12/13/08: Toronto Marlies vs Syracuse Crunch

A quick trip back to Syracuse for the Toronto Marlies. I decided to try to get some of my new cards (that arrived days after the original Marlies game), as well as the couple guys I missed on cards and on the logo sheet. It was pretty successful, I think out of everything, I only missed 2 guys on the sheet. Not a bad deal at all. I also lucked out that Jonathan Sigalet, who is most likely out for the season for Syracuse, just happened to come by to talk to Alex Foster from Toronto, so I was able to get my remaining cards of him done also!

Cards:

Syracuse
Jonathan Sigalet - 2 (Including a nice game used of him)

Toronto
Jiri Tlusty - 3
Darryl Boyce - 1
Ben Ondrus - 1
Alex Foster - 1
Greg Gilbert (Coach) - 1
Boyd Devereaux - 1
Mark Bell - 1

65 Different Hockey Cards Signed This Season

Misc:

Toronto Marlies Logo Sheet Continued (4 Added = 21 Players, 1 Coach Overall)
#4 - Phil Oreskovic
#5 - Joe Ryan
#18 - Brent Aubin
#25 - Ben Ondrus (Signed on the E in Marlies, number isn't very legible)

12/12/08: WBS Penguins vs Syracuse Crunch

A special night at the Crunch game against the WBS Penguins (AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins), as Mario Andretti was there to make an appearance and sign some autographs. A bit disappointing, as the line went very slowly, and my long search for a card came thru with about 2 minutes to spare. The sucky thing is that right in my other, easy box, I had a Mario Andretti Allen and Ginter card that I didn't realize he was in. So finding that the day after the signing was not a happy point! Other than that, not a bad autograph night at all, especially seeing Mike York leaving, as I was trying to get WBS guys.

Cards:

Syracuse
Mike York - 3

WBS
Ryan Stone - 2
Joey Mormina - 1

Racing
Mario Andretti - 1

Misc:

Photos
Mario Andretti Proved At Signing - 1

WBS Logo Sheet (18 Players, 1 Random)
#3 - Joey Mormina
#6 - Ben Lovejoy
#23 - Ryan Stone (Top Right #33, his NHL number, played game as #23)
#35 - Adam Berkhoel
#4 - Jon D'Aversa
#44 - Danny Richmond
#26 - Jean-Michel Daoust
#28 - Nick Johnson
#19 - Luca Caputi
#21 - Dustin Jeffrey
#1 - Curtis Darling
#10 - Mark Letestu
#7 - Bill Thomas
#8 - T.J. Kemp
#33 - Tommy Goebel (Bottom Right #33)
#5 - Deryk Engelland
#2 - Jean-Philippe Cote
#38 - Adam Henrich
Top Left Corner - Random Coach or Trainer Not listed

54 Different Hockey Cards Signed This Season

11/28/08: Toronto Marlies vs Syracuse Crunch

This was a different attitude from the Toronto Marlies (AHL Affiliate of Toronto Maple Leafs) than last year. Last year, the team acted pretty much like a bunch of jerks, but this year's crew was the exact opposite. Unfortunately, I missed a few players who exited a different way or quicker than I got out there, but we see this team a few more times, so I'm sure I'll take another chance.

Cards:

Toronto
Staffan Kronwall - 1
Robbie Earl - 1
Greg Gilbert (Coach) - 2
Alex Foster - 1
Jeremy Williams - 1
Kris Newbury - 1

Total Cards This Season - 48

Other Items:

New York Rangers Stanley Cup Team Photo (1st signature on it)
Greg Gilbert

Toronto Marlies Logo Sheet (18 Signed)
#29 - Kyle Rogers
#8 - Juha Uotila
#19- Jeremy Williams (Signature is touching top of logo, looks like #46)
#17 - Tim Stapleton
#30 - Adam Munro
#22 - Boyd Devereaux
#2 - Richard Petiot
#10 - Robbie Earl
#78 - Josef Boumedienne
#16 - Stefano Giliati
#26 - Jamie Sifers
#23 - Alex Foster
#77 - Staffan Kronwall
NN - Greg Gilbert (Coach) (His signature is kind of thru both Newbury's and Kronwall's)
#11 - Kris Newbury
#47 - Darryl Boyce
#28 - Mark Bell (Bottom right, tough to read #)
#41 - Jiri Tlusty

11/22/08: Albany River Rats vs Syracuse Crunch

Didn't bother with the team sheet, as I knew what the players I currently needed looked like. It was also iffy weather-wise, which is not fun with the sheet. Albany (AHL Affiliate of Carolina Hurricanes) come back multiple times, so I figure I can deal with that another day.

Cards:

Albany
Jeff Daniels (Coach) - 5
Trevor Gillies - 1

Total Cards: 41

Other Items:

Puck signed by Albany's Dan LaCouture

11/15/08: Chicago Wolves vs Syracuse Crunch

The Chicago Wolves (AHL Affiliate for Atlanta Thrashers) came into town for their only trip. It was a very successful autograph night, by far. Not only was I able to be successful for the majority of the Wolves, I was also able to get some Syracuse Crunch guys, too. On top of the normal stuff for the Chicago Wolves, I was also able to get a couple more signatures in my 2007 program, next to the player's profile.

Cards:

Chicago
Joe Motzko - 1
Wendell Young (Asst Coach) - 3

Syracuse
Steve Kelly - 2
Dan LaCosta - 1
Clay Wilson - 1

Autographed Cards This Season: 35

Other Items:

Atlanta Thrashers Program (Giving me total of 12 overall in it):
Joey Crabb
Dan Turple

Chicago Wolves Logo Sheet (18 signed)
#14 - Matt Anderson
#15 - Joey Crabb
#33 - Robert Gherson
#18 - Jeff Hamilton
#36 - Mike Hoffman
#20 - Rylan Kaip
#32 - Arturs Kulda
#17 - Jordan Lavallee
#27 - Junior Lessard
#8 - Spencer Machacek
#26 - Steve Martins
#21 - Joe Motzko
#28 - Tomas Pospisil
#24 - Jamie Rivers
#29 - Brett Sterling
#23 - Colin Stuart
#35 - Dan Turple
NN - Jason Christie (Asst Coach)

11/09/08: Houston Aeros vs Syracuse Crunch

Sunday games are usually pretty good for autographs, as they are early starters. Unfortunately, this wasn't exactly the case. The Houston Aeros (AHL Affiliate for the Minnesota Wild) did not have a bus. Every player walked to the hotel or wherever they ended up going. This was a killer, as they pretty much came and left in different areas, etc. Didn't do too bad on players I had cards of, at least. Only missed one guy. Sucks for the logo sheet, as this is only time we see them this year.

Cards:

Houston
Barry Brust - 1
Corey Locke - 1

2008-09 Hockey Cards Signed Overall: 27

Other Items:

Houston Aeros Logo Sheet (10 signed):
#3 - Paul Albers
#33 - Barry Brust
#11 - Jason Deitsch
#5 - Jon Insana
#19 - Danny Irmen
#84 - Corey Locke
#6 - Mitch Love
#15 - Bryan Lundbohm
#7 - Clayton Stoner
#23 - Craig Valette

11/08/08: Manitoba Moose vs Syracuse Crunch

After slacking big time, I am finally writing up a few games and dating them back to around when the games were.

The Manitoba Moose are the AHL affiliate for the Vancouver Canucks. Decided not to do my photo sheet, instead saving it for the next Manitoba game. I only needed guys I recognized, so I figured it would be better to wait, since I have other Manitoba player's cards incoming.

Cards:

Manitoba
Scott Arniel (Coach) - 5
Mike Keane - 4
Karl Goehring - 1

Total different hockey cards 2008-09: 25

Misc:

Puck signed by Jason Krog (inscribed MVP 08) as he was AHL MVP last year

10/25/08: Rochester Americans vs Syracuse Crunch

Second time in the early year that Syracuse faces Rochester (AHL Affiliate of the Florida Panthers). It was also a special night used to honor boxing Hall of Famer Carmen Basilio, as well as Pink Out Night for breast cancer. Due to the Pink Out night, Daniel Baldwin showed up for support of his mother's foundation. Between periods, Basilio was signing free photos, which was great. As for Baldwin, I found out right before I left that he would probably be there so I printed off a photo. He was never really accessible, however, I just happened to pass by him after getting my Basilio autograph, and he signed for me. It was a pretty sweet night. We decided to get Syracuse players after the game, as it was wide open outside of the Crunch locker room.

Cards:

Syracuse
Adam Pineault - 1
Mike York - 3
Craig MacDonald - 1
Dan Smith - 1
Aaron Rome - 2

Overall Hockey Cards Signed 2008-09 Season - 15


Photos:

Carmen Basilio (Boxing HOFer)
Daniel Baldwin (Actor)

Pucks:

Maxim Mayorov

10/24/08: Binghamton Senators vs Syracuse Crunch

Tonight, I decided to try to get the visiting Binghamton Senators in their first of four visits to Syracuse. Since I am awful with faces and since I only had cards of three players, I decided to print out a logo sheet, like the ones I used in Auburn Doubledays games. Overall, that came out great and I was able to get 4 of my 5 cards signed!

Cards:

Binghamton
Brendan Bell - 2
Ryan Shannon - 2

Overall Hockey Cards Signed in 2008-09 Season: 7

Other Items:

Binghamton Logo Sheet (18 signed)
#24 - Derek Smith
#8 - Tomas Kudelka
#15 - Danny Bois
#13 - Peter Regin
#38 - Chaz Johnson
#23 - Josh Hennessy
#33 - Jeremy Yablonski
Coach - Cory Clouston
#22 - Matt Carkner
#35 - Jeff Glass
#9 - Shawn Weller
#7 - Brendan Bell
#41 - Alexander Nikulin
#36 - Ilya Zubov
#16 - Cody Bass
#26 - Ryan Shannon
#19 - Zack Smith
#20 - Mattias Karlsson

10/16/08: World Poker Tour Event at Niagara Falls

Day two of our time near the poker room was very uneventful. Neither Erik Seidel nor any other player was in the stands watching, so my only two possibilities were Kathy Liebert and Gavin Smith. Gavin was my main goal, so we showed up a bit early hoping to run into him. After sitting in a chair in the hallway for a bit talking, Gavin finally came walking down the hall. I did not move from the chair, didn't even uncross my legs, and called him over to ask him to sign my Razor card of him. He was nice, and I have to say it was probably the least effort I ever had to put in to getting an autograph. I decided Liebert wasn't worth really bothering to get on a card, so that is all I got.


Cards:
Gavin Smith - 1

10/15/08: World Poker Tour Event in Niagara Falls

Sadly, even on vacation I try to get autographs. We had been planning on seeing a WPT event live for awhile, so this would be fun. Unfortuately, I forgot most of my stuff in the hotel room and realized it after walking to the casino. I ended up buying a Sharpie and a deck of Niagara Fallsview Casino playing cards and made it to the WPT poker area with about 12 players left. I recognized three players: Erik Seidel, Kathy Liebert, and Gavin Smith. The bothersome part was that I had cards of all three of them in my hotel room, from the Razor set!

Well, I was able to get Erik Seidel in the hallway after he busted out. He seemed rather disappointed, of course, but was polite and signed my King of Hearts card. Then, as the players went to dinner break, I was able to get Kathy Liebert to sign my Queen of Hearts. At this point we gave up, knowing that we were going to watch the final table the next day. Overall, not bad, but disappointing to not have the cards instead!

Items Signed:

King of Hearts Playing Card by Erik Seidel
Queen of Hearts Playing Card by Kathy Liebert

10/11/08: Rochester Americans vs Syracuse Crunch

Home opener for the Syracuse Crunch and it was relatively uneventful. I stood outside after the game, going after Syracuse players. My main goal was Nikita Filatov. I felt he would be called up soon, so I decided he was my goal. I was able to get him on a puck, however I was unable to find my silver Sharpie, so I borrowed another guy's silver marker. It didn't come out good at all, but at least I have a signed puck of him. Other than that, just lucked out and got some cards.

Cards:

Syracuse
Dan LaCosta - 1
Jonathan Sigalet - 2

Other:

Signed Puck by Nikita Filatov (Syracuse)

9/13/08: Penn State vs Syracuse College Football

During the very boring (autograph wise) month between baseball and hockey, I have really only had one autograph experience. This was before the Syracuse University and Penn State football game. I was meeting the guy who invited me to the game, but I decided to get there about an hour early, as the premiere for the movie "The Express" happened the night before, and I had a gut feeling that the many ex-Syracuse football players, as well as the movie stars would show up during the pregame festivities. I was correct on this feeling, as Dennis Quaid and Rob Brown (he played Ernie Davis in the movie) were there doing some interviews before going into the Carrier Dome for the game. I missed out on Quaid twice, which was disappointing. I was able to get Rob Brown to sign a movie poster, as well as a Syracuse bumper sticker that was handed out. Not a bad deal. Unfortunately, it sounded like I missed Art Monk by meer minutes and a couple other players I had cards of (such as Don McPherson). Overall, it was kind of nice to get an autograph of an actor for once.

Autographs:

The Express Movie Poster signed by actor Rob Brown
Syracuse Football Sticker signed by actor Rob Brown

9/2/08: Mahoning Valley Scrappers vs Auburn Doubledays

What looks to be my last game of the season, we see Auburn against Mahoning Valley, who is Cleveland's Short A club. Pretty much only came for one reason. That was to get Travis Fryman, the Scrappers' head coach.

Cards:

Travis Fryman - 3

Probable Final Total of Different Baseball Cards Signed in 2008: 596

Probable Final Number in 2008 Prospect Book for 2008 Season: 112/900

Probable Final Number in 2006 Prospect Book for 2006 Season: 172/900

9/1/08: S/WB Yankees vs Syracuse Chiefs

Syracuse season finale + S/WB insanity + me having to work = Showing up before the buses even get to the stadium. This was the first time I have ever done this, and I am not sure I will do it often again. Basically, since I couldn't stay after the game, I decided to take a shot at possibly getting a signature or two when the buses arrived. This was pointless as everyone on the two S/WB buses ignored the few of us there, except Kei Igawa. I got him to sign a card, but it was one I already had. Between the buses, I got a few Syracuse guys on my yearbook, but was very disappointed that Kevin Mench snubbed me not once, but twice! I went 0 for Mench this year, which blew.

The positive part came a bit later, as we saw Melky Cabrera's car show up. We were able to run down to where he was let out, and he signed for everyone. It was only 1 per, but it was great to not have to have 20 bodies pressed against me while I tried to get him.

I saw Billy Traber leaving the stadium before the game started and he snubbed me. This guy is a piece of work that should just be happy that someone would ask for his autograph after his consistant shellings while on the Yankees roster.

Inside, I went to the S/WB side (I was late as I was getting snubbed for the second time by Mench while the gates opened 20 minutes early). The only person I got to sign was David Robertson, and that was the end of my Syracuse year. I heard Hughes and Duncan didn't sign after the game, so I guess I didn't miss much by working!

Books:

Melky Cabrera (2006)
David Robertson (2008)

Cards:

Kei Igawa (Repeat card)

Misc:

Chiefs Yearbook (All on their yearbook page, unless noted)
Scott Richmond (Cover)
Curtis Thigpen
Hector Luna
Russ Adams
Pedro Lopez
Mike Gosling

8/31/08: Scranton/WB Yankees vs Syracuse Chiefs

Doubleheader today and overall an awful experience. Of course, this is the norm for a series with makeshift Yankee fans and players like Melky Cabrera, Phil Hughes, Shelley Duncan, etc. being down. If you've ever warn a Yankee uniform, the fans in the Syracuse area with kiss your ass hardcore. Pregame we made the bad decision of picking the far end, rather than being in the middle of everyone. This cost us chances at Shelley Duncan and Melky Cabrera. I lucked out to get Kennedy and Moeller to at least make that first hour worth something.

Between games I was able to get Kevin Melillo to sign for me. Luckily he didn't play in the first game so he had to actually come out, unlike Kevin Mench.

After the game, the barricades were up and very narrow. Unfortunately, on the other side was a tall goofy guy at the beginning of the lines. He was able to reach out and once the players signed for him, the majority went down his row. Due to him, I missed Hughes, Duncan, and a few others I needed. I lucked out that Victor Zambrano decided to make my card one of the three he signed walking out. Other than that, Nick Green turned just in time to get us, after being on the other side to start.

The worst part of it all was that after waiting for the coaches to come out, Alvaro Espinosa snubbed the few of us who wanted him. ALVARO ESPINOSA! That alone sums up your night, when a career lower .200 hitting player snubs everyone.

Cards:

Syracuse
Kevin Mellilo - 1

S/WB
Ian Kennedy - 1
Chad Moeller - 1
Nick Green - 1
Victor Zambrano - 1

Different Baseball Cards in 2008: 593

8/30/08: State College Spikes vs Auburn Doubledays

Running into my last few days of baseball, we decided to go out to Auburn since former major leaguer Sid Bream is the hitting coach of State College (Short Season A for Pittsburgh) . As per the usual, the only autographing I did was pregame. I got everything I needed.

Books:

Quincy Latimore (2008)

Cards:

Sid Bream - 2

Different Baseball Cards this year: 588

8/28/08: Toby Keith Concert

After winning two tickets in a karaoke contest earlier in the day, I went to the Toby Keith concert. After the show was over, two of the three opening acts were signing autographs. The line was about 10 people long, so we figured why not. Not wanting to spend actual money, I was able to get:

Trailer Choir: All three band members (plus some other guy) on my ticket stub.

Carters Chord: All three band members on a little promotional card that had their pictures on it.

Not a bad deal when I entered the day not thinking anything about autographs

8/24/08: Rochester Red Wings vs Syracuse Chiefs

A sad day today, as this will be my final full Chiefs game of the year. The only game I can make it to is a doubleheader next Sunday, but those aren't "full" games. This will also be the last time that things aren't insane at the stadium, as the Scranton W/B Yankees will most likely have Melky Cabrera, Phil Hughes, and rumors of Joba Chamberlain with them. No point in really trying in these cases, unless I was to get really lucky.

Things today went so-so, as I was only able to get Travis Snider before the game in my prospect book. After the game looked much worse, as I went to the Syracuse side and skipped over Snider to try to get newly sent down Shaun Marcum. Marcum ignored us as he walked to his car on the phone, and I missed Snider. So after getting one guy from Syracuse, I went over to the Rochester side. Phil Humber snubs us, while signing for some white trash kid and his cardboard box..... I blame the fact that they left the stupid barricades up. This reminds me of early in the Syracuse Crunch season, when barricades were put up for opposing teams. Luckily, we found ways around that. I did get Luke Hughes on a ticket stub, since I had nothing for him and never got him to sign before.

Well, after getting a whole four autographs, we leave dejected. This is where the story gets interesting. We left, end up getting turned around, as we decided to get a couple groceries, and who do we notice driving right next to us? SHAUN MARCUM! We end up going along our way and decided that we would detour and take a chance at going back to the stadium for a minute. Sure enough, Marcum shows up. It ends up being just us there, and he ends up signing all that I had with me. He was very nice, which was the total opposite of what we expected after the ignoring as he originally left. I guess sometimes going on a whim can be a good thing.

Books:

Shaun Marcum (2006)
Travis Snider (2008)

Cards:

Syracuse
Travis Snider - 1
Chris George - 1
Shaun Marcum - 4

Rochester
Bobby Kielty - 1 (2006 Oakland Heritage card..will hopefully get more in the future on it)

Misc:

Rochester's Luke Hughes on ticket Stub

2008 Baseball Cards Signed: 586

8/23/08: Buffalo Bisons vs Syracuse Chiefs

You could almost call this my Syracuse finale, as there are only four days of home games left, and I can really only make two of those. One of which is tomorrow vs Rochester, whom I have two possible guys left to get anything from, and the other is Scranton W/B, which is going to be a mob scene. Tonight, all rehabbers but Josh Barfield blew everyone off. In fact, Morgan Ensberg came out with a hat pulled over his face. Dude, there are barricades up, you don't need to hide..we see you.

Before the game, I lucked out and was let in before the end of BP, which let me get my Jeff Weavers out of the way. Aside from that, things went relatively ok after the game, with the exception of Josh Barfield. He finally decides to sign near the bus. I bring my 2006 prospect book over with my pen... Of course, with the fun I've had trying to get Barfield this whole year, I'm sure I could have predicted what happened next. That would be him taking the same sharpie he signed the last thing with and he signed my book with it. Yup, 169 players follow procedure of using a damn pen, but Barfield can't do that. Luckily, he didn't sign too hard and I am not very anal about the book (last year I felt I should get the same color for each, etc..but I have lightened up). It just sucks, as I think sharpie looks awful on it. Anyways...

Books:

Aaron Laffey (2008)
Josh Barfield (2006)

Cards:

John Halama - 2
Aaron Laffey - 1
Tom Mastny - 2
Todd Linden - 2
Tony Graffanino - 3
Brian Slocum - 1
Jeff Weaver - 3
Jonathan Meloan - 1

Total Baseball Cards Signed This Year: 579

8/22/08: Buffalo Bisons vs Syracuse Chiefs

I got stuck working until 10pm, so I figured to not have a shot at getting anything after the game, since it was a 7pm start. Low and behold, I get out of work and the game is only in the 8th inning, so I was able to try to get the Bisons after the game. Unfortunately, things were not meant for me and the three rehabbing players (Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez, and Josh Barfield). Barfield and Martinez signed for a few (the same few actually..who consist of a dealer and his kids...) and Hafner blew everyone off. I was able to get a couple, although it wasn't a great night.

Books:

John Meloan (2008)

Cards:

Torey Lovullo (Manager) - 2
Jeff Weaver - 3
Jeff Harris - 2
Jorge Velandia - 1

Baseball cards this year: 564

Errors

I was looking over some of my earlier blogs this year and found that I did not include 7 cards into my totals early on for this year. That means every 100th-500th signed card I noted was wrong, and that my total as of the New Hampshire/Binghamton game is 556 not 549. Apparently I cannot add.

8/19/08: New Hampshire Fisher Cats vs Binghamton Mets

It was a beautiful day for what looks to be my Binghamton finale for the year. Tonight they took on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Double A for Toronto). I made it there before BP even began, so I was able to snag a couple Binghamton players, although, as usual I was much more successful with the visiting team. New Hampshire was great, as I even had a couple players approach me while I was having a teammate sign. I thought that was pretty cool, even though I didn't need one of the guys (David Smith). I got him while he was with Syracuse, so I kind of felt bad not having anything for him to sign! Also for the Binghamton Mets, Luis Castillo was rehabbing. I was happy to have him sign the one card he did for me, although it seemed like others were getting two, which sucks. But I am not a dealer, so I'll get over it, lol! I was going to do the Mets pregame, but with all of the dealers looking for Castillo, I filled up on the rest of New Hampshire that I missed, excluding Brad Mills who was starting. I have to laugh at all the fuss over Castillo, I mean, he isn't exactly that great of a player in the first place, but I digress.

Books:

Jared Gothreaux (2006)
Robert Ray (2006)
Jacob Butler (2006)
Brian Dopirak (2006)
Andrew Pinckney (2006)
Ryan Patterson (Both)
Zach Dials (2008)
J.P. Arencibia (2008)

Cards:

Binghamton
Mike Carp - 1
Edgar Alfonzo - 1
Salvador Paniagua - 1
Luis Natera (Hitting Coach) - 1
Luis Castillo - 1
Eric Brown - 2

New Hampshire
Jared Gothreaux - 1
Eric Nielsen - 1
Marty McLeary - 2
J. P. Arencibia - 1

Different Baseball Cards Signed This Year: 549

8/18/08: Syracuse University Orangefest

My goal for this open football practice was to purchase a media guide and have players sign in it, as I see no point in using the provided schedule poster to get loads of autographs in. Unfortunately, I saw no booths selling merchandise, so I didn't bother. What I did luck out on was bringing my Chris Gedney cards on a whim. I ran into him and was able to get him to sign what I had, which was only two different cards. Still, better than nothing.

Cards:

Chris Gedney - 2

8/17/08: Rochester Red Wings vs Syracuse Chiefs

I was unhappy to not be able to show up for photo/autograph day for the Chiefs, but I was able to try to get autographs after the game, which turned out pretty successful. A shocker overall was that Philip Humber even cracked a smile, too.

Books:

Philip Humber (2008)

Cards:

Syracuse
Kevin Melillo - 1
Al LeBoeuf (Hitting Coach) - 1
Bill Murphy - 1

Rochester
Danny Graves - 2
Bobby Kielty - 1
Stu Cliburn (Pitching Coach) - 1
Sergio Santos - 1
Alejandro Machado - 1
Howie Clark - 1
Jason Pridie - 1
Kevin Mulvey - 1
Tom Shearn - 1

Different Baseball Cards Signed This Year: 537

8/16/08: Rochester Red Wings vs Syracuse Chiefs

Part two of today brings us to the after game attempts at autographs in Syracuse. This was the main event with anti-autograph pitcher Philip Humber being the guy I wanted to get. Well, for the first time in Syracuse, Humber picked up a pen. However, he only signed three or four things. Luckily, as I walk with him after his "my ride is waiting for me" excuse, he signed for me. (This excuse is lame, as he was driving himself and his wife or girlfriend). Biggest suckhole tonight was Kevin Mulvey. I grabbed what I had for him, as I didn't have time to look and see what I had. Turns out I had both of the cards that Mulvey signed. This is a good thing, as his signature looks like the number three on the ones he gave me. Apparently he was in a hurry...but I would think instead of three squiggles that look nothing like a signature, that he'd just say he'd get me tomorrow. Oh well.

Books:

Trevor Plouffe (Both)
Philip Humber (2006)

Cards:

Trevor Plouffe - 1
Tim Lahey - 1
Ricky Barrett - 1
Danny Graves - 2
Bobby Kielty - 1
Matt Macri - 1

8/16/08: Batavia Muckdogs vs Auburn Doubledays

This is the first stop of a double day (no pun intended) of baseball games. I started off going to Auburn, since it was baseball card night. The way Auburn sets it up is that you get a free team set when you enter, then the players sign at tables for about 25 minutes. They are in alphabetical order, but it can be a bit of a rush since there is no real "line" even though the majority start at the coaches and the beginning of the alphabet and try to get straight ahead until the end. I am happy to say I was able to get everyone to sign, including the trainer. That being said, I do not think I will include the trainer towards my numbers..no offense, lol. After that, I was able to get the only Batavia (short single A for the St Louis Cardinals) Muckdog that I needed. Overall a good deal!

Cards:

Batavia
Thomas Eager - 1

Auburn
Dennis Holmberg (Manager) - 1
Antonio Caceres (Pitching Coach) - 1
Charles Poe (Hitting Coach) - 1
Adam Amar - 1
Bobby Bell - 1
Joel Carreno - 1
Joel Collins - 1
Evan Crawford - 1
Justin Cryer - 1
Matthew Daly - 1
Jon Del Campo - 1
Chris Demons - 1
Danny Farquhar - 1
Chris Hopkins - 1
Chris House - 1
Charles Huggins - 1
Bryan Kervin - 1 (500th different autographed baseball card in 2008!!!)
Andrew Liebel - 1
Michael McDade - 1
Jay Monti - 1
Hunter Moody - 1
Bartolo Nicolas - 1
Castillo Perez - 1
Luis Rivera - 1
Jason Roenicke - 1
Mark Sobolewski - 1
Leance Soto - 1
Karim Turkamani - 1
Brian Van Kirk - 1
Carlos Vasquez - 1
Marcus Walden - 1
Josh Wells - 1
Matthew Wright - 1

Different Baseball Cards Signed This Year: 517

8/15/08: Pawtucket Red Sox vs Syracuse Chiefs

To say that today was the most surprising autograph day for me would be a huge understatement. Coming into today, with former Cy Young award winner Bartolo Colon rehabbing with Pawtucket, I was hopeful of getting Colon to sign one card for me. I figured that he would probably sneak out or not care to sign. Even up until the 6th or so inning I felt this way. I was not even close. After Colon pitched the 1st inning, he was pulled. Around the 4th or 5th inning I headed outside in hopes of catching Colon if he left early. At least three times the few of us outside saw him walk into the gated area only to turn around. Finally he walked out, but said "later" as he walked to his car. We assumed he was going to leave then, but a few autographers followed him to his car three parking spots in and stared at him. After about 30 minutes or so, we see movement as a couple of the guys went to his window, which had been rolled down. As we all start to make way we realize that Colon was actually signing from his car. I was thinking, "Awesome I'm going to get my one!" I was wrong. He signed everything handed to him! I had my original page of 8 different cards, which he signed. Then I realized I still had 7 other cards (5 different) in my bag, and seeing as how he had signed for others a few times (dealers included) I went back over and got those signed. In all I got 15/15, with 13 being different! (I gave one of the others to my girlfriend, while giving the other repeat to a nice autograph person we talk to who didn't happen to get outside when Colon was out). It amazes me that an ex-Cy Young Award winner can sign everything in front of him, but guys like Lance Broadway, Philip Humber, and John Van Benschoten can piss and moan about signing one per person.

Seeing how Bartolo and Jeff Weaver treated fans this year has been amazing, and it definitely helps wipe out the frustrations of the other jerks and reminds me of why I enjoy this hobby!

Cards:

Bartolo Colon - 13
George Kottaras - 1
Kyle Snyder - 1
Joe Thurston - 1
Hunter Jones - 1
Eric Hull - 1
Devern Hansack - 1
Jon Switzer - 2
Keith Ginter - 3

Different Baseball Cards Signed This Year: 483

8/14/08: Pawtucket Red Sox vs Syracuse Chiefs

Rehab was the word of the day for this game. Supposed to be around were Jeremy Accardo, Brian Tallet for Toronto and Bartolo Colon for Boston. Colon was no where to be seen, but as is always great at the stadium, the barricades were in place. Apparently, with the problems that occurred with Buchholz was here, management assumed that the same would occur for the many Pawtucket players who in normal situations would barely get told hi. So, the majority including me, went to the Syracuse side after the game. This was my only autograph attempts, as I didn't bother going to the game until midway through. I was happy to get the Pawtucket Bowden who was charting, while missing Edgar Martinez for the probably 10th time since I started trying to get him. I will say, Jeremy Accardo was the best rehab signer I have seen or even heard stories about. He signed everything I had, which was 7 cards and my prospect book! Insane. Rumor has it Colon may be pitching tomorrow, so I am sure the Pawtucket side will be mobbed...

Books:

Pawtucket
Michael Bowden (Both)
Syracuse
Jeremy Accardo (2006)

Cards:

Syracuse
Brian Tallet - 2
Jeremy Accardo - 7
Travis Snider - 2
Russ Adams - 1
Brett Cecil - 1
Pawtucket
David Pauley - 1

8/13/08: Brooklyn Cyclones vs Auburn Doubledays

Not too bad of a day to grab some autographs. Brooklyn is the Short Season Single A affiliate of the New York Mets and had two first round draft picks from this year's draft. Unfortunately, I was only able to get one of the two, as Reese Havens was decently accessible, while Ike Davis wasn't. Surprisingly, I had heard the opposite, with Davis being a supposed much better signer than Havens. Of course, as we learn, it all depends on the day and luck to get guys. I only tried pregame, with the exception of getting one guy from the stands after the game. I was happy to see one of the few pitchers to come down to the dugout for the game was Steven Clyne, who was the only player I needed to get from my book.

Books:

Steven Clyne (2008)

Misc:

Index Card
Reese Havens - Inscribed "2008 1st Rd Pick"

Brooklyn Logo Page (16)
Coaches (1)
Hector Berrios

Pitchers (4)
Bradley Holt
Jeffrey Kaplan
Christopher Schwinden
Tim Stronach

Catchers (2)
Jordan Abruzzo
Cesar Cordido

Infield (7)
Eric Campbell
Reese Havens
Jose Jimenez
Joshua Satin
Matt Smith
Seth Williams
J.R. Voyles

Outfield (2)
Kirk Nieuwenhuis
Sean Ratliff

8/7/08: Charlotte Knights vs Syracuse Chiefs

After an hour and half rain delay, this game finally occurred. I had given up on even going to the game, but the weather seemed like it would hold off, so I showed up late. Lance Broadway blew everyone off again, which was not shocking. He definitely moves into the top 5 pieces of work we have seen this year. Besides him, I had very little and probably should have gone to the Syracuse side, since Travis Snider joined the team...but I figure he will be here the rest of the year. Go figure, the next day (as I am writing this pretty much 24 hours later, since I didn't feel like doing this when we got home at midnight), Shannon Stewart and Vernon Wells joined Syracuse on rehab assignments. By the time Syracuse comes home in 5 days, I doubt either will still be rehabbing. Not a shocker..

Cards:

Jason Tyner - 2
Jerry Owens - 2

Different Baseball Cards Signed This Year: 445

8/6/08: Charlotte Knights vs Syracuse Chiefs

Another game that was pretty pointless to show up to pregame. I went to the Syracuse side and only got the easily accessible Jesse Litsch. After the game, I went to the Syracuse side for awhile. I went to the Charlotte side to find out that the guys I needed had left, with the exception of Sauerbeck and Broadway. As we stand their, Broadway comes from the same place as yesterday and rushes to the van. What a piece of work. That being said, at least he isn't a total prick about it (ie Van Benschoten), but still...what would it hurt to just do one per person...even personalizing. I purchased a few cards before the game, and unfortunately a few were Jason Tyner, who seems less willing to sign with this team (I believe his third different he has come to Syracuse with this year).

Books:

Syracuse-
Ricky Romero (2008) - My 100th signature in the book!

Cards:

Charlotte-
Scott Sauerbeck - 1

Syracuse-
Chris George - 2
Brian Wolfe - 1
Ricky Romero - 2
Jesse Litsch - 2

8/5/08: Charlotte Knights vs Syracuse Chiefs

Not a whole lot of great developments today. The only thing we realized is that Lance Broadway will find any means necessary to sneak into the transport van without having to sign an autograph. This time, he came from what I like to call the Mientkiewicz Way. That would be leaving from the Chiefs office area next to the main entrance to the stadium. What a joke. Got shutout before the game on the Charlotte side. Went to the Syracuse side a bit after the game, then finished up on the Charlotte side. I was able to get ex-Syracuse Chief and current Toronto pitching rover Dane Johnson to sign after the game, as he was in the stands. Fun to get that 1996 Syracuse Chiefs card I found in my room signed..lol

Books:

Charlotte-
Clayton Richard (2006)

Syracuse-
Ricky Romero (2006)

Cards:

Charlotte-
Mike MacDougal - 3
Jerry Owens - 1
Fernando Cortez - 1

Syracuse-
Dane Johnson (Toronto Roving Pitching Instructor) - 1
Curtis Thigpen - 1

8/4/08: Charlotte Knights vs Syracuse Chiefs

Our last "new" team comes to Syracuse, as the Chicago White Sox's affiliate Charlotte Knights are here. The rest of the season will be teams that we have seen this year. It looked exciting for a bit, as both Joe Crede and Jose Contreras are on rehab assignments, but both players are MIA. Things went decent before the game and pretty good after, with the exception being the end. No one saw Lance Broadway leave and as of the time I left, there were still a few people (ie. a dealer and his "kids") waiting. I will be interested to find out what happened tomorrow. I'm not sure how much I can get tomorrow (Tuesday) as I have to work at 11pm, meaning not much I can do after. Also was a bit mad as I realized I never grabbed a few of the cards (a bunch of Mike MacDougals) that I wanted to bring with me. MacDougal was decent signing tonight, so I am sure I could have taken care of them... Also, former NFL player Chris Gedney was signing autographs at the game. I got him on an SU schedule poster, but did not realize he was going to be there, so I did not get my two cards of him signed :(

Books:

Charlie Haeger (Both)
Carlos Torres (2006)
Chris Getz (Both)
Jack Egbert (2008)

Cards:

Charlie Haeger - 1
Scott Sauerbeck - 1
Jerry Owens - 1
Tomo Ohka - 2
Mike MacDougal - 1
Jason Tyner - 1
Jason Childers - 1
Jesse Litsch - 1
Paul Phillips - 1
Brad Eldred - 2
Richard Dotson (Pitching Coach) - 1

Misc:
SU football poster signed by Chris Gedney

7/31/08: S/WB Yankees vs Syracuse Chiefs

Not a bad game for autographs, with it being by far the lowest turnout for a Yankees game this season. It was nice to get a few pregame without a huge feeling of being shoved from behind...although it was still crowded. After the game was decent, as it was only one deep along the guardrails (still think this is stupid..no other team needs this). I was happy to get Ian Kennedy to sweet spot a game used International League ball after the game, as he was charting. Overall, not bad game.

Books:

Mark Melancon (2008)

Cards:

Juan Miranda - 1
Brian Bruney - 1
Ben Broussard - 1
Bernie Castro - 2
Chris Stewart - 1
Cody Ransom - 1
J.D. Closser - 1

Misc:

International League Ball
Ian Kennedy SS


Different Baseball Cards Signed This Year: 413

7/30/08: S/WB Yankees vs Syracuse Chiefs

I didn't bother going to the game until around the 8th inning, as this series does not excite me. You have a Syracuse team that is no longer in a playoff hunt, which in itself is annoying at some of the effort issues. But when you add that to the fact that there are an extra thousand or so Yankee fans, with at least 100 being obnoxious, it is not worth dealing with most of the time. In fact, I will miss the series finale on Friday as I figured picking up extra hours at work would be a better usage of my time. This means tomorrow (Thursday) will be my last game of the series. This means that I will probably have my least successful series in a long time, but its a Yankees team so it was expected. After the game tonight, the gates were up again, but luckily I chose the right spot for the few that did sign. And by few, I mean very few.

Books:

Chris Britton (2006)
Ian Kennedy (2008)

Cards:

Chris Britton - 2
Ian Kennedy - 1

7/29/08: S/WB Yankees vs Syracuse Chiefs

On a day where Ron Guidry was signing for free, Ian Kennedy was starting pitcher, and the opener to a Yankees series, it was pretty easy to decide to go to the Chiefs side pregame. It also helped that I had a ticket to get Guidry to sign before most of the public, but I was still too late to get a shot at the Yankees side pregame. Things didn't go too bad pregame. The best part was the fact that all 4 pitchers charting were willing to sign easily. I was able to get Kei Igawa, Chase Wright, Jesse Litsch, and Brett Cecil there. Kind of funny that less than a week ago, only Kei was in Triple A. What a difference a few months makes with him, too. Last time he charted, he was mobbed. This time, I was one of only a handful who asked him. After the game was awful. Barricades were put up, and I was having a hard time telling faces on the Yankees side.

Books:

Syracuse
Brian Jeroloman (2008)
Brett Cecil (2008)

Cards:

Syracuse
Brett Cecil - 1
Jesse Litsch - 6
Russ Adams - 2
Michael MacDonald - 1
Buck Coats - 1
Pedro Lopez - 1
Robinzon Diaz - 2

Scranton/WB
Kei Igawa - 1
Alberto Gonzalez - 2
Eric Duncan - 1
Chase Wright - 2

Misc Card
Ron Guidry - 1

7/28/08: Connecticut Defenders vs Binghamton Mets

Another nice trip to Binghamton, with an early arrival for batting practice. I still have not gotten a vibe towards getting Binghamton Mets players during BP, but I was able to get a bunch that I needed from the Connecticut Defenders (Double A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants). Unfortunately, with the game being a doubleheader and BP being normal time, I arrived back at the game after dinner around 10 minutes before first pitch and only got one guy. Between games, I was able to shore off a few more Connecticut players, which was my main goal since they are the only San Fran affiliate we see. I may have to make one more trip to Binghamton, as I picked up the team set there today (from a $20 gift certificate we won at the last B-Mets game!)

Books:

Pablo Sandoval (2006) - 150th signature in that book
David Maroul (2006)
Ben Copeland (Both)
Eddy Martinez-Esteve (2006)
Kelvin Pichardo (2008)
Ben Snyder (2008)

Cards:

Binghamton
Eddie Kunz - 2

Connecticut
Pablo Sandoval - 1
Ben Copeland - 1
Nate Bump -1
Eddy Martinez-Esteve -1
Bob Stanley (Pitching Coach) - 1

7/25/08: Williamsport Crosscutters vs Auburn Doubledays

Free general admission seats for everyone convinced me to go to this game. I came with my handy logo page, as I only had two players from Williamsport (Short Season A for Philadelphia Phillies) in my book and only two cards (both of one of the players from the book). I only tried for signatures before the game, as we are still unsure of the best place to go after the game, after Auburn worker threw a fit because we (the whole 3 of us there) were in the way of them taking trash out (which we were no where near but I digress). Oh well, I guess if I was as ugly as that kid and had a job taking out trash, I'd be bitter at life, too.

Books:

D'Arby Myers (2008)
Travis d'Arnaud (2008)

Cards:

Travis d'Arnaud - 2

Misc:
Williamsport Logo Page (12)

Pitchers (4)
Freddy Ballestas
Justin De Fratus
Jacob Diekman
Robert Roth

Infielders (4)
Bryan Frew
Jeremy Hamilton
Troy Hanzawa
Daniel Hargrave

Outfielders (4)
Tim Binkoski
Brandon Haislet
Doug Morales
Steve Susdorf

7/20/08: Durham Bulls vs Syracuse Chiefs

Didn't bother going to the game due to work, but I did show up after the game, figuring that it'd be worth a shot at finishing up some. I found it funny watching Dan Johnson's progression during the week. He went from barely signing, to signing and barely grunting a "your welcome", to actually being a bit chatty the last day. Also, it's nice to see that Fernando Perez actually has a signature. Pregame on the first day, he signed 3 squiggles on my 2006 book, this time its a real signature in the 2008....oook.

Books:

Wade Davis (Both)
Fernando Perez (2008)

Cards:

Dan Johnson - 2
Gary Gaetti - 2
Joel Guzman - 1

7/19/08: Durham Bulls vs Syracuse Chiefs

Another night that went pretty well. I am still lacking a Fernando Perez in a book as well as Wade Davis in both, though. Neither of them were around pregame, and I didn't notice either as they exited. I realized Davis went by as he hopped into a car, which sucked. Other than that, only a last card or two of guys I have already gotten, so if I miss them there is no big deal. The only one I really hope to get is Joel Guzman, as the card he keeps skipping over is the Topps 52, which are the best to get signed. Manager Charlie Montoyo was fun after the game, as he was shocked to have anyone ask for him to sign. He was surprised I was not rushing Gaetti like the rest.

On a good note, pitching coach and ex-major leaguer Xavier Hernandez gave me the lineup card after the game, which was pretty sweet.

Books:

Calvin Medlock (2006)

Cards:

Justin Ruggiano - 2
Juan Salas - 2
Dan Johnson - 1
Jeff Niemann - 3
Gary Gaetti (Coach) - 4
Charlie Montoyo (Manager) - 2

Different Baseball Cards Signed This Year: 367

7/18/08: Durham Bulls vs Syracuse Chiefs

Another late inning Syracuse collapse left the Durham players in decent moods again. I have to say that I think Xavier Hernandez is the nicest ex-major leaguer coaching in the International League. He has been personable every day I've seen him and pretty much will sign what you have. Even Gary Gaetti came out pregame, even though he looked me up and down a few times before signing..the Matt DeSalvo treatment, which was odd. Was lucky to get a lot of my Jeff Niemann's signed as he was charting, and I was even one of the few to get Dan Johnson after the game.

Books:

Mitch Talbot (Both)
Elliot Johnson (2006)
Ben Hendrickson (2006)
Jeff Niemann (Both)

Cards:

Chris Richard - 1 (Numbered to 50 insert)
Juan Salas - 1
Justin Ruggiano - 1
Gary Gaetti - 4
Joel Guzman - 1
Jeff Niemann - 2
Dan Johnson - 1

7/17/08: Durham Bulls vs Syracuse Chiefs

Finally another home game, and this time I got my first shot in either book at the Tampa Bay organization's AAA affiliate. Didn't do too bad, but unfortunately missed out barely on Dan Johnson and Jeff Niemann. Luckily, I still have three days left.

Books:

Chris Mason (Both)
Juan Salas (Both)
Joel Guzman (Both)
Justin Ruggiano (2008)
Fernando Perez (2006)
John Jaso (Both)
Reid Brignac (Both)

Cards:

Ben Hendrickson - 2
Gary Gaetti (Coach) - 3
Scott Dohmann - 2
Joel Guzman - 1
Reid Brignac - 1
Juan Salas - 1 (Nice game used card)
Xavier Hernandez (Coach) - 4
Andy Cannizaro - 2
Elliot Johnson - 1
Nathan Haynes - 1
Kurt Birkins - 1

7/12/08: Lowell Spinners vs Auburn Doubledays

Since I had very little that I needed for the Syracuse/Lehigh Valley series, I decided to go to Auburn to catch the first game of their 3 game series with Lowell (Boston's short season A affiliate). Not having much for them besides 2 prospect book players, I brought a piece of photo paper with the Lowell logo on it for the players to sign. It was also military jersey night, where you could win a jersey for $1. You picked from boxes to put your raffle tickets into depending on the player you wanted. I ended up spending $7 total, one in 7 different player's boxes and won Mike McDade's jersey. Unfortuately, the jersey was soaked from sweat and even though the place he signed was dry, it somehow smeared on the way home. Yes, you got the jersey off their back and then they signed it. Not a bad thing if you have a pitcher or coach, but when you have the biggest guy on the team who had been running hard all night, it's gonna be soaked. It still looks decent, so I'm not that upset about it. Ironically, McDade was also the only Auburn player I needed a card signed for, so I got that as well. Lowell's manager Gary Disarcina was talking all of pregame and I missed him after the game, my only disappointment of the night.


Books:

Will Middlebrooks (2008)
Ryan Dent (2008)

Cards:

Auburn
Mike McDade - 1

Lowell
Tom Goodwin (Coach) - 3

Misc:

Jersey
Mike McDade

Lowell Logo Page (24 signed)

Pitchers (8)
Daniel Buller
Yeiper Castillo
Stephen Fife
Seth Garrison
Mitchell Herold
Brock Huntzinger
Michael Lee
Hunter Strickland

Catchers (3)
Matthew Cooney
Tim Federowicz
Rafael Gil

Infielders (7)
Darren Blocker
Deshaun Brooks
Ricardo Burgos
Ryan Dent
Zach Gentile
Jonathan Hee
Will Middlebrooks

Outfielders (6)
Ronald Bermudez
Rafael Cabreja
Mitch Dening
Carlos Fernandez-Oliva
Kade Keowen
Luis Sumoza

7/11/08: Lehigh Valley IronPigs vs Syracuse Chiefs

Arrived about a 1/2 hour before the game, and I was literally down to the Syracuse side seconds before Kevin Melillo stopped signing. Luckily, he did 1 of my 3 cards, as I have heard he is disastrous to get after the game. I was then able to get to the other side and complete all but my Kris Benson cards. Since the game went into extra innings, and since I only needed Benson, I did not stay after for autographs. I was very disappointed to find out after the game before this, that Kevin Mench was recalled from Syracuse, which meant I ended up empty handed on autographs from him.

Cards:

Syracuse
Kevin Melillo - 1

Lehigh Valley
Jon Knott - 2
Joe Bisenius - 3

7/10/08: Lehigh Valley IronPigs vs Syracuse Chiefs

I have to say, this was probably my best autograph day of the season. The only player I had anything of that did not sign was Mike Rouse, who played the avoid everyone game. Even Kris Benson signed after charting pitches. He only did 2 of my 8 cards, but it's 2 more than I expected! It looks like the next couple days could just be to clean up the rest of my leftovers (ie. Jon Knott signed 5 of my 7, etc). Also, I need to find a few NBA cards, as 4 players will be signing at Sunday's game. Weird.

Books:

T.J Bohn (2006)
Joe Bisenius (2008)

Cards:

Brandon Watson - 4 (2 were doubles from a previous time, however)
Rich Thompson - 1
Jon Knott - 5 (Including my 300th signed of the year)
Oscar Robles - 1
Andy Tracy - 1
John Ennis - 1
Kris Benson - 2
Gary Knotts - 1
Rod Nichols (Coach) - 1
T.J. Bohn - 3
Travis Blackley - 1

Different Baseball Cards Signed This Year: 313

7/8/08: Buffalo Bisons vs Syracuse Chiefs

Buffalo (Cleveland's Triple-A) is in for a short 2 day series. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how much I can do tomorrow, with having to work 3pm-7pm and 11pm-7am shifts, and the game starting at 7:15. I may have a shot at the first couple straggling to the bus, but I doubt it is even worth it. At least tonight was a doubleheader, which meant good opportunities since not many people arrive at the stadium for the 5pm start time. I got a decent amount before the game, only got Rich Rundles between the game, and finished off decent after the games were done. Morgan Ensberg was very disappointing, as he spent the whole day not even acknowledging anyone. He walked out to a car that was parked relatively far away. A few people chased him and the rest of his group (John Halama and possibly Jeff Harris, but I am not sure about him), but only Halama signed for anyone. Besides that, Jeff Weaver was the other main ex-major leaguer on the team. Weaver was extremely nice and pretty much was willing to sign whatever you had (within reason). Overall, not a bad experience..but most usually aren't unless they are Toledo or a Boston affiliate.

Books:

Zach Jackson (2006)
David Huff (2008)
Jeff Stevens (2008)

Cards:

Tony Graffanino - 2
Todd Linden - 1
Jeff Weaver - 4
Torey Lovullo (Manager) - 1
Rich Rundles - 1
Matt Ginter - 1
Jason Tyner - 1
Zach Jackson - 1
Asdrubal Cabrera - 1

Different Baseball Cards Signed This Year: 294

7/7/08: Staten Island Yankees vs Auburn Doubledays

Finally made my first trip to the NY/Penn League this year. This was between the Short Season Single-A affiliates of the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays. Unfortunately, there isn't much product out for the guys in this league, as they are usually recent draft picks. Each team usually has one or two guys with a prospect card out or a late numbered prospect in my book. The best thing in most cases to get are the coaches, who are usually minor stars from the majors. A couple guys coaching in this league for 2008 are Travis Fryman and Sid Bream. Anyways, I did what I could on each side, including grabbing a couple guys I missed from the Auburn team set from last year, along with getting a few signed in the program insert.

Books:

Auburn
Joel Carreno (2008)

Cards:

Staten Island
Braedyn Pruitt - 1 (2008 Bowman..Chrome card)

Auburn
Jason Monti - 1 (2007 Bowman Prospects and DP)
Carlos Vasquez - 1 (2007 Auburn Set)
Leance Soto - 1 (2007 Auburn Set)

Misc:

Staten Island
Pat Venditte - Index Card (He is the ambidextrous pitcher)

Auburn
David Cooper - Index Card Inscribed '08 1st Round Pick
Karim Turkamani - Program Player Profiles Insert
Marcus Walden - Program Player Profiles Insert
Dan O'Brien - Program Players Profile Insert

7/1/08: Pawtucket Red Sox vs Syracuse Chiefs

Another day, another bunch of crap and disappointment. Every decision I made tonight involving Clay Buchholz was horribly wrong. He was charting, so I figured that he wouldn't sign right after the game, as it would cause a pretty big gathering, so I ran outside to where the gate is, which the pitchers pass right by to get to the locker room after charting. Of course, he ends up signing the whole way, and he has to be taken by security through the dugout to the locker room that way. Then, they bring out the security for him. Bare in mind, the only other time they had security was for Scranton, and the guys didn't do anything. They went to get autographs, too. Well, it happened again tonight. Everyone budged, so those of us who were doing as were asked got screwed. This is because once security and their friends got autographs, they whisked Clay to the bus. Needless to say, I wasn't too happy.

The only positive tonight is that I think I may be one of the only people George Kottaras has broken his one per rule for. I had two cards of him, a regular and gold card from 2005 Topps. As I ask him to sign the gold, he ends up starting to sign the regular. He finished it up and decided to also do the gold for me, which was pretty cool.

I went to the Syracuse side pregame, a good decision when I only needed Pawtucket pitchers (besides Jonathan Van Every..who is horrid at signing anyways).


Books:

Hunter Jones (2008)
Lincoln Holdzkom (2008)

Cards:

Syracuse
Mike Gosling - 1
Pedro Lopez - 6

Pawtucket
George Kottaras - 2
Lincoln Holdzkom - 1
Devern Hansack - 1

6/30/08: Pawtucket Red Sox vs Syracuse Chiefs

With Mike Timlin and Clay Buchholz in town with Boston's Triple-A affiliate, I was at least hoping to get a shot at someone who probably won't be available to me again. Of course, after the game there were massive amounts of Boston fans. You know, 90% of them only became fans since the World Series victories. Just as any Yankee fan will wait out for any guy who has dawned the pinstripes in his career, they wanted Clay and Timlin. Both guys stopped signing literally 4 or 5 before they would have reached me. Rather disappointing. Before they came out, I was on the Syracuse side and got a couple..but a bummer of a day overall for autographs. Also, Syracuse Crunch (AHL) captain Zenon Konopka was doing a signing. I was able to get my team set card finally done, as well as receive another "autograph series" card that he signed.

Books:

Jose Vaquedano (2006)
Jed Lowrie (2008)

Cards:

Syracuse
Mike Gosling - 1
Matt Watson - 1

Pawtucket
David Pauley - 2

Syracuse Crunch (Hockey)
Zenon Konopka - 2

6/26/08: Toledo Mud Hens vs Syracuse Chiefs

Series finale and the last time we see Toledo, I skipped the game but decided to try to get some autographs after the game. Found out that Matt Joyce finally decided to sign before the game, while Bazardo was the starter for the night. I was happy that both did sign after the game. A rather bad decision on my part to skip waiting to get a couple more Timo cards (figured maybe he would snub us again) and decided to go to the Syracuse side. Kevin Mellilo said no, while Curtis Thigpen signed as I got there. No sign of anyone else, including Kevin Mench..who I want to get. Overall, not much success, but did finish off my books, so that's a good thing.

Books:

Matt Joyce (Both)
Yorman Bazardo (Both)

Cards:

Syracuse
Curtis Thigpen - 1


Overall DIFFERENT Baseball Cards: 262

6/25/08: Toledo Mud Hens vs Syracuse Chiefs

Finally, "tomorrow" has come and Timo Perez decided to sign a few. It was nice to see Jeff Larish sign on his first game back down from the majors, however Matt Joyce still avoided..although he signed two autographs for others after the game. Still no sign of Yorman Bazardo.

Books:

Chris Lambert (2006)
Jeff Larish (Both)

Cards:

Chris Lambert - 1
Timo Perez - 3
Clay Rapada - 1
Leon Durham (Coach) - 1

6/24/08: Toledo Mud Hens vs Syracuse Chiefs

Even after a blowout victory, this Toledo team is still the worst signing team I have seen this year. Timo "Tomorrow" Perez again waits for the shuttle to get there and streams out yelling tomorrow. Matt Joyce had a career night in the first two innings, with 7 RBIs at that point and avoids everyone like both pregames so far. It's pretty pointless so far with the guys I need. I was able to get a few, but I am still in need of a bunch in my books and a few cards. We'll see if I even bother to try tomorrow.

Books:

Virgil Vasquez (Both)
Preston Larrison (2008)
Clay Rapada (2008)

Cards:

Toledo
Nick Trzesniak - 1
Brian Rogers - 1
Erick Almonte - 2

Syracuse
Davis Romero - 1

6/23/08: Toledo Mud Hens vs Syracuse Chiefs

How's this for a night? A rain delay keeps the players off the field over twenty minutes past the start of game time. The problem is, not a single drop of rain on the ground, which sucks when I am hoping for autographs and had been there for well over an hour. The rains finally come, we return down and as they start to take the tarp off, it pours again. Finally, they get the game going an hour and a half later. By the time the players were leaving locker rooms after the game, it was nearly midnight. Not good for an autograph collector. I did get a few from Toledo (Triple-A for Detroit Tigers).

Books:

Francisco Cruceta (Both)
Brent Clevlen (Both)
Freddy Guzman (Both)

Cards:

Mike Hessman - 1
Blaine Neal - 1
Brent Clevlen - 1
Freddy Guzman - 1
Larry Parrish (Coach) - 1
Francisco Cruceta - 1
Fernando Seguignol - 1

6/22/08: Richmond Braves vs Syracuse Chiefs

Luckily, the weather held off until just after the players loaded the buses after tonight's game. I did a bit of wrap up work, with the only real miss being Damian Moss, which did not surprise me thanks to the past two games. The only other cards left over were a few Chuck James, which is no biggie. An interesting thing happened tonight right at the end. Matt DeSalvo finally decided to get on the bus after hiding out and chatting with someone. Now, Matt is a relatively odd guy as he will look you up and down a few times before signing for some reason. Well, as he gets ready to board the bus, a few of us got over there. He looks at us and says something to the effect of, "What are we doing now?" Well, one of the fellow autographers said something along the lines of, "You're gonna sign". Well DeSalvo responds something about signing for each of them the past few days. Well, autographer Kevin says.. Well, you can inscribe it "To Kevin fuck you" for all I care. Well DeSalvo starts to sign, asking another guy if he can inscribe it "Fuck You", to which the guy was like.. "uhh, no". I then give him my card and tell him my name, to which he doesn't inscribe it at all. This is weird, since yesterday I asked him to inscribe my card (DeSalvo used to only inscribe last year, so I figured why not). Well, he gets to Kevin and writes "To Kevin, Go Fuck Yourself" and doesn't even sign the card! Soon after, he goes to the other bus and gets Scott Thorman to come off and look at the card. It was just a very weird and almost uncomfortable situation. DeSalvo obviously has an issue with people who could be dealers (the two people he really did this to had probably had him sign 20+ cards each, which included multiples of many.), so I guess I am not too surprised. But I never would expect any player to write the F-bomb on a card..

Cards:

Matt DeSalvo - 1
Josh Anderson - 1
Phil Stockman - 2 (Both ones I already have had signed, however)
Chuck James - 4
Clint Sammons - 2

Overall DIFFERENT Baseball Cards: 243

6/21/08: Richmond Braves vs Syracuse Chiefs

It was one of those nights where it seemed pretty much everyone was in a hurry. I was able to snag a few autographs, luckily I don't need that many to start with. Damian Moss still was the same way, while I missed Chuck James again. He's the only guy I have any real amount of cards left for, as he seems to have been in most sets.

Cards:

Syracuse
David Purcey - 1

Richmond
Chris Resop - 1
Matt DeSalvo - 1
Vladimir Nunez - 3
Jerome Gamble - 3

6/20/08: Richmond Braves vs Syracuse Chiefs

Had a little bit of odds and ends to try to wrap up, which is always great when it's only the second game of a four game series. The only player who seemed a bit of a jerk today was Damian Moss, as he apparently was in a rush. He stated he already signed yesterday. Well, that's good to know, but I didn't get him yesterday... Anyways, finished off the books for this series, unless any new players arrive in the last two games. This MAY be possible, however, as I just read that a couple of players in Atlanta got injured tonight. Was also able to get Kane Davis in the souvenir shop before the game.

Books:

Scott Thorman (2006)
Chris Resop (2006)

Cards:

Syracuse-
Kane Davis - 1 (Also got photo signed)

Richmond-
Vladimir Nunez - 1
Scott Thorman - 1
Jorge Julio - 2
Jason Perry - 1
Josh Anderson - 2
Clint Sammons - 1
Phil Stockman - 3


Overall Baseball Cards for 2008: 226

6/19/08: Richmond Braves vs Syracuse Chiefs

After nearly two weeks without a game in Syracuse, Atlanta's Triple-A affiliate came in. Some disappointed was learned right when I got to the park, as it was found out that ex-Chiefs Sal Fasano had been traded to Cleveland. Also, Joe Borchard is done for the year, though I kind of assumed that. The positive was that Phil Stockman had just been sent to Richmond. Didn't do too bad overall, finishing off all 4 prospects I needed from my 2008 prospect book on the first day. Josh Anderson was really nice, as were most of the players.

Books:

Chuck James (2006)
Clint Sammons (Both)
Josh Anderson (Both)
Diory Hernandez (2008)
Brett Lillibridge (2008)

Cards:

Chris Chambliss (Coach) - 1
Brent Lillibridge - 2
Matt DeSalvo - 2
Brian Lawrence - 2
Scott Thorman - 2

Overall Baseball Cards in 2008: 214

6/16/08: Hall of Fame Game- San Diego Padres vs Chicago Cubs

I went the cheap and what turned out to be smart route for this game. With the high price of tickets for this Hall of Fame Game finale, I figured I would go there but just try to get autographs at the Clark Sports Center (which the teams use as a clubhouse) and outside the game. Pregame was a bit uneventful, due to the Cubs showing up late. This made everyone rush in the end, so even though the Padres got there early, they ran onto the trolleys for the parade without signing. I did luck out and catch Randy Wolf going to a field outside of the stadium to do some work with a coach, as well as Carlos Zambrano coming over when the Cubs bus got there.

After the mile or so walk to the stadium, it started to pour. I only got Padres manager Bud Black before being forced to try to run the mile back as the storm brought heavy rain, hail, and lots of lightning. Props to the couple who let us stay on their porch while we were about to get mauled by hail.

After getting back to the Clark Center, a few players came back before the rain returned. One was probably my second favorite player, Josh Banks, who even recognized me. When the rain let off a bit as the players were leaving.. Derrek Lee, Kerry Wood, and Ted Lilly signed a few, but there was no chance when you had the guys budging with six baseballs to get signed by each. It was impressively pathetic seeing kids and girls being pushed out of the way by obvious dealers. Good reason why many players don't care to sign anymore.

Books:

Cubs-
Geovany Soto (2006)

Padres-
Yefri Carvajal (2008) - Currently with San Diego's Single-A team in Fort Wayne

Cards:

Cubs-
Carlos Zambrano - 1
Geovany Soto - 2
Alan Trammell (Coach/ex-major leaguer) - 1

Padres-
Randy Wolf - 1
Bud Black (Manager) - 1
Josh Banks - 3
Justin Hampson - 2
Tony Clark - 2 (Including my 200th of the year)
Scott Hairston - 1

Cards signed in 2008 - 205

6/6/08: Columbus Clippers vs Syracuse Chiefs

Last home game for about two weeks, even though I hope to go to the Hall of Fame Game or another Binghamton game in the mean time. Before the game was great, as Chip Cannon was signing in the souvenir store, and a couple Chiefs signed before the game. Then, I look over to the Clippers side and see Pokey Reese signing, and it looked like he was signing multiples. So I decide to take a quick run over there, as he went back into the dugout and was just hanging near the stairs. I was able to get him to come out and he signed my two cards I had remaining. After the game was pretty uneventful on the Syracuse side, as I wasn't feeling very aggressive to get many of them as they left.

Books:

Syracuse-
Kevin Melillo (Both)

Cards:

Columbus-
Pokey Reese - 2
Alex Escobar - 1

Syracuse-
Adam Lind - 1
Bubba Nelson - 1
Chip Cannon - 1
Davis Romero - 1
Also a photo of Chip Cannon

Total Cards This Year: 191

6/5/08: Columbus Clippers vs Syracuse Chiefs

Not a very successful day at all. I came into today needing Frank Diaz, Jorge Padilla, Pokey Reese (go figure I found two card of him earlier, one of which I could have gotten signed the night before, as Reese was going around saying he'd do one per person), and Alex Escobar. Well, none signed before the game, and after the game Reese didn't sign for anyone, while Escobar ran to the transporting van after signing for a few people. Unfortunately, I was about two people too late to get him.

Cards:

Jorge Padilla - 1
Frank Diaz - 2
2006 Topps Heritage Washington Team Card (mentioned in previous post): Chris Schroder signed it.

Total Cards This Year (Counting Team Card As Only One): 184

6/4/08: Columbus Clippers vs Syracuse Chiefs

Figured I would try to grab the few I missed from the Clippers. Didn't do too bad, but didn't really have that much left, compared to yesterday. Got nervous as Clippard was pulled after two innings, but luckily if he gets recalled it wouldn't be for a few days for a spot start. Thank goodness.

Books:

Frank Diaz (2006)
Tyler Clippard (2008)

Cards:

Tyler Clippard - 3
Larry Broadway - 1
Dennis Tankersley - 2
Alex Escobar - 1
Tim Foli - 2
2006 Topps Heritage Washington Team Card (Larry Broadway, Michael O'Connor signed it)

6/3/08: Columbus Clippers vs Syracuse Chiefs

Had things to do tonight, but figured I would catch last two innings of the game and try to knock off my gigantic amount of Columbus Clippers cards and players in my book. The Clippers are the Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. I was able to get a huge amount of players, especially considering the hotel van left while about 8 or 9 players were coming out. I finished off all but three from my books, with one of those being on the DL and probably not around.

Books:

Collin Balester (Both)
Chris Booker (2006)
Bobby Brownlie (2006)
Matt Chico (2006)
Tyler Clippard (2006)
Garrett Mock (Both)
Steven Shell (2006)
Larry Broadway (2006)
Tommy Murphy (2006)

Cards:

Mike Bacsik (gave up Bonds' 756th HR) - 2
Chris Schroder - 2
Pokey Reese - 2
Matt Chico - 3
Collin Balester - 1
Tommy Murphy - 3
Mike O'Connor - 3
Pete Orr - 2
Steven Shell - 2
Ray Olmedo - 1

Total Cards This Year: 171

6/2/08: Norfolk Tides vs Syracuse Chiefs

Was hoping for some birthday magic today. I picked up the 2008 Syracuse Chiefs set and went to their side pregame. After that, I figured I would try to nail the few remaining Norfolk players that I had left. Overall great day for autographs.

Books:

Syracuse-
Buck Coats (2008) (50th signature in 2008 book)

Cards:

Syracuse-
Jordan DeJong - 1
Wayne Lydon - 2
David Smith - 1
Buck Coats - 2
Doug Davis (manager) - 4
Hector Luna - 1
Russ Adams - 1
Rick Langford (pitching coach) - 2

Norfolk-
Greg Aquino - 1
Omir Santos - 1
Ryan Bukvich - 3 (signed 150th card of year)

Total Cards This Year: 150

6/1/08: Norfolk Tides vs Syracuse Chiefs

Another late day at work, but I was able to walk into the stadium literally 4 pitches before Syracuse hit a walkoff homerun for the win. A surprisingly big crowd on the visiting side, as well as the fact that I was pretty sure that a walk off home run would make Syracuse much happier to sign, while having the opposite effect on Norfolk made me go to the Syracuse side for a second straight game. I was able to get a lot of the hometown guys that I had left, while still able to get Norfolk's manager and rehabber. I'm happy to have our rehabbing pitcher (Brian Wolfe) done in my book and cards. Always a bit of a rush to grab someone rehabbing since you never know when they might end that assignment.

Cards:

Syracuse
Bill Murphy - 1
Mike Gosling - 1
Adam Lind - 1
Brian Wolfe (rehab)- 2
Erik Kratz - 1

Norfolk
Fernando Cabrera (rehab) - 1
Gary Allenson (manager) - 1

Total Cards This Year: 131

5/31/08: Norfolk Tides vs Syracuse Chiefs

Didn't make it to the game, but figured I would take a shot at some autographs, since I figured a lot of players hadn't left yet. I went to the Syracuse side, figuring most of them would file out a little later than the visiting team. It was relatively successful. I ended up returning to the visiting side, also grabbing a couple from the last load leaving (most visiting teams use hotel shuttle to leave the stadium).

Books:

Syracuse-
Brian Wolfe (2008)

Cards:

Syracuse-
Russ Adams - 1
Pedro Lopez - 1
David Purcey - 3
Danny Sandoval - 1
Adam Lind - 1
Marcos Cabral - 1 (Was given a card by another person waiting for autographs..way cool)

Norfolk -
Bob McCrory - 1
Chris Heintz - 1

Total Cards This Year: 123

5/30/08: Norfolk Tides vs Syracuse Chiefs

Tonight brought the beginning of the only home series against Baltimore's Triple-A affiliate from Norfolk. A very, very good signing bunch, as I got everyone from my books to sign today (with the exception of a guy on the DL whom I don't think made the trip). I was happy to find out that Fernando Cabrera was on a rehab assignment, too.

Books:

Fernando Cabrera (2006)
Radhames Liz (Both)
Jim Miller (2006)
Hayden Penn (2006)
Mike Costanzo (Both)
Brandon Fahey (2006)
Scott Moore (Both)
Adam Stern (2006)
Bob McCrory (2008)

Cards:

Brandon Fahey - 1
Chris Roberson - 5 (Including my 100th of the year)
Tike Redman - 2
Fernando Cabrera - 1
Luis Terrero - 1
Jon Leicester - 2
Ben Davis - 1
Hayden Penn - 3
Esteban Yan - 1

Total Cards This Year: 113

5/20/08: Rochester Red Wings vs Syracuse Chiefs

This was a day game, which is always good since I don't have to worry about rushing home after. The bus for Rochester was actually stuck at the stadium for an extra hour or hour and a half due to Denard Span injuring his finger. They had to wait for him to return to the stadium. Overall things went well. I missed out on Brian Duensing, who was signing but I didn't really notice in time. Philip Humber is a bummer though. From what I gathered, he did not sign a single autograph during the whole series and was pretty much a jerk some days. Francisco Liriano was nice. He was my 100th signature in my 2006 book, which was pretty cool! I ended up going to the Syracuse side, only getting Brandon League in my prospect book.

Books:

Rochester-
Tim Lahey (Both)
Francisco Liriano (2006) (100th in 2006 book)
Julio DePaula (2008)

Syracuse-
Brandon League (2006)

Cards:

Ryan Jorgensen - 1
Danny Graves - 1
Kevin Mulvey - 2
Heath Totten - 1
Julio DePaula - 1
Francisco Liriano - 2

Cards This Year: 96

5/17/08: Rochester Red Wings vs Syracuse Chiefs

A bit of rain on and off made the game run long, so didn't bother trying to get anyone after the game. Other than that, it was pretty good as I got basically every Rochester (Minnesota's AAA team) fielder that I needed.

Books:

Matt Macri (2006)
Jason Pridie (Both)
Kevin Mulvey (2008)
Denard Span (2008)

Cards:

Chris Basak - 1
Garrett Jones - 1
Tommy Watkins - 1
Brian Buscher - 1

(Ironically all of the cards I got signed were '52 Topps style)

Total Cards This Year: 88

5/13/08: New Britain Rock Cats vs Binghamton Mets

Took a trip to Binghamton to catch Double-A game between the Mets farm club and the Twins farm club. I always like going to different stadiums, so figured why not, plus we don't get to see the Triple-A Mets, so it's good autograph opportunities. What was fun about Binghamton is that you are allowed to watch fielding drills and Home BP before they clear out the stadium before game time. The away team was more approachable during this period, so all the New Britain guys I got were during this period. I had tickets in the front row on the Mets side, so pretty much anything I got from them was right before first pitch. Did pretty well. Salomon Manriquez was great when he signed my book. He read the whole paragraph about him, and then came over after to ask if I knew where I could by the 2006 book because apparently he liked the fact that he was a ranked prospect! I tell you, the books often keep players around you longer, especially with "lower" ranked prospects.

Books:

New Britain-
Ryan Mullins (2008)
Oswaldo Sosa (2008)
Anthony Swarzak (Both)

Binghamton-
Dan Murphy (2008)
Jose Coronado (2006)
Fernando Martinez (2008)
Mike Carp (2008)
Salomon Manriquez (2006)
Nick Evans (2008)
Eddie Kunz (2008)

Cards:

New Britain-
Yohan Pinto - 1
Floyd Rayford (Hitting Coach) - 1

Binghamton-
Eude Brito - 2
Ricky Bones (Pitching Coach) - 1

5/8/08: Buffalo Bisons vs Syracuse Chiefs

Great weather, but a longer game..luckily the majority were good. Both games I went to in this series, Josh Barfield signed maybe 3 autographs and snubbed the rest, while Danny Sandoval walked by everyone. Besides that, the rest were pretty good. Was also able to get a home run ball hit by Jason Cooper, which I had him sign after the game. Pretty sweet.

Balls:

Jason Cooper Home Run Ball

Books:

Edward Mujica (2006)
Michael Aubrey (2008)
Brad Snyder (Both)
Reid Santos (2008)
Jordan Brown (2008) - Cool because he is on the DL but was still around and friendly.

Cards:

Michael Aubrey - 1
Jason Tynder - 1
Jeremy Sowers -1
Edward Mujica - 1

Total Cards - 79

2006 Book - 93/900
2008 Book - 31/900

5/5/08: Buffalo Bisons vs Syracuse Chiefs

Finally got a nice clear day, without being rushed. Pregame wasn't very impressive, as has been the case all year. Unfortunately, most of the players were rushed after the game (including Josh Barfield) so they came out in bunches and didn't want to stop too much.

Books:

Adam Miller (Both)
Jeremy Sowers (2006)
Michael Aubrey (2006)
Wyatt Toregas (2008)

Cards:

Andy Gonzalez - 1
Scott Elarton - 1
Scott Radinsky (Pitching Coach) - 2
Jason Tyner - 1

Total - 75

5/2/08: Pawtucket Red Sox vs Syracuse Chiefs

Only showed up for the first inning of the game, as the Crunch was on TV. Was able to get a couple..mostly because Chiefs pitcher Bill Murphy was signing in the stadium store:

Cards:

Keith Ginter - 1
Bill Murphy (Syracuse) - 2
Kyle Snyder - 1 (Got him when I stopped by after the game)

Total cards this year in baseball: 70

5/1/08: Pawtucket Red Sox vs Syracuse Chiefs

Rainy night, was able to get a couple pregame. No chance to get anyone after game

Books:

Chris Carter (Both)

Cards:

Keith Ginter - 1
Jeff Bailey - 1
Joe Thurston - 1
Rich Sauveur (Pitching Coach) - 1

4/27/08: S/WB Yankees vs Syracuse Chiefs

Doubleheader today, pretty successful. Apparently made Scott Patterson's day when he realized he was the Yankees #28 prospect.

Books:

Sean Henn (2006)
Scott Patterson (2008)
Edwar Ramirez (2008)
Darrell Rasner (2006)
Steven White (2006)
Chris Stewart (2006)
Juan Miranda (2008)
Brett Gardner (2008)

Cards:

Nick Green - 1
Alvaro Espinoza (Coach) - 2
Edwar Ramirez - 1
Chris Stewart - 1
Sean Henn - 1
Kei Igawa - 2

4/26/08: S/WB Yankees vs Syracuse Chiefs

Rainout today...only person willing to sign was Jeff Marquez (Both Books)

4/22/08: Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs vs Syracuse Chiefs

Went to the Syracuse side today, didn't get much at all and didn't bother staying after the game, since the players seemed very moody. I've always been surprised how much nicer the opposing teams seem to be over our home team. It's pretty frustrating..and I'm not just talking autographs and stuff. But anyways:

Book:

Buck Coats (2006)

Cards:

Russ Adams - 1
Adam Lind - 1

Total cards at baseball games this year: 54

4/21/08: Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs vs Syracuse Chiefs

Having taken care of most of my Iron Pig cards, this wasn't a big day. I was still able to get a few things done. Last night after the game, I bought a cheap box of cards was random packs in it. Well, I pulled a Steve Green card, who is on Lehigh Valley, so that was sweet. So I felt I had to get that signed. Also got Syracuse pitcher David Purcey to sign both prospect books after the game.

Cards:

Steve Green - 1
JA Happ - 1

Book:

David Purcey (Both)

4/20/08: Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs vs Syracuse Chiefs

Game 2 of a 4 game series in Syracuse. Lehigh Valley is Philadelphia's Triple-A affiliate. Had a really good time getting both cards and my prospect books. Very friendly group.

Books:

Travis Blackley (2006)
JD Durbin (2006)
Jason Jaramillo (Both) - This was great because I heard he was tough and wasn't able to get him in the games I saw him last year.
JA Happ (2008)

The negative was TJ Bohn was recalled by Philadelphia during the game, so I was not able to get my cards or book signed by him (he is in the 2006 book).

As for cards:

Chris Woodward - 1
Brandon Watson - 4
Ron Chiavacci - 1
JA Happ - 1
JD Durbin - 1
Steve Kline - 1 (Probably the nicest and most personable player I have run into, especially for an Ex-Major Leaguer.)

4/18/08: Manitoba Moose vs Syracuse Crunch

Playoff game, so I wasn't sure if I would be expecting the visiting Moose to be happy to sign, especially after losing game 1 in overtime. But they were decently nice, only person I didn't catch was Mike Keane (have a sweet card of him in a Rangers jersey, which is kind of disappointing not to get signed). Other than that got a few cards signed:

Scott Arniel (Head Coach, NHL Vet) - 2
Luc Bourdon - 1

4/13/08: Hamilton Bulldogs vs Syracuse Crunch

Regular season finale for Syracuse against Montreal's AHL affiliate. The team was surprisingly nice after losing 7-1 to Syracuse. Was able to get all that I needed accept their assistant coach, who was already on the bus by the time I got out there.

Got these cards:

Mathieu Biron - 3
Duncan Milroy - 1
Kyle Chipchura - 1

No more autograph opportunities until next Friday.

4/12/08: Binghamton Senators vs Syracuse Crunch

Now that Columbus sent down players that had been recalled, I have a few extra Syracuse Crunch cards I wanted to get signed. Mostly from the team set that was given out a month ago (though I still had some left over Brule cards that will look good in my collection).

Was able to get these cards:

Gilbert Brule - 3
Joakim Lindstrom - 1
Derek MacKenzie - 1
Derick Brassard - 1

4/10/08: Indianapolis Indians vs Syracuse Chiefs

I didn't even bother looking for anyone from Indy today. I just stayed after to try to knock off most of my Chiefs. Those went well. I was able to get Josh Banks to sign my 2008 prospect book and get some cards.

Cards:

Shawn Camp - 1
Curtis Thigpen - 1
Davis Romero - 1
Josh Banks - 1
Adam Lind - 1
Mike Gosling - 2
Bill Murphy - 1

Total Cards at Baseball games this year: 42

4/9/08: Indianapolis Indians vs Syracuse Chiefs

This was an interesting game. Now, in Syracuse..teams will send pitchers into the stands to do speed and pitch counts. They sit right behind home plate and are usually accessible. Well, 5 minutes before the game begins, Indianapolis pitchers Bryan Bullington and John Van Benschoten were sitting there doing nothing. So I go up to Bullington and ask him to sign my Prospect book, so I won't have to bother him after the game. Van Bendouchebag decides to chime in with a side comment (bare in mind I did not ask him for anything, nor even talk to him). Well, I am a very respectful guy, I apologize to Bullington (even though he IS signing the book) telling him I am sorry if I bothered him. Well, having this been the second time I have seen Van Benschoten act like a total jerk, I kind of state as I walk away that I can see why he is such a bust.

Now, if someone doesn't want to sign, fine. I have no problem with that. But there is no need to start some crap when I am not even talking to you. Someone who has played as bad as him (0-7 for Pittsburgh last year with a very high ERA) should be happy that anyone wants him to sign. But I digress.

Anyways for my low key day:

Bryan Bullington (2006 Book)

Cards:

Josh Wilson - 1
Ray Searage - 1 (pitching coach for Indy)

4/8/08: Syracuse Chiefs vs Indianapolis Indians

I wanted to make a quick note to anyone that might read this. Autographs have been a hobby of mine since I was a very young kid. When I get multiple cards signed, they are different cards, as I keep and collect each autograph I get. I am not one of those guys who tries to get many autographs so that I can sell them. Everything I have ever gotten personally signed in my lifetime is still in my possession.

Anyways, a great night tonight for autographs, with two exceptions.

Indianapolis pitcher, John Van Benschoten and MLB vet, Craig Wilson were those exceptions. Both of these guys were arrogant and probably as bad as when I met Craig Hansen. The difference is, Hansen DID sign. Biggest problem is that I need Van Benschoten in my book, so this is a really bad thing for me. I could care less about Wilson.

On to the good guys:

For the book I was able to get:

Bryan Bullington (2008)
Marino Salas (2006)
Romulo Sanchez (2008)

For cards I got:

Steve Pearce - 2 (including a 2008 Topps gold card, which looks sharp)
Kevin Thompson - 1
Matt Kata - 1
Raul Chavez - 1
Ty Taubenheim - 1
Josh Wilson - 3
Carlos Maldonado - 3

This pretty much leaves me with very little to do the last two games of the series, besides a small amount of autos, and trying to figure out a way to get Van Benschoten

4/7/08: Syracuse Chiefs vs Indianapolis Indians

Start of a new series means lots of new things to try to get signed.

I got a bunch from the prospect books:

Jonah Bayliss (2006)
Luis Munoz (2008)
Adam Boeve (2006)
Neil Walker (Both)
Andew McCutchen (Both)
Kevin Thompson (2006)
Steve Pearce (2008)

The worst part was, when Munoz was signing a player asked to look at the book. Unknown to me, the player is also in the book, but I failed to get him to sign! That was Romulo Sanchez, but hopefully I can grab him at some point in the series.


For cards I got:

Jonah Bayliss - 1
Hensley Meulens (batting coach) - 1

4/6/08: Syracuse Chiefs vs Louisville Bats

Last time I will catch the Bats this year, so my biggest goal was the prospect books, which were taken care of before the game. Signing those were:

Tyler Pelland (2006)
Adam Rosales (Both)
Chris Dickerson (Both)

Dickerson was funny because I could see him say that he hates signing these. He even said it under his breath when he reached me. So I asked him if he hates these books, which he said no not this one (the 2006 one). Then I told him I had the 2008, to which he kind of reacted like, "yeah that's the one". Turns out he wasn't happy that he dropped to his teams 27th prospect...haha

I also was about to get a couple of Chiefs to sign the books:

Davis Romero (2006)
Curtis Thigpen (2008)
Robinzon Diaz (2008)

Diaz was fun, as he started looking through the book. Guess he wanted to see where a couple of his teammates ranked!

I was also able to get some Chiefs to sign cards:

Sergio Santos - 1
Adam Lind - 1
Pedro Lopez - 1
Shawn Camp - 1
Russ Adams - 1
and Ted Power did another one for me from Louisville

4/5/08 Syracuse Chiefs vs Louisville

Was able to catch the doubleheader today and knocked off a few from each team. In my books I got:

Chip Cannon (2006)
Pedro Lopez (2006) from the Chiefs

Matt Maloney (Both)
Tyler Pelland (2008) from Louisville

I also got the following for cards:

Louisville:
Homer Bailey - 2
Jerry Hairston Jr - 1

Syracuse:
Russ Adams - 1
Pedro Lopez - 1
Hector Luna - 1
Jordan De Jong - 1

4/4/08 Syracuse Crunch vs Rochester Americans

Ironically there were two Syracuse Chiefs players signing. Was able to get:

Curtis Thigpen - 3 cards
Chip Cannon - 1 card and 1 photo

After the game they had a special signing, in which I got two Crunch players to sign:

Brett Motherwell - 1 photo
Nick Holden - 1 photo

4/3/08: Syracuse Chiefs vs Louisville Bats

It was opening day for the Triple A Chiefs and a rather successful autograph day. I focused on the Louisville Bats (farm team of the Cincinnati Reds) and was able to get 6 additional signatures in my 2006 Prospect Book, while starting off my 2008 Book with 3. They were:

Homer Bailey (Both Books)
Jay Bruce (Both Books)
Paul Janish (Both Books)
Andy Phillips (2006)
Drew Anderson (2006)
Bill Bray (2006)

That puts my totals at 63 for the 2006 and 3 for the 2008.

I also was able to get the following cards signed:

Bill Bray - 2
Jay Bruce - 1
Marcus McBeth - 2
Ted Power (Pitching Coach and Former Major Leaguer) - 2

Overall a good day.

4/2/08 Syracuse Crunch vs Binghamton Senators

Only card I needed signed was one from Danny Bois, whom I was able to get as he exited the War Memorial.

Overview

Just starting this off to track my progress on autographs. To background, I have a hobby of collecting autographs, usually obtaining them in person after sporting events. My special project are Baseball America prospect books. I am currently working on the 2006 and 2008 books, each of which has 900 prospects write ups in each.

My overall total from last season is 57 players from the 2006 book. I will be keeping a running total, as well as my experiences with some of the players and cards I get signed.

These players are as follows (ranking and team both listed):

Arizona (2)
#10 - Sergio Santos
#25 - Alberto Gonzales

Atlanta (1)
#17 - Martin Prado

Baltimore (0)

Boston (8)
#1 - Andy Marte
#4 - Craig Hansen
#6 - Jacoby Ellsbury
#9 - Jed Lowrie
#10 - Clay Buchholz
#12 - David Murphy
#14 - Brandon Moss
#16 - David Pauley

Chicago Cubs (0)

Chicago White Sox (4)
#3 - Brian Anderson
#6 - Jerry Owens
#11 - Sean Tracey
#12 - Casey Rogowski

Cincinnati (2)
#25 - Javon Moran
#27 - Mike Burns

Cleveland (2)
#22 - Jason Cooper
#26 - Ryan Mulhern

Colorado (0)

Detroit (3)
#7 - Jordan Tata
#15 - Eulogio De La Cruz
#18 - Ryan Raburn

Florida (0)

Houston (0)

Kansas City (1)
#12 - Brian Bass

Los Angeles Angels (0)

Los Angeles Dodgers (0)

Milwaukee (0)

Minnesota (3)
#6 - Denard Span
#13 - Kevin Slowey
#23 - Alexi Casilla

New York Mets (4)
#1 - Lastings Milledge
#4 - Fernando Martinez
#10 - Brett Harper
#17 - Mike Carp

New York Yankees (6)
#2 - Eric Duncan
#13 - Brett Gardner
#16 - Matt DeSalvo
#22 - Bronson Sardinha
#24 - T.J. Beam
#30 - Jeff Karstens

Oakland (0)

Philadelphia (3)
#13 - Chris Roberson
#15 - Eude Brito
#19 - J.A. Happ

Pittsburgh (1)
#21 - Brent Lillibridge

St. Louis (0)

San Diego (2)
#2 - George Kottaras
#22 - Jon Knott

San Francisco (0)

Seattle (1)
#6 - Asdrubal Cabrera

Tampa Bay (0)

Texas (0)

Toronto (11)
#4 - Adam Lind
#5 - Josh Banks
#9 - Curtis Thigpen
#14 - Chi-Hung Cheng
#18 - Ismael Ramirez
#20 - Robinzon Diaz
#21 - John Hattig
#22 - John-Ford Griffin
#24 - Jesse Litsch
#26 - Ryan Roberts
#30 - Wesley Stone

Washington (3)
#5 - Kory Casto
#13 - Travis Hughes
#17 - Brandon Watson