  Biggest let down of the night was Ian Kennedy got the call from George and Cashy.  Rumor is that Dave Eiland went to the Bronx to hold his hand and wipe his jockstrap down after he craps his pants against the Devil Rays.  Should of come to Pawtucket for the weekend rookie!  Wish nothing but failure to you and Joba.

Totals for the night:     29

Scranton:

• T.J. Beam-2/2-was maxing out at 4 per
• Ben Kozlowski-2/2-got him on his way to chart, "Man you really know where to go huh."
• Ross Ohlendorf-2/2-cool guy, no problems
• Matt DeSalvo-1/2-"What's your name?"...who personalizes a card in AAA
• Brett Gardner-1/2-ok buddy
• Kevin Thompson-1/9-so much for this guy racking
• Jose Cruz Jr.-2/5-idiots from McCoy almost ruined this one for me...its Chavez, Thompson, Clayton...dumbies

Pawtucket:

• Mike Burns-1/1-pitched a hell of a game...not
• Chris Carter-1/1-unfortunatley not the Wide Reciever from the Vikings
• Bryan Corey-1/1-ticket me
• Devern Handonmysack-1/1-stunned he signed on his way to chart
• Jeff Bailey-2/2-this big shot still racks
• Chad Spann-1/2-almost lost it...big tough corner infielder with a .127 average and 12 errors
• George Kottaras-1/3-has a shot in the National League
• Lincoln Holdzkom-1/6-thought this guy racked
• Charlie Zink-5/5-always chill
• Travis Hughes-4/4-same

September 3, 2007

Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees @ Pawtucket Red Sox

     Had to meet someone in Pawtucket to pick up some photos of Lowell guys to get signed on Friday in Brooklyn.  Figured I would graph a little Pawsox to try and finish some crap up.  Thought they were demoloshing the stadium after I heard Bobby Tierney running after Chad Spann for an autograph.  Pawtucket Highway Department had to replace pot holes from his footsteps from running.  That made this afternoon very entertaining.  This was all pregame, didn't feel like going in.  Will finish up Scranton and Pawtucket tomorrow.

Totals for the night:     49

Scranton:

• Alvaro Espinoza-1/1-only guy to stop coming off the bus

Pawtucket:

• Chris Carter-1/1
• Mike Burns-2/2
• Travis Hughes-2/2
• Blake Maxwell-1/1
• Jed Lowrie-1/1-05 BDP
• Dusty Brown-8/8-rack em
• Abe Alvarez-4/4-good as usual
• George Kottaras-1/1
• Mark Budaska-2/2
• Ron Johnson-2/2-thanked me
• Bobby Scales-1/1
• Joe McEwing-3/4-might have missed the last one
• David Pauley-3/9
• Chad Spann-1/1
• Ed Rogers-8/8-rack em
• Edgar Martinez-2/5
• Lincoln Holdzkom-2/5
• Scott Lonergan-4/4-"Quite a promotion from Lowell huh Scott?"  "Hell I never saw it coming"

September 5, 2007

Road Warriors @ Long Island Ducks

Totals for the night:     39

Road Warriors:

• Ian Bladergroen-3/3-nice guy as usual
• Jeff Tam-6/6-"What are you doing with these?"..."Keeping them."..."I doubt it."
• Benito Baez-6/6-held the bus up to sign for me
• Steve Doetsch-7/7-"These were taken when I was good"
• Chris Flinn-5/5-local kid, no problems

Long Island:

• Ray Navarrete-5/5-cool guy, always will take time for his fans
• Estee Harris-7/9-heard he had a rough game, wasn't even going to ask him, smudged 3

September 6, 2007

Road Warriors @ Long Island Ducks

     Worked on finishing up some Duckies.  Did well for a team I have been seeing all year.

Totals for the night:     50

Long Island:

• Kevin Baez-1/1-old hitting coach is back in town now that his other season ended
• Ed Yarnall-3/3-asked me the spot where I wanted his signature on the 8x10
• Danny Graves-1/2-suprised he does not have a job with a playoff contender yet
• Don McCormack-3/3-bench/3rd base coach
• Kevin Haverbusch-11/11-"Want to keep any Kevin?"..."Absolutely not."
• Lance Davis-3/3-finally get this guy
• Mark Watson-4/4-different sig on each
• Gabe Suarez-1/1-just traded from Road Warriors, got him on the AL All-Star set
• Mark Crudale-4/4-see Davis
• Reggie Taylor-9/9-left in the 7th inning and signed for me...strange
• Travis Wade-7/7-signs TWADE
• Bill Pulsipher-3/6-"I hate this Pawtucket card," pointing at the team setter I needed...guy has a pony tail now

September 7, 2007

Lowell Spinners @ Brooklyn Cyclones

     Went to bang out some Tejeda's, Lin's, and Hagadone's.  Job done.  Jose Capellan tried taking my book out of my hands assuming I had his card because I was finishing off the team set.

Total for the night:     46

Lowell:

• Che-Hsuan Lin-12/50-didn't feel like pushing my luck and missing out on other guys
• Deshaun Brooks-4/4-"All of them?"
• Willy Mota-2/2-strange guy as usual
• Carlos Febles-3/3-reluctant, but signed
• Laz Gutierrez-4/4-nice guy
• Brandon Henry-4/4-trainer double card
• Satoshi Kajiyama-2/4-trainer double card...you have got to be kidding me
• Felix Ventura-1/1-CIC
• Rafael Cabreja-3/4-gave his high school coach one, he then preceded to not stop talking to me about his whole career
• Luis Segovia-1/1-CIC
• Jorge Jimenez-1/1-CIC
• Oscar Tejeda-6/106-took an 8x10, THIS KID IS GOING TO BE TOUGH, DON'T LET HIM FOOL YOU, HE SPEAK FLUENT ENGLISH
• Nick Hagadone-6/6-signed all my 8x10's and than I asked him for his hat and he said ok, than no, than ok, than no because he already signed the photo...killing me Hagadone

September 11, 2007

Newark Bears @ Long Island Ducks

     A lot of fun after the game.  Missed Keith Reed and Javier Colina while banging out some 12 rackers.  Excellent win for Newark so all the guys were in high spirits, joking around, swearing and coming out of the locker room double fisting it.  Only in the Atlantic League...

Totals for the night:     65

Newark:

• Dusty Bergman-2/2-8x10's, "Where the hell did you get these?"
• Jose Herrera-12/12-nice guy, asked a lot of questions, "Do you buy all of there online?"
• Ruben Mateo-12/12-"Ruben can you sign please?"  "Man f*** that, I aint doing that s***."  As I turn my attention to the next guy, Mateo turns around and takes my stuff out of my hand, "Man I was just f*****g with you."  "Well, its not like I haven't heard it before so I wasn't to suprised."  "Na man, I got to have my fun to stay loose."  He was a cool guy after he had his fun, almost pushed my luck and gave him more, but I would have lost out on some other guys
• Jeroime Robertson-11/11-also quite chatty tonight, seemed to care about his fans
• Corey Smith-5/8-suprised he did this many, even did a couple dups!
• Joey Gomes-6/12-think he choose how many he wants to sign based on your convo with him, got him talking about his Johnny and once I stopped, he stopped
• Justin Huisman-10/10-"Holy cow, where did you get all of these."
• Harold Eckert-2/2-"Can you please sign Harold." "Na you don't have any of me?"...ohh but I do
• Mark Phillips-6/6-easy enough